The hills are tan, as they always are this time of year. Fire season looms in the near future, Hurricane season has already begun, our presidents a lunatic, and there’s a pandemic going on.

I haven’t written or done art in any significant way since March 16th when the shelter in place order was activated. It’s been mixed with joy from teaching my kids and not driving anywhere, enjoying the yard, but I’ve been very busy physically and mentally. The children and I have not been apart since that day. We have only, just this past Friday seen anyone socially. I have been teacher, mother, homemaker, everything for months. I have been depressed. I have terrible anxiety. I take medication now and never have those thoughts about someday not needing to be medicated or thinking I will be fine.

I haven’t been “home”, on Dirty Laundry Blog in awhile. I am glad to be back. I don’t want to be over zealous, but I want to write about homeschooling and getting back into the studio. I want to write everyday again. I want to paint again. I want to write my way back into creativity. Into my own space and time. I’m going to write everyday. I’m going to skip the news and write instead. This is bullshit. I’ve got to get back into my studio. How can I get away from the kids long enough to get that time back?

I tried finding an assistant teacher but struck out. It’s not easy finding someone during the pandemic. I don’t know if it’s because of fears surrounding coronavirus or if parents already hired everyone? It’s O.K.. I can do this.

I am actually excited. I’ve been reading books from The Responsive Classroom, I’ve been working on my teacher talk, Jacks improving immensely, but still has major slip ups in behavior. But I’m learning how to encourage the positive behavior to maintain a harmonious household and classroom.

Welcome to my journey. It’s good to be back.