Dear John,

I hope you're doing well despite all that's happening in the world. What a crazy time we're finding ourselves in. All the days are blurring together and I'm starting to lose track of time.

Life in the dorm has certainly changed. On an uplifting note, students have rallied to create spreadsheets that help connect those in need with generous offers from strangers, the University is making housing and food accomodations for those who can't return home or have nowhere to go, and alumni are offering financial resources to students who now face food insecurity and debt.

I've found myself boosted by these acts of kindness, along with inspiring messages of hope and solidarity.

One more thing: I've been slowly creating a monthly art + creativity program, on the back burner while I finish up my latest book. It's not ready to go, but if there's ever a time it's needed, it's now. I've been up late sorting through some of the bugs and hope to have it ready enough in the next few days. If this is something you'd be interested in, can you help me out? I want to make sure that most of the projects align with materials you likely already have at home. Can you fill out this quick survey to tell me what supplies you're most comfortable using or that are easy to access right now?

1. Lunchtime Art with Mo Willems. Mo Willems, well known author of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, is showing up through his Artist Residency at the Kennedy Center to lead doodling sessions and give us a peek into his studio. I'm a huge fan of Mo's work and it's really fun to meet the man behind the humorous stories.
2. Interactive Author Events. If you like the previous activity, my literary agent is hosting a mega series of free author read-alouds and workshops that you'll want to check out. Scroll through the amazing offers and add anything that looks interesting to your calendar. I'm leading an Art Start Workshop on March 23 (my birthday) at 3 pm ET and one of my oldest and best friends, Rebecca Jordan-Glum, will be live March 25 at 1 pm.​
3. Art, Science, and Tinkering Blogs for Home and Homeschool. I polled a group of mom blogging friends and gathered this list of 35+ blogs that have articles, activities, and printables that cover art, science, and STEAM. I also include two suggestions on how to support creativity at home when you suddenly find yourself homescholing.
4. A hopeful message. What if... This message from Gurpreet K. Gill is inspiring me. Here's an excerpt: “What if... Amongst all the fear and confusion, there’s this...a different perspective.. There is so much fear, and perhaps rightfully so, about COVID-19.And, what if...If we subscribe to the philosophy that life is always working out for us, that there is an intelligence far greater than humans at work...That all is interconnected. What if....the virus is here to help us? To reset.To remember.What is truly important."
5. Issac Newton was inpired during a pandemic. Sometimes great things can emerge from a crisis. Isaac Newton was 20 years old when he left college in Cambridge during the Great Plague of London. It was during his year off that he thrived by following curiosities, which led to his thoughts on the power of gravity. I didn't realize this until just a few days ago, and it's a story to lift us through this dark time. (Washington Post)
6. March Art Challenge. If you want to add some calm to your morning or afternoon, you can always join this month's art challenge via TinkerLab for creative making inspired by a daily word. TinkerLab March Art Challenge​

Wishes for good health,

Rachelle Doorley

Founder, TinkerLab

Read my books: TinkerLab: A Hands-on Guide for Little Inventors + Creative Adventures in Cursive​

Join me in our Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/clubtinkerlab/​

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