2020 has been a year like no other. At the end of 2019, there were news from China about an outbreak of a new deadly virus. Most of us didn't think too much of it. It was all the way on the other side of the Pacific Ocean. As the months went by, it had reached Europe. Italy was hit particularly hard with the highest death toll then it came to the States. At the end of March, while I was working in the office, the Shelter in Place order came from the County Official and the State Governor. We were told that we needed to "flatten the curve" of the virus infection rate. Within a few hours, we were all making arrangements to work from home.
The following week, all the retail stores and restaurants were closed. Only essential businesses were open such as grocery stories and hospitals. Suddenly, it felt like we were in a war as the city streets, mass transit and freeways were empty. Everyone's weekend outing plans were cancelled. Schools were closed. All non-essential air travel was cancelled. My home became the safest and only place I could be.
With all the time staying at home, I started working on the garden and other home projects every weekend and sometimes after work. My old garage door was in need of a fresh coat of paint. I thought instead of just painting it with one color, why not paint something interesting on it. Although I have done much drawing in recent years, I made a pencil sketch on paper. Within a week, I repainted my garage door with lilac color hibiscus flowers on a bright golden yellow background. Many people in the neighborhood stopped to compliment the painting. Most of my neighbors were surprised that I can draw and paint a mural. I often see people stopping on the sidewalk taking photos of the painting.
