With everyone’s life looking a little bit different these days, it’s more important than ever to love and support one another, find inventive ways to be part of a community (thankfully the internet helps here), and make the most of our current situations where we can.

My day job (yes, I have a day job!) has transitioned to working from home for a bit. And although my commute was short, it still gives me a little extra time in the mornings and evenings. 

As you might have guessed, some of this time is spent in the studio. Right now I’m working mostly on commissions! But I’m also taking this time to catch up on my reading list. 

• Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

• Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon

• Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art by Madeleine L’Engle

I realized my stack of books was quite tiny, so I opened it up to suggestions on Instagram, and you guys did not disappoint! I didn’t want to keep all of this goodness to myself, and I’m guessing I’m not the only one with a little extra time on my hands, so here are your suggestions!

• Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

• Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover

• Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight

• For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards by Jen Hatmaker

• Commonwealth: A Novel by Ann Patchett

• Capital Gaines: Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff by Chip Gaines

• Stop Calling Me Beautiful: Finding Soul-Deep Strength in a Skin-Deep World by Phylicia Masonheimer

• The Art of Racing in the Rain: A Novel by Garth Stein

• A Walk In The Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson

• The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House by Kate Anderson Brower

• Beloved by Toni Morrison

• The Library Book by Susan Orlean

• Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

• Hitting a Straight Lick With A Crooked Stick: Stories from the Harlem Renaissance by Zora Neale Hurston

• All of John Comer's books!

I’d love to keep adding to this list, so please add your book recommendations in the comments below!

And don’t forget to thank your healthcare providers and support your local businesses where you can — shopping online, buying gift cards, tipping, and opting for take-out or delivery options. If you’re in Durham, NC, Bites of Bull City shared a great article on local restaurants offering delivery and take-out!

So stay safe, healthy and wash your hands!