Greetings!
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Hello friends & family of Cornerstone. It's been only 3 weeks since our last newsletter, yet so much has changed for us here in Canada and globally, that I feel we need to reach out. For the first time in 39 years, Cornerstone Canadian Art & Craft has closed it's doors. Temporarily, albeit, but it was the right thing to do. Our "Little Shop On The Corner", is a destination place for travelers. While we normally welcome visitors with open arms, at this critical time, it was important to think of the Cornerstone family first. To protect our staff, and our artists from potential exposure, this hard and sad decision was made. At the moment we are cancelling the Golden Egg Hunt set for April 4th, as well as our "Artists For The Earth" event. When we are on the other side of this pandemic (and we will get to the other side), we will re-evaluate what kind of fun things we can do!
In the mean time, please continue to follow us on Instagram, FB & Pinterest to keep up on the latest news from us. Share our newsletters so others can sign up,and share our social media posts too. We hope to organize some fun things to do or see, so hang in there with us. We will be checking phone messages and email messages, and social media inquiries periodically. Please be patient for us to respond.
I read on FB, "Our grandparents laid down their lives for us, we can sit on the couch for them". As a member of the health care profession as well as being a store owner, I beg you to take this seriously. Stay home, only go out when necessary (food, medication) and observe the physical side of social distancing. Many of us have electronic devices so internet and "Skyping" and video messaging/calling are all available. But there are some elderly folks about who are not digitally inclined. Give them a telephone call to check in. We are being offered up a moment in time where we can stop the madness and re-evaluate our actions and the impact they make on the planet and change our ways. We are seeing pollution clearing in the air over China and Italy and the waterways in Venice, Italy becoming clear, with dolphins and swans hanging out again for the first time in a long time! This is a moment where we can actually shine our light if we choose. Show each other compassion, love, acceptance and most of all assistance where needed. We are all in this boat (Ark?) together. This is not the time to take advantage of people or situations. We have already seen situations like that and these "opportunists" have been lawfully and swiftly dealt with. There are real opportunities though that we can take advantage of: Time to read, practice an instrument, do some art, write a book, (you know what I'll be doing), be creative, meditate, exercise (go for a walk with your dog), do some Yoga (cats like this), listen to music, organize your home, play with your children, watch some movies, play some games, spring clean! Leave a little time in your day to think about those people in other parts of the world who have been so devastatingly affected, as well as those people at home, and send them some love and light. Maybe even start journaling...
We thank in advance, all of the businesses and institutions that have come to the aid of not only us, but to the whole of Canada, to help lessen our fears and worries and who are extending or increasing services to help us make our way through this time. Thank you to all of the doctors and nurses and staff who are placing themselves and their families in danger to save our lives. We are grateful.
Be positive, hopeful and helpful and we will see you on the other side of this moment in time.
From our heart to yours,
Penny & the staff at Cornerstone
