I love the pedestrian life. When I went to school in Boston, the first thing I fell in love with was public transportation. We didn’t have it in South Texas. I also hadn’t had the chance to appreciate the outdoors much before Boston because it was too hot to be outdoors where I’m from. I love being outside in the fresh air. I love water – the smell of the ocean, snorkeling, diving.  Public transportation is brilliant. The electric rail called the T in Boston made such an impression on me on its approach to the environment. I love these small “towns,” packed with culture and commerce and pedestrian thoroughfares: Boston, Florence, San Francisco. You can walk them; you can bike them. The weather is fantastic in SF, though, and you don’t have to leave town to get to the great outdoors.  

I started painting again a few years ago by taking classes at Sharon Art Studio. At the time, it was impossible to get a break as a new mom unless I left the house, so that’s where I went once a week. I discovered the San Francisco Bay Area Urban Sketchers this past summer, and it’s been a great way to rediscover San Francisco while the studio is closed. Drawing and painting is an exercise in mental restoration for me, to get out of your own head and immerse in your subject. I also play the piano, but my son is still at the age where he will take over after I play for a few seconds. We are able to sketch together now, though. I learned to start carrying a sketchbook for him with my art things because he started wanting to draw in mine when I started urban sketching.

For 2021, there will be a new rhythm of work and school for my family to get used to. I am also building out my sustainability team and hoping to distribute 50% of the workload to them. The webinar format has been successful for us and is working well for the speakers and attendees. We also recently received approval to spend the funds we raise through sustainability events to give back to the community. We will be using our 2020 funds for project materials to build garden plots for disadvantaged families as part of the 2021 SF Community Garden rebuild project at the Minnie and Lovie Ward rec center.