I've been in a bit of a strange space lately - happy and optimistic as certain things return - like school and cautiously eating out again but also afraid that things will suddenly go back to how they were in June of this year. Will things ever be how they were before Covid19? What will next year be like?

I was, I realised in a state of pandemic limbo which I heard of on this episode of NPR LifeKit (link in stories) that features Suleika Jaouad a journalist, author and the founder of The Isolation Journals community.

The episode looks at this "in-between" space that we're in and Jaouad offers the 100-day project, which she took on alongside friends and family as a way to move through it.

Now, I'm awful with challenges. But at the same time, I realised that so much of my work and writing was at a computer and that I rarely made anything with my hands - also I am awful at artistic endeavours that require some form of fine motor skills, and umm talent.

But then while re-organising my book shelf the other day, my eyes fell on Art is Everywhere, a set of three beautiful, fun and fantastic books from @pratham.books.

In it, Priya Kurian, Sheena Deviah, Canato Jimo and Adrija Ghosh create art from trash, everyday objects and food accompanied by Bijal Vachharajani and Aparna Kapurs delightful writing. All of which have been captured by Radha Rangarajan's photos.

I love this book so much - it has so many things I love in a children's book - unexpected art, whimsy, humour and writing that rhymes!

So, I thought here's my 100 day project. To spend 10 minutes every day drawing, colouring or writing something silly. Inspired by this book or whatever is around me at the moment. I'm sharing my first piece here, it's quite terrible, but who cares? I had fun for 10 minutes. I won't be sharing the rest, and I don't even know if I will last beyond the end of this week in this endeavour. But if nothing else, I'll return to these delightful books for some much needed inspiration!

Art if Everywhere is available at a local bookstore near you, and on the Pratham Books online store.