The last few weeks have been a blur of filling orders, and, answering math questions.

And, trying to stay present while doing both, usually, at the same time.

As the rest of the world, the Bee Hive, and my kids’ schooling, look nothing like they did back in the beginning of March.

The website that I implemented last summer – with the intention of it helping the Bee Hive come back from the downturn of 2018 and 2019 – has helped sustain the store during the Pandemic of 2020. (There have been many outpourings of gratitude to Bookmanager – the Canadian company that created Bee Hive’s awesome website and ingenious ordering system – over the phone, recently.) However, going from pretty much completely a brick-and-mortar store – to pretty much a completely online store – pretty much over night – has not been without its challenges.

The kids distant learning in the background has truly added to the kookiness of it all…

There have been orders that have been duplicated. Skipped. Charged twice. Forgotten. Remembered!

I feel now, into week ten, I am getting it down! This online stuff.

And, I have been truly fortunate to be able to see some of Bee Hive’s customers – from a good six feet apart or so – when they have been by to pick up their orders. To exchange love and support.

(Man, I sure miss you all…)

“There have been orders that have been duplicated. Skipped. Charged twice. Forgotten. Remembered!”

And, while the online ordering and social distancing go against what a community-oriented business trying to encourage connection among us humans is all about – the Bee Hive is being sustained – in a very minimal sort of way. It is all I can ask for in this moment in time. And, every single night before I go to sleep – I say a prayer. For another day.

The distance learning on the other hand….

Well, there are the math questions. But, also, the frustration. Sadness. Anger. Disappointment. Confusion. Loneliness and feelings of isolation. The hours of screen time. Just…painful.

At this point, things are starting to open back up again.

God, I would love nothing more then for the world to get back to “normal”. To run an independent kids’ bookstore with events and customers in the store, browsing, and chatting. Connecting. To hold our writing workshops this summer. And, have all the things happen in Santa Fe that bring all those wonderful free-spending visitors to town who love the Bee Hive, and who’s love for it boost it during the summer months.

Except.

I really need Cash and Olive to be able to go back to school.

I mean, honestly, even with the taking care of orders and answering math questions at the same time – I could selfishly have my kids with me all the time. I love their company. Even when it is angsty. (I believe that I have mentioned in this blog that my daughter is 12…)

But. They so need their friends. And, their activities. Their sports. And, the lives that are all theirs. The ones away from me that are spawning them into the gorgeous humans that they are blossoming into.

I am hopeful that the Bee Hive’s lovely customers and community will continue to use the website to get the books they need. And, be okay with curbside pick-up. For now.

Because, no matter who says it is safe when – I will continue to stay closed until it is clear that the Bee Hive opening back up again would not be a part of the problem.

And, would not aid in prolonging our kids in any way, from going back to school.

And, their worlds.

There are many approaches to saving lives in our crazy world as it stands now.

I am voting firmly for the one that will get our kids back to their tribes.

Back to each other.

As soon as possible.