section7mfu | Roll Call ...

Here we are in the days before Memorial Day Weekend, and the world is beginning to open up just a little. I saw on the news yesterday that Italy is attempting to get back to some semblance of normal, and people were shown being nearly giddy at the sense of freedom they were experiencing for the first time in two months.

I'm curious how things are going elsewhere, if anyone is venturing out as the stores and restaurants begin to open for business. Hopefully the small businesses that have been forced into closing can still survive. I have a good friend who has been hanging onto a thread during this, and was rewarded by a kindness from her landlord to be given free rent for as long as it takes. The benefit of owning a building allows for this sort of graciousness, and one hopes that it is more common than we know.

Personally, my own employer, Pier 1 Imports, was already in Chapter 11 bankruptcy when this started, and as of a few days ago had announced stores won't be re-opening until at least June 1. They need to be able to open at least 50% of the stores before considering a definite date. So, more time to figure out my next step to develop my own brand. I see Etsy in my future.

Tell us then, what's the status in your area?