As we continue to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. I continue to stay close to home, walking in my rural neighborhood with my dogs or my camera, and going out less than once a week for essential items. On this week’s drive, I reflected on how most people in our community seem to be helping, even if it’s just by staying home. Around town, there are signs of hope, strength, and humor.
![Hand-painted signs of hope by Cynthia Cutting, created to cheer her neighbors](https://maundymitchell.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Plymouth-NH-signs-of-hope-during-coronavirus-pandemic_0019-720x480.jpg)
![Hand painted sign "be strong"](https://maundymitchell.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Plymouth-NH-sign-of-hope-during-coronavirus-pandemic_0020-480x720.jpg)
![Hand-painted sign "We can do this"](https://maundymitchell.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Plymouth-NH-sign-of-hope-during-coronavirus-pandemic_0021-480x720.jpg)
![Humorous sign during coronavirus pandemic](https://maundymitchell.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Plymouth-NH-humorous-during-coronavirus-pandemic_0022-1024x683.jpg)
Through social media, I learned of two women who have been helping the community non-stop. I arranged to photograph them on my drive out for essential items.
![Estee sews masks on her porch](https://maundymitchell.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Maundy-Mitchell-woman-sewing-masks-on-her-porch-during-coronavirus-pandemic_0025-720x480.jpg)
I photographed Estee from the opposite side of the road, using a long lens. She is the owner of Stitch Witch Tailoring & Alterations. She had to close her business due to the coronavirus. With hospitals and individuals lacking standard/disposable masks, Estee wanted to help. She started a group called Pemi Valley Sew the Curve Flat. It’s a network of 175 volunteers who sew masks at home and donate them to hospitals, organizations and at-risk communities in their area. They follow CDC guidelines for the most current best practices, and share effective patterns materials list. Estee alone has made more than 600 masks.
![Sarah sews masks at home](https://maundymitchell.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Maundy-Mitchell-woman-sewing-masks-during-coronavirus-pandemic_0026-720x480.jpg)
I photographed Sarah from outside, through the window of her sewing room. She has been sewing masks for twelve hours a day, for weeks. Her masks are also donated to hospitals and other organizations.
![David focuses on school work at home](https://maundymitchell.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Maundy-Mitchell-student-remote-learning-during-coronavirus-pandemic_0023-720x480.jpg)
At home, my son, David, is in week five of remote learning. He has been focused on his work and music, and also playing games online with his friends. Also, may I have a proud-mom moment? He just earned high honors on his most recent report card.