Currently, it’s pleasant outside. There’s a light breeze and some cloud cover, but nothing that looks ominous. Nothing that would indicate that two storms are bearing down on the Gulf of Mexico. Marco should make landfall late tonight and Laura at the next day. We will probably get a lot of rain, which is scary for us here in Louisiana since 2016.
The kids are out of school for a week. My first instinct was “this is overkill.” But then I considered, this is 2020: no such thing as being too prepared.
Louisiana is still in Phase 2 of COVID-19 reopening, with no glimpse of Phase 3 in sight. Our cases seem to ebb and flow. With tens of thousands of students returning to LSU in a few weeks, I wonder what it will look like this fall and winter.
To pass the time as I’m not currently shooting anything or teaching, I’m making what my husband has affectionately referred to as my “worry roses.” They are the easiest paper flower to make. They keep my hands busy. And they can make stunning backdrops. I like to use old books, but any paper works. Here’s how you make them:
Step 1: Cut your paper into a circle.

Step 2: Cut your circle into a spiral. Trim the sharp end into a rounded tip.

Step 3: Starting from the end, wrap it around on itself like a ribbon until you come to the end.

Step 4: Let it unfurl a bit, then put some hot glue on the base to secure it.

Step 5: Ta-da! It’s done! One paper rosette to keep your hands busy and your mind off the terrible world.

Here are some others I’ve made over the years and a backdrop.


