Magazine Spring 2020

Austin Clubhouse Spring 2020 Magazine

LIVE FROM
QUARANTINE,IT’S

THE VIRTUAL ISSUE

   

Table of Contents  3 
4 
  5 
Intro: Transitioning to a Virtual Clubhouse Experience  6 
Resources for Staying Safe & Connected During Uncertain Times  7 
Facebook Chat & Connecting with Potential Members  8 
Debrief: Clubhouse Texas Summit  9 
Member Interviews  11 
Member Spotlight  12 
New Staff Spotlight with Miranda  21 
Virtual Socials  23 
Vitality: Best Practices on Staying Healthy & Active During Quarantine  33 
Creative Writing: How Are You Coping?  37 
Poetry for Wellness: Shelter in Place  39 
Artwork  40 
Joker’s Corner with Vadia Vantoneaux & Sudoku 
Word Search   
Contributors & Thank You 

 
 
 
 

2 

 

Intro: Transitioning to a Virtual Clubhouse Experience  

by Jesse McCrum, Kristin Thompson, Jen Cardenas 

 

On Friday, March 13, members and staff of the Austin Clubhouse gathered around 
the conference table in the Operations Unit to discuss an unprecedented topic: the current 
COVID-19/Coronavirus impact on the larger community and how it would affect daily 
operations at Austin Clubhouse. We were all learning that due to the rapid global spread of 
the virus, things were changing quickly and stay at home orders were likely to be 
implemented in the near future. We needed to act fast in order to ensure the health and 
safety of our Austin Clubhouse community. Members and staff came together and began 
working on a plan to run the Clubhouse from home. We had never been in this situation 
before. What would that look like? How would we do it?  

During this uncertain time, we were all sure of at least one thing: While we would not 
occupy our physical space, the opportunity for community and meaningful work would 
remain constant. In a matter of seconds, ideas began pouring in. “We can hold conference 
calls and conduct reach out calls. We can read and discuss Clubhouse articles by holding 
our ambassador meetings remotely. We can continue working on the Clubhouse 
magazine.” Together, we hit the ground running and for the first time ever, prepared to 
transition into a virtual Austin Clubhouse.  

The members and staff of the Austin Clubhouse are a pretty tight bunch and working 
remotely on the magazine has been both a new experience and a reinforcement in our 
commitment to each other and to the clubhouse model. We are, more than ever, realizing 
the importance of community and the support it brings. The magazine is truly a communal 
effort of creativity and camaraderie, It is a way of expressing ourselves, it is a way we can 
use our voices to speak about our lives, and it is a way for us to find each other to offer 
support to members far and wide. We know that many members draw strength from our 
efforts and we are and continue to be a source of community for many people who have a 
mental health diagnosis. Even if our voices are small together we are strong, have heart, 
and together we won't be afraid. 

In this issue you will find… articles that tell you what we have been up to and articles that 

will help you transition to the online version of the clubhouse as well as articles that help 

members get to know each other and express their creativity. Despite us not physically 

occupying our Clubhouse space, our community and programming continues to grow and 

thrive. We would like to say welcome to our new staff member, Miranda, and a big hello to 

all existing members and staff! We hope that our work will help you find a couple of things 

that bring comfort and community to your life.   

 
3 

 

Resources for Staying Connected & Safe During Uncertain Times 

 

Due to COVID-19/Coronavirus, Austin Clubhouse is following stay at home orders 
for the health and safety of our community. Despite not being at the Clubhouse 
physically, we are continuing to stay connected virtually. Please join us for our daily 
meetings M​ onday-Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.​ on our Z​ oom​ line! Check out 
our Z​ oom conference call line​ info below: 

 

We are also now offering a W​ arm Line​ on our Zoom line. Join us if you are just   
wanting to talk or receive some support. Also, please let us know if you would like 
to host the line! 
 
Warm Line Hours & Phone # 
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday at ​7:30 p.m. 
Saturday & Sunday at ​1:00 p.m. 
 
Dial: 1​ -346-248-7799 
Access Code: ​480-628-6601# 
 

 
CDC​ COVID-19 Info: w​ ww.cdc.gov/coronavirus 
 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1​ -800-273-8255 
 
NAMI Central Texas Helpline: 1​ -800-950-6264 
 
Integral Care 24/7 Crisis Helpline: 5​ 12-472-4357 
 

NAMI Crisis Text Line: Text “N​ AMI​” to 7​ 41-741 

 
4 

 

Facebook Chat 

Please join our private chat group on Facebook “​Austin Clubhouse Chat Group”​ to stay connected 
with and chat with fellow members! We currently have approximately 70 active group members in 
chat. To join, please login to Facebook and search “A​ ustin Clubhouse Chat Group​” and click the 
"​Join Group"​ button in the ​Austin Clubhouse Chat Group’s​ main menu to ​send a request​ to join 
the group. Once your request has been accepted and you navigate back to our chat group page, you 
will be able to see interactive posts and pictures shared by fellow members and staff, such as the 
artwork titled “Work Order Day” by Jesse McCrum shown below.  

 

Connecting with Potential Members 

During one of our Marketing Meetings (held on Tuesdays at 10am via Zoom), we discussed the 
importance of staying connected to potential members even though we are unable to give tours of 
our space during this time. Austin Clubhouse is offering daily info sessions, Monday-Friday at 11am. 
Potential members or anyone interested in learning more about the Clubhouse can speak with a 
member and staff via Zoom to learn more about all of the opportunities available to them through 
membership. Registering for an info session is very easy - visit austinclubhouse.org to and click on 
“schedule an info session.”  

 

 

 
5 

 

Debrief:​ Clubhouse Texas Summit  

by Jesse McCrum, Kristin Thompson, and Jen Cardenas 

On March 26th and 27th, C​ lubhouse Texas​ and ​San Antonio Clubhouse​ hosted the 
Texas Clubhouse Virtual Summit via Zoom software. Forty-nine people attended Thursday 
and forty-three on Friday. Topics that were covered are: Introductions and about our 
Clubhouses across the state, Strategies for dealing with the coronavirus situation, 
Clubhouse culture and the role of staff, accreditation and employment, grant writing and 
program design, advocacy and the upcoming Texas Senate session, advocacy and current 
HHSC funding. 

With the current pandemic crisis, I am sure that there is emotional and financial pressure 
on clubhouses and the question has to be asked will all clubhouses survive the pandemic. 
Funding sources seem to be stable yet behind it all is the state economy and the U.S. 
economy and that is why it is so important that we get back to some semblance of normal 
as far as the economy is concerned.  

During the summit there were discussions about the past and how we have evolved as an 
entity in the state of Texas including the expansion efforts championed for by the older 
clubhouses and financed in part by the state of Texas which is critical for many clubhouses 
spread out across the state. The efforts made by NAMI and others like the San Antonio 
clubhouse and the Austin Clubhouse have by example set the course for others to receive 
funding and guidance in such things as the Summit which among operational topics also 
covered advocacy work at the capitol and successes in financial matters which were shared 
freely.  

Another good thing that came out of the Summit is that there will be more! The popular 
topic for the next one is putting together a strong housing program. This is a program the 
majority are struggling with and so many of our members are in a housing crisis. We’ll 
keep everyone posted to when that date is scheduled so that more members can attend. 
The more we know and experience, the more we grow!   

Ho​ w long will the pandemic go on? We do not know for sure what is sure is that we will all 
be affected by this incredibly difficult time but coming together and discussing our hopes 
and dreams and successes embolden us and strengthen bonds. 

 

  

 
6 

 

Member Interviews with Joni Soulé 

 

Interview with George Dickson 

Joni: George, how are you doing today what is going through your mind during this 
pandemic? 

George:​ I’m down as we speak because I miss my daughter. This is a time that I have less 
routine and I have more time to reflect on how much I miss her. 

Joni: What helps you get through the day? 

George:​ Talking to members of the clubhouse on the conference calls, getting involved 
with the clubhouse magazine, I have also been in touch with friends from high school. I 
believe that in this sort of situation we are motivated to reach out to each other, before the 
pandemic we probably wouldn’t reach out. 

 

Interview with Jesse McCrum 

Joni: What’s going on in your mind today during this pandemic? 

Jesse:​ I was thinking that if I should get the virus and don’t make it I will have contributed to 
society in some way through my artwork. I may be able to touch some people by enabling 
them to feel positive feelings during this difficult time.   

Joni: I respect that but it makes me sad because you contribute just by being you.  

Jesse:​ Thank you I’ll have to think deeper about that. I really like helping people and I 

believe artwork gives people hope and inspiration. I am content with that.  

 
 

 

 

  

 
7 

 

Member Spotlight 

 

George Dickson  Juan Benavides 

   
“I am quite honored to be accepted into  We'd like to give a big shout out to Juan 
the Austin Clubhouse Board, joining the  Benavides who successfully completed a 
other Clubhouse member on the board,  6-week cooking and nutrition series at The 
Athena McClendon. The Clubhouse offers  Happy Kitchen/La Cocina Alegre® 
us the opportunity to work side by side  provided by the Sustainable Food Center! 
with each other and with the staff. We as  Participants met once a week for an hour 
members also have opportunities to  and a half to cook, learn, and discuss all 
connect with each other and support each  about nutritious and affordable meals.  
other, even more importantly now. I hope I   
can be a conduit for members' input and  Juan received his certificate along with a 
concerns.   cookbook filled with healthy recipes at the 
Thanks for being a wonderful community,  end of February of this year. He plans on 
you as members are an important part of  sharing his passion for cooking along with 
my life.” -George  the recipes once we're back in our building. 
  Many congratulations, Juan - we can't wait 
  to hear everything you’ve learned! 
   
   

   
 
 
  

8 

 

New Staff Spotlight with Miranda 
 By Kristin Thompson  

KT: What was the interview process like? I  MG: Yes, I did wear my apron, thanks for noticing! 
remember you wore your apron. Kinda  My thought process behind that decision was 
sealed the deal with me. Great job  hoping folks would see that I ​really​ wanted the 
assuming the role! I really liked that!  position and wanted to make a good first 
impression because I feel first impressions are 
quite important during the interview process. I 
will admit I was nervous at first, understandably 
so, because it was so important to me and I 
quickly realized when I came in for that first 
interview that the Austin Clubhouse was where I 
wanted to be. I had a strong gut feeling about it 
and everyone I met that day was so welcoming 
and then all the puzzle pieces seemed to fall into 
place. I no longer felt so nervous and instead felt 
a sense of belonging. I had an epiphany that in 
that moment I was where I was meant to be, a 
part of the Austin Clubhouse family! ☺ 

KT: What was your first week  MG: Yes, it really did help! And, I really appreciate 
like-scheduled days with an orientation  the time you and the Ops team took to compile 
packet? Did it help cut back some anxiety  all the informative materials in that packet. I 
having a plan?  definitely felt less anxious about my first week 
having everything laid out before me. While I do 
appreciate breaks in routine, I also like to have a 
general outline of what to do each day and what 
goals can be set to get there. 

KT: Talk about the first meal you prepared  ​MG: The first meal I helped prepare on my first 
and with who. Your first lunch and  day happened to be the Eggplant Parmesan for 
meeting. You quickly assimilated. By the  Meatless Monday. I specifically remember Diane 
end of your first week, it felt like you had  Clay and Mae were there and I want to say Joni 
been at ACH for a really long time.  Soulé as well. Please forgive me to those I forgot 
or misremembered (haha). The end result of it 
actually turned out really good in my opinion, 
however I recall we fudged the layering process a 
little (accidentally forgot the sauce on 1 of the 
pans and had to take it out and add it after we 
had already put it in the oven). But, as most 
things go in the Clubhouse, it all worked out in 
the end and we still put a delicious meal on the 
table thanks to all the teamwork involved! 

 
9 

 

KT: What's it been like working with Mae?  MG: Absolutely wonderful! Mae already feels like 
an Aunt to me and someone I can confide in for 
additional support. I can definitely see how she 
was gifted that nickname​☺M​ ae is an infinite 
source of wisdom and knowledge, I feel like I 
could go to her with any issue imaginable and 
she’d have a clever anecdote up her sleeve to 
help find the solution. Mae is a-MAE-zing. 

KT: Tell us about the first meeting you ran  MG: I believe I had only sat through a day or two 
and how you feel today running it on  of daily meetings before I was ready to (try to) 
Zoom. You are extremely comfortable,  take the reins. I was a little nervous at first, as I 
competent, reassuring, compassionate  am with most new things, however I was able to 
and empathetic. You want everyone's  quickly feel comfortable and confident enough to 
voice to be heard and acknowledged.  initiate the meetings thanks to everyone being so 
patient, welcoming, and positive with me. Thank 
you so much for your kind words! As for Zoom, 
it’s surprisingly been an easy adjustment. Thanks 
to the screenshare feature, our virtual meetings 
have flowed pretty seamlessly, with only the 
occasional technical difficulty or slight stress that 
comes with accidentally talking over one another 
due to miscommunication. I think everyone 
leading and contributing to the WOD has been 
doing an awesome job! 
 

 
 

   
Miranda, pictured on a nature walk, one of her favorite social distancing activities 

10 

 

 

Virtual Socials  

 
By Kristin Thompson 

We’ve kept our Thursday night socials rolling on Zoom! Because we aren’t having dinner 
together, we’ve changed the hours. Join us on Zoom from 5-6(ish) p.m. We post our topic 
each week on our Facebook Chat page and the weekly email. The number of attendees has 
grown each week which is really exciting. We all need a relaxing way to end the day.   

The first week we had some technical challenges but we were all still able to Name That 
Tune! Miranda and Southern were singing up a storm while we guessed the tune! We sang 
karaoke, played 7 Truths & A Lie. We’ve explored our Hidden Talents through Show & Tell.   

The best part of it all is the laughter and commardere. We need it! Life is pretty serious 
right now and finding time to come together and laugh has been wonderful and 
desperately needed! 

Join us A​ pril 23rd from 5-6:30 p.m.​ for Poetry For Wellness hosted by me, Kristin 
Thompson.  

Poetry has been a tight part of the Clubhouse community for 5 years and I am very excited 
to be sharing it with the Club and virtually on a monthly basis. This week’s topic is 
Practicing Self-Care which couldn’t come at a better time. When we come together to write 
and read, it’s like taking a deep breath in and letting it out together. Something magical 
happens when people share their voices. We are not trying to write the perfect poem or 
understand what the poet means. It’s about connection. We are coming together to 
discuss how their poems made us feel. There is no wrong way to write a poem. They don’t 
have to rhyme and they come in all shapes and sizes! You’ve got a poem in you just waiting 
to get out! 

See you Thursday night on Zoom!   

 
11 

 

Vitality: 

Best Practices on Staying Healthy & Active During Quarantine  

by Ashley Leonard, Joni Soulé, Miranda Gonzales, and Mae Newcombe  

 

 

Take walks. Get fresh air. Look at nature. Love your neighbor.  
Go outside, take 3 deep breaths.   
Yoga & Meditation Resources 
It’s been so important and helpful for me to keep moving. A lot of us are probably a 
lot more sedentary than usual. I’ve been taking at least 30 min a day to stop and 
stretch. You don’t have to be a master or super stretchy to do yoga. Yoga is for 
everybody. You can benefit from just 5 minutes of yoga a day. Lets go over some 
easy poses you can do at home. -Joni 
 

 
12 

 

These poses can be done in a sequence,one after the other. You can also pick your 
favorites, and focus on those. I do recommend however, that you make the corpse 
pose your last pose. Corpse pose if the time that you let everything you just did 
soak into your body and mind. -Ashley 

Child's pose: this is a resting and recovery 
pose. It has many variations and can be 
modified to fit your body's needs. Try 
adjusting your arms and the width of your 
legs to your comfort.   

 
Forward leg bend: This one is great for tight 
hamstring and hips. Try to keep your back straight 
and fold over your leg. Do each side 

 
 
Bridge pose: This 
one is great for strengthening and 
stretching your lower back. 

  
 

Cow pose: a fairly easy and relaxing pose. Focus on 
dropping your stomach and lifting your head. 

doesn't matter how far down you go as long as you 
feel a stretch. 

 
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Downward dog: This pose stretches your legs 
and spine. Try to look towards your belly 
button and drop your heals. 
 
 
 
Forward bend: This is honestly one of my favorite poses. 
Try to keep your back straight and reach for your toes. It 
doesn't matter how far you can reach as long as you feel a 
stretch. 
 
 
Corpse pose: This is your final resting pose. This pose is 
very important to not skip this one. This pose is the time 
that you let everything you just did soak into your body. 
Take this time to breathe and meditate even if it's only for 
a few minutes. 
 

 

 

 

 

 
14 

 

Meditation Script for Mental Clarity 

By Joni Soulé (Source: lovetoknow.com)

 

Bring awareness to the right hand.
Notice each finger of the right hand.
Touch thumb to index finger…thumb to middle finger…thumb to fourth finger…thumb to
pinkie finger…thumb to fourth finger…thumb to middle finger…thumb to index finger. Relax
the hand. Relax the fingers. Notice the left hand.
Notice each finger of the left hand.
Touch left thumb to index finger…thumb to middle finger…thumb to fourth finger…thumb to
pinkie finger…thumb to fourth finger…thumb to middle finger thumb to index finger.
Relax the hand.
Relax the fingers.

 
 
 

 

 
15 

 

Easy & Healthy One-Pot Recipes 

Cilantro-Lime Chicken And Rice Bowl  Thai Quinoa Salad (Vegetarian Option)  

Ingredients for 1 serving:   Ingredients for (2 ) servings:  
SALAD- 
● ¾ cup brown rice (can sub with quinoa 
or couscous if rice is unavailable)  ● 1 cup water 
● 1 cup vegetable stock 
● cooked ½ cup rotisserie chicken,  ● 1 cup quinoa 
shredded   ● 2 carrots, shredded 
● 1 red bell pepper, diced 
● 1 cup vegetable, roasted   ● 1 cucumber, quartered 
● ¼ cup pico de gallo   ● 1 cup red cabbage, shredded 
● 2 tablespoons plain yogurt   ● ½ small red onion, diced 
● 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped   ● ½ cup edamame 
● 1 wedge lime   ● green onion, to serve 
● ½ cup crushed peanut, to serve 
Preparation:    
DRESSING- 
1​ Place the rice, shredded chicken, roasted  ● ½ cup water 
vegetables, pico de gallo, and yogurt in a bowl  ● 1 teaspoon sesame oil 
or resealable container. Garnish with chopped  ● 1 tablespoon soy sauce 
cilantro and the lime wedge.   ● 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 
● 2 teaspoons olive oil 
2​ Enjoy!  ● 1 tablespoon honey 
● ¼ cup peanut butter 
 
Preparation:  
 
1​ In a small saucepan, bring water and 
vegetable stock to a boil, then add quinoa. 
Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes. 
2​ In a bowl, combine quinoa, carrots, red 
pepper, cucumber, purple cabbage, and 
edamame. 
3​ In a small bowl, mix water, sesame oil, soy 
sauce, ginger, olive oil, honey, and peanut 
butter. Drizzle dressing over the quinoa. 
4​ Top with green onions and crushed peanuts. 
5​ Enjoy! 

   
16   

 

  

Easy Improv Recipes with Mae 

 

If you have a can of tuna, esp tuna in oil: 

Chop 1 stalk of celery into small pieces 
Wash and cut in half 5 or 6 cherry tomatoes and mix with the tuna. 
If the tuna isn’t in oil, add some olive oil and voila, you have tuna salad. 
Other additions to this:  

If you have a bag of pasta, you can cook the pasta and add the tuna with oil and add some garlic 
powder or sauteed garlic, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper and voila, tuna pasta! 
If you have a can of beans, any kind: 
Saute some onion and garlic and tomatoes and when sauteed, add in the beans, and there you go! 
 
Salads: 
If you have lettuce and/or spinach, you can add canned tuna or salmon and all your favorite salad 
additions: artichoke hearts, tomatoes, avocado, sunflower seeds 

 

Baked Garlic Pork Tenderloin by Kristin 

“The key is to sear first and add the butter on top last. Makes it juicy. Also, it does cook 
fast so having a meat thermometer is important. Mine was ready to pull at 23 minutes. 
The thickest part of the meat was already at 150 degrees.” -Kristin 

  Cook Time: 23 minutes 
Prep Time: 10 minutes 

Ingredients: 

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil   
1 tbsp celtic sea salt and fresh cracked pepper 
2 lb pork tenderloin, optional: pre-marinate pork before cooking 
4 tbsp butter, sliced into 4-6 pats 
2 tbsp diced garlic 
1 tsp dried basil 
1 tsp Italian seasoning or oregano 

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1/2 tsp dried thyme 
1 tsp dried parsley 
1/2 tsp dried sage 
*OR 2 tbsp Italian Herb Seasoning Blend 
Instructions: 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. 
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. 
3. In a small bowl, combine garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, and sage. Set aside. 
4. Generously season meat with salt and pepper. 
5. In a large pan, heat oil until shimmery. 
6. Add to the pan, and cook on all sides until dark golden brown. 
7. Transfer to baking sheet. 
8. Generously coat with herb mix. 
9. Place pats of butter on top of the pork. 
10. Wrap in foil, bake until meat is 150 degrees internally at the widest, thickest part of 

the tenderloin (about 25 minutes.) 
11. When pork has come to temperature, remove and let rest, tented with foil, for at 

least five minutes to lock in juices. 
12. Slice against the grain and serve immediately. 
13. To store leftovers, place in an airtight container and keep in refrigerator for up to 

three days. 
14. To freeze leftovers, place in a plastic bag or wrap in plastic wrap and keep in freezer 

for up to three months. 
15. To reheat, let thaw naturally in the refrigerator overnight, and bake at 350, wrapped 

in foil, until piping hot when ready to serve. 
 

  

 
18 

 

Moosewood Fudge Brownies by Mae 

Ingredients: 
● 1/2 cup butter 
● 3 squares (1 oz each) unsweetened chocolate 

*​If you can't find unsweetened, any good bar of 72% or higher or chips that are bittersweet will work 
- 3 ounces 

● 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar (I use coconut sugar and 3/4 or less of a cup because I use 
chips that have some sugar) 

● 1/2 tsp vanilla 
● 2 lg eggs 
● 1/2 cup flour, either unbleached white or I like to use almond flour which is more expensive 

or Bob's Red Mill gluten free 
Instructions: 

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees 
2. butter a 8 or 9 inch baking pan 
3. In a heavy pot, melt butter and chocolate, stirring occasionally. I usually use a double burner, 

i.e., top pot with butter and chocolate in a larger bottom pan underneath with water in it. 
That way neither the chocolate or butter get burned. Watch that water doesn't bubble into 
the chocolate and butter and do stir occasionally. 
4. When butter and chocolate have melted, take off the stove and add sugar, vanilla and eggs. 
You can crack eggs right into the butter and chocolate. Mix with a fork or mixer. Stir in flour 
until mixture is thoroughly blended and smooth. You can add in nuts at this point or wait 
and pour in batter into the pan and then top with nuts after it's been cooking for about 10 
minutes. 
Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 20 minutes when the batter is just pulling away from the 
sides and the center is fudgy. For more cake-like brownies add time in 5 min increments. 
* ​“In my experience, it has taken sometimes 30 or more minutes, but I always start checking at 
about 15 min just to avoid burning. And I like more cakelike texture. This recipe is easily doubled. 
Just remember to lower the sugar if needed.” -Mae 

  

 
19 

 

5 Simple Steps to Practicing Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) 

Research provided by the “Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew” 

 
Shinrin-Yoku,​ translated into English as ​‘forest bathing'​, means taking in the forest atmosphere 
during a leisurely walk. It is a therapy that was developed in Japan during the 
1980s, becoming a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine.  
Researchers, primarily in Japan and South Korea, have conducted studies on the health benefits of 
spending time among the trees, demonstrating that forest bathing positively creates calming 
neuro-psychological effects through changes in the nervous system, reducing the stress hormone 
cortisol and boosting the immune system. 
Every study conducted so far has demonstrated reductions in stress, anger, anxiety, depression and 
sleeplessness amongst the participants. In fact after just 15 minutes of forest bathing, blood 
pressure drops, stress levels are reduced, and concentration and mental clarity improve. 
 

How To Shinrin-Yoku: 

 
1 –​ leave behind your phone, camera or any other distractions, so that you can be 
fully present in the experience. 
2 –​ Leave behind your goals and expectations. Wander aimlessly, allowing your 
body to take you wherever it wants. 
3 –​ Pause from time to time, to look more closely at a leaf or notice the sensation 
of the path beneath your feet. 
4 –​ Find a comfy spot to take a seat and listen to the sounds around you. See 
how the behavior of the birds and other animals changes when they become used to 
your presence. 
5 –​ If you go with others, make an agreement to resist talking until the end of the 
walk, when you could gather to share your experiences. 

 
20 

 

How Are You Coping? 

by Wendy Snyder 

 
I am coping with Shelter in Place by doing many of the things I normally do to cope with my 
Bipolar. I keep myself busy around the house and outside. I take care of my chickens. I 
just put some mulch in their run and I give treats to them and my rabbit every day. I have 
been painting an acrylic painting which I hope will get in our ​magazine​. Cleaning is always 
there to do. I was concerned about taking my car to the shop last week because the people 
at the counter could not keep six to twelve feet away and they didn't have masks or a 
shield. They didn't seem to be taking many precautions. I had brought a bag with a soapy 
cloth, a wet cloth, and a dry cloth. I wiped down all the surfaces on my car that I thought 
they might have touched. One of the things that does distress me is that I am afraid my 
driving skills are deteriorating. I have panic attacks when I drive. I am concerned about my 
husband going to the grocery store. I tried to make a mask like the ones on the CDC 
tutorial but it was a failure. My sister is sending me a tutorial for the ones she makes. I am 
hopeful that the shelter in place mandate will be over soon, but we have never faced a 
disease like this before. I miss going into the Clubhouse but using social media has helped 
me stay connected. 
 

How Are You Coping? 
By Dominique B 

 
I am focused on survival. Coping with the shelter in place. I was going to the chiropractor 
for the first two weeks and it dawned on me that I could not continue. I used to go to HEB 
everyday. Now I'm trying for every other day or more. I wear a red bandana to HEB and 
see others with masks, bandanas etc. it’s a surreal feeling interacting with some of the 
workers when they seem cold. I want to giggle because I don’t know how to react with the 
new boundaries. Time hangs heavy on my hands in a small townhome. I strive to keep my 
spirit and soul. God helps me to persevere but I long for intimacy of 12 step meetings with 
real hugs. This writing of the effects grounds me.  
 

How Are You Coping? 
By Anonymous 

 

Long walks with my dog. Each meal is very leisurely. I eat with my animals for company. 
They are very attentive. I have some conversations with my neighbors at 6 ft apart, and 
that is better than no conversation at all. I have met some people on my walks that I 
probably would have never met before. Usually just a hello in passing, sometimes a longer 
conversation about what is going on. I watch too much tv, and try to limit the bad news as 
it is overwhelming. I do plan to find the old Singer sewing machine that I learned how to 

 
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sew on, and give it a try at making masks and maybe a quilt. I wish I could volunteer at the 
Food Bank but being a high risk and the new mandate being staying in the next two weeks 
we need to stay indoors as much as possible but I can’t do that for now. 

 

How Are You Coping? 
By Irandokht E. 

 

The coronavirus has affected me by staying home and when I do go out I am sheltered by 
my parents, added on to the fact that my friend's little brother has the coronavirus. I am 
glad that they did not go to Iran like the husband said they would. The coronavirus has 
affected my father. He wrote a check to my mother and on the receipt he wrote a 
coronavirus supplement. 
 
 

Liz and her dad work on a puzzle during shelter in place.     

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Poetry For Wellness:​ Shelter In Place 

by Kristin Thompson 

 

 
Let’s be frank.​   ​I miss you​.  Our lives are different than they were less than a month ago.  Now our 
lives are filled with some scary terms. Pandemic. CDC. Coronavirus.  Covid19.  Shelter in place.  Risk 
assessment.  Economic  crash.  Social  distancing.  Isolation.  Working  remotely.  Virtual 
communication. Sadly, death.  
The world is quarantined.  Yes, we have lost some freedom. Here in Texas and other states, we are 
sheltering in place.  It’s surreal.  In order to keep humanity safe, we must quarantine out of concern 
for our collective well being.   
Most  of  us  have  never  lived  this  way.  O​ r  have  we?  In  times  of  depression,  anxiety,  paranoia, 
agoraphobia, OCD, have we not lived in a world of isolation?  At times the world was or is, too much. 
Maybe today you are feeling better, hopeful, joyful and yet, still isolated.  We are told what we as a 
society can do outside of our homes.  Keep doctor appointments, though Telehealth is increasingly 
more  the  way  our  health  professionals are communicating.  We wonder, can we connect this way. 
Can they feel my energy?  Can I feel theirs?  Do they see me?  We are running to the grocery store in 
search of toilet paper! How can there be no toilet paper! 
Now  more  than  ever  we need spiritual ​and ​creative expression.  The power of pen to paper, paint 
brush to canvas, journaling, coloring, singing, dancing, etc.  Whatever a​ ctive outlet that works best 
for  you.  I’m  not  an  artist  but  I  can  paint by numbers and doodle.  Let me tell you, I am quite the 
doodler! 
Look.  As a community, we share diagnoses and risk factors.  We are constantly working on e​ motion 
regulation.  We  have  ​feelings  that  we  have  to  get out and across to other people.  Maybe we are 

 
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lonely.  Maybe we share living quarters and still feel lonely. I live with my parents who now, due to 
their  age  are  considered  at  risk  and  immune  vulnerable. They are having a hard time grappling with 
this. They have never considered themselves “elderly.”   

Maybe we feel angry, fearful and hopeless.  Conversely, maybe we are having an awesome day and 
yet,  still  feel  isolated. Finding and experiencing positive outcomes are essential to our mental health. 
It’s necessary self-care. 

Something  to  consider.  In  our  current  environment, the world is experiencing what we do, day in 
and  day  out.  Maybe  with  this,  there will come e​ mpathy.​   Maybe mental health stigma will lessen 
because there will come understanding. That gives me some hope. 

The  point  is  ​we  have  feelings  that  need  to  get  out​.  We  miss  the  physicality  of  the  Austin 
Clubhouse.  We  feel  disconnected.  We  hunger  for  our  community.  Being  able  to  share  a  meal 
together,  work  side  by  side  with  staff  and  members.  We’re  having  to  find  ways  to  virtually  and 
remotely  connect  through  Z​ oom,​   outreach  and  the  warm  line.  It’s  working  at  a  grass  roots  level. 
However,  for  those  we  haven’t  connected  with  know  that  w​ e  miss  you.  W​ e  need  you.  Y​ ou  are 
valued.​  

How can I help?  I want to help you f​ ind your voice​.  I found mine through poetry.  You may think 
you  are  not  a  poet  and  that  you don’t even like poetry.  Many of you experienced that in the past 
until you joined the ​Poetry For Wellness sessions.  Maybe you attended during the work-order-day 
or  at  our  ​Clubhouse  socials.  You’ve  surprised  yourself.  You’ve  used  your  voice  and  expressed 
yourself.  I  want  to  help  you  continue  that  process  by  giving  you  the  chance  to  ​share  with  your 
community here in the magazine and virtually.   

I’ve  been  collecting  members'  poetry  and  want to share a few with you.  Notice that everyone has 
their  own  style  of  writing  and  that  you  don’t  have  to  rhyme!  Listen  to  their  voices  as  you  read. 
These are your friends sharing their voice with you. They are giving you the gift of themselves.  

You matter.​ You matter to our whole Clubhouse community. Let’s share our voices.   

I invite you to email me your poems, quotes and thoughts for the day.  When you do, let me know if 
it’s  okay  if  I  share  them  in  future  magazines  and/or  newsletters.  You  can  e​ mail  them  to  me  at 
[email protected]  

If  you  aren’t  comfortable  typing,  we  can  Zoom  or  have  a phone conversation.  You can transcribe 
your poem to me! It’s so important to hear our own voice and to be heard!  This is all by invitation so 
only share what makes you comfortable.

 
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As Long As I Have A Voice 
 
As long as I have a voice 
I have power to use for good 
There are opportunities to 
Strengthen relationships 
Old and new 
Through encouragement, 
Through sometimes more gentle than 
Robust 
 
As long as I have a voice 
I have momentum 
No longer moving backwards 
Or stuck 
My breath expands in wellness and 
Opportunities for compassion and 
Gratitude 
 
As long as i have a voice  
I care more for you and 
Our future 
I believe I have a future in 
Advocacy and activism 
 
As long as I have a voice 
I have reinforcements 
Against struggles 
 
As long as I have a voice 
You may recognize me and I 
You 
 
--Kristin Thompson 
Poetry For Wellness 
Austin Clubhouse 
Spring Magazine 2020 

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  I Am Struggling​I

  I am struggling.
  Not that old kind of struggling
Where every fiber of my being is trying
You Endure Earth  To destroy me.
It’s the beautiful struggle that comes from
  A flower fighting its way out of the
You Endure Earth  Darkness of damp soil,
Ring of mountaintop dew  Or a butterfly, wings still wet from
Tune the mind  Making way from a cocoon.
  It’s the painful struggle of a baby
Way out of a womb
--S​ ierra GM  That no longer served as a safe place.
It’s the struggle that comes from all of
Poetry For Wellness  Those things but wanting
Session 6  Down to my core that I could go back to
That safe place.
Austin Clubhouse   But I still struggle.
Spring magazine 2020  Not to bathe in what I want but
To baptize myself in my need
For change.

--Trisha B.
Poetry For Wellness
Austin Clubhouse
Spring Magazine 2020

 
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Snow Fox  Chrysalis  Porpoise 

     
I do not lie 
I am watchful and  dormant in   I am a special porpoise 
wary   This shell of  I feel a smiling face 
By nature  mine.  A bouillant flashy 
Fur, fat and inner  Seasons pass  Flipper finned 
scars  and my  And laughing into space 
Keep me warm and   Colors may   
Protected from the   change   My food is noisy too 
Cold  Over time.  I fear it has less fun 
  Fragile are the  Than me 
I can appear distant   walls  The calls of family 
Have no doubt  I build,   Haunt the halls 
I have teeth  So delicate the  Of endless sapphire seas 
But these eyes are a   body   
Quick study  They enfold.  Life it seems 
And playfulness dances  Growing inside,  Requires more grace 
Inside waiting  until I can 
For kindred spirits  Break free    
Connections and  Of my cocoon.  --Shane R. 
Safety  Spread these  Poetry For Wellness 
  newly   Session 3 
Developed  Austin Clubhouse 
--Kim H.  wings.  Spring Magazine 2020 
Poetry For Wellness   
Session 3   
Austin Clubhouse 
--Sierra GM 
Spring Magazine​ 2​ 020  Poetry For 
Wellness 
Session 3 
Austin 
Clubhouse 
Spring 
Magazine 2020 

27   

 

I Don’t Want To Be Pretty All The Time

Sometimes I want to be ​Tired.​ I want my dark circles to stand out, and my hair
to be messy. I try to stay positive and get up when I’m knocked down. But
sometimes I want to stay down. I lose my will to fight.
I don't want to be pretty all the time.
Sometimes I want to be ​Silly.​ I want to make funny faces, dance and joke
around. I want to laugh at horrible situations and circumstances, and not take
life too seriously. I gain trust relief.
I don’t want to be pretty all the time.
Sometimes I want to be ​Angry​. I want to break things and scream. I want to be
left alone, and make that obvious to others. I want to be angry that things
sometimes are unfair to me and others. I lose my heart and compassion.
I don’t want to be pretty all the time.
Sometimes I want to be U​ gly​, because the things I want to share are the worst
things I’ve been through and done, with the people who love me unconditionally.
The darkest parts of me will always be a part of me and my experience.
I don’t want to be pretty all the time.
I want to be ​Authentic​. Authenticity includes all the parts of that I might not
want people to know about, but they are me. I accept all the parts of me that
may or not be posed, friendly, agreeable or sweet.
Welcoming all that is me, makes me ​Beautiful.​
--Ashley L.
Poetry For Wellness
Austin Clubhouse
Spring Magazine 2020

 
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How Does It Feel To Be A Heart  Arizona 

   
I feel necessary  I love desert (Arizona) 
I am at the center  Dark skies, rain suffocate me 
I am an engine  While Arizona air lets me  
I am a pump  See things 30 miles away. 
   
I started to beat before you were born  Why is the sky bluer? 
Before you knew who you were or   Why do the mountains reflect the 
Would be  Light so much better? 
Before you could dream or wish   
Or love  The sun lifts up my heart 
And I will be with you for your whole  And even nights are crisper. 
life.   
  Why do 20 ft. high cacti 
I feel unique  Impress me so much? 
I am your only one   
I am not exactly like any other  Why does the landscape and sunlight 
I am similar but somehow different.  Transcend a normally ugly 
  Urban skyline? 
I circulate blood through your body   
Blood brings oxygen to every cell  Why are the colors more vivid… 
Blood moves through your arteries   
And veins  --Brian S. 
And I will do this as long as you are  Poetry For Wellness 
alive.  Session 3 
  Austin Clubhouse 
Spring Magazine 2020
--Laura S. 
Poetry For Wellness 
Session 1 
Austin Clubhouse 
Spring Magazine 2020 

 
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Climbing Ladders

Taking down paper flowers Let Me Show This Still And
Morning doesn’t seem so Sacred Space
Fragile and bleak
And the bright flowers
Cause me a weakness
I cannot speak of

--Joni S. Let me show this still and sacred space
Poetry For Wellness Which you and I have shared
Austin Clubhouse Unaware
Spring Magazine 2020 It is still there even when NOT aware
It beckons so softly
Crows vs Flies  That I must quiet the tumultuous
  thoughts,
Crows are very imaginative  Which crowd unceasingly
creatures. It reminds me of the  And noisily around
Simpson episode where they  Though I have summoned
prelude Edgar Allen Poe with the  A gentle order to desist
crow, only saying never more. Flies  It is still there,
are just insects that buzz.  That sacred haven
  Where we share timeless things
--Irandokht E.  That gently settle
Poetry For Wellness  To the bottom of
Session 3  Our being
Austin Clubhouse  
Spring Magazine 2020  --George D.
  Poetry For Wellness
Austin Clubhouse
Spring Magazine 2020

 
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Waterfall and Forest 

 
The water flows freshly down into the forest. The forest grows upwards, 
reaching, reaching. White water contrasting with the green of the 
vegetation. Dark of the bark contrasts with the water, also. A refreshing 
feeling, one of peace. I would love to cascade down the waterfall as a fish so 
as to be one with the water. Creatures move in the forest unseen. 
 
--Wendy S. 
Poetry For Wellness 
Austin Clubhouse  
Spring Magazine 2020 

Unexpected Signs Singing  

We can be used as a source for that
Unexpected sign to say how much we feel.
Singing out loud at this point of view and
Not even giving up​ ​our new self expression.
How many of us have a say in the works of art and
To all themselves to turn off the virus in my head and
To think about ways to be singing in our own way.
I’m at work on today’s handle in it. I will never understand but
I’m not going to give up on me or you or lifestyle situations where
Your creativity is. Maybe you should have a nice dream about new
Unexpected ways of getting the hang of it all. I’m feeling like a good day
Will be in the works of art in my head and the rest of the day after day is
Getting ready to get through this week, no negative impact, instead I’m
Looking forward to seeing the painting on the outside looking into the inside where
The real question is, Why do I have no idea what I’m meaning, but the
Cure is in our hearts and minds of many people. Unexpected signs of singing!

--Angela Y.
Poetry For Wellness
Austin Clubhouse
Spring Magazine 2020

31 

   

The Clubhouse Poem 

 
In times of sadness, grief and fear, 
When anger, frustration, and worry is here. 
When the future for myself and the world is unclear, 
I know I can rest for a while at a place that is near. 
Where the people I find are true and sincere. 
Each one very special, each one very dear. 
The definition of love, the definition of care. 
When I walk through those doors, a smile greets me there. 
They're not just friends but family too. 
Without the Clubhouse I wouldn't know what to do. 
We get each other, we've been in each other’s shoes. 
And they can relate when I start singing the blues. 
When the sun is out but the day looks as dark as night, 
I come to the Clubhouse and find positive energy and light. 
And suddenly all my troubles vanish out of sight. 
 

--Southern L. 
Poetry For Wellness 
Austin Clubhouse 
Spring Magazine 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

32 

 

 
Artwork 

 

Comic by Richard Alexander  Charles Poet Cicirelli​ by Joni Soulé 

Hope is Stronger Than Fear​- Diane Clay ​Fairy​- Diane Clay   
33   

 

 

Mandala by Paula Blazek J​ ulie​ by Joni Soulé 

For Vincent​ by Joni Soulé    
34  B​ lue Candle Cactus​ by Miranda Gonzales 

 

 

 

Doodle​ by Kristin Thompson ​Ashley and the Rabbi​ by Joni Soulé 

Art by Luke & Tammy   
   
  

35 

 
Art by Wendy Snyder 

Rocks and River​ T​ iger   
   
 
 
Jewelry by Angela Yousef 
36 

  Sudoku ​(See next page for solutions) 

    

Joker’s Corner with   
 
Vadia Vantoneaux 

 
Where do rabbits eat 
breakfast?   
IHOP 
 
What's the difference 
between 8 and 1?   
Eight has curves and one 
doesn't. 
 
What steps do you take if 
a tiger is chasing after 
you?   
Big ones. 
 
Why did the elephant and 
cousins get expelled from 
public swimming classes? 
Because they kept 
dropping their trunks 
 
What's the world's 
heaviest known insect ?   
An eleph-ANT 

 
Why will elephants never 
get to be rich?   
Because they work for 
mere peanuts 
 
Where do most sheep on 
a budget travel for 
discounted vacations?   
Baaaahamas 
 

 

 

37 

 

Sudoku (Solutions) 

  
 

38 

 

Word Search 

 

 
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Contributors 

      

Richard Alexander  Luke Tinius   
 
Trisha Beasley  Sherri Taylor (AKA   
 
Paula Blazek  Vadia Vantoneaux)   
 
Jen Cardenas  Kristin Thompson   
 
Diane Clay  John Woods   
 
Liz Couch  Angela Yousef   

George Dickson    From all of your friends at Austin 
Clubhouse, thank you for your 
Maneesha Gadde    support and we hope you stay safe 
and healthy! 
Sierra Gunn-McElroy   
 
Miranda Gonzales   

Kim Heller   

J.M. Krakoski   

Ashley Leonard   

Southern Longoria   

Jesse McCrum   

Mae Newcombe   

Shane Roach   

Linda Roberts   
Laura Smith 
Bryan Shade   
Wendy Snyder   
 

Joni Soulé 

 

 
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