March 29, 2020 • 60

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #90: Distance

I imagine a line, a white line, painted on the sand and on the ocean, from me to you.
― Jonathan Safran Foer, Everything Is Illuminated

Tina takes the lead this week for Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #90–Distance.  She asks us to share our images which convey distance, as well as the creative ways we’ve found to connect with others–at a distance–during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Deserted Playground, Boston, MA

Those of us who are practicing social distancing and sheltering in place often feel disconnected from each other and our “normal” every day lives.  It’s unsettling to see empty playgrounds and schools, and habitually crowded streets devoid of life.

View of the Harbor and Memorial Bridge, Portsmouth, NH

Our movements are restricted, but at this point we can still take daily walks through the small town of Portsmouth.  Typically, we pass a dozen people who give us a wide berth as they walk or jog past, adding to a sense of unreality and disconnectedness.

Slave Cabin, Magnolia Plantation, Charleston, S.C.

At the same time, many of us are paying more attention to the lessons learned from earlier world crises–like the Flu Pandemic of 1918, the AIDS Crisis, and the Great Depression.   The messages from these times remind us that human beings have an amazing capacity to adapt, persevere, and overcome difficulties.

People are also remarking at the decrease in pollution around the world.  The canals in Venice are clearer.  So is the air in China.  On our walks, I’m paying more attention to the birds calling to each other and the signs of spring like the early blooming crocuses and daffodils.  I also see people spending time in their gardens and talking to neighbors over picket fences.  I feel like we’ve been transported back to the time when people stayed home a lot more and were connected more to their neighbors and communities.  That has been an unexpected benefit of the pandemic.

Primrose Hill, London, UK

Rich and I are also taking the time to connect with friends and family through online video chats.  Yesterday, we spoke to friends in London, New York, and Florence and our son in Vancouver.  It’s reassuring to know that their experiences and reactions are similar to ours.  Seeing them also helps to lessen the loneliness and isolation.

London in the Distance, Primrose Hill.

I’m also finding comfort in my daily routine of writing and reading and taking daily walks.  I decided to re-read the classic novel Anna Karenina and watch some favorite movies like Casablanca, which not only transport me to a different place and time, but also remind me that some of our best creative works were conceived in times of duress.

We hope you join us this week.  Please stop by and visit Tina’s site to see her beautiful photos and read her wise words.  We want to stay connected with you in our online community.  If you join us, please include a link to Tina’s challenge post and be sure to follow the safe distancing guidelines in your area when you’re photographing during the coronavirus pandemic. Better yet, post images from your archives.

Next week, it’s my turn to host Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #92.  So please stop by!  Here’s our calendar for April:

Once again, my closing words for this week are: stay well, stay safe, and keep creating!

Categories: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography

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60 replies »

  1. As I am on my own, I’m with you on keeping in touch by video conference – certainly helps to lessen the loneliness and isolation….. We can indeed be resourceful and resilient in trying times,

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    • Hi, MB. I’m delighted you like them! They were wonderfully clear days…crisp and cold. It’s still cold here in NH…but soon it will be spring. Take care. Be well.

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  4. Beautiful places through you lens. Thank you for reminding us those crises we have been through and that human are resilient, they were not so long ago. The blue sky of your photos symbolizes hope.

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    • Hi, Amy. Thank you, too. I’m finding hope in remembering other crises. We can be tough when we need to be! I agree about the blue skies…they are hopeful. I hope you and your family stay well.

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    • Hi, Siobhan. Yes, I agree! It’s sad, but better safe than sorry until the danger has passed. Very true what you say. I am also looking forward to that day when people are outside again and enjoying each other’s company!

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    • Hi, Dianne. Thank you! I boosted the color and saturation a bit because it was a bit faded in real life and hard to see. I’m glad you like it. It’s a “sign of the times,” isn’t it? Stay well and healthy in your desert retreat.

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  10. Pingback: Beautiful Great Blue Heron En Plein Air Painting at the Charles River | Babsje Heron

  11. Hi Patti

    The clouds in your fourth photo are amazing. They seem to go on forever, such depth. I adore the Portsmouth harbor photo, too. Your commentary about connections is moving.

    Thank you and the entire Lens Artists team for creating this space and inspiring the entire community, especially in these difficult times.

    Here’s my submission for this week:
    https://babsjeheron.wordpress.com/2020/03/29/beautiful-great-blue-heron-en-plein-air-painting-at-the-charles-river/

    Best,
    Babsje

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      • You’re welcome Patti. I appreciate the opportunity for community that you and the Lens Artists are sustaining in these challenging times. Best, Babsje

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  13. There is so much similarity in our situations and how we deal with isolation and separation. It’s really heartening, and I know that I, for one, have strengthened ties with family and friends over these uncertain times. Thanks for sharing them with me, Patti 🙂 🙂

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  15. Not sure how I missed commenting on your post Patti, which I saw when it was first posted. Could it be the WP gremlins at work??? Anyway, loved your response as always. Your images are beautiful and your message rings loud and true. Social distancing is a challenge for us all, but posts like yours, and virtual visits, will help us through the mess. And you’re so right, the earth seems to be flourishing while we humans retreat, leaving it to blossom again. Every cloud does indeed have its silver lining. Stay safe my friend!

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    • Thank you, Tina, for your lovely thoughts and wishes. Stay safe, too! I don’t know what happened, but I just commented on your post, too. I saw it when it first went up. Let’s attribute it to the gremlins of distraction, which are besieging us on all sides. I’m glad to hear that you’re well! We’re doing our best to stay safe.

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  16. It seems throughout the world many of us are doing the same things in this time of crises. Like you I have been connecting with friends near and far, and taking time to enjoy nature. Stay safe and well Pattie.

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  24. I enjoyed your gorgeous choices – the empty playground and almost deserted landscapes tell stories all on their own. I agree – it’s helpful to distract ourselves with an old movie or a familiar book.

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  25. enjoyed your uplifting thoughts and beautiful photos, Patti. we are confined at home, too, except for occasional trips to get essentials. thank you for sharing and stay safe. 🙂

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  28. I love the beautiful skies, Patti. Such lovely scenes and the lack of people give a feeling of being the last one on earth. But that may be just a byproduct of the times and the thoughts that dominate us all. It is wonderful to see people taking the time to find out how their neighbours are.

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