" Social distancing is temporary; love is permanent,"  Unknown

Recently, my friends, Paul and Ann commissioned me to do a socially distanced photo for their 50th wedding anniversary. They have lived an abundant life and have even traveled and rode camels through the desert! Yet as I looked at their eyes peering forth from masks behind the security gate at their home; it was their love for each other I saw. 

50 year anniversary Sony a7Riii, 24-105, 1/80, f9, ISO 400

This pandemic could not strip away their love nor the impact their love has had on others. They are kind, giving people who have been homebound since the start of the pandemic. 

A few weeks later, I visited another friend, socially distanced outside. The entire time she visited with me, her dog, Butch, sat with his head on her knee. Now I am a sucker for dogs, but this scene really tugged at my heartstrings! The devotion oozing from her canine friend was nothing but spectacular! 

It Will Be OK

Sony a7Riii, 24-105, 1/45, f5.6, ISO 200

It was as if he was telling her; “Just wait. This too will pass and things will be better again.” 

Love is all around us. It definitely overcomes the fear of this pandemic and the inconvenience of social distancing. Over 1000 miles separate me from my closest family. My heart aches to see them in person. Yet, I am so grateful for technology and photography. 

Most days I send a photo or two to my great-nieces. Yesterday it was a Cooper’s hawk having its meal on top of the house down the street. Another evening I shared the sunset from my backyard with them. Today it was a video of a dirt devil lifting tumbleweeds high in the air! 

In return, my great-niece, Mya played her clarinet for me via Google duo! What a delight! The two-year-old twins called my name when they saw Mya on the phone with me! My brother beat all of us on zoom trivial pursuit! 

Dinner

Sony a7Riii, 100-400, 1/500, f5.6, iso 500

Love transcends the hardships of these times.