There's so much to be said about little moments. Moments where nature peeks its way into our lives. I love hearing the birds chirp “Good Morning,” while the warm sunrise creeps its way through the blinds. In the current climate, it's easy to feel isolated from the natural world. Covid-19 has changed many things from simple tasks to the routine of physically going to work. Before my work was required to shut its doors, I was going through a lot of life changes. On March 15th I moved into a new apartment and embarked on a new chapter in my life, one without my wife. This new chapter has given me time I didn't feel I had before: time for reflection and self-care. I thought that going through a divorce this year would be the worst unexpected thing I would endure. Now, that unexpected thing is a worldwide pandemic that's affecting everyone.

I've spent more time absorbing the news than I've ever done in my life and the constant anxiety that everyone is going through feels unreal. In times of stress, I usually turn to running, but even that feels restricted. With so many limitations and stay-at-home orders, it's difficult to know exactly what's appropriate these days in terms of going outside. Trying to social distance has kept me from my Sunday morning run club with friends. We’d often carpool to Paint Creek trail or Stoney Creek Metropark and converse through long miles together, but now I limit the time I’m outdoors rather than indoors.

It's strange to think about what the world will be like when we are able to resume normal activities, such as going to the gym or meeting up with friends. Some of the nature parks I miss visiting are Maybury State Park and Kensington Metropark. I love the scent of the pine trees or seeing the Sandhill Cranes when I go for a long run or hike on the weekends. Until then I'll embrace the memories. In many ways, my portfolio expresses the voids these new norms create, as well as the memories inherent in the places we visit again and again.