This photographic journal is by Maria Pavlik, co-creator of With My Umbrella, I Can: The Magical Journey of Penelope Puddle, in B.C., CANADA. "With camera in hand and often an umbrella, I explore everyday wonders of the planet that is not merely a backdrop but our lifeline."
Sometimes grownups are like kids in the backseat, impatient to get to a destination. I know the feeling. Strange things are happening ... my husband has started writing a screenplay, don't know if he'll finish it. He's never written one before. This stay at home policy inspired me to get back to Penelope art among other things.
While I kept close to home, Penelope traveled through portals, over clouds and dipped her foot in rainbow drenched water. Her elephant friend, Blue, made rainbows, too.
On my walk, waves of choppy waters flew like manes on galloping horses. Across the bay, city dwellers (below) coped in their own ways, alone together. Everyone wants life to get back to how it was before the virus. People mostly follow the rules of distancing, etc. knowing it creates less burden on hospitals. This moment is pivotal. B.C. shows signs that the arc is bending but we are not there yet. With better weather some might decide they have "had enough", indulge in risky behaviors and wipe away all previous efforts. “To lose patience is to lose the battle,” Mahatma Gandhi said. Waiting is hard. Less freedom is hard. Being part of a global community to save lives is rewarding. In the arc of history, this is our moment ... when normalcy is the true pot of gold.
An anonymous person once said, “Chess isn’t always about winning. Sometimes, it is simply about learning and so is life.” What I am learning is that the pandemic is a big test of human perseverance and creativity to eventually vanquish this global threat.
Scientists and leaders ponder what to do next while housebound pawns, kings and queens do their part by staying in safe spaces as much as possible. During a solitary walk near home, I came upon giant chess pieces standing stiff as sentinels on the cemented squares of a driveway ... a little like us waiting to be moved.
Less surprising was heart art for essential workers on whom we rely.
These displays were everywhere.
Some were quite crafty.
Some dangled on branches ... others had notes written on them.
Not only hearts expressed appreciation. Rocks had something to say, too.
For a blissful feeling, link to inspirational rock art created by folks in the Langley area. These painted expressions tucked alongside pathways wait to be discovered like gifts. After watching the video and seeing chess pieces earlier, I was inspired to play a game with my husband. I can't guarantee this will happen to you, at least not with my husband, but your pursuit of some long forgotten goal could be renewed.
