Lens-Artists Challenge #90: Distance

~ oneletterup

Lens-Artists Challenge #90: Distance

…These days, everyone’s talking about and hopefully practicing “Social Distancing”. Since it’s something we should all be doing, we thought a challenge focused on DISTANCE might be an appropriate reminder of its importance.

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I hope that sometime in the not so distant future we never need to hear the term “Social Distance” again. Which ought to be called “Physical Distance” – a more accurate description. A time of anxiety…and often loneliness. For me and most everyone I know.

I am very thankful for the connections that social media and FaceTime and Zoom and Skype offer us. However…I increasingly miss actual three dimensional flesh and blood face to face conversation. A rectangular screen is no substitute for a big bear hug. One little hand holding yours. Catching up with friends over lunch at a favorite restaurant.

At times it feels like I briefly stepped into a nightmare I had as a child…where I got off the school bus in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Panicked, I ran up and down empty streets from house to house unable to recognize any as my own. Until I woke up, heart racing, groggy, straining my eyes in the dark until I finally realized it was just a dream.

However…now for very good reasons…we do what we have to do. Distancing ourselves.

I know that someday I will wake up from this surreal existence. In the meantime, I try to remember how beautiful distance can actually be…

When I purposely sought out being alone.

sand footprints

Comforted by an empty path through the trees.

path ahead

Offering a glimmer of hope.

distance sun

In the distance.

Published by oneletterup

31 thoughts on “Lens-Artists Challenge #90: Distance”

  2. Very well said and shown OLU. So true, there were, I’m sure, many times when most of us wanted just a few moments of peace and quiet. So now we have them! And now we thirst for companionship. Fickle beings we humans 😊

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  4. A great post where I recognize myself so well. The absolute horror of a nightmare. Or a horror movie. But this time it is true and real. I have my moments…but like you I realize we have to do this, and most of us live by the rules dictated. My hope is that everyone will do so – the faster we will come out of this.
    Words and photos are beautiful and sensitive. And I agree, “Physical Distance ” is the word. Stay well.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words! We all share in this horror, some more than others – but at least we know we are not alone. I find that knowledge comforting. You stay well too 🙂

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  5. Wow wow wow–I want to climb into the beach scene! I realize that my situation is different from those with close family members and friends…I’ve been alone so long that it’s “normal”, I don’t feel the absence of others which many are experiencing. It does seem we’re all living in a surreal Twilight Zone episode…wondering when it will end… By the way, how is your sister faring, any improvement in her health?

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    1. Thank you! That beach is a favorite spot. I have found being alone can be fine…to a point. Having the choice makes a big difference! The surreal aspect is wearing day after day. My sister is still struggling. Family is trying to be supportive long distance. Not easy. Thanks for asking. 😊

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      1. Yes, the whole “day after day” deal is quickly going beyond wearing. I guess I blog to make up for “real” relationships. I can imagine the current situation makes it more difficult/complicated to offer support to a long-distance family member–I’ll keep praying.

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  6. I, too, enjoy being alone. Especially out in nature, or shopping! 🙂 But I do not like to be forced into separation. I understand, and I am looking at all the good in my life. …hoping that soon I can interact with friends and co-workers. Your photos are lovely. Especially the beach 🙂

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    1. Thank you. The beach is extra special :). Yes – being forced into this makes it all that much harder. I am also remembering to be grateful for what IS okay in my life. That is important too. 🙂

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  9. Love this post. Words are so moving. Great photos. Yes, we’re all waiting for the day that when we wake up in the morning, we are happily to plan where to visit and whom to see…

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  10. Yes, forced isolation, although necessary at this difficult time, can be stressful for many. I’m lucky to have one of my daughters living with me or I would be going stir crazy at this point. Such lovely photos, Andrea. That path is so inviting. 🙂

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