At Home with Tech

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Tag: photography

How to Really See your Home for the First Time

 

It’s been difficult to maintain a sense of structure and control. I’ve often used the phrase ‘new normal’ during COVID-19, but that assumes a comfortable level of stability. And I expect there’s plenty of flux ahead.

All we really have is where we are.  And for many of us, that’s spending most of our time at home. And while there are worse scenarios, it can feel like an extended space voyage. Sure, Zoom chats can help with the isolation, but only to a point.

For me, I’ve certainly begun to experience our home differently. Some of the patterns I’ve been able to hold onto have taken on new meaning. And I’ve even noticed things for the first time that have been in front of my eyes for years.

If there’s a silver lining, it’s that we’re forced to be more present. Here’s my take on this new normal…

  • Welcome to the jungle
  • Find the beauty in the mundane
  • See your reality

Now, slow down. Pull out your smartphone. And take the picture…

Morning Lawn Sprinkler Storm
Survival of the Fittest on our Patio
Breakfast Surprise
Summerlong Seltzer Party
A Bee Visits our Flower
Time to Sweep the Deck
Backyard Movie Night
Being Present for Piano Time

#EnjoyIt!

How to Enjoy a Rainy Day with an iPhone and a GoPro during COVID-19

If you’re concerned about social-distancing challenges at the beach, consider this strategy to avoid the crowds.

Everything is the opposite these days. Well, it certainly feels that way with all of the new anti-social norms that are fusing into our daily lives.

I’ve got just two words to say about this right now…

It’s complicated.

But general human avoidance does seem like a best practice for the foreseeable future.

Practicing the New Art of Avoiding Humanity

It’s all about figuring out where lots of folks aren’t go be. 

Doing the opposite.

So when the Saturday weather forecast predicted lots of rain, that was my cue to activate our family beach-day plan (or at least a brief visit).

Fortunately, the storm took its time arriving, and there was wasn’t a drop of precipitation until after we returned home. But the threat was enough to keep the throngs of beach-deprived, COVID-19-weary people away. 

And that’s exactly what I was counting on. I brought my GoPro along to capture our moment in the happy emptiness.

Raining on your Parade?

When the downpour finally arrived, and I heard the sudden impact of a thousand rain drops on our roof, I closed my eyes and searched for another opposite reaction.

Then, I grabbed my waterproof iPhone and raincoat and ran outside as the deluge was still at its early peak.

My goal?

…to explore what I usually try to avoid.

Raindrops.

Getting soaking wet isn’t so bad if that’s part of the plan.

Especially when the other part is attempting to snap a few shots of rain in flight and after arrival. 

Enjoy your Opposite

In times like these, you’ve got to get a little creative to hold onto your own balance. And that might involve getting out of your comfort zone.

So, try spending some time examining the opposite and chasing your own raindrops.

You might discover your own private beach.

Time to Explore the Expanse of your Shrinking Space

You don’t always have to worry about the big picture. Here are eight ways I’ve expanded my view by focusing on the small.

If you’re feeling like your world continues to shrink around you after weeks of sheltering at home, you’re certainly not alone. 

Here’s one suggestion to help rebalance your equilibrium: 
Pay more attention to what’s right in front of you. There’s actually a lot to see. 

You might be pleasantly surprised!

Open your Eyes and See the Beauty
If it’s at all possible to spend a little more time with Mother Nature while also practicing social distancing, of course now is the perfect time to take a closer look. In fact, get really close and narrow your focus.

And you don’t necessarily have to travel far to explore the intensities of spring. It’s amazing what’s right in front of you when you zoom in your view a bit.

Here’s what I found…

Narrow your View to Find Relief
So, instead of yearning for what is currently unavailable, I say let’s take advantage of all of that beauty nature has provided.

Sometimes, you’ve just got to pay a little more attention to the smaller details.