Out and about | sticking joy in the front yard
Well, after a few weeks of being holed up in my house, now it’s official. We are being ordered by the state to stay in.
Unless we are “essential”. And let me tell you, I’m SO not essential.
I’m not the greatest cook, so running a restaurant is out. I can’t handle the sight of blood so…. nope.
“Non-essential” it is.
I’ll be honest, late last week I had started losing it a little. (“It was not a little.” — husband) I needed something. I needed people. I needed joy. I had seen some photographers around the country doing drive-by and drive-through photo shoots. That could be right up my alley.
I messaged my neighborhood through our private Facebook group to see if anyone wanted a Front Porch Family Photo. Wow, did they ever! Responses came in fast and furious.
My husband Pat - or as one sweet neighbor named him, my “Gentleman Driver” - navigated and shuttled us up and down the streets. I hopped out to the curb at each participating house - 50 of them! - and photographed families on their front porches.
We waved, we laughed, we wished each other good health. It was strange not to greet people with hugs, but instead with hollers. It was odd not to run over and show them THE shot on the back of my camera. It was weird not to shake hands with new friends. Regardless, it was one of the happiest, most joy-filled days I’ve had.
Just look at all those smiles! These families were sitting at home worried, bored, nervous and unsure. They were sitting on their sofas, re-framing their lives and their schedules. Re-learning technology so they can do their jobs, teach their students or do their homework. Perhaps even re-considering the size of their homes (guilty!).
And yet…just look at those smiles!
I can’t wait until this virus has passed and we can meet each other again… next time with handshakes and hugs and shared jokes and even shared tears. I am SO glad I got to meet so many new people - right in my own neighborhood. You all warmed my heart so SO much.
Speaking of front yards…
I always have a little fun up my sleeve for my graduating seniors. Their sessions are usually in the summer or fall, so in the spring, right before graduation, I catch them off guard with some surprises. The newest addition to the Surprise Parade was going to be… YARD SIGNS.
The more I read, the more I learned, the more I realized that the class of 2020 was on the verge of losing the entire second half of their senior year. Across the country, proms, graduations and senior ditch days (well…) are being cancelled or “postponed”. How incredibly sad for these kids. When you look back on your senior year, was second semester cancelled due to a pandemic outbreak? Or do you look back on your prom night and graduation day and tear up a little at how much fun you had and how happy you were to “finally be out of there”? These kids may not have any photos from their prom. They may end up receiving their diplomas from the mailman instead of their school principals.
It dawned on me that these yard signs could not wait until the end of May. These kids needed joy NOW.
I called up Chris Sherman, the owner of Brilliant DPI. He quickly (and late into the night) got the order through. I was literally his last (non-essential) client before he had to shut down, governor’s orders. (I closed down the print lab, y’all!)
I picked up the signs and went on my way to get to as many homes as I could in one day. I think I pulled up to over 20 homes. I stuck that joy right in their front yard.
Sadly, the people who I couldn’t fit in today will have to wait. I am so sorry I couldn’t get to everyone. It was such short notice! I do have your signs and you will get them, just not right now.To those of you who do have a sign that magically appeared in your yard - SURPRISE!!!! Happy Graduation-To-Be!
So now, as a non-essential, I will continue to be work from home. Like I have been for the last two weeks. But for more and more weeks.
When you feel a little stir crazy, do something to make yourself laugh. When you’re feeling down, go for a walk, put away the laundry, empty the dishwasher.
Heck, while you’re at it, go out and admire the coolest yard sign on the block! I stuck that joy right in your front yard. Enjoy it.
Your favorite non-essential photographer,
Abbie
