Seriously how cute are they?

I know. It’s ridiculous. Then add that crazy California dessert light and a gorgeous vintage plane… safe to say that was one of the more fun events I have photographed. A year ++ before we knew we needed to worry about a thing known as Coronavirus, before our lives shifted in such crazy ways. I think most people I have spoken to have had a real mixed bag of feeling ok, anxious, tired, grumpy, calm, and most things in-between. And some have been able to really be ok with the introvert they always knew they were. Like for some, this time has been a bizarre gift they didn’t know they needed. It’s another piece I am loving about having people share a piece of their experience with me. And I know I can relate to enjoying the feeling that things are slower and sometimes that feels good and necessary. Uncertainty with a bit of a positive spin, perhaps.

So please enjoy the next story in my From The Archives Project from my pal, Jamey…

James Tanzer

Occupation/Business: Museum Outreach Coordinator

1. What is one notable change in your life since Covid19 has changed how we are able to do things?

My job had to pivot completely. I went from being a front-facing museum employee to sitting at my dining room table trying to figure out ways to make our museum accessible, useful, and engaging entirely online. But I like the challenge, and being able to connect with the worldwide museum community to sort out our next steps as an industry has been really exciting, in a way!

2. What has been most challenging?

Not being able check on my senior citizen parents in person. As an only child, this has caused me the most worry.

3. Have you found any silver linings you care to share?

Oh my gosh, yes. I like having so many fewer things on my calendar—I have more time to do the things that actually need doing. For example, I’ve been able to focus on making my house feel like a home and not just the place I eat breakfast and sleep. Also, for fun, my wife and I have been exploring new places in Maine every weekend. We have been checking out old cemeteries and forest trails and historic places. We never really did that before: exploring in our own backyard, as it were. Also, because I have been working from home and my wife’s work has shut down temporarily, we have been able to spend more time together than we ever have before. I feel incredibly lucky to have had this time with her—usually we only get one day together a week. I’m so grateful for that.

4. Are there any shifts you are hoping to stay in place as we move forward?

Yes! We have been doing actual meal planning and cooking at home six days a week these past two months. We’ve never really done that before and it saves a ton of money and stress. I definitely want to keep that up! Also exploring Maine on the weekends and getting outdoors in all kinds of weather has been fun and enlightening (not to mention inexpensive!). That’s another shift I’m hoping we can stick to.

5. What are you most looking forward to being able to do again?

Seeing our families, traveling, and thrifting. I miss finding treasures at Goodwill!

6. Anything else you want to share..?

It’s been easier than I thought it would be to adhere to social distancing guidelines. I always knew I was an introvert, but this has brought it into pretty sharp focus. I’ve learned a lot about myself.

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Thank you, Jamey, for sharing your your Covid experience with me and for being such an important person in my life since those days we met while skating in circles in roller skates. Here’s to more fun, laughs, street corn, and mini adventures!

~ jb