Looking at 2020: The Social Distancing Edition

This post is two months later than I had intended, but my personal life has been a bit hectic of late. We moved to a new house in February which has consumed any spare moment I’ve had the last three months. The year has started pretty chaotic between the move, uncertainty of future work thanks to AB-5 in California, and now the whole world is social distancing and self-quarantining itself. For now, looking ahead to future summer and fall trips is a good diversion. Hopefully there will be summer and fall trips! The picture above is of Precipice Lake in Sequoia National Park, a favorite from my portfolio. About two months ago I revisited this photo and the others I took on my trip on the High Sierra Trail from 11 years ago. Where has the time gone? While reminiscing I was starting to get the urge to revisit this beautiful place. So I’m aiming to go there this summer, granted, that is, if my wilderness permit is accepted. As I sat with this photo the past couple of months, I thought about how much this beautiful but challenging 83-mile trip through the Sierras reflected the macro journey through my life that year. That was another chaotic time as well. That year Heidi and I welcomed our first child into the world, and I was laid off from my job at the height of the recession with little prospect of work, followed by ten months of full unemployment and another eight months of sporadic freelance jobs. It was a time of memorable moments as we marked all the firsts with our newborn daughter. At the same time that year really tested our mettle as we were reduced to a third of the income, we had the year before while facing hospital bills and an eventual short sale on our home. But step-by-step we plodded on. Some days were better than others, and slowly we worked our way through the trial. While that was a painful time there are plenty more pleasant memories I will forever cherish. Like my six days traversing across the Sierra Nevada and experiencing the beautiful gem above.

Looking Ahead

In light of all the recent upheaval I’m thankful the social distancing hasn’t slowed my day-to-day life—yet! In fact, I have been busier than normal. I have been working from home for the last 3+ years and I have plenty of work for the time being. On top of that I am now supervising my three kids’ schoolwork at home, as well as continuing to unpack. I’m still planning to roll out some new work on the site (I know we can all use some inspiration these long days at home). Be on the look out for a sale rolling out on my Etsy site later this week. And hopefully no cancelled trips in the foreseeable future! Trials like these will pass, I have seen my share. I pray for health, wisdom, safety, and peace for you and your family in this challenging time. Here is a bit of scripture that I constantly go to for encouragement in challenging times.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:4-7