The other day I strolled by a custom t-shirt store in my neighbourhood. I had passed this shop dozens of times over the last year, often glancing over at whatever cheeky t-shirt design was on rotation in the window display that week.

This one caught my eye. It read “I got my COVID-19 vaccine.” Last spring, the window t-shirt said “Keep Calm and Stay 6 ft. Away.”

It reminded me of my photo essay from this time last year; a collection of images from my daily walks, confined to my neighbourhood and forced to observe the oddities that came with adapting to this new virus. In a moment of reflection I realized how much has changed, and decided to do a second ‘stolen spring’ photo diary.

This time around, I had to pay more attention. A year of pandemic living meant I had accepted some of the ‘new normal’ sights as part of the scenery.

These days, swing sets aren’t bound by caution tape but city-made signs warn the basketball nets and tennis courts are off limits. Paper notes thanking front line workers and the sound of pots and pans have been replaced by illuminated ‘hero hearts’ in the windows of homes and storefronts. Some stores didn’t make it. Others rolled the dice and opened their doors for the first time during a pandemic.

You’ll notice more people wearing masks, and signage asking customers to do so. We recognize when someone is smiling with their eyes. I’ve never seen so many people seek out moments of solitude by the water as I have over the last few months. Single silhouettes often line the horizon at sunrise and sunset.

A few images remain comfortingly familiar; blooming flowers and the calming lake. Reminding us that no matter what’s going on in the world, nature remains. Continuing to bring us beauty and moments of peace we all long for.