In Ontario, as in many other provinces and countries, yet another lockdown has been issued in an attempt to curb the rising cases of COVID-19. Two weeks ago restaurant patios were permitted to open here, allowing residents to enjoy a meal at restaurants after the long winter hiatus. Then suddenly the emergency brakes were applied, reverting to a stay-at-home order for the next month.

The pandemic has truly turned the world upside down, gatherings with friends not allowed, company employees working from home, public transportation, theatres and concert halls mostly empty, shopping malls closed. Restaurants permitted to open for takeout or delivery only, teachers and students sent home from their classrooms, meetings moved to online platforms and seeing other participants on screen only, flights and cruises halted, the list goes on. Almost everything we do - the connections with family and friends, the way we work, live and spend our leisure time, the freedom to travel - has been affected and greatly changed. I created the fine art photograph below to convey this "upside-down world" feeling we're all having. It's been over a year and is challenging for everyone, but there is light at the end of the tunnel with the advancement of vaccination programs worldwide. Let's stay strong, hang in there for a while longer and look forward to the spring and our new world.

Upside-down WorldWith yet another lockdown in many cities, the COVID-19 pandemic has turned our world upside down.

Fortunately outdoor walks for exercise are still permitted, so I took advantage of the warm temperatures (it was close to 20 degrees yesterday!) to get some fresh air, soak up the sunshine and vitamin D, and take some photos. This week will be rainy and temperatures will cool down to typical early April weather, about 10 degrees. At a neighbourhood park I noticed buds on the trees starting to bloom, and formed this colourful pattern against the bright blue sky. Despite the lockdown, we can stay connected to others via technology, as these trees are connecting with each other. 
 

Signs of SpringWith an early arrival of spring temperatures this year, buds are already blooming on the trees - the blooms form such a colourful sight.

Through their songs, birds are announcing spring is here, It's certainly a mood booster to feel spring in the air and to see signs of spring around us, signifying renewal and new beginnings. Keep looking for the small things in life that bring you joy, give gratitude and cherish these gems. 

Spring is HereBird chirping, announcing "spring is here", sitting atop an evergreen tree that looks fresh all year round.
 

Enjoy the spring weather and sights, and let's work together to fight this wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. May the world and our lives return to a new normalcy in the near future.