By Eleanora Morrison
As an eternal optimist, I’m a firm believer that–despite these strange and unprecedented times–there are brighter days ahead. For those of us who are fortunate enough to be able to stay home and shelter in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been here a while now. I feel immense gratitude for the fact that I have absolutely nothing to complain about. I still have shelter. I still have some work. Unlike so many people throughout the world who have been in my thoughts daily, this frightening global experience has required me to do nothing other than to stay put in my house with my husband and our Shih-Tzu, surrounded by our creature comforts and the blossoming nature outside.
I’m not an employee of an ‘essential business.’ I’m not on the front lines or anywhere near them. I’m not in a city where the case count is high (yet). I’m cozy on the corner of a suburban cul-de-sac during a drizzly time of year here in South Texas, just trying to find some creative inspiration to deliver on the projects I still have while the world’s usual brightness feels dangerously dimmed. One of the only ways I know how to do that is by pouring through vintage photos that remind me that, like every human storm throughout history that has been difficult to weather, this too shall pass.
I feel connected to Slim Aaron’s photography for a variety of reasons, but it especially speaks to me during times of uncertainty. There is something about the moments he captured that are soothing, reassuring even. Maybe it’s the grandeur of the exotic locales, the nostalgia of the grainy film, the slow and relaxed pace of his suntanned subjects, the zest for life and conviviality he caught in the time capsule that was his lens…it makes me feel wrapped in a hug from the good times past, because these magical moments are eternal. Every era has its own sense of joie de vivre, even through the darker days.
I’ve rounded up several timeless Slim Aarons images to evoke a Spring mood that I hope uplifts your quarantine as much as it has mine. Some day I hope we’ll all be lounging and laughing by a pool or a beach again…but until then, wishing you and your loved ones safety and good health. Thank you to each and every person working to ensure we overcome this outbreak. You are our heroes.
