When the Art Cars Return, Life Feels Normal Again

Covid-19 changed everything. We all know that. Rodeo Houston was shut down mid-season in March 2020. Every other event was cancelled for that year and with the next brought new restrictions and safety concerns. Most of my friends became happily vaccinated in order to return to some form of normalcy. We happily wore mask to protect others. Baseball returned last year, but I still wore my mask while photographing the games. The athletes were isolated from us all and the variances continued. Many friends and family members, both young and old, still got sick and some unfortunately passed away.

Our families were able to get together again for holidays last winter, as we continued to mask up and try to stay safe. The hugs were few and far between.

Enter Spring 2022! As the weather heated up, we became more comfortable going out and meeting friends, still preferring to eat outdoors on the patio than in a crowded restaurant. I went to the movies and sat alone on my own row. It felt good again, perhaps close to normal, except for the fact I still wore a mask.

Then last week, a number of artistically-modified vehicles began to patrol the streets dispensing hope that JOY was just down the long road that had been lined with despair. Finally, the 35th Annual Houston Art Car Parade returned downtown after a two-year Covid Break There was laughter, friends and family sharing the inside jokes and experiencing the mighty awe and talents of Houston’s artistic community. Roll on!

Looking Back at Baseball - Covid Edition

The Houston Astros, in the wake of a sign-stealing scandal, battled to within one game of reaching the World Series again, losing out to the Tampa Bay Rays in seven games. It was a bit surreal to cover the season for Paper City Magazine but at the same time fascinating to witness baseball in the bubble. I was among a handful of photojournalists covering the team. We had a daily health questionnaire, temperature check and assigned seating for our meals to be delivered to before each game at Minute Maid Park. We wore masks the entire time unless we were eating or drinking, of course. I felt like we were in the safest place in the Houston Metropolis. And yes, the games were exciting. Our team played amazingly well under skipper Dusty Baker. Some opponents took aim, literally, at our players. With every playoff win, the haters just got madder at the team for their “crime”. Stealing signs in baseball was nothing new, and was accelerated when MLB placed instant replay monitors in every dugout. The Yankees and Red Sox were also punished for similar “crimes” but the Astros received the brunt of the punishment for banging on a plastic trash can. They proved they were still a great team that didn’t need to cheat to win in this pandemic-shortened season. They lost their ace pitcher, closer and reigning rookie of the year to injuries and Covid-19. I only wish they had gotten the chance to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in a rematch of 2017.

Houston After Dark - COVID-19 Edition

What happens after midnight in Houston while most people are sleeping? I went out to witness just that from the safety of my vehicle and a telephoto lens.

What happens after midnight in Houston while most people are sleeping? I went out to witness just that from the safety of my vehicle with a telephoto lens. From health care professionals, fast food and gas station attendants, motel and hotel desk clerks, utility workers, Houston police, security guards and the guys operating the Happy Plate Express food truck next to the Harris County Sheriff's office and Jail, there was a lot of activity maintaining social distance. For the homeless people crowded on Fannin Street, not so much. Please stay safe and wash your hands!

Drive Thru Testing Begins

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Chair of the Congressional Coronavirus Task Force, along with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, observes medical professionals conducting their first screenings and drive-thru testing for Coronavirus at the United Memorial Medical Center, after the outbreak of Covid-19, March 19, 2020

Unhappy St. Patrick's Day

There were very few people out for happy hour Monday night, the day before the Irish Holiday celebrations could take place. What if they threw a party and nobody came? This is the result.

Harris County and the City of Houston have shut down area bars and restaurants effective 8:00 am Tuesday, March 17, 2020 in order to limit exposure to the Coronavirus utilizing social distancing and encouraging self quarantine. No more than 10 people will be allowed to gather in one place for the next four weeks. Restaurants can still offer take-out, drive-thru or food delivery service orders.

Stay safe. Wash your hands and keep in touch with your loved ones. Go outside and get some fresh air.

I will be documenting this new way of life as it unfolds, from a distance, with my telephoto lens.

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