One of the gifts of these days, even with some added noise the focus required to avoid cars and trucks on the streets has diminished considerably. The near absence of cars and people has provided an opportunity to see things in new ways. With less attention on hazards, more focus is available for observation.

Riding in the wrong direction on one-way streets is a nearly foolproof way to find new details and vistas in familiar places. Having so few cars parked along the curb opens the view even more. Spectacular.

When routines are out of balance our eyes and minds explore familiar things differently trying to make sense or bring some order. We tend to resist change, but if we allow ourselves to open, to relax our minds, our expectations and habits can fade. It becomes possible to expand our experience of what is around us. Buildings, architectural details, trees and plantings have recently revealed themselves to me.