Sunday 17 May 2020

#lastnormalphoto

Via Kottke’s Quick Links with more to explore on social media under the titular hashtag, BBC asked readers to submit the last image on their phones taken before their world was radically changed with lockdown, teleworking and social distancing measures imposed to stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives and to share the stories behind them, scenes that seem nearly inconceivable and unconscionable just a few months later. One of the last normal activities I took part in was on 1 March, going to a local flea market—I miss those—and showing off a couple of finds in this stoneware pitcher and brass relief etched sculpture of a sailboat. I remember the virus being discussed among vendors and visitors at the multipurpose hall where the sale was being held. What is your last documented moment before this upheaval and pause?