Surviving the Pandemic in the Desert
By Day Sibley
The coronavirus was first introduced to the world almost six decades ago, but let's be honest, most of us weren't expecting this to get out of hand. To have the reality of what we knew come to a halt, a complete turnaround. This was the loneliest I've ever felt; my anxiety was out of control. I got let go from my job, like many others. I was a year in from dropping out of college, and the people I cared about showed their true colors in the ugliest ways. I had to be honest with myself and confront things that no longer served me well. So, I began to rebuild my relationship with God and my family. Working on my values that drastically shifted, along with rebranding my projects, I even went back to [vocational] school, and I'll be graduating this year.
One of my favorite places to go is Fremont Street, also known as the Old Strip for locals. The site was founded in 1905 after the explorer John Charles Fremont. Then, 20 years later, the first road was paved and known as the Glitter Gulch. Humans are naturally attracted to the high contrast of light, and this site attraction didn't fail. Fremont Street began to draw in the party scene and received its first six gambling licenses and legal casino. This drew millions of tourists, celebrities, and locals alike. The rest is history.
Here in these photos, you will see we are a year into the pandemic. When you have been in the same place for so long, you forget to appreciate the beautiful things taking place. Aside from getting sick, I missed seeing people's faces. I missed the sense of touch and just genuinely being in the company of others. Looking at the bright lights that shine in the dark, did you know Vegas is so illuminating that you can see it in outer space?
I never cared too much about gambling, but it wasn't until this moment that I realized that there is a quiet and obscure spirit in this city. It can turn even the most sobering experiences into the most optimistic. There is an ambiance of freedom here. I appreciate being out and about, giving a new meaning to fresh air. Well, the idea at least [laughs].
So, what have I learned in the midst of this? You can have your entire future mapped out and still have your world turned upside down. There is nothing wrong with feeling like you have reached a block in your life and need execute a new plan. When I was younger, if I didn't catch on to something quick, I would quit and move onto something else. I was a perfectionist and believed I had all the answers. My own premise became my demise becuase I wasn't allowing growth. Now I know it's okay to mess up every now and then. It's fine to try new things even when you're not good at them the first time. Most importantly, there's no shame in asking for help when you don't have the answer right away.
Author Note:
Time flies when I think about the time I took an interest in photography in '08. Time sure does fly. I didn't pick up the camera again until a year or two before the pandemic hit. I love capturing things that make me happy because I don't want to forget how they made me feel. Whether it is children laughing, people walking by, plants blooming, I want to remember it. Why? Honestly, I don't know. Perhaps I just like the way I take pictures, or I just want to find the good when things get bad.
All photos by Day Sibley.
Day Sibley (b. 1992) is a writer and multidisciplinary artist from southern Nevada. She previously served as an extern for the Red Rock Review-Journal at the College of Southern Nevada, and was the secretary for the Blue Sage Writers at Nevada State College. She is the founding editor of Dream Noir magazine, and her work is published in Marias at Sampaguitas, Royal Rose Magazine, Quail Bell Magazine, The Drabble Sand & Silver, and more.
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