of the COVID-19 pandemic, author Darlene Short laced up her hiking shoes, grabbed her camera, and took walks at parks near her home in suburban Cleveland, Ohio. Always a photography hobbyist, she soon found a deeper appreciation for nature. Darlene captured species of birds, animals, and insects, such as red-tailed hawks, great blue herons, red-winged blackbirds, American goldfinches, deer, butterflies, bees, and dragonflies. She also delighted in photographing a species of fauna she saw for the first time, such as a yellow-rumped warbler, a potter wasp, and a hummingbird moth. Flowers, many with morning dewdrops, and landscapes ranging from moody, foggy settings to brilliant colors also attracted her attention.

Her attempts to compose perfect photos in natural settings, while listening to birdsong, helped lessen the stress of isolation and energized her. To this day, she continues heading out at dawn (unless it's raining!) to capture the next photo memory.