Memorable B-Sides: Joshua Sims’ “Strasburg’s Historic Covered Bridge” and “Spree Park’s Abandoned Ferris Wheel”

The Memorable B-Sides series spotlights writing and art submitted to us that weren’t selected for print, but that are fantastic in their own right. Each introduction tells you why we returned to the piece. As a disclaimer — we aren’t experts, only fans offering possible interpretations.

“Strasburg’s Historic Covered Bridge”

Joshua captures the serenity and beauty of nature in a single shot. You can feel the warm rays of the sun, smell the sweetness of the flowers, perhaps even skim your fingers over the calm surface of the water. The sunlit red bridge against the lush greens and purples is a scene reminiscent of Monet’s work. Life in general is fast and complicated — especially now that a new year has begun, people are trying to figure out their priorities, sometimes diving headfirst into things that ultimately don’t bring true joy or fulfillment, sometimes embarking on adventures that offer unexpected lessons and possibilities. We shouldn’t need the marker of a brand new year to “renew” ourselves. Joshua’s lovely photograph is a reminder of the freshness of each moment — which isn’t so much a cliché as it is a fact hidden in plain sight. No matter who you are — a college student preparing to start the spring semester or simply someone with a new goal in mind — it’s important to take a deep breath and appreciate the natural wonders that surround us.

“Spree Park’s Abandoned Ferris Wheel”

No one is immune to pain or sadness. We bear it constantly. It starts to weigh us down and we forget the childlike triumph of seeing colors, of wanting to be lifted off the ground, of gazing down at tiny ant-like people. Many of us remember riding on a Ferris Wheel for the first time. It’s as if you’re flying. And the moment you reach the very top — your heart flutters, the clouds are almost within reach, the ground is seemingly a world away. The contrast in this photo shows that even when we have difficult days, there is always something to be grateful for and excited about. What’s been abandoned still has potential. Joy can still be found through dark trees and cloudy skies, standing proudly and bright for all to see.