Founded one year ago in the wake of the first pandemic-related travel restrictions, a Facebook group called “View from my window” has become much more than just a way to peek into other people’s back yards.

Very early on in the global pandemic that would relentlessly keep the world in its clutches, photographer Ajit (AJ) Rekhy, an India-born and Ontario-based work-from-home mother, had a brilliant idea: she created “View from my window”, a social media group where members could show pictures of what they were looking at during lockdown. The underlying message was, “You are not alone!” First hundreds, then thousands responded.

Now, one year after the creation of the group, and with travel restrictions still largely in place in most of the world, the community has grown to over 250,000 members and counting. Most of them are US- or Canada based (and the diversity of North America alone is truly astounding.) But all in all, the group spans over 100 countries.

HOME SWEET HOME

Although this is not the only Facebook group of its kind or even its name, this one has a special feel to it. AJ has accomplished something beyond the presentation of spectacular sunsets and beloved pets: her group has forged a real community spanning the globe where members are kind and supportive of each other, with a good number even having become friends in real life.

There is a true sense of “we’re all in this together”, there are no man-made divides of borders, religions, or social class. Birthdays or holidays spent in lockdown are celebrated with the entire community. The tone is kind and supportive. It is very rare that someone show offs and gloats demonstrably, maybe sensing that ostensibly displaying material wealth or boasting of liberties that others may not be able to enjoy is collectively unwelcome.

MAJESTIC NATURE AROUND THE WORLD

Occasionally a group member shares a sad story of misfortune, sickness, or even the passing of a beloved human or pet, and the community will rally around them protectively. Not everyone has instagrammable vistas but even the most humble photo still receives encouraging comments and sincere compliments. What you can make even of a plain view, has been shown by Carrie from Minneapolis, Minnesota whose touching photo was the fan favorite in our 2020 article:

Carrie quote

This show of solidarity and “team spirit” makes of AJ Rekhy’s group something much more important than a continued feed of pretty pictures – it offers respite from an increasingly rough und unfriendly world, and has become a valuable tool in the arsenal for preserving psychological and mental health throughout the ongoing challenges. The site has also tapped into the creative talent lying dormant in many hobby photographers. And on occasions, it showcases real artistic skill, as shown in this enchanting video by a bird loving group member:

https://www.facebook.com/carlos.rosamejia/videos/10159081227433058

(credit Carlos Rosa Mejia, Weston, FL)

 
To honour the occasion of the group’s first “birthday” and to celebrate the amazing resilience of people around the world, from all walks of life, RIVIERA BUZZ has revisited with AJ and rounded up a new set of photos… spectacular ones, funny ones, heartwarming ones, modest ones, peaceful ones, classic ones, quirky ones… across seasons and holidays, and even the odd calamity, all tell a story in themselves. It is no small act to invite total strangers in the intimacy of one’s personal little world, often shared with cherished pets or lovingly tended plants which bring cheer and joy to reclusive lives.

Despite the human distance, these photos build digital bridges, and give a sense that for all the horror on every news channel, every day, much is still right with the world. To increase the radius for contributors wishing to post repeatedly beyond one’s front or back yard, acceptable photos now also include those taken from a car, bus, or train, office, or even a hotel room.

GREEN THUMBS & PLANT LOVERS

The group is actually a spin-off of AJ’s original FB page after moving from Toronto to small town Sarnia in 2018 in the wake of her husband’s professional transfer. She herself started working from home. After such a big change in lifestyle – from the bustling metropolis to a town of 70,000, and from a fulltime corporate career to a home-based job – , she felt isolated and started an FB page as a creative outlet to feature her photography.

When the pandemic hit, she immediately understood how suddenly everyone was suddenly going through a similar experience… a busy world had come to a sudden halt, and people were forced to stay at home. Creating the View from my window page was therefore a logical extension.

MAJESTIC NATURE ACROSS THE US

AJ, what was your impetus to create this group?

Since the beginning of lockdown, most people’s freedom of movement has dramatically been limited, it ends at their backyard or front yard. I realized that almost everyone now feels the same as I was feeling back in 2018 when I decided to work from home. At that time in 2018, it was my decision to purposefully to stay home. But a year ago, the pandemic forced the whole world to stay home. Everybody’s views were limited. We cannot go outside, but we can share our views and feelings.

AJ

What has touched you the most over this past year, on a personal level, and in the group?

Over the past year I learned to trust my intuition. It is such a powerful feeling when you finally realize you don’t need anyone else but yourself to survive. Sometimes we just need a break, alone, to figure everything out.

We’re born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we’re not alone. Since last year, we have been socially distancing and are touch-deprived, and so we all are stuck with our electronics. My Facebook group realizes me that if we can’t change things by fighting the existing reality, we should build a new model and get used to it. It’s very delicate to change yourself.

What audience constitutes the core of your group?

Surprisingly, most of my Facebook group members are over 45 and are most active in posting, commenting, laughing, suggesting, and if needed supporting, and that is very touching to me. Engaging them and getting the best out of my members satisfies me.

PETS AND ANIMAL VISITORS

Keeping the group running smoothly creates a huge amount of work for you. What makes it worth the effort?

From a few to over 250,000 members in one year is a big deal – approving numerous posts every day and giving feedback on every declined post is time consuming. I receive lots of complaints via messages as well. Thankfully I found supporting moderators from all over the world to help me run the group.

But all the effort won’t matter if I am not inspired. It’s a 24/7 learning, dealing, and motivational experience for me. It is very important to get feedback, where you can constantly think about what you have done and what else you can do. I receive a lot of positive feedback almost every day, which inspires me to keep going and put more efforts into the group. Without knowing each other and meeting personally, people are so truthful in their comments, which sometimes surprises me, too. They are really bringing their best to this group.

MANMADE MARVELS

And finally, would you share the view from your own window with us?

Yes of course, with pleasure.

AJ lockdown view

RIVIERA BUZZ would like to thank the group members for kindly granting permission to feature their images here. We have tried to publish as many photos as possible but could not select all that had been submitted. The ones shown here were randomly drawn from a hat, with only one contribution that we specifically requested. Anyone not having their photo shown here should still feel included in spirit. The photos were posted with a first name and general location only to preserve their authors’ privacy. Stay safe, stay at home, stay connected!

another grey line

Lead photo courtesy AJ Rekhy

16 Responses

  1. Elizabeth Psihos

    Thank you for this fun article about this group! I have been in it almost from the beginning, and one thing you didn’t mention was how much we learn from each other. One person posts traditions in Iceland for Christmas and other holidays. (I totally want to party in Iceland!) Another from Mumbai posts about their culture and architecturally significant places. One gal from Brazil posts the same view of a palm tree and Christ the Redeemer, but they always look completely different based on the weather and the time of day. It’s absolutely fascinating to me to learn about all of these different places!

    Reply
    • Natja

      Thank you for your comment, Elizabeth, much appreciated! There are many things that did not go into the article, simply because it was an introduction to our readers rather than an all-encompassing review. But writing it is easy: as far as I (as the author) am concerned, I would like to say a huge Thank You to our often-overlooked hero Iarla Byrne, RIVIERA BUZZ founder and editor, for his monumental job in laying out this article and making it as look as pretty as it is, making everyone’s photo shine.

      Reply
  2. Rosemary Berrell

    Well written and thanks a million for this post.
    Unable to answer, react to all the pictures as there are just so many!
    But, rest assured, the ones I am able to respond to are simply beautiful.

    Reply
  3. Myrtle

    Lovely article 🙂 I have been a member of this group since Aug. 2020 and really enjoy reading the posts and viewing the pictures from around the world! I also learn something new all the time. Like I never knew there were so very many bears living in residential areas in the USA! And bobcats too! And the wildlife in Australia is amazing – kangaroos really do just hop about in a lot of places! And cockatoos and lorikeets – just flocks hanging out in people’s yards like it’s nothing special. And who knew there were so many foxes – and different kinds, in many parts of the world – beautiful. And the Northern Lights! Alaska and Iceland have it going on. I love seeing people’s pets too – shows just how much we are all alike – we love our fur babies. I’m a bird lover, and seeing birds from around the world is so much fun. If I first glance at a post, and my first reaction is “That’s AMAZING!!!” then I know the picture is from the Norway. And I have to say – I am so touched that people share their grief, their loss, their hopes – it is telling that people share such personal information because they know they will be lifted up by those in this group. Way to go AJ Rekhy! You created something beautiful. *Viewing this article from Federal Way, Washington, USA

    Reply
    • Natja

      Thank you Myrtle, I’m glad you enjoyed my article about AJ’s group. Yes, the world is a big and beautiful place, let’s all take care of it and its life on it.

      Reply
  4. Jill Blackwood

    Great job capturing the essence of this wonderful group that has meant so much to me (in my 70s) while at home for more than a year. I was most personally touched by complete strangers, sharing their tragic losses of loved ones, and the world-wide rally of supportive well wishers that followed each such post. Thank you AJ – brilliant idea!

    Reply
    • Natja

      Thank you for your feedback, Jill. Glad you enjoyed my article. I’ll be sure to pass on your appreciation to AJ Rekhy.

      Reply
    • natja

      Gracias, Sandra, es muy amable de tu parte. También apreciamos que hayas compartido con el mundo tu hermosa vista desde tu ventana en Tampico-Tamaulipas, México. Mis mejores deseos, mantente con buena salud.
      Un saludo cordial
      Natja

      Reply
  5. laura wilkerson

    I love this web site, it is one of the first things I do when I get on the computer in the morning. I love seeing all the pictures and I love the no drama! This has been an amazing idea.

    Reply
  6. natja

    Thank you, Susan! Happy to hear that you liked my article about AJ’s group that brings so much joy to so many people.

    Reply
  7. Dayna Lutz

    Just finished the article. It made me smile and feel wrapped in a blanket of inclusion. No negativity, no political rants, no offensive comments. A very welcoming place to share a glimpse of our views of ordinary and extraordinary sights, special furry buddies, and an appreciation of our common bonds during unwelcomed isolation. A daily dose of connection and reminder of how much humanity can be shared from far and near. We’re in this together and sharing some simple uplifting moments. Love this group.

    Reply
  8. Dana Wilson

    Excellent article, Natja! It perfectly captured what this group is all about. I’ve been a member for some time but didn’t know how it started. Thank you!

    Reply

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