Because as much as I appreciate and often revel in today's ever advancing technology, I often reflect on how much I wouldn't mind throwing it all away for something much simpler. Something much less immediate and connected. It's sad how the disposable, fast paced nature of today's memes and lifestyles have a tendency to suck us in and make us forget where we come from. Make us sacrifice quality and individuality for the sake of quantity. Make us forget to breathe.
So today I am going to slow down a moment and be thankful for analog things that help me combat the trials and stresses of this uber-speedy digital world. Maybe it's their ingenuity. Maybe it's their quality. Maybe they're just plain cool. Whatever it is, these analog things make me slow down and just enjoy life for the sake of it. If only for the moment...
Thankful Four: Analog Things
- Camping - I have been known to pick a campground or park simply based on lack of cellphone reception. The world hasn't stopped once simply because I turn that devil brain destroyer off and leave it at the bottom of my bag. And if it did, how would I know the difference? I'm lost in the woods, now. What Zombie will bother looking for me all the way out here?
- Vinyl - There is something about the sound of a needle on wax that just stops my soul wherever it stands. Old tracks, new mixes ... it doesn't matter. I married a DJ who was a vinyl purist until recently: while we've both come to embrace the benefits of the mp3 world, we both agree that nothing beats the depth of sound and the sublime nature of music spun off "that big black cd." It also lends itself well to my next analog love...
- Yard Sales/ Junk Shops - Along with my loves of analog and otherwise vintage things, digging through garage & estate sales, flea markets, and the like do a lot for me. It's not just the "stuff" - it's the experience. It's the breakfast peoplewatching at the local diner. The drives down random back roads. The family time. The odd and interesting we stumble across. The ideas and inspiration gleaned from the moments in between.
- Film Cameras - Namely, the Ciroflex my late great-grandfather gave me & Nikon 35mil I've been kicking around since high school. While I appreciate the immediacy and cost of digital for point-and-shoot purposes, nothing calms me better n I need to be alone than a drive to nowhere and an afternoon wander in search of some abandoned something-or-other ... framing all the right shots and getting into all the right mysterious places. I'd say my love of film and the abandoned places I capture on it is only surpassed by one analog thing...
- (bonus!) My Sweetheart - No, not my husband. I mean. I love my husband. :D But I wanted to dedicate bonus #5 to the girl who's been by my side through it all. My guitar is my muse and my outlet. If I'm not driving around looking for somewhere to waste film, I've got songwriting on my free time analog agenda. The standing on stage thing is pretty exhilarating, too. Connecting in that moment with people - sans computers - sans pretense - sans assumption ... If it weren't for my music, I actually wouldn't be here right now. Seriously - story for another day - but true nonetheless.
Part of my analog problem is I'd keep going on about it if I didn't stop myself now. I wonder what non-digital things or activities you have to be thankful four?
