Touch the resonant sky
London, ON, July 2010
About this Photo: We're sharing our favorite photos of the year as part of a special, extended Thematic Photographic. I won't use the word "extravaganza", you I think you know I really want to. Anyway, please click here to share your own fave pics from the past 12 months. Extra points if you bring a friend.It's a warm summer's night, and after I walk the dog, I notice the sky is glowing that unique golden hue that suggests something cool is going on overhead. I grab the camera and half-jog my way to the park so I can have an unobstructed view.
I'm not disappointed. While I can't explain the meteorological machinations that are driving tonight's show, I can certainly stand there, alone in a field, and silently mouth "wow" to myself as the clouds continue to shift. As I walk over to a nearby building to use as a brace in the fast-fading light, two teenaged girls stroll past, looking suspiciously at the guy carrying the chunky camera. Once they're sure I'm not an axe murderer, their eyes return to their smartphones as they continue half-chatting, half-texting with friends unseen.
Eventually, the sun slips below the horizon and the yellow fades to deep blue. I walk slowly home, wondering why more folks around us don't pull their faces away from their screens just long enough to witness the magic all around them.
Your turn: What do we miss by being so wired? Or wireless?
It's an interesting question. Possibly it's a little like looking through a lens with a low F stop and figuring out what to focus on. Both options have their merits, and there are always third and fourth options that might be a little out of the box but still hold value. I am thankful that my focal choice is not on the face of my mobile, but in rare and unusual places that make me grow in ways I would not have believed possible.
ReplyDeleteHappy you're celebrating the natural world. Me too. (here's cheers from a beach in Kerala, where I have crashed a local wedding and now appear to be typing in my iPhone.)
I think that in all this rush to stay connected, we actually are losing the simple joy of human contact. I see groups of people at a restaurant eating a meal, on the phone and texting, all the while diminishing their contact with those right in front of them. I hear people brag about having 7,000 friends on Facebook, and I just have to wonder how many times they've shunned actual contact with real friends in order to build those virtual relationships.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is great, I have a cell phone, I text and, obviously, I spend time on my blog. No problem. Reconnecting with old friends on Facebook is great, keeping in touch with family and friends who no longer live close by is wonderful (that's why I started my blog back in 1999, my older brother moved his family to England for 3 years).
But at the expense of the relationships, and experiences, that are physically around you is absurd.
I have to agree w/max... but back to your question about being wired/wireless..Getting a cell phone/laptop it is a lifeline..The cell is a lifeline to my kids...I got them cells after their Dad was killed, it was a security thing for me which I know u would understand..Both girls had gotten driver's licenses so I still needed to know that they made it to their destination..The laptop is a way I keep connected w/my girls as well as online friends... After seeing that photo, I could definitely give a rat's azz about those two items... It made me feel at peace..
ReplyDeleteThis photo is amazing Carmi! It looks like heaven's on fire!
ReplyDeleteLive human voices and faces....it brought the magic back to me last night watching real live actors on a stage right in front of me...and then they actually stepped out into the crowd and drew some of us on stage too....the realness of people is what these tweeting and texting things take away from us all....
ReplyDeleteLove your photo! I can see why it's a favorite! Now to the question at hand...
ReplyDeleteJust like most things, it's all a matter of balance. Being "wired" has enhanced my life. We have a huge family and many friends and we find it much easier to stay in touch this way. We still see each other as much as possible, this way it's easier to do so. Having said that I refuse to TEXT with anyone!
Not all friends on Facebook are virtual. I've reconnected with an amazing number of old friends there.
Like it or not people, this part of our evolution...
Your post shows that it's possible to have a balance, Carmi - you could appreciate the beautiful bronze sky, and then share it with us on your blog!
ReplyDeleteSuch an awesome photo
Very impressive shot.
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolutely stunning picture. I am so glad I decided to pop over here tonight. There was a time when I felt more comfortable connecting with people through the "cyber-world", but as my confidence grew and my inquiring mind expanded I wanted the "natural world". So now I strike a good balance between the two and I feel blessed to have them both.. I mean if no laptop, no Carmi and his mind-blowing pictures and insightful words, right?
ReplyDeleteSeasons Greetings Carmi!!!
THAT is one beautiful particular shade of yellowish.
ReplyDeleteI am beginning to find the wire a tad annoying as I find it more and more difficult to actually Connect with people in a natural form! Yet...I have to agree with Lynne...no wire, no Carmi and no other connections to incredible captures and thoughts out there!
This photo reminds me of a moment I had this summer, but could only capture with my mind's eye. The sun was setting in its brilliant symphony of oranges, golds, and reds, while the twilight hues of violet, blue, and pink were guiding in the night sky. And just as I was about to get lost in the sunset, I noticed the moonrise at the same time. I felt so connected to this moment, and the universe in this space between the sunset and the moonrise. Whatever the mode, I think we're all just looking for that baseline feeling. As much fun as connecting via technology can be, it has never held a candle to a warm cup of coffee and a face-to-face with a good friend, a loved one, or even the night sky.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful sky. You sure are dedicated to your photo taking running back out to take the photo.
ReplyDeletewhat an incredibly awesome picture!!
ReplyDeletethe wired...or wireless...world...allows us to see places...things...people...that we might otherwise never have a glimpse of. we can virtually wander the earth...the universe...anytime...day or night...
like right now...i'm so enjoying your particular shade of yellowish! :]