Recently we attended our nephew's wedding in Vermont. While that's not an un-common thing for most folks, the setting was. It took place at a beautiful campground in the Green Mountains. The setting, pastoral. The views, breathtaking.
But the most interesting part was watching people NOT be connected to the outside world for that weekend. There was no cell phone reception at that lovely spot. No wi-fi. No facebook?? No e-mail?? No texting?? For a whole weekend??
Not hard for the "older" generations to deal with, but unthinkable for the younger set. Admittedly, you could drive about a mile up the road, hold your phone just right, and get a signal. I'm sure there were diehards that did just that for their gadget fix. But, for the most part, it forced everyone to be in the here and now. People had to carry on actual conversations. Interaction was required. That weekend was spent seeing and sharing. Meeting new friends and cherishing the old. Missing those that have gone before us, yet feeling their presence in every moment. I think that was a gift that the bride and groom gave each of us.
Little by little, technology has crept into our daily lives. Most folks wouldn't dream of leaving the house without a cell phone. The advent of "smart phones" also means that we can facebook or twitter the world from wherever we roam. The question is, is that really a good thing?
For me personally, I'm more content without the gadgets.
The cabins at the campground were perfect for the weekend. Ours had two bedrooms and a greatroom area that had a kitchenette and a fireplace. In keeping with the flavor of the weekend, if you wanted heat in your cabin, you had to build a fire. Since I've spent years working in the 18th & 19th centuries, this was second nature for me. But I sometimes forget that not everyone has the same skill set.
I've often remarked that I was born to late. The simpler ways suit me just fine. I prefer to disconnect from the modern day hustle and bustle. That's not to say that I don't utilize modern gadgets and technology, just that I can live quite happily without them.
How about you?
