February

So, whadda you know?

I managed one whole month, and what did I learn?

Had I indeed lost my mojo gained from being a photographer since my age was a single digit?

Well, it's like this. Cameras do everything for you now. Press the button. Voila. Sometimes a little tweak in post and you've got a pretty decent picture.

It's about taking control, if you want, or just surfing the easy way.

What's the answer?

Don't know yet.

Yellowstone

Now, this one has a story.

Christmas Day, snowshoeing around Old Faithful, we were passed by a group on a "Photo Safari."

They were all encumbered with backpacks, tripods, long lenses, full frames and other assorted large DSLRs.

Since I was spending most of my energy staying upright, the camera I had around my neck was a tiny Nikon and I had the latest Go Pro in my pocket. I caught the sneer on the face of one young fellow as he passed us by with all his accoutrements. I could have told him I've been shooting pro Nikons since before he was born, but like I said, I was using all my energy to stay upright on my first snowshoe adventure.

As I clomped around, I watched the group gather as one, disassemble all their equipment, photograph diligently something in the distance, then repack and scurry around the bend.

I wondered what the heck were they looking at and photographing as one?

And there you have it. One buffalo, or BISON BISON if you're a purist. I caught a glimpse of the group as they stopped, unloaded and shot again, another angle of the lone buffalo.

It occurred to me that I would be annoyed if I paid a lot, carried a ton of equipment around (in the snow) and then got the same picture as has every other person who ever traipsed through Yellowstone National Park.

Just to be sociable, I took one too with the camera I like to call the fckn phone.

After that, I lost sight of the photo safari troop. Who knows what wonders they went on to discover. I learned I can snow shoe.

Throwback Tuesday

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Smart Tech

I am not a Luddite. I’ve had a computer since the DOS and floppy disc days. The computer was a device that meant I was smart for wielding such a tool. As devices have become “smart,” I’m not sure that still applies.

My daughter bought me a smart watch so I could watch my pulse rate after I had a bit of a cardiac event. She tells me, “It knows when you look at it.” Displaying the time at a glance. How does it know I’m looking at it and not just staring into space? I’m a writer. I do that a lot.

It knows.

“It can tell when you exercise.” Rewarding such noble performance with joyous animated graphics. My daughter sets hers to 10,000 steps a day. I have yet to find the setting or see the cartoon for Eureka! She got out of the chair!

 “It can interface with your phone.”

Wait. What?

“It can talk to your phone.”

My phone? 

The device that knows my every secret and perverse desire. And everywhere I’ve ever been? Why would I want that?

I suspect my devices are conspiring behind my back.

Then came the new car. 

The car and phone interfaced before we even drove away from the dealer. Keyless entry is the newest thing. In place of a key is a little doodad that when you have it in your pocket the car senses your approach and turns on the exterior lights. Just like a good friend who leaves the porch light on.

Once you’re in, press a button and the car starts.

However, if you leave the little doodad on the dresser in the bedroom, the car won’t know you from Adam.

Consequently, I found myself talking to a car that wouldn’t go.

Hello. Car?

Hello.

It’s me.

It’s me, Car.

Ask the watch.

2019

Due to circumstances beyond my control, it was party for one this New Year's Eve.

Let's hear it for not sharing the champagne.

I am not making a resolution this year because my last one failed so miserably. (Page through the Instagram feed if you want to know what that one was.)

Here's to better days, my friends.