The Sound Surround

My name is Trixie Archer and I’m an electronics junkie.  My attachment to gadgetry began back in 1980 when I was given my first Walkman for Christmas.  Placing those small headphones onto my ears and clicking the “on” button for the first time, transported me to another dimension.  The music was rich, clear and distinct, which fueled my life-long want to find the ultimate listening experience.

I remember gazing about the room towards my loud and boisterous siblings…well, tune them out and I had a music video playing “live” long before MTV debuted “A Flock of Seagull’s” in 1981.  Even still, as I’m listening to tunes, if I close my eyes while using quality headphones, I am lifted to a better place.  Depending on the era of music, I float back in time...for better or worse reliving “what was” and better understanding how it all fits into “what is.”

Rewind even further still, to the years before the technology of Sony, to when I toted a bulky AM radio along with me everywhere.  Through crackles and scratches in sound, I listened to WLS 89 Chicago with the Larry Lujack Show, lil’ Tommy and their animal stories.  Such antics served with toast and coffee helped to lighten the mood every morning for most of the region.  Even still, I feel great nostalgia when I think of that AM radio and will always associate Paul McCartney & Wings with my childhood, for it seemed no matter where I was or what I was doing, “Band on the Run” would find me.

Gizmos and gadgets have come a long way since that point.  From cell phones that were the size of half of a cinder block to a compact phone that is now wise and “smart.”

GPS, a touch screen, voice controls, an MP3 player, a camera, video recording capabilities, text messaging, internet and I think it’ll even do the dishes if you find the right app for it.

If one were to carry all of those items individually with old technology, a wheelbarrow would be necessary, but for all of those wonderful features compacted into a smart phone there seems to be a missing element...peace and quiet.

Last week I rewarded myself by taking Monkeyshine to the park for a walk around the lake.  It was a beautiful day; the sun was shining, geese were flying overhead.  The temperature was just about perfect.  It was about two in the afternoon and not many other people were around…it was just me and Monkeyshine enjoying our time together…sharing exercise, companionship and tranquility. 

When we reached the southern edge of the lake, I took a moment to ponder.  The park bench was positioned at an ideal angle so as to appreciate the shimmering and calm of the water.  I snapped a picture in my mind’s eye, took a deep breath as a smile pursed my lips.  “Life is good,” I thought….but soon after, as if such appreciation was an invitation to be soiled “it” happened, my cell phone rang.

The moment became an old vinyl record on life’s turntable that someone dragged the needle across…you know the sound, the noise-slap that interrupts a soft instrumental and pulls us back to reality.  My daughter said, “Hi mom,” in a cheerful manner.

She often phones me from college during her between “here and there” moments.  While in transit to her friend Reggie’s house, she was telling me about her day….but then as fate would have it, the engine on her car died.  She had her foot on the gas pedal and the car said, “NO.” Fortunately, she was able to coast to the side of the road and click on the emergency flashers.

There were many phone calls that followed…finding her a tow truck, a mechanic, a car to borrow…all of which was happening as Monkeyshine carried an expression of “really?”

Mind you my daughter needed me and I was happy to support her during the whole “my car just died on me” experience, but still…the point is, a simple walk around the lake while carrying a smart phone has some apparent drawbacks.  There is no real disconnection, no true escaping into thought, no actual living in the moment or embracing thirty minutes free and clear of responsibility. 

Even when we take that walk, unless we put out the “do not disturb” sign by turning off our phones, there is no hope for peace.  The truth is, I wouldn't feel right pulling the plug for even a simple walk.  I am a mom and even though my kids are older, they may need me…a tow truck, a missing ingredient in the recipe they are following, financial help, or extending humor to pull them past a difficult day…  It’s what mom’s do sometimes…we sacrifice our walks, warm meals, sleep, wallets, and sanity.  It all goes along with the territory.

Sometimes I miss that old AM radio, static and all… for life was less complicated back then.  It was all about living in the moment…swimming, fishing, bike riding and hanging out with my pals.  The sun warmed my skin and laughter filled my heart and the phone was attached to the wall and left behind at home.  We survived adversity somehow together…connected through eye to eye contact and honest conversation…and if we were left stranded at the side of the road somewhere, we simply got by with a little help from our friends.