Live, Video and Let Die

My kids often scold me for being preoccupied with taking pictures.

“Dad” my oldest daughter often complains. “You are never ‘in the moment’ any longer. You are too busy trying to take pictures.”

Maybe its because my kids are older now, and I am with them less frequently, and it might also have something to do with abilities conferred to me by owning a modern hand held device. Yes, I do take a lot of pictures, and, now that I Phone technology allows me to do it, video, especially during those valued times when I am with one or more of my kids.

At times they might complain – especially my oldest. Of course, this often puts me in a horrible position, either having to bribe her for the privilege of taking her picture, or at times I might shamefully sneak them. (She usually busts me when I try.)

My youngest registers her complaint non verbally – usually by rolling her eyes, and by shrugging.

She is a kind and compassionate young woman who usually consents to me taking her picture – that is, until I press my luck by trying to take multiple photos, at which time she will usually politely tell me to stop. Frankly, at times like these I can’t blame her. She should be able to enjoy the simple joys of life like reading a book, typing on a computer or eating an ear of corn without her Dad hovering over her taking pictures.

Yet, in my defense, pictures – and, more recently, video footage – are among my greatest possessions.

And when we are killing time together, and my kids have access to my laptop or my I Pad, they are always quick to go to these devices and scroll through my pictures and view my videos and they enjoy doing it.

Yet, my oldest daughter makes a legitimate point about living life ‘in the moment’ and not being so overly consumed with documenting it.

Amy’s approach: sit back and simply absorb the beauty of the moment – whether it is a special time with family or friends, or a beautiful act of nature (a sunset), or a special event (a wedding ceremony) – and let your brain and your soul take it in.

That is how she believes we ought to live our lives. Value the moment. Elevate your being. There is no need to relive it later in life viewing pixels and dots.

Recently, while attending a concert by a big name performer, I struggled to achieve a proper balance between “living the moment” and documenting a really cool experience.

Just last week, while attending the Paul McCartney concert at Wrigley Field, I got caught up in the beauty of his energetic performance. Looking below the stage at the infield seats, I could see images of light above many of the spectators. Not being a regular attendee of concerts, it took me a few seconds to realize that those lights were not from folks flicking their cigarette lighters – what we used to do at concerts to signify our approval in hope that it would cause the performer to treat us with multiple encores. Rather, these points of light emerged from people holding their phones, videoing portions of the concert.

Paul was performing with incredible intensity and connecting with the audience and the whole time I was following my daughter Amy’s advice about enjoying the experience.

I finally broke down when he started singing the words: When you were young, and your heart was an open book…

“Shit.” I thought. I fumbled in my pocket, pulled out my I Phone, dialed my password, clicked on “Photo” and then maneuvered the dial from “Photo” to “Video.”

You used to say live and let live
You know you did
You know you did.

Like others around me, I pointed the camera at the stage in front of me.

But if this ever changing world in which we live in
Makes you give in and cry.
Say live and let die.

Just as I started wondering if my preoccupation with videotaping this Beatle classic was preventing me from enjoying this wonderful moment, pandemonium broke out on the stage.

Multiple blasts of fire broke out on the stage in front of Paul each time he belted out the words “live and let die.”

And then fireworks launched as Paul and his band blasted their instrumentals.

The crowd erupted. An incredible energy filled Wrigley Field- probably the highest level of excitement felt within the “Friendly Confines” since Jim Cornelison belted out the National Anthem before the outdoor Blackhawk’s Winter Classic hockey game on January 1, 2009, or through 7 1/3 innings of Game 6, National League Division Series, October 14, 2003, immediately prior to the moment when Steve Bartman committed his misdeed.  (I’m digressing, and feeling pained. I’m not going there!!!)

I held my camera as still as I could, and I continued to video, also trying as hard as I could to take in this special moment.

Back at home a few hours later, still blown away by Paul’s phenomenal performance, I downloaded the video and while my girlfriend and I watched it, I felt immensely rewarded.

Sure. In life we must take the time to set aside our increasing reliance on our new toys, and enjoy times with special people and embrace powerful moments.

But we must also achieve a proper balance.

Being a 52-year-old man realizing that there are limits to what I can remember, I am glad that modern technology has given me the ability to document wonderful people and events that I am blessed to experience.

Sorry kids, but there will be times when I will shamelessly pick up my handheld device and capture the moment.

What does it matter to you?
When ya got a job to do
Ya got to do it well
Say live and let die.

If you liked that, check out Paul Simon (Sounds of Silence) at the Vic, May 16, 2011

 

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