Saturday, December 21, 2013

Who doesn't want more stuff?

Somehow, completely unbeknownst to me, I have a subscription to Guitar Player magazine.  As I was flipping through the pages two immediate thoughts/impressions jumped out at me: First, I've never seen so much electronic wizardry in my life, let alone have ANY idea what anyone would possibly do with it.  Secondly, the players they profile are basically all technically gifted freaks of nature and most mortals who play can and never will be able to do ANYTHING these freaks can. 

How does ANY of this stuff make anyone a better guitar player?  However, the more important question is: Do they really NEED it? 

This got me to thinking about the fast approaching Christmas holiday season and the 'consumer orgy' that it has become. 
Dionysus

What Madison Avenue and Wall Street have done to this holiday would have Dionysus blushing. 

Even the God of Wine, Merry Making, Theater, and Ecstasy couldn't have imagined what we could accomplish with credit cards. 

Christmas means many things to many people, and even those who aren't religious or not even Christian find special meaning in the holidays.  Getting back to my point, how much more 'stuff' do any of us need?  I was thinking about how social media has become such an important part of our lives and being able to post photos of us having a good time has seemingly become more important than, well, actually having a good time!  I find myself guilty of missing the magic of the moment on occasion because I want to 'capture it' to post on my Facebook page. 

It's a real new and weird concept: that being how the opportunity for you to show people not with you what a great time they are missing, except that you actually missed it too because you were too busy trying to capture a photo to show them what a great time you're having and they aren't. I think this is a good metaphor for what happens to so many of us during this special Christmas / holiday time. 

We get so caught up in the 'buying stuff' and all the expectations surrounding the gift giving pressure that we often miss the opportunity to just experience the joy that may be as simple as sharing a meal, seeing a movie with friends, having a cup of coffee with a good book, or just hanging with the family or loved ones watching TV. 

Here is my wish for you this magical holiday season: May you stop the madness that is life these daze for just a spell and look at the people around you. Ask yourself, 'why are they around you?'  Hopefully the answer is because you chose to have them in your life.  Now, take some time to let them know why. 


Here's wishing you and your families a relaxing, safe, and blessed Christmas holiday season and may the new year bring you good health, lot's of laughter, happiness and prosperity. 

Peace and Love,

Markbear & family


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4 comments:

  1. UnknownDecember 23, 2013 at 9:27 AM

    Very well written, Uncle Mark! A nice reminder to drop the "stuff" and embrace what we are already so blessed to have: each other. Merry Christmas to you and your family!!

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    1. MarkbearDecember 27, 2013 at 7:49 PM

      Thank you Amy, it was great talking with you on Christmas. As I told you, Elaine O'Toole told me you & I are the 'deep thinkers' of the family (as scary as that thought is) it's mostly just because we are the only ones who write and 'put ourselves out there' so-to-speak. You are so aware of feelings and emotions and are such a good writer who has the ability to put into words what so many of us feel - it's a special gift and I know people really enjoy your well articulated insights (and goofy family stories ;-) Peace and Love! Uncle Mark-

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  2. TeriDecember 26, 2013 at 10:31 PM

    My thoughts just about exactly as I surf social media. Ironic.

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    1. MarkbearDecember 27, 2013 at 8:06 PM

      Thanks Teri. I often think of you and Hank during the holidays and the wonderful cruise we shared a couple of years ago. Social Media is an incredible and strange phenomenon in so many ways. One observation I have is that what it really has done is shortened the route between one's brain (i.e., mouth) and the intended audience at, pardon the pun, breathtaking speed. Reminds me of Marcia Ball's song Louella, "Telegram, Telephone, tell Louella & everybody knows, if you tell Louella you might as well have put it on the radio; she'll spread the story around, she's very indiscreet, she'll put your private life in the street" . Nothing is more evident of this than Twitter (or more damning). It FLOORS me how few people understand this, as witnessed by countless careers being trashed by this :-( Love ya' lady and looking forward to Jazzfest 2014 - hopefully you can join us!

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