I’m sure that when we first got mail service, a mother who missed her adult son said, “Now he doesn’t have to visit, he just writes a letter,” and it broke her heart.
And I’ll bet when we first got telephones that some jilted lover missed seeing her man face-to-face when he called.
And TV sure did it’s part to break up the family conversation around the dinner table.
But we got used to these things. With the passing of time, we became accustomed to each new way of communicating and being, and only bemoaned technology when a new one popped up.
These days with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, texting, it’s almost like technology is enabling us to connect again.
But is it really?
When you don’t see facial expressions or reactions, are you really connecting?
With record numbers of people struggling with depression, addiction and loneliness and countless others thinking suicide is their best option, isn’t it time we reexamine the value of connecting one-to-one and creating a sense of belonging through community?
A recurring conversation I find myself a part of, is whether technology has marked the end of connecting with people or opened up a way to connect that would not have been possible in days gone by.
Louise wrote on Monday in her post 52 Acts of Grace l week 2 about how difficult it is to share even a smile with people on the sidewalk or C-train, because most folks seem to be staring at the tiny screen on their cell phone.
I’m sure we can all share tales of being at meetings or out with friends only to be interrupted or completely ignored because someone is texting or Facebooking or Tweeting or taking selfies or…
I’ve been guilty of it myself.
I have a friend who admonishes me every time I take a picture, convinced that I’m missing the real-life-sized experience when I’m looking at it through the screen of my Blackberry Q10.
And I admit that any picture I’ve ever taken pales in comparison to the beautiful beach, mountain range or sunset I view in person with my own eyes.
Maybe while trying to capture the moment, I lose it all together.
And then there’s safety!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been walking down the street and I have to stop dead in my tracks, because the person approaching me is staring at that screen, completely unaware of what’s going on around them. I cannot guess if they will go left or right and so I stop. When they finally sense my presence it shocks them – some have even given me dirty looks!
More frightening are the times I cross the street and someone making a right-hand turn while using their device narrowly avoids hitting me with their car. I’ve learned to make eye contact before stepping into the cross walk.
So when I read Louise’s post on Monday, I mentioned I was texting on Easter Sunday. I couldn’t be with my family. My brother and his family and my mom were having lunch at the Willows Inn in Hudson, Quebec and the next best thing to being there was texting each other Easter wishes and real-time photos.
So you see sometimes technology does connect us. Only problem is, I was walking while texting and almost tripped on a crack in the sidewalk!
Below, the pictures we took and shared in real-time
Mom and Mike at Willows Inn
Me on the corner of 14th Str and 13 Ave SW
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
So what do you think? Does technology connect or disconnect us?
Before I get too deep into this post I want to explain something. I’m not an artist, but I know when I like a painting. And I’m not an author but I can appreciate a good book. I’m also not a musician but I know good music when I hear it. Or as I used to say as a teenager, I may not be able to make a watch, but I can tell the time!
Off and on since I was 16 years old I’ve dreamt of owning my own bar.
I think it’s the social aspect, the idea of people gathering and enjoying each other’s company that appeals to me.
Over the years, what that would look like has changed many times, yet the idea of owning a bar has continued to visit me from time to time.
Maybe one day I will own one. Maybe I won’t – but either way I want to share the following concept with you and hear what you think.
About a year ago I came up with a conceptual idea for what this bar would look and feel like. The following song would be the indicator that the entertainment is about to begin.
And that’s why I would call my bar The Hole in the Wall. Imagine if you will; a red brick building. On the outside wall, a mural that looks like bricks have been knocked out and left a hole that allows you to peer inside to see the silhouette of a band and folks dancing. There would be plenty of parking and an outdoor courtyard to cool off from all the dancing you would do.
Me and my friend Sandra out and about at some dancing joint.
Inside is a big open space with an elevated stage large enough to accommodate a 7-man band. The stage overlooks a large dance floor with plenty of room for people to dance. Tables would seat six and it would be the norm to expect people you don’t know to sit with you if you and your guests are not taking up the entire table.
The Hole in the Wall would not have a restaurant. We know you get hungry so to sate your appetite and save ourselves the hassle of cooking, we would promote our neighbouring eateries by providing their take-out menus at each table.
That’s right – just pick up your iPhone and call your favourite restaurant and have them deliver to your table!
The motto of the bar would be: For the love of people, great music and dancing
For the love of people
I would want to create an unpretentious and relaxing atmosphere – a place where everyone would feel comfortable, regardless of age or station in life. A place where you could spend time with your adult children – where all of you would have fun together – imagine that!
The Hole in the Wall would hire staff that are energetic, fun-loving people lovers! It would be more important to be relational than to have previous experience. Bar-related skills can be taught!
Philanthropy would be highly encouraged and expected. Staff would have opportunities to share the causes they believe in and engage with charities to organize regular fundraisers that not only raise funds but provide opportunity for organizations to volunteer at the event and engage with patrons.
Because we love people, alcohol consumption would be monitored. The Hole in the Wall is not about getting drunk, it’s about enjoying the music, dancing and the company of good friends. Don’t be surprised if we bring you a glass of water or a cup coffee with a kind word to encourage you to slow down. Sound unusual? I’ve seen it work in other places!
For the love of great music
The Hole in the Wall would strive to make a name for itself by attracting the best blues and jazz bands for the weekends. These bands would love the large stage and acoustics and would be compensated well. During the week, The Hole in the Wall would be a place where talented ‘up and comers’ could become known and kick off their careers. Who knows perhaps The Hole, as it will be affectionately called, will become so well-known that professional artists will sneak in for impromptu sets after their concert at the Saddledome!
For the love of dancing
Does it matter if you can dance? Nah, as long as you’re having fun – that’s what it’s all about!
Maybe organized activities could include riding bikes that are too small for you?
Whether you’re a trained dancer or just a hotdogger like me, if you love to dance – The Hole in the Wall would be the place for you. We won’t judge you!
The Hole in the Wall would be a safe and fun place to dance and enjoy a night out. During the day we would organize fun activities like they do at resorts. If you can’t laugh at your best friend making a fool of himself, who can you laugh at?
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
What do you think?
Would you come to a place like the Hole in the Wall?
