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“Why do we love the sea? Is it because it makes us think things we like to think?” I say it’s
because here we are simply able to think! It is one of the few places where computers and other
electronic devices don’t exist, with the exception of the ever-present cell phone. These wonders of
technology have blazed a path into the future while stripping away the fabric of our lives. It is very
cool and convenient to be able to connect with humankind instantaneously, but on the same note,
this nonstop advance in 24/7 communication has infringed on our personal space. Granted these
little devices have made finding someone on the beach much easier, but a good old fashioned, face to
face, uninterrupted conversation has become almost obsolete. Sadly, I see our children suffering
from this new technology, which isn’t really new to them at all.
“Why do we love the sea? Is it because it makes us think things we like to think?” I say it’s
because here we are simply able to think! It is one of the few places where computers and other
electronic devices don’t exist, with the exception of the ever-present cell phone. These wonders of
technology have blazed a path into the future while stripping away the fabric of our lives. It is very
cool and convenient to be able to connect with humankind instantaneously, but on the same note,
this nonstop advance in 24/7 communication has infringed on our personal space. Granted these
little devices have made finding someone on the beach much easier, but a good old fashioned, face to
face, uninterrupted conversation has become almost obsolete. Sadly, I see our children suffering
from this new technology, which isn’t really new to them at all.
I think that “No Cell Phone” signs should be posted next to the “Swim near a Lifeguard” signs for
the younger generation. All they miss during their endless text messaging is a tragedy. Kids need to
learn to be kids again. Every child ought to replace web surfing with the real thing, even if for a day!
It feeds their souls in such a natural way. Ask my son about the baby dolphin that frolicked all around
his surfboard one dusky evening last summer and he’ll happily tell you it was the most beautiful day
he ever had on the water, but he says that after every surf session!I think we adults could take a lesson from the dolphins on being as free as a kid again. I was
thinking about being a kid again the other day while riding my bike along Surf Avenue, driving up into
the sloped carport of the Chateau Blue Motel as I had done so many years before, reliving that same
free feeling.
When I stop and think about the turning of this new century, I am just as guilty as the next
person ~ my computer(s) can attest to that. If I had to do The SUN the old fashioned paste-up way,
I would never see the beach! The faster and more steadfast the pace becomes, the more eager I am
to retreat to the beach and admire the beauty of its gentle currents and all that it contains, watching
and wondering what the dolphins are doing under the deep blue sea while waiting for them to
surface.
As we welcome in a new season, it’s more important than ever to think happy, positive thoughts.
I pray that you will find whatever you came here looking for, and along the way, you will be blessed.
It’s easy to be swept away into the world of technological advancements, but it’s also nice to have
device-free days reminiscent of the good old days. I think vacation time is a good time to re-think, reclaim,
and re-create what is truly yours for the taking ~ time by-the-sea.
See you on the beach!
Publisher, editor, and artist
The SUN by-the–sea, , WILDWOOD, NJ
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