November 22, 2010

My Good Friends.

With the imminence of the Thanksgiving Holiday and the fact that November is often viewed as a month in which many express their gratitude, I decided to acknowledge my two very dear companions; my two dear friends of perhaps the unusual kind, but with whose help I am able to express myself in pictures and words.

These are perhaps not friends as such, but they are my tools, they are almost extensions of myself, allowing me to use my own capabilities to their full potential; my small 'point and shoot' camera and my laptop computer.

I simply can not live without these two items any longer.
They are invaluable and priceless, as they follow me everywhere I go, helping me document what I see and feel at any given moment.

The camera is a Nikon Coolpix.  It is very simple and very small, fitting in the palm of my hand easily, or in almost any pocket, making it so effortless to carry. Of course it has its limitations, nevertheless it has taken some stunning images, as it enables me to eternalize moments in time. Capturing unforgettable natural wonders, the beauty of seasons and sunsets, the faces of family and friends, highlighting special occasions in my life.

My laptop is an Apple MacBook. I am a devoted apple fan and have been a mac user since I first saw a Macintosh commercial in the cinema in the early eighties. Even though it has a few years on its back and we all know the light speed with which computers evolve today, this is by far the best computer I have ever own. I have my life on its hard-drive, pretty much. I use in my writing, I use to it surf the net, to organize and store my photographs. I use it in my work, I use it to pay bills, to watch movies, to listen to music. I keep in touch with family and friends through its software.
And I am able to be online and share my sentiments, thoughts and reflections with all of you, a fact that will forever entice and fascinate me.

Even though there is so much more that I am grateful for and even though I know that the quality of my life is not solely based on technology or material items, I still do recognize the incredible potential that modern technology does provide.

Used wisely and with good intentions, it enriches our life in the most profound way possible.

44 comments:

Unknown said...

Zuzana: Just thought I'd write to say that we were on the same page today with our blogs about technology! Remember to back up your hard drive! xoxo! :D)

Rajesh said...

I am with you on this. Happy Thanksgiving.

Kath said...

My laptop has made it possible to make wonderful freinds all over the world, how cool is that :D

A Bit of the Blarney said...

I agree with you! Miss PC and Mr. Canon have become very close to me as well. Because of them and their frequent use I think I have become more aware of the beauty in word and pictures around me! I too acknowledge them as my friends! Wishing you well!! Cathy

Brian Miller said...

nice. i used to be an apple fan...when i had one...guess i still am....if i had one...yeah i am slightly jealous....smiles. and you do very well for using a point and shoot....

Joe Todd said...

Enjoyed many of your posts and photos. My coolpix is at the bottom of a very deep lake in Canada so I got a Nikon D3000 which works well for me.

Mahmud Yussop said...

Cool friends you've got there. Have always enjoyed your posts and pictures. I learn with much empathy about the four seasons from your blog more than I have read or seen on tv or movies. For that I'm very grateful. The seasonal changes in your country really amazes me where in our evergreen tropical climate things look pretty guaranteed climatically .But best of all your 'thoughts out of seasons' are inspiring indeed. Wish you all the best as always.

Ash said...

Totally agree with you. Gorgeous pictures( cant help but say it again and again - i LOVE your photos!)

Velvet Over Steel said...

I totally agree! These 2 things have help ultimately change my life Forever this past year!!!

GREAT things to be grateful for, esp. since they help you share so much 'inspiration' with us All!

Love you and your blog, Zuzana!!
Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving week!! :-)
Blessings & Many Hugs,
Coreen

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

"...modern technology..."

"Used wisely and with good intentions, it enriches our life in the most profound way possible."


And therein lies the secret. Simplifying our life doesn't mean "throwing out the baby with the bathwater." It means wise use of tools, by individuals, making each life better lived.

I love my Mac too! :-) It's old, since it's the last iMac 'Flower' model. But it continues to serve me well. :-)

And I'm nearly at the point of solving my pesky Blogger problem too! Not yet, but I see "light at the end of the tunnel." Soon hope to be doing -a happy dance-. :-)

S. Susan Deborah said...

Zuzana:

So many things to be thankful for. I have many such things as well. Life gives us so many reasons to be thankful for and I am happy for everything.

Joy always,
Susan

Claus said...

There's technology that has become, indeed, an extension of our lives!! We could not possible continue without them in this day and age. Especially so, if we are somehow "involved" in the Internet world ;o)
have a great day!!

Sumandebray said...

you are a proud owner of a mac... The mean machine. My earlier laptop used to be a similar companion. As long as I used to be at home and awake, that used to be on!
these days my trsted camera is getting overlooked as the phone camera is more handy and available
It was a Nice post to read

Rustique Gal said...

Zuzana, I love this post. I have the same feelings for my Canon 8.5 MP camera and my Imac. I am still having problems posting comments, but will keep trying!
Hugs,
Sherry

Rustique Gal said...

Wow, it worked! Have a great day, Friend!
Sherry

Keera Ann Fox said...

Mmmm... Mac-user since 1989 here. Typing this on a MacBook Pro, which is my best friend in technology. I am currently looking for new friends: A new cell phone and a new compact camera for daily use (I have a bigger camera for vacations). I love that your Nikon will fit into a pocket so it's easy to always bring along.

Yes, today's cell phones have cameras but it turns out that those cameras aren't really all that good, not even at 8 megapixels. So I'd rather have a phone that's excellent in other areas, and a good, small camera.

I think you use your technology well. It enriches your life and delights the rest of us. :-)

Anonymous said...

Cameras and computers - they're right up there with the other important C in life: chocolate!

Hilary said...

I so agree. I have only ever owned Macs and probably always will. And you know how I feel about my camera. And Lady Fi is so right.. add Chocolate to that and life is good!

Laura said...

Me ToO Zuzana...these are basically my most prized possessions (different camera, but same idea!)

These are the objects in my life that I depend on to feel connected to the world beyond myself and within myself. And I am so deeply grateful for being born at a time in which such incredible technological devises are available!

adrielleroyale said...

This is all so true! The same items are my creative extension, my outlet that would go otherwise unnoticed! :) And what a great pair of tools to help meet new people all around this beautiful world! I know I am grateful for these things so that I can connect with wonderful people such as yourself!

sprinkles said...

I have a love/hate relationship with my computer at times. I love it because it's allowed me to make so many friends all over the world, including you! I hate it when it isn't working like it should.

I wish I had a camera like that. Yours takes excellent pictures. Mine is of very poor quality. Hopefully one day I'll be able to afford a much better one.

My mom has an Apple Mac too. She just loves it. The school I'll be attending next year only sells Mac computers and products.

Unknown said...

I would have serious withdrawal symptoms if my computer crashed!! or if my camera broke. I may get hives just thinking about it. lol

Bhushavali said...

So true!!! For me its my cam, lappy and my cell phone!!!
Office Outfit - 20
Trichy Temple Tour - Part 2

steviewren said...

Like you, my camera and computer have enhanced my life. My Internet connection has linked me with all types of people at any time of the day to discuss every kind of topic, in a way that is not possible when living alone. I've been inspired to write more, think creatively more often and look at the world with different eyes.

So, I'm thankful for the people I've met through my camera, computer and the Internet as well.

steviewren said...

Oops, I forgot to add my Thanksgiving greetings to you. Happy Thanksgiving dear friend!

Anonymous said...

I'm not surprised at all to see that we have the exact same computer :) I'm on my second Mac laptop - My husband uses Macs too (we're "mac-a-holics" :) - I remember when they first came out and our class (in grade school) got a few of them - they were so simple back then - this small square "box" with such a tiny screen - but yet soooo cool! :)

As for the camera - mine is very similar - but it's a Sony Coolpix :) Our other cameras are Nikons...

I love how technology has been able to connect people who otherwise wouldn't have met... so yes - I too am grateful for all that technology has given me :)

I wish you a very special and blessed Thanksgiving Zuzana ~ I'm grateful for our friendship!!!

((Hugs))
Christine :)

Kat Mortensen said...

Not unusual at all, Zuzu. I give thanks for them as well.

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Kat

Joanna Jenkins said...

I'm with you! I too am thankful for my MacBook. I switched to Mac kicking and screaming from a PC two years ago and now I don't know who I lived without it.

And my camera-- a simple point and shoot-- I have taken so many pics filled with wonderful memories.

Yep, I'm thankful for them too!

Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for being a loyal blog friend. I really appreciate it. xo jj

NENSA MOON said...

You're truly right, Zuzana... nowadays laptop and camera were being the best friends of most every people in this planet!

Happy Thanks giving to you, dear friend! hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving with your loved family.
hugs,
nensa

Holly said...

I am glad that you cannot live without your laptop or your camera because of the wonderful things the rest of us would miss out on if you didn't always generously share your insights with us.
I am sorry that I haven't been around much. Catching up on your posts is always like reading a good book! I have missed you and it is nice to be back in the comfort of your blog. It is warm and inviting.

Your November Nostalgia post was BREATHTAKING!!
xoxox- Holly

imbeingheldhostage said...

Oh! You're a Nikon user and Apple lover-- we're going to be the best of friends!! :-) Great gratitude post. Will you celebrate Thanksgiving? If so, wishing you the best one yet.

Phivos Nicolaides said...

I think that you have more than two (camera and laptop) dear companions, for an example your mobile phone... and your visa card!!:):)

Hope Adela Pasztor said...

happy thanksgiving! i can't wait to get my own camera! =)

http://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/

Myrna R. said...

It's weird, but last night I dreamt about people taking pictures with little cameras, and in my dream I decided I wanted one. Maybe, that'll be my request for Santa this year. Your lovely photos do inspire me to document life in still imagery.

I am also grateful for technology. It may have its dark side, but don't we all.

Anonymous said...

Technology opens our world and that is a good thing. I am now using the camera on my new iphone instead on my regular camera because the quality is so much better. But we just have a small 35 mm camera. Yours looks very nice and the photos you post are so good. I used to have a laptop, but have now gone back to a PC and seem to be happier with that. I had problems with wireless connection in our area.
Stay warm and enjoy your lovely snow. We have only had tiny flurries one day : )
Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

My grandparents would be amused what we cannot live without these days! Great post sweetie!

God bless and have a wonderful Thanksgiving with all the trimmins...especially pie baby! Heeehehehe!

Titane333 said...

Hello Zuzanna, it's always a pleasure to walk here. My first reflex camera was also a Nikon coolpix. Now he's "dead" and I have a Sony, Mr Sony as I like to call it. It is also my friend. Like when you say that your camera is a part of you, it's so poetic. Thank you for your words!
xoxo

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

Zuzana, I am thankful for you and your refreshing blog all the way across the ocean!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
XXOO
Jill

SandyCarlson said...

I am grateful to the world that created these tools for you so that you can easily place yourself in my world. I am better for it. Thank you so much.

Maria said...

I love my laptop and phone too. My phone, as of now, contains my camera. Yes, it beomes very difficult to live without these tools, our lives are bound up in them

Sandy said...

Agree completely with your observations Zuzana! I love my Apple MacBook laptop too. I always drooled over the Apple computers in the stores...always wanted one...and finally got mine when we retired. It is such a dream to use and type upon. And right next to my Apple always close is my Canon PowerShot...my little point and shoot takes excellent photos. They are both attached to my hip now that I am a blogger.

tony said...

I Salute The Artist Behind The Camera!

Unknown said...

I am so in need of a laptop... looking at the Mac.

Zuzana said...

Michael, Rajesh, Kath, Cathy, Brian, Joe (welcome), Mahmood, Ash, Coreen, Amelia, Susan, Claudia, Sumandebray, Sherry, Keera, ladyfi, Hilary, Laura, adrielle, sprinkles, Doreen, Bhushavali, Stevie, Christine, Kat, Joanna, Nensa, Holly, imbeingheldhostage (welcome), Philip, Adela, Myrna, LadyCat, Nezzy, Christiane, Jill, Sandy, Maria, Sandy, tony and deb (welcome) – it was so delightful to read all of your comments here today as so many of you seem to be able to relate to the sentiments in this post.

I guess all of us bloggers know how important computer and internet is in our lives. I have recently lost the use of my laptop and internet for a short time and it was indeed almost traumatic. I am so used to have these in my life, they are vital.

Thank you so much for always finding the time to stop by and for your kind words and your compliments, which warm my heart.

Xoxo
Zuzana