My Convenience

Dewitt Jones found inspiration in a beautiful landscape and an unlikely camera, his Apple iPhone.

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"How times are changing," "I thought, as I read the bulletin board at the Grandview Campground in California’s White Mountains. As might be expected, the postings explained the Forest Service rules for spending the night. Perfectly normal. But then, down at the bottom, under all the regulations, someone had tacked up a handwritten note that read, "Best cell phone coverage is four switchbacks up the road on your left!"

In my pocket, my new iPhone actually seemed to twitch as I read those words. I could feel a surge of maniacal energy. A large part of me desperately wanted to leap back in my car, rush up the road and check out my newly discovered coverage.

I managed to quell those desires and began to set up camp. I was embarrassed at my reaction. Why was I so hooked into all my high-tech tools? Why do I check my e-mail before I brush my teeth? Why do I answer my cell phone when I’m driving or reading or even shooting photographs? Am I using technology or is it using me? Who’s in control here, anyway?!

I remembered a story I once heard of an old Vermonter. At the age of 80, he had finally purchased a phone for his farmhouse. A friend stopped by and, as they sat talking, the phone started ringing. It rang and rang, but the old man never moved. Finally, his friend said, "For God’s sake, Emmett, why don’t you answer the phone!" To which Emmett quietly replied, "I had that phone put in for my convenience."

"You got it right, Emmett," I said to myself. "If only I could do that."

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