Going Analog
In 2019 I started on a journey to release myself from the grip of digital encumbrances. Not entirely removing digital influence from my life but making conscious decisions to choose more analog activities. It was designed as a way to reduce the constant input I felt. The buzz of energy that took over my very being. I called this project “Going Analog”.
It’s been seven years. I’ve made some good progress but nowhere near what I expected. A lot has happened in that time. Some months were highly focused while others fell by the wayside. Overall, though, I look back with fond memories of what I’ve accomplished. Though, as I said, it’s far less than what I would have expected for seven years.
So, here I am typing a digital blog using my Royal Quiet De Luxe, listening to the birds of the evening while I sit on my porch. I finally figured out a good table that sits at just the right height for me to type out here. The bench that I sit upon, I made by hand. My wife crafted the cushions and so this spot is even more special and appropriate to this topic.
“Going Analog” was born from overwhelm. I decided to lean into non-digital hobbies, woodworking being my top choice. Gardening, leathercraft, candle making, bread baking, and a slew of other options presented themselves. So, when I say this bench is especially appropriate, I mean that it was part of my woodworking practice. It’s on my apartment patio which also happens to be my garden. Not to mention the shared venture with my wife. The birds that sing along as I write are just a bonus.
The sun is setting with its soft glow slowly fading on the forest hillside that sits to the right of my view. This scene happened daily but I don’t take full advantage of it like I should. Nature calms the soul and I’m lucky enough to have it surround me in its embrace.
So, as days go on I’ll be writing. Sometimes in my office, where the typewriter rests by the window, and other times I’ll be out here. The art of typing forces a slowdown. It requires you to think, to pause, for even just a moment. There is no backspace that will erase mistakes or a poorly written sentence. Only the red marker. Even that requires more care than a simple set of keystrokes that vanish a show of your faults. But that’s a great reminder of how far you’ve come.
No project is right on the first pass. It’s important to see the process. With that in mind I’ll make sure to post a photo with the article. Red marks and all. You’ll see improper keystrokes as I get ahead of myself and where I decide to change the composition. Remember, no matter how polished we present something there was always a beginning.
Embrace the mistakes.
Celebrate imperfection.
