Good morning Barry. I don't use my cell for photos, in fact I seldom have i9n except in the car. Well. done.

It is amazing how attached at the hip we are with our cellphones these days.  I forgot mine when I went on a short excursion a couple weeks ago, and had to do some deep breathing exercises to alleviate the anxiety.

CONGRATULATIONS Barry, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Club group!  

Because I live and work in a valley with no cell phone reception, I don't even own a fancy phone. There's a throw-away phone that stays in the car in case we need to call home, call for directions, etc. when one of us is away.

Meanwhile - I have missed some enjoyment at times when I've seen wildlife and scrambled to try and get a photo.

There are certain times that the phone should be muted or turned off completely. Family reunions, visits, meals and personal moments to relax and meditate are a few to mention.

Walking in the park, at the beach or exploring new places or things are some more and finally when you're with your grandchildren.

Children observe and usually follow what family members do, so, no cell phones, tablets or excuses to pick up such devices. The time spent with your children and grandchildren are priceless and once that time is spent, you'll have cherished memories for as long as you live. 

Hi Barry- I've thought about that as I've been standing at a gathering or party taking photos. What am I missing by trying to get the right shot?  

I don't capture everything on my phone--meaning photographing food, surprises, etc.  However that generation who grew up with constact documentation of their daily moves, and who continually document themselves...are they missing out on 'the real thing'??

                                Thank you, Barry.

People can not survive w/o a cellular phones anymore . China got so far advanced skip the line phone and 20 century technology headed for 21st century on everything. They had CDMA(i.e. 2-3g) technology 20 years ago, it does not surprise me they will head for 6G, 7G before anyone. Any remote rural had cell phone towers in the late 90s. The beggers today on the street use smart phone to collect donations using a QRS code and Wechat. Fewer people carry cash or credit cards these days.  It started as chip card in the 1990s by bypassing magnetic strip at very beginning. 

I photograph every birthday for all five of my grandbabies. I then create a video slideshow of the photos. Yes, it's a lot of work and sometimes I resent my role a little bit. But...if I weren't shooting I would more than likely just be sitting in one location talking with whoever for most of the party.

I will say...it is nice to just be sitting, no camera in hand, at my sister's grandchildren's parties. LOL

Thought provoking post.   I get a little anxious when I'm without my phone.    And you're right - if we can't share the moment on social media, did it really happen?   Were we really there?    I'm glad you were able to be fully present for your daughter's ceremony.

Due to the onset of my mid-life chrysalis (not a crisis, but a transition) last year, I scaled my business way, way, way, waaaaaaaaay back and what followed was a period of intentional disconnectedness. Throughout my life I have been a chronic overcommitter, a human doing rather than a human being. Ditching the handheld, attention-sucking slave master is one of the best things I have learned to do.

I totally agree - we can be fully present in the moment when we don't have the phone with us. But it's become very hard not to have it in our hand/pocket/whatever.