Facing a dying nation of moving paper fantasy
Listening for the new told lies
With supreme visions of lonely tunes[...]

Let the sunshine, let the sunshine in
The sunshine in

Maybe I have simply watched Hair and Across the Universe a few too many times but I often feel that I belong in the sixties and seventies. Not just because of the hair, the music and the clothes (though admittedly images do factor into the equation) but also because of the desire to be a part of such a widespread movement of peace, love and not accepting the status quo as truth.

My parents grew up in the “hippy” generation and I wonder if they would find my thoughts on it and romanticized. I wonder if they had as jaded an outlook on their peers as I do? My generation seems so selfish at times, so disconnected from the idea of compassion and too plugged into personal drama. It is hard to have a real conversation with someone anymore without them multitasking a million other things on some electronic device or them thinking that your opinions are a direct assault on them.

Not that I think we are doomed or should ditch our cellphones and laptops and run off to some off the grid commune to live in peace and love. I’m not a luddite (though some might call me one in jest!) nor do I believe in shutting out the world (how then can you fix the injustices?) I do think it is so important to unplug, step back, and consider if we are on the right track sometimes. The world is not going to end if we cannot check facebook, take a walk, or go to the store without our cell phones. I don’t think it would hurt any of us to slow down and appreciate a slow pace in life. I personally think it would make us healthier.

I am curious about what people think of my generation, including my peers. I know we are not all drama-queens and kings where the number of thiings we own and people we use dictate our place in some imaginary popularity contest; but I admit, it feels that way some days.

(Until my new camera arrives my Aunt Ruth has graciously allowed me to use her stunning photos in my posts. Check out her blog and flickr.)