On Vacation -- And Channeling My Inner Madonna

• Comment (3)
• Recommend (4)
• Tweet
• 

I’m posting today from Mackinac (pronounced Mackinaw) Island, Michigan, where the smell of horse manure or fudge fills the air, depending on which direction you turn. If you’ve never been – and, really, you should go -- it’s an island that has committed to forgetting time, despite the Wifi access at the hotel. No cars are allowed here, so people get about either by taking a horse-drawn taxi, walking, or biking, mostly on single speed bikes, known affectionately as “cruisers.” At times, over the last few days, I’ve felt like I was channeling Almira Gulch from “The Wizard of Oz.”

In fact, I’m so out of it right now that I only just learned that Katie Holmes is planning to divorce Tom Cruise. And, earlier this morning, my husband and I had a debate about whether it was 8:43 or 9:43. We’ve completely lost track of time

But the contemporary world intruded yesterday morning, during a smoothie run just after the family had rented bikes for the day. My husband went to take a picture of the rest of the group with his Sony Cybershot – which, compared to my Android’s phone, is anything but.  As I was smiling for the camera, a little voice within started to criticize the exercise as pointless, or at the very least complicated, because, man, was it going to be a bitch to post something from his camera to Facebook. No built-in 3G or Wifi access? What’s the point of that?

And then it hit me: I wasn’t channeling Almira Gulch these last few days as much as I was channeling Madonna in her 1991 documentary: “Truth or Dare.” If you don’t know what I’m talking about, I give you the words of then-boyfriend Warren Beatty, who commented about the constant presence of Madonna’s camera crew: “Why would you say something if it's off-camera?”

Yes, I’ve gone from taking photos for posterity, to be shared among a small group of family and friends, to feeling that everything should be shared with everyone, as anyone who is a friend of mine on Facebook knows. My cell phone photos over the last 10 days from Wrigley Field, Wisconsin and various places on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan now dominate my Facebook page. While I’m certainly not as prolific about posting personal photos as some people, for me, this new trend in my life is just a tad disturbing. It also may explain why my eight-year-old daughter, halfway through the trip, suddenly became camera-shy.

Can’t I just enjoy my vacation in isolation? Apparently, since I’m sharing my thoughts on this, the answer is no.

• Comment (3)
• Recommend (4)
• Tweet
• 

3 comments on "On Vacation -- And Channeling My Inner Madonna ".

1. Geoff Simon from Simon Search Marketing
   

   commented on: July 5, 2012 at 3:45 p.m.
   I've been to the U.P and Mackinac, that hour you lost was probably about as much time as I would recommend anyone spend there. Just my opinion, but then again i'm not much into taffy, fudge or horse buggies and bikes. The rest of the trip sounds fun though.
2. George Parker from Parker Consultants
   

   commented on: July 5, 2012 at 5:48 p.m.
   Cathy... You MUST STOP with this social networking bullshit. Next thing you'll be on Second Life and your avatar will be a dead ringer for a young Maureen O'Hara (that's a compliment!) And, I honestly don't need to see a picture of "The Jerky Outlet," unless it's the best bar on the island. Or, the only bar on the island. Are you going to be the first on your block with "Google Specs?" Then you can walk around crashing into all the people on your block whilst updating your Facebook page. Fight it Cathy... Fight it. Cheers/George "AdScam" Parker
3. Catherine Maino from Mosaic, Innovations in Marketing
   

   commented on: July 6, 2012 at 11:28 a.m.
   Geoff, I hail from the great state of MI and have ventured to Mackinac Island many times. No, it does not focus on margaritas, beach volleyball, topless beaches or azure waters....but it has its own beauty! Great history, a GORGEOUS historical hotel....The Grand Hotel, lighthouses peppered throughout and a relaxed feel. The state of Michigan offers so much more than most people realize. There are more golf courses per capita than any other state in the union and if you love fresh water, you can't drive more than a handful of miles without hitting a lake! Fresh water fish, boating, skiing.... Then there is the beauty and fun of the winter. I realize it isn't the ideal destination for all people, but the state is struggling to come back and it could use a little boost of positive comments to encourage tourism. I now live in VA, a beautiful, historical state. I appreciate the benefits of both lands.

Leave a Comment