For an hour tucked under the warm bedding of before get-out-of-bed time there is so much to learn. Knowledge awaits. While the daily distraction of a smartphone can hinder quietness and interpersonal relationships, it provides a multitude and myriad of sources to ingest information. There it is, on my bedside table, fully charged.
As I scroll down the morning newsfeed, one I realize has been personally created for me by an AI somewhere above the hills of California, I am invited to delve into non-fiction sci-fi, tech gift ideas, political upheaval/ridiculousness, recipes to promote healthy aging, sports articles I wish I cared about but don’t. There is so much information at my indexes available 24/7. I don’t always start my day perusing said chosen articles but on days when I don’t have to rush the morning routine, I browse as the sunlight slowly brightens through the blinds.
The first article to grab my attention is one about all the monoliths appearing around the world. Why haven’t I heard about this? I’m intrigued to find out how the monoliths got to these remote areas, what materials they’re made of, and the conspiracies surrounding them all. Turns out it may be a prank by a calculated performance artist. Or aliens.
I skip all the political articles for now because I really just need some fluff to enter my brain before coffee. So I check out the one about last night’s supposed spot-on performances by some SNL cast members impersonating the political ridiculousness. It’s amusing and relevant and I appreciate the talent. I then scroll on to digest some rather thought-provoking content.
A few weeks ago a song entered my brain, one I hadn’t listened to in probably decades. So I downloaded The Pharcyde’s “Passin’ Me By” into my iTunes library. I listened to that CD with my brother during various car rides and in our friend’s garage band he-shed. This morning I stumble onto an article about that very album. The band’s inspiration was part Richard Pryor and part self-reflection. Goofiness and funky beats amid the time of evolving hard-core rap. This read filled me with unexpected appreciation and some inspiring tips to relay to my son, who is deeply interested in making a living in the arts.
I give myself an hour, because I need a time limit. There are other activities and chores to do. Plus, coffee. I click off my screen and walk to the kitchen with a little more information in my brain. In olden times/when lip liner was in, I would have to purchase multiple magazines and newspapers to gather all that info (there is something about physically turning the pages and smelling the printed pulp though, right?).
So I find the fitting and the fluff, all within minutes, a hand’s reach, and before the drip and hiss of the coffee maker beckons. My brain is satiated for now.
Busted Flip Flops 