Mark pointed to this picture recently from Matt Rees
It’s an amazing picture and both Mark and Matt share thoughts on mementos and technology getting in the way of the experience.

Why do people feel that they want a memento of an occasion like this. Why is it that we are unable to be enveloped within and enjoy the experience itself? I know, however, if I was in that room I would be doing the same – taking my crappy little picture on my phone to put on my blog … but why?

Is it something to do with wanting to feel important – taking the photo shows others that you were there. Is it to show others … children and grandchildren in times to come? Could it be to serve as a reminder, in the full knowledge that the memory of the event will fade unless we something to remind us?

Since September I have been keeping a journal to write thoughts that I wish to keep private rather than broadcast on SHP. It strikes me today that this is a kind of memento where I ‘enjoy the experience’ while also making a written record of it.

I have only been keeping this journal for 4 months but reading through my early reflections already sounds weird. Some of the stuff I can’t believe I wrote only 2 months ago. It’s been good to read as when I have been looking at my memento I have been reminded of conversations, of ideas and as I dwell on them I remember more and different things about the day in question.

So even though at first sight this picture may look a little sad – the taking of these pictures will not only serve as a memento to a great day but will also serve as a reminder for other thoughts, conversations and happenings of the day itself. Without that memento I forget those things that bring both tears and smiles to my face.