Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

Usually, I have no idea what I want for my birthday, but this time I had something resembling a clue. A friend of mine had bought herself a sleek new digital camera, and her breathtaking photos of plants and insects, plus her loving online odes to her new camera, convinced me it was the camera I wanted.

I wrote "Canon Powershot S400 Elph" on the post-it note where I've also reminded myself to buy "The Ataris" album (done) and "Macy Gray" (soon).

So this time when Dad asked what I wanted, I knew exactly what to tell him. It was only later that I realized the camera, at $500, was a bit pricier than I'd thought. I told him that he could consider it my Christmas present, too.

I went home for my birthday right before my dad and vacationed in Vermont. My family took me out to dinner, where my mom gave me a blender (also a special request from me) and my sister gave me two really cool chokers. I was excited about the camera and started charging the battery immediately, hoping to use it soon.

I was in for some disappointment. Every time I tried to turn it on, the lens would extend and then the camera would beep five times, the lens would retract and the camera would turn itself off. The message on the screen was, as I remember, F18.

Thinking that maybe the battery had to charge longer, I charged it overnight. But it still wouldn't work. Next day, we were off to Vermont, so there was no time to take it back to the store. Instead, I called the Canon toll-free customer service number. I knew it was a bad sign when they said, "Do you have your receipt?"

So I took all my vacation pictures the old-fashioned way, on film, and when we returned from Vermont, my dad returned the camera and had them overnight me a replacement. As soon as the battery was charged, I tried it out and was elated to discover that this one works perfectly.

Here's the first picture I took, before I figured out how to turn the flash off:

I took the camera to Center City, then, and took a few pictures. A myth had been going around that they weren't allowing tourists to photograph historic Philadelphia, because of fears of terrorism. I proved them wrong with these shots of the new Liberty Bell Pavilion.

Back home, I walked around the neighborhood and documented some Halloween decorations, as well as the most phallic fence you'll ever see.

I also took some close-up photos of the roses The Gryphon bought for me when I returned from Vermont. I need to find out from my friend how she does those terrific close-up shots of flowers and even gets them in focus!

And finally, today I brought home a new plastic storage container for Una's food, to keep it fresh and keep mice out. When I poured the food in the container, she seemed to think this was her new dog dish. I had to photograph it.

Boy this is fun! And the best part about it is the camera is so compact that it reminds me of a spy camera. This fits in well with my "Star Trek phone." I feel so Cyber Age.

Thanks, Dad!

Copyright 2003 by Alyce Wilson

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