Photographs are another example, with all of the new technology it's become so simple. Half the time people are not even aware their photo is being taken. So, that's another intrusion isn't it. I must admit, I for one am always snapping photographs while I read, or doing the hundred and one other things I do on my wonderful little iPad. Cameras are in phones, supposedly, inside spectacles, although I have yet to see any. If you let it worry you, you could drive yourself crazy. It's not much good saying "don't take my photo!' Ooops...too late, taken, secured and walked away. You don't stand a chance, there you are, secured for posterity, or something equally permanent, or annoying.
The next time you see them, they are plastered on Facebook, twitter, a blog, or posted on any one of a dozen uploadable photo sites. I must admit, if I get a chance to look at any snaps someone has taken of me, I delete the worst, without apology. It's me, it's my right...isn't it. Not that people always agree with me. God, the camera puts on six or so pounds anyway, who wants an embarrassing shot of a massive leg, or a face full of food. Or of some other unflattering shot, posted for the world to see. Not me, not you either I bet. Although seeing some of the stuff on line, I often wonder...do some people actually enjoy looking a fool.
For example, I was sitting on the beach the other day, relaxed, reading, facing the sea, alone. When I glanced up, saw this guy pointing his little camera in the direction of my legs, which may have been a little too akimbo, if you get my meaning. Yes, I was on the beach, yes I was wearing a bikini, yes I was feeling relaxed and comfortable. I immediately thought, 'what sort of zoom shot was he taking?' Will it end up on some porn site, or worse still on some email doing the rounds...as they do..'scary sights on the beach'. In neither of which I would choose to be included. Of course, the man walked right off when I gave him my big scowl! A definite erosion of our freedoms there. I do want to say here and now, I try to get tasteful, flattering shots if I snap anyone. I'm an artist why wouldn't I. I don't like ugly, I prefer, ok, sometimes atmospheric but I hope, not insulting phots of what is around me.
Leading on from there, although I have become somewhat diverted from the topic of Mosquitos, into other pests. Our family group watched two older tourists take photos on the beach. Mostly the husband, we presumed, of the wife. Stretched against a tree, reaching up towards leaves, cheeky hat angle, she was quite good, experienced. Then, one photo where the lady stood in front of the husband, pulling his arms around her considerable girth. Awww, how nice I thought. We were taking the together photo for them. When he immediately grabbed both of her breasts, two good handfuls. Of course I cracked up, it was just so funny. The expression on his face, and her total disregard of the whole thing. From that, we got chatting and they took some photos of us all. The slightly scary thing was, as they left, they said 'we only use the faces, we put them on all sorts of already posed shots!' Scary....don't you think.
I mean, they were lovely people who looked respectable. Except how do you know where any of your photos end up? I found it a little disconcerting. They said I had a pretty face...took a few photos, mmmm, where will it end up, my face? I'm afraid my imagination works overtime in such situations. There is this erosion of privacy everywhere. The contents of your life can be spread about. Here and there, totally out of your control. A little bit like Mosquitos, they are definitely out of my control.
Here in Brasil, we have this wonderful weather, I really love it. Except it makes for some steamy nights. Yes, the nights are hot. Off with the clothes, the bed covers, wear something comfortable. You wants a 'through draught', the fans on, windows definitely open. But......those pesky Mosquitos want your blood. I wouldn't mind if they took some, and didn't hurt me. But first, they buzz you, like fighter planes. Ahhh here comes another one! Buzz zzzz. Sometimes I just hide under the sheet. Then, ok you can't feel them land, or take the blood, but boy you know they have been. It burns, it burns and it doesn't stop. It itches for hours, days sometimes. Nasty red spots on your newly exposed skin. Not a chic look.
No, I don't want to have air conditioning. No, I don't want to spread insect repellant all over my skin. No, I hate having to shut the doors and windows, it's stuffy. I hate having to spray the place with chemical stuff before I attempt sleeping, in some sort of peace. They know how to find a way in...there is always one, one pesky, pest of a mosquito. Just like there is always at least one person taking photos. See the similarity. The answer to both is the same too, I'm afraid.. Not really very much you can do about either problem.
You must suffer it. Or, decide to do something much more drastic about it. Which, I don't want to do either. So you must stop worrying about it. Or, as I said before, you will drive yourself crazy. Or is that 'I' will drive myself crazy! So why am I complaining? Well, I have to talk to you guys out there about something don't I. Hope it's got you thinking a little bit. Sometimes, I wonder if I think too much. All I can say is, whatever the problem, or worry, don't forget to turn it around at some point. Look for the positive, there always is one.
With the mosquito problem, hopefully I will acclimatise and they won't seek me out so much. With the photographers, well the topics and interest can be so varied, who knows if that will ever stop. Humans and many animals too, are curious aren't they, we like to know, to understand. I certainly don't think you can legislate against random photographers. Yes, I know, a bit like Mosquitos.mThere is no law that's going to eradicate them completely is there. So, my friends, out there, good luck avoiding all and any pest around you. If you cannot, then at least it gives you something to contemplate.
Happy days folks.
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