I forgot to share this paperweight I found in Paris – it’s from the Musée d’Orsay. Monet and waterlilies. I love it.
On the past two more mornings, I haven’t turned on my phone to check email or scroll through Instagram, but have, instead, sipped coffee while reading a novel. Now, this isn’t breaking news and it may indeed be what many of you do every morning. As a matter of fact, pre-cell phones, that’s exactly what I did every morning. I made coffee, sat down in my chair, and read for a few hours.
This year I went through a period of being unable to concentrate long enough to read any fiction. I read some non-fiction, but very little fiction, which has always been my first love. I found it alarming, though I’ve been through it before. I’m pretty sure it was the result of a couple of things: the ongoing stress I have felt since the election which has made me unable to concentrate for long on anything and the amount of time that I spent on the computer and phone checking twitter and the news and then trying to distract myself with pretty pictures on Instagram.
Fortunately, I got through the worst of that period and came out on the other side and now I’m reading fiction again. I read a big chunk of my current book yesterday afternoon, as well.
But I noticed a couple of things while on our trip. I felt much less eye strain because I wasn’t constantly looking at a backlit screen. And I was much happier when I wasn’t concentrating on either of those devices. (Not to mention the fact that I was much, much happier when I wasn’t concentrating on the news.)
I’m going to make some changes. I’m not going to leave my laptop on all day. I’ll write the blog post, check emails and sign off. Later in the day, I’ll sign on again to respond to comments. I’m also going to try to limit the time I spend on IG. Once in the morning, maybe a quick post or two during the day. The rest of the time? Puttering around the house, doing chores, listening to music, going somewhere that’s visually stimulating, and reading.
Reading has always been of the utmost importance to me. So I must ensure that I allow time for that. My current reading selection is Michael Connelly’s latest. He’s such an excellent writer that I have had no trouble losing myself in the story and that helps.
I love Instagram because I love the photos people share and I’m very visual. But I also don’t want to be one of those people who constantly checks her phone. Life’s too short.
A couple of questions: Have you struggled with limiting screen time? Since I publish a blog post daily and also post on IG, screen time can be problematic. Have you struggled with reading this year? And – finally – what are you reading right now?
That’s a lot of questions, I know, but I think it might be helpful for us to have a dialogue about these things.
Happy Sunday.
Good morning, Claudia. I hope you have a relaxing Sunday.
I don’t use a cell phone at all. When I go out with my purse, I have an old iPhone that someone gave me, just for emergencies. I’m glad I resisted the cellphone and find often people (I’m sure not you) become more interested in their phones than with the people who surround them. Also, I find it unbearably rude when I have to listen to personal phone calls while out.
I do check my email during the day, and there are blogs that I enjoy reading (including yours, of course) in the morning. We don’t have TV (got rid of it 20 years ago), just Netflix on a laptop, for the last 3 years, and are now trying to get away from defaulting to that. I NEVER follow news, only hearing NPR when I’m in the car. Many years ago I found that made my life less stressful.
I wonder if Don read The Revenge of Analog that I’d mentioned to you. I think he’d like it.
I just finished The Tangled Tree, a book about theories of evolution and the impact of horizontal gene transfer on how species evolved. It turns out all the kingdoms have apparently shared genes over millennia. I really enjoyed reading about all the scientists and their contributions.
I’m also reading the Agatha Raisin mysteries, mostly because I’m an anglophile & love the small village tales.
Thank you for taking the time to do this blog.
Hi Cara, I recently discovered two authors who write mysteries set in Cornwall. Since I have friends there and have visited a number of times, I was familiar with the larger villages mentioned in the books. If you like Agatha raisin, try The Cornish mysteries by Carola Dunn and by Jamie Bolitho. Judith Flanders writes a mystery series “starring” Samantha Clair. Sam is a book editor in London so there interesting glimpses of the publishing world.
Happy reading!…wendy
Wendy,
Thank you! I don’t necessarily have to know of mysteries– I just picked up an Agatha Raisin at the thrift store for reading on a plane & enjoyed it. I like light-hearted fiction, nothing dark or scary. These aren’t mysteries, but are you familiar with the Miss Read Thrush Green books? I loved them.
Cara
Hi Cara, both the Cornish mystery series are not dark or scary, an de are within the definition of cozy English village mysteries. I have read the Thrushes Green books! They were recommended by a librarian at my local branch when I asked her about books set in English villages…I’m an Anglophile too, as is my daughter.
Wendy (and anyone else)
Thanks!Have you read any of the Jane Austen mystery series by Stephanie Barron? I found the first few especially good, then they sort of began jumping the shark in a mild way.
Another English author whose books I enjoyed is Angela Thirkell.
Has everyone read Kavalier & Clay? Amazing!
Blogger blogs take me through the “prove you’re human” rigamarole lately, then say try later. It’s frustrating!
Cara – Yes! I’m having real trouble with Blogger blogs and I feel badly about it because I do want to leave a comment!
You’re welcome. I’ve read a few of the Agatha Raisin mysteries, myself!
Yes, over the last 2 years specifically, I have not been able to moderate my screen time. I find that I am always checking my feed to see what is going on politically. I have been obsessed with the political scene. As a Democratic and social justice activist I have always been on top of the news but never to the intensity of the last two years. Sometimes i find that I must take a week or two break from it just for my own well being. I don’t see this changing soon. During my breaks I read books, garden, sew, and noodle around. Then I go back to my screen refreshed. So far this works for me. But I do wonder about the long term health of nearly constant fight /flight response.
I thought it might just be me! Yes, tougher to get to the things I really enjoy doing. My embroidery suffers, but I feel much better when I make time for a little each day. But it’s the first thing to go when I get busy. I just finished “The Book Thief”. I have seen the movie a few times, and of course, the book is better. Absolutely loved it. I tried reading “The Shack” but only made it half way through. For me, personally, I couldn’t buy into the premise. I can’t imagine God hiding Himself as a heavy, old woman just to make someone comfortable. I want to look into the face of God and for me, that is as comfortable as it gets. I know it is very popular and many people find it wonderful, but for me, it held no answers to my questions. It was like walking in wet cement up to my knees. And I would love to hear opinions of others who have read it. But of course, this is your blog and you decide about what we talk.
Tana, I agree with you on both of those reads. The Book Thief was amazing. I read it shortly after the election in 2016 and found so many Hitler-Trump mirror images. Did you find that to be true at all? Maybe because it was so fresh in my mind. And the same on The Shack. I have found people either find it life changing or, as you said, like walking through wet cement. I forced myself to finish it, but by the end, I wished I had just put it down and left it the first time it came to mind to do so. It was not life altering for me, and I sort of had hoped it would be and that I would have found – or experienced – all sorts of meaning of life moments as I read it. None for me at all.
Loved The Book Thief. Read it several years ago.
I also highly recommend, Three Floors Up by Eshkol Nevo. One of the best books I read this year.
Melanie, I read the description and ordered it from the library to my Hold List. Thx for the recommendation!!
Chris, we had the same experience with both books! And yes, the similarities between Hitler and Trump are there, and scary. And those that follow him are the same as those that followed Hitler. Ready to cause all sorts of havoc and pain they can on those that they think are less than them.
Yes! The Shack wasn’t the life-changing experience for me that some of my friends found.
There is always room for discussion here, Tana – and not just with me, but with each other. Go for it!
The challenge is trying to find the balance between being aware of the news of the day and obsessing about it. That’s my challenge as well! Thanks, Carolyn Marie!
Thanks for sharing your trip, amazing. I need to stop checking Instagram and going online first thing in the morning. I am going to read first thing in the morning. We will see if this is the problem. I will let you know.
Good luck, Rose! Yes, do let me know!
I read email and blogs a few times a day but I don’t do any social media, no twotter, no IG. I read physical boos and I rarely touch my Kindle, except on vacation, and even then I’ve not taken it with me much because I find I’m doing too much to read.
I’m not too political but I’m also dismayed by who is in the WH and buoyed by the D’s taking the HofR. I recently cancelled my newspaper and find I’m less stressed. But I do miss the crossword, sudoku and comics….
I’m currently reading Master and Commander, and Donna Leon Guido Brunetti series. I love that she makes Venice as much of the story as the ciharacter. I’m surprised I’m enjoying M&C immensely; it’s like a mash-up of Treasure Island and Persuasion! I’m reaching for my dictionary constantly though to look up nautical terms.
I tried reading the Master and Commander series years ago because I’d heard such great things about it, but I just couldn’t get into it. I’m glad you’re enjoying it!
I have to admit, Claudia, that even though I’m interested, I can’t read a lot of M&C in one sitting. There’s just so much nautical jargon that I stop often to look words up. So, I picked up a Donna Leon Commissario Brunetti book and I’ve been reading for most of the day. I’m over half finished.
I remember that! Lots of stuff that I knew nothing about!
I totally understand limiting online time. I don’t have a cell phone so never got into the habit of checking that. but I follow a lot of blogs and many of their writers I consider as true friends. I have lately felt guilty not responding to their posts. I often read them and am touched and only lately have made myself not comment. otherwise I would be on this thing for half a day!
like you … reading has always been a true love. and I often have neglected it during this crazy political climate. I’ve quit watching the news and am turning back to ‘having a life!’ and a non technical one at that. your posts are valued. as is the community here. I hope to be forgiven for pulling back a bit. I don’t have your stamina anymore. at 73 it seems to be dwindling daily! LOL! sending love and best wishes for our mutual good health! xoxo
Just read and enjoy, whether it’s my blog or a book. Don’t feel you always have to leave a comment, Tammy. I, myself, find it hard to find the time to leave comments on other blogs and for some reason, I rarely am able to leave a comment on a Blogger blog – I’m not sure why.
Hi,Claudia! I understand your dilemma Since I only have a flip phone for emergencies ,I do not feel that my phone is another appendage,however, I do enjoy sitting with my laptop to read the NYTIMES and a few blogs. Instagram is my weakness! I have always loved looking at gardens and houses on my daily walks and now I can do it anytime on IG! I dropped cable a few years ago as I was watching MSNBC way too much! I listen to NPR , watch my local news and PBS and also Netflix. I’m reading Barbara Kingsolver’s latest and have the newest Masie Dobbs waiting in the wings.xo
I’ve got to check is there’s a new Maisie Dobbs or if you are referring to the one I’ve already read. i love that series.
Two wonderful authors, Annette. I don’t watch any television during the day and have cut way back on any MSNBC shows at night – only if something big is breaking. We tend to watch movies in the evening. IG is my weakness as well!
Claudia, I am struggling too. The first thing I do when I wake up is check my emails, IG, FB, and the blogs I follow. I spend about an hour on that. It’s too much, but I can’t seem to break that habit. We also seem to have news on TV almost all day. I never used to watch news so much as I have in the last 2 years. Hubby and I are starting to turn it off more often and find we are both happier.
I have struggled with reading too. I go in spurts, but much of the reason is too much time on my phone. I just returned from Nashville and we visited some Civil War battlefields and cemetaries in the area. I found it quite emotional to walk those grounds and it inspired me to read Gone With the Wind again…one of my favs. I have spent far too much time reading political books lately. I am done with that!
I thoroughly enjoy your blog. You have just inspired me to let the phone wait and read for a bit when I wake up…thanks!
Turning off the news will make you much happier, Marilyn – and calmer. I do that and then if something very important is happening, I will tune in. Thanks so much, Marilyn!
That paperweight is lovely! Did you mentioned in a comment that you used to collect them? Or did I misunderstand. Have you ever shown us the collection? I, for one, would love to see them.
I’ ve been spending way too much time on politics these past months. Since Tuesday, I’ve unsubscribed to quite a few political websites. I had to…I need a break. I’m still watching the morning and evening news, but trying to stay away from all other sources of news. I have been reading books and magazines more…recipes, especially, since I do enjoy cooking. I’m currently reading Origin by Dan Brown. I’m just a few chapters in, but so far I’m intrigued.
And…I’m trying to find a new activity to occupy my hands…perhaps a craft? Anything to stay off my iPad. I have to in order to protect my sanity. The Resistance is going to have to survive without me for a bit. Enjoy your day…keep on reading! ;)
Claudia, I also love your new paper weight. I have a small collection. Would love to see your collection if you are sharing!
I’m not sure where it is, Susan. It’s been packed away and I don’t know if it’s in a box in the shed or in a trunk I’m storing at my friend’s house in Michigan – I’m heading there in a few weeks to retrieve it as she’s moving.
I’m not sure where they are – in the shed or back in Detroit at my friend’s house in a trunk of mine – which I am going to have to get in a few weeks, as she is moving!
I understand about preserving your sanity – I’m doing the same to preserve mine!
Oooh….is there a road trip in your future? ;)
Unfortunately, yes. This is one trip I’ve driven many times and it doesn’t excite me one bit!
I agree-it’s been so hard the last two years to read fiction, but non-fiction got a bit too real! I was stuck. I have started to turn off the news occasionally and read articles in the New Yorker or watch vintage British mysteries via Netflix and embroider a LOT! I bought several older biographies and have been reading about the Roosevelts, and I loved Doris Kearns Goodwins’ Wait Until Next Year about baseball and her life growing up. Coping and hoping.
Melissa
“Coping and hoping” – a perfect way to put it, Melissa!
I do limit my screen time because it’s a rabbit hole I could quickly slide down. Most days I spend some time in the morning and then a little time right after supper. On Sundays, like today, it varies. I’m an avid quilter and reader and both are lost if I spend too much time on my computer. I’m halfway finished Kate Morton’s “The Clockmaker’s Daughter.” That woman can write! Before that I read an interesting book by the Canadian author Helen Humphreys. Read it if you can find it; I’d love to see what you think of it. The first half of the book explains her writing process for a novel based on real person. In this case it’s Megan Boyd, a Scotswoman who came to fame for making salmon-fishing flies. The second half is the story she creates.
Thanks for sharing your current reads, Brenda. The challenge for me will be staying off the screen when it’s cold outside and I’m stuck inside. Sigh. I’m going to have to work hard at it!
I am currently reading The Complete & Unabridged Fiction of Nella Larson. Reading is #1 in my book. :)
I don’t do FB or IG or Twitter or any other type of social media. It’s all way too time consuming. I just don’t feel the need. And yes, life is too short.
Enjoy your Sunday!
Monica
Thanks so much, Monica. I rarely am on FB nowadays and I’ve pulled away from twitter, but I do love Instagram. But I will limit my time on there to twice a day.
Limiting screen time — yes, trying. After a month in England and France and then coming home to art show deadlines, it hasn’t been too hard, but I know the pitfalls and am avoiding them. I have a “stupid phone” I take only on car roadtrips and keep charged for power failures; I don’t do instagram as a poster, just to check out others (and not often). Not because I don’t want to or wouldn’t like to — I just know I would fall in and not get out. I’ve cut back to almost nil on FB time and Twitter. And I have been far more productive.
Yes to reading! And lots. I’ve recently read two very different, good books — “The Mystery of Lewis Carroll,” a fascinating biography which timed well with visiting Oxford (Jenny Woolf) and “The Japanese Lover” (Isabel Allende) and my stack — especially of British mysteries — is taller than ever. And of course, going lower tech helps that. Good luck on your quest. It’s worth it.
Yes, it is. I’ve finished one book this afternoon and finished a short novel just now. On to a new book!
I am currently reading The Beat Goes On by Ian Rankin. It’s a book of short stories about Detective Inspector John Rebus. I really enjoy this series and I also like these short stories.
About 3 months ago, I decided to make a change in the amount of time I spend on my phone and IPad. I decided to be social media free on Fridays. I do check emails twice a day but only respond to the ones that need an immediate answer. As a result , I have found that I’m not checking Instagram or Facebook as much on other days. It’s so easy for me to get lost in Instagram so I have to be aware of how much time I’m on it.
That’s a great way to handle it, Kathy. Apple has started a new thing where, once a week, they tell you how much screen time you average daily and it was shocking!
I have a cellphone for emergency use, but no smart phone. These days I watch only a little news, usually PBS. My reading is picking up and I am enjoying it immensely. Your blog is a favorite that I look forward to everyday. Thank you for the time and effort you put into preparing your posts. They are much appreciated by many.
You’re welcome. Thanks for sharing your thoughts today, Sandra.
I, too, have found it difficult to concentrate due to the political climate even more than recovery from my second brain surgery. I’m finding it difficult to not only read fiction but also to write it. My work has suffered, but I’ve recently signed up to attend a writer’s conference in San Miguel de Allende in February, and that’s revived the excitement. I’m trying to cut down on reading the news, but I was out Thursday night at one of the more than 900 protests across the country after the firing of Jeff Sessions and leap-frogging of a new acting AG over Rosenstein’s head. It does my soul good to have learned that my little county right in the heart of deep red Texas voted 44% Democratic last week, but I went to Austin for that protest! Right now, I’m reading (imagine an italicized title) Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl. This is my second time to attempt reading this novel, an elevated coming-of-age story. The first time, my inability to concentrate coupled with the viewpoint character’s documentation of each thought she references, i.e. “As Swithin wrote in State of Affairs: 1901-1903 (1902),” was too much. This second time through, I keep wanting to go find each book, article, or speech this young adult character references. I will still keep up with the news, but I’ve decided I’m no longer reading it while I’m eating breakfast!
I am also deciding when and how I will read the news, Linda. It’s important for us to take control, especially in this increasingly out-of-control time. I keep saying that I won’t let him control my life.
I too spend too much time on the computer. I am trying to limit my time and weed out some of the advertisement e-mails I receive. I love to read. I am reading “Jane Austen’s Christmas” by Carlo De Vito. Enjoy your reading.
Marilyn
You too, Marilyn. Reading will help to all of us sane!
That paperweight is stunning.
Yes, I do struggle with limiting my screen time. Like you, I love IG but I can get too caught up in scrolling through all the beautiful photos. I’ve only been on IG for a few minutes today, but that’s only because I am feeling very sad and restless. I think Zippo is dying and with Tim moving out yesterday, even though it’s a positive thing, I found today that I’m an emotional mess. Two major life changes at once is making me sad and weepy. I was going to read one of my two books today that I’m in the middle of, but I can’t concentrate.
I’m so sorry about Zippo, Melanie. I’m sending you a big hug. I know how tough this is. Be kind to yourself and cuddle your boy. Much love.
Hi, Claudia! It has been months since I have been able to watch the news in any depth. I have been watching the news about the fires in CA, but as soon as “it/he” is mentioned or shown, I nearly break my arm to switch it off. The night after the election I thought I could maybe watch Rachel, but it was the mess about Sessions and I lasted about 15 minutes before I had a hard time breathing. It makes me so angry as I have always been a news person. But for my health ~ both physical and mental ~ I just can’t do it. Being on BP meds makes it clear to me that I just have to hear it in very small doses. That is another reason I don’t go on FB since 2016. I was aghast at people I knew who voted for that idiot and I couldn’t bear it. I also concluded that I really don’t need to know what people who I haven’t actually seen or talked to since I was 18 are doing on a daily basis and what they are eating at any given moment. People more current in my life I hope I actually see or speak to so I don’t need to “follow” them electronically. It works for me.
I just finished The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah (I was on the wait list at the library since Feb!), and just had The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton, The Bookshop of Yesterdays by Amy Meyerson, and Radio Girls by Sarah-Jane Stratford all come in for me. Fun reads ahead. It truly has been my salvation to be able to keep reading. I have been through reading droughts previously and was so worried this political mess would do it to me again, but thankfully, I have so far been able to plow through it!! (p.s. Your paperweight is gorgeous!!)
I can’t watch him or listen to him speak. I have cut way back on the news and MSNBC. Partly because I can’t handle it but also because Don doesn’t want to watch it and that is a good thing. Reading is keeping me calm and I’m so grateful for that. I’ve heard good things about The Clockmaker’s Daughter. Thanks, Chris.
PS – our TV is rarely on. I watch Jeopardy in the afternoon and then a couple of favorite shows on Tues night. If Ina Garten has a new episode on Hulu, I’ll watch that. But that’s it. I never watch the news on TV. As a Highly Sensitive Person, I can’t handle bad news and violence – which is really all the news is these days.
We mostly watch TCM or Netflix/Amazon Prime. We like movies mostly but also shows like The Great British Baking Show. No news at night unless something very, very important is happening. xo
Is there a “Great American Baking Show”? There is a “Great Canadian Baking Show” which is totally modeled after the British one . It’s just ended and I’ve loved every episode of it.
I don’t know about an American version. But the Canadian version had Dan Levy, who I adore!
I spend WAY too much time on my laptop and phone. Since I have been unemployed (seven weeks now) it’s how I spend my day. Of course when I was working I was on my computer all the time but at least I was being productive and creative. I need to take a note from your book and just shut the darned thing off and either read or work on projects. It’s not like there is any shortage of them.
I knew I needed to make a big change when I found myself refreshing Instagram every couple of minutes to see if there were any stories I had missed. I think I’ll give myself an online “allowance” and then shut everything off.
I’ve been in that same position with IG. That’s when it’s time to put the phone down or shut it off! Thanks, Andrea.
I want to try your routine. Except I have a child who will interrupt me and a husband who doesn’t go to work anymore. retired. I spent some time in my sewing room today. Perhaps I can extend that and learn to ignore them. We did elect a bunch of dems, that makes me feel somewhat better. Hope the same for all of you people.
I’m feeling more positive about the future. Despite what the pundits say, there was a Blue Wave. Glad you can steal away to your sewing room!
I too am attempting to limit screen time. That’s why sometimes I don’t see your blog daily now, or read it quite late in the day. Like you, I feel my compulsive need to monitor the online news traces back to the election. Since retiring in August, I no longer have a half hour commute downtown listening to NPR, so I’ve found myself doing something I never thought I’d do. Even before I get out of bed, I would reach for my phone and open the CNN app. Well, last week I told myself to cut that out. I’ve also decided to read – or knit – when I first come downstairs, rather than firing up the laptop to read the Post of the Times. And I’ve noticed I’m more relaxed, less stressed, and more interested in doing things I’d lost interest in.
I’m brand new to IG so am terribly enamored of the pretty pictures right now. Especially, as a knitter, the gorgeous pictures everyone posts of their projects or the yarn dyers of their new colors. Now I’m trying to disengage from scrolling through that on a daily basis.
Oh, and I mostly read non-fiction. I’m a history buff. But I especially love social history and I have a special affinity for biographies. So, I just finished the Fred Rogers bio and will be starting one about Beatrix Potter.
IG is a problem. If I don’t check in a couple of times a day, then I’m way behind on posts. So I either have to accept that I won’t see everything or check in morning and evening. Not sure how to handle that yet.
Hi Claudia, good post today.
I have been doing what you are going to do, but I don’t write a blog , which must take some time, so I can see how you want to make changes to your social media life.
I read before bed every night! Tried reading during the day – even on rainy days and Sundays – but no luck.
I am reading Debbie Macomber’s yearly holiday book and will continue with a Jenny Colgen book before I start the twelve books of Poldark!
I love reading your blog and would hate to see you stop posting. Perhaps your trip gave you the push to make the change!
Oh, I’m not going to stop posting. I’m really speaking of other social media – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
I have a habit of getting on my tablet when I first wake up!…in a while I check the time only to discover that 3 or 4 hours have passed!…That is time lost that would be better used for reading a good book of getting things done around the house that have been put off repeatedly or just doing some other things that I enjoy…I have now decided to follow your thoughts and try to cut back on the online addiction it has become..Reading after waking up with a nice hot cup of coffee, tea or chocolate sounds much more relaxing and rewarding…just imagine how many more wonderful stories I can enjoy in that amount of time!…I am now reading “I See You” by Clare Mackintosh…Who knows…maybe tomorrow I will finish it!!
It’s so easy to get lost online. It’s a time suck. That’s okay at times, but having it happen every day isn’t such a good thing. I read “I See You” – it’s a good book!
Like you and many others, I am making an effort to cut back on screen time. It seems I have less time for reading , crafting, and other activities that I truly enjoy.
I just finished The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock and really enjoyed it; the imagery was rich, the characters interesting, and the ending was very satisfying. Although the story was somewhat whimsical, the author was able to show the difficult plight of single women in the 18th century.
I’m glad you’re committing time to read and craft and other things you enjoy, Debbie.
For many years I would turn the TV on first thing to the morning ‘news’ shows. Today was my go to show. I’d catch some news, weather and what ever topic they were on before heading off to work. These days I don’t turn the TV on during the day at all. I watch TV at night but mostly Netflix. I DVR some of the shows I watch on network TV and then view them as I ff through the commercials. I get a bit of news from the internet but that’s about it these days. I truly can’t take it all in. Ever since the election, my sense of security and freedom has been devastated. I’ve blamed some of my breakdown to caregiving but have come to realize in therapy that the election had a huge impact on me. Now I’m finding that even the internet has to be limited. I do visit my friends (blogs) each morning and read emails but then I go on to other things in life. Reading is a huge escape for me. I’m finding that by limiting my exposure to the news in many forms is helping me. I’ve learned that for me self-care is vital to my well being.
I can’t either. There’s too much and I started to realize its effect on my mental and physical health. We need to take care of ourselves first. Otherwise, we’re letting him steal our peace of mind.
Good afternoon on Monday…
I hate phones of all kinds so I have very little problem ignoring my cell phone. I actually had a flip phone until a year or so ago. I think my usage last week was 11 minutes.
I do, however, spend too much time on my computer. I love genealogy and spend a lot of time with that on the computer plus some digital scrapbooking and photo editing.
I also love to read and as a general rule read for an hour in the afternoon and then at bedtime.
Our TV is on most of the day but we aren’t actually sitting and watching until early evening for a couple of hours…we love Chinese, Korean and Japanese series on Netflix….watch Very little Network TV.
And by the way, I Loved reading about your trip…it was great to see the sights through your eyes.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the posts about our trip, Lynn! Thank you.
Like everyone else — wow! That’s a gorgeous paperweight :)
Also maybe there is an app where you can schedule your IG posts? I know there’s one for Twitter.
I too found I was reading less and less, so I am making the effort to read more this quarter. It’s hard for me to get going on a new book but I can definitely curl up and read. I am doing a lot of reading via my Kindle app even though I still prefer real books!
No more apps! I already have enough of them and keep deleting the ones I don’t need. I tend to post on IG on a whim, anyway, and I like to do it that way.
I mostly read real books, but I do read Kindle books on my iPad. I appreciate both methods of reading, Leanne!