Why am I waking up so early?
This morning, I found myself wide awake at 5 AM. Don was awake, too, and we chatted a bit. The thing is, Don can go back to sleep easily. I can’t.
So here I sit, with stingy eyes and caffeine chugging through my body, wondering if I can get a nap in later in the day. I swear, I haven’t had a good night’s sleep for a week.
The new, slightly-ill-fitting-but-it-will-do-slipcover. In fact, it’s more than slightly ill-fitting. In a perfect world, I would tackle this project and make a slipcover. I tried to once and ran screaming out of the room. Besides, this chair is old and on its last legs, so why bother?
We were watching television last night and found a channel that had very, very old black & white television programs: The Jack Benny Show, The Goldbergs and Dinah Shore.
We were enthralled.
There’s an aura of timelessness about them. And a simplicity that I yearn for sometimes. The Goldbergs was amazing – like a teleplay – a live broadcast, start to finish. At one point, a cameraman goofed up a shot, one of the actors flubbed a line and they kept right on going. As a theater person, this warms my heart. Because they couldn’t rely on retakes, they had to do it. Live. And improvise if they screwed up.
Dinah Shore sang a long, complicated medley with Ella Fitzgerald. Tough stuff, musically. They had to really be on their game. No auto-tune. No retake. No relying on special effects and lots of loud noise in the background. Just a piano and their incredible voices.
What passes for talent nowadays often isn’t.
Do you ever yearn for a simpler time?
The Model T was my dad’s toy. The paint has chipped. It was well-loved. When my dad sees it, does he wish for a simpler time?
I bet he does. I sure do.
I have a twitter account and use it every once in a while, but frankly, it’s hard to keep up with everything. Blogging daily, thinking of and writing posts, taking pictures, checking Facebook, the occasional tweet, thinking about my future Etsy shop, making a website for my theater work, should I join Linked In, what about Google+?
I don’t want to sound like one of those people who say, “When I was a girl, we had to…” We had to, what? Walk to school? Yes, over a mile and no school bus deposited me right at my door. Use our imaginations? Yes. No computers, no computer games, no X box, no texting. Just me, a doll or two, or a cardboard box, or the world outside my front door. Read? Yes, for hours. No technical-age distractions. Just a book and my imagination. Have conversations face-to-face? Yes. Of course, there was the phone, but for the most part conversation involved sitting with someone and looking them in the eye and talking. No hiding behind an email or a text. Television? 3 major networks. No 24/7 news stations. No reality shows. No endless news cycle that results in a lot of misinformation. Rather, a sense of a larger community sitting down to watch the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, or tuning into Dinah Shore or Bonanza.
It’s a mixed blessing, this world of ours. On one hand, I wouldn’t be writing this blog without the incredible technical innovations of recent years. I wouldn’t have met all of you. I couldn’t google something at the drop of a hat. So much that used to take a chunk of time, doesn’t anymore. On the other hand, what have we lost?
A friend of mine who teaches theater on a university level tells me that she sees a real difference in today’s students. Their brains are wired differently. They can’t concentrate for very long on a task. They don’t know what to do without their cell phones. They don’t know how to write. They don’t know how to memorize. She’s actually including a segment this coming semester on how to memorize lines. Pretty essential for a drama student, wouldn’t you say?
I love my iPhone and my laptop and my digital camera. They have become a part of my daily life. Certainly this blog wouldn’t exist without the computer and the camera. But yet another networking site? And I now have to keep track of tweets? I know Social Media is highly recommended to get your blog out there, but the very thought leaves me exhausted.
I don’t know.
What do you think about all this? Too much technology? Too little? Is there such a thing as a simpler time? How do you balance all of this? Don says that he sometimes feels out of the loop because he wants to maintain some distance from all of this. Yet, he wants to be in the loop. But how do you stay in the loop and still lead a life that is filled with quiet, meditative moments, time for the imagination to soar, time for good conversation?
Your thoughts?
Claudia – I am sorry that you are not sleeping well, but lucky for us that you were up early writing this very nice post. As always, when you speak of teaching, I am right there with you. I find that I have to keep students on their toes all the time – but, I still have very high expectations. I am not kidding when I publish in my syllabus that we will be writing 30 plus pages of unedited prose and 20-30 pages of well crafted prose this semester. Yes, some still do not know how to write after at the end of the semester, but they also do not pass my class. :) ~Kelly
unDeniably Domestic
As a relatively “young person”, I couldn’t agree with you more. Things were even different when I was a kid in the 80’s and early 90’s. Maybe it was just my family, but I remember going outside every day and playing with dolls ’till I was nearly 10! Now days, I have a facebook and a blog that I thoroughly enjoy, but sometimes I wish I didn’t feel the “obligation” to keep my phone with me or to update something! Ha! My husband teases me a little b/c one of my favorite shows to watch is Murder She Wrote. I love Angela, and watching this show evokes the feelings of a simpler time, somehow. Anywho, thanks for the opportunity to ponder this topic! :) Hope you can get some good sleep soon!
Blessings,
Leslie
The music of this century is disappointing. Voices are hidden and altered with synthesizers. My ears don’t enjoy the whining sound that they make, so I buy much less music. I love the purity of Karen Carpenter’s voice and others of her ‘day’. I must be quite old! LOL
I haven’t been sleeping well lately either. Maybe too much going on during the day that keeps my brain working overtime. I am with you on the technology of today — used properly it’s a positive, but on the other hand, for many it has become an addiction. I am so tired of seeing folks walking and driving with their heads down because they are so worried about what’s happening on their iphone or blackberry. I refuse to be one of those who are connected 24-7. I still have my old Nokia phone and I don’t intend on changing it until I absolutely have to. In fact, in the past 13-14 years, I’ve only had 2 phones, both Nokias. I don’t have a Facebook account and don’t want one. I don’t tweet and never will. I know my limits. I don’t have time for it all. And honestly, I have zero interest in it. All of my friends, of course, think I am crazy and can’t understand that I don’t want to do what everyone else is doing. But then, I’ve never been one to follow the crowd. My cousin started me blogging 2-1/2 years ago and I never thought I would enjoy it as much as I do, but I have “met” so many wonderful, encouraging friends through this virtual world. I have tried so many new recipes, crafts, crochet projects … yet, when I go on vacation, I can still unplug and leave it all behind. I’ve found my balance and if anyone thinks I’m the odd man out then so be it. Happy weekend wishes to you, Tammy
You’re hit my buttons again today on this post, sweetpea! I see the ignorance in our graduates coming out of COLLEGES. They cannot even speak properly and, as you say, can’t even add or subtract without something digital. I get so sick of driving down the street or freeway and fearing for my life because some idiot is talking on their cell phones and almost run into me with their cars.
Plus not having a TV with 24/7 news is a blessing. I’m afraid I’d be shouting at the TV and probably bust a blood vessel or something. ;-)
The ignorance I experience from many, many students astounds me, to say nothing about the college students. Okay, enough.
I have a cell phone for emergencies only. It’s rarely on but it’s in my purse always. Hubs lives on his iPhone, playing cribbage, hearts, etc. He’s not a gamer at least.
Our church was warned us of the downside of too much technology. In our monthly magazine there’s usually something about it. Personally, I refuse to text. I want to hear the emotions in a voice when I’m speaking to them. Besides, texting prevents people from using proper English.
Social networks? We’ve done without them for a few thousand years. I personally don’t subscribe to any but then my blog is just for me. If I have followers, I feel blessed that they’d want to follow me, but it’s truly just MY creative outlet. I march to my own drummer though. Each of us has to decide for themselves on this issue. Me? I prefer being calmer and not fraught with anxiety so I don’t subscribe to much of the social networks at all. Personal choice. For each of us.
xoxo,
Connie
LOL! Are you ready to catch all the worms that will escape from the can you opened? :)
I have a sister who handles this quite well, in my opinion. She keeps her face book friends list short, goes for walks with a walking buddy, embroiders for a creative outlet and just simply lives at her own pace.
This comes from a hard won wisdom and her health and happiness are a visible result.
I, on the other hand, am just getting into to 1990’s. :) No cell phone. Have had the Internet and basic cable for about 15 months. It’s an interesting question, and I will enjoy contemplating the answers you receive.
Hmmm…lots of food for thought. 15 years ago I wanted nothing to do with having a computer but hubby said it would be good for the kids and school work etc. I relented and was afraid to turn on the button of our new computer. Now fast forward to today and my husband says he has created “a monster”. I am techno crazy! I want everything that is new on the market. I do have an Iphone, Ipad, Ipod, and a laptop but sometimes I do feel a little overwhelmed and have to step away. I do FB but only to check in every few days and see what my kids(grown men), nieces and nephews and cousins are doing. I don’t twitter…don’t feel the need for it. My thinking is that if I don’t keep up in this modern world, I will be lost. That kind of worries me sometimes. I am still young enough to learn yet old enough to remember growing up in the 50’s and 60’s. If you think about it, ours and our parents generations have seen so much in progress…it’s mind boggling! So, when I get overloaded I try to step away from the computer, etc. It gives my mind a rest….I guess. ~Patti
Once again, you write what so many of us are thinking!
I love being able to connect with people through modern technology, but I do not want it to consume my day or be the only way I interact with others. I long thought technology is both a blessing and a curse. I learned it to be especially true when I opened my business.
I do have to admit yesterday was one of those days that I was thankful for cell phones and text messages. Our only child was making his first solo 11 hour drive back to school. A mother’s heart and mind was made easier due to modern technology.
Oh yes, I yearn for simpler times and often feel I have been born in the wrong decade. My home schooled daughter was so worried when she took English in 12th grade at our local JC that she wouldn’t be prepared as I had only taught her myself at home for English. She ended up winning an award and being asked to tutor other students. Not that I am an English expert, but wow the bar must be low. She was so thrilled. Maybe it was being home with a slower paced life and having to work independently that made the difference. Now I have one going to public school for high school. We will see if there is a difference. Ok, I have said enough. Great post.
Dear Claudia, I was with my sister today, actually her name is Claudia Jean. She was always Jeanie at home, Claudia at school. She was just saying to me, as we ate an early lunch at Subway, “don’t you wish times were like when we were children?” She went on to say ,”slower less complicated.” Oh yes, I do. Then I read your post , and you are longing for simplicity also. I dragged my feet into the 21st century…I am still digging in on some things. I am not a phone person. I think phones are so hep, almost sci-fi, but I am a pen and paper person.LOL. Although I love to email and post on my blog site. xoxo, Susie(She Junks)
I find that since I’ve started commenting on blogs that I spend too much time on the computer. Lately I’ve realized that I could be working on my dollhouse rather than navigating the web and commenting wherever I go. Writing comments takes a lot of time and I do comment on a lot of blogs. It’s just that there’s so much eye candy out there and I crave it plus the wisdom of the people that I read. It’s so interesting. Plus, I never have time to read anymore or even look at my magazines. So, I’ve decided to cut down and try to finish my dollhouse this year. I’ll be weaning myself gradually. I can’t go cold turkey. It would be too taxing. From now on, I will only be commenting once in a while because I do want to keep in touch with you, Claudia, and other computer friends that I have.
Claudia, this is just a suggestion. Whenever I can’t sleep, it’s always because I haven’t done something that I want to do. I’ll give you an example. For instance, if I go too long without working on my miniatures, I can’t sleep. It’s because I feel frustrated and angry. So, could this be your problem? Just think about it. Is there something that you want to do but have not been doing because you let everything else take precedence?!!
I agree with everything you said, but, like I tell my husband….We can’t go backwards, civilization has to move forward and unfortunately, moving forward means more technology…ughhh. As far as you waking up early, sorry, can’t help you…my problem is the opposite. I tend to wake up later due to me going to bed very late…bad habit I know. Maybe try being more active in the day? Something on your mind?
Have a good one Claudia
bunny
BRAVO! BRAVO!……I LOVE READING YOUR POSTS….YOU ALWAYS PRINT WHAT I AM THINKING……I WISH MANY TIMES WE COULD GO BACK TO THE TIMES WHEN I LIVED WITH MY MOM AND DAD, AND MY 4 BROTHERS AND 2 SISTERS…..I LOVED THOSE DAYS….A COLORING BOOK AND PAPER DOLLS WERE MY TREASURES…….
YEAH….I KNOW WE HAVE A LOT TODAY…BUT…YOUR SO RIGHT.. WHAT ARE WE MISSING?….WHEN YOU TALK TO THE KIDS TODAY….THEY DON’T HERE YOU…..THEY ARE SO BUSY ON THERE IPOD……I AGREE WITH YOU 100%……IT WAS A GREAT POST…THANK YOU FOR THAT….RIZZI
Technology~ it is truly a double edged sword. Of course we all like it for the fun and instant gratification we receive when we use it. However, we also pay the price for the constant chatter. I love old movies and television shows in black and white. I love the calmness associated with that nostalgic media. Have you noticed how current television seems to be constantly flashing? I wonder how it interrupts our brain waves. I wonder if it is a major contributor to what seems to be an epidemic of insomnia in this country. Did your Mom ever tell you to go turn off the television and go out and play? Mine did. Perhaps we all need to do that now. Limit our exposure to all our techno gadgets. Control our addiction to the constant chatter. As humans we may have evolved technically, but I believe that emotionally and physically we need fresh air and nature as much if not more than ever. Thanks for bringing up a topic that needs discussion!
Big Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
I’d love a simpler life with more room for quiet, meditative moments! I often think of quitting Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ altogether. I don’t get much joy from them at all. Then there’s Pinterest, LinkedIn, Flickr, and a whole gaggle of other things that I can’t be bothered with. I found an old college friend of mine through Facebook. That’s been the one really nice thing. The rest of it just sucks my time and energy (even though I spend probably half an hour a week total on that stuff now). What I really love is reading blogs and creating my own blog. That’s where most of my free time goes now. As much as I love it, too much can be draining. I keep trying to put more limits on blogging, so I can carve out more time for creating. I don’t watch the news, read the paper, none of that negativity to drain my energy. I read Beatrix Potter and other vintage-era children’s book authors before bed each night. Those were simpler times, and I love filling my head with sweetness before sleep! Just some thoughts…. Thanks for your post! I couldn’t relate more! :-) Jennifer
Did you sneak into my brain and capture my thoughts.
I love your posts.
I do want a simplier life. I feel we somewhat have it. Well maybe just a little.
Do you remember party lines…..for telephones.
My toys consisted of dolls, dogs (real ones), art supplies and stuffed animals. I played outside all day, mostly by myself since I lived in the country.
I do love having a computer and a phone to keep in touch……but soe of the other things I think I could live without.
I wish the newer generations could experience some of the things that we used to.
This world is a different place but we can have some control over how we live in it.
perfect post claudia! i’m with you 100%. yes, i do long for simpler times. omg, i never even see kids playing outside anymore. i love having my laptop, mostly b/c of the information at my fingertips but honestly, even blogging has become a chore. it sucks the time right out of my days. i don’t have a cell phone and i hope to God i never have to have one. i don’t think people are even aware anymore of how intrusive they are. and i agree with your college professor friend who suggests that young adults can’t function without them. that is just sad. i love watching old movies and old tv programs like leave it to beaver and andy griffith. the simplicity of the shows honestly soothe me. so there you go. i’m with you honey.
I love the chair the way it is. Very simple, clean and comfy. At least it looks comfy.
You read my mind. We do remember simpler times but this generation won’t. I feel they are going to have a technical meltdown.
According to your past posts, you have a lot on your mind which, of course, always alters sleep. I wish I could give you a solution. Praying for a restful night sleep.
I know exactly where you’re coming from. I was a kid in the 70’s and 80’s. I didn’t even have a computer until after high school, around the age of 20 I guess. In school, my research papers had to be typed on a typewriter. (White-out was my friend). My niece and nephew are in 9th and 11th grade, and even they have told me how uncomfortable it is to speak to a friend over the phone. Lol! They all prefer text messages.
Ever hear that country song by Bucky Covington called “A Different World?” It’s on YouTube and the lyrics are EXACTLY about what you’re saying.
Kristin
I’m back, again! I’m still laughing because your post is so right-on and because I spend half my day doing my own post inspired by yours! Now, how’s that for irony? Using technology to contemplate and discuss the possibilities of a simpler life. :)
By the way, our parents’ generation was concerned over our generation growing up with the threat of “the bomb,” learning “new math,” and growing up in a world that banned public prayer in schools, among other thing. I think they may have had a point!
Perhaps we can try taking breaks from technology and trying out the old ways of doing things, just to see if we can. I’d rather use my gas range and automatic washer, most of the time, though. :)
* spent – sorry!
Well this one truly makes one think. Yes, I yearn for the old days – like when I was growing up in England post WW2 – a wonderful time for living with the bare minimum, making do, imagination, nature, simple times and lots of love. We had no car, we never even had a telephone, had to go to the red phone box down the road to make a call and that only happened a couple of times a month at most! Alas, impossible to live that way now and sadly our children, but moreso our grandchildren, have become techno monsters! Don’t hate me for describing them this way – but I see it clearly in my own family and those of my closest friends….very scary!
I don’t subscribe to any social networking sites – I use my iPhone rarely, just feel I need it mainly for emergencies and knowing when DH’s plane has landed so I can swoop him up at the airport, and never use it in the car unless I’m parked. I gave my iPad to DH and just use my MacBook Air now……….I do spend too much time on it blogging and e-mailing (and buying a few things now and then!) but I love my blogging friends and my blog is my creative outlet.
Great post dear. Hope you can sleep better soon – and your little slipcovered chair looks so cozy so what if the fit is wrong – it’s where we know you snuggle and think about what to write for us each day!
Take care – be good to yourself.
Mary X
Yes, there is too much. I see a definite difference. On a recent lunch date with friends they were both simultaneously checking their messages; not once but consistently throughout the meal. I was there like a lump wondering why we were all there to begin with. I have noticed that the more “plugged in” people are the more out of touch we are to each other. I recently heard my daughter say that kids don’t use their phones to talk anymore; it’s all about the texting. Is there no longer any person to person interaction anymore? Scary. Great post Claudia.
Blessings, Joanne
I’ve always thought the computer and technology sucks too much life out of us. I know I can be consumed reading blogs, which irritates me at times, knowing full well I have a ton of other things that must be done. Regardless, technology in today’s world is amazing. My daughter subscribes to Twitter and reads new updates all the time. Me, I subscribe but never read it! She’s totally an Apple person, I’m still with my desktop and Microsoft! BUT I think one day I will switch! The one thing I can say about email though is that often it’s just easier to email someone than call them and engage in a long phone call that takes you away from a project or something. I love the beauty of that. I’ve noticed as I get older I seem to avoid the phone! The chair looks so cozy, great for settling into and reading blogs!
Great post, Claudia. I, too, long for simpler sometimes. I decided that I will NOT Tweet…or Twitter…or FaceBook…or Text! If someone wants to talk to me they can call me on the phone…or barring that, they can email me. I am looking to simplify my life, not complicate it.
That being said, I LOVE my computer and the connection it give me to worlds far beyone my door. I love blogging and have met some wonderful people I would never have met otherwise.
I am sad that the kids today rely so much on computers, though. Our grands go to a small, private school. They get ALL the basics BEFORE they are given access to computers. They can add, subtract, divide quickly in their little heads. They can read and know how to do research WITHOUT a computer before moving along to the next level.
Yearn for a simpler time? Absolutely~at least on some level.
Thanks for a wonderful thought provoking post..
Oh- And I am a theater person, too! xo Diana
I loved technology 20 years ago, even 15. Kept up with the latest. Loved discovering blogging. A couple of months ago though I decided to cut back on the ‘way too much’ time I spent writing posts, getting stuff ready to post about, reading/commenting on a huge amount of posts… Late December I did cut back (mostly because I got sick I suspect) and its been ok. I am reading my favourite blogging friends and commenting most days but I have cut back from 100 or so to about 15. I’ve cut back my ‘checking to see…’ time to checking three to four times a day, morning, coffee break afternoon and just before bedtime. Its helped free up time for things I need to do. We’ll see how I feel about that in a month.
Cell phones – just use for emergencies, never got in to texting. TV – I leave the room and do something else except for BBS mystery type programs and Mike Holmes type programs. Reading – constantly have a book or two on the go.
Sleeping – I gave up on trying to go to sleep so if I can’t sleep I read until I do sleep. I do mantras if I wake up and slow breathing (try to keep the thinking shut off).
Hope you get some sleep caught up soon. I agree with your thoughts on this post and see that other commenters have a lot to say that is supportive of your post as well.
Great questions Claudia!
I love technology, and blogland. My struggle lately is that I just don’t have enough hours in the day to stay in contact with all the fabulous people I have met online, and make art, and make videos, and teach classes, and cook everything from scratch! So, at some point….something has got to give, right?
I have never been attached to my phone or telly, so that really helps. I don’t quite know how to text but will manage it in a pinch. My sister loves to Pogo and I have held off on that one. I do FB but only minimally. I don’t tweet. Linked In I just pass up. I don’t even know what it actually is, but I am constantly being asked to do it!
I find it hard to remember what it was like pre computers. Yet I am definitely old enough to have spent most of my life without it. What on earth did we do with all that extra time!
Lol!
Hugs,
Terri
Loved your post. I don’t twitter, do facebook or any other social media stuff because I want time for me. I keep in touch with a good number of people by email — it’s so quick and easy to say “hello” and “how are you” or to send something nice that shows I’m thinking of them. And I write on my blog sporadically — when I actually have something that I want to say. As someone else said, the blog is for me and I love to have visitors and comments but growing a large community of people to read my blog is not the reason I’m writing.
There are so many readily available distractions in our everyday life that I think we just have to learn to be careful about what we allow as part of our existence … we are in control and we have to pick and choose how to spend our time.
I have a laptop and an iPhone — both of which I enjoy — but they are conveniences for me; they do not “run” my life. We can’t stop progress nor would I want to since some of it is very good but we don’t have to unknowingly jump into everything that comes our way.
Well, it hasn’t hurt you any, because you’re one hell of a fantastic writer. And that’s high praise. What’s an X-Box? The students can’t function without their cell phones? I can’t function with one. Perhaps our brains are just wired differently. Our time has passed me by. Or they are wasting theirs. Whatever it is, I’m not Twittering. I can’t face Facebook. If you don’t have time to think, you can’t possibly create. I choose creating. And why the heck did you let me natter so long on the phone today if you needed a nap?
Brenda
I loved the days when we sat and watched tv on one of the two the family had (small one and large one that moved from upstairs to down depending on the season of the year) and we would run to the encyclopedias to learn more about what we watched. we didn’t argue over what to watch we just went to our room and played if we didn’t like what was on. Cable wasn’t even around until I was a teen! BUT I love Google and blogging and Facebook keeps me up with my cousins that have moved away since we all got old :( So I think I am with you we should read books and know how to hand write something. But playing with toys and spending all day in the yard with your friends is a much better way to go. Oh attention spans are short but my nephews do spend more time outside with friends than in with video games and they read books! They love a trip to Barnes & Noble with Aunt Lisa ;)
It is hard to think we did so well with out all this and YES we could live without it again, but there are benefits to many ways of communicating and meeting all the great people we can online.
Hugs, Lisa
I agree it is hard to find balance in the world we live in today. I also sometimes (more than sometimes) think about how simple life was without all the cell phones and computers, but I don’t want to become an old person who is negative and lives in the past. There is no way the younger generations could possibly know what we experienced growing up. I just watched the Woody Allen movie “Midnight in Paris” and it is about this very topic. Your post is very thought-provoking.
You silly girl, your slip cover is half way there…. just turn the whole thing inside out— put it back on the chair…. then take some pins and pin it snuggly to fit your chair. I always run a pencil line along the pins before removing it from the chair. Then remove it— sew it… try it on the chair. If it doesn’t work… unstitch it and try it again. It will work!! Then you’ll really enjoy it!! It is so easy peasy!!!
big hugs!!
Cheryl
I don`t have a cell phone and I don`t want one. I blog because I love it. You have to decide what matters to you and leave the rest I guess.
S
xo
Excellent post and one that I think many of us struggle with. I love my blog, my camera and my phone. I recently added Google+ and love the concept but now I have daily dozens of folks who have added me to their circles. Which then requires me to look at their site and see if I want to add them back! Gah! Twitter, I only post my blog there … not big on using it at all. LinkedIn I have and post there as well but really see no point. All of it is exhausting to keep up with and does zap creativeness! I do love one on one chats with friends much more than the impersonal social media world. Does that make me old. I’d like to think wise! :)
Regarding your poor sleeping, have you ever had Sleepy Time Tea? (Made by Celestial Seasonings) It’s tasty, very soothing and has been around for decades. As for technology, I wouldn’t want to give up my laptop, but I’ve never found the need for a cell phone and other assorted gadgets. Alright, one more; I was given a GPS device for my birthday and it has been useful on roadtrips.
I love that you call it a mixed blessing. It truly is, isn’t it?
I love LOVE my digital camera, and my computer, but there are times when it’s easier to just turn them off, and tune into the beauty all around us. I guess the key is to find the balance that works for each of us.
Thanks for writing something that really made me think of how I live my life.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
I think the answer is in the last paragraph of your post. BALANCE. Remember the saying “all things in moderation.” Just make sure you balance your activities and interests. Blog a while then go for a walk; catch up on facebook then pick up a great novel and read a chapter. You seem to have a balance in your life, just don’t let technology take over.
As for the sleeping problem, have you tried herbal teas? See, here we go with “balance”; google and read up on herbal teas, then go out into your garden and pick some herbs to make a tea!
Oops, got so busy giving my opinion, I almost forgot…
That vase in the third photo is breathtaking, tell us about it! You have great pottery pieces!
Also, I think the Ikea slipcover is wonderful; it doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s great just the way it is. I have an ugly, ugly modern chair that feels great. I may have to get one of those slipcovers to hide it. I’m off to Ikea (via the internet) to look for the slipcover.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Hi Claudia,
I have had thoughts very similar to those you wrote about in this post…it is so hard to find a balance. Like you, I love to blog and keep up with new e-friends but also miss quiet alone time . I finally took a month off from blogging just to recharge my batteries and it helped a lot. Your post brought back so many memories for me…we must have grown up at about the same time…really enjoyed the memories you shared. I guess it’s all about finding a healthy balance between technology and reflection. As a teacher, I see that children do seem to have shorter attention spans than they did when I started my career in the 70’s…you have to present material in shorter “bytes” for them now and do a lot more hands-on teaching. Thanks for such a thought-provoking post.
Hugs,
Cheryl
Hi Claudia!
Oh, you hit a real button with me. I have a real love/hate relationship with technology. I don’t have a face book account and I don’t twitter. I barely blog enough as it is. Like one of the comments above, it takes so much time to read and comment on everything and I just decided years ago to cut back.
I so miss the simpler days. For some reason, I had a Leave it to Beaver binge last week and watched about 6 or 7 episodes and then watched 6 or 7 episodes of Andy Griffith and then the Waltons. Must have been a bad tech week for me and wanted to go back in time.
I remember as a kid that if I wanted to get a hold of my friend, I had to actually go up to her house and KNOCK on her door and if she wasn’t there, her mom would send me off to go find her because it was unheard of to go to the phone and actually call around to other homes looking for my friend. It was just natural to hop on my bike and go from friend to friend to friend’s house looking for my pal. Eventually, I would find her…playing in the creek bed with the other kids.
And when my mom blew her army whistle, that meant I needed to get home. And my friend’s mom rang a huge school bell to signal her to come home. And my other friend’s mom had a triangle bell. No cell, no worries, and no one got lost, hurt, or late for dinner. Or if late, we couldn’t go out and play after dinner. Pretty simple.
Thanks for the post…I might write about it on my blog soon and send others over here to read yours too….great topic!
Big hug
Elizabeth
I have found since turning 41 I too long for simpler quiet life. Like you I am all for technology but sometimes it just seems like it’s so much NOISE coming at you from every direction. So every now and then I turn off everything electronic and sit in the quiet either praying, or reading or crocheting.. I need to get away from it sometimes myself.. by the way, I am a new reader to your blog and I am LOVING all of it!
Robyn