Did you ever take a look around you and notice all the busyness going on. Everywhere I go, I see people connected to some portable device. It seems that if we are not signed on, plugged in or on-line, we truly look as though we are wasting precious time. Our life is not measured by how much time we spend on-line, the number of comments left behind or that our in-box full of e-mails. A rapid fire e-mail reply seems to be expected as though we were machines ourselves. Need a reminder that we are humans. Have a nice long Columbus Day weekend and may each of you enjoy some idle time. Recharge your batteries, sign out, get out and spend time with the humans that you love.
I found this image over here along with a few blog tips. Maintaining a blog takes a great deal of time and reading the many blogs takes even more time. I thank-you for taking time out of your busy day with all that you have to balance, blogging, living and giving.
What is your best blog tip that you would like to share?
What a beautiful thoughtful post. As a drink my coffee I must ponder it...and try to be a bit more of a "let life happen and take the little ques as to where it is going". I have been a little more this way this week, and I must say have been happier. I wish I wrote things down a bit more, maybe if I won...} Congrats Gretchen.
37 comments:
Boy do I know the feeling. Worth to keep in mind that we need a "real" life too, even if just so we can blog about it :P
And talking about blogs, yours is a favorite. I don't always comment, but I do always enjoy your insight.
It amazes me what everyone has to say on their mobile phones, or tapping away on them. Having spent so long in a village without any mobile reception, I have just not got into the habit of not using one. I don't know my number, its there for emergencies (although my iphone is more useful with goggle maps, but that surely is an emergency being lost!).
to cute...if only they had computers..
When I am not working, or blogging. I don't want to even look at any kind of electronic device, and even though I may have my phone. It's most time in the bottom of my bag, purse or in my pocket, and being used most times as a camera rather than a phone :)
Such a thought-provking post, and one I can completely relate to. We all need a little reality check every now and then. K xx
You are so right. I have only been blogging since summer, so it's still somewhat "new" to me and there are days when I seem to have spent most of it trying to twek or figure how to do something. I'm afraid I'm not very up-to-date, technically. My phone doesn't even have a keyboard, so texting is laborous, but it prevents me from doing a lot of it, so I guess that's a good thing!
Susan
We have a no phone or email rule once we walk through the front door after a day's work... that way, we can really connect with the kids. If only they could disconnect from their "toys" once in a while!
THANKS PATRICIA! I feel so special to be a part of a such a special and thought provoking post. I ponder and struggle with the technology issue alot. I think as in all things in life blogging is a balance. When I first started out blogging it took up a ton of time b/c I was trying to navigate the vast blogland...but once I found my bearings a bit (and wonderful people like you!) it takes up less of my time, and I can spend it "living" life with my family. Anyway, thanks again! I am so excited!
Gretchen O.
Patricia,
You are so correct. Sometimes, I think the most unfortunate thing is that the younger generations are so uncomfortable just "being" and more importantly not enjoying in person conversations with anyone. It's just one day after another of texting, tweeting or posting on blogs or FB!!!
We all need to take time to check-out whether it's for a day or two to reconnect with friends and family or slip away on vacation...sans the technology!
I love your image, and your thinking. I awoke this morning thinking the exact same thing. Exact. Affirmation is good for the soul.
Absolutely! Every time I am in an elevator with other people (either at work or in my apartment building), they are reading/checking their blackberries or iPhones. What did we do without them?! Why the need to be constantly in touch?
This week and weekend at my daughter's school is a no technology week - they do not use the laptops in class and all the homework requires no laptop. And this long weekend they will have no homework. They are making a concerted effort to have the kids reconnect with family and friends on a human level - how great is that!!
I will say one thing, for my children who have first jobs in NYC, they work crazy hours, and their bosses insist on having constant access to them. when my daughter had strep, her boss sent an e-mail, that she was not allowed to get sick anymore! I blame these horrible bosses who treat 20something's like slaves.
That image is hysterical!!!!! I love it! I am a crafter, so I try to balance electronics with hands-on creativity not involving electronics.
So true I think it's a double edge sword, great to be connected but a huge time suck. I have tried to decrease my computer time and enjoy life more. The rain is finally stopping time to head out doors again. Have a wonderful long weekend with your family.
I think that writing a blog has to be a lobour of love, like your's clearly is, because it takes up so much time. I don't think people always apprecaite that so it's good that you've made the point, and I love the image !!!
Hi Patricia,
Yes, a wonderful reminder for sure! And it's posts like this that make me feel better about my lack of techno-knowledge!
The image is great - I didn't see their computers until the second look. At first glance, I assumed they were crocheting.
Have a wonderful, wonderful weekend,
Trina
I know the feeling. It can become a job if you let it, so don't let it. Take a break when you need to.
I see it all the time in the city, everyone is always going 100 miles an hour. I love the idea of taking the long weekend off. I think the best blog tip is to take time now and then to recharge your battery. I find I am more creative when I have a rested mind :)
Great post. So true - a picture is worth a thousand words. My blogging tip - never take anything personally, even if it was intended that way (or at least you think) Blogging can consume enough logistical time - it's alot less fun if it ends up consuming time worrying about this or that. Saw you mentioned your reno over on Pretty Pink Tulips - I'm really curious- hope you'll post about it when it's all done. Have a great long weekend. Michele
Think so often just the same.
Love to disconnect and just be!
Feels so good!
ENJOY THE LONG WEEKEND!
My older kids leave today :( and hubby takes daughter out for the weekend. So it's just me and the youngest!
XX
V.
For the most part I try to stay off the computer for the weekend. If I do have to get on I always find my fingers clicking on some of my favorite blogs.
Since recently discovery google read. I can visit so many more blogs in less time.
As for cell fone- I keep it on viberate most times, because I like to give- my love, family and friends their time without interuptions.
I hope you do something fun with your long weekend ahead. xo
That image is terrific and a great reminder that we should "unplug". I definitely don't live in the "now" very often. Maybe it's time to get out my Eckhart Tolle and get back to basics.
pve - I find you consistently worth reading. Among the hundreds, you stand out.
OMG I love this post and the picture, is that great or what! And it's true everyone has their head down looking at their phone even when they are walking these days it's amazing! My best blog tip would be to never blog about something you would not be okay with it appearing on a billboard.
Great post Patricia!
xo
Maria
Great reminder for life itself! Not blogging these days (but I do read yours :), so no words of advice, but my dad did tell me recently, "When was the last time you just sat on the sofa? The kids need you to be relaxed too!" Sitting from the sofa and watching my kids play or just "being" is nice. Need to do more (sitting!).
Unplugging is good some times. I have been doing a lot of it lately. Enjoy your time away. . . and the joys of a fall weekend!
The stop at PVE is one of my favorite breaks in the day. I do try to keep up with my Tranquil Tuesday concept. Helps me and my husband reconnect without technology, TV or too much noise.
I've received lots of blog tips - mostly from you!!! But, one I also took to heart and I think helps is create a schedule and stick with it. Blog 2, 3, 5 days or M,W,F...but whatever you do, stick with it. I have and I think it helps me stay focused. And, I look forward the days when I don't post and can just catch up on reading everyone else's!
Wonderful observations and reminder - it is truly a different culture than the one I grew up in and although there is a ton of good going on with all of our technology, we are missing a lot, too, with our obsession with it. Have a wonderful long weekend!
i go through spurts with blogging....sometimes i'm very consistent. other times, i dont even have time to turn on the computer. i dont see how people post everyday and leave comments....it overwhelms me at times. it helps to schedule posts for me.
Wonderful image!! I'm reading about the Bronte's right now and have thought how much they would have enjoyed blogging...I'm imagining this is them.
There seems to be a pull lately with many bloggers between life and blogging. I've been averaging about one post a week and I'm determined to be okay with that until I can post more (if the muse strikes more often, so be it!). I've not been able to read some of my favorite blogs lately and have been wondering how it is worked into schedules...night owls, early birds?? It's a mystery!
Have a fabulous un-plugged weekend!
xo J~
When all the sons visit us for a meal, I insist they turn their phones off, leave them on the hallway table & join us at the table for good conversation sans technology. My blogging tip: Don't give anyone in your family your blog address! Lovely post Patricia.
Millie ^_^
Thank you. You reminded me that I should spend EVEN MORE time with my dogs. Bye to all blogs for now.
I couldn't agree more about being plugged in... I am too guilty of it. In fact I recently bought myself an iPhone just so I could stay connected on the long commutes from CT to wayyyyy downtown. I try to do my writing and blog reading early in the morning or later in the evenings when the family is either asleep or not in need of my immediate attention. My cell phones are never near me at home. My husband comments that I leave too many comments on Facebook though!
I love that image!
Congratulations to the winner... a bit of envy here!
three cheers for this! it's crazy that bloggers feel so pressured to update and comment every day, but instead of being an escape- we've turned it into another way to be stressed. I'm trying to loosen up my "expectations" on myself for being on here as much.
Congrats to Gretchen..this image just made me smile! We were in Vt. this weekend, and our internet was (gasp!) down, somehow I managed to survive! :)
great post!
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