Back to the blogworld after quite a sabbatical for this screen sucker. I temporarily suspended most of my cyber activities and it wasn't the delirium tremens experience I had anticipated. I missed reading others' blogs the most. I thought quitting Lexulous would be a cause of the shakes and the jitters but it wasn't at all. FaceBook posting I kept to a minimum and refused to open links from others. AND why does aforesaid FB involve so much WORK on my part?
I took the two steps back from this and came to the conclusion I only like it when the posts are personal: don't send me recipes you haven't made and photographed, don't send me links without a comment as to how it has affected you, don't post décor pics unless it's your own house you're talking about or books you've read or movies you've seen. But most of all don't post pics and movies of animals and babies and weddings unless they, erm, are those that are part of YOUR family. I mean why should I care about strangers' dogs and babies? Why should you?
I'm not saying I'm immaculate in that area either. There was a time when Lolzcatz or whatevers had me frothing and posting. But not anymore.
Point is: Distance is required to have a good look at ourselves and our activities, cyber and otherwise.
I wrote, I read. I walked. I spent time with Daughter who is now (I'm still trying to process this delightful life's surprise) actually living here. We went to a concert on Saturday afternoon and then she said: "I know you want to see "Philomena", Mum - let's pack the day up tight - do dinner and then see it!"
And we did. And it was all good. Very good.
And "Philomena"? - run to this movie. It is brilliant.
Here's my review of Philomena
Welcome back! And thanks for the review.I want to see this film very much.
ReplyDeleteHi there! Glad you benefited from the cyber withdrawal!
ReplyDeleteOn the whole I do agree about FB posts that aren't personal and are just links to stuff. Though sometimes the links can be very informative. But yes, why should I care about friends of friends of friends, or complete strangers?
The Guardian reviewed this film and _ I am sure I remember rightly - published an interview with Philomena or a member of her family.
ReplyDeleteGood to have you back; I too was away from blogland for two weeks. Occasionally, I have enough of what is mostly boring tripe - mine and others’ - and need time to read rather than blog.
Still, here we both are again. Whatever that says about us . . . .
I am happy for you and your daughter; hope togetherness will remain a pure pleasure.
So, you are Brigid? Very irish.
So pleased to see you back.
ReplyDeleteSimilar on what you shared.
Since preparing for days, cooking and family visit - I am still tired but it was a labor of love but wish all could have been with me. This is something I really thought I might not do again. At the present time the Mind still and quiet and no thoughts
on anything to write so children/grandchildren know what is going on with me and the woods.
They came to visit
and had a close up look.
I smile, daughter is with you
lucky one-wish it was me :)
Nice to have you back. I would not have known that you are back without your antisocial post on fb which I used for a blog and in the process of linking you to it, came across this post.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and thank you for the pointer to Philomena. Will catch it when released here.
Welcome back! As you know, I'm a believer in stepping back and taking a break once in a while to get perspective.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind an occasional cute dog video but mostly, I'm interested in the lives of the people who post. I can look up the other stuff on my own.
Good to have you back. The Internet is a seductive mistress, as addictive as alcohol and other drugs. I realized its hold on me recently. Now I take time away from my PC to read, draw, and listen to Bach and Mozart (with a bit of Tom Lehrer and Tommy Makem).
ReplyDeleteExcellent review; Judi Dench is one of my favorites.
Let's hope for th best in 2014 for everyone.
Welcome back! I say this from the shadows as I am on a semi break from blogging at the moment.
ReplyDelete"Philomena" is on my list, but it may have to wait until I am next in Dublin - There are no cinemas on my bus route. :( Never mind, I am getting used to shank's mare.
Hattie:
ReplyDeletethank you, film was amazing.
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Nick:
ReplyDeleteI did, my withdrawal was easier than I anticipated.
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Friko:
ReplyDeletePseudonym, I think you know my real name as I do yours. Lips sealed for both of us.
yes, a break is good I think.
though honestly I never run out of things to write about.
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OWJ:
ReplyDeletethanks for your good wishes.
I feel so blessed having Daughter near me.
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Ramana:
ReplyDeleteI'm busy playing catchup as you can see, sucked right in again :)
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SAW:
ReplyDeleteTrue words you speak my dear.
yes we all need a break and the step back.
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Marc:
ReplyDeleteI do love your music mix. I can never get enough of Tommy Makem. I particularly enjoy his singing with his mother Sarah.
Yes interwebz is highly addictive.
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GM:
ReplyDeleteWhere is your car? Why are you not driving. We need to talk missus. Let's schedule a chat.
XO
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Glad to hear you're not immaculate. You had me wondering there for a while!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back y'all. :)
Veep:
ReplyDeleteOn a sleepless night to be deemed immaculate even for a second makes me snort in delight.
Oh my. Well maybe once when I was a blue-clad "Child of Mary" wandering around the convent grounds dreaming of Michael and his blonde hair. When I was 14.
LOL.
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Welcome back indeed. I completely agree with every word you say re the cyber world and preferring to read of people's personal experiences(though will make an exception for very funny animal piccies). So glad you have had a nice surprise re the daughter's relocation. Lx
ReplyDeleteGood to see you back, WWW, and to hear of happy times spent offline. I would do this more often, and for longer, if my freelane work didn't depend on being hooked in. (I take days and weeks off Twitter regularly, and I never joined FB, so that helps.) Philomena sounds worth investigating.
ReplyDeleteHi Laura:
ReplyDeleteThanks for the good thoughts. Yes Daughter being here is a wonderful treat.
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Hi Stan:
ReplyDeleteYes part of my dilemma is my work as well which encompasses web searches and many emails which need action. Then it's easy to slide off into Lexulous, etc.
Yes, highly recommend "Philomena".
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Love Judi Dench but won't see this movie. I hate the soppy sentilmentalism which seems to be de rigeur for this subject. You never hear from the other side, the women who don't give a damn. Angel/whore still maintains: we are stoned.
ReplyDeleteAnon:
ReplyDeleteOh that's a bit harsh. I didn't find it sentimental at all. It just honoured one woman's wishes and yearning.
I respect the women I know who unapologetically gave up their children having being forced into births they had no wish for and having no legal rights to termination or backstreet coat hanger abortions.
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