Is our dependence on technology good or bad?

I don't know about you, but for me sitting in one room listening and learning is actually tougher than before. Why? Well one of my theories is that with technology and our need to multi-task constantly it is actually difficult to just sit and listen.

Yesterday I was in a eight-hour training. I am now a certified QPR Suicide Prevention trainer. Yeah! (Even so just sitting there I realized college would be tougher now, as I'm so used to constant tech access). I mean I had my phone on vibrate. When I got out I have 50 emails, three voicemails, and a couple texts, and don't forget a Facebook request from someone I don't know. Ignore.

There is a book out called, "The Winter of Our Disconnect," by Susan Maushart. Disclaimer: I haven't read the book, but I've seen a few articles about the experiment. Basically, this women and her three teenagers took off six months from technology at home. Her kids could use the computers at the library or at friend's houses for homework, but otherwise at home it was a no tech zone. Did I mention the mom said that she slept with her iphone. (What's wrong with that?) Anyway, the result was a happier more connected family.

One daughter now prefers the library to get things done in a quiet space. Before she thought her mom was crazy for needing quiet to get things done. Her son gave up his souped up gaming computer to get a saxophone. It does make you wonder about our dependency on technology. Meanwhile I'm writing in a blog. Yes, I see the irony.

Women's Art History Show, Opening Reception Friday, April 8, 5 to 7pm

Kathy Stover's Art Piece (I'll feature mine later. I need to download the photo.

Yesterday Carrie, Bill, and I put up the Women's History Art Show at Basalt Library. The show looks great, and it offers a lot of diversity from 12 local artists. Even with the variety of pieces somehow it fits together. It is really satisfying now that the show is up and on display. Creating art for the show was great, but so is the curating, as you feel like you're helping to promote art in your community.

An artist is a dreamer consenting to dream of the actual world.
--George Santayana

And now since taking on this art show it seems like I'm noticing art more. For example, I went to lunch, and the art on the walls was jumping out at me. So now I'm taking a moment to read about the artist. Have you seen any good art lately?

A great opportunity is this Friday, April 8th, from 5 to 7pm at the Basalt Library. Come enjoy appetizers, wine, and art. Hope to see you there!

Read this book!

So I'm recommending a book to read. It's "A Discovery of Witches," by Deborah Harkness. I know that some of you know that I devoured all of the Twilight series books. Guilty. These types of books are my guilty pleasures. Those of you who know me well also know that I read literature and nonfiction books of substance as well. So I'm not apologizing for falling for this book about an Oxford history professor and reluctant witch, Diana Bishop, who falls in love with a vampire.

Note in a stroke of genius, Harkness makes Diana a Bishop, which means she's related to Bridget Bishop, who was a witch in the Salem Witch Trials. This gives her witch lineage a boost, and it gives her a certain cache among other witches, as well.

The book that draws Diana and Peter, the 1500-year old vampire, together is a bewitched alchemical manuscript from the 1500s. Diana is able to access it, but she returns it to the library, as she doesn't want to use her powers. She tries to access it again, but it doesn't work. But then they discover that the book is just a piece of the puzzle, which involves Diana and the future.

Honestly, I'm ready for the next book to come out. The book left you hanging, and we know that another book will follow. And for those of you still scoffing at my book, even NPR liked it. So there!

www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/02/09/133618903/the-surprising-charms-of-a-discovery-of-witches

If you give it a read, let me know what you think!

Should I or shouldn't I?

The question is whether it's too early to feature my blog on facebook. I think I'm committed to regular updates, but as you can tell last year that wasn't really the case.

This year is different. Yesterday for lunch Carrie and I went skiing. It was a bluebird day. Check out this photo.

What a beautiful day. And getting outside was such a great way to be reminded of why I live here in a place where gas is outrageously expensive.

Last night I went to Bikram's Yoga. It was HOT. It is only my second time back at Hot Yoga, and I'm still getting adjusted to it again. The mantra, "drink lots of water", certainly applies.

What I'm finally realizing and embracing is that making changes in your life takes time, dedication, and it has be a constant endeavor. When you backslide and make choices that aren't in line with what you're trying to accomplish--you can't give up. Instead you have to dust yourself off and acknowledge what happened and do better next time. For me the all or nothing tack just doesn't work in the longterm.

Happy spring, to a time of renewal and growth.

What do I want to say?

What do I want to say today? I want to write about what I'm grateful for in my life. I am so grateful for my family and my friends. They sustain me through thick and thin. They stand by me no matter what.

I am also grateful to live in such a beautiful place. Today the sun came out after yesterday's snow storm. For lunch, Carrie and I are heading for the slopes to enjoy the 17 inches of new powder. I admit though I'm more than ready for spring I can enjoy the snow for a bit longer. Enjoy what the day brings instead of wishing your life away.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to write and create, as it feeds my soul. Each time I write, take photos, or now paint I feel a connection to the universe. I am grateful for what I have in my life, which is a lot.

Hello Monday

Woke up to snow today. It is a bit dreary. Can you tell I'm ready for spring? I had a good weekend, and I've almost completed my art. I actually did a painting, which is a first for me. It feels good to try something different, though photography and writing are still my first loves. My photos didn't seem to embrace the theme, "Our History is Our Strength". I'm not sure my painting does that either, but it's an abstract version.

I spent the weekend chilling out and cleaning. The reason: I was out of town the last three weekends, and things had gotten a bit out of control. I just needed the weekend to catch up on things and devote time to being creative. I also met Mari for lunch on Sunday, and I went to Mary Anne's baby shower. It was fun to celebrate the little one, and catch up with MA and her crew.

Today it's back to work. Why does the weekend go by so quickly? Happy Monday to all.

Starting Again

I just read a blog about someone who took a year off to hike, travel, and write. (www.momonvacation.blogspot.com) It was inspiring to read about someone taking the "jump" as she described it. It sounds like a wonderful idea. It's not something that I can do completely right now, but I can take a small leap.

This weekend I'm working on my art project for my Women's History Art Show. Carrie and I are co-curating the show of 12 artists. I'm going out on a limb this time, because instead of photos and words I'm going to work on a painting. It could turn out a disaster, and I'll be back to photos, but I want to take this small leap to give it a try. I want to move past my fear of not embracing myself as an artist.

The other thing I want to commit to is writing in this blog at least once per week. That will be a challenge, but I'm going to put it in my calendar. The iphone might be able to prompt me to follow through. I started a new journal this year, and this blog is the next step. Once I start following through, then I plan to send out a note to gather some readers. One step at a time.

In the meantime, what small leap will you take in your life? It's time!