Saturday, February 23, 2019

On Becoming Serene, and Blogging



Ever wish you had taken computer courses before becoming a blogger? Perhaps you did just that.

But I, I whose ignorance assured her that she who had to be dragged into the computer age from her trusty typewriter could throw herself headlong into the hypnotizing world of blogging, went ahead, understanding absolutely nothing about computers.



I believe in doing things too soon. In striking before the iron is hot, in leaping before one has looked, in loving before one has been introduced.
      Beverley Nichols in Down the Garden Path




Are you like that about a passion? And do you have your blogging degree in passion only or in a tech education?

And if you answer "in passion" do you ever suffer a crise de nerfs when technology comes crashing down around you as it did on me recently?

What do you do about it, pray tell?




Here's how I handled my own crise de nerfs , my faithful, patient friends. That is, after I had taken hours and hours of help out of my son's life, by phone and by text, to fix the major problems.

Every day after trying to fix the rest of my computer problems I would run out of the office that I grandly call My Writing Room and grab one of these books to take to my bedroom reading chair.




I believe that these books I ordered one at a time during January and thus far in February have been sent to me by the Wise Physician who knew so well what I would need during the attack on my nerves by the evil god of technology (and yes, I could name him here but won't), along with his minions Pop-Up-Ads and My-Computer-Keys-Are-Stuck-in-Molasses.

"How slow can I go?
Very Very S.....L....O....W."


  
And there was their pal HaHaHa who signed me out of everything I had signed into for years and then threw away forgotten passwords set eons ago.



And lest I forget another wannabe kingpin, Mr. Scrolling? That function became a test, no, a con-test to see how much time could pass before either the icon stopped spinning or my head did.



"I can't do this, it's driving me crazy," I screeched to BreeBree and James Mason as I stormed away from my desk and out of the room of torture that it sits in. 



And then I sought an antidote. Either I could climb the walls or eat Rocky Road ice cream or grab one of these old four books, House & Garden's Guide to Interior Decoration.

Page by page I disappeared into the world of homes of the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s.



Each time I was transported so fully to homes of those years that no LSD trip of the 1960s, if I had ever been someone who did such a thing, could possibly have offered as much mind-blowing happy feelings, such heart's and mind's ease as these four books offered.

 

I studied pages on furniture styles and table setting and terraces and it became as real to me as if I were personally expecting the garden club women to luncheon before showing them around my own Eden. 

And at last I would emerge from that world into my own, a far gentler woman.



And instead of being the woman whose chin is dragging the ground like this poor soul who can so easily become my alter ego...



Instead of her, I would become more like my other more desired alter ego....

dreamed-i-wore-pink-raincoat.html]


Thankfully, all at last seems well here in my blogging world, after the mysterious, complicated technical procedure called "Restart Computer" took place.

Who knew?



Now, dear reader, what turns you from a sad frantic maniac into a serene goddess of the hearth? Would you share a secret cure with us?

And what is it that brings on your own crise de nerfs

[No, I don't speak French. I'm betting that phrase has stayed in my mind from an old Edith Wharton novel.]



  

41 comments:

  1. I’m so glad you are back in business. I completely understand that kind of frustration. You could just pull your hair out! I get that way when I have to make one of those dreaded phone calls to get something straightened out. After pushing buttons dictated by a machine the person I reach can’t even help e and has to send me to someone else and then we get disconnected. You know the feeling.....you could just scream. Where are the good old days when a person answered the phone and could handle your problem without saying “my computer is slow today.”

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    1. Oh, I hate those phone calls too! And the disconnects before anything is settled. It was so much simpler when I was a child. But was it for my parents? I think so because they actually got to speak to a real person when they used the telephone. But maybe they got tired of having to go to whatever store or bank they needed to work out a problem with. And then there's the time that had to be spent actually going to a store front to shop instead of online. It's a mixed bag, isn't it?

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  2. Oh those pictures are all dreamy, Dewena. I have to say that I've always been mechanical and a pretty good problem solver, so when computer issues strike, I dig in. it may take me longer than the average bear to figure it out, but I don't quit. When I do need a break or life gets me down, I run to the beach. That is where I find my solace and my smile in troubled times. There's something about the salt air that helps. :) Glad your tech problems have vanished!

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    1. I need a tech savvy person to move in next door to me, Kim, although they'd soon be barring the door from their pesky neighbor.

      Our daughter is like you as far as the beach is concerned. And now she's moved to the mountains!

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  3. Here both of have had online issues, but we survived the hassles and life goes on.

    A good book will definitely give us a different attitude. I need to look through some of my gardening books again, for inspiration and for a calming effect.

    May this coming week be a better one for us.

    Love & hugs ~ FlowerLady

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    1. Now you know why I felt such sympathy reading your post, Lorraine! But you're right, we did survive.

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  4. I could look at old books like that for months on end! And what is it they say about, "If you wait till you're ready, you'll never be ready?"

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    1. And I would never be ready so it's just as well, right?

      Those books are such treasures!

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  5. I am not computer savvy at all either. When things go wrong on the blog I just try to figure it out too. I ask others or just try to go back into setting etc. and try and try again. It is frustrating. Sometimes I have to walk away and let it be for awhile and clear my mind before digging back in. I am glad you got your computer issues worked out. Love seeing Bree Bree and James Mason. Those two faces will keep smiling for sure.
    Big Hugs,
    Kris

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    1. BreeBree and James Mason send a big hug to Buddy, Kris!

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  6. Dewena, am I to understand all you had to do was restart your computer??

    Whatever the answer, I can only imagine how frustrating it must have been to lose your passwords. Perhaps you can just have them on a piece of paper going forward? Old school maybe but effective. I have them stored on my phone which is synced to my ipad so they’re in two places. There are also apps for that which many swear by.

    xxx

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    1. Oh no, Doreen, there were major problems that had to get fixed first but then when they were fixed everything loaded so slowly, horribly slowly, and I could not get it fixed where it wouldn't, days of that. I almost gave up on typing or scrolling at all. And I do have a password book only after I had resigned into everything that those covered, some odd balls kept popping up that still wouldn't work, and those were things I'd never written down. And in trying to have new password links sent to me my email would time out. Very frustrating!

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    2. Forgot to add that it was restarting the computer that seemed to fix the slow moving!

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  7. Dewena, I love those books!! The photos are just so beautiful and like you, would transport me into a totally different time period...somewhere where technology of this magnitude did not exist. But, I do enjoy the benefits of technology and am appreciate of what it gives me, especially when I want to research something and don't have to be limited by the 26 volume set of dated encyclopedias. Computer issues are very frustrating and thankfully, the hubster and I are a little bit tech savvy..."little" being the operative word there. Now, with all of that being said, when I need a break from the computer and any other 21st century technology, I escape into a book. I can go anywhere on those pages and be anyone I want to be. Childish as it sounds, it does give me a new perspective! Hope things are better sweet friend! Love and hugs to you!

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    1. I agree with you completely, Benita! While I fuss and complain about all the problems I've experienced with technology, I have benefited so much by it. When I think of the ease now of finding out almost anything with a keystroke, I should give thanks for it, right? Maybe I haven't been appreciative enough and so it turned on me!

      And then we still have the wonderful world of real hold-in-your-hands books, and long may we ever!

      Not childish at all, Benita, unless I'm right there with you. There is truly a magical almost out-of-body way that a book can change you, beginning with The Book itself. From one book lover to another, let's keep turning those pages!

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  8. Oh, Dewena - I love this post, I know you must somehow know me. Blogging has made me want to pull my hair out many times. Recently, I went to work on a post and Word Press had decided they had a new platform. UGH! So I stumbled my way through a post and sent it to blog land. The next morning I had a message congratulating me that I had been successful with the new platform. However, in their message they asked me if I would like to stay with the new or return to the old. I could have pulled them through the screen and shook the very life out of them. Mind you I am not a violent person - but I think I may have characteristics I was unaware of.

    So glad all is better for you and I do hope it stays that way. I love your writing. Happy weekend to you and yours!

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    1. Thank you so much, Sandra! And I really can't even imagine you reaching through the screen to shake wordpress! So funny!

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  9. Computers have sent me into many a downward spiral, either here at home or at work. I am learning to figure some things out on my own, which amazes me as I'm technologically challenged. But, my son's phone number is on speed dial. My garden is the place I seek equilibrium again. And in the winter, a hot cup of tea and a magazine or a book always seem to bring life back into balance.

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    1. I really like your way of calming down, Karen, they're my favorites too! Except for the cup of tea, how I wish I'd learned to like tea and coffee in my younger days.

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  10. I live with someone who can fix my computer problems whenever I need it - my husband. But I really get how these books kept you sane - I love looking at design and color and artistic anything. When I need to recharge, destress or simply feel gratitude I either turn to nature or art. Your post was fun to read and now I'll check those links you left.

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    1. Sandy, I could have guessed that nature and art would be where you turn to, just from visiting your beautiful blog!

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  11. I'm so glad your computer is now fixed! I've only had minor problems over the years I've been using laptops (at least, I consider them minor...viruses and such), but I just Google what's going on and the solution is usually out there, so I just follow the step by step instructions - and voila! There was a time where I had to work for hours to resolve one of the problems and yes, it was truly frustrating, so I had to walk away a few times and just come back to it.

    With other maddening issues where I need to calm down, I either email a friend, get out of the house and go somewhere fun (to me) like a bookstore or home decor store or even the library. Other times, I do some yoga and meditate. Reading is also a good balm for the soul, too. xoxo

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    1. And you find the prettiest little shops to go to, Melanie! Wish we lived closer so I could tag along some!

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  12. This is a wonderful post, Dewena. Computers have their place, and I have met such special people through blogging, but real life takes priority. Books are my escape from technology and stress, and always have been. Love the photos you've shown.

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    1. Thank you, Lorrie! Yes, books are the way to almost any problem.

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  13. My Dear,
    This post just made me smile, laugh and have me saying "yes".
    My boys and husband are my IT .. thank goodness. LOL

    I just ordered a bunch of garden books from the library. English and Irish gardens.. I will curl up and read and dream.
    xx oo
    Carla

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    1. I love what your "IT" is, Carla! But not surprised that garden books are what you dream over too.

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  14. Dewena, those books look fabulous and would certainly help calm me down as well!!!! I'm off to see if I can pick up a copy on Amazon, thanks for the tip!

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    1. I think you can find some on Amazon, Debbie. If not, try Abe Books too. I think you would love them!

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  15. This made me laugh. A good book is the answer to many of life's problems and I love the Beverley Nichols quote - loving before one has been introduced. Perfect.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Oh, Amalia, I'm so happy you love the quote! It is one of four taped up over my desk that I count on all the time.

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  16. Blogging is so frustrating sometimes especially as you have no control over the actual program. But I love blogger because it is easier to use than other platforms.

    Thank you so much for visiting my blog, it is always nice to see you!

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    1. I love Blogger too, Elizabeth! I need things as easy to navigate as possible. And it is always nice to visit you, my friend with a mutual love of cranberries!

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  17. So glad everything is cleared up! I struggle with all this techoligy stuff. I pay someone to clear it all up! There have been times I’ve almost pulled out my hair! I love the kitchen photo with shutters for doors!

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    1. I love those shutters on the upper cabinets too, Cathy! I'm sure they would be a pain to keep clean but can you imagine what a hit they were when this book was published in the 50s?

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  18. Dewena, I actually blog by the seat of my pants. LOL. Here's how I deal with things, Some times I rave and rant, some times I cry, and after all that I pray. I need to start praying first. There's times I just can't seem to help myself. I love the alter ego in the pretty pink coat. :) Blessings, xoxo, Susie

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    1. Oh, Susie, my dear friend, I can only imagine how you've been praying and crying and praying some more. I'm praying for you and your Ted every day as I know so many are. But yes, I too blog by the seat of my pants. The more I see that others know about the technical aspect of blogging, the more astounded I am. How do they learn that? I consider it a miracle that I manage to blog at all!

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  19. We've all been there, I believe, have had that crise de nerfs, or mini nervous breakdown when our laptop decides to have a meltdown of it own, thus creating a chain of events that demand instant calm. Your books and magazines, my walks into the Cretan countryside, snapping pics of Mother Nature, while she gives me a peppery pep talk on how NOT to sweat the small CYBERSPACE stuff!

    I love your pink raincoat persona, my dear Dewena; it suits you, as do the dreamy surroundings you 'wear' it in. Perhaps, next time you find yourself in a fiery showdown with your computer, (and I promise you, there WILL be a next time), hit back hard with 'restart' and then immediately head for the beautiful rooms of those magazines, to escape into the pages of your beloved books.

    Have a mellow Monday, my friend!

    Poppy

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    1. Ah, Poppy, I need to let Mother Nature give me a pep talk too! And do you really mean there will be a next time? Oh, no!

      That reminds me, I'd better restart my computer now, before I go to bed!

      Talk soon, dear friend!

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  20. Books do indeed settle le crise de nerfs. BreeBree and James Mason's eyes could do it too. My husband has fallen behind with IT. He used to be the "go to guy" but I'm pretty much on my own with it. I love your pictures. We had a Dutch door when I was growing up.

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    1. I always learn something from you, Madame! I have made a mental note to include the important "le" before that phrase from now on. You are my favorite French teacher and one of my two favorite travel writers!

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