a Sweet Life Saga

......its the chat room of the 21st Century! People use Facebook (FB) for many different things. I personally use it to aid in the growth of my photography business and to keep in touch with friends and acquaintances that I’m unable to see on a regular basis. Last week, as I was uploading some sample client photos, I noticed that I had almost 400 FB friends. My husband and I had previously discussed the plausibility and possibility of someone personally knowing 400 people….I do know that many and more, but admit that I don’t have a personal relationship with each and every one. I just know them and have spoken with them at some point in time. However, I believe there are those who use FB as a private popularity contest with others, to see how many “friends” than can acquire….their own little numbers game for secret bragging rights. Sounds weird I know, but women do that sort of thing. While I haven’t always been able to see or speak to every single friend I have on FB, I occasi...

Jim Burke Jaguar -- I can't afford one, but that doesn't stop me from looking....hope they don't notice the drool puddles on the cars! :-) Jim Reed Books -- If you want it, I can almost guarantee you can find it here. If not, Jim will be happy to order it for you. I really, really LOVE this shop! The ambiance, and the fact that you get to look through other people's things, is awesome! Oh, and sometimes, if you time it just right,  you might get a free Moon Pie! Rojo -- Good food, good times, good friends...and on occasion, you can preview some great art work. What are some places you enjoy visiting? -M

Sometimes, living in the 21st Century, isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Sure, electronic technology is great. But have you ever sat down and pondered exactly what has been laid to the wayside by electronic technology? Letter writing – I can send you an e-mail, any time night or day, but it doesn’t seem as personal as sitting down and writing my thoughts to a friend or loved one, in my own hand-writing. It takes a little more time, but it is well worth the effort. Christmas, birthday, get well cards, etc. – When was the last time you actually mailed a birthday card, Christmas card, get well card or “thinking about you today” card? I mailed cards this past Christmas and will hold tight to this tradition for as long as I am able. A personalized electronic card is nice as is an e-mail full of well-wishes for the holiday and New Year, but again, there is something quite special about receiving that personalized card in the mail. And don’t you just love finding things in your mailbox t...

We are trying something new at our home….time without television. Instead of waiting until the “new year” to try, and fail, at yet another resolution, we decided to give it a go now. I feel that as parents, we sometimes use our television sets as babysitters. It occupies their time and keeps them out of our hair. Unfortunately, I believe we are creating unproductive and unimaginative children. When we were little, we had to go outside and play. It’s very rare that you see children outdoors playing. They are usually inside, parked in front of a TV playing a video game or watching yet another program that is not suited for them. Prime time TV schedules have plummeted, with those shows that are not rated for children being shown at a time when they are surely watching. We’ve had enough. Instead of spending time “vegging” out in front of the TV, our children are spending time learning about something we feel is not taught in school….what it means to spend time with your family. ...

“Anyone can take a photo but not everyone can be a photographer.” No, this is not my personal mantra, but it is a quote I’ve heard several times over the past few weeks. Specifically, two of my photography instructors have repeated it many times in class. Yes, I still take classes. It’s called CPE – Continuing Photography Education. In this digital age, most people don’t feel they need any particular photographic skill to shoot a GOOD photo. And they are right. While the combination of having a digital camera and (name your preferred photo enhancing software here) produces many good images, it takes a lot more knowledge to produce a GREAT image and be a photographer. In our society, most people who own some form of a digital camera fancy themselves a “photographer” (especially if their digital camera costs more than their neighbor’s digital camera), which is quite different from “someone who likes to take photos”. My good friends Merriam and Webster define photographer as follows: ...

I would like to know how many of you out there actually receive letters from friends or family in the mail? Come on, raise those hands! That’s what I thought….no one. In our tek-no-logical world, sadly, the use of pen and paper to communicate with others has become an obsolete form of communication. Many years ago, before the invention of the telephone, it was the ONLY way to communicate with others who lived far away, or right next door, because occasionally right next door was 10 miles down the road. Writing a letter is a lost art in and of itself. Art, you say? Letter writing is not an art! Yes, it is. A few months ago, realistically closer to a year ago, I purchased a stack of letters dating back to the late 1800’s. They were beautiful. The handwriting was crisp, clear, concise and very artistic. The words were poetic. Back in the day (don’t you just love that cliché), people took time to sit down and pen a letter to a friend or loved one. They were not merely words on a page h...

I have a new post on my photography blog: http://sweetnothings4you.blogspot.com./   Check it out!  I posted it there because it focused on a photography matter...makes sense....right? I hope to have a new post here (hopefully less controversial than my last few posts) within the next few days.  Sooooooo, while you are waiting, mosey on over (that's country-speak, which I picked up from living on a small farm and around horses, for "take a look at") to my sister blog and read what's going on in my photography world.  While you're there, sign up to follow my new blog and if you are so inclined, check out my new photography website: http://www.asweetlifestudio.com/ .  I'm just sayin',      ---Margo