What Shows Up On Your Screen?

After a full 3 hours of geocaching, backroad adventure seeking, and trail walking, I was more than ready for rest Sunday night. Yet, to be honest, those 3 hours were a great "rest" from the jam-packed life I seem to lead these days. 

Once bedtime arrived, I asked my kiddo to lead prayers. She thanked God for the beautiful sunset we saw after our walk in the woods at Robertsville State Park. THAT made me feel good, like maybe I am doing something right.

Throughout this past weekend my daughter has told me how kids in her class say they feel sorry for her because of her apparent lack of electronics. Apparently her handheld DS & the iPad my mom allows her to use just aren't enough in today's world. 

For the record, I am ok with her not fitting in today's tech-crazed society. As a ten-year-old, I think she needs less screen time and more time with good books (that don't glow), her pets, nature, educational tv shows, family, travel, charitable work, art projects, etc. There is so much to fill a life with that an X-box can't even begin to hold.

All the studies I read state kids (and adults!) need more time in the woods, at a park, near nature, and time unplugged from the "glow" of a screen. 

Yes, my kiddo and I use technology to guide us on geocaching adventures and to document our escapades, but I would like to think we use it to enhance our lives; not escape them. When I notice we've strayed away from reality, I make an effort to unplug and get out. 

As we left the park Sunday night, my daughter joked that she bet some of her classmates didn't get to see the sunset because it wasn't on the screen in front of them. She says a camera or a windshield often has better views than screens do, but this is still the same kid who is jealous she has classmates who already have Facebook at age 10 and I am NOT letting that happen. 

I feel for her. I actually do. However, I would like to hope this is the right path for her. 

What are your thoughts on screen time and electronics for kids (and adults)? Am I just being old-fashioned, or is there something to the whole "unplug and get outside" movement?

Thanks for reading, and as always - I appreciate you stopping by! 

~ M of MK Designs 

Summer 2014 Blogger Challenge #21, #22... Stories & Laughter... and technology rant!

First up, the technology rant. 

Pardon the break in blogging, I was out of the state and no computer handy... which is FINE by me! 

As much as I love the chances to blog, edit photos, share, create video clips, etc... there are days I am ready to throw my phone out the window and sell all computer equipment. 

Me. Feeling a little OVERWHELMED! I like this image!

Lately, I have even been considering disabling my personal facebook and only doing my biz pages... but odds are I won't. 

I am thinking of keeping the personal facebook page, but not using it for several days... maybe even weeks...  

Sometimes a break from it is good. Why? Two big reasons. 

#1. So addictive. TIME SUCKER! 

#2. Facebook people (including myself!) are kinda crazy. 

I prefer some nachos and a limerita over the popcorn to be honest!

OK, maybe that's harsh, but I swear - the rollercoaster facebook drama gets a bit odd... and it shows how people have such wacked priorities. 

I follow the NEWS / subscribe to lots of outlets on twitter. Bombs, illnesses, death, poverty, etc. - yes, all SAD, but it puts life in perspective. Makes not getting a date or the right job seem trivial. 

Now back to the BLOGGER CHALLENGE! 

...and now back to our scheduled programming...

#21. My favorite story. I am going to shorten it and put it in my own words. 

Back in the day people were often stoned to death for doing bad things. This lady did a big NO NO in that she partcipated in ADULTERY (ya know, messing around when married) and she got caught. So, people are going to stone her to death... they look to their religious leader for his approval to kill her. Know what the guy says? He says, "OK, the first person in this group who has never done wrong, who has never sinned, you throw the first stone..." Guess what? No one does. They all walk away. She's shocked. He tells her he isn't going to punish her, but forgive her... and encourages her to live a better life and try not to sin anymore. 

I love that story. :-)

#22. Laughter. SO MANY THINGS MAKE ME LAUGH. I love a good joke, a good pun, a good comedian. The list is too long to compose here, but here's a few images that can sum it up a bit. 

Until next time, thank you for reading and checking out my blog! 
~ MK Designs - August 2014 

PS and, none of these are my images... but my words... ;-)
I'll get back to MY images in the next blogger challenge entry!