"Surviving Ireland"

The island of Carnananaunachán - coordinates redacted.

Here in Canada, The Great White North, the snow veiled blanket of Winter is being finally flung off and we're all very anxious for warm temps and bugs. I'm kidding about welcoming the bugs of course, but definitely not kidding about warm temperatures, if we can all only get a grip on our online distractions. If we can only manage to pull ourselves away from our addiction to the myriad of technical devices, in order to fully enjoy the coming seasonal weather, engaging fully in our relationship with each other after surviving yet another Winter,  in spite of snow and ice storms that took place on the first day of Spring's arrival.

If you find yourself laying awake in the middle of the night, with Spring fever like me, contemplating life and happen to have the CBC radio turned on, you might be listening to RTÉ Radio 1 from Ireland. The innate story telling ability of the Irish is always so entertaining, thoughtful and sometimes very moving.

 Last night when listening, my first thought was this doc was a legitimately serious program, that addressed a particular malaise most of us seem to be afflicted with, or should I say addicted to. We can't imagine ourselves living without our technical devices and opt out to communicate with one another behind a computer screen instead of face to face. We appear to be more involved in interacting online and out of touch with our person to person real life relationships. What is most concerning is how this addiction, like many addictions is being passed on to our children.

I won't go down that mucky worm hole, and say that this program was fictional and very funny, but with an underling message and statement about reality that we all can afford to really think about and address.

In my opinion humour is one of the best ways to call attention to, or even celebrate our human state, be it positive or problematic, relating to social, political or personal issues. The RTÉ Radio 1 Comedy production Surviving Ireland  certainly does this.

 Be forewarned, dry toast and a mucky hole is involved.

Conversation VS Connection

 

I don't have a cell phone. Oh I had one many years ago that I used for a very short period of time when I also thought I had more money than brains. Cells phones can be a extremely helpful in emergency situations. Only to this extent do I see them as being an absolute necessity. Mostly I find them to be an addictive, an unproductive distraction, undermining relationships and creativity.

We may be more connected but we seem to have lost the desire, interest and even the ability to engage in conversation. This situation has really come about in a short period of time.

Sherry Turkle's book Reclaiming Conversation carries a message we all need to hear and pay attention too. She might be a visionary, simply a very insightful and intelligent woman or perhaps both, from whom we have much to learn if we can take our attention away from our phones and devices long enough to listen to what she is has to say.

When Was The Last Time You Were Phubbed?

 I've long been interested in language, communication, social skills, and inter-personal  relationships. Here's a new word in the on line Zeitgeist. Phubbing describes those of us who are preoccupied, and are more interested in our phones, and ignore communicating with the person(s) who we are with, face to face, in the flesh. It means you've been snubbed by a person using a cell phone.

 I have been phubbed a few times. Usually I directly address it when this happens and pose the question, why they won't put their phone down. Sometimes they put the phone down, but aren't long getting back at it again. It doesn't leave you with a very good feeling when you are ignored or phubbed. You've been usurped by a phone, an inanimate object.

There was a time, many years ago, when cell phones were first coming onto the scene, that I did have one. But between the expense, and seeing how easy I could become addicted to these communication devices. I then stopped using it and haven't had one since, and I like it that way. I prefer a slower communication.

Computers and the internet in general are addictive and internet addiction is very real, especially if you have addictive tendencies, or personality. There have been recent studies on this which statistically show a high percentage of folks are doing damage to their relationships and it is adding to feelings of depression, because it is hurtful to others, when they are being ignored by those who are constantly on their phone, and seem to prefer this kind of on line communication.

This isn't rocket science, and we don't need another word to point this out. It's just plain and simple rudeness.

I'm certainly not anti computers, nor am I against cell phones. I'm pro real face to face communication and positive inter-personal relationships with one another that is respectful and loving.

If you are lost and fearful without being connected to your phone you're probably a phubber, or just plain rude.

Germaine Greer and Tongue Mould

I thought my internet was down the past day and a half and was going through a bit of withdrawal and was getting frustrated not being able to find the source of the problem. Finally today I finally figured it out after seeing my WiFi was disconnected from the outlet, which was why I could not get online.  When this happens I get into a bit of an uncomfortable state of mind, because, well alright, I admit it, I am addicted to my computer. It is a big part of my routine in a number of ways, enabling me to keep in contact with family and friends, and to network with other artists. Having been a  regular blogger for six years also contributes to my co-dependent relationship with cyberspace.

I always find when I am without my internet the up side is, it becomes a pretty productive time for me, like listening to Germaine Greer on Ideas on CBC Radio, and it generally is a good experience being offline for a while, as I put my energy into making art and into other constructive activities. Not that I waste my time online, but it can gobble up an afternoon before you know it, especially if you are not mindful while using the internet, and are easily distracted.

So yesterday, I got two more paintings completed as I am getting geared up for an exhibit next week. This has been challenging to say the least, as I have been in a creative funk, a carry over from SAD after having the Winter from hell. As well, I drastically changed my subject matter, consciously taking a break from what I normally paint. I thought perhaps this would be a good thing for me, as the old adage goes, a change is good as a rest. It has proved to be enjoyable, when I am actually wrapped up in the process of painting my chosen subject matter as of late, Jellied Moulds , from a recipe book, called, Davis Dainty Dishes published back in the day of the 20s and the 30s. I thought this would be light subject matter and fun. True it is, but not something I am passionate about. As a matter of fact, some of the pictures of moulds I couldn't bare the thought of painting, as some of the moulds were absolutely gross. Tongue mould be one of those, along with other mystery type meats, not to mention " Recipes For Invalids" How about some " Jellied Soup ". Yum!

Nonetheless,  I am making good progress, and am looking very forward to my show. I have learned an important lesson. I need to not place such demand on myself, not allow myself to get so stressed and simply paint what I really love, and feel great passion about. And I do wished people still made jellied moulds, just not tongue mould, they can forget that one!