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Crazy as a Loom

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Toodles, FB.

There is so much in this world to feel good about.
Sometimes, we forget.


I love to go through my pictures, there are so many reminders of what I love.
Nature, color, texture, serenity.....to name a few.


There are friends, and good times, good food, books, looms, threads to be woven.
Life is pretty pleasurable.


Unfortunately, everything in this world is not wonderful.
I am not finding FACEBOOK to be a positive experience.
Last night, I was pretty wild, to be honest.

Yes, we all have the right to vote for who we want, and to support the political party we like.
And hey, you can argue your point of view until you are purple.
But I do not see why it is necessary to talk trash about the President of the United States, who was voted in by the MAJORITY.
Hello.
Have some respect.
I will be honest, here, and hope not to offend.
I did not care for George Bush.  Not one bit.  I did not, however, question his religion, 
or call him names, or be disrespectful.  O.K., I told a couple of small jokes, but they were in fun, and he would have probably laughed too, if he had gotten them.
But please, ENOUGH on FB already.  Go work for the party of your choice, quit politicking on FB.

And this Chic-freaking-Filet thing.   Over the top.  The picture on FB was of American servicemen in uniform at one of these establishments....which is fine.  The caption, however, said that they were good Americans.  The message was clear, and just another form of gay bashing.  
If you want to say it, then say it, COWBOY UP, and say it.
And don't get me started on how the chickens you eat there are raised, by these fine, upstanding Christian folk.  Don't even get me going.


The highlight of my night though, was a comment after the quote, "You don't choose to be gay, you do, however, choose to be a bigot."  The comment said that "you don't choose to get cancer either, but you can treat it, or not."
ACK ACK ACK
At that point, I was ready to puke.  Seriously.

Am I being too strong here?  If so, I apologize.
This morning, I ranted on my 3 mile walk with Roy.
Don't worry, he's used to me.

We are all the same, folks.  We are no different, no better, no more entitled, than the next person.  We are blips on the screen, a flash of light in the sky.  Then we are gone, and the only thing that matters at all, as far as I am concerned, is NOT how much money we made, NOT how famous we are, not how smart we THINK we are, not how good we THINK we look.  Not what color we are, or what religion we practice, or what our politics are.
 What matters is how honest, and loving, and kind we are.  That's what matters.
How can it be otherwise?

I do not understand people who can't live and let live. 
There are so many ways to spend your energy other than spouting off at the mouth about things that are really none of your business.
Who other people sleep with?   Nope, doesn't matter to me.
Go volunteer someplace.  Save a shelter animal.  Do something POSITIVE.  Grow the F up.

Whew. I'm sorry.  I had to say all that.

And Facebook, I am SO OVER FB.  I can not even tell you.

Ask yourself this.  How many of your FB 'friends' have you actually SEEN or even TALKED to  in the last year???
Yeah, that's what I thought.
We are like the Stepford Wives........mesmerized, hypnotized, brainwashed.  Facebook ......"social media"........what a joke.  It's mind numbing, time wasting, drivel .......for most of the time.
I am so done with it.

There are books to read, weaving to be done, crossword puzzles waiting, knitting on my needles, cats to love, dogs to walk, and grands to spoil.
Yup, life to live.
Thank you very much.







36 comments:

Anonymous said...

That was beautiful Hillary....good for you and I agree 100%. I dont have Facebook, have never been on Facebook and never will. I am like you...I have many dogs to love and books to read.....and knitting to learn.
Have a wonderful evening :)
Kim

Franny V said...

I got on Facebook mostly to keep tabs on my greatniece. She's 14 and lives on the other side of the country. I have found teens have a language all their own and I don't understand much of what's going on. Both sides of my family have Facebook pages and that's how we keep up on the family news. Other than that, I don't pay attention to Facebook. I don't know how many "friends" I have and don't really care.

LA said...

BRAVO!!! Well said!

Terry R said...

Hillary,
I love you!! And I enjoy reading your blog. You go right on telling it like it is! I have never gotten into Facebook and wouldn't be able to have any trust in it anyway. Then you add in the politics and the prejudice and I'm finished. Period! The more I see of people, the more I like animals. They just love. Period. I can get into fiber and the whole world goes away. There is so much out there to see and learn and do! Why waste time on crap?!

Anonymous said...

Thank you Hilary. Your words reinforce what I think. You said it all in a direct and honest way. I think I will read it again. . . .and again. . . .

Mary

Lisa B said...

I disagree with you Hilary. That is why I am an American citizen so I can have my opinion just like the rest of citizens

Country Girl said...

That last photo? Absolutely priceless. What a joy!
I'm really not into FB. There are too many other things to do. And I agree with you 100% here, Hilary. Even with how you feel about G.B. Ha!
Love the comment about choosing to be gay. You don't choose to be gay, but you do choose to be a bigot. Well put.

Deb said...

"What she said"
My goodness, that is one precious photo of the grand and Roy.

Cindie said...

Whoo Hoo Hilary - good for you speaking your mind! I love your rant! The FB issues you mentioned are just a few of the reasons why I steer clear of FB - no time in my life for all that trash.

Shuttle, Hook and Needle said...

Carl Sandburg called television "The Thief of Time".

I have FB because of my daughter and because we enjoy Pinterest but I feel like it is the thief of time also.

I find all of politics and who says they are right and who is wrong to be so hurtful. I do not judge other people for their beliefs but I wish that they would respect mine the same way.

Amen Hilary!!

Connie in Hartwood said...

I like that all the FB trash talking has spawned true dialog about kindness, and respect, and friendship. It's easy for FB addicts to post every little move them make in life, or a quip or quote or article ... it's just the latest version of hearing one's self talk ... or justifying one's own importance. I don't need it and I choose not to listen.

I love how FB has provided a way for me to reconnect with people I knew long ago, and how easily I can use it to keep up with family members near and far.

If one of my FB friends gets out of hand on a regular basis, I unsubscribe to their feed ... simple as that. My FB page is MINE, and I refuse to be preached to or offended. I don't let people do that to me in person, and I don't allow it on FB either.

Hilary said...

Facebook has never been my thing but on my odd forays into it's pages, I've never encountered any hostility. It's a shame that folks still look at life with such venom but really, for the most part, you're preaching to the choice. I'm glad you got that off of your chest though. It's not something you want to have fester. That last photo is wonderful.

Theresa said...

Amen! Thank you Hilary, I was wondering if I was missing anything at all by never joining FB. Now I know I'm not. BTW, great pic of Roy and the DGD. They both look so happy and content. :)

Cait Throop said...

Oh thank you, Hilary!!! I love the "no different, no better, no more entitled, than the next person" YES! oh my YES!! And what do I care what people do in their bedrooms. Let's teach some humility and decency to the next generation!

Oh yeah, did I tell you I became a grandma (Nana) last night??? And your sock monkey is going to greet them when they visit here in Sept. Woo Hoo!!!

Denise at Autumn Sky said...

You are a wise woman, Hilary. I use Facebook for fun and connecting to people I enjoy. Engaging in heavy political discussions is tiresome and most people aren't really looking for a conversation. They just want people of like mind to agree.

isabel said...

Preach it, lady!

Lydia La La said...

So true, Hilary. There are idiots every where you turn around these days. It's amazing what teens write on FB. Hateful. I love FB 'cause it keeps me easily in touch. Plus, it has groups for gardening, give aways, bargains etc etc. Thank you for your C'mon over too. I should as I have a sister in Florida and a friend in Middletown NY. xo

thecrazysheeplady said...

Okay, so I'm going to critique you on one thing in your post. There is NOT enough syrup on those pancakes! The rest? Spot on.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Where's the syrup! :-)

And you are so right on, amen sister!...

Except.... when it comes to dog rescue, I have found facebook to be a valuable tool... many animals have found homes because we've put them up there. That and staying in touch with family is what keeps me checking in to FB. The other stuff is pretty awful,you are so right.

Anna M. Branner said...

Thank you! FB is definitely a tool that can be used constructively (following traveling family, marketing my pottery) but I whole heartedly agree with you on all points. IF people would just be NICE to one another none of this would even be out there.

ARGH.

Anonymous said...

I use FB to basically keep in touch with family - sure I have "friends" on there that I don't see - but really, it's not harming me. People will spout their opinions whether it be on FB, the news, a blog etc. We have the control over whether we pay any attention to it and let it bother us - the delete button is very powerful - so is the "hide this story" button on FB. I made up my mind a long time ago that I won't let anyone or a group of people be the determining factor in whether I choose to participate in something social or not - I'm the one on this side of the computer and I can look away anytime I choose - it boils down to the age old argument - freedom of speech. People have the right to say what they will, even if it's behind internet muscles - I have the right to just keep scrolling down the page - or better yet - delete them from my "friends" list. I won't let people like that make it necessary for me to eliminate a way I have with connecting with people I WANT to connect with. With our son in the Military, FB may be my only connection at times and I'm not willing to let the drivel get in the way of that. Everything on the internet has it's good and it's bad. FB isn't for everyone.

DJan said...

I do get a few of those offensive posts, but not many, on FB. I simply block the sender, and next time I log on, I don't have to see them any more. I would miss seeing my family's goings on if I didn't have FB. But I agree 100% with you about the need for being respectful to our President. I think it's because he's black that people think they can do that... we are NOT a very advanced country after all.

Need A Latte Mom said...

Honey, you are singing my song.
DRIVES me crazy about the Chick fil a thing.
I have had to completely ignore it otherwise it would push me over the edge.

Suzanne said...

Well said! If you don't mind, I would like to quote you - Yes on my facebook page. :-) Irony? mabye a little. To quote another human being.. "why can't we all get along?" I am truly baffled by it all.
I too am probably not long for facebook - or at least the way I have it now. I joined to keep up with friends across the country that I don't get to see often or even at all any more, but I have found that I waste too much time and energy for it and I would rather be with you in that kayak! Stunning photo.
Weave on Sister...

messymimi said...

Never have been on Facebook, and don't want to -- they set cookies on your computer, and lie to you about it, and track where you browse so they can tweak ads directly for you.

Freedom means they can say what they want, even on Facebook, and freedom also means i don't have to read it, so i don't. Instead i read what i like, such as your blog.

As for religion, mine says the most important thing is the love we show, and the people spouting hate aren't showing any. Instead of bothering with them, i spend my time bottle feeding orphaned kittens for cat rescue. Much better use of my time.

Anonymous said...

Huzzah! Well said! I too have dropped FB for just about the same reasons. Thank you once again Hilary for saying it the way it should be said.

MarthaVA said...

I haven't even read the other comments - because I SOOOOO agree with you! I would love to take some of the things you wrote, and put them on MY FB page because you said everything I want to say but haven't.

I won't give up FB. I may give up reading what those close-minded people I know (I don't necessarily consider them friends, but I'm sort of nosy and like seeing what others are up to - for instance, a niece of mine had her first baby and probably the only place I'll see this grand-niece is on FB due to circumstances) I pretty much try not to get caught up in the politics because I won't argue - I believe in who and what I believe in but I don't believe I have to shove it down someone else's throat!

Thank you. You've given me the courage (and some of the words) to say what I want to say.

Hillary, I only hope that one day, when I get to travel North again, I get to meet you in person, because I really WANT to! :-)

Martha

Anonymous said...

I gave up facebook 2 years ago when I watched good friends battle out a divorce on facebook...It made me feel terrible. It is actually very freeing to say "I don't do facebook" and it opens up tons of time to do other things...like actually call someone and have a conversation...or weaving...or kayaking!

Restless Knitter said...

Excellent post, and I agree 100% with everything you said. I wish that certain members of my family would read your post, but even if they did they would find excuses for what they say.

Unknown said...

I'm a Canuck - from Montreal in particular where these things are just non issues - so don't " get " it at all - ( we have political issues though that would make you puke lol )
Christians? I'm left just shaking my head in complete bafflement.
As a comedian said at the Just for Laughs festival last week ( American by the way ) if Jesus were around today, they would crucify him.
'Nuf said...........
Your newest follower -
XOXO

Loomatic said...

I use for keeping up with some of the family and I especially love when people post new pictures. What the deal with that farmville, cityville etc...I don't get.

I have unfriended all the "friends" that preach politics....I figure if they were at my table with a cup of tea...that would not be what we would discuss so if that is what you Facebook about then....toodles as you say.

I have spent a bit too much time looking at facebook lately, so...I pledge to "let it go" for a few days a week and just check it on weekends. It is nice to see what people are up to...but life is too short to be stuck online..

BUT, I will make time for your blog - everyday - for my 5 minute guilty pleasure of dreaming of a weaving studio in the country...someday :-) You inspire me.

ain't for city gals said...

I lasted exactly two whole days on fb...everything and everybody was so phony to me...not real life at all. I did not vote for Obama but I take great pride in never having said anything disrespectful because I heard so much of that kind of talk when Bush was president I promised myself I would never do that and I haven't. Have you read A New Earth by Eckart Tolle...explains how so much of what we do and say is controled my our own ego....we are not even listening to what the other person is saying...we are only thinking of what we are going to say next!...that and his other book The Power of Now are now my bibles for life...

claudia w said...

I could not agree with you more!

Donna S. said...

Yes, yes, yes!! I just don't understand why people have to be so mean & judgemental. Live your life & let others live theirs. Thank you! My son is gay & is the most upright contributing member of society you will ever see. He rarely posts on FB but tonight said he was tired of being used as a political & media pawn. It just reminds him how many people hate him, people that don't even know him. He has been married for 9 years & adopted a little boy that is better taken care of, loved & taught than most kids.

Anonymous said...

I find it interesting that this President of the United States can't be criticized for the things he has and has not done in office, simply because he is the President and to do so is construed as disrespectful, even when confined to the pages of one's own blog or Facebook page. Next thing you know, you find you are off the blogroll or "defriended." **shrug**

I do not owe the man respect and I don't care that he was voted in by the majority of people. Winning the vote does not earn my respect any more than Miss America winning the majority vote. Quite honestly, I have never joked about Obama because I don't see him as at all funny, I see him as incredibly dangerous.

As for Chick-Fil-A...**shrug again** I just want to eat my sandwich in peace. I really don't care about the owner's opinion beyond his right to express it and my right to not buy his product.

Anonymous said...

And I know you aren't a meat-eater, but I will tell you anyway....I recently discovered bacon pancakes. OMG!!!! I don't think I will eat a pancake any other way again. Divine.

But then, one of my mottoes is that everything is better with the 3 B's....booze, butter and bacon.

Welcome to my world.

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