Anyone who knows me very well knows I am not the most techno savvy woman on the planet. Quite the contrary–I usually can’t even get the blue screen off of the living room television so I can actually watch a program. I need to call for help and wait patiently until my hubby or my son comes to my rescue. I’ve been known to have computer files completely disappear- never to be found again. I barely know how to use my cell phone. It’s then that I realize that it’s happened…. I’ve turned into my mother (no offense, mom)!
That being said, it’s fairly laughable to think that I’m learning how to post blogs and have created this website. A few weeks ago I had my very first Skype meeting, which was actually deemed a success except I couldn’t figure out how to get my camera working…lo and behold, now I do it weekly and each and every time I can actually SEE the face of the person I’m talking too. Imagine that!
I’m being thrown into the world of Pinterest- although I’m not quite sure how writing a book has anything to do with recipes and decorating ideas- isn’t that what Pinterest is for????
I’m also being told I have to Twit…I mean Tweet. Ugh! My mind is about to explode from the pure thought of having to learn all this crazy stuff, not to mention the fact that my son told me he didn’t want me to follow him…whatever that means! But he cannot escape, because as of yesterday, I am officially on Twitter and had my first post.
#ohgeezwhatdoidonow
The thing about social media, is it’s about community. A recent study, “Social Networking Sites and Our Lives” (Pew Research Center), found that the average user of a social networking site had more close ties than and was half as likely to be socially isolated as the average American. When we decided to write a book, blog, and social media (can that be a verb?), we did it so we could connect with those experiencing hardships that we can relate to—to give hope and provide light to people who feel alone and lost in their tragedy. I’m far, FAR beyond an expert, but there is no reason to be on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., etc., unless we are making relationships persistent and pervasive. It’s about keeping ties and being genuinely involved in the lives of people in a healthy interested way. So perhaps, it all doesn’t seem so daunting if I just think about it as the modern front porch, a daily Christmas update letter (with family photo and all), or a scrapbook. I’m taking it as an opportunity to inspire and be inspired daily by those we know and don’t know.
So our platforms and this blog are going to be more about our family, daily life, and stories of the past and the present and what we look forward to in the future. We share stories so that lives can be connected, intertwined, and empowered. I guess what I’m trying to say to you is this: please hang in there with me as I try to navigate the big world of social media and stay tuned to see what’s in store.
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