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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/5333-Staying-In-Touch.html
Noticing Newbies: October 24, 2012 Issue [#5333]

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Noticing Newbies


 This week: Staying In Touch
  Edited by: Stephanie Grace
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Noticing a "newbie" isn't so easy when what may be commonplace to one person is new to another. I think this newsletter should not only celebrate the notice the new members of this site, but also introduce those that have been here for years to something new to them. We are all newbies at something, in our own way --and, I hope, even some veterans of this site will find something that makes them feel fresh [and new] when they read my words...


Word from our sponsor

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Product Type: Toys & Games
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Letter from the editor


         When you lose inspiration, it seems like everyone has advice to give you. You can even go buy some books that promise to become or spark your muse. How well any advice or book will work for you, of course, depends on the interpretation and yourself. Whether it works a little or not at all, trying is all that matters; Right?

         Well, if we can agree about that, then let's not discuss that topic (debates are much more fun than agreements.). Instead of lack of inspiration, the idea for this newsletter is based on my own personal plight: Plenty of inspiration, but not enough self. I feel the same as I always have, finding inspiration in everything and wanting to release it before it suffocates me. For the last two(?) years, however, I just have not been myself.

         I blamed moving, the location of my computer, overwhelming emotions, illness, my husband, and anything else that could be accused. They all made sense, but, one by one, they all proved to be innocent.

         So, where is the advice? Where are the books? Sure, someone could give me advice or I could search Amazon for books on such topics, but how could they possibly help me? In order to help, wouldn't they have to know my exact situation, who I am, who I have been, etc... There are so many variables that I just can't see a stranger being able to help. No, something like this requires real self-help -as in, actually helping oneself instead of seeking help elsewhere.

         I shut off my cell phone service last week and found that I was then on the computer more (though, by 'on the computer' I just mean that my laptop was open in front of me while I did other things) and my house phone was closer to me at all times. When I received and turned on my new cell phone, something clicked.

         I am so in touch with the rest of the world that I have lost touch with myself. I used to make it a point to turn off cell phones and avoid the internet for a few days here and there for my own sanity. I cannot remember the last time that I did that. No matter what, I check at least four of my e-mail accounts and Facebook at least once a day (usually more). With text messaging being much more convenient than calling (I like to know the reason for a call or I won't answer), my cell phone is always near me (this is somewhat new; I used to leave my phone in the other room and forget it all the time. I blame the Boggle download for this change. It'll wear off).

         As I thought about this, I realized that, when I have something to say, when I feel inspired or overwhelmed by an emotion, I sign on to Facebook and share (usually, it's an angry rant). The instant gratification of getting it out means that I no longer hold things in enough for them to fully develop into little more than a few cryptic sentences. I didn't touch a computer yesterday or the day before. I checked Facebook a few times on my cell phone, but avoided contact with others. I needed that alone time, to feel that distance so that I could reconnect with myself.

         Where did it lead? I grabbed notebooks. I decided to start a physical diary or journal, just like I always did until a few years ago and use that as my outlet instead of online sites like Blogger or Facebook. I grabbed another notebook because I felt like I wanted to just write. Suddenly, I felt like myself again and I actually smiled. ...And then I grabbed my laptop and started typing this. Now, I'm going to check my e-mail and go to bed with my mind screaming that I never took pen to paper. I'll do it today, after sleep. It's a silent promise to a loved one.

         So, while I can't believe you made it this far through my ramblings, I still have one more sentence for you: What do you do when you feel that you've lost (or are losing) touch with yourself?

♥,
Stephanie Grace


Editor's Picks

 A petal beneath the thorns  (E)
A sad, lonely poem
#1898822 by kn


 Another Empty House  (E)
To the many people that we know who died
#1899040 by Little T


 Empathy  (E)
Of human thoughts how empathy is confused with sympathy
#1899339 by Jon Woodcrest


 Silence  (E)
Opening my blinds on a chilly Minnesota Autumn morning.
#1899749 by RiverCat


 The Downfall of Love  (E)
Writing Prompt: Write 15 minutes on the downfall of love
#1898893 by Chaos Princess

 
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Don't forget to support our sponsor!

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Ask & Answer

Feedback from my last newsletter, "Noticing Newbies Newsletter (September 26, 2012). Thank you all very much! *Heart*

From ami96: WoW... Think I'm going to try that NaNo this November... This means I've got to go plan, 50 000 words isn't going to drop out of the sky... Wish it did :D!Wish me luck!
*Laugh*Words fall from the sky all the time! Don't believe me? Go to a book sale and crouch down long enough. Eventually, they'll fall --and you'll be very, very lucky if it's only 50,000 words! *Laugh* *Wink* Good luck with NaNo! I hope you've got your thoughts in order ...it'll be here before you know it! *Wink*



From TopMilenko : Reasons a wifi connection can go haywire are many, but the number one culprit at my residence is three android phones, two laptops, and a PS3 all trying to connect at the same time.
I did a firmware update for my Belkin router and it seems to have helped a bit, but for me the pileup on the information highway is self induced. ;)
Thank you! *Bigsmile* At the time, only my laptop was using WiFi ...and my desktop when I turned it on just to see if it kept the connection. Now, my cell phone is running on it too, but that's not losing connection, so it's definitely the laptop. *Rolleyes* I almost feel bad for how mad I got with the representatives at the cable company --Almost. *Smirk*


From Steve adding writing to ntbk. : More good reviewing fodder. Those I reviewed I let them know they were found here.
Copenator out!
"Invalid Item
*Thumbsupr**Delight**Thumbsupl*


From Brandiwyn🎶 : *Laugh* I love that you quoted my pep talk.
Well, it was a very good pep talk! *Smile*



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