NOSTALGIA FROM AN OLD FASHIONED GIRL | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: NOSTALGIA FROM AN OLD FASHIONED GIRL | Previous Challenge Entry
By Verna Mull
11/05/10
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Since I was raised on a farm where horses were the tractors, we had no telephone, and we arose and retired to lamp light, the newer means of communications have been a constant adjustment for me.

Somehow, life seemed to be calmer, true affection seemed to be stronger, and I never have adjusted to even a telephone ringing and halting my day. Oh yes, the contact from a loved one is great; but all of the telemarketers are hard on my attitudes.

Besides all of that, as a child, I loved listening to mother read and re-read a letter from a friend. It was never hurried, and the words lingered. I remember the first time there was a letter addressed to me, and it became one of my most prized possessions.

Well, I’ve had to adjust to electric lights, which one needs to turn off and on. The old lamp, we just carried from room to room. I’ll have to admit that I am completely stymied today, if the electricity is off, as it seems I cannot accomplish anything without it; but communication still did not depend on it. The one thing I could do was to write a letter.

Communication with the world changed from a weekly newspaper to daily, then battery radio; and then to electric radio, and then, to a marvelous invention called television.

Television was very interesting for a while until I discovered that I needed more “quick” electric conveniences to wash clothes, dishes, etc. if I was going to “keep up with the world.” Family communications slowed down. We must be quiet while each family member watched their favorite show.

After these adjustments, life took a sudden change. Alas, a new invention called a computer. One could send a note to a friend in just minutes, that is, if the computer worked properly, didn’t decide to close down unexpectedly, and lose what I had written. I had to learn to hit start in order to shut it off, which defies all logic, and it seemed that total frustration entered my life, and yet, this is the way to communicate, and I must learn all about browsers, cookies, (which is something I hardly have time to bake anymore,) modems, printers, and that is only the icing on the cake.

I turned my computer on this morning, hoping to read some great articles by good writers, and a sign came up on my computer which stated that I must call my provider; because there is a problem which cannot be repaired automatically. But, it doesn’t stop there.

One cannot get any reprieve from the telephone, or the computer, as now, we must have a cell phone so that we can be reached while we are at the Dr., shopping, eating out, or whatever; and, we must have an IPOD stuck in our ears to listen to music (when the phone isn’t ringing.)

All of these things make my head whirl, and I long for the peaceful days of childhood. So I am an old fuddy-duddy? I’m sure that I am, but will someone please tell me when progress is really progress?

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