When I read through this weeks Betty Blogger task I thought it would be a breeze. Someone wants my opinion of facebook?! Well, as it turns out my opinion of Facebook is as varied as my friend list. Facebook is a social network, so it reflects both the best and the worst of society itself.
I love that with facebook I feel connected with people that I care about. I can cheer up a friend going through a rough patch, or "LOL" at a funny picture that without facebook I might never have seen. I love that on facebook I can put out a call for a last minute, much needed Girls Night or plan to get together with a friend that I haven't seen in years. Facebook is a great tool to share and connect with others.
And then there is the down side. Just who am I connecting with? Is it safe? Now that the Kid is on facebook, there is the concern for her safety as well. There is also the issue of cyberbullying. I have witnessed cyberbullying with both adults and teens on facebook, and have seen friendships crumble.
Facebook reflects both the best and worst of society. Most people, most of the time are good. To protect myself from the bad in the world, I feel that I would have to be in a bubble. A a parent, it's my job to street proof and Internet proof my kids, not keep them shut off from the world altogether. Facebook is here to stay. It may loose some popularity over the next few years, but I think its going to remain as a tool for communication. With some caution, it's a tool that I will continue to use.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
365 Project - July 21 - 28
July 28 - Pearls
July 27 - Car Reflection
July 26 - Squirrel Face
July 25 - Family Shadow
July 24 - Rained Out
July 23 - Bizarre evening Light
July 22 - Spider Web
July 21 - Morning Hawk
July 27 - Car Reflection
July 26 - Squirrel Face
July 25 - Family Shadow
July 24 - Rained Out
July 23 - Bizarre evening Light
July 22 - Spider Web
July 21 - Morning Hawk
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Betty Blogger Task #3 - Tagging
This week's Betty Blogger task was to join Diigo. Diigo is an online bookmarking service that enables users to access their tagged photos and websites from any computer in the world. The added benefit to Diigo is that it is a community in which to share and recommend favorite reads/ images.
I have a L-O-N-G list of favorite websites/blogs that I check regularly, so I was interested in checking out Diigo to see if their service was one that would make my life easier. Joining was quick and painless. The process of adding my some of my favorite sites was also super simple.
I added five of my favorite web sites. U create, DLTK-kids, Busy Bee Kid Crafts, Flickr: Shutter Sisters 365 Group, and of course Betty Blogger 2010. The first three sites were all tagged with "crafts". I added the tag "mom" to U create as it has more adult craft content, and the tag "kid" to DLTK-kids and Busy Bee Kid Crafts because the crafts found on these sites are child oriented. Flickr: Shutter Sisters 365 Group got tagged as "photography". The Betty Blogger site was tagged "education" and I think I should go back and add the tag "blog".
As easy as Diigo was to navigate, I am not sure whether or not I will use it often. I am usually on my home computer; my habit is to go straight to the favorite list and click on the site I want to visit, as the saying goes "old habits are hard to break" It will be interesting to see the recommendations that Diigo makes based on the sites that I have added to my profile. I am always on the lookout for new blogs to read. ( now I just need more time to read them ! )
I have a L-O-N-G list of favorite websites/blogs that I check regularly, so I was interested in checking out Diigo to see if their service was one that would make my life easier. Joining was quick and painless. The process of adding my some of my favorite sites was also super simple.
I added five of my favorite web sites. U create, DLTK-kids, Busy Bee Kid Crafts, Flickr: Shutter Sisters 365 Group, and of course Betty Blogger 2010. The first three sites were all tagged with "crafts". I added the tag "mom" to U create as it has more adult craft content, and the tag "kid" to DLTK-kids and Busy Bee Kid Crafts because the crafts found on these sites are child oriented. Flickr: Shutter Sisters 365 Group got tagged as "photography". The Betty Blogger site was tagged "education" and I think I should go back and add the tag "blog".
As easy as Diigo was to navigate, I am not sure whether or not I will use it often. I am usually on my home computer; my habit is to go straight to the favorite list and click on the site I want to visit, as the saying goes "old habits are hard to break" It will be interesting to see the recommendations that Diigo makes based on the sites that I have added to my profile. I am always on the lookout for new blogs to read. ( now I just need more time to read them ! )
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
365 Project - July 9 - 20
July 20 - Cherry Tomatoes
July 19 - Family Dinner
July 18 - Pear
July 17 - Poison
July 16 - Cone Flowers
July 16 - Leaf in the Pond
July 15 - Pool Feet
July 19 - Family Dinner
July 18 - Pear
July 17 - Poison
July 16 - Cone Flowers
July 16 - Leaf in the Pond
July 15 - Pool Feet
July 14 - Bean Bounty
July 12 - Sepia Daisies
July 11 - Night Light Fish
July 10 - Jerk Chicken
July 9 - Cool Clouds
July 12 - Sepia Daisies
July 11 - Night Light Fish
July 10 - Jerk Chicken
July 9 - Cool Clouds
365 Project - June 22 - July 8
July 8 - Waiting
July 7 - Sunlight Grass
July 6 - Looking up
July 5 - Leaf Shadow on Canvas
July 3 - Happy Campers
July 2 - Sweet Girl
July 1 - Happy Birthday Canada
June 29 - Congratulations
June 28 - Princess Grads
June 27 - Happy 5th Birthday Little Man!
June 26 - Camp Charlie ( rain or shine )
June 24 - What I should be doing....
June 25 - Pinata Fun
July 7 - Sunlight Grass
July 6 - Looking up
July 5 - Leaf Shadow on Canvas
July 3 - Happy Campers
July 2 - Sweet Girl
July 1 - Happy Birthday Canada
June 29 - Congratulations
June 28 - Princess Grads
June 27 - Happy 5th Birthday Little Man!
June 26 - Camp Charlie ( rain or shine )
June 24 - What I should be doing....
June 25 - Pinata Fun
June 23 - Rusted Chain
June 22 -Little Boy, Big Bubble
June 22 -Little Boy, Big Bubble
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Betty Blogger Task #2 Streaming
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This week's Betty Blogger Task was Streaming. Streaming is when you watch or listen to media on the Internet without downloading it to your computer first. You Tube is arguably the most popular form of streaming.
You Tube is very popular in our home. We have used You Tube for both entertainment and education. I think the popularity of You Tube is due to the fact that we as a society are so busy. You Tube enables us to have a free source of information/entertainment on demand at our finger tips, without the hassle of downloading it first.
I enjoyed surfing You Tube this week. It was difficult to decide which video to post, but I ended up with Mom 2.0 because I found the photography and words inspirational. Inspiration that I found I needed. The surfing was fun, but the task of getting it posted on my blog was frustrating.
I will continue to use You Tube, and even post another You Tube video my blog. Thankfully the level of frustration is equal to the level of accomplishment I feel.
This week's Betty Blogger Task was Streaming. Streaming is when you watch or listen to media on the Internet without downloading it to your computer first. You Tube is arguably the most popular form of streaming.
You Tube is very popular in our home. We have used You Tube for both entertainment and education. I think the popularity of You Tube is due to the fact that we as a society are so busy. You Tube enables us to have a free source of information/entertainment on demand at our finger tips, without the hassle of downloading it first.
I enjoyed surfing You Tube this week. It was difficult to decide which video to post, but I ended up with Mom 2.0 because I found the photography and words inspirational. Inspiration that I found I needed. The surfing was fun, but the task of getting it posted on my blog was frustrating.
I will continue to use You Tube, and even post another You Tube video my blog. Thankfully the level of frustration is equal to the level of accomplishment I feel.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Revisiting an Important Part of my Past
Growing up almost every weekend was spent making the journey "up north" to our family cottage in Bracebridge. Our cottage was on a double lot shared with my maternal grandparents home. Sadly, as my grandfather's health declined, my grandparents decided it was best to move back to the city. Because the lot was unable to be severed, both properties had to be sold. It broke my heart. The biggest reason that we vacationed at Arrowhead park, was so that I would be able to share a part of my history with my children. 
The only request that The Boy made for vacation this year, was to go see Toy Story 3. I googled to see where it would be playing before we left the city and was delighted to find that it was playing at the same movie theatre that I went to as a child. The Norwood has undergone renovations, but it still feels the same. It is here that I saw E.T, Ernest Goes to Camp, and other movies. I smiled when I saw the billboard - "Welcome Back To Muskoka" it felt like they put it up just for me.
Just outside the movie theatre is a park. Once a year, in the summer heat, the park would host a giant craft fair. I loved that day. Looking at all the booths, and creative talent. I remember one year being allowed to buy a pencil with fun fur and googly eyes glued on it . I wonder how much that sent my mother back? I am sure it cost a small fortune. My sister and I were in love with the gazebo at the park. For me, I thought it was so romantic, the idea of bands playing and people dancing...
I also made Hubby do a drive by of the seniors centre. My Grandparents were very active with this organization. When I would stay with Grandma and Grandpa in the summer or on winter vacation, they would take me to the seniors centre with them. The seniors would make such a fuss over me, and I felt like they all were my extended grandparents.
I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to drive by the cottage. I thought it might be too hard for me. But in the end, I couldn't get this close and not go have a look. I was surprised to recognize so many of the family names on the signs on the cottage road being ones that I remembered. As we got closer to our old property, I was nervous and excited. And there it was.
Our cottage
My grandparents home
Even now a week later, its hard for me to articulate my emotions. Am I glad I went back - yes. All I know for sure is that it was just as hard to leave it in 2010 as it was almost 20 years ago. As my husband drove away, my stomach sank, and the kids, even The Little Man was silent. My sweet middle son said, "I like your cottage mom."
The only request that The Boy made for vacation this year, was to go see Toy Story 3. I googled to see where it would be playing before we left the city and was delighted to find that it was playing at the same movie theatre that I went to as a child. The Norwood has undergone renovations, but it still feels the same. It is here that I saw E.T, Ernest Goes to Camp, and other movies. I smiled when I saw the billboard - "Welcome Back To Muskoka" it felt like they put it up just for me. 
Just outside the movie theatre is a park. Once a year, in the summer heat, the park would host a giant craft fair. I loved that day. Looking at all the booths, and creative talent. I remember one year being allowed to buy a pencil with fun fur and googly eyes glued on it . I wonder how much that sent my mother back? I am sure it cost a small fortune. My sister and I were in love with the gazebo at the park. For me, I thought it was so romantic, the idea of bands playing and people dancing...
I also made Hubby do a drive by of the seniors centre. My Grandparents were very active with this organization. When I would stay with Grandma and Grandpa in the summer or on winter vacation, they would take me to the seniors centre with them. The seniors would make such a fuss over me, and I felt like they all were my extended grandparents.
I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to drive by the cottage. I thought it might be too hard for me. But in the end, I couldn't get this close and not go have a look. I was surprised to recognize so many of the family names on the signs on the cottage road being ones that I remembered. As we got closer to our old property, I was nervous and excited. And there it was.
Our cottage
My grandparents homeEven now a week later, its hard for me to articulate my emotions. Am I glad I went back - yes. All I know for sure is that it was just as hard to leave it in 2010 as it was almost 20 years ago. As my husband drove away, my stomach sank, and the kids, even The Little Man was silent. My sweet middle son said, "I like your cottage mom."
"Thanks guys, me too" -fade to black
Arrowhead Provincial Park
Our week long camping trip to Arrowhead Provincial Park was everything you could ask for in a family vacation: great weather, campfires, sitting on a beautiful beach and connecting with family.
It was our first time at Arrowhead, we had only heard good things about the park and we were not disappointed.
Arrowhead is a large park with 3 beaches to choose from. We spent most of our time at the small beach because it was less crowded and it was within a 5 minute walk from our campsite. The sand was soft and powdery - the kids and I loved how it felt on our feet. The water was cool and clear. The kids geared up with their goggles, and spent most of their time under water looking for minnows and muscle shells.
One afternoon as I was watching my family swim, the sun warming my shoulders, and my tunes playing ( thanks hun, for the new ipod ), I welled up with emotion. It was one of those moments in life where what matters most is crystal clear and you are filled with gratitude for all you've been blessed with.
The site itself was large and private. Usually The Kid will take her younger brothers out on adventures, but, with an active bear in the park, she did not venture far on her own.
We try to choose sites that have morning sun so that the site does not overheat during the hottest part of the day. Pictures above is a little morning sun flare.
With an active bear in the park, whenever we were outside of our campsite, we were on the lookout for the bear. As we drove away from our site one evening, The Kid spotted this dear on the NEXT site. So cool!
Because of the heat and distance, we decided not to do any of the bike trails, but Hubby, The Little Man and I went for a short 45 minute bike ride to the Big Bend Lookout. The Boy and his dad had gone the previous day and reported that it was worth the trip - and it was! It took my breath away. The Big Bend lookout is an oxbow formation from the Big East river. It is an 80 foot drop from the lookout point, with steep, sandy banks. Each year 1 foot is lost from the lookout as it erodes away. I don't think that the pictures do it justice.
We went out for dinner on our last night. It rained pretty hard while we were in the restaurant, but it had cleared up by the time we finished. After the rain there was a beautiful mist, so we headed down to the beach so I could get a few shots. Stunning.
Before heading back to the site, we stopped by Stubbs Falls. I wish we had more time to explore this place. Stubbs Falls reminded me of "the falls" that was at the end of our cottage road. It was sweet to see this new found treasure with my family.
It was our first time at Arrowhead, we had only heard good things about the park and we were not disappointed.
Arrowhead is a large park with 3 beaches to choose from. We spent most of our time at the small beach because it was less crowded and it was within a 5 minute walk from our campsite. The sand was soft and powdery - the kids and I loved how it felt on our feet. The water was cool and clear. The kids geared up with their goggles, and spent most of their time under water looking for minnows and muscle shells.
One afternoon as I was watching my family swim, the sun warming my shoulders, and my tunes playing ( thanks hun, for the new ipod ), I welled up with emotion. It was one of those moments in life where what matters most is crystal clear and you are filled with gratitude for all you've been blessed with.
The site itself was large and private. Usually The Kid will take her younger brothers out on adventures, but, with an active bear in the park, she did not venture far on her own. 
We try to choose sites that have morning sun so that the site does not overheat during the hottest part of the day. Pictures above is a little morning sun flare.
With an active bear in the park, whenever we were outside of our campsite, we were on the lookout for the bear. As we drove away from our site one evening, The Kid spotted this dear on the NEXT site. So cool!
Because of the heat and distance, we decided not to do any of the bike trails, but Hubby, The Little Man and I went for a short 45 minute bike ride to the Big Bend Lookout. The Boy and his dad had gone the previous day and reported that it was worth the trip - and it was! It took my breath away. The Big Bend lookout is an oxbow formation from the Big East river. It is an 80 foot drop from the lookout point, with steep, sandy banks. Each year 1 foot is lost from the lookout as it erodes away. I don't think that the pictures do it justice. 
We went out for dinner on our last night. It rained pretty hard while we were in the restaurant, but it had cleared up by the time we finished. After the rain there was a beautiful mist, so we headed down to the beach so I could get a few shots. Stunning.
Before heading back to the site, we stopped by Stubbs Falls. I wish we had more time to explore this place. Stubbs Falls reminded me of "the falls" that was at the end of our cottage road. It was sweet to see this new found treasure with my family.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Back with a new challenge - Betty Blogger!
Well, I am back from a week long camping vacation in Arrowhead Provincial Park ( pictures coming soon!), refreshed and ready for a new challenge for myself. I've signed up for a "Betty Blogger" course at my local library.
The purpose of this course is to "develop a better community wide understanding and appreciation for web 2.0 technologies" uhhh...yeah. Considering that I had to google what web 2.0 was, I would say that my current knowledge of it would be low. On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being web 2.huh and 10 being web 2.guru, I would grade myself as a 4 - web 2.muddling through.
It's my hope that through this 8 week summer course it will help me with some of my confusion. Things like how to follow a friend's blog, how to have a link to a favorite book o web site, and how to make those fancy pant photo collages are just some of what I hope to learn.
Already I think I may be cheating....the first assignment was to create a blog - I am using pictures from the patch, mostly because I feel that it is here, at the patch where I want to improve my skills, grow and learn.
The purpose of this course is to "develop a better community wide understanding and appreciation for web 2.0 technologies" uhhh...yeah. Considering that I had to google what web 2.0 was, I would say that my current knowledge of it would be low. On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being web 2.huh and 10 being web 2.guru, I would grade myself as a 4 - web 2.muddling through.
It's my hope that through this 8 week summer course it will help me with some of my confusion. Things like how to follow a friend's blog, how to have a link to a favorite book o web site, and how to make those fancy pant photo collages are just some of what I hope to learn.
Already I think I may be cheating....the first assignment was to create a blog - I am using pictures from the patch, mostly because I feel that it is here, at the patch where I want to improve my skills, grow and learn.
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