Reflection Monday May 2026

Thoughts on social media

Change is needed. I stopped spending time on Instagram. For a second or two, I missed seeing how folks and animals are doing. I also thinned out what I watch on YouTube.

Doing others things instead, fluffs things up for me. I’ve learned that not all creators are skilled in being sensitive to their audience. Creators can be so wrapped up in their lives, they fail to consider people are also waiting, wondering, expecting news. 

Viewers have to accept creators have things going on in their lives that they don’t want to or may not be ready to share. When to vs when not to is a fine balance. Think adjustments. 

Telling the audience news, but withhold the particulars, some very basic, until the video next week I feel, is disappointing and hugely inconsiderate.

When things like that happen, I unsubscribe or block. The same on social media as in real life. If you don’t like the service, then don’t go back. People prefer places where the experiences are good. 

Social media can provide perspective. Managing the time spent as well as building favorites helps enhance the experience. 

Wild Violets

When There’s Just the Two

 Admire them like they’re a dozen.

Last year there was a few tulips. This year there’s plenty of leaves with only two blooms. I think maybe the silver mound crowds them out. Once the flowers are done and the silver mound is taller, I’ll separate them. The bulbs will be farther away. 

Maybe later more will appear now that the temperatures are warmer.

Day 120 of Week 18 April 2026

 In editing pictures, when you flip cloud formations, you not only change 

the position of the Sun,

 you are spinning the direction of the 

wind, how it flows around Earth. 

Stratocumulus Clouds
looking westward

Have a Flip Free Weekend

Take a walk with friends

Bake a 2 crust apple pie

Browse mugs with lids online

Read about sculpture

Sing to a daffodil

Make a robust potato soup

Play Wordle unlimited

Craft something from a cereal box

Background voices on video

During a water study, taking a video of Lake Champlain, in the background right in the middle of my video, from somewhere in the parking lot, a voice is recorded. Think not wanted in the video. 

I do not expect people to be silent if they happen to see a person taking a video. It is a public place. I can mute the background voices in editing. 

The problem is editing the film reveals there is more talking than what I thought at the time. A big section would have to be deleted. That is sad because I like the video images. I can’t upload the video as it is. Another video will have to be made. 

I now appreciate the value of using a script, a plan of what I want to film. 

Know what is to be recorded, the weather, the hour, the location. Take a few videos. Write down notes. Lesson learned.