On Saturday, I celebrated my 83rd birthday. Despite being alone in my home in Florida, I felt the joy of connecting in a variety of ways, with family members and others important to me. Almost all of them live across the United States, some internationally. 

I am so very grateful for my curiosity that has led me to ultimately embrace the technology that enables us to connect in a multiple of fulfilling ways and for the gratification that comes from teaching, when others experience the same. See Technology Made Easy.

Celebration on Saturday started with:

• very early AM birthday greetings and messages on Facebook and FB Messenger which continued throughout the day and evening.
•  
• an 8:30 AM Happy Birthday text message from my grandson-in-law in Illinois. It included a photo of the family doing an early opening of Christmas presents, with a promise that they'd call later. (Note: I blanked out the faces to protect identities, particularly of my great-grandsons.)
   

• a text message from my son in Georgia, followed by a phone call later
• a Saturday morning session on ZOOM with my accountability partner and friend, starting with birthday greetings.

Throughout the day and evening there were other phone calls from different states, some emails, and continued activity on Facebook. 

• In the evening, my grandson-in-law invited me to a Facebook Messenger Video Call during with I was able to see and talk with those in Illinois. My 2 1/2 year old great-grandson was initially in a bath (out of sight) upstairs, and he heard and recognized my voice. It thrilled me to hear that since we’ve not connected online very often.

and "Yes," there were a few cards that arrived via the US Post Office before Saturday and after.

Birthday Celebration contined on Sunday

I am blessed that my younger son and daughter-in-law live in Florida about 30 minutes from me. They invited me to join them at what turned out to be a spectacular  performance of The Nutcracker ballet. 

Back at their home we celebrated the start of Hanukkah, lighting the 1st of 8 candles. Each night, additional corresponding candles are added the Menorah.

A couple of years ago, my Florida son called to say my grandson wanted to light candles together on the last night of Hanukkah. We went on Zoom and invited my Georgia son to join us. We have continued doing long-distance family holiday celebrations in this way.

• • • • • • • • • •

Are all of the above methods of connecting and communicating an integral part of your activities? 

and 

Are those people important to you easily able to use all those methods?  

If, “no”, I invite you to consider gifting them, or yourself, 1, 3 or 5 sessions of “Peace of Mind with Technology: Technology Made Easy.” Tap/Click on Gift Certificate.

Amongst areas that can be covered, 

in addition to efficiency with the phone, are: 

     using Zoom, 

     photos and photo editing and sharing, 

     capturing stories, 

     creating and sharing videos, leaving a legacy, 

     and much more. 

The coaching is individually tailored to the recipient and whatever you/she/he want/s need/s.

See the Tech Gift Certificate page for how to order, more details and  an image of the Gift Certificate.

Lastly, except for the PS on my history, if you're interested,

Are you using any additional means of communication that I have not mentioned above? If so, please reply to this email and let me know what you are doing.

As always, thank you for being in my life. I greatly appreciate you.

To the Joy of Discovery and Transformation,

Living and Loving with No Regrets.

Sheila

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Years ago I resisted purchasing a computer. My sons wanted me to be emailing them. By the time I relented they were too busy for it. (In recent years, they’ve come to me on occasion with social media and other questions.)

Then, there came the time when when more and more people were starting to get SmartPhones.  I had no interest until the interview I did with Dewitt Jones, world-kenowned National Geographic photographer.  

One of the things he discussed was his often-use of the iPhone.  When he shared links to some of his beautiful, eye-catching phone photos and the creativity behind them, I wanted to know more. 

Shortly after the interview with Dewitt, I purchased my iPhone. The Apple person with whom I spoke, while investigating the costs, assured me I’d love it for the ability to text my grandchildren. I had no need for that. It was only the camera that I wanted! 

Once I had the phone in my hands, my curiosity kicked in. I started using it to search the Internet, checked to see how I could share photos which, of course, included texting...and then much more.

I now consider my iPhone one of my best friends! 

What is your relationship with your phone? Please REPLY to this email with your response.