Relief Valve

My decisions are revocable. That’s what makes them seem wishy-washy; by definition, I suppose they are.

My latest decision is to take another temporary breather from Facebook.  It’s not because I think it will have any lasting effect on me, nor on Facebook; it’s because Facebook makes me tired.  I’m tired of looking at every post as if it matters.  I’m tired of participating in my own teen angst factory.  Enough!  For awhile.

So, for at least a short while, I’ll not see the posts to which I feel an obligation to “like” or to which I feel a need to respond for one reason or another.  And I will not post comments that, the moment I post them, make me sorry I’ve done it; I won’t post those comments that look for all the world like I’m desperately seeking acknowledgement.

My comments here are more private, more measured.  I don’t expect answers to every thought.  I don’t expect every post will even be seen by anyone but me; most probably aren’t.  I know there is a small cadre of followers who get notification of my posts, but those followers are not like Facebook posters; they don’t expect every comment to garner a reply. Nor do I.  I rather like knowing my comments here sometimes go unnoticed; responses are just that much more meaningful to me when they come.

I suppose I’m posting this message simply to say to those who read this blog, but who notice I’m not presently on Facebook, that I’m just taking a break.  I need a break from my own attachment to Facebook.  I chose not to announce on Facebook that I’ve temporarily closed my account; no need to call attention to it there, the way I’ve done before.

So there you are.

About John Swinburn

"Love not what you are but what you may become."― Miguel de Cervantes
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12 Responses to Relief Valve

  1. Thanks, Susanne; I just needed a bit of a break; I’ll be back before long. And thanks so much for your kind words about the blog.

  2. Susanne says:

    Love your blog. Understand the desire to take a break from FB. There is much angst there. If you post the wrong idea your flogged.

  3. Susanne says:

    I agree with you re: FB. It can cause a bit of angst at times. I’ve taken breaks here and there from it. There are times commenting on a post can bring the hammer down, and who needs that. Love your blog, and read it regularly.

  4. Trish says:

    Hey, very nice rendition of “Le Mer”. Really must see this film!

  5. Juan says:

    Yes…but I am amazed how it works the “tear jerking” into the film, Trish. I got misty eyed towards the conclusion.

    It works with two incredible songs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTIjLLCRD4g

    The final song actually stunned me … it brought the whole piece into some cathartic movement.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftcnABNVQYk

  6. Trish says:

    Well then, this movie is on my play list…and if a tearjerker, all the better, Juan! Like Oldman, too, a wonderful actor. Yes, remember Sir Michael Redgrave in The Browning Version…powerful performance…sad storyline.

    Think I try and rent this over the holidays, for now you’ve really stirred my curiosity! 😉

  7. Juan says:

    Yes, Trish! You have to see this one, as you are definitely a film aficionado. I guarantee you’ll love it — you’ll probably cry, because you’re such a “cry baby.”

    Anyway, I had planned to see this film when it first came out…..but somewhere, somehow it got lost in my “things to do.”

    Then, I came upon it — recently — Wow! What a film! I think I watched it 9 times to study every scene. Incredible work! Oldman is an amazing actor. Keep in mind that Alec Guinness played the same part in two 5 part series for TV. Oldman does more in less time! As one critic wrote, Oldman is Michael Redgrave! Remember Michael Redgrave in “The Browning Version.”? Oldman carries is this character in “Tinker…Spy.”

    This is what tuned me into John’s post — “cool criticality!”

    Mind you I’m a real lover of LeCarre’s work. He puts a critical perspective perspective to the 007 genre. When one reads Le Carre and then reads Flemming, the difference between realism and comic book becomes apparent.

  8. Trish says:

    John, enjoy your hiatus from Facebook. Yes, you will be missed, and your “food talk”, too! Wishing you and Janine Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays, and the best to you both in the coming new year. Of course, will be reading your thoughts here!

    I’ve not seen “Tinker Tailor Solider Spy” that Juan posted here, either….though I have heard of it. Yes, certainly looks worth viewing!

  9. I have not seen the film Juan, but I shall, and soon! The trailer is absolutely fascinating!

    I hope you haven’t stumbled upon what drives me; if it’s my English Calvinism, I will take whatever steps are necessary to rebel and revoke its hold over me. I’m after spontaneity, something that doesn’t quite fit with the Calvinist model…;-)

  10. Juan says:

    I wouldn’t call them “wishy-washy”; I would call them critical, likely some unbreakable element of your English Calvinism….;)

    In fact, you are very decisive – quit cigarettes, abstain from drink, coffee for points of time: You are in complete control of your environment! You own a blog site, write regularly — hence, you’re vested and even obligated to keep FB available.

    You’re closing shop in that area — yes — but it’s as if a small sign hangs on your shop door that says, “On Vacation.”

    BTW, if you haven’t seen this movie, get this one asap!!!!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8x7qufHTdI

  11. Thanks, Robyn.

  12. Robyn Williams says:

    Enjoy your break, but come back to FB soon. I love your food photos. 🙂

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