Once upon a time there were no cell phones or computers. Life was happy and so was I! Don’t you sometimes wish that it could have stayed that way? I do! Although, I would be typing this on a typewriter that I’d have to stop and apply white-out to every few words to make corrections. But still, I miss the simplicity of those days, and not being so dependent on technology. We really did survive without cell phones (my modern day ball and chain) The “missed calls” never seemed to bother us-we never knew we were missing them.
I have devoted my entire writing career to placing my characters and settings in the pre-techy era, mostly for my own peace of mind and pleasure. It’s my therapy. When I was overwhelmed with three teenage girls, I closed myself in my room one day and daydreamed back to when I was 9 yrs. Old, drifting on the lake in a rowboat with my dog at our summer cabin in 1968. That memory alone was so calming and powerful, it became the opening scene in Saving Sailor. My heart and soul lives in that story. I often find myself looking at things like prebuilt cabin delivery because I just think how nice it would be to have somewhere to get away like that again.
I think it’s important to go back and remember “the good ‘ol days”-or at least to be introduced to them-If you weren’t yet born then. It is a by-gone era never to return, but, oh, the memories! My kids have accused me of being a Pollyanna, and nicknamed me Anne of Green Gables-I choose to take that as a compliment. Even though our Italian family of seven was far more obnoxious and humorous-especially when stuck on an island in a small log cabin all summer with a big dose of sibling rivalry and a young girl who insisted on driving her Italian family crazy with a fake Southern accent. My family life gave me volumes of material for this quirky coming of age story. So grab a Twinky and come along for an enjoyable romp down memory Lane. It’s guaranteed to lift your spirits-the dog never dies and I only write happy endings. Here’s to good ‘ol days!
Does anyone else feel that some of the important elements in life and relationships have diminished with the increase of technology, or is it just me?
About Renee
Renee Riva is an award winning author of inspirational family classics. Having been raised in a large Italian family the author has much to draw from for developing quirky characters. Renee has two picture books for children by Random House/Waterbrook Publishers, a trilogy for general audiences by David C. Cook Publishers and numerous other works.
Please leave a comment below to enter to win a copy of Renee Riva’s Saving Sailor Trilogy. (3 books!) USA or Canadian residents only. Winner has one week to respond. Email address required so the winner can be contacted!
Congratulations Barbara, last week’s winner of a copy of Mary Ellis’s novel A Little Bit of Charm. Thank you to all who left comments!
I think with the addition of cell phones, computers and TV we really don’t communicate with each other any more. For example, when I go out to eat with my daughters they are busy on their cell phones looking at Facebook or Instagram and we aren’t enjoying each other’s company and catching up. Also, I find myself texting my mom, who lives 900 miles away, instead of just picking up the phone and calling her. It seems our lives have gotten busier and our relationships have fallen to the back burner. srpaulsen3@gmail.com
Remember back in the old days when there weren’t cell phones, let alone texting? I think you’re right; personal relationships are being set on the back burner.
It does seem ironic…all of these communication devices…and less true communicating. My girls seem to be in another world even when they are across the table from me with their texting.
I so agree with Renee; life was much easier when it was simpler. To get back to that lifestyle would take some doing though. I’d love a chance to win her books. Thanks for this interview.
Noreen
werhis3@gmail.com
Thank you, Noreen!
Thank You! Books are a good way to go back!
I love reading books from times of old. It’s relaxing and a chance to connect on a different level. Sure Facebook has allowed us to keep tabs on high school crushes and how they have changed over the past 20 years but what about daily life? I know I for one am a victim of the techy-era. I don’t speak with people like I should and I find comfort in text vs verbal conversation.
I hope to teach my boys to write hand-written letters vs text messages. Days of old really need to come back as days of today!
I admit that I rarely write hand written-letters anymore, Alaina. My mother-in-law has the most beautiful handwriting … And what happened to thank you notes?
It means so much more when I receive a handwritten card verses an email or e-card. It’s a great idea to teach that to your boys.
I miss those days! I remember the days before every room had its own TV and DVR so we all had to sit and watch the shows together as a family. Days were spent playing outside or laying around my room listening to the radio while reading a (paper) book. I had to explain to my kids the other day that when I was their age I had to use the house phone to call my friends and there were no cell phones or texting. This book sounds like it will be a great reminder of those days. Thanks for sharing.
Mary
quilteddaisydean@gmail.com
We were the last in the neighborhood to get a TV, and yes we did sit around as a family and watch a show.
We had to go to my grandparents to watch Walt Disney in color every Sunday Night. We only had a black and white TV. It was such a great family night! My Grandpa would pop his homegrown dried corn over the fire in a wire basket for our “movie popcorn”.
We do seem to be consumed by our technology these days. Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win!
mandaandtom(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for commenting, Amanda!
I agree with you, I would like to go back to the days of less technology. But it is nice to be able to just backspace to correct spelling mistakes instead of using white out or the erasers!!!! I would love to win these books!!! Donna d.brookmyer@yahoo.com
Thanks for your comment and good luck in the contest, Donna!
I miss those days!! I totally agree with Renee. Our relationships, lives, are very different and perhaps missing things that we grew up with. I feel technology, for the most part in social areas, has hurt us and our relationships. I tell my kids very often how I wish they could have grown up like I did on a farm, with carefree days of no technology.
lattebooks at hotmail dot com
Aren’t farms a wonderful way to grow up ? We moved our family to a small farm when they were small so we could try and slow down the pace. It was the best 13 years, and all of their childhood memories were made there. I’m so thankful for that time and seeing what a difference community can make in feeling connected and more personal. Thanks for commenting!
We also, raised our three children on a small farm. It was the best experience of all of our lives. Especially with the 4-H experience and we all look back on those days as our happiest days together. Thank you for this giveaway! Carmee Ross or miaross1961@yahoo.com
We call our “Red Farm” years our golden years, because they truly were. Sometimes I just sob when I see old videos, missing those days when my kids were small, dressed in long Cinderella dresses sitting on monster pumpkins, riding triple on Big Duke the draft horse…
I have to remind myself constantly what Dr.Seuss once said: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
We really were blessed to have been given that time.
Have not read this author. Would love to win her books.
Just entered a comment and forgot to add email. marthajane1@hotmail.com
Thank you, have it now!
I would love to win this,haven’t read any of her books I don’t believe.Thanks for the chance jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com
Thanks for writing, Jackie!
Have not read any of these books so would really love to win them.
Thank you, Bonnie!
I feel that many important elements have been diminished including normal everyday conversations. It seems rare to talk with someone and not be interrupted by some gadget.
Maybe I’m too set in my ways, but I think that life was better before all of this technology.
cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com
Is it that the truth, Cindi? Interruptions abound!
I feel thankful to have had the contrast of pre-gadget days to gauge it by, don’t you?
Would love to read this
I didn’t even have a cell phone until I moved back to my home state when I was 32 and I don’t have Ipads. a_stonecipher@yahoo.com
I have one of the oldest cell phones in existence, according to my husband. But since I rarely turn it on it doesn’t matter. in my defense, I do spend almost all day on my computer …
We have a rule at our house, no TV. No cell phones. Our grandson, age three, wanted so know why. So we can talk to one another is our answer. His parents don’t allow them either.
I think that’s wonderful for kids to spend time in places without their devices and TV noise going in the background.My kids grew up without the TV by default. It broke one day and we started realizing how peaceful it was without one, so never fixed it. It seems it takes great effort to not give in to some of these devices. Those of us who grew up without them have a contrast, but kids now are just raised with a screen in front of them. I hope, like you, to provide a nearly tech-free refuge for my grandchildren one day (when and if I have some 🙂
Most of those things we hesitated before we starting using them. In thinking about doing without any of them. Guess I’m addicted. My sister and I were talking today about using a GPS system. Makes life so much easier, than being constantly lost.
I also remember drifting in a boat on a lake for hours….so wonderfully peaceful.
alekee02atyahoodotcom
I agree, Maureen, using a GPS system makes life easier! Ah, drifting in a boat sounds lovely.
I do love reading stories set years ago. They help me escape from all the hectic moments of my day. grammador at gmail dot com
Thanks for your comment!
Dorie was the name of my childhood best friend–I use her real name in my books as my main character’s best friend.
I agree with you Renee. Society has changed so much with all of this technology, One of the worst to me is in no family communication . Or, not nearly enough. Hardly ever do you find families who sit down at the table for meals together. That was always an enjoyable time when I was growing up. A time when family shared the goings on of their day. Lots of laughing also. Games were played, indoors and out. Now everyone has a kindle, Tablet, or IPhone in their hand, almost constantly. Some even text to each other in the house. More time lost by not going to that person to talk. I can’t believe how many times I’ve seen children ignore their parents because of a phone game they are playing. One thing that gets to me is everyone being on the phones while at the table, or when they have company. In my opinion, that is just not not something that should be allowed. Not at my house. Nor would it have ever been allowed when I was growing up. A time and place for everything, you know. And, they’ve even got the babies playing with the phone games. Oh my! What will the next generation be like? Thanks Kate for inviting Renee here. Thanks to you both for the give-away. I would love to win your book.
MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com
Thanks, Maxie,
I agree with you! My friend asked if I would take her 7 year old son out to get some ice cream for a special date he’d been requesting. From the time we drove away until the time we returned, he played a game on his little handheld device,completely oblivious that he was with anyone else. Even at the restaurant, he stopped only long enough to order, then went back to it. If I tried to talk, I’d get a look or groan that indicated I was interrupting his points. I think it’s tragic, really. I realize we have to set the rules or it will be out of control.
I use to walk down the main street in our town with a limp-I had no limp and everyone knew it but I did it anyway.
Your books sound great!
Ha! That’s too funny! I walked pigeon toed on purpose. I thought it was cute! And that was AFTER having to sleep in those shoes at night with a metal bar pointing my feet out to prevent my feet from growing pigeon toed!
I guess my husband and I are way behind in the times. I have a tracphone that I only turn on when we are on the road. Very few people have the number and everyone knows to call the house first. My husband refuses to get a cell phone and will only call mine in an emergency. I spend too much time on the computer but love facebook and email to stay in contact with the kids and other family members that I would not hear about otherwise. I wish that there had been home computers much less laptops and internet when I was in the Army. Long distance calls home were way to expensive when I lived in Germany. My brothers and sister were in the military too. We couldn’t afford to call each other so we depended on mom to keep everyone up to date. No, I guess I am glad for technology. I would love to win these books
Sounds as if you’ve had a very interesting life, Jan! Thank you for serving our country!
You’re right about the advantages when it comes to long distance relationships– I would not do well without being able to communicate with children or parents far away.
Yes, those were good times and made for many great memories. But when I recall those typing classes I had, whew, I will stick to my computer, any day. But one thing I would like to cut is the cell phone umbilical cord, ha ha. My Sunday school class students are on their cell phones throughout class, ask them to put them away, they say they are on their scripture App. Hmmm….
Sounds like your Sunday school kids have great imaginations, Sonja! What fun.
I feel we have lost connection with family and friends. I can remember late Saturday afternoons going to visit friends and make homemade ice cream or have sweet juicy watermelons. I loved those days. I have one sibling and he lives in Texas. My Mom and I live together in Louisiana. My brother mentioned getting Skype for her and when I explained what it was, she told him no sir. I laughed and laughed at him. He tried really hard to convince her, but it was no sale. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the giveaway. Book sounds fantastic.
Barbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for that fun remembrance of visiting friends, Barbara. People don’t seem to drop in on each other anymore. Well, sometimes I do.
Your mom sounds like my mom. She does just fine without a computer or a cell phone and no one could convince her otherwise. It’s hard enough learning new technology at my age but at 84 I think I’d fore go it all too.
I would love to read these. New author to me sounds real interesting
Thanks for writing, Deb!
I like the idea of the books being set in a simpler time. At least simpler technology-wise. Maybe that is why I like historic fiction so much.
susanmsj@msn.com
I enjoy reading about a simpler time too, Susan!
Haven’t hear of this auther. Hope to win and read her books. Thanks
rebeccapearl4@gmail.com
Thanks for your comment, Becca!
I really like to read books. It would be nice to win some books. My e mail address is bjphillips3170(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks,
Barbara Phillips
Good luck in the contest, Barbara!
As a child of the 60’s, I remember those wonderful lazy days-sitting on a blanket early in the morning while the dew was still on the ground, searching for four-leaf clovers. After a while, we would take the flowers and make chains, which we would either wear as a necklace or as a crown. The joys of remembrance…
wonderwoman62@mail.com
What a lovely scene you’ve painted, Linda! Thanks for writing!
You’re right–we made all kinds of things from nature. It seems kids have such easy access to buying things for crafts now. We had to be creative with what we found outside. I love your description of those days…makes me want to be there.
This is a really great post. Would love to read these books. Yes, the lazy days of summer growing up were wonderful. The times when you were lucky to have a landline. There are days I long for times of no technology. Just a break from it all. Kids were so much more active and enjoyed the seasons so much better.
Forgot my email eppersonkatrina@yahoo.com
Thanks, Katrina!
Thanks for your post! I’m secretly relieved when we go on vacation somewhere that has no reception. It’s frustrating at first but becomes rather freeing once I get used to it. I do dread having to catch up when all of the messages pour in. That’s when I remember how nice it was when we had no message machines! 🙂
Aw, the past. Linger amongst the butter cups by the stream where I walked as a child, without fear of bother. Put me in the drawing, please…would love to read a new author…to me.
myrenterp at gmail dot com
You are entered! Thanks for your comment!
I think that one of the main disadvantages of modern technology is the fact that we seem to spend even less time with family & friends, even though modern technology affords us more time to do so. We are in such a hurry to accomplish even more, that we are often too busy to stop & appreciate the blessings that we have.
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
I agree with you! I’m blessed with a very slow-poke life … except for my writing deadlines. Thanks for your comment!
Sometimes I feel like if they add anything more I’m just going to short out! 🙂