Bringing in 2025 with an Ode to Social Media

The gift that keeps on giving.

When I was 'friended' (or invited, as it were) by my ex-husband's daughter, I thought "What is this all about?" She and I had a good relationship, she was widening her circle of friends as a teenager, and I was sulking after divorce number two. I had never heard of Facebook in those days, yet the buzz around my Colorado town was going off with whispers of connection with old friends, new friends, and catching up with family via an online platform. How cool was this, I thought.

That was 17 years ago.

This is almost synchronous with my life today--in more ways than I imagined. I joined Facebook in 2007, at the request of my then stepdaughter. I was instantly hooked and fixated on how people could begin an entire community of friends they didn't know and see everything about them in real-time. Photos of old high school friends with big families popped up, new friend circles were widening, and I was determined to learn more about this so-called social media trend taking the world by storm.

A late bloomer to my core, I found the entire online social experience daunting. Naturally, you mention "technology" and I flinch with challenge. I don't like it, but I use it. And I continued to use it for years! Facebook kept upgrading, LinkedIn came on board and I went with that 'business' site too, and now I'm on Instagram--well, Wizard is anyway.

Times are changing though. Artificial Intelligence is wiping out some industries (the writing & editing sector is taking a big hit) and the memes and nastiness on social media are like dodging a softball thrown at you daily. Why is this happening? Because we humans allow our venting, raging, and prophesizing to dominate the internet. Granted, I respond to comments when I have an opinion. It may not be popular at the time, or even words anyone wants to hear, but it's my opinion and I'm entitled to it.

This is where social media--and Facebook, in general, has gotten weird. I don't care what Zuckerberg is doing or not doing with his platform, but I do care when the hate-filled commentary gets out of hand. And it has and it will continue. About two months ago, I mentioned my desire for purple passion. This wasn't solely for the flora I see daily but for the independent mindset without taking sides. Purple is the middle of the road. Purple is blue and red combined. Purple is royalty. Purple is cool. Purple is healing. Purple is an energy that dispenses soft vibes and wonderful feelings.

Why do we have to argue, virtue signal, get mad, get up on anyone's grill, be rude, be unkind, sit on our high horse, or whatever on social media? I'm about over it. And I have been over it for some time now; I just haven't been able to pull the plug on Facebook. I don't do Twitter (or X, as it's now called), its rival Bluesky, or TikTok--never have and never will. But I love Instagram because it's Wizard and Dogs, fun things, and people showcasing their art and creativity.

That's how Facebook used to be when I joined 17 years ago. It's funny, and I mentioned its synchronicity above all. Seventeen years ago, Greg had a dog of his own--a pug named Duke. Seventeen years ago, Greg lived with a woman--his then-wife. I was somewhere else with someone else. Yet here we are. Together. In love. Forever. Seventeen years after his life experiences, and 17 years after I joined Facebook.

My ode to social media is an ending. It couldn't have come at a better time. Everyone is sniping at each other regarding politics, religion, cultural things, modern trends, who did what to whom, and the list goes on. Meltdowns are front and center on every aspect of living and I can't seem to dodge the unkindness coming out of the mouths of some I didn't imagine. It probably has A LOT to do with my algorithms and those I've been following, however, I'm appalled at such disgust and disdain flowing out from the folks I've been connected to for years on Facebook. It's overwhelming and kinda sad.

Instagram is where Wizard and I are at.

With all the social media hubbub circling, I can honestly admit that I'm deeply content and peaceful, but it took A LONG TIME to get here. With a man right by my side, one I found serendipitously, and who was going through the same thing. We are Twin Flames. I wish this energetic relationship for everybody. It's a roller coaster of love intensity- a partnership I wouldn't trade for any job in the world.

I'll close this beginning of 2025 'note' on just that. I love you all. I am committed to being transparent, to being honest, to being wild, and free, and to being the best me of this year. If that means giving up Facebook, I'm good with it. All the celebrations of life things, the family updates, the connections that speak volumes to my heart --- I see you, applaud you, and know all is well. If you want to follow @wizardtheborderterrierofoz on Instagram, we would love to see you and follow back. If you are a connection on Linkedin and have work success, I will raise a toast to you and click on that 'celebrate' emoji. Otherwise, I'm out on Facebook.

Thank you, Universe, for showing me and guiding me on the recent howling Wolf full moon. I needed that.

Here's to your health, wealth, good fortune, loving connections, and nights to stargaze,

Gerry Ellen xoxo