Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey

May 19, 2012November 16, 2018 Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey Connections

Why I had quit Facebook

So, the day I originally wrote this, the social networking site, Facebook, went “public.” As in, it offers shares of stock for sale on the stock market.

I was on Facebook for about two years. I thought it was all about reconnecting; sharing tidbits of life, opinions, and photos with old high school friends, college friends, family, and so on.

Little by little, I became addicted to those elementary games and, for a few months, enjoyed playing them.

I had tons of photos on my site.

And then, I posted a lot of opinions – sometimes causing disturbing rebuttals.

Being a computer geek (I met my husband online and I work in IT) I know how to set the privacy controls and all that sort of thing. But, eventually, I got tired of the fad and moved on.

Just like my parents when the old party line telephone was being phased out for a private line in the 1960’s. That’s all Facebook is. It’s a party line telephone!

Do you know why a lot of people moved on from the party line?

Wives were suddenly made aware of their husbands shenanigans. Husbands overheard neighbors talking about how annoying they were, mowing their grass too early on a weekend morning or maybe how loud their truck exhaust was when they drove down the street. Kids picked up the phone only to hear some of the seediest conversations of their lives!

AT&T did great business with the advent of the private line telephone for a reason!

People started realizing they really didn’t want to know what everyone thought of them, or what their spouses were secretly up to.

Anyway, isn’t gossip a sin?

So, I have a sneaking suspicion (and hope) that Facebook will eventually fizzle out the same way those old party line phones did.

It seems bizarre to me that Facebook started out as a private network, mostly for colleges – you had to have a college email account initially to even get started.

Now, you’ll probably think I’m a conspiracy theorist when I say this, but the day the announcement came out about Facebook taking funds from Goldman Sachs (about $450 million), and a private Russian investor (do we yet know who that person is?) that was the final straw for me.

I’m half way through a Masters in Marketing degree so I understand the whole marketing perspective of Facebook – and that they’re only beginning to make money from advertising stuff.

Believe me when that really takes off you’ll already be so addicted you won’t even realize how targeted they’re slick marketing will be.

So, for me when a company gets too much cash inflow I question if there’s something “a bit more than meets the eye” going on.

Who wants the data?

Who wants the photos?

Do they care who I know?

Who’s trying to gain control?

Since I had no way to answer those questions I systematically began deleting all of my posts (and it took awhile since I had to delete each one individually), deleted all of my photo albums, etc. Only when I felt like I had removed EVERYTHING that I wouldn’t want published in a big city newspaper, that’s when I hit the “disable” button.

Admittedly, I’ve been back on, yes you can enable your disabled account again if you choose to, just to view some photos that family or friends refused to email – I know they’re sucked into Facebook, it’s fine, I was there once so I understand, but it’s a pain to disable it – too many questions and crap.

So, I went back on it a couple of times.

If my family and friends want me to see their kids growing up process, they’ll just have to email – or do what I did. Pay to store our digitized photos online.

Everytime I reactivate my account to check photos my family or close friends have posted, I feel wonderful for a few minutes–until I see something that pisses me off. Then I deactivate the account again acknowledging to myself how much I loathe Facebook. UGH!

Bottom line: I think Facebook is a time trap, gut puncher, and time waster for the most part — and I’ve got more important writing to do. 🙂

UPDATE: After the birth of my beautiful granddaughter (and her parents subsequent decision to allow pictures of her to be shared on Facebook), I begrudgingly returned to Facebook. In fact, I even setup an “author page“. Call it hypocrisy if you will, but that’s my story and I’m sticking with it. 😉 I preach a lot about forgiveness, so forgive me – and I’ll forgive Facebook. Just be careful, kind, and considerate out there…

May 17, 2012August 11, 2023 Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey Mind-Body, Spirit

About My Blog Name

Take It Upon Yourself is about accepting responsibility for yourself. Your health. Your dreams. Your talents. Your passions and desires. It’s about knowing who YOU are.

TakeItUponYourself

Who are you? Have you asked yourself this question? Have you said, “Self, who am I”?

Take a look in the mirror – go ahead, take a good look. Do you know who you are? I realize I may err on being a bit annoying here. But I just wonder how many of us really examine ourselves – and ask ourselves this question. How well do we know our own unique person… mind, body, and soul (or spirit if you’re so inclined to believe in a spiritual self). Each of us have a unique set of fingerprints to remind us that we’re all different, particular, specific individuals.

I’ve been asking myself who I am since turning fifty (50) years of age. I am on a journey of self discovery. I can describe attributes and characteristics of myself, but who am I?

I have discovered that I am Energy, focused in a physical body. I am the sum total of my previous choices and experiences.

I’ve accomplished many things that I never thought I would. I’ve been given everything I have ever wanted. Along the way I did some things I would not do again – but I learned lessons from those experiences. I can’t explain why I did some of the things I did, but I think I had good reasons at the time. I think most people act on the best information they understand at the time.

So, I can’t condemn my former self since I acknowledge that my past choices taught me lessons and turned me into the person I accept as my self today. I believe love is a choice. Life, humility, gratitude, sanity – all are choices.

I have also come to an awareness that beliefs are just thoughts we keep thinking over and over – we always have the power within us to think different (better) thoughts and change ourselves if we don’t like what we see in the mirror. Me? I’m always changing!

So, who am I? LOL

I accept responsibility, fully, for who I am. And I deeply love and accept myself for who I am.

I am a mother, a new grandmother, and wife. I’m a highly responsible individual. I take it upon myself to feel better and make healthy choices everyday. I’m fabulous. 🙂 And I bet you’re fabulous too!

I am more than my mind, body, and soul / spirit. I am the culmination of everything I’ve experienced. And I stand on GREAT shoulders. Strong, loyal, God-loving, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so on.

I have also had great mentors and teachers along the way too! Thankfully, God gave me one in particular who proved the value of higher education to me many years ago (because I couldn’t wait to finish high school and had never wanted to go to college). She proved me wrong. Obtaining two degrees kept me gainfully employed on my career path!

Some of my ancestors were persecuted for their beliefs, religion, and even their race, which knowing this – keeps me grounded and humble. I believe that also is the reason, or at least one reason, why I am an empath. I am strong. A survivor of hurt, pains, and traumas. A survivor of former marriages, of loves lost.

I look in the mirror and see a woman who’s changed – a lot!

I now eat foods that I didn’t eat five (5) years ago. I beat asthma. I’m a creative and technical career woman. I’ve co-written songs (with my talented soul-mate hubby), and tried all sorts of alternative health modalities that most of my family and friends haven’t yet explored. I’ve gained weight, but I’ve lost it too! I consider myself somewhat of a renaissance woman. Forging ahead and leading my daughter and granddaughter down new trails.

Taking it upon myself, I want something better for them, an easier path perhaps, than what I had. And I know a lot of people who feel the same way. They want to give their kids more than they had – not material things exactly – but knowledge!

Knowledge is power. An explored, informed, due diligence done, and educated response to life – wow! Just imagine the time I’ll save them, and maybe some pain too.

I heard it once said that a wise person learns not from experience, but from the experiences of others.

I’d like to go down that road less traveled. So, I invite you to… take it upon yourself.

Imagine who you want to be. Won’t you?

A bit about me:

An Amazon bestselling author of two co-authored books: “Transform Your Life Book 2 Inspirational Stories and Expert Advice,” “Energy of Receiving”, plus author of “Blue Eyes: Ethereal Messages of Connection,” and holistic health book that details how I naturally reversed asthma, “Have Yourself a Wholly Vibrant Life: Reversing Asthma and Other Chronic Illness Naturally” all available on Amazon.

Be the best version of who you want to be.

Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe.

For more about me, this blog, how I create websites, why I wrote a holistic health book, and more, find me on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

April 29, 2012May 13, 2023 Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey Art & Music

America The Beautiful at Fenton Art Glass Company

Wearable fame

It’s not everyday that you can claim a small bit of fame by the bracelet you wear, but I’ve been able to do just that.

Bead jewelry

As many women know, and presumable just as many men since they often reach for a piece of jewelry as a gift to the special lady in their life, Pandora bead jewelry has become very popular. And so it happens that in my West Virginia hometown there’s a century plus old company who’s making artisan glass beads that rival and are quite competitive with Pandora beads. And I’ve begun my own bracelet of the beads (which, I wore everyday for years).

I’m at work, and ladies admire the beads. I’m at the health foods store, grocery store, gym, shipping store, etc. and ladies notice the beaded bracelet. At every turn I get to tell about Fenton Art Glass and how it’s “made in America” pure artisan craftsmanship at its finest.

You can check their fabulous beads out for yourself on their website (and maybe even buy some beads!):

Click Here or go copy and paste this link into your browser —> http://www.fentonartglass.com/

Proud history

Let me finish my story… I love the Fenton company. And unfortunately like so many family run companies they’ve been business challenged lately. In fact, they’ve shut down their main furnace (July 2011 – http://wvgazette.com/News/201107060631). This saddened me deeply when a cousin texted me last year that this was happening!

You see, I went to school (all twelve years – elementary through high school) with Fenton kids. I walked by Fenton a lot growing up and would look forward to tent sales in the summer when my mom and I would shop for collectible hand blown glass pieces (they made vases, lamps, bowls, little hand painted cute animal figurines, angels, clowns, and much more), or when I’d visit my hometown later on with family and look for what was new.

I’m so glad I took my husband on the factory tour a few years back. And since my husband is an artist, he told me he so admired the workmanship and craftsmanship in the making of the art there. The artisans at Fenton had such command of their art and were proud to have their work collected by people all over the world.

Fenton used to appear on the HSN television channel. As well, they used to have their wares displayed and sold at Cracker Barrel restaurants.

Living in Florida since I was 22 years of age, when people asked me where I was from, I was always happy to say I’m from Williamstown, WV–where Fenton Art Glass is made.

Though I’ve lived in Florida for more than half of my life, my hometown still lives in my heart. I have family and friends in / near Williamstown.

Ray of Light

While dining out, we’ve wondered if Fenton had explored making other types of art glass, such as light shades for bars and restaurants.

When we watch HG TV and those restaurant makeover shows on Food Network and see the ways in which designers come up with creating lighting fixtures, sometimes out of the most unexpected things, we wonder if that’s a whole genre of business Fenton may have missed out on.

I enjoy the way light shines through and reflects from the Fenton glass I own, and I appreciate the beauty of it often. I wish more people could experience the beauty of Fenton Art Glass, and believe in the workers of America again.

Part of What Made America Great

When I read this article, http://wvgazette.com/Life/201202030246 and learned there had been 460 glass factories in West Virginia, but now only 16 are in operation. This again causes me to pause and reflect upon how America is changing. Gone are so many manual labor craft jobs. And when we lose that talent and skill, it may never be replaced. Didn’t factories make America great? Where did all our manufacturing go???

Designer beads

So, back to my little beaded bracelet. When I look at it, I think of the folks who made the glass, and the artists who painted on each bead. As the beads move along on the bracelet chain I think about my hometown, I’m grateful to have grown up during a time when hard work and the arts were held in high esteem.

My first cousins’ wife has worked in the Fenton gift shop for years. Fenton has been a big contributor of the economy of Williamstown and surrounding areas, Vienna and Parkersburg WV and Marietta OH. That area will feel the loss of this major employer!

I pray and lift up in hope all those whose lives have been impacted negatively by the changing economy and I pray Fenton can find a way to rise up again, light the main furnace, and keep the heart in my hometown.

UPDATE 2017: Fenton Art Glass did eventually close down the factory. The building was torn down to build a new school.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g59656-d274481-Reviews-Fenton_Art_Glass_Company-Williamstown_West_Virginia.html

https://www.thenewscenter.tv/content/news/The-Fenton-Art-Glass-Factory-comes-to-a-closing–423357214.html

A bit about me:

Be the best version of who you want to be.

Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe.

I’m thrilled to write everyday on topics I love like this story about my famous hometown thanks to Fenton Art.

April 22, 2012February 9, 2024 Sheila “Spiral Sister” Murrey Art & Music, Mind-Body, Soul

Original Music For The “Thinking Person”

Welcome to the first article in my blog!

Friends coaxed me to write a blog – though I had designed, developed, and maintained two websites, joined Facebook, Twitter, and had begun to write a book. I didn’t have much readership, so I couldn’t understand why anyone would want me to write a blog. Nor did I want to spend much time promoting a free blog, when I thought my energies would be better spent writing a book.

I hesitated to start this blog, because I thought it would distract me–and I really wanted to finish the book before starting anything else. I even quit Facebook for a couple of years so I could finish my book!

Anyway, after a workout session in the gym, and continuing to experience a nagging thought that wouldn’t go away, I started the blog.

Dumb and Dumber

People have talked about the “Dumbing Down of America” for many years.

Media, TV shows, and movies entertain in such simple words and stories that nobody’s doing much thinking anymore.

People seem to be going here and there in a mindless fog. Entertainment is used as a means of escapism, from the stress of work, family drama, or as a way to relax. Many are unwittingly being dumbed down.

Now, we’re thinkin’

Yet for years, this band has been circulated around on the internet called, The Chevy Ford Band. And they’re on a mission to educate the masses through music – maybe that’s why they haven’t caught on with the mainstream public.

The music is about politics, religion, truth, and even sex. The lyrics are intelligent and perhaps, not for everybody.

Take a listen (on my home page footer) to our original songs. We think the songs would work beautifully as music for films and motion pictures. Let us know what you think!

My favorite songs of The Chevy Ford Band are:

Crush them with Rock
Dogma
Energy
Over my Head
Sunset

The upbeat tempos are great to work out with or dance to, plus I love the lyrics! I love to move and dance to high energy uptempo music that motivates and encourages me to move my body more! I sit all day for the most part and moving helps me release tension and stress!

The controversial song, “Attention Deficit Disorder” takes aim at how the ADD disorder is impacting many around us. That song inspires me to do everything I can to help people learn the Hippocratic oath, “Let Food Be Thy Medicine, and Medicine Be Thy Food.”

I’ve worked with or known people who have children with autism, parents with alzheimer’s, or they themselves have diabetes, recurring acid reflux, high blood pressure, and many other chronic ailments and dis-eases.

Since I’m an empathic person, and reasonably intelligent, I’d love to help them, and their loved ones, find relief. So, I continue to research and share. However, I’m not a health care practitioner, so I share my findings as a friend, natural holistic and alternative health advocate.

Coming next

Future posts in this blog will be related to energy work and other holistic alternative healing modalities. My other site, Being Wholly Vibrant, will share about diet, real food, and easy healthy whole food recipes. As well as book and product reviews.

I’ll also write about original music, social media advertising, health, technology, designing marketing materials, finding our bliss, and other consciousness expanding stuff!

Stay tuned. 🙂

Namaste. OM