Changing Times
Not "Daylight Savings" related
While looking for one of my stories on Vocal this morning, I noticed that my latest story was published 23 days ago. I was sincerely surprised that nearly a month has passed since I've submitted so much as a random thought here, much less a poem or story. It's been exactly a month since my last Top Story and that's really no surprise, considering. You gotta' write 'em to have them recognized, right?
Life has been upside-down for a while, but that usually doesn't keep me from writing here. I was also invited to submit an original story about one of my favorite things to an online outdoor magazine and it was accepted and paid for, and I've just completed a second one to be submitted soon. So, some of my time has been spent on good things.
To top things off, I've been working a temporary side job in the afternoons. How many readers know (or care) I'm proficient with drywall patchwork and finishing among other construction-related things? Those old-school skills come in handy when you need to finance a move. The old bones move a little slower, but the touch hasn't been lost yet.
When I honestly consider the reason for the lapse, though, I have to admit that it's been at least a semi-conscious decision. The fact is, there's been a shift in the paradigm on the platform and it's messing with my head a bit. At least one friend here has noticed it, too and has been silent.
Don't worry; I'm not going to go on a rant about the specifics. Those of you who know me will probably already know, and others will probably dismiss it with “Okay, Boomer!” Feel free. I wear the label proudly and I hope you'll be as proud of whatever yours may be after being around for 68 years.
I'm also not going to quit writing on this platform, because I still believe it's the best of its kind around. (Sorry, kids, you're stuck with me!)
I have been spending as much time reading your work here as possible, and I've managed to sneak in a comment or two. I have a lot of catching up to do and I will get there. It's not an obligation, but a pleasure. I'm still amazed to be surrounded by such talented creators. I love you guys and gals.
So, the point of this story and its title are related to the song I've posted. It's all about change and no one wrote about it more poignantly than Bob Dylan, in my humble opinion. What's more, it's a timeless song with a title to match. Change is inevitable and we either roll with it or get rolled over. I've been rolling for a long time and I don't intend to stop. On the other hand, I don't have to like it.
I do, however, like being here. So I'll be ramping up my publishing again and I'll try to keep things interesting. I've also been neglecting unofficial challenges and I'm guessing I'll be able to find some to contribute to.
Doc has not left the building. There's more to come, including the comments on your stories that have been absent. I'm not ready to throw in the towel. Not by a long shot. Or a short pass. Or – well, never mind. At least I won't run out of clichés.
Maybe it's time to stretch my legs a bit and see what other communities I can wander into. Maybe not. Time will tell. (Not out of clichés yet) One thing you can probably count on is, whatever comes up probably won't be “normal.”
***
Thanks for taking a few minutes to read this nonsense! If you enjoyed it or care to offer some feedback, you know the drill. ;)
About the Creator
Dana Crandell
Dad, Stepdad, Grandpa, Husband, lover of Nature and dogs.
Poet, Writer, Editor, Photographer, Artist and Tech/Internet nerd.
My first published poetry collection: Life, Love & Ludicrosity
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More stories from Dana Crandell and writers in Writers and other communities.
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By Dana Crandellabout a year ago in Writers
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Dark Memoirs - Index There are at least two kinds of people in the world: those who write this half-arsed kind of intro to a story that looks to separate the rare and the norm, and those who realise it's an overused framing device and don't.
By Paul Stewart7 days ago in Chapters
Comments (38)
Out of curiosity- could you be more specific on what kind of change you're seeing Dana? I've been off Vocal for like half a year, and am interested to see how everything feels on the platform. I moved back home to New Zealand at the end of last year, and have just been too busy to put any energy or time into writing while I settled in. But I'm back and happy to be creating stories again:) Also- congrats on getting published! That's awesome! Do you have a link to the magazine?
your top story is very nice
Well done on your top story. I've been off the page too long to know what shift you're talking about. Maybe it'll become apparent to me over the next few days...
This is the first article I've read from you as a writer. Beautifully done and well deserved.
Back again! 🎉 Congrats on your Top Story! 📰✨ Super proud of you—so well deserved! 💪👏 Keep shining! 🌟😊
Welcome back, Dana!! And we're always more than happy to have you around!! Congrats on the Top Story!!
Yay Dana!!!! Congrats on most discussed story this week!! Looks like a great week back on the horse for you!!
Wooohooooo congratulations on your Leaderboard placement! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Congratulations Dana, well done, what a nice welcome back
This is the first piece of yours that i'm reading. I liked it a lot! I'm 30 years old and really enjoy some feedback from someone older than myself, with more knowledge and experience. If you have some time, I would love some of your feedback of my work on here! I'm on my way to peak around at some more of your writings now.
It was great to hear an update from you! You’re very right, only time can tell where we end up spending our time. And it’s okay if that changes for us often, even just by the day; let life pull you where you must go. Glad you’re doing okay, Dana!
Vocal has been out of whack for the last week and I see more people getting frustrated about it. But certainly good to see you back, Dana.
Firstly, congratulations on the published work. An achievement not to be sneezed at (this clichés thing must be catching!). I've been on here less but it does draw me back. I think it's the people as much as the writing.
Hey, I feel ya! It is a great platform and there are quirks. And I’m further on the decades trip than you, so we are in the quirky up and down together. Some prolific times and some relax-I’m-not-reading-vocal times 🤣
That's awesome that you're moonlighting on us, lol. Seriously though, we could all use a break when needed. Nice of you to put things in perspective and let us know that there's more Dana to come. And congrats to on getting published in the online mag! We should all take note and advantage of those opportunities.
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
First, loved your line, "Change is inevitable and we either roll with it or get rolled over." As always, fantastic story and congratulations on T S!!!❤️❤️💕
Congrats and keep up the good work.
Dana, it's okay to take a step back. I did it here for, well, quite a long stretch. Sometimes other interests call or one simply needs a break. I am happy to hear you are not leaving us. Congratulations on your top story!
Back to say congrats on Top Story my friend!!! 🎉
Glad to see your name in my notifications, Dana! And the Top Story page too, but no surprise there! Hope to see it more frequently of course, but as you explained so well, change happens, so will understand if you've got new adventures to have too!
So happy that your writing reach is expanding!!! Congratulations!
Wishing you good luck!
Back to say lol, Congrats on Top Story!
Sir, was about to email you today, actually. May still do it, because, it's always a pleasure. Glad you've been doing alright and working hard and at something you enjoy doing! Also, woopy congrats on the paid work for writing about something you love (As a fellow content writer I know how rare that is, as we've discussed before) I've noticed changes to Vocal too and have discussed it with others...things are a bit different than before. I am still going to write for the platform and do believe it's the best of its kind, whatever that is, but also agree that some changes or revertions would be a good thing. Glad to hear you're still going to ramble wisdom and funnies for us and your gorgeous poetry! Had a massive smile reading this, because, well, it's Doc, sir, the man, my pal!