technology | Joan T. Warren: Heart to Heart

Did you know you can create your own QR code without having to purchase it? Totally. Free.

At first search, it seems everyone wants to sell you one, which is absolutely not necessary! Now, if you need an ISBN for your product, that will cost you, but for QR codes, there is no required purchase. It is easy to do yourself, and it only takes a few minutes. With a free (or inexpensive) account with Canva.com, start on the left side bar and scan down to apps, and search by entering QR code generator. Choose the free one that pops up. It leads you through the steps, asking the web address you want the code to take people to, and then it creates it for you. Bam! There it is! Canva saves it for you, and all you have to do is choose download to save it to your computer or phone. Then you can paste it like a picture, wherever you want!

I made one for my recent release and also for one to lead readers to my blog. They really came in handy for posting on social media and also on posters, cards and bookmarks for events like book signings and such.

Just thought I’d share this with you, my readers, because so many of you are writing, too. Here’s a sample of how I used mine. Check it out with your phone cam and see if it works!

Happy reading and writing!

With the Power to Love,

Joan T. Warren

Don’t tell me another “Don’t,” –please?

We’ve all heard “Don’t” enough. We’re numb.

We’re even numb to the “Don’t” messages that matter.

Don’t–I Feel Numb by U2

For example, almost every day we hear a commercial reminding us:

Don’t text and drive.

“It can wait,” they say.

Today I counted the number of oncoming cars whose drivers were looking down as they passed me. What would you guess? One? Two? No, in one mile, seven of ten drivers were texting instead of heeding oncoming traffic! Seven. Of ten. The mile included a school zone, a bridge and a playground entrance.

So, yes, I’d say we need those public service reminders. Let’s not be numb-skulls:

Don’t text and drive. It can wait.

Wait,

Don’t leave yet!

There is something else we technology-driven (pun intended) folk do these days with equally disastrous potential. It’s something we readily take for granted because we do it so much. It’s something we do so much because nothing bad happened the other times we did it.

Or, did it?

Little Johnny is excited to show Mommy his art project from school. He made it for her. “Just a sec, hon,” Mommy says,” as Johnny pushes his paper between her face and her phone. “Wait, I said,” as she takes it and lays it on the counter, quickly returning to her phone. Mommy doesn’t notice as John-John slumps off, shoulders curled forward, feet shuffling, lower lip pouting. “Stupid art project,” he sulks.

Betsy is thrilled to see Daddy come to her swim meet today. She’s been doing well; coach says she’s most-improved this season. Perched on the starting platform, she glances at Daddy to see his proud, encouraging look. He is looking down–his fingers steadily tapping away. Betsy misses her start. She fights down the lane, checks her time, checks her Dad. He missed it. He is still texting.

Baby Leila crawls across the floor and pulls up to stand at the coffee table. With brave anticipation, she lets go for the first time and takes a step toward Mommy. Mommy doesn’t see. She is texting Gramma, sending pictures from this morning’s breakfast, yogurt all over Leila’s head.

We need yet one more public service ad:

Don’t text and parent.

Babies don’t wait. They grow up quickly, with or without us.