The sun is not only shining, it is melting the snow and has a new level of warmth back in it's rays. Every Spring feels like a rebirth to so many things and in so many ways and the change can be quite simply, invigorating.

Change is not only a guarantee in the seasons and in life but it is also a must on so many levels and that is one thing that will never change…. LOL

However, with that said, not all change is for the better. I recently read an article on predicted changes for the future such as doing away with things like newspapers, the Post Office, books and even music. While I am the first person to admit I am getting older and more set in my ways, the loss of any of these things would be totally tragic in my eyes.

Newspapers may be something many of the younger generation don't read anymore but did they ever? I mean most people don't start reading newspapers until they are older and while I understand that new technology is advancing, newspapers are a way to document life in so many ways and holding a paper in your hands taking in three or four stories and photos can not possibly be as enjoyable as reading on line…. could it?

That sort of brings me to books. As an avid reader, I would be lost without books for so many reasons. Call me old fashion but I can not for the life of me see curing up with my computer in a big chair and a blanket to read. Or even lying in bed at night reading just one more chapter until I fall asleep on a screen…. It just takes the beauty of the escape a book provides for me away. Besides there is a great satisfaction in turning pages and holding something small and enticing in your hands. Not to mention the importance or reading books with your children. That is one of my boys favourite things to do at night and even throughtout their day. I can not imagine a child not having a shelf of books to read and look at as they are such a huge part of learning and developing. I realize that many children may not have books and that in itself is a tragedy. Yet there is no way and no one that could convince me that a child could get as much out of something on a computer as they would with a book. Don't we get enough screen time as it is between working and playing on computers, video games and television?

As for the potential loss of the Post Office, well that just isn't right either. They say that the US Postal Service is in such financial turmoil that things like email, Fed Ex and UPS have all but wiped out any profit the post offices could make. They also say most of the mail we get is junk mail and bills anyway and with online billing they just don't see a need for postal outlets anymore. However… I don't know how to put a Christmas card or birthday card on my shelf or buffet if it comes on a computer…. I sure don't know how my children will get their highly coveted five dollars in the mail for their birthday from their granddad either. Besides what would happen to my stamp collection?

Finally, lets talk music. It is no secret that the music industry has been struggling for the past decade due to  illegal downloading and corruption is definitely an issue too. Record labels have simply destroyed themselves in so many ways and more than 40 per cent of music purchased today is apparently traditional music people are familiar with. Radio stations and even movies play a role in the downfall too they say as they choose what music to play and it is getting harder and harder to find new and innovative music. I have been told that I should read Appetite for Self Destruction by Steve Knopper or watch Before the Music Dies but I am not ready to give up on my love for music just yet. The world would be a sadder, lonelier place without the gift of music and that truly includes new music. It is such a great avenue for people to express themselves and we should be embracing anything and everything we can to preserve it. While I love the song, American Pie by Don McLean, I just can't believe it has been turned in to a possibility, can you?

So with all of this said…. I think I will go mail someone I miss a letter or a card after buying a new stamp at the post office, go across the street to get a newspaper and look for a new cd I haven't heard before then come home, put the music on my stereo and curl up in a chair and read a good book!