I already published a post today, but I want to write more. I originally tried to write this post using the dreaded block editor, because I’ve heard it’s being forced onto WordPress bloggers more and more. I however for the life of me couldn’t properly link back to the Ten Things of Thankful (#TToT) page I’m joining in with. Here is my gratitude list, starting with…
1. The WordPress block editor not being fully forced onto me yet. On both PC and iOS, WP is trying to coerce me into using the block editor in all kinds of ways, but so far, I’ve found a workaround on both. I can only guess how long this is going to last, but I’ll keep using the classic editor at least for posts like this one for as long as possible.
After all, one issue I’ve found is that the block editor won’t let me write lists without converting them to HTML numbered lists, which seems to mean I can’t write multiple-paragraph list items like this one. I also greatly struggle with adding links, like I said. So, anyway, I’m grateful I can still use the classic editor.
2. A fries and snack vendor came by the facility on Sunday. It was a staff’s last shift before retirement, so she wanted to do something special. Another home had asked the snack vendor to visit us, so we decided to tag along. I had tons of fries and two snacks.
3. My mood being pretty good. Except when I was muddling with the block editor, that is. Overall, I feel pretty relaxed lately.
I am also so grateful that depression hasn’t sunk in as of yet. I often start feeling depressed by late September or early October. November is usually the worst. Let’s hope I can skip it this year.
4. Lots of engagement on my blog. I attribute this partly to #Blogtober20, but I’m also more able to interact with other bloggers and they engage with me in return.
5. Interesting journaling prompts. I got a subscription to Journey, a multi-platform diary app. I cannot really use the app, but I love to benefit from the prompts.
6. Relatively good weather. Yesterday was a pretty rainy day, but the rest of the week has been pretty much okay for fall.
7. My creative juices flowing. And my ability to handle failure if what I had in mind doesn’t turn out the way I imagined it. I mean, I’ve been trying to make my own air-dry modeling clay using baking soda, corn starch and water, but I probably used way too much water. I ordered new baking soda and will try again next week. This did give me an excuse to order new essential oils too, as those are sold at the same store.
That’s it for now. What have you been grateful for?
A Multitude of Musings 
I can relate to the frustration that comes sometimes with technology. All morning I have been trying to get my computer to communicate with my printer, to no avail. I’m getting ready to just walk away from it and try again later. 🙂
Please let me know if linking up becomes a technical problem for you. Another blogger who is blind lost the ability to link up when “updates” were made to the link up tool. When she joins the TToT, I am happy to link her post up for her. I wish that all the screen readers, link up tools, etc. worked together nicely, but unfortunately, they don’t always. I’m happy to help however I can, as I want everyone to feel welcome at the TToT.
Good luck with the modeling clay. I hope the next batch turns out like you want it to.
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I’m so sorry you’re struggling with technology too. Thanks so much for your encouragement! The problem isn’t with linking up, but with providing a text link back to the TToT. I’m pretty sure that when the need arises, I’ll figure out a way to use the block editor though.
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There is a block called the “columns” block, which would approximate your requirements. An example is here: https://mrbump.uk/2020/07/25/quiz-time-7-the-last-batch/. You can set the width of each column, and each column can contain anything – paragraph, images, other blocks etc. But it is not a list – you have to type the numbers manually. It will give a similar visual effect, though.
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Oh, and I realise that you will know at least one of the answers!
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Huh? I’m confused. No, I don’t know t he answers. I just tried out the columns block though. Which width should I set for my theme? I am blind so visual stuff like that makes little sense to me.
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If you just want the number in he left column, I would say about 10%:90%. But ultimately, it is not an exact science and (if it were me) I would see how it looked.
The quiz are not important, I just wanted to show how I use the layout. It would give you something which looks like your post did. I understand that this is *all* visual, it must be very intimidating to do this.
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Thanks so much. It is intimidating indeed. And now I understand you were referring to your post, not my questions about the block editor. Sorry for my ignorance.
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It is bad enough for me, with poor eyesight, so I imagine it must be many times more difficult for you. If it is any use to you, I will gladly send you the template I wrote for my quiz. I can use your contact form.
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I’ll give that some thought, thanks. So far, on iOS, it seems like WordPress doesn’t unnecessarily convert my lists, so I may just use that.
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That was a mighty good list and I’m glad you are doing so good in general! Hey, on WordPress, at least on my version with the block editor, when I click on the plus sign to add a block there is a list option.
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Thanks so much for your kind words. Re the block editor, I think I meant the exact opposite, like I *don’t* want to convert my lists to HTML-style numbered lists. But I’ll give it a try.
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Yeah, the block editor is awfully unintuitive compared with the classic, in my opinion. So I’m using workarounds as well and learning how to do some more formatting in my mail client, so that I’ll be able to use the post via email feature also with more complex posts in a way that they’d be reader-friendly if the classic editor won’t be possible to use anymore. I’ve done some drafts in the block editor to familiarise myself with it but it seems too strenuous to me and I don’t want blogging to be associated with something strenuous in my brain.
I’m so glad your mood is good. 🙂
It’s always so fun to have more engagement on your blog than usual. 🙂
I love journaling prompts so I think I may have a look at this app you mentioned.
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Thanks so much for commenting. I’ve not tried posting by E-mail yet, but will see how it works.
Journey is a really interesting app. It’s not 100% accessible with VoiceOver, but the prompts feature is pretty cool. Have you also got Paperblanks? That’s an app full of journaling prompts. I think I mentioned it some years back on my old blog and I don’t use it as often now, but I still have the app.
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No, haven’t heard of Paper Blanks but will check out both, thanks for the suggestion. 🙂
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No wonder my ears were burning this morning!*
I have always used WP for blogging. I cannot abide this ‘improvement’ of the block editor.
Unfortunately, from what I read, this is because WP is trying to compete with site builder applications like Wix and Foursquare….
Very unfortunately for us, we just want to write blog posts… lol
;{
I am lucky in having my primary blog (the Wakefield Doctrine) as self-published, so I do not have to contend with the Hemingway nonsense, but I do have a good number of WordPress.com blogs for my serial stories.
Reading with interest the other comments about work-arounds for getting back to the classic editor.
I suspect those in control of WP are aware of how many of us use it to post to our blogs and have no interest in site-building because where they once offered the opportunity to switch back to the Classic Editor, they are now willing to sell it to us… all we have to do is pay them to upgrade to a subscription form of WP
And this,.. my long, long comment is an example of what I love about the internet/virtual world, I know and can interact with people I will never meet on matters that matter to me personally.
Thanks for your TToT post
*an old expression, ‘we were talking about you, were your ears burning’ or some variation
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Thanks so much for your interesting comment. It’s totally unfortunate that WP doesn’t seem to care about its customers’ wishes. Thankfully, I can still use the classic editor, maybe because I do have a subscription.
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Since 2020 has been such an unusual year, maybe depression not setting in during November for you will become the norm this year.
Good luck with your new batch of clay!
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Thanks so much. I definitely hope that not getting depressed is going to be the new normal.
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Wonderful week!
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Hi! I am glad to hear that you are having some good Fall weather and that the dark dogs of depression have stayed at bay. It looks like I’m in the minority on liking the new editor. I was able to do numbered paragraphs by just typing 1) at the beginning of the paragraph, and so on. Fries sounded like a yummy snack! It’s great that your creative spark is glowing brightly, writing is such a great way to energize ourselves.
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Thanks so much! Oh I’m glad you like the new editor and that typing 1) etc. does the trick.
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did the clay turn out when you tried it for a second time? I love your blog btw! Its awesome! I love the diversity you have on it!
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Thank you. The clay did dry, but it was very hard to model.
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