Boy do I have a tale. I very very true tale. It is a tale you have heard time and time again, from other people. People you have heard it has happened to, and those you know, that it has happened to. It is a tale we take for granted. Or at least, I did...
This tale is about moles, and worms, and icky yucky horrible monsters that have altering infections & sadly, live in cyber-world. Creations, not of nature, but of people, who want to harm anyone, with no rhyme or reason. The infectious ones can not be zapped with sprays and powders. No rodent repelent. Oh no. They are vile horrid things. And, they found me. (the drawing below is about cleaning out a refrigerator. Although, I think it does beautifully in this explanation as well)
We (meaning me, myself and I) did all we could when we first came home with a shiny new computer friend. The one that would bring me to you and you to me. So we could frolick and play. We got advice. Installed the latest technology in spyware, ad-ware, search & destroy-ware, and on and on. Anti-horrid things this, and anti-infect my computer things that. And still... We got zapped. Derailed. Illegal errors poured out of my ears, and then, the worst...
They got me & all my characters. We held on for our little cyber-lives...
On Monday at 11:30 a.m. I visited a lovely person, who led me to another, lovely person. All people who would never cause harm. Alas, on entering the link to the second person, my computer started popping up black screens. It was massive amounts of jibberish, happening fast. Before I knew it, my computer had been taken over. (I don't know if viruses link to people's blogs or what... It may just have been a coincidence it happened at that moment)
The night before this happened, I had a huge thought to back-up my computer. I didn't do it. I had every Virus protector under the sun. I took it for granted. I also took for granted that I had a virus. I thought it could be fixed by my computer pro.
I had not backed up my files for many months. Isn't that dumb? What was I thinking? I know. I am beside myself. I tried to save everything I could. All the things that make up my beloved little shop.
I have been in high stress mode, with little sleep since Monday. I didn't freak out until today. When Mr. Lovee lent me his computer. Which had some glitches too. And meant, I wouldn't be up and running soon. But, here I finally am...
The news? We will be having a computer funeral for my dear little friend that got me this far. He is ruined beyond repair. I spent 4.5 long hours securing a new friend yesterday. Not the road I wanted to take. But, I couldn't choose my road this time. We await his arrival. We will welcome him warmly...
I don't know why people create viruses? What is the point? Who knows. All I know, and all I can tell you is...
Back up all of your files. Back them up now. Back them up often. When I realized my computer was going under, I backed up all I could before it was ablaze. Make sure you update your virus protection all of the time. Please, learn from me. This has been awful. It has been a nightmare, really.
But, today it was clear, that the shop will survive. Thank goodness. It has been a turmoilous 3 days. This means, we saved most of the prints. Luckily postcards are created elsewhere. So, with that, we will make it...
Hundreds of little faces looking to me for anwers....
You know, I don't like to complain much. I always try to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I try to take deep breaths, realizing that some things don't matter in the grand scheme of things.
Everytime something trivial or bad happens, I think of my family and those I love. I think of the good things. Yes, I freak out a bit. You can imagine that I can do that, right? You know how I am in touch with 5 year old Vanessa? Well, she comes in handy in freak out moments too.
But, loosing your entire computer (to a malicious virus) when you are running an online business, is certain to make anyone, sad, angry and left feeling a bit abused. I kind of feel like someone broke into my house, to tell you the truth...
No, it is not the end of the world. But, it ain't easy getting through it...
I am behind in the promised shop update, and in everything right now. But, hopefully, things will get clearer in a few days...
For now, take a peek at some of my walls if you'd like. The lovely Marilyn of Pulp Sushi is on to something so fun. She is featuring people's walls... What do you have hanging on your walls???
Thank you for being a part of my world here, at A Fanciful Twist. This whole place & all of you mean more to me, than I can express.
See you soon! Vanessa