Take Control: Choose Webmail for Security, Intention, and Peace of Mind

silhouette, trees, sky, clouds, square,
Just a simple moment to gaze at and prepare for what is next in life.


During the season of Lent, many people choose to give up things like social media as a spiritual practice. I have embraced this tradition myself over the years. However, for 2026, I decided to take this concept further by committing to use webmail exclusively, abandoning traditional email apps and desktop email clients altogether. The primary motivation behind this decision was to minimize distractions caused by constant notifications and the compulsive urge to check my inbox every hour.

Through this experience, I discovered several meaningful benefits. One significant advantage is understanding how email apps on smartphones and tablets often engage in tracking activities. Unless you’re actively using a dedicated tracking blocker, this surveillance can compromise your privacy. In contrast, accessing webmail through a browser offers enhanced security, particularly when using a privacy-focused browser that actively blocks trackers and other invasive technologies. For example, Vivaldi browser allows you to customize your homepage with icons that closely resemble the app shortcuts you’d find on your phone or tablet. When you click on these icons, your email opens directly within the browser, creating a familiar yet more secure experience.

I maintain several different email accounts in webmail for various purposes, and I find it essential to keep them organized and separate from one another. While navigating between multiple accounts does require additional time and effort, this deliberate approach creates a more intentional and meaningful experience. It encourages me to be more thoughtful about my email management and helps me maintain better organization across all my accounts. Most importantly, using webmail rather than traditional email clients or apps gives you complete control over how you interact with your email, rather than allowing the technology to control your habits and attention.

Finally, webmail offers remarkable flexibility and accessibility. You can access your inbox from any computer using your webmail feature, and you can still stay connected across all your devices. This ensures you’re always able to reach out to and stay in touch with the people who matter most to you, whenever and wherever you need to.

Stacked Logs in Forest Clearing

Logs, nature, leaves, weather, outdoors, environment, wilderness, fall, winter, seasons, Frank J Casella, photography, art, Midwest, America,
Logs are neatly stacked in a forest clearing, surrounded by fallen leaves. The scene conveys a sense of serene wilderness and nature’s cycle – the cycle of life. Title: Stacked Logs in Forest Clearing. Copyright 2026 Frank J Casella.

What struck me about this subject is it’s just something you can look at for a while. The lines and patterns, textures and shapes, and the elements overlapping each other. Enjoy!

How to Make a Picture in Black and White

Black and White, pathway, trail, people, sunlight, golden hour,
Black and White Winter Pathway – A family walks the pathway on a mild winter day with the golden hour sunlight, at the Homewood Izaak Walton, preserve in Illinois. Copyright 2021 Frank J Casella. Made with the Nikon Coolpix A10 Camera, processed with VSCO.

Back in my college days, I was known for having a unique ability to envision a scene in black and white, even when looking at it in color through the camera viewfinder. This skill allowed me to see the nuances of a black and white photograph before taking the shot.

In essence, I could perceive the features and elements that would translate well to a monochromatic image, making it easier to determine if a color photo would work as a black and white one. When color is removed from an image, something magical happens – a person’s expression becomes more meaningful, and a composition becomes more dramatic.

To create compelling black and white images, I focus on the following key elements:

  1. Contrast: Everything in black and white photography relies on contrast, which can be achieved through various techniques.
  2. Lighting: I wait for the right light, as prominent shadows can add depth and drama to an image.
  3. Composition: Strong shapes and patterns are essential for creating visually appealing black and white images.
  4. Landscapes: I look for “active skies,” which can add energy and movement to an image.
  5. Portraits: A strong expression is crucial in black and white photography, as it draws the viewer’s attention to the subject’s emotion.
  6. Color manipulation: If a bright color in the scene is distracting from the subject, converting to black and white can help refocus the viewer’s attention.
  7. Storytelling: Ultimately, the goal of black and white photography is to tell a story and capture a moment in time.

Although film has a narrower dynamic range than digital, many people today can’t tell the difference between my film and digital images. In simple terms, dynamic range refers to the range of light values that an image can capture, from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights.

Why Waiting for Vivaldi Webmail Is Worth Your Patience

King Shepherd Dog, walk, door, waiting, sunlight, Frank j Casella
Photo: Waiting for Her Walk – As a daily routine, a dog waits patiently inside the house door to go for its walk. Copyright 2012 Frank J Casella.

I’ve been following the Vivaldi forum discussions about their private, free webmail service, and I keep seeing the same question: “How long do I have to wait?” Since account access is based on a reputation system, the waiting period frustrates many potential users.

I get it—we’re wired to want things immediately. But here’s why the wait is actually beneficial, and why Vivaldi’s approach is smarter than you might think.

The secret to getting webmail access isn’t obsessing over the timeline—it’s genuinely engaging with the Vivaldi community. Contribute, participate, and let the authentication happen naturally. Similar to what I shared on the forum, this approach ensures that users are invested in the platform, not just collecting another email address.

Now, let’s talk about why Vivaldi’s model is superior to alternatives like ProtonMail and TutaMail, which is the other common question. Yes, those services offer end-to-end encryption (E2EE), which sounds impressive. But here’s the catch: E2EE only works seamlessly when both parties use the same service, otherwise, most users say it’s too cumbersome to connect. This creates a walled garden effect—you’re essentially locked into one ecosystem. I’ve found that less than 2% of my contacts use E2EE services, making this encryption largely irrelevant for everyday communication.

Vivaldi webmail takes a different, more practical approach. It’s private, it’s free, and it’s compatible with all other email providers without the friction of E2EE. This means you get inbox privacy and security without sacrificing accessibility or forcing your regular contacts to switch services. Though you have the ability to create encryption keys if you prefer.

Waiting teaches us something valuable: it reveals whether we truly need something or simply want it because it’s not immediately available. The Vivaldi webmail wait isn’t a barrier—it’s a filter that builds a better, more committed community. And that community-first approach is exactly what makes the service worth having.

Winterfold -Square

Weather, trees, snow, leaves, seasons, blue sky, clouds, square format, Frank j Casella,
Winter sky and clouds bring in the snowy trees as the leaves on the branches are a reminder of Autumn, and that life evolves whether we want it to or not. I really love the contrast of colors here in the square format.. Winterfold – Square – Color Art Photograph Copyright 2013 Frank J Casella.

Digital Portion Control

Portion, control, horses, animals, people, street, police, Chicago, black and white, Frank J Casella,
Photo: ‘Keep Going’ – Black and white street art photography of police horse crowd control in the City of Chicago, Illinois – USA. Copyright 2009 Frank J Casella.

The digital age has created an endless array of options, making it easy to get caught up in the endless buffet of information. As Seth Godin once noted, when faced with an infinite choice, it’s okay to take a step back and “blink” – to prioritize and focus on what truly matters.

In today’s digital landscape, it’s crucial to be intentional about how we engage with the internet and digital content. If we’re not mindful, it can consume a significant portion of our time, causing us to neglect what’s truly valuable: our relationships with loved ones and our own spiritual well-being.

Taking time to reflect and disconnect from digital distractions can be transformative. As it is said, dedicating just one hour a day to introspection can lead to significant benefits, including a clearer mind and a renewed sense of purpose. With consistent effort, it’s possible to break free from the clutter and cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us. The fastest way to success is to replace our bad habits with good ones. 

The Importance of Listening

black and white, priest, people, listening, church, frank j casella
Cardinal Francis George ListensThe late Francis Cardinal George, Archbishop of Chicago from 1997 to 2014, listens to a child while visiting a Chicago parish for Mass, circa. 2008. A recent quote attributed to him: “The only thing we take with us when we die is what we have given away” Black and white photograph Copyright 2008 Frank J Casella.

Since childhood, I’ve been refining my ability to transport viewers into the scene I’m capturing – a technique I call “Pictures People Listen To.” As a photographer, I specialize in creating and selling images that convey hope and God’s love through the lens of my Catholic faith.

Currently, I’m reflecting on the significance of Lent 2025, a season that encourages us to rekindle our relationship with God by listening to His voice. Amidst the chaos of daily life in the United States, it’s easy to get distracted and neglect the importance of listening – not just to others, but also to ourselves, our colleagues, and our loved ones, as well as to God.

However, listening often requires us to confront the quiet, which can be intimidating. As we quiet our minds and listen to our inner thoughts, they may resurface, revealing aspects of ourselves we’ve suppressed. This can be a daunting experience, but it’s also a vital step towards personal growth and self-awareness.

I drew inspiration to write about this topic from a recent sale – a framed print of the late Cardinal Francis George listening intently to a young girl with strong opinions. The image serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of active listening, setting a positive example for society. Each viewer may interpret the scene differently, but I sense that the person who purchased it understood the underlying message – that true fulfillment comes from giving away our time, energy, and love, as Cardinal George once said, “The only thing we take with us when we die, is what we have given away.”

Holy Lent

black and white square photograph of a person in prayer in a church during Lent. Copyright Frank J Casella.
Holy LentA black and white square photograph of a bare altar with purple banner sets the tone at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois, where faithful Catholics visit throughout the days for prayer and observing from Ash Wednesday through to Holy Week. I’m very fond of silence in our noisy world, because it restores the Soul. Copyright 2016 Frank J Casella

As Time Slips Away

black and white, square format, swing, backyard, shadows and sunlight, memories, frank j casella,
Photo: ‘Passing Through‘ – A dark, monochrome scene features a yard with a large tree, a swing, and a small shed in the background. The mood is eerie, with shadows casting over the garden structures. The swing is left by a family who moved, and now with the new family it only swings with the push from the wind. Copyright 2025 Frank J Casella.

As Time Slips Away

Every time I gaze out the back window of my house, I’m reminded of the baby swing suspended from a towering tree.

It’s a poignant reminder of the former neighbors who left after four years, leaving behind a tangible connection to their time here. As I watch the wind gently sway the swing, I’m struck by the realization that even the most ordinary moments can hold profound significance.

The newlywed neighbors, who now own the swing, may not yet have children, but the empty cradle speaks to me about the fleeting nature of life. It’s a poignant reminder to cherish every day and make a positive impact, as time slips away and we’re left with memories.

Life is a precious gift from God, and how we choose to live it is our greatest offering to the world, as well as to God ….

Feed My Sheep

books, store, people, chicago, reading, america, frank j casella,
Shelves filled with books line the aisles of a cozy bookstore in Chicago, Illinois, while a person sits reading by a window with a view of the street and trees outside. Soft lighting creates a calm ambiance, perfect for getting lost in a book. The Good Book – Copyright 2009 Frank J Casella.

As an artist, I’ve come to realize that many of my peers prioritize passive income over a full-time income. They prefer to focus on their craft rather than the business side of things. However, in today’s oversaturated online world, communicating one’s message effectively can be exhausting unless you have a clear plan in place.

This is where I drew inspiration from the Bible in John 21:15-17. Jesus didn’t ask us to ‘count his sheep,’ but rather to ‘feed them.’ For me, this means helping people get to where they’re going, particularly through my blogging and then email sharing. By doing so, I’ve found a more intentional approach to online engagement.

Recently, I created an account on Substack, a platform that allows bloggers to monetize their content through paid subscription newsletters. However, I’m taking a wait-and-see approach, as I don’t want to jump onto the latest trend only to see it fizzle out like Tiny Letter, a similar platform that was bought out and eventually shut down.

In contrast, WordPress.com and Tumblr, both owned by Automattic, have a mission-driven CEO who prioritizes serving their users over making a profit. WordPress.com does the same thing as Substack, and can be found on 40% of the internet. This aligns with my values, and I’ve decided to focus on these platforms instead.

To test the waters, I posted the same article on SubstackWordPress.com, and Tumblr. The results showed that I had the most engagement on WordPress.com. Many content creators have also shared their experiences, suggesting that it’s best to post content where you feel most comfortable, as people will follow you there if your message resonates with them. I have found this to be true

A prominent Catholic podcaster, with a large following on YouTube and Instagram, recently started posting on Substack and has seen limited success. This aligns with my observations about the limitations of paid subscription models. I presently believe that keeping all content public and separate from a subscription model is a more effective way to monetize your work.

Ultimately, my goal is to share my art and message with others, as I believe that it has the power to inspire goodness and hope. I’m doing my part to ‘feed the sheep’ by using my gifts to make a positive impact.

Wind in the Autumn Wetlands

landscape, photography, black and white, frank j casella, america, weather, trees, clouds, water, board walk,
A serene boardwalk curves alongside a tranquil body of water, bordered by tall reeds under a sky dotted with fluffy clouds. Bare trees line the path, adding to the peaceful atmosphere of the scene. The clouds moving as fast as the rippled waters, make for a windy day at sunset. Made at the Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve in Illinois. Copyright 2023 Frank J Casella.

Allegiance

Photo: ‘Life and Liberty‘ – Color Photograph of American Flag and Flowers – Copyright 2020 Frank J Casella

I was drawn to this moment of an American Flag mounted on a tree with blooming flowers below it, in the country morning sunlight, because it reminds me of how this Flag is a symbol of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”, a well-known phrase in the United States Declaration of Independence. The phrase gives three examples of the “unalienable rights” which the Declaration says have been given to all human beings by their Creator, and which governments are created to protect. Without it we have chaos.

The American flag is a symbol of our nation and our people. It is a reminder to us that we are all united under one banner, and that we are all fighting for the same cause. It is a sign of our strength and our resilience, and it is a symbol of our commitment to our values and our way of life.

The American flag is a symbol that means that we serve everybody equally without discrimination, but we do not show favoritism. Many American flags are displayed in my Midwest community, as it represents the strong support there is for the country among average people. Seeing these flags reminds me that there are still people in America who are willing to fight for our freedoms and the American way of life – even when it seems like the situation is not looking good. This proud sight will make everyone who sees it feel proud and patriotic.

Our woke overlords want us to think that America is a nation that needs to be destroyed in order to atone for the injustices that it has committed in the past. The “progressive” ideology is rooted in victim-hood and requires that America be dismantled in order to rebuild it in their own image. America was founded on the principle of individual liberty and self-reliance, so it’s no surprise that they don’t understand or appreciate this. Why do you have to have the Pride flag shown on government property to be represented? You’re already represented. We already know who you are.

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, allegiance is “the faithful observance of an obligation, especially a sworn declaration or pledge of allegiance.” In this context, the American flag is an object of allegiance. Contrary to what some people might think, the flag does not restrict freedom of speech. In fact, it is one of the few things that can unite people from all walks of life under one banner. To show allegiance to the American flag is not a political statement, but a demonstration of patriotism.

The national flag of the United States of America (or the American flag) consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton (referred to specifically as the ‘union’) bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of five stars.

The 50 stars on the flag represent the 50 states and the 13 stripes represent the thirteen British colonies that rebelled against the British monarchy and became the first states in the Union.

Nicknames for the flag include the ‘Stars and Stripes’, ‘Old Glory’ and ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’

Thus the American Flag unites American’s as One Nation under God with Liberty and Justice for All.

Social Media Sales Truths

Photo: ‘Morning Lit Magnolia‘ – Copyright 2015 Frank J Casella

I’ve noticed recently as I go to and from my days between meetings and conferences, and kids sporting events, that most everyone keeps tabs with their smartphone. As I walk by and glance at what’s so important, I can say most of the time it’s Facebook …. still.

Though I have personally dumped my FB account since 2016, it seems that I’m in the minority. I also don’t have a smartphone, rather a flip phone … still.

When I am out on the street I make a concentrated effort to be with people, and not be distracted … especially while driving the car. I do use social media however on the computer, as an artist, and be very intentional with it.

Many of you who have followed my writing know how much I’m inspired by the Zig Ziglar Corporation. I have pulled together bits and pieces of what they teach about the timeless truths in a Social Media sales world. I practice them, and have come to believe in these:

1) Don’t hide behind Social Media – don’t confuse activity with accomplishment.
2) Write your own blog – example your expertise, integrity, and reputation.
3) = Critical = When posting always include knowledge and information that is valuable to the reader – even if they never contact you. They may refer you.
4) Selling is a transfer of feeling – amplification is key!

That last point, by amplification I don’t mean to say that you post your content everywhere you can. Rather you post content that is valuable enough that others share it and amplify your work and your Brand.

There is nothing more important than (what is known as) a third-party endorsement. In other words, it’s not who you know, but who knows you … and then, who THEY know. Get it!

I also believe that email is the original Socal Media, as your mails can be shared just as easy as any of the others. And now a close second is Masodon, which works very similar to email.

Thank you for reading. Enjoy your day!

Springtime Blossom

Photo: ‘Springtime Blossom‘ – Copyright 2018 Frank J Casella.

Many times the key factor of a great photograph comes from it having strong composition. Yes, the story is important but, without strong composition the story gets lost I think.

The inspiration for this photograph came to me when I was out for a walk with my wife and dog, and saw this out from the corner of my eye. The story here is that I love how this moment says new life that brings hope. The colors are catchy and a favorite of many.

I used negative space composition, which is a basic, but often overlooked principle of design, that gives the eye a “place to rest,” increasing the appeal through subtle means. This together with the square format, makes this suitable for framing with a wider matboard.

Likewise, in life, what are the things that get lost because of things you overlook from being too busy and not taking time to rest and think it through?

Delete the App, Use the Browser

Photo: ‘Purple Flowers by the Trail‘ – Color Photograph Copyright 2020 Frank J Casella.

My Love And Hate With Social Media.

If, like me, you don’t want to give up social media, because it’s not going away, but you do need a way to seriously cut back, the best way I have found is go off the usual path by deleting the apps and using a browser to access your accounts instead.

Many people don’t think of the browser as its own app or operating system, however, when you use a browser like Vivaldi it also blocks ads and trackers unlike using the apps.

Both the mobile and desktop browser versions are similar to using the social media apps, but with many of the same reduced features distractions. And if you are on Instagram (which I am no longer), then look at this feature of the Vivaldi browser.

You see, I learned from Cal Newport this solution that works extremely well at curbing my social media usage, the pared down version gave me a noticeably better experience. Less distractions, no noise, and better protects you from tracking and data mining.

One thing I do as an artist to keep it manageable, is follow no more than a dozen other artists whos work inspires me. Then a couple times a week I login to check out what they are doing, while I post my latest works. And doing it this way you don’t have to worry about the data mining as much, though it is still a good idea to use a privacy centered browser and platforms.

One final thought is to download the Vivaldi browser for desktop becuse it has a great side panel that makes social media like platforms shine. And their mobile browser works very smooth with platforms like Mastaton and MeWe.

The Thing About Email Domains

Photo: ‘Friends Walking the Wetlands Trail’ – Color Photo Copyright 2018 Frank J Casella

Just thinking, I have to say that email service domain names are a bad online ID that we use for most everything. We all have an email address, or usually need one for subscribing to social media and the like, even though an email address was never meant to be secure (but that is for another blog post). Many of us got our first email address from our phone company or Internet Service Provider (ISP), but they all have awful domain names that benefit the brand more than those of us using them. And the free and paid services have mostly done the same. The two exceptions I know of are mail.com and fastmail.com, they have both a good brand name that says what they do and benefits the user, plus they offer dozens of other domain names to choose that say what we do. On the other hand, protonmail had a good name until it went to just ‘proton’, and vivaldi.net (I have to mention because it hosts this blog) is a memorable name, though I think should do the opposite and change to vivaldimail.net (or vmail.net or VM.net), it has a better ‘ring’ to it and personally makes me smile. As humans we often take the path of least resistance, and this is why I think there is no real demand for better email service domain names. As long as the service works and meets our needs, we don’t care if it benefits the brand we are using, never mind the best way for them to be in business is to serve the customer.

The Journey of Life

Photo: ‘The Journey of Life‘ – Holga Black and White Landscape Photograph Copyright 2021 Frank J Casella.

A pathway was created during the hard winter with deep snow, around the flower bed to the back of the yard.

Now that the snow is almost melted, before you know it the pathway will be gone.

Such as in the journey of life …

We hopefully find a pathway to success, only at the end of life to leave the memories of the experiences we’ve had with others and the environment.

Dog At Peace

Photo: ‘Dog At Peace‘ – Copyright 2018 Frank J Casella

After a swim in the lake he sleeps in peace.

Have you noticed how dog’s have a way of bringing peace to the stress of a family or household?

They are filled with unconditional love, when we look for it … and learn from it.

Which often makes me ask the question then, and now I ask you, how does your life bring peace to others … and to the world?

Enjoy your day.

What’s In Your Heart

Photo: ‘What’s In Your Heart’ – Winter scene, morning sunlit trees, with snowy branches – Color Photo Copyright 2018 Frank J Casella.

Whats in your heart.

We all make decisions every day.

When we say ‘yes’ to one thing, then it is at the cost of many ‘no’s’.

We all have a hole in our hearts that need to be filled. What we fill into that void determines our world view.

Said another way, what goes into your mind is what’s in your heart. If you want to change your life, change what goes into your mind.

For example, focus on serving others, and less on self.

For those of us who believe, when we open our mind and say ‘yes’ to God, and let Him dwell in our hearts, then what we say ‘no’ to is a sacrifice that makes life worth living.

We no longer feel that void, because our hearts are overfilled with a true joy and love that radiates to others, and makes the world a better place to live.

Enjoy your day.

The Blogging Newsletters Problem

Photo: ‘Making memories in the neighborhood‘ – Chalk on the sidewalk photo Copyright 2018 Frank J Casella – It’s good to see in this day and age how kids in a neighborhood bond, and without the use of digital technology.

With blogging and newsletters, there’s a new problem – email service providers and email clients can’t keep up with privacy measures and deliver on the marketing promises in their ads.

Readers are missing important email content and it seems to be getting worse.

In an industry that is constantly moving forward, the future of publishing seems to be about meeting the reader/viewer/listener where they want to be. But I say speak from where you are, and make your content attract them.

These days, that means embracing the antique nature of RSS.

RSS is an old technology that many people still use, and it’s perfect for publishing because it allows you to send updates to your readers with a true “open” network.

Golden Hour on the Fence

Photo: ‘Golden Hour on the Fence‘ – Copyright 2015 Frank J Casella

The golden hour winter sun sets on a picket fence, and snowy tree branches, creating a moment of visual respite for end of the day worries and concerns.

When you’re so tired in today’s world, of balancing technology with human interactions, or worries and time management, it’s good to view moments like these as a sign of hope.

To enjoy a moment God’s love, and invitation to distinguish the genuinely important from the seemingly urgent.

What worries you, masters you, until you hand it over to the Master – A new focus, with new priorities, makes a big difference.

Autumn Colors Stormy Skies Prairie Trail

Photo: ‘Autumn Colors Stormy Skies Along The Prairie Trail – Heat Effect’ – Copyright 2022 Frank J Casella.

I like the warm colors of the prairie here under the stormy sky. Much like the path in life that we take, it can be quite colorful yet we know there can be storms all around us. Enjoy the beauty of the moment ….