Monday, March 10, 2008

The Revenge of a Little Blogger

I wanted to break away from blogging for a while to enjoy the weather but I wasn’t expecting damaging winds and a drop in temps into the low twenties over the weekend! So I spent most of my time indoors and drafted one post. Still want a break to soothe my bloodshot eyes.


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Wind gusts of up to 50 mph almost rolled me into the pond while I tried to photograph a tiny damselfly. I couldn’t get close enough for a good photo but it was a very nice sign of spring. Yeah! (Click to enlarge)

A surprise was waiting for me when I awoke Saturday morning. One of the first things I do is scuffle over to the computer and check e-mail. The first message I read:


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I wrote a post in September about the difficulty I have saying “Good-bye”. A simple, honest post that didn’t dwell on anything crazy or odd. At least I didn't think so...

Still yawning and trying to wake, I read that e-mail message three times, first grade style, to make sure I understood… Was this a joke? On this cold morning I held my robe close to me and scuffled into the kitchen wearing my L and R slippers to pour some juice, shaking my head in amazement and mumbling,


“Some people are simply sick. So, this is what you get for writing your heart out for everyone in the world to read. Alrighty then. I can take it.”

A few times during the past year, I’ve received challenging comments I deserved. Without any intended malice on my part, I’ve made some generalizations about lifestyles and certain dog breeds. My hands were slapped real good in the comments section. Those are comments I can appreciate – little eye openers, others’ differing opinions – they’re welcome here. And, recently, I received a comment with good intentions that I misinterpreted which made me unnecessarily fire back.

That heartless, ugly comment finally made me laugh and I dismissed it. But honestly, I thought about it a few times that day and reverted back to second guessing myself, a bad habit of mine. I know I’m not old, but am I crazy? No, but I’m slightly eccentric! After all, I have two-way conversations with my dogs and one-way conversations with birds, fish, butterflies, bugs, or anything else I’m smitten with. I cry or laugh easily and boy, how I love to rant. If I had the opportunity, this shorty would give a swift kick in the ass to the sadistic, miserable person who left that comment. Then, I might show some compassion towards the poor, pitiful soul from my kind heart, and wish him or her to be gifted with a Boston Terrier and a yard full of beautiful birds. Those two gifts would heal an injured soul.



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Saturday's early surprise was offset by a much nicer surprise at the end of the day. It wasn’t until recently that I learned that Susan Gets Native does beautiful bead work. I love it. Thanks, Susan!

53 comments:

Carol Michel said...

You just have to laugh and feel sorry for those who "anonymously" leave comments like that. And then delete them.

I can just imagine you nearly falling into your pond to get us the perfect picture of an insect. I can relate, we bloggers are all a little crazy, aren't we?

That's a beautiful bracelet, by the way. Green is my favorite color.

Carol, May Dreams Gardens

thailandchani said...

We have all had our experiences with "anonymous" at one time or another. It's hard to imagine why some people are willing to spend time scanning blogs, just looking for an opportunity to say something ugly.

That is a beautiful bracelet. :) That is a good juxtaposition to "Anonymous". :)

Beth said...

It must have been jarring to wake up and find that comment--your blog is beautiful and joyous and I love reading it.

Larry said...

You probably get those comments because your blog is such a success-just people jealous of your talent-that's all.

Anonymous said...

I would be searching the ISP address to see if they had commented before! Glad you were able to laugh over this and yes, we all love you! One bad apple has it's own worm problem!

Susan Gets Native said...

Screw 'em all, Mary. That's my motto. We've all been trolled, dogpiled.....but give me Chimping any day.

Wow...you made the bracelet look even better! I'm so glad you like it. Anything to put a smile on your pretty face.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I hate that you got such an ugly comment. Chin up it was just that u g l y. I hope you don't get any more.

What a beautiful bracelet. WOW Now that is a nice surprise. I didn't know Susan was so talented.

Peg Silloway said...

It's sad there are "anonymous" types who (1) are so miserable that they have to spread it around, and (2) don't even have the courage to say who they are. A quick delete does the trick.

And then say my good friend's favorite four-letter word: N-E-X-T. There's always something beautiful waiting just ahead...like that gorgeous bracelet!

Stacey Olson said...

Mary, Don't let the post get to you. If the rude poster would have had and Kahonies(sp) they wouldn't have posted anonymous, they would have given you a chance to reply directly to them, therefore don't use your energy giving them any glory for their cowardly actions, my guess would be bored children randomly searching and leaving comments to get a rise. If you are crazy then I would guess that 90percent of us should be put away, keep up the good work and take heed from mother nature.. blow it off..(See i can rant too LOL)

Unknown said...

Let it go. to bad they have an attitude. Just hit delete delete delete.

Hope things calm down for you.

oh yea love the bracelet!

JeanMac said...

Kind of hard to believe, Mary. Jealous person?
I love, love the bracelet.

LauraHinNJ said...

Pfft on them, Mary!

Who knew our Susan was so sweet!

Anonymous said...

Probably a bunch of kids doing a sleepover and playing pranks on people...and if they happen to be reading this...GET A LIFE...MARY HAS LOTS OF FRIENDS!!....LOL..

Beautiful bracelet!

I'm waiting on those hummingbirds Mary. I'll let you know when I see one!

Angie

Anonymous said...

It makes me sick that there are people like that out in this world. What a pitiful life they must have.

I love your blogging and pictures. I just happened upon this place the other day, and each day, I log on to see what you have to say and take a look at your pictures.

I love the bracelet.

Anonymous said...

Wow! I feel so sad for that person. Let it go -- it REALLY had nothing to do with you! Really!

Gorgeous bracelet. Very cool!

Anonymous said...

Mary,

I meant to add that I made the Zick Dough and it turned out great. I crumbled a little and put some in the window feeder for my little Mockingbird that arrives bright and early. He'll be surprised tomorrow when he finds his little treat.

beckie said...

Mary, I agree with all the rest! On a scale of 1 to 10 of things to worry about, this one is a -15!!
Keep smiling girl, 99% of the people out there are grand!

Mary C said...

Well, as everyone else has said to forget it, I say it too. You're bound to get a few of those, especially as popular as your blog is. At least you aren't getting the "garbage" that JZ is getting. I know it's not easy to forget it, and that you keep second-guessing yourself. I do it, too. But it's a waste of our time, Mary. Especially when you can be so creative in your writing. BTW, you did a good job on this one, too!

Beth said...

Sigh. You don't deserve that.

I think you're wonderful, no matter who you talk to and whether or not they talk back. And who cares about age?

You're the best, girlfriend. Keep smiling.

Jayne said...

Indeed "anonymous" can be as catty and ugly as they want to be and snicker away as they leave hurt behind. We have to really feel sorry for them for only really pained souls feel better by spewing hateful comments anonymously.

Love the beautiful bracelet and love you Mar.

Kerri Farley said...

What a meanie! But unfortunately there are those types out there!

What a stunning bracelet! Wow!

Hope your weather warms up....we are supposed to get to the high 50s low 60s this week...yippee!

Anonymous said...

Ignore those fools who have nothing better to do then leave hurtful comments.
Go back to enjoying your birds.
We have a Cooper's Hawk who now gets pleasure scattering the birds at our new platform feeder on the deck. It's right outside my kitchen window ... so he WHOMPS in literally in our face and stands his ground on the rail, wondering where all the song birds scattered to so quickly!

Mary said...

Carol, I slid into the pond once, but kept the camera dry :o)

Chani, I'm thinking it was a juvenile prank. Really doesn't matter...

Beth, thanks. I get so many nice comments, I thought my eyes were fooling me.

Larry, there's always that 5%!

Monarch, yeah, my reaction to the message was fun :o)

Susan, yep. Screw'em all.

Lisa, I didn't know she was artsy and crafty, either!

Peg, I'd LOVE to reply to the idiot! LOL!

Stacey, rant on! It's a good thing.

Toni, that e-mail was too interesting to delete right away :o)

Jean, it was a prank. No harm done. But disgusting :o)

Laura, hey, you aren't alone. I didn't know Susan was sweet, either!

Angie, you better let me know when they arrive! ASAP?

Maddie, thank you. Hey, soon that Mockingbird might stand on your windowsill and stare at you all day until you refill the feeder :o)

Liza Lee, I didn't take it personally but it does make one think...

Beckie, you're right! I heard that 95% of all are wonderful.

Mary C, thanks. The prankster gave me some blogging fodder!

Beth, it was the first time I've been called an old lady. 52 ain't old!!!!!

Jayne, the bracelet will look great with my summer greens and yellows!

Kerri, it's about time you get 60's! We might get a little warmer than that :o)

The Quacks of Life said...

there are people who like going around and leaving mischievous comments. Sad I know but hey they are sad people.


oh uhm did you mean to leave your email address on display to all and sundry?

Mary said...

Pete, I thought of that e-mail address...however, it's on my website, too. I might delete the photo in the near future.

Q said...

Dear Mary,
Rude is rude however it comes. The comment you received was rude. Rude people do exist although I do not know what their purpose is.
I respond to such silliness with a strong and firm, "Fiddlesticks!"

Damselfly!!!!!
Oh my! She is lovely.
Glad you received some rain. Hope the cold and the winds left some blooms.
Spring has sprung at your house.
Sherry

Anonymous said...

Mary, if you are old and crazy, rest comfortably in the knowledge that we are ALL old and crazy right along with you...and loving every minute of it. Lucky are those of us who know that we are blessed and blessed with good friends- we are all lucky to have you in our lives! Why I might just venture to say that we are crazy abut you!
warm hugs, gretchen

Mary said...

I played with my profile, lost the photo and can't get it back! LOL! Blogger drives me insane.

Sherry, Fiddlesticks! LOL! I saw butterflies yesterday :o)

Gretchen, being old and crazy isn't bad at all when you're in the right company, ey?

Sandpiper (Lin) said...

I had to come back to this because the pictures wouldn't load earlier, Mary. What kind of person would leave a comment like that? Sheeeeeeesh. Must not have much of a life.

Love the picture of the damsel and the pretty bracelet.

Anonymous said...

Mary, there's no accounting for the REAL crazies out there. Hugs.

Dorothy said...

Oh the risks of blogging and opening ourselves to the sickos of the world! I would have been shocked too Mary.
But you know, and we know, that it's not true and that person's true colors came out with the "anonymous" signature. Coward!

Take heart, dear one, we all luvs ya...and we luvs your blog too!

And Susan's bracelet is so pretty!

Kathie Brown said...

Mary, glad to hear from you again. As everyone has already commented, we all love you and your Blog. I empathize with the bloodshot eyes! I think I will need new glasses soon myself! What a lovely braclet and what a lovely friend to send such a work of art to you! Oh, and try to stay out of the pond! (me, I've almost walked off a cliff!)

Donna said...

I so enjoy your blog. If you're a crazy old lady, than I am too! I find I share a lot of the same things. I love the same things you do, I talk to my dogs and nature, I cry easily, etc.etc. People that leave comments like that are very unhappy people.
Anyway, I'm glad your day ended on a happy note ~ the bracelet is so pretty!
Hugs,
Donna

Chrissie said...

Not old, crazy or eccentric :-) And any way its your blog so do as you like with it :-) Anonymous comments should be ignored and not taken to heart. It is sad that some people will waste their time with such negative thoughts but we have a good little blog community :-) I thought of you as I watched the waves at the beach, summer is coming, sunnier photos are on the way! Enjoy your bracelet :-)

Anonymous said...

Mary,

I was sorry to read about that disgraceful message you received. Clearly whoever he/she was, their single brain cell was obviously in working order that day. When you referred to them as the Little Blogger, I think had you not been a Lady, perhaps a more appropriate name could have been used.

Cheryl said...

Love the damselfly, they are so exquisite.
Anonymous comments are usually made by idiots who don't have the courage to put their names to them. I'll be honest I never even finish them, they are just not worth my time.
We all luv ya yeh!!!!
The beads are beautiful, they will be a pleasure to wear.
Lovely to see you back, missed my favourite blogger.

Mary Richmond said...

How rude to leave nasty comments! Hopefully you can just move on and let the disgruntled ones mumble off into the wilderness of their minds by themselves. I'm a lurker on your blog that doesn't usually comment but I love your posts!

NatureWoman said...

The punk does need a good Mary kick in the arse along with a good dose of nature. When I get comments like that I mark 'em as spam. There's enough negativity in the world - we don't need it on our computers in our homes! Hey, I LOVE that bracelet - Susan does a beautiful job!!

KGMom said...

I am REALLY late to this party. But since my main computer is still being fixed, I am behind in reading and commenting.
One certainly does wonder why an anonymous commenter would bother to say that.
I have an anonymous commenter--my dad. Only because he doesn't want to sign up for Blogger. So I allow anonymous comments. But you could not allow them.
Hurray for unexpected gifts that are very lovely.

Annie in Austin said...

Delete them and ignore them, Mary - don't waste an electron on people like that!

That bracelet is gorgeous! I'm another green jewelry lover, It's a good thing we are all just virtual friends or Carol and I might try to steal it from you.

Annie at the Transplantable Rose

Julie Zickefoose said...

Trade you my Wow Leverage Wow Gold Runescape for your troll?

The creeps are always Anonymous, because they're cowards. If it gets bad, just deny anonymous comments--I did quite awhile ago. But I still get leveraged and runescaped by my Chinese buddies. It's sobering to realize just how many people are out there--there's bound to be a roach or two in such a crowd. Forget 'em! We love you, as your comments section amply attests!

Susie said...

Hi Mary,
I can never understand why people who don't have anything nice to say even bother. They can just click off the site if they don't like the content.
Your site is one of my favorite reads..
xo

Susan Gets Native said...

" hey, you aren't alone. I didn't know Susan was sweet, either!"
I beg your pardon.

Anonymous said...

awwww....that comment was so rude and uncalled for.
it's people like that who ruin it for the rest of us annonymous lurkers.

I love your stories and your pictures and have your blog in my favorites.

Anita (from Canada)

Alyssa said...

Mary - Let's face it, some people are just dirt bags! Plain and simple. Actually their comment made very little sense and sounded like a kid trying to be smart or make trouble. That is the down side of having your blog open to the world. Oh, but who cares....You do have a wonderful blog and I've never thought of you as in any way odd or different. Doesn't everyone talk to their dogs???? If they don't, there is something wrong with them. I guess if that is the worst comment you get, things aren't so bad.

Love that bracelet! Beautiful work.

Marvin said...

Big, bold anonymoose strikes again. Pfffft!

Way cool bracelet.

RuthieJ said...

Mary, three words: Mean People Suck! Thank goodness for that delete key, eh?
I love you just the way you are--eccentric is good....much more fun than "normal." ;-)
Love your bracelet--Susan rocks!

dguzman said...

I thought the damselfly pic was great, especially during the adverse conditions in which it was taken!

Ah--anonymous trolls. I am a big cynic, too, you know, but even I can appreciate the beauty and friendships made and shared via Blogger. People who surf around leaving stupid "you're an idiot for being so sappy!" comments or whatever--they are some stupid, blind, and soulless people. Other than simple jealousy, I can't think of a single reason someone would go onto a blog and drop that kind of bad juju. Morons.

Just delete 'em and go play with the puppies!

Mel said...

Dear Mary,

Look at the long list of nice comments and great people that thinks you are awesome! It's annoying to get comments like the one on your post, but is nice to see that there is a bunch of people that think exactly the oposite!

If you are 'crazy', I want to be as crazy as you!

Hugs from Peru!

Mel

p.s. BEAUTIFUL bracelet!

Sherry at the Zoo said...

I'm a little behind on my blog reading (puppies,school have gotten in the way, can you believe it?) but none of the little frames had anything in it! I guess I'm better off not knowing what those meanies said. I just found your blog but I LOVE it! I love your eccentricity!

Sherry said...

Hi Mary, I can't say anything that hasn't already been said-- I love your blog and your posts always make me smile, and I always look forward to your wonderful photographs.. just laugh off and forget anonymous, idiot comments, and know that you bring a lot of joy to a lot of people!

kate said...

Just a nasty person - I once had a note along those lines and it took me aback. But then, I realise it is probably an angry, unstable person - otherwise they'd have the courage to identify themselves. Keep on writing your posts and know there are lots of people who love you here.

I think your new bracelet is so pretty ... Susan does beautiful work!

Robin (Bumblebee) said...

Hi Mary,

I'm just now reading this, but I have to say--delete these comments. People like this aren't worth the worry or the time.

Lovely blog. I'm sorry I haven't spent more time here.

Robin at Bumblebee