While I do not feel the need to apologize for this blog post and one more I’m thinking about writing, I do feel the need to explain just a little. In the past two weeks, I’ve received comments (that either didn’t make it to the blog or were deleted when I saw them) and emails from blog readers that literally left me with my mouth hanging open, wondering . . why? Those who know me well have noticed in the past couple of days that maybe I’ve been a bit defensive in a couple of posts. If you could see what I get sometimes, I think you’d be shocked and defensive too.
This has nothing to do with the outside dog post so if you left a comment or a link about the outside dogs and think I’m talking about you, I’m not. This is about character attacks, emails with dirty words directed to me, this is about people hoping we fail at everything we do.
I’ve shared a couple of those emails/comments with friends and they’re also saying why? One friend even said “If I were getting those kinds of comments/emails, I’d probably quit blogging!” I am not going to quit blogging and whatever the reasoning behind being so rude and obnoxious, it’s not going to change anything I do and for the most part, I feel sorry for those who are writing such things. Sometimes I wonder if they do it, thinking I’ll post what they’ve written on the blog and they’ll get a little publicity. Not going to happen! Remember Helen? Hard to believe that was 2-1/2 years ago but that was also at a time when whatever I was doing had garnered lots of attention from my haters. I wrote this post and I did give Helen a bit of publicity but honestly, her email was so hilarious that I just had to share it. No other ugly emails will be shared so if that’s the goal . . give it a rest!
What I don’t understand about our society is . . what happened to tolerance? What happened to the days when friends could have different opinions and remain friends and one not put the other down. Here’s what I think . . and I surely have no proof.
Back when I was a kid, my grandparents lived on a farm – dirt road, no tv, no air conditioning, no running water when I was in elementary school, an outhouse, chickens that provided eggs and fried chicken on Sunday, Old Spot that provided milk (and maybe hamburgers but I’d rather not think about that), from time to time they had pigs that were fattened up for butchering . . that was life!
My parents, my sister and I lived about 2 hours south of my grandparents. We lived on the outskirts of a very small town. We had air conditioning, indoor plumbing, a telephone, a tv (one of each as I recall) . . modern conveniences.
Across the bridge from where we lived was what we thought was a real city — Lake Charles, LA. They had a Sears store (and every Christmas Santa was there!) They had movie theaters, fancy dress shops, shops that sold only pretty shoes and purses.
We saw several sides of life. We saw what happened out on the farm. We saw what happened in suburbia. We saw what happened in our version of a city
I believe that today there are folks who have never left the city. They have no idea what it’s like on a ranch in Texas, where just about every rancher you meet has a gun in his holster and another in his truck. Some like to consider it the wild west. It isn’t! If you’re out on your property, miles from anyone, and you come across a mountain lion or a rabid fox, you might prefer to call 911 or animal control, but most around here prefer to deal with it right there on the spot.
If you have kids playing in your yard, you may prefer to do your part to keep the rattlesnake population down.
If you’re a hunter and you’re hunting to put food in your freezer, that’s the way of life you’ve known probably most of your life.
If you live in the city and other than the wild animal parks or zoo, the only deer you’ve seen is Bambi, or you think rattlesnakes have a great purpose in life, you’re going to disagree with what the Texas ranchers, or the Oklahoma ranchers or the folks on a big farm in Montana might do. It’s ok to disagree but it’s not ok to go off on someone for doing things differently than how you would do them.
Because you or I or my best friend think one thing . . that doesn’t mean the entire world has to think like we think. If you’re against deer hunting, take your stand, use your own pulpit to preach your point. If you think everything I do is wrong, and there are some out there who seem to think that, then stop reading my blog! What’s so hard about that?
The whole world would be a better place if every citizen of the world could realize we are all different. We look at and respect life in different ways. We eat different foods. We have different customs. Your way is not the only right way to do anything. You might want to change everyone over to your way of thinking . . it’s not going to happen!
I guess I’m asking you for three things:
- Think about the other person’s position in life before you speak. If you’re living in a high rise apartment building in some city, and that’s pretty much the only type place you’ve ever lived, chances are you don’t have a whole lot of business telling someone on a ranch or a dairy farm or a catfish farm or whatever that’s vastly different from a city highrise life style, how they should be living their life or doing their daily activities.
- If you come across a blog you just don’t like — whether it’s the content, the writer, their way of life, their beliefs — whatever, just stop reading the blog! It’s so simple!
- If the comment you’re going to leave on a blog or even say to someone’s face isn’t going to make their day better, you probably ought not say it.
{ 126 comments… read them below or add one }
Amen!
I agree!
I hate this happened to you.
No other words other than agreeing-Amen to your post!
What is wrong with people that they feel the need to tell you how to live your life and worse yet, send dirty or offensive emails to you? Their mama didn’t raise them right or something. I feel sorry for people who stoop to this level. Like you said, they don’t have to read your blog if they don’t like it. They are showing very poor manners by making nasty comments.
Amen!
Well said, Judy! I think some people are just more comfortable being unhappy. Maybe that’s how they were raised and they don’t know any better. That’s so sad. But I choose to dwell on “what is good and pure”. And I’m happy!!
Clapping my hands loudly. Bravo, Judy. Well said and apparently, quite timely.
For the life of me, I just don’t understand how people can behave the way they do on the internet. Perhaps it is some sense of anonymity (hope I spelled that correctly) but it really is outrageous behavior, in my humble opinion. I am sorry you have received nasty hate comments and/or e-mails. I don’t get it. To me, you seem like the nicest person on the planet.
Your 3 things are very appropriate. It is just like the television. Change the station if you don’t like what you’re watching.
Have a great rest of the day.
Tolerance? Although society talks a lot about it, it seems today that people only tolerate their own belief or only tolerate the popular belief. Or, tolerate this, this & this, but NOT that. I’ve also noticed an increase in personal attacks – especially when looking at comments on news postings. Rather than discussing or commenting on the article, there is a nasty & often personal attack – sometimes having nothing to to with the article. Judy, I’m sorry that this has happened to you. I’m fairly new to your blog, and hope you will continue to write it.
The day the 2 young men were finally released from Iran, I scrolled down and read some of the comments following the Yahoo news story. I was shocked!! Instead of being happy for the men and their families ALL of the posts were calling them spoiled brats who got what they deserved for being where they shouldn’t have gone – and more virulent versions on that theme. I read several pages looking for an alternate response and didn’t find one. It’s like their anger just fed more anger in others. I wondered who felt compelled to write such ugly things…I just don’t get it. It’s as if the anonymity of posting any idea on the web turns some people into raving beasts – like it gives them the libery to post any ugle thought that comes into their head! So on your blog, of course you know to just read one line of comments like that and hit your friendly delete button…it can’t be personal — they don’t even know you!!!
I second that Amen.
Judy, I think people are afraid. In many peoples minds they think if only they could control everyones actions things would be safe. They attack anyone who acts in ways outside of their belief system. It does not help that people in places of power seem to be sending out the message that is type of behavior is acceptable.
Sorry that you have to deal with this Judy. Some people have to stick their noses in everyone else’s business.
Very well put, Judy and I agree wholeheartly. It’s a shame there are people who just aren’t happy unless they are stirring up a hornets nest or making someone unhappy. They are to be pitied as they obviously don’t know how to be happy, contented, enjoy life and understand that everyone is not like them.
I’m sorry that there are some who are so callous and malicious (sp, lol) and try to ruin your day by their comments.
I admire you and Vince for coping with all you have had to go through and am praying hard that everything works out for you soon. There are 3 blogs that I follow faithfully and can hardly wait to check in for the latest, yours, PW, and Bonnie Hunter.
You are right on the money re: ranch life, country life and protecting yourself and your property. Country living is awesome and I only wish I was able to live in the country again. So I will live my country life through you and Ree.
Enjoy this wonderful weather coming your way.
well, you did nothing to pi$$ me off, and from what Frank says that is pretty easy to do……….
glen
AMEN!!!
So sorry you are having to deal with the B.S., but I’m happy to hear it won’t keep you from blogging. I feel too young to be saying this, but I can’t believe how society is now. It’s my personal opinion that a lot of it started with everyone having air conditioning. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not remotely interested in giving it up!
Before that, though, people sat on their porches and kept their windows down in their cars. They weren’t shut off from other people and living in their own bubbles. They interacted with people all the time. Now we keep to ourselves and likely have a cell phone or earphones going to further keep us distanced from the people who are right there.
Wow, I didn’t mean to get off on a mini rant (don’t even get me started on texting). Sorry about that! Anyway, I’m glad you are able to brush off the haters and keep doing what you do!
You GO girl! I think the anonymity (I had to look up that spelling! HA!) of the interenet gives people a false freedom to say anything that pops into their heads. Does not make any difference if it is right, true or compassionate. Most of the time it is quite the opposite. Where as people face to face will think before they speak (NOT ALWAYS), when they don’t have to face anyone they can spout. JMHO
I hate that there are rude people out there. They should take a lesson from my mom, “If you can’t say anything good, then don’t say it!”
Have a gareat FALL weekend!
Patti
I love reading your blog, it’s my favorite! I would love to have you, Vince, and Speck as my neighbors! I live in the woods, in Oregon in the middle of Hickville.
In my own life I have noticed that when we become successful there are people who hate us just because we are successful. My husband and I started with nothing and worked very hard. (We came from a life just like your grandparents: lived in a rural area with no luxuries at all, but worked hard and lived a quiet, good life.)
When our financial success gave us an estate with a large home, those who had goofed off most of their lives suddenly decided to hate us even though we gave them a great deal of money, food, gifts, etc.) I just don’t get it. It hurts. However, I learned and observed that anytime one becomes successful, there are those who like to hate us. So if nothing else, Judy, these lousy comments show that you have reached a pinnacle of success in your life. Ignore those who choose to be stupid, rude, and mean. They are the ones with the problems. Like Mama said, “If you can’t say something good, don’t say anything at all.” I have learned so much from reading your blog. That doesn’t mean that you and I would agree on every little thing, but that doesn’t give me the right to go to your blog and jump onto you about things. It’s like going to someone’s home and invading their home life. This is your blog, the trolls need to get their own and write their thoughts there.
You go girl! All I can say is “ditto” to others’ comments about the anonymity of some posters and that mean people stink. Keep up your blogging. I have learned so much from your view of the world. I look forward to learning even more.
Well said Judy. I think you just have to see the people who write horrible things as very sad individuals, who are probably very jealous of you and who are sick enough that writing horrid things makes them feel big. They would certainly never have the nerve to say anything to your face – but cowards as they are, they hide behind the anonymity of the internet. They are not worth bothering with. You have a great blog and I love reading it! Keep up the GOOD work and ignore the scummy trolls….because that’s what they are!
I agree with you 100% Judy. Keep on blogging and sharing your life with your online friends.
Ruth
As someone who lives on a farm, I too have had people tell us how to farm and they have never raised a hand in hard labor so I do understand what you are saying.
All of us have encountered negative people who we do not want in our lives, I am sorry you are getting that kind of treatment from those who are so negative, bitter and those who need to criticize others.
Keep up the great blog that you have, I enjoy it.
I love your blog and have been a faithful follower ever since I found it by way of quilting about 2 yrs ago. I have been encouraged by the quilting, motivated to try new recipes and become a better cook, motivated to can more (just got a new funnel and jar grabber for my birthday!!), and much more. You have a way of writing that makes even the dullest things interesting. You make normal seem exciting by just looking at it a bit differently. Thank you and keep it up.
Amen, I agree with you. I’m small town Texan and know the life you write about. Love, love, love your blog. Please never stop.
You said it very well. I love reading your blog. It makes me smile. There are some people out there that have a unhappy life and they want everyone else to be that way. You go girl
Bravo, Judy. Well said!
Amen Judy! The only nasty comment I ever got on my blog was when I posted about my now ex husband hunting on our ranch property in Texas and how he was killing poor defenseless animals. Having owned both hunting property and a home in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, I can relate to everything you have been writing about. I love that part of Texas!
And your blog is the only blog that I read every day, so don’t change a thing!
It’s not just your blog, Judy – I’m sure you’re aware of that. Have you read some of the comments posted in relation to news stories on the news websites like Fox and NBC? To me it seems that once a person feels they are anonymous they say things they might not normally say. I read some comments on the Food TV blog about The Pioneer Woman’s show and was disgusted at the personal attacks. I guess it’s part of blogging but it is a sad part of blogging. My opinion is that it’s just like TV – you don’t like what you’re watching on TV? Change the channel.
Well said! I also think nasty, ignorant comments from readers are showing their true colors of being bullies. Yes, bullies. They are cyber bullies. Ignore them. Delete their comments but do not cave into them.
Standing and applauding!!! How sad that some people have to be so bitter and nasty. They are no doubt miserable (perhaps due to their own making) in their own lives and are only somewhat satisfied when they make other’s lives miserable. It’s that ole jealousy thing again!! Don’t let those weak, pathetic, miserable fools get you down, Judy. As you can see, there are way more of us here who look forward to your posts each and every day. As the old saying goes……”that which doesn’t kill us just makes us stronger”. I think I would just hit the delete button when those fools like Helen and others post their crazy comments. IMO they don’t deserve either a response or the publicity, because all they really want is to upset you and stir the turd! Keep on keepin’ on Judy…..we love you!!
I’m glad you are not letting the cranks drive you off. I really enjoy reading about all your adventures, especially the quilting ones, but everything else too.
I think part of the reason for such harsh responses is not just anonymity, but also the underlying belief that people on the internet aren’t quite real, so they don’t, for example, have feelings to hurt like the crank posters do. It’s important to me to remember in any response that a person just like me will read it, but I think a lot of internet troublemakers don’t think that way.
Bravo! I’m not sure what is wrong with people these days. Maybe some folks are just made angry by everything. You’d think, to moderate their own blood pressure, and to give themselves a much more pleasant day, they’d stop reading the things they don’t like. I for one very much enjoy your blog. I do live in the (sometimes) wild west, and carry a pistol every time I go hiking. There ARE rattlesnakes on Spencer’s Butte here in town, and there are bear and cougar on the trails not far from town (not to mention some loco people!). I certainly hope I never have to use it, but confronted with a life-threatening situation, I wouldn’t hesitate.
I live the other side of the world from you, but having travelled a lot in the USA and Europe, I aplaud the differneces in our countries. As soon as I turn my computer on in the morning my first job is to see what you have been up to the night before ! Keep blogging and keep us smiling.. forget the rest.
I found myself becoming negative from reading the negative things people write, the news reports, and the emphasis on doom and gloom and I just stopped being the instrument to their inferior and dysfunctional outlook on life. I read your blog because of the difference in our thoughts and believe that you present an outlook on life and living that I share and want to embrace. Lift does not offer a whole lot of make-overs, we just have to do our best with what we have – keep your same kind and sharing spirit, Judy L, because you have a lot of people who believe in you and what you are doing. They are only envious of your success. Judy C
You are successful and famous in your field and some people just hate that and are envious to boot. Used the boot term as a nod to your new home state. I assume you own some? Anyway, I guess that makes you a target of their vitriol. I wish people could see that being nasty and/or tearing someone else down does nothing to improve their own lot.
Sorry you are getting nasty comments. I’m glad you are not quitting blogging. I think it has something to do with the “me” generation. People don’t think how their actions might affect someone else.
I meant to say “Life does not give you make overs” JC
I’m so sorry that people have been that ugly. There is ABSOLUTELY no excuse. Your statement about, ‘If you don’t like a blog, don’t read it” is right on the spot. Keep sharing your life stories, because there are a lot of people that enjoy reading them and do your best to ignore the ugly people.
I’m so sorry that you’re getting nasty comments. Even tho you know they are nutcases, it must still hurt your feelings. I so enjoy reading your blog, and I’d hate to see you censor it or stop blogging.
Hang in there, most of our world is at least semi-sane.
Holly
Wouldn’t it be nice if people could just mind their own business and at least be civil if they disagree? Just chalk it up to ignorance and ill manners I guess. I love checking in to see what you’re up to (several times a day!).
Very well said Miss Judy! I live in a very rural part of Arkansas and we use guns for protection. Also to scare off pesky critters like possums and armadillos out of my trash bin. I am alone from Sunday night until Friday and if someone decides to break in, I do know how to protect myself. My city sister cringes at that and would never allow a gun in her home. Different way of life for me. Neither is bad or better or worse. We are just different. But I would never criticize someone on their blog or leave a hateful comment just because their way of life is not the same as mine. Breaks my heart that people have gotten to the point that they have nowadays.
Judy, I’m so sorry you’ve had to experience society’s petulant, zealot, stressed out, anonymous haters. It feels like you’re having a pleasant conversation with friends and someone jumps into the circle demanding to be heard, to be told they are right. Sad, sad life. Please, please, please keep writing, and quilting, and knitting, and doing all the good things you do. You inspire me to get off my behind and get busy! I checked out Pioneer Woman’s posts and while I can’t afford the calories of some of the recipes, a woman can dream! Thank for you keeping me dreaming… about moving, quilting, knitting, cooking, and a whole host of others! Most important, you remind us to be charitable. Keep up the good work!
Judy, do not even bother with those haters! You are a wonderful person and there are many of us who love your blog and share the same ideas as you!
Judy, keep blogging and expressing exactly how you feel. It’s one of the reasons I read your blog everyday, or several times a day. As so many have said, I don’t have to read what you write, just like I get to choose what I watch on TV, or read on the Internet, etc. I have stopped reading many blogs, for many reasons. It’s called “choice”. It’s a freedom we enjoy in this country.
So sorry you are being bombarded by all of this hatefulness. I agree with you, they can read another blog or just go away. I just don’t understand all of this hatefulness and using nasty language. Think of all of the energy spent being hateful and how horrible their lives must be to so negative all of the time. You keep up the good work, your generosity with the quilts you donate and all of your time quilting them, sharing your love of quilting, cooking and preservering your own food.
i’ll say it again; “they don’t know they are stupid” and add they also don’t care that they are mean and nasty. those folks who complain about killing innocent animals (as in hunting deer, etc or killing wild hogs, are probably the ones who don’t mind eating any form of meat they can find in the super market. keep up your excellent blog, judy. i look for you several times a day along with ree drummond. keep on keeping on!
Well said, and thank you for your generosity in wading through the refuse to allow us a peek into your life.
You go girl! I love your blog just the way it is.
I am glad you will keep blogging. I enjoy reading about what you do. I have several I like to read, and if they content ever changes, I quit reading. Like you said, it is simple. And MY CHOICE!
With the good of the internet and free speech and thousands of other things, also comes the bad. Just the way it is. My husband works for a major metropolitan newspaper, and there are people who post regularly on dozens of stories just to express their political views — even though it doesn’t have anything to do with the story. It’s impossible to stop. All they can do is delete the posts that are vulgar or defaming.
Judy, I don’t often comment but would like you to know that your blog is the first one I open in the morning and wouldn’t miss it for the world. Love looking at your world through your thoughts and ideas. Please keep blogging. Mornings wouldn’t be the same without you. I live differently , but isn’t that what makes the world go around?
Marge
First off, Judy I am so sorry you are getting those nasty emails. I am like you in that I just don’t understand why anyone would make nasty comments on your blog.
Second – I love reading your blog – the chicken posts, the quilt posts, the moving posts, the cooking posts…makes my day to read what ever you post. It is kind of funny in that a person gets to thinking that they really know you when all they have been doing is reading what someone has written and that person would not know them if they came face to face.
Third – KEEP BLOGGING and remove and ignore the nasty comments. The majority of us (readers) love you!
Standing ovation!
I can’t imagine people sending you nasty emails! What’s the point? Do they really think that getting nasty is going to make you say, “OMG! You are right! I will never do X, Y or Z again!?” What a joke!!
Don’t stop blogging!!!
i’m a person who has followed your advice twice and turned your blog off–and then come back.
what i’ve come to realize is that there are some people in the world who blog and feel that the blog is their personal “bully” pulpit quite literally, and they use it as such to bash others (whether they know the person or not) in public.
that’s not the purpose of a blog.
a blog is for sharing with other folks good news and things that are interesting, funny, or things that we’ve found or learned along the way that could help others.
I’ve come to the realization that my life is too short, my time too valuable, and the good stuff too precious to be wasting it with others who habitually want to trample it in the mud.
So now when that happens i take off my sandles, shake off their dirt, and leave.
Sorry you have to deal with negative comments, but I am glad you are not giving those biased, unhappy people the exposure on your blog. Keep deleting and banning them because they are just not worth it.
There are some blogs that don’t delete the nasty stuff, so I find myself not going there or avoiding the comment section, which is sad because sometimes the comments are an area for some great exchange of ideas.
Keep a smile on!
I enjoy reading your blog. Keep on blogging.
Very well said Judy, very well!
Blogland has become a nasty little place it seems. Your post here isn’t the first like it that I’ve read on the numerous blogs I follow. On more than one occasion, I see a post saying something similar and this is truly sad.
I was always taught that if something nice can’t be said then nothing should be said at all. I was also taught as Rule #1 in my life the “Golden Rule.” Unfortunately, it seems that all to often many people haven’t been taught either of those things. It’s a sad sad sign of the times. I almost hate to see what the future holds.
Keep your head up. Ignore the naysayers. I always do.
Hear, hear! I haven’t read the other comments, so may be repeating what someone else has said.
Personally, I just don’t get the lack of courtesy that some people think is okay, just because it’s on-line. I’d be willing to bet that those same people are just as rude, nasty, and hateful in the ‘real world’. I’m so sorry you have to deal with those types of comments and people, Judy. But I’m real proud that you aren’t bowing down to it. Love you!! Eve
Well said Judy & much needed. Thank you!!!
It’s so much less stressful to be a live and let live type of person. I just don’t understand why people have to be hateful to other people they don’t even know just because they seem to have a nice lifestyle. Why can’t they be happy for someone who’s had good fortune in life? It must have something to do with not being face to face with someone when they make their nasty comments/emails over the Internet. It’s not pleasant for you, but I’m glad you’re going to keep blogging. I enjoy your blog very much.
Judy, I totally agree with you. But please keep in mind that not everybody in a big city feels that way. I’ve lived in NYC for 25 years (yes, in a high-rise with famous neighbors!) but I’ve never forgotten my small town roots. I LOVE to visit small towns as well as other cities when I travel for business. I just returned from a business trip to Ft Worth, and I enjoyed eating bbq with paper towels and the huge jar of jalapenos on an indoor picnic table. That’s hugely different from my city life, and it’s all good. I can’t wait until the day that I can leave the big city… I long to have a home with land, and a garden, and a car, and places to explore. Your adventures sound fascinating to me (even the bad stuff!)
Judy — will you adopt me? I really like your views and your cooking looks out of this world!
Amen! I totally agree with what you are saying, and since I am one of those farm/hunting/ranching types, I understand where you are coming from.
Makes me really glad my blog isn’t popular!
Keep it up and don’t get disheartened by the naysayers of the world!
I can see by all of the comments here that you have LOTS AND LOTS of folks who adore you and your blogging. Your blog makes me smile and I agree with you – if people do not like it they simply do not have to read it. Goodness, it is frightening that people are so cruel to you!
sao in Midlothian, VA
Well said Judy.
Agree. Agree. Agree. Love your site and PW’s site. I think there’s something in some people where they just have to tear down anybody who they feel is doing better than they are. It’s called coveting and it’s wrong. It has infected our country. We should be celebrating success and goodness.
I think our world as we knew it is gone due to uncivilized behavior as a result of the “entitlement” that seems to be sweeping away the values this country was founded upon. It has unleashed all of the pent-up greed that all men seem to have. I love you just like you are, please don’t change, you provide a reality check of the values all Americans should hold dear. Thank you for that!
Well said! Chin up, keep calm and carry on blogging.
You know, I’ve been reading your blog and others for several months now. I think with all of them there have been posts that I thought “That’s not the way I would have done it” or “Not much of interest today”, etc….. Did I proceed to fire off a nasty post or e-mail belittling the person’s views or actions or complaining because they didn’t entertain me today. No, of course not! Why make someone else’s day even a little worse than it has to be, when there is nothing to be gained by it? I’ve always heard that my freedom ends where your freedom begins. To me that says, yes I am free to say or do what I want as long as that does not negatively impact someone else.
If a blog becomes consistently contrary to my beliefs, or even consistently boring to me – like you said I don’t have to read it. There is an “unsubscribe” button on my Google Reader and I can spend my time on things that are better suited to me and my current place in life.
There are bullys everywhere. Giving them this much of your time just makes them win.
Well, just so you know, Judy….i love you…and your blog. LOL so keep the chuckles coming. i didn’t know about Helen and just went back and read her comments on your post from some time ago. i found it hilarious. i would have just shook my head at her and went on about my business. you keep on deleting the uglies of the world and know that we that love you are right behind you. want me to come to texas with my 38 and help you fight your wars? hahahahahaha
I found your blog a year or two ago, so a fairly new reader in blogland.
I love your blog. I read it in the morning ( not to mention checking in throughout the day) with my coffee and usually have a good laugh to start the day.
The way you describe events are the best.
I’m so sorry this nastieness that seems to be invading this country has landed on your doorstep. I only read comment on your blog, so I wasn’t aware this was even happening. Please keep doing what you do best and that is just being you.
I agree with you 100%! I think people have just gotten out of control. I don’t eat meat, but I don’t get into arguments or try to shove my opinion onto other people, like I have seen others do. I think this world has just gotten so full of people thinking that everyone should think and act the same way, that they forget that we are all individuals, and all have different ways of living and thinking. Whatever you do, don’t stop blogging, I read it every single day, sometimes twice a day, and I think you’re great! Marianne
Yep, We all need to be like Thumper on Bambi…”If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Blog- On JudyL you know we will read it!
I think Blog Land is the same as everywhere else, but here, instead of a small knot of friends moving away from the weirdo in the corner muttering creepy things, the weirdo is able to leave nasty messages.
I wish someone would invent a troll filter, but it probably helps to know that there are many more out there who love you and your blog than there are trolls.
Amen!
I agree, Judy. Love your blog.
I agree with you 100%. You said it very well, Judy.
HA HA HA! LOLOL! Excuse me for laughing…… as I’ve been reading your blog less than a year, I went back to the post from the woman who explained everything to you….like she thought you didn’t understand! Amazing!
A few other bloggers I know have had these “attack” posts so know that you’re not alone.
My grandmother would have called this type of person “contrary”. Enough said.
I love, love, love your blog and postings Judy.
Hugs, Karen
Amen, Judy! I agree with you whole heartedly. I think the media (TV in particular) has done a lot to foster a spirit of criticism, negativity, and foul language making people think this is acceptable behavior; the annonymity of the Internet makes it easy to be nasty without consequences. It’s a sad case when even our politicians can’t behave respectfully toward the opposition. Congress is a prime example of a body driven by “my way is the only way”, with little respect for different opinions or finding compromises . Oops, I’ve gotten on my soap box! It’s just my opinion and I respect the right for others to think differently;
I have come across so many bloggers that are on the verge of quitting blogging because of the haters. It makes me so sad. I suppose it is the natural progression of the internet that has caused so many people to be rude when they are hidden behind a computer monitor. We love you, Judy, and I hope those people never hurt you enough to stop blogging!
Love you Judy, keep writing…I’ve been reading with INTEREST for 3+ years.
Don’t stop blogging because of those people. That gives them way too much control of your lovely life!
I love reading your blog and most of the time I agree with you. I just don’t understand someone who would say nasty things to you. Those people must have some major problem in their life to lash out at others. Don’t let it get to you. I think you should send the above comments to Congress, or maybe you should run. You have lots more sense than many people. We love you Judy and know that you are a very kind person.
Not a lot to add since I agree with everyone who has agreed with what you wrote. You do share a lot of your life and those of us who’s lives are just not as interesting as yours [
] enjoy sharing your life with us. Also, no we do not always agree. I live in the country (5 acres in rural AL) and people here get killed by running into deer all the time. As a girl I was raised in the city and it took me some time to realize that there is more to hunting than just the thrill of the kill. I don’t enjoy cooking but love to read about your’s. What I have never learned, in my 68 years, is why some people have to be hateful. I have seeing it and even experienced it but don’t understand it. I’m just glad that most people aren’t like that and I can turn away from those who are. I enjoy reading your blog, Judy, and am glad you don’t let the hate mongers drive you away.
Yay, Judy…..you said what a lot of us feel. I’m glad you aren’t going to let a few odd-balls drive you away from blogging.
Well said. I am certainly not a Pollyanna and am very critical of a lot of things but I turn them off or don’t read them. I am fortunate to have a husband that agrees with most of the things that I can get wound up about and will let me rant to him. If it is something we disagree about I “stifle it”. Anyone remember Archie?
Well said Judy. I don’t know why some people just can’t realize that everyone is different. How boring life would be if we were all alike.
I am looking forward to your stories about your adventures in TX. I enjoyed reading your adventures in MO. I wish I knew about your blog when you were in KY.
Do I agree with everything you do? No, but I am not in your situation. Have I learned things by reading your blog? Yes, some ideas I have actually used. Sometimes I think I live vicariously through reading other’s blogs, because I can not have chickens, goats or other animals or do things others do everyday.
I am happy that Vince and you are able to do what you are doing and I am especially happy you share parts of your life in blogland. Keep blogging. I am sorry you must delete some comments. Some is most likely a form of spam, but others are just from sad people, living sad lives because they are more into their computer world then actually working to improve their situation.
I think it is our whole society. We are really messed up.
Google “Thick Skin in Public Life” some great pointers.
Just keep doing your thing! And don’t worry about all the hateful people out there.
judy, i’m really disgusted that people have to be hateful toward each other, and especially when they are like that to someone like yourself. you are a kind person, one who gives of themselves, as evidenced by all the quilts you donate to those in need. please know that there are far more good people in the world than those who have insulted you. your blog is fine and whatever you choose to write about is your choice. personally, i skim over the knitting posts because i don’t knit, but i’m not going to cut you down for them! hee hee. it is a shame that we can’t all just get along. how boring it would be if everyone had the same view of everything, however, we don’t need to argue about things. live and let live. treat others like you would like to be treated. that’s really what people need to do. hang in there, lady, your blog is great, you are great, and don’t let anyone tell you differently!
Being a Trekkie/er for many many years, I’ve always loved the episode in the 3rd season of the original series when Spock started to wear the disc around his neck called the “IDIC”. It stood for “Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations”.
Star Trek was known for making social comments and that was a doozy in 1969/1970 with all the racial tensions.
I think we have gone overboard with this pet business. People are homeless and starving in our country (and other nations all over this globe) and we pamper our pets. We spend millions/billions? of $ on pet food, pet doctors, pet daycare, pet salons, etc. This is crazy! I love pets and I loved my cat (until she died – still love her memory) but pets are animals after all and they are not people. Don’t mistreat them but put them below humans. Spend more money on humans first. This is crazy to worry about a rattlesnake getting shot or a rabid squirrel being destoyed. I’m sorry I poisoned my mice in the basement but they were eating our food and contaminating our workspace. Hello! they are just mice/rodents. We spend zillions on helping a cute penguin find his way back to Antartica – maybe he was lost for a reason and we sure don’t need anymore lost penguins in the ocean or in the penguin blood lines. Oh, I’m on a rant. Time to settle down. Sorry. Thanks Judy for your candid thoughts and your honesty. I don’t agree with everything you say but I love ya anyway!!
I couldn’t have said it better.
Well said Judy!
I’m so sorry you have to deal with this kind of crazy behaviour. I hope it doesn’t change you at all, or your blogging…I love dropping by and seeing what you’re up to and sometimes I even read your post out loud to my husband (the latest one was the Dr. Vince post!) You’re awesome!
Is there some way to block these critical creatures from reading your blog and/or commenting?
I think the problem is in life too. I have written something a time or two then went back and read it after it was published and wished I would have reworded it. I never meant anything mean or disrespectful when I wrote it…it is just that the sarcasm couldn’t be heard and that ended up giving what I wrote the wrong meaning. I think that this can happen sometimes and the person writing it did not mean it as it came across. Other times people are just blatantly rude.
I enjoy reading your blog. I enjoy hearing what you and Vince are up to. I’m sorry it’s your turn in the barrel. I had a nasty come my way just last week.
I hope you never stop blogging. I love reading about farm life and more about your quilting.
Well said and thank you Judy! You inspire so many of us to try new things and you’re so generous in sharing a view into your life with everyone. We’re all different but that’s what makes life so wonderful. Thank God for the variety he’s blessed this planet with. Everything and everyone serves a purpose even if it’s just to remind us of what we don’t want to become.
I agree with your post. I enjoy reading your blog. I don’t know why some people act so immaturely and negatively. One thing I’d suggest if you haven’t already done so is to filter the offending emails to go straight to spam or trash so that once you have identified them, you never have to read them again.
I enjoy reading your blogs it gives life a laugh and helps to realise our lives are unique what is normal for one person is something another has probably never realised could be possible I live in Australia and enjoy reading about snow when it is reaching melting point here and vice versa. Shame some people are in negative gear all their life keep the blogs coming Jody
When I got the two nasty or negative emails (so far) I just went back and re-read the comments and inserted to myself “What a dumb ass” or just “dumb ass” (can I say this?) at every comma or period in their sentences. Made me feel better and laugh at those comments!
Thanks Judy, I really enjoy your blog.
I hope you continue your blog..I enjoy it so much…You and Vince and Speck are wonderful….wishing ya’ll the best…
Well-written, as always!! Many years ago, before blogging had even become ‘the thing’, I followed an African Violet forum. It was amazing even there how ‘flaming’ became almost a pastime for some of the folks…even with a moderator! And sometimes the moderator was the biggest culprit. I tired of it, and my AVs eventually died & I discovered quilting so left the forum. I like it here. I have a blog….I’ve only posted 2 or 3 posts in 2 years and have no followers…probably good, because I’m sure I’d get flamed when I get dogmatic on certain topics, lol.
I absolutely agree! Well said.
My friend and I were just talking about this! CONFORMITY – why do we demand it from everyone? The world would be much happier if we tolerated differences between individuals, after all that’s what makes life interesting.
Judy, People will say more to you in a blog, on the phone, in a letter,etc. than they would every say to your face. Being unseen seems to give them more “courage” or nerve. Take it with a grain of salt. I’m sure there’s more of us that love you and your blog than there are ones who don’t. Some folks just ain’t got raisin’ as my Grandma used to say.
Judy – You “Rule.” (That’s what my high school students would have said waaaay back when I was still teaching!)
I couldn’t have said it better myself! Although I am a very conservative person, I really do try to understand those who are not. They certainly have a right to their opinion. My life experience (26 1/2 years as a military life and living overseas twice) has made me a staunch conservative who loves this country. Part of what my husbands and sons have served in the military for is to defend the rights of others to have that freedom. The Golden Rule still applies, too. If you only treat others as you would like to be treated yourself, what a better world this would be! Thank you, Judy!!!
You go girl!!!!!
wow, 110 comments on this one! what i like about you, judy, is that you’re not writing for a specific audience. you’re just talking about your life, and that’s nice. i like your blog because i know you’re not just bs’ing to increase readership.
Hi Judy,
Glad to hear the blog will continue. I don’t get people any more,that makes me sound old i know. I don’t understand how people think a keyboard gives them the right to say anything they want.
imo, people attack because they feel they are being attacked. if they hear an opinion different than their own, they take it personally, as though you have nothing better to do than direct your opinion against them. if this is all they can get excited about, it’s obvious that their lives are lacking something and they don’t have enough to do. they must have very poor opinions of themselves to be so defensive.
Just block their email address/comments. If the message is truly one of hatefulness, you don’t need it (yes, I remember the “Helen” episode).
There’s enough stress in life without cyber-bullying, spam, and the rest of it. *sigh*
You do a great job in the blogging! And it’s really too bad when an activity that usually connects you to other people in a good way gives these…ah…creeps a way to try and bring you down.
I hope you have the last “laugh” by blocking them.
*Their* comments are the ones to be moderated!
Thankyou for writing about a topic that has been heavy on my mind for a long time. `I have little tolerance for rude or sarcastic people who leave demeaning or condenscending comments. Good for you in broaching a subject relevant to all Bloggers.
This post belongs on your sidebar. Well said, well done, and well thought out.
Wish we were neighbors (it’s ok, I don’t wanna be seen either, lol).
xo
Your post is so right on. Is this what they call bullying? Or don’t they realize that what you say is what you get? I sure would not like to be in their shoes. Soon they will have no friends. Then what will happen to the me me me attitude.
Love your blog, Judy, its always fun and interesting to me.
From one Judy to another….I read your blog all the time, and you really live a different life-style than I; but I can’t tell you how much I enjoy all your stories. I’m a medium sized city girl (in LA) and am fascinated by all the differences in the way people live their lives. Those that can’t appreciate the God-given personalities/peculiaralities of their fellow man need to get out of their comfort zone more, think less about themselves and “love” their neighbor.
Well said!
I, too, blogged about this recently (not to push my own barrow, but to save time rewriting:) )
http://www.timelady.com/blog/2011/09/the-vile-power-of-anonymity/
Personally, Judy, I work on the principle of your home, your rules. If I don’t like what you write, why would I return? And do people behave irl the way they do online? I would ground my children for life if any of them behaved this way, even as very small ones. So sick of it, like you, I vented. We are allowed to vent, you know (see this is your home, your rules;) )
I have to add my amen. I have thought so much about quitting my blog, but I don’t want a couple of hateful people having a say in what I do or don’t do. I just delete the nasty comment as soon as I see it. I think the people who make nasty comments or write spiteful emails are just plain rude, mean, and spiteful. What a life they must live – you wonder if they enjoy being that way. Unfortunately I think they do.
Great blog, and I agree 100% that we need more tolerance for others’ views. The people who realize it are already doing it. I don’t know how to reach the others.
Support you 100 percent and I do believe that a lot of people are just not quite right. Can’t believe this happens to folks who are just blogging. I have seen this before, and I am getting a little weary of their actions–even in yahoo groups–now they have some pretty strict rules. What a shame. …….That is part of the problem as folks today have none. (shame). Maybe an experience on a desert island may benefit their thinking and problem solving abilities. I believe they are very unhappy people who stike out at others in their misery.
Amen
Well said!
I’m so sorry you have to deal with people sending you negative e-mail and comments!! I just don’t understand why people can’t just live and let live.
~Angela~