Monday, March 23, 2015

Words


Words are pretty powerful.

They can change an entire feeling about someone.

Because of them, one minute you can dislike someone and within a few minutes, feel that you understand them and can't remember why you didn't like them in the first place.

Or you can think the world of someone and all of a sudden you realize that you don't like them at all.

 Words can be kind or hurtful, 
light up someone's day or bring them down.



Sometimes, they're meant the way they're written or spoken and other times we misunderstand what the person is trying to say and we jump to conclusions.

I think we've all had that happen many times in our lives.

I know I have.


Saturday, I wrote a post with a P.S. about the fact that commenting back to everyone on my posts was taking a lot of hours out of my day

I wrote it quickly, and because I was tired, I didn't word it correctly.

I remedied it by rewriting it as soon as I realized what it sounded like, but I fear that I might have been too late and caused hurt feelings, which was not my intention at all.



Now, looking back I realize that I should have waited and done a post on it instead of just a quick blurb.

What I was really trying to say is that, I'm really glad to be back blogging and I'm really enjoying it (truly!), but I had forgotten how time consuming all of this was. 

Silly me.

So, I'm going to have to cut back on something and that just happens to be commenting back to every single person.

I'll be commenting back to those that don't have blogs and answering questions from everyone, as I get time, but for those of you that do have blogs, I'll be visiting you instead.

If I could somehow get back to each and everyone one of you on my posts, that read this little blog of mine, I would, but I've found it impossible without compromising my life, house and family.

This is supposed to be fun and not a chore, right?

Right.

Does that mean that I don't want to hear from you? 

No.

I love hearing from all of you.

Not because it boosts my ego, but because it truly warms my heart to know that you care enough to take time out of your day to let me know what you think.

Because of blogging I have friends that span almost a decade and I'm thrilled every single time I make a new one.

To me, blogging is all about friendship and camaraderie. 

I don't care if you have blog or not. I'm not part of some stuck up society where I think that people that don't blog should be left out, I'm actually flattered and amazed that anyone reads my words.

So, for those of you, that are still here...

I'm so sorry if I hurt anyone's feelings. It honestly was not my intention.


I can't promise that I'll never do it again, because accidents happen, but I can promise you that I'll try my very best not to.

xo
rue

41 comments:

  1. ...what a generous thoughtful comment...words are powerful...none more so than "I am sorry"...except perhaps..."I forgive you...I have done much much worse!"...blessings laney

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  2. how in the world, could what you said, hurt anyone's feelings????????????????????

    Tessa

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  3. Oh, Rue! I read that post and it certainly didn't hurt my feelings. I knew exactly what you meant. It does take a lot of time to read someone post and comment back. Sometimes we have time and sometimes we don't! You're too caring of a person to go hurting other folks' feelings. Some people are too sensitive and take things a little further than they should. Just be you.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  4. You are so sweet...I didn't give it a thought and understood completely.
    Life happens and sometimes in a very busy way...no worries.
    I just love your dog...xo.

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  5. I was actually wondering the other day how you could respond to every comment and have an actual life! That's a big chunk of time and energy! Don't let this blog become an energy sapper, dear one. We want a rested and refreshed Rue, but yes, one who wanders through her comments sometimes and gives a few words back. But not to every single one of them! Mercy me! And don't feel like you have to scrounge up a post every day either. A few times a week is a good number, if you want my 2 cents on the matter. Hope you do anyway! ;-D

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  6. No hurt feelings here! I am a kindergarten teacher and work full time. While I would love to always reply, I often find it difficult to do so. Sometimes I just can't do it and I will apologize in a blog post occasionally. I answer mine by e-mail also so if a no-reply comment comes up, I can't reply. I don't have time to go back and forth answering some on the blog and some by e-mail. You were very kind and thoughtful in your message and if someone got their feelings hurt, then they took what you said the wrong way. It happens! Hope you have a lovely week!

    PS...love the doggie pix!

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  7. Hi Rue, I am not a blogger, but do read some wonderful blogs, like yours. I live in Phoenix and can really understand why you live up in northern Arizona, beautiful! I don't take it personally if you don't reply. I read small and big blogs. Some respond and some readers respond to my comments. Like I told one blogger, I love her style of writing. That across the country, there is a bit of a sisterhood. I'll keep on reading, Kathleen in Az
    P.s. Love the Bubba pictures. I have a Bella.

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    1. Thank you, Kathleen! I really appreciate it :)

      I wish I could see a Bella picture.

      xo

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  8. Oh sweet Rue, after reading your last post and then reading through the comments I was afraid you might feel the sting. Please know that you owe no one an explanation about whether you respond to each comment or not. I know as a long time reader of yours I am just so thankful that you have chosen to spend your time sharing with us. I thoroughly enjoy each post and 'visiting' with you. Please don't feel bad about taking charge of your time to how you chose to relay that. I noticed that the person who voiced the loudest has seem to totally forgotten how hastily they responded. Stay true to who you are, share what you will and enjoy the process!

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  9. I just started blogging in January and have been trying to figure out myself how to handle comments. I truly appreciate each and every one, but it seems redundant to post a follow-up thank you message to each individual comment. So, for the most part, I've decided to respond only when I'm hearing from a new commenter or if someone asks a question (like "what color paint did you use?)." I hope people don't see that as rude. I know when I post comments on other people's blogs saying "great job" or "inspiring post," I don't expect to hear back from them. I just want them to know somebody is reading -- and appreciating -- what they've written.

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  10. Rue, thank you for the wonderful comment today. No, I didn't bring the hutch back from Italy. It is just made in Italy, and my husband bought if for me many years ago, and it's the one thing I can never part with. It is my dream to go to Italy someday, and Nel wants us all to go to Rome. Wouldn't that be nice.

    Your doggy is so cute. Yes, words are powerful, and I want to thank you for your thoughtful ones today.

    ~Sheri

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  11. Believe me, I completely understand (and agree). :-)

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  12. Your post didn't hurt my feelings either and I may not have commented...don't remember. Lately we've hardly been home and I'm reading blogs on my phone or Ipad. I don't comment when using those because it's not easy.

    Keep it light and fun. Do what works for you. :)

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  13. I suppose anything can be misinterpreted...and that's really too bad. I don't think you said anything in your last post that could be misconstrued, but obviously someone thought did. Do what seems best for you, remain true to yourself. That's all any of us can ask. Just so you know...I always look forward to your posts! ;)

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  14. I just wrote a blog post today (well, part of it) on the same thing! You are such a sweetheart and I can't see anyone being offended or hurt by what you wrote, unless they misunderstood. I'm so glad you started blogging again...I love your blog!

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  15. Rue,

    This is such a beautiful and heartfelt post, and it resonates with me....a lot. I think written words (such as letters and e-mails, telephone conversations) are more easily misunderstood because we cannot see the facial expressions of the person with whom we are communicating. At least that has been my experience, anyway. Please don't be hard on yourself, as it happens with all of us at some point in time, and looking at Melanie's comment above mine, I am pretty certain it was just a misunderstanding. Thank you so much for sharing, and thanks for your visit and comment on my blog. You are welcome anytime, I post once daily.

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  16. No offence taken here Rue. When I found you many years ago I sent you an e-mail to tell you how much I was enjoying it and since I didn't have a blog wanted to know if I could follow you....I really didn't have a clue on the do's and don't's...you immediately responded back and told me it did not make a difference to you whether I had one or not and you were happy I wanted to follow you. That e-mail made me feel good :-) I was sad when you stopped blogging and so happy when you started again. I understand that you want this blog to be fun and not a chore.
    By the way, I love when you add your pups in a post. So so cute
    Have a nice day Rue and take care
    Jeannette

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    1. Awww..... that's so sweet of you to remember that Jeanette! I'm so glad you found me again :)

      xo

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  17. I have no idea which version of that post I read - and I am not going to go back and look - but I know that I was not offended in any way by what I read!! I know that you pop by and visit my blog from time to time from your comments, and that is lovely! I too just cannot reply to everyones comments. It is a lovely problem to have, but is a problem nonetheless. Like you I visit other bloggers and leave them a message, and I know that I would much rather that people have the time to blog themselves and more importantly to live their lives, than to reply to every comment that I write. Plus that means they can come and visit me and I can go and visit them because we both have enough time to do that, and that is what making blogging friends is about isn't it. I cannot imagine that you would ever deliberately upset anyone, so don't take it to heart, and equally I don't suppose that anyone was offended in any case! I totally get it! xx

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  18. That last picture...Perfection! What a cute little face :) I wasn't offended by what you wrote Rue, but I completely get what you are saying. Recently I discovered one of blogging friends had left my blog, and then he blocked me from his. Now, I'm just perplexed but at first, I was so hurt. I racked my brain trying to think of something I said on my page that might have been offensive or maybe one of my comments on his page offended him. I never came up with anything, but I wish I had. Or that he'd told me. Words are powerful things!

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  19. Rue, I read your last post while on my Kindle, I never comment from the Kindle because it has "auto correct" and I'm a dinosaur when it comes to electronic devices. I've had it change so many of my words, I sound even crazier than normal! I can't imagine responding to every single comment left on your blog, you wouldn't have time for anything else. Anyone who has read your blog for very long would not take offense to what you had to say, they would know that you have a very sweet, gentle spirit. I don't have a blog because I don't feel like I would have enough to write about and there are SO many bloggers out there who write every day and have a constant stream of projects going, I'm rather dull that way, and that's okay by me! Please post when you can, I always look forward to your posts, even though I don't comment on every post. See above. :) Have a wonderful day and be gentle with yourself.

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    1. LOL I don't think you sound crazy or boring, Deb and thank you :)

      xo

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  20. Hello Dear Rue,
    Back from my very sweet trip to California to spend time with my family and now I am visiting some of my very favorite bloggy people-you make this spot in the vast land of computers and such a pleasant and joyful place to visit!
    Your puppy is so cute-I bet is a sweetie too.
    Have a very happy week~
    xx
    Jemma

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  21. I totally get it and no offense taken!

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  22. Don't ever feel like you have to reply to any of my comments. I just want you to know how glad I am that you're back! I don't have time to do that either.

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  23. Rue, thank you so much for visiting my blog today! I appreciate it very, very much and greatly appreciate the comments. I've only been blogging since the end of January and am having a hard time figuring out how to get comments, because, like you, I enjoy the camaraderie that exists in the blogging world and want to get to know the other bloggers. I have found blogging to be a bit overwhelming at times and appreciate the fact that it seems to be that way for other bloggers sometimes. I'm glad to know I'm not alone because I thought it was just me. :-) Thank you again for this post and for stopping by my corner of the internet world! Have a wonderful evening and I hope we can "chat" again soon!

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  24. I took no offense, Rue. We're good. it's been a joy getting to know you and I appreciate all your visits and encouraging comments. Hugs, Nancy

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  25. Admittedly, I read the post in question after you had amended it, but I know EXACTLY where you're coming from because I've been doing the same thing. For me personally, I LOVE when I get a comment from someone who doesn't have a blog and I wish it would happen more often. I think most bloggers feel the same way, and I'm sure you do as well. I hope the reader who was offended can understand and continues to read and comment on your posts.

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  26. Rue, I understand completely. I also think a little human is wearing a Bubba suit. He is so adorable!

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    1. I think that every time I look in his eyes, Michael :)

      xo

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  27. I certainly wasn't hurt...but I certainly related to every word you wrote...because I feel the same way. So no worries here.

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  28. Thank you all so much! It means a great deal to me that you understand.

    xo,
    rue

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  29. I never took it badly...I understood it as exactly what you just said :)

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  30. Oh, Rue, you don't know how many times my words--either out loud or typed--don't come out the way I meant them and I worry and worry about it. I'm just now trying to catch up with blog visits and don't know whether I've gone back far enough to have read the one you've written about or if I just intrinsically understood what you meant but I admire you so much for posting about this. I think we just have to keep blogging in balance with our daily life. And it seems logical to me that returning a visit seems what should be proper, not having to visit, comment, and email too, which is what I used to try to do on my old blog. Just can't keep up with it all now. I'm too slow and try to do the best I can.

    We all have to realize that actually living life is the most important thing of all!

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  31. Love you adorable little dog!! He made me smile all the way and I thought to myself "Now, this is such a great post - and look at that face....how could you take these words the wrong way?" Will probably steal your post idea in the future and post something similar. But on my old blog, I did go and visit other people's blog to respond to a comment many times. No worries. Just happy to pop over here once in a while myself. Thanks for sharing!
    Big hugs
    Elizabeth

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment. It means so much to me that you took the time and I read each and every one. If you don't have a blog, look for a response under your comment. I try to get to them within a few days :)

For some reason, the comment box doesn't always show up, so if you want to leave a comment, replying to someone else's comment seems to work. Also, I've had to switch from safari to chrome in order to comment on blogger, so that might be the issue. If not, you can always reach me via email, located on my side bar. Thank you!