10/23/2026
Well, well, well, didn’t I create a firestorm yesterday. I’m sorry about that but also not sorry at all. Let me explain…
I’m sorry because I don’t like uncomfortable things here on my page. I do not allow politics or even passive/agressive comments about political things here. You all have no idea how many comments I “hide” or sometimes even block people who simply cannot control themselves.
I want this to be a pleasant place. Pretty pictures, uplifting sayings, silly anecdotes and the like are what I want because there are enough anxiety-inducing memes and videos on facebook without adding more.
The comments here are so nice— complimentary, but also sharing experiences and pictures, and sometimes connecting with other like-minded people regardless of political/ religious views.
But, now and then a picture of mine will “go viral,” and will attract total strangers who hop on and offer opinions about my work, knowing nothing about me. Some are kind and some are not.
Now, here comes the choice…. I can take the high-road and usually do by deleting the comment and blocking the person (sometimes it’s not even a person! It could be a bot just stopping by to cause strife), or I can argue back.
Now, it seems absolutely ridiculous to trade virtual punches with a keyboard warrior and a stranger to boot but consider this…. I am a nurse in a hospital. And even though as a charge nurse I’m not at the bedside, I’m still subjected to some very angry people—on the phone, at the desk, or occasionally in a patient’s room. My response to them is not the choice I have here. They cannot be blocked or deleted, and if I’m in a feisty mood, I cannot go verbally toe to toe with them. I must smile, nod, say “I understand” and other approved therapeutic communication words and phrases. That is fine and I can do that. I’ve done it for almost 4 decades although I have to say that the disrespect and entitlement of a few individuals is at an all time high and frankly shocking at times.
Now consider that on off-times, photography and writing is a nice outlet— a creative expression and a way to unwind. Pretend that the picture you got up for at 4am on your day off, or walked 5 miles to get, or hiked a mountain to obtain is considered too pretty to be real so you’re accused of being a fraud. Or maybe someone corrects you rudely and unnecessarily on the location, something that does not have to be included and something that an absurd number of photographers refuse to do. Or even worse in my opinion, an accusation of fake writing as supposedly evidenced by my use of an em dash (this symbol —. One of my favorites!)
Given my day job, how many of you could just forget it and move on? Block and delete? Sometimes I can, and sometimes I can’t. It depends, I suppose on how many times I have had to smile and nod during the day. Sometimes just like a creative outlet, I enjoy a little tête-à-tête shall we say. It feels good for 2 seconds and then it doesn’t so I try to avoid it if at all possible. Truly I’m sorry if those times I fight back make things uncomfortable here.
I didn’t say all this for any kind of comfort and I’m not fishing for compliments (I get enough of those on a daily basis from you all!) but as a way of explaining myself for posting less than positive things yesterday. All I can say is that I have the next several days off and I can 100 percent guarantee that my normally positive nature will be restored and you will see nothing but happiness shine through once again!
I appreciate you all! Thanks for sticking around! 🩷
P.S. I was so frustrated by all this last night when I was talking to my mother that I actually swore! She told me that I probably should not be as hot-headed when I explain things to everyone and to me, that is an appropriate correction from the right person. Fortunately for me, all it takes is a good nights’ sleep and I’m fit as a fiddle once again!
