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Saturday, December 27, 2008

KEEPING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT




I apologize in advance. I know I'm going to be "preaching to the converted". Everyone in Blogland has been so kind and wonderful, and I am so grateful to "know" each of you.

Many of you "knew" me because of my contacts with the HGTV Rate My Space website. I quit going to that site several months ago, because I have my own personal "troll" (as we call them at RMS, thanks to Gollum). Yes, I let the troll run me off. I didn't delete my spaces. I just quit leaving comments, because that seemed to be what always led my troll to my spaces. He/she makes rude remarks about my spaces, and he/she has also made remarks on my spaces about my friendships on RMS. When RMS recently updated their site, and some of you were posting new spaces on the site, I went over to leave a comment on your new postings. I assumed that I had been gone from RMS long enough that my "troll" had surely forgotten me.

The day after Christmas, my troll visited three of my spaces again. I know that this must be a very sad person to keep coming to my spaces and leaving messages for me, (especially to leave comments the day after Christmas), but that does not make me hurt any less when he/she does it.


I have attempted ignoring the troll, which doesn't seem to help. Since the troll (who has the same ID every time) usually does not have a space posted on RMS, I have left messages for them on my postings. I feel I need to tell you that I have never left an unkind message on RMS, even to my troll. Once, when I left a message to the troll that I wished he/she would post his/her space, so that I could see how decorating was supposed to be done, he/she posted a gorgeous kitchen that was obviously an ad (probably a real estate ad). Several people on RMS (not people I "knew") asked that he/she place a vase or something on the counter top and take another picture of his/her kitchen, so that we could see that it was his/her space. I left a comment on the space about how gorgeous the space was. The posting was removed.

When he/she visited my space yesterday, his/her identity showed that he/she had a posting. I went to the posting and saw a picture of the outside of a house that was obviously posted as a joke.

All of this makes me very aware that this is a very sad and lonely person. I'm not sure why this person doesn't like me. I do not recall ever saying anything to anyone on RMS that could be construed as being critical. I really do feel sorry for this person, because I can see that he/she needs a friend. But again, feeling sorry for him/her does not lessen the pain I feel when he/she leaves an ugly comment on my spaces.

Since so many RMSers have gone into Blogland, I have noticed that some RMSers mention blogs and even give blog addies to others in comments on RMS. I am asking that nobody give my blog addy to anyone on RMS. If my troll finds my blog, I know I will be unable to blog any longer, and I'm enjoying all of my friends in Blogland so much. It would make me very sad to not be able to blog.

I also want you to know that you do not need to leave a comment on this posting. I know that what you want to say is correct - this is just a sad and lonely person who needs sympathy, and I shouldn't let anything he/she says hurt me. I wish I could take that advice. I've tried, and it still hurts to read this person's comments (probably because his/her comments about my "junk" are too close to the truth!) I'm not doing this posting for sympathy for myself either. I know that almost everyone who posts their space on RMS has had some kind of nasty remark left in their posting. Since I began this blog, I have been very concerned about this troll finding my blog. When I saw blog addies being given out in comments at RMS, I felt a need to request that mine not be given to anyone on RMS.
I very much appreciate your visits, and I apologize for feeling the need to do this posting. Thank you for visiting my blog. It is not usually a negative place to visit (at least I hope not). Please come back some time. laurie
ADDED after posting: After I started getting comments on this posting, I felt a need (do I feel a "need" too often?) to add a note. I do hope this post does not sound like whining (even though I may be whining, I hope it doesn't sound that way. lol). I really wanted to ask that my blog site not be given on RMS, and I didn't feel comfortable doing that without an explanation. I understand that I can delete any comment that I don't want to appear on my blog, but I don't care about other's reading someone's negative comments. I'm concerned about how I feel after I read an ugly comment! Unfortunately, in order to delete it, I would have to read it. I know...my insecurities are showing!

65 comments:

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

No need to apologize for the post. I hope this person stays away from your blog because I don't want you to get chased away!!!!!!!!!!!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I do understand. I use to enjoy RMS but I don't any longer. There are just so many unkind people there. I really don't know how some people can be so unkind and nasty, but it seems to breed that kind of person on the RMS site. Please don't stop blogging. I really do enjoy reading your site. Hugs, Marty

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Oh Laurie this just makes me mad girl..I told you before how anyone can be mean to one of the sweetest ladies on RMS is beyond me!!! and girl I would hate to lose you in blogland...and you are so right we all had of share of the Ruddies on RMS...but this one is just down right mean..
Please cheer up Laurie...my Mama use to tell me to take all the people who were mean to me and put them on one end of the scale and then take all the kind ones and put them on the other and see which side out weights the other...the kind and nice ones always out weight the mean ones..this person is only on 1 side of the scale Laurie...all my themself's how sad to be alone and by choice...a BIG hug and a Happy Smile for you dear friend..and may you have a blessed New Years...Gloria

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Oh Laurie this just makes me mad girl..I told you before how anyone can be mean to one of the sweetest ladies on RMS is beyond me!!! and girl I would hate to lose you in blogland...and you are so right we all had of share of the Ruddies on RMS...but this one is just down right mean..
Please cheer up Laurie...my Mama use to tell me to take all the people who were mean to me and put them on one end of the scale and then take all the kind ones and put them on the other and see which side out weights the other...the kind and nice ones always out weight the mean ones..this person is only on 1 side of the scale Laurie...all my themself's how sad to be alone and by choice...a BIG hug and a Happy Smile for you dear friend..and may you have a blessed New Years...Gloria

Melissa Miller said...

Hi Laurie,

I understand... :(
I had a very strange experience myself on RMS just recently with my Christmas tree posting.
I took it down right away...and then when they updated the site... I just removed ALL of my spaces.
I do not miss it all.

I feel the same way about blogland! :) I have met many wonderful people and enjoy it very much.
I really enjoy your blog very much!!!
Keep up the charming, witty and beautiful postings.
~We all love you!

Have a wonderful and blessed weekend.
~Melissa ;)

Rattlebridge Farm said...

I understand completely. I can't go back, either. If you need an attack donkey for your blog, Zeus will be more than happy to kick up his heels for you.
((Hugs))

Salmagundi said...

Oh! I so hope it doesn't come down to you having to leave blogland. I so enjoy your postings, and love to see your stuff. You have great things, and it is interesting to me how great you are at bargain hunting! Please hang around!!! Sally

Lady Katherine said...

Hi, Laurie! Girl hold your chin up high, You have a great blog! A lovely home! I love visiting you! Now do not let that old meanie get you down! Its the Holidays! I bet you have a wonderful idea for New Years up your sleeve now! Keep that Christmas Spirit going! I have had a couple of bad things. I just delete them and go on! They would probably say I do not need to post until my home remodel is finished, I felt that way too, but decided to just go with it! Happy New Year! Can't wait to see what up your sleeve! lol

squawmama said...

Laurie... I love you & your blog... Don't let anyone chase you away...I would miss you terribly and think you should stay my buddy forever... but I understand some times it feels good to vent...


(((BIG HUGS)))

Updated by Lila Huggins (grandmother) said...

Good Evening,
I son't understand why you would have to leave blogland. Could you not just block this person from commenting on your site or get one of those blogs that comments have to be viewed by you before posted? It seems there is something you could do rather than quit blogging. Don't let this evil person win over.
I enjoy reading your posts and would miss you if you left.

Have a glorious evening,
Miss Lila

Bo said...

Hi dear Laurie...I'm glad you posted this because I am one of the naive one's that left my blog addy on 2 different people's RMS post...they had visited my blog & I had no way to respond back to them except through RMS...So far, no troll has found me...(fingers crossed)...What possesses someone to be hateful is beyond me! You are so gracious & have one of the lovliest homes on here...you can't leave us!!! ;-) Bo

Bridget said...

RMS can be such an ugly place and I don't go there anymore. I know how you feel. I haven't experienced an RMS stalker/troll but have felt the sting of nasty comments from pathetic people.

Anonymous said...

Laurie, I am sad that you feel so bad, please ignore theem! I told you they just don't know what they are talking about,and as for your blog, just delete the ugly remarks and carry on! We would all miss you, I miss you on RMS, I've been over there today, since they fixed the site, and my new computer is much faster, I am enjoying it again. Love Ya! Connie

imjacobsmom said...

Laurie, I haven't had a troll, but I had my share of nasty comments. Please don't let it get you down. You are a great person and I really like your style. I enjoy the things you have to say, and I enjoy your recipes, too. ~ Robyn

SmilingSally said...

What a sad life! I have a cute person leaving commercials on my blog. I just delete them ASAP. (sigh) I guess these losers didn't get any toys to play with for Christmas.

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Laurie, I'm taking a breaking from breaking down the Christmas tree and saw you posted something new. I'm so sorry the troll is still plaquing you..Why anyone has to be hateful is beyond me. Why we have to go through life trying only to be kind to others and be stomped on is beyond me.. I'm grateful for the blog and those that come to visit as I know you are.. it's a much kinder place. I'm also grateful for the delete button that we can use at will.. hang in there darling.. I pray that get tired of picking on you and realize you're a terrific person.. their loss is our gain.. DO NOT let them win.. your address is certainly safe here..hugs ~lynne~

Carol said...

Dear Laurie,
I'm sorry someone is giving you a bad time on RMS. Please don't leave blogland, I enjoy your posts so much & I appreciate the comments you leave on my blog.
Hugs & Blessings,
Carol

BittersweetPunkin said...

I'm sorry someone is going out of their way to make trouble..that is very sad. I never go to RMS so I'm not aware of what goes on there.

Keep in mind that you can make your blog private...you can "invite" readers of your choice to view it..if anyone unauthorized tries to access it they won't be able to.

Don't let the meanies win.
Blessings,
Robin

Kathysue said...

Laurie,You are so much more than your rooms at rms or your blog.What I have recieved from your sharing of your home and life is how desparately you love.That is why this is hitting so hard for you.You are a wonderful caring person and because of that I am asking you to love all of us that love you and keep doing what you are doing.I want you to focus on the love of all of us that surrounds you.I know for myself when I focus on a problem and not on My Heavenly father the problem can consume me.You have so much to offer people around you and you can not stop sharing your gifts. God gave you this sweet caring personality for a reason, use it for him and trust me this problem will become smaller and smaller.I am going to continue to support you in prayer and in visiting you here at your wonderful home.Remember girl, YOU ARE LOVED by soooo many.Love ya, Kathysue

Rhonda said...

Oh boy... what an education for me as I had no idea about RMS. However, I do understand that people tend to act a heck of a lot nastier when they are anonymous and hiding behind some cloak of sorts.

I have had one on my own blog...then I found out it was a 20 year old girl who is a family friend. As my oldest daughter said "go figure!"

I certainly hope you stay public and you can "out" a nasty commenter. I can tell you how (you may already know how) if you want to email me.

However, chin up and remember you have a fan base out there depending on you!

Cheers.

Kat said...

Laurie, I'm so sorry that this person is plaguing you. I know that it is really best to ignore "trolls", but that is much easier said than done. I very rarely visit RMS any more because the comments just seem to get nastier and nastier, with no real constructive ideas or thoughts. Keep your chin up, and please don't let this (very) sad person chase you from blogland. We would miss your posts so much! Hugs, Kathy

lvroftiques said...

Laurie I promise I will never mention your blog addy on RMS..... And that's a shame....not that I spend much time there, but it is the place where I met you. And what a wonderful gift that was! I'm so sorry that someone feels such malice that they need to belittle others to make themselves feel better. So my fingers are crossed that they'll never find you here, and you can go on bloggin' for a good long time. Vanna

Anonymous said...

Oh, Laurie, I'm so sorry about the troll! I too, so enjoyed RMS till all the ugliness started. I did delete lots of my spaces, but left some. I just don't go back there very often. I understand the mean remarks - I've had them too and they do hurt. Just know I need you to keep on blogging and have so enjoyed getting to know you and see your lovely home! Blogland needs you!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Unknown said...

i do understand how you feel. i took my spaces off awhile ago. There is always an" no space shown Jerk "who loves to make my day! I put one room on Micasa too. and bam another rude jerk with no space. There will always be someone or some people thru life that for no reason at all will hurt someones feelings. Just push them out of your way and head on... Blogging is funner anyways... mishelle

Kristens Creations said...

Hi Laurie, Glad you liked Chase's letter. LOL!

I saw what the troll wrote on some of your posts. What a jerk! I also saw what he/she posted a day ago. I think this person is craving attention, even if it's bad attention. Like you said, this person is very unhappy and is trying to bring others down. I will not post anything about your blog on RMS at all. I hardly go there either. I know they are still working on it, but it's frustrating right now. I enjoy your rooms so much. Blogland would not be the same without you!! Kristen

playsdolls said...

Laurie,I do not know what RMS is never heard of it,but does not sound like a place anyone would want to be posting.You have a wonderful blog that I love reading and it would be a shame for you not to be here in blog land.Do not let this awful person win out by leaving here,you show us so many beautiful post.

Four Paws and Co said...

Laurie,
I would never post your blog addy on RMS. Hang in there, I totally understand. At least you were brave enough to post on RMS, (as you know, I was never that brave). I'm sure you've heard this one before, but some people are just so miserable with themselves, they can't be happy unless they belittle and hurt others. ♥
Diane

Anonymous said...

Keep blogging Laurie!

I didn't post much, at RMS. Right after the producers contacted me about the show, I decided to pull my spaces. We pondered the decision about the show and decided against it. After that I removed my spaces. I had a few negative comments, not constructive, written with poor grammar. I like to keep sunshine in my life and the negativity was counter productive. So I seldom visit these days.

I'm sorry to hear you were mistreated and hope you continue blogging, because you are a part of the sunshine, I mentioned above.

Anonymous said...

You know Laurie,I think it's about time to pull out of rms.Both of us....I never go on there.Do you?I used to go on once in awhile.But never now.It might make your pest think you've pulled out of everything!WHAT DO YOU THINK?...ANN

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Hi Laurie,
I think I read somewhere (not sure how to do it) that you can "block" a person's ability to leave you a comment on a blog. I'm pretty sure you can do that. I could be wrong. So if this person one day finds you blog, moderate the comment (don't publish it) and then block them from being able to leave anymore. I'll check and see if I can find that...but I think I read it somewhere. Susan

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Hi Laurie, Well, I looked and looked and can't find how to block a person from leaving a comment but I wasn't sure if you knew that you can change your settings so that comments never publish, without you seeing them first. I've been fortunate that I haven't received any negative comments but I have received a couple of "spam" comments where the comment was basically an ad selling something. I just "rejected" the comment so it never published. So if anyone finds your blog and starts leaving ugly comments, you just don't publish them. After a while they would be most likely get bored...thinking their comments are just evaporating, and they will go away. :-) You don't ever want someone to force you to quit blogging...we would soooo miss visiting you and seeing your wonderful home! Love ya, Susan

Velvet and Linen said...

That is just a terrible story.
I continue to blog because of the love and support I have received from the blogging community.
I can only imagine how difficult your RMS situation must have been for you.
I hope that you continue to have happy blogging.
I know that I am glad you are here.

xo
Brooke

Glenda said...

Whatever "you" decide to do, I'll stand behind "your" decision. I am your friend and that is what friends do. I just fervently hope you don't allow someone else to make "your" decision for "you".

I feel pretty safe in calling trolls idiots, and that puts me in mind of something I read one time. "Never argue with an idiot... They'll drag you down to their level then beat you with experience."

If "you choose" to allow a pseudo Hitler to dictate your actions, I will respect that "choice". Since I never posted on RMS, only commented, (I was an unclickable), I can only surmise how it felt to have someone attack, what "I" would have thought of as my child. By that I mean, something I had given "birth" to.
I also do not have a blog, but can easily imagine how protective I would feel. I don't think you would ever back down, if someone were attacking your flesh and blood children. You would fight till the last breath in your body, I am certain.
I cannot envision you ever giving in to acts of tyranny. Trolls are very sad individuals with extremely dark souls. They gain their power through cowardly acts. If you give in, they win. Whatever "you" decide, you have my support 100%.

Anonymous said...

I for one do understand what you are going through. I got a comment the day before christmas from my troll as well. kathreen, will never leave me alone and that is why I too left rms. So sorry and I am glad that you are enjoying blogging, it does seem to be a nicer place. I hope you and yours had a very merry christmas. vickydarnell

Tootsie said...

you said everything I had in my heart about RMS....I too once had a troll that did indeed follow me to blog land too! do not allow that person to drive you away! You are loved and so special and such an inspiration to so many of us....we need you!
it is all up hill for us in 2009....and I hope for you too...2008 did only one good thing for me...brought me closer to some very special people...including you. Happy New Year my friend...getting to know you has been a pleasure!

Musings of A Minister said...

The women who made comments on your blog said everything that needs to be said, so let me just say, a simple "Amen." Wow! You have a lot of support. You can be encouraged by that. Soldier on!

DESIGN BY CATHLEEN said...

Hi Laurie,

Just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year! So Sorry to hear all this has been going on! Wow, you have been one of my biggest supporters here in blog land! I don't understand Mean Bloggers! I too experience a very verbal blogger on my post regarding the christmas pickle! I really had to laugh that someone could put that much effort into a post ( I left it there!)! Really, how sad! I Love you Laurie and you have been a blessing to my blogging! Don't let it get you down! Laughter is a much better emotion! :-)

xoxo,
Cathleen

Helen said...

So many others have said what is also in my heart ... stay the course, be strong and let's enjoy 2009 and all the wonderful friends we've made.

xinex said...

So sorry about the troll, Laurie. Some people just have nothing better to do with their lives and they like to attack the sweetest people. Of course your request is granted and please don't ever stop blogging cause we sure enjoy reading...Christine

Coloradolady said...

Laurie, thank you so much for visiting my blog and your sweet comment.

I was so sad to read your post as this was my very first visit to your blog. How terrible.....I don't even know what RMS is, I guess I need to investigate.

Anyway, after I scrolled down your blog and after I caught my breath I have to say, it is clear that whomever is doing that has to be jealous of the wonderful home you have and of a sweet lady. Your taste is regal, your home is beautiful, your treasures are to die for.....not that it makes the nasties any better, but truly, just try and brush it off.

You can always change your preference on your blog comments to filter out any unwanted comments if it comes to that, don't let this evil person run you away from what you love.

I will be back, I enjoyed my visit so much! Take care, new friend!!

santamaker said...

Hey Laurie!
Wishing you a Happy New Year! Do you need help taking down all of your santa collection? How long does that take you? I sure get sad when the decorations come down and we have to go back to the basics!
Now about the trolls... don't allow a pitiful, bitter person to rob you from the joy and fellowship you experience from your blog and RMS! You are giving him/her the power to affect your life. They don't deserve it. Take back that power and show them that you don't care by enjoying all of the great people out there that appreciate you and your wonderful decor!
Hope you feel better.

Chanda said...

Hello there, I am new to reading your blog and I am so sorry for all your angst with the troll person. I have never been to RMS and it sounds like I don't want to either. Maybe they will just pull it if it continues to be so nasty. The same thing is happening with newspaper articles. People can leave all the nasty comments they want and they are posted until someone draws attention to then and them they take them down. My husband had a high profile job and there is always alot of news articles with the military and such and we have endured this typew of abuse so much that I think it should be a crime. I have laid in bed at night and just shook from being so upset from peoples nasty comments. I would like to know their teeth down their throat if we were ever to meet. On your blog, there is a way to block soime commenters from ever commenting again. I don't know how, but I have seen it and you might Google it and read up on it. Best of luck and I think you have a truly amazing home.
Shanda

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

Reply to your comment on my blog...On Twitter subject, check out Twitter feed http://twitterfeed.com/ it will post feeds from blog
I may try it out

Susan

Tomarie said...

Laurie,
I understand about not wanting to read what a nasty troll might send. Just remember how well liked you are by SOOOOOOOOO many others! You're stronger than you realize! Love ya! L~

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello Laurie...

Ohhh my...it really is just unbelievable that after so much time has lapsed that that troll still continues...so sorry Sweetie! But you know that I love you...and enough said, right?

Well...I just know that you had a wonderful Christmas with all of your family and friends!!! I bet you're gonna be busy in the days to come...hehe!!! I for one...have thoroughly enjoyed your beautiful home all decorated in it's Christmas finery...I sure do appreciate all of the hard work and time that you put into it all and that you shared it with us!!! Your home is and was the most fabulous "Christmas Wonderland" that I've ever laid eyes on!!! Thank you...thank you...thank you Laurie!!! Anyway, just wanted to say all of that...and I'm hoping that you think on my words amidst all the work of putting it away...hehe!!!

Well it's Monday, the kids left last night and Russ is back to work...I'm up to my "hiney" in Christmas aftermath...it looks like a hurricane went through my house...hehe!!! So the cleaning begins...hehe!!! Just wanted to stop in and see how you were doing...

Love ya Dearheart...
Chari

Deb said...

I feel so sorry for the mean people in the world. If they could just change their ways I'm sure they could live a happier life. Some will never know that unless they try. I'm so sorry this is happening to you Laurie. After I shut down my site at RMS I've never had the desire to even visit. Deb

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Laurie, Thanks so much for swinging by to celebrate our Anniversary. It means the world. Today it's in the middle 50's ..I'll take this over snow any old day..lol
hugs ~lynne~

Laurie - Decorating Fanatic said...

Hello Laurie! I have come out of hibernation and yours was the first blog I visited! Sorry to hear about your experience on RMS and that they continue to do what they do. I too, have stayed away from RMS that it no longer recognizes my email and I can't remember my password! I have half completed rooms on there from 2 years ago that I can't delete - they are locked in cyberspace forever doomed with negative comments!:) But I am sorry - I know how you can have a thousand postive comments but the moment you read that one negative one..it just sits there like lead in your heart.I understand too about keeping your blog private - I don't even give it out to my family! It's sort of my personal diary - a separate ME from my family so I can gripe if I need to without any repercussions.... But I do hope you had a fantastic holiday with your family..? Ours was wonderful - it was so nice to have the house filled with all the warmth & happy chaos family can bring. We didn't want it to end. But now I am still wandering the house in my jammies eating the leftover Christmas chocolate! It's been nice to hibernate with the kids and play with all their new toys! I'll be back to blogging soon...take care. ~ Laurie

nikkicrumpet said...

You're right...it does hurt even when you know the person is sad and has no life...and even though you know your home is beautiful and loved by everyone else. I had some trolls of my own and that's why I left. They just took all the fun out of being on RMS. I deleted my photos and haven't gone back since. I'm so glad I found blogland to fill the void. But I sure hope they never find my blog either! Since blogging in the last 3 1/2 months I've only had a few rude comments...and only one of them was done anonomously. I sure hope the trolls stay over at RMS!!!

The Muse said...

i never knew such a thing could happen or even dreamed that anyone would WANT to do that to another...!
how totally disappointing....
i am taken aback by such behavior and moreover i am so heart felt for you...
please do not let this person deter you from what you feel is your desire to participate...

♥Mimi♥ said...

You know, some people aren't happy at all unless they make other people miserable. Whatever you do, you stick it out. Give all of us a holler if you need to roll the covered wagons in a circle to do battle!

♥Mimi♥ said...

You know, some people aren't happy at all unless they make other people miserable. Whatever you do, you stick it out. Give all of us a holler if you need to roll the covered wagons in a circle to do battle!

The Muse said...

You are a gem...no need to offer apologies...your blog is delightful :)

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Hi Laurie...not a RMSer, so don't know really anything about it. But I am glad you came by my blog and said hi. Have a wonderful New Year my friend and keep those wonderful pictures and stories coming! My motto when people do unkind things to me...what goes around comes around!! It all equals out, one way or another!!

Envoy-ette said...

You are more gracious to a troll then anyone else I know! I've heard stories about RMS and it pains my heart. Four years ago, Blogland was like that, and there's only a few of us who kept going. (I'm almost on year 5!) But see, trolls get bored very easily and they move on to something else (like Answerbag). We bloggers just kept going and now Blogland is filled with wonderful women like you who are just trying to share and connect and be GLAD for one another in our success. Don't even worry about trolls- they have too much time on their hands and a heart full of lava.
Don't give up- I enjoy coming here!

Kristens Creations said...

Hi Laurie, I hope you got all of your Christmas down! Have a Happpy New Year!! Kristen

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Laurie, thanks so much for swinging by .. it means the world. I hope you're getting caught up around there..I've been playing with a few things and catching up on others..lol.. you know me I don't sit much...Happy New Year my friend..hugs ~lynne~

Anonymous said...

Laurie- I don't have a troll but we have a family member who emails us regularly belittling me and calling me no good basically. I am not telling you this Laurie for sympathy but to share how I am dealing with it. I have always been very much concerned with what people think of me (my reputation) and it came as quite a shock and a very deep blow when this started happening. As I prayed about this I felt God reminding me that we "wrestle not against flesh and blood" (Eph 6) and that in order to fight this HIS way I needed to remind myself and that and remind myself as I will you- you are a child of the KING! His Princess! Beloved ! He delights in you and loves you so-
I don't know (I wish I could have emialed this as I am trying to condense my thoughts which, for me is terribly hard!) but it somehow helped me to keep all this in perspective and to ask God to flow His love for this person in me- we will see this person for the first time after all this started soon and I sure am praying I can keep the right focus which I see them face to face!!

You are love by God and so many here in blogland!

blessings mary

Kathleen Ellis said...

Oh, Laurie, I'm so sorry to hear you've been targeted by some unhappy, unkind person. I am appalled that RMS doesn't have some strict policy against this type of thing...have you tried reporting this to them? I would think it would be in their (RMS) best interest to put a stop to such things to avoid losing the participants like yourself that make the site successful.
I guess people feel more free to be mean and nasty anonymously and with the popularity of "talent" shows on TV with "judges" who make mean remarks to the vulnerable contestants...I guess it causes some to think they have the right to do the same thing. When people see such behaviour being aired on TV and apparently receiving such rave reviews...well, the message it sends is that it is ok to be mean and belittling to others.
If it were me, I'd be after RMS to do something about this type of behaviour so that they don't lose fans and participants of the site.

As far as your blog...I love it! I am so glad to have found it and I love your posts! You make me laugh(you have a great sense of humor!)
and you are extremely creative! You have a beautiful home and put together beautiful posts!
I am an Interior Decorator (for 14 years) I've had some of my work published in Romantic Homes magazine and other regional publications, had a beautiful retail store for over 4 years and have decorated some very beautiful homes for several very happy clients...I tell you this for 2 reasons...1)to let you know that I've seen and decorated many beautiful homes...and let me tell you...your home is beautiful! 2) in spite of all that I've accomplished and the beauty I've created in my clients homes, I've had my share on nasty remarks about how un-talented I am, some from other designers, some from attendees to events that I speak at....and those comments do hurt...but, I have to remember that their comments really have nothing to do with me and everything to do with them and whatever misery they have that causes them to lash out with such poison...and that these comments are very few especially compared to all the wonderful, positive comments I receive. I cannot allow these few miserable people to influence me and what I do and what I believe!or to keep me from my purpose...and you can't either!
Imagine if Jesus allowed the people who hated Him and said and did nasty things to and about Him to keep Him from his mission? or influenced what He knew about Himself? where would we be? Fortunately, He knew who He was and why He was here...and He let no one convince Him otherwise...we need to do the same! God made each of us with unique gifts and talents and personalities and He has a purpose for each of us...don't allow someone to rob you of that! You're too special!
xo Kathleen

Myrna said...

Oh, Laurie, I'm sorry you had to go thru that! I'm glad, tho, that you wrote about it...clearly you have friends here and it was good that you were honest so we all can rally to support and encourage you!
Keep up the great blog!

Rue said...

Hi Laurie :)

Did you know that I'm hthrrue on RMS. I didn't know you were one of the many of us that left. I have my house on there still, but I'll be taking it off now that we're moving. I had horrible problems there and so did our group of friends. They called us the red hat club LOL

If you feel insecure about the troll finding you, I would take your spaces off of there. I had one follow me over to my blog, but when I started moderating comments and told them that I can find out where they live through http://www.statcounter.com/
they left me alone.

Anyway, I hope you don't stop blogging even if they do.

xo,
rue

Anonymous said...

Laurie, I remember your incident well. Many of us felt pain from select trolls and it crushed spirits. Like Rue suggested, there are devices in blogland that can put in place to deflect evil...something we had not on RMS. Hugs to ya, my friend.

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

I've never been a frequent visitor of RMS because of it's reputation for being nasty @ times. The same was true of foodnetwork's forum (when they had one) & HGTV's hometalk forum (when it was still up).

I don't get it. What makes people maliciously strike out at total strangers? I know the yada yada about them being lonely, etc. But good grief! No WONDER they're lonely when they treat people that way.

I'm sorry they hurt your feelings Laurie. {{{hugs}}}

Tardevil said...

Laurie,
I never did RMS, and your secret is safe w/ me. I pretty much quit going over there when I found out a/b blogging from you guys while over there, but I do still go over to leave comments from those who participate in Tablescape Tuesday. One thing that turned me off w/ it, was a saw photos of an awesome home, and a "troll" left comments about the owner's inability to have kids. Needless to say, I and some others quickly reported it, and the comment was removed. Have you tried having the person's comments removed? It was almost immediate when I was a part of that. They may have some way of blocking the e-mail attached to the person if they remove their comments. Just a suggestion. As I said, my house never looked good enough to put up there (it's still a work in progress), but it sure was fun looking around! Don't let mean people get to you! They're just not worth it!

Tardevil said...

p.s. I love your posts! I still smile when I think about looking at all your Santas, and scrolling down to see that bookcase. That was one of my favorite things about Christmas this year. You made me laugh b/c I finally found someone who has a "Christmas problem" as big as mine! In fact, now you've inspired me w/ the New Year's Eve tree! Woo hoo!!!