A couple of months ago a sweet reader of mine named Ruth sent me an email asking if she could send me some books that her husband had both authored and illustrated. The books are for kids, of which they are not currently in possession of, and they thought I might be a good target seeing as I have three of the beasts lovelies.
To give the lowdown to those who do not have ads on their sites, it can get tricky. Advertisers pay good money and do not want to be competing with items that may conflict with their contract. I get that. I also do not want to forfeit the ad revenue I receive. I do not like to look a gift horse in the mouth.
(What the heck does that mean, anyway?)
So. I created a sub-site to this one that will not conflict with ads. I chose the name “This N’ That” as it is the name of my side blog. Over there. On the right.
I even made a new banner for the review site.
If you want to read about the goods that I received from Ruth and her (Gifted!) husband Royden, check out the post on my review site.
****
I had someone leave a comment yesterday making fun of the height I hung my photos in our laundry room. I blocked her IP to save her eyes from bleeding due to my apparent lack of skills. (Side note: the angle makes them look different than in real life. They are at a PERFECT height.)
I would not bring it up had I not blocked her (no need to feed the trolls), but I get a little nauseous when people make detrimental comments here, or elsewhere. My first instinct was to write a nasty email back, but there is no need to stoop to that level. I like to think that I am classier than that. If I could be as funny as Lindsay was in dealing with her troll, I might have taken the time to write mine a little note.
It is my opinion that the saying, “If you cannot say anything nice, do not say anything at all” is a good one. If I ever read a post that I do not agree with, I don’t leave mean comments. If it is something where someone is asking an opinion, I try to state it in the least offensive way possible. I don’t leave rude comments in someone’s online home, just like I am not rude to them in their real life home.
Maybe I really am crazy, but I expect the same treatment in return.
Why can’t people play nice? Or just step off?
***
I have slowly been working through photos that I have taken this summer. I have been overwhelmed at times with LIFE, but have managed to keep snapping.
I remember a conversation that I had with my Step Mom many years ago. She told me that her sister could not afford to develop film so she was just not taking any photos. My Step Mom told her to take the photos. She could develop them when she had the funds to do so.
We are now in the digital age, but the same concept applies. I tend to edit every photo I take, if only to bump up the contrast so that it is not so flat. When life is busy I sometimes choose to leave my camera behind. But sometimes, despite the crazy, I start snapping anyway.
These photos of Emily were taken the day after I returned from BlogHer. I was exhausted. We had company. She was so utterly adorable in that little dress from Mexico that I knew I would kick myself if I did not snap a few photos.
Awww, yeah.
Could she BE any cuter?
(Yes, I heard Chandler’s voice while typing that.)
On the move:
I know it is blurry, but it captures her. She RUNS everywhere. Apparently walking is for pansies.
(She has WAY MORE HAIR now. I must get caught up on my photo editing and show you.)
Thanks for coming out, folks. I’ll be here all week.
31 Comments
DUDE! I have the SAME dress! Except it’s in my size and I got it in Bali…too cool 
I cannot believe people sometimes. Seriously, the height of your pictures was wrong? Thats just…oh my.
I am really happy I don;t get weird comments/trolls for the most part because I don;t think I would handle it well, so you have my sympathies.
Elizabeth’s last blog post..Gifts
Comment by Elizabeth on August 20th, 2008 @ 1:07 pmI can’t believe that someone would feel the need to be snarky about something so inconsequential as the height you chose to hang your photographs at. Guess what troll - it’s not your house, not your pictures, not your freaking choice! Also, there’s no rule about what height pictures should be hung at. Sheesh.
Sorry to rant - I wanted to rant yesterday but I didn’t want to engage the troll. Good on ya for blocking her!
hills’s last blog post..But That Unusual Blend Of My Funny Friend And Me
Comment by hills on August 20th, 2008 @ 1:21 pmThe height of your hung pictures is perfect, if you ask me.
And your little Emily looks adorable in that dress. Too cute.
teresa’s last blog post..Pajama Day
Comment by teresa on August 20th, 2008 @ 1:41 pmI think your laundry room (and the height of the pictures) is beautiful.
On a side note, Camille was talking today about who she was going to marry and she said that she was planning to marry Graham and Nathan. I told her that you can’t marry two people so she would have to choose one. She thought about it for a minute and decided that she will marry Emily. I said, “Really? Emily?” and she replied. “Yes. She’s beautiful and she has a pretty bathing suit”.
Comment by Tamara on August 20th, 2008 @ 1:47 pm I don’t understand negative comments- particularly about things like how you hang artwork. WTH? Those photos look FINE to me. Good for you for blocking her.
sizzle’s last blog post..Gimme Shelter
Comment by sizzle on August 20th, 2008 @ 2:21 pmI hate trolls. HATE them.
That dress is so cute! Gimmie!
Maria’s last blog post..Lyin’ Ass Mommies.
Comment by Maria on August 20th, 2008 @ 3:09 pmBecause while a good deal of the people on this planet are decent, kind, and frackingly good natured; there are also a small group of humans that are profoundly hideous.
And the rest of them are just “Meh”.
Anyway you splice it you have a good chance of running into wenchiness on your blog and I am glad you have zero tolerance for crap. (As do I.)
LOVE YOUR HAWT GUTS.
Loralee’s last blog post..WHOOPS! I hate it when that happens!!
Comment by Loralee on August 20th, 2008 @ 3:37 pmAnd who makes snarky comments about PICTURE HEIGHT for crying out loud? I mean, really? They are YOUR (awesome) pictures.
You already know that I think Emily is endlessly adorable. Add an adorable sun dress, and she is beyond all cute radar.
Kerri Anne’s last blog post..Reasons To Love Him, #21: Furthering My Addiction
Comment by Kerri Anne on August 20th, 2008 @ 3:37 pmSeriously, why why why do people feel the need to be rude on a comment? It’s so safe, hiding behind your computer, but why waste your time that way? If you don’t like a blogger, don’t read them. There’s just too much good out there to seek out the stuff you don’t like.
AND THAT DRESS! SHE’S ADORABLE!
She Likes Purple’s last blog post..Some Things
Comment by She Likes Purple on August 20th, 2008 @ 4:01 pmReview blogs are the new black.
slynnro’s last blog post..Gone Fishin’
Comment by slynnro on August 20th, 2008 @ 4:25 pmUgh, sorry about the troll! Man, I just don’t understand where they’re coming from! Totally agree with your comment about not saying anything if you don’t have anything nice to say. Oh, and the photos look PERFECT. But you knew that. 
Emily is cuter than cute!! I LOVE that dress!
Hannah’s last blog post..Just BE ?
Comment by Hannah on August 20th, 2008 @ 5:10 pmRoyden and Ruth were just up here for his sis’s wedding, and they kindly shot family photos of our extended bunch for us!! They didn’t bring me any books though…I’ll have to get on them about that!
Comment by SarahD on August 20th, 2008 @ 7:00 pmReally ? Somebody made fun of the height of the photos ? Not only is it rude, it’s pretty dumb. Good job for blocking the IP.
I like the books!
Emily is beautiful:-)
Comment by Heather on August 20th, 2008 @ 8:27 pmAh, those trolls…Always have to be so negative.
I LOVED your laundry room and am tucking away the idea of a mud fight for pictures in there.
I also love that dress Emily has. And the straps…I’m speechless! (Which doesn’t happen often!)
Comment by Michele on August 20th, 2008 @ 10:25 pmI adore that little dress. It’s so sweet.
Elizabeth’s last blog post..Speaking of Anniversaries
Comment by Elizabeth on August 20th, 2008 @ 11:04 pmI wish I had that dress in my size
Rhi’s last blog post..I have no idea what this post is about
Emily’s dress makes me want to have a daughter…as did the bedding you picked out for her!
joyce’s last blog post..The dog ate my homework.
Comment by joyce on August 21st, 2008 @ 4:40 amThat dress and the little sweetie in it are both adorable! ; )
And as far as the comment troll goes, I say “GET A LIFE!” Seriously, don’t you have better things to do than to criticize the height of someones pictures? Really…
Have a GREAT day Angella!!
Elaine’s last blog post..Elaine Needs…
Comment by Elaine on August 21st, 2008 @ 7:49 amOhmylordy that dress on Emily….how sweet. We found out we’re having a girl and everyone has gone clothes crazy. I have the feeling I’m going to need a second job just to support the dress and cute clothes habit for this kid….
Uh oh.
Marcie’s last blog post..I’m sorry. So sorry?
Comment by Marcie on August 21st, 2008 @ 8:24 amwait…what?
complaining about how high you hung them? seriously? who does that?
the dress. the dress!
Comment by ali on August 21st, 2008 @ 8:57 amI completely agree with your approach - why be mean and criticize? It’s just not necessary. Sometimes I think the internet just empowers people to say things they might not say in person because they don’t have to say it to someone’s face. However, there are definitely those out there who are equally mean on AND off the internet! Boo.
p.s. I TOTALLY heard Chandler’s voice when I read that too.
rebecca’s last blog post..change of plans
I was totally going to explain “look a gift horse in the mouth” but Laura beat me to it.
Maybe the person who thought your photos were hung at the wrong height was really short?
bethany actually’s last blog post..Frustration
Comment by bethany actually on August 21st, 2008 @ 1:18 pm1. Trolls suck.
2. Those pictures in your laundry room are AMAZING. I didn’t even notice the height, I only noticed the AWESOMENESS that is your laundry room.
3. That dress is GORGEOUS!! As is the baby girl who is wearing it.
Mrs. Wilson’s last blog post..Aug 20, 2008
Comment by Mrs. Wilson on August 21st, 2008 @ 3:33 pm1. Love the banner
2. It’s insane what people will comment on and think it’s an actual contribution 
Glad you blocked, it’s your ‘home’ you rule it as fit
3. Oh. my. word. She looks adorable!! Love the pics of her. So cute.
rachel’s last blog post..The Otter and The Attitude
Comment by rachel on August 22nd, 2008 @ 11:01 amHow totally cute is she! That dress is super sweet.
Comment by Kristin on August 22nd, 2008 @ 4:44 pmI certainly wasn’t trying to be rude. Many designers take pictures of a space to make sure everything looks right and most of the time pictures are hung to high. If you put something out on the internet you should be able to take constructive critism.
Comment by Sheri on August 22nd, 2008 @ 4:49 pmCan I just say, oh brother on the comment? I’ll say it again. Oh brother.
Emily is adorable and the dress, I want it!
Kami’s last blog post..Our room
Actually my husband just told me where “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” comes from.
He said an experienced horse person would be able to tell the age of a horse by looking at the teeth. Therefore if you are given a horse (a gift horse) it would be rude to look in the mouth to see its age when you are with the person who gave it to you.
Oh and yeah, the books look cute.
Laura Williams’s last blog post..Gotta Love Grandma!
Comment by Laura Williams on August 20th, 2008 @ 12:49 pm