I have completely run out of ideas to blog about, so I thought I would post some of my funny little paintings. Some of you may have seen them before. A few weeks ago my blog was chosen by Blogger as a "blog of note", which completely shocked the h*ll out of me, because I always refer to this as my boring-little-blog. And then recently someone I know personally has been coming on and posting anonymous comments that were a bit unnecessarily derogatory, and I felt rather deflated because there was no reason for it. None. Ever since then, I really have not had one inspiring idea to post on my blog. Our blogging friend XUP did a very interesting post today -- about blogging. She asked the question, "How much do you censor yourself on your blog? I’m sure most of us try to be at least a bit sensitive/pc so we don’t offend, but how much do you censor because of the specific people you know are reading your blog?"That's a very interesting question, and I wonder about that too. How many of you have friends, family or co-workers that you prefer would not read your blog? I don't like the idea of censorship, either in "real" life or on the blogs because I have had to do that too much in my life. I think it's very important for everyone to be who (whom?) we are.
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
If we try to tailor ourselves to what we think other people are going to like, or approve of, or whatever ... we just end up with a poor imitation of ourselves. And so in the past few days I feel I have not been myself. I feel I need to regroup a little bit, get my centre or my set-point back, so to speak. So in the meantime, you're stuck with looking at a couple of my 
42 comments:
Jo,
I went through this same dilema, and decided that it's my damned blog and no one actually has to read it. If they don't like it, they can leave. Of couse I also blogged about censoring myself and a couple of people from real life thought it was about them. I told them both the same thing - It's not all about you. It's my blog, and actually all about me.
J9, that's the attitude! Good for you! Gosh, if people don't like us, they can leave us the h*ll enough alone, right? Goodness!
Hi Jo. I love your paintings. I especially like the oranges. I think you have one of a pear that I really liked too....pretty sure I saw it here.
A lot of people keep talking about annonymous posters lately and hurt feelings. It's very, very sad. I guess it is a wake up call to us all that we are in a public forum, this is the internet and all kinds of people with good and bad intentions view what we say. I don't censor what I say because it is just my opinion and I think people should be free to express themselves. I will say, though, that as I write I do keep in mind that I am speaking to a broad audience so I try to always be kind and diplomatic in the way that I say things without changing my opinion to suit others. Does that make sense? Of course you can't please everybody all the time. There are so many wonderful people out there and I truly and honestly adore all my blogging buddies. They all enrich my life in so many ways. Sometimes I read something somebody writes and I think oh, my, but try not to feel hurt because they are merely expressing what they feel. That's a very positive thing.
Stay well and Happy! I love coming to visit your blog :)
I know that there are a couple of people in my real life who read my blog, but I trust them for the most part and don't really censor myself. However, I do not put any personally identifiable information in my blog ever, including my friends' or family members' names.
I dasn't comment. There's full moon out and I know some crazed epsilon-semi-Nazi who labels himself Midnight will either offer theats of doing a DELIVERANCE number on me, right jon my blog, or just grunt like a pig in my comment space.
Can't answer these drunks; it eggs them on.
An exasperated Chucker Canuck, in his political blog, is also hounded by Midnight. Says Chucker, "for crimminy's sake, get your own blog."
But Midnight doesn't get it and spills his cokehead drivel all over Chucker's blog and mine.
Latest is a threat to show us the really spiffy Ninja Star shuriken he has bought, and highlighting the site where he bought it from. Threatens to to throw this hand-buzzsaw at the webhost.Hai!
This guy must have a record a mile long...How did he ever get literate? Lots of time in stir, I suppose.
Maniacs everywhere.
Kim Stockwood:
How come jerks don't know they're jerks?
some of my friends read my blog and I really don't need to censor stuff,but I avoid putting too much personal info,but as j9 says,its my blog people can gee off if they don't like it
Oh, and Jo,your paintings are lovely :)
Well, I'll tell you the same thing I told XUP... I don't have a core following so it doesn't matter much what I say. In my travel blog I try to be informative and maybe make people chuckle at some of our world wide faux pas. The only person ever offended by this is the "pack mule" who seems to think I make her look foolish, like the story wasn't actually true LOL. Plus, my comment button seems to be selecting who it will allow to make a comment, so I have very limited feedback. On my personal blog, I say whatever I feel like saying and I don't see that ever changing. I don't force my three followers to read it! Write from your heart, Jo, that's what it's all about. I love your artwork and am always pleased when you share a piece with me.
Interesting, a friend of mine (who also blogs) and I were discussing this very topic. I must admit that I do indeed edit myself because of the people I know who do read my blog. I really do aim to express myself kindly, and I promised myself I would not be cruel or unkind to anyone, deliberately. So when I post something that is possibly controversial, I try to make sure I have no one in mind specifically when posting, and I use names and identities only with permission.
Of course, sometimes an opinion just plain angers some people whether it be aimed at them or not, and then it is their problem!
And , I have used Blogger's amazing and instant "delete" button on a post more than once when it has been brought to me that my post has or may cause, hurt....so I guess I do edit myself.
What does "censor" mean? The word ain't in my vocabulary.
You got the texture of the orange skin, pretty good.
And about censoring..Jo what was that song-
Do what you wanna do
And go where you goin to
-and it could be-
think for yourself 'cause I'll be there with you
Funny you should post that. My 'friend' got all offended becuase I had a bitch about him. Long story short, I agree. Write what the hell you want.
And post some more art, its much better than what i'm doing now (art lesson lol)
keep bing yourself. You have hundreds of followers now... you are bound to ruffle somebody's feathers once in a while.
Hang in there.
mean, mean people all around. dont worry you're awesome and a great inspiration to a lot many so please keep writing, and drawing. they are not boring, at all. :)
it took my specs to realize that the oranges were painting, i swear!
be yoself, be yoself, be yoself,XD
and oh yea,i can hardly wait for yo next writing. :O)
I enjoy reading your blog. Do I agree with every little thing you write? No, but then I don't agree with everything from anyone. How else will we continue to learn during this life if we don't read and experience new things. We can't agree with it all.
I censor myself somewhat because I have some mean and petty co-workers who live to cause tension in our workplace; thus, I have a disclaimer on my blog. Otherwise, I don't write anything that I wouldn't talk about in person anyway, not because I'm censoring but because that is a rule I try to live by.
P.S. I like your paintings.
Jo,
I really enjoy reading your blog, you bring up good topics, your not just a fluff blog. I don't use any names or pictures of my family and friends on my blog, I do have a personal blog that only the people I invite can view, I use this one for family and friends photos and stories, so far not one has complained. I say be yourself, it is your darn blog and they do not have to read it if they don't want to, and you have the right to write about what you want, just like I don't watch certain tv shows or movies or read certain books but that doesn't mean I don't think others have the right too! You go Jo! we would miss you if you weren't yourself!
I've never found your blog boring and I wish you'd show us more of your little paintings.
My life is very boring now, but that wasn't always the case. I never did anything illegal...but still I prefer not to shock my super religious, conservative family members. So I just avoid posting about a lot of things. My blog will probably always be mainly about cats and the nature around me.
I have actually told very few people in real life that I have a blog and even fewer know where to find it. I think that is mostly because I don't want to have to worry about what I say on there.
I think we all censor our words to a degree. I haven't been doing this for very long, but I haven't been offended by anything on your blog. We can all state our own opinions without being offensive and I think you do it quite well! Like your art, too!
I think people worry too much about what other people say/think about them. It's your blog, say what you want.
That said, I keep mine anonymous on purpose. I mean if you knew me in real life, you could figure out that it's my blog because I talk about specific things that happen on there, but I don't put any personally identifiable information like my name or city or names of my friends and family because I don't want strangers being able to find me or them. And I don't want random people I sort of know in real life reading my innermost thoughts either.
Why is it ok for strangers to read them then? I dunno. I guess because you can't really hurt me with them, you can't throw them back in my face.
But Jo, if anyone takes offense at your blog, then they're the kind of people who would take offense at anything. There's nothing I've ever seen here that's rude or mean, and like you and others have said, they don't have to read it anyway.
I seldom talk about work and about co-workers. I have even had to remove one post once I found out someone from work found my blog. I also try to leave family out. Just isn't worth the misunderstandings. I did once ask a relative permission to blog about something i their lives but respected their wish when they said no. So, you are right that you only see part of me on the blog.
Jo, i must start by saying, it's a great honor to have you as a follower and i love following a majority of two, you've got a good mix of serious issues as well as humorous stories. i've been blogging for about a month now and in the beginning i found it difficult to write, like the song says, words didn't come easy... to me... now i'm completely hooked. thanx for being such a great inspiration to me and i hope you get your moJO back soon.
my favorite peace was the one about your toilet thingy... and the law one of yesterday.
That glove will always be a favorite of mine.
ן wish I were able to draw something like your "funny little paintings".
Hi Jo-
I am so sorry you had to find out the Anonymous Jerk was someone you actually knew. I really hope it wasn't someone close to you. How awful that your wonderful blogging was affected by someones rude comments. Please don't let them distroy your beautiful spirit and funny musings!
I admit I censor what a say on my blog because I do allow anyone to read it. I am afraid of my ex finding me, so I am very cautious not to reveal my current location. (He can cause more fear in me then dying). I try not to hide my feelings however, I want to be honest with myself and to my readers.
TheChicGeek, yes, I think my blog is written respectfully too. I have my own opinions, but I do try to be kind and diplomatic as well. Your blog is fabulous, by the way!
Avril, no, I don't blog about my family either -- such as it is. I think most people will admit I never mention them.
Ivan, "How come jerks don't know they're jerks?" I love it! It's so true, isn't it!?
Miss Nobody, thank you. :-) I don't care who reads my blog either. What they see is what they get.
LovelyPrism, thank you. It seems odd to me that some people will post negative comments on the most innocuous posts! I don't get it!
KathyB, well, I have actually deleted a few blogs of mine in the past, but I'm not going to do it anymore. If people don't care for my blog, they can move on. There's nothing offensive here anyway. *sigh*
Mark, Yay...!!! That's the attitude! :-)
Budh.aaah, yes! I love that song. I my put the lyrics on my side bar. :-)
Greenpanda, thank you! Well, some people will take offense at anythnig, won't they? *sigh*
Carl, yes, that is true. I need to develop a thicker skin, I think -- especially when people shoot daggers. *heh*
Autumn Twig, thank you...! My gosh! Yes, there are mean people everywhere, sadly. We can't do anything about that.
White Crow, wow! Thank you. I did the painting for a special friend of mine, and he now has the painting in his house. :-)
Nicole, oh yes, I would not want everyone to agree with me. What a boring world that would be, right? And that's what makes blogging so much fun, isn't it?
Judi, a lot of my friends and co-workers read my blog and they all seem to like it. Sometimes family members can get a little silly, though. *sigh*
Deb, thank you! You know, we all have our own likes, dislikes, ideas, opinions, etc., don't we? And our blogs should reflect those things.
Carla, I like your blog, but I can read between the lines that you were are definitely not a boring person! *heh*
Katy, well, my blog is fairly innocuous, so I don't care who reads it. But I do feel bad when they slam me unnecessarily. It's never acceptable -- on the blogs on in "real" life.
Kathy, thank you. I don't think I am an offensive person in "real" life either. At least I try not to be!
Scarlethue, "...if anyone takes offense at your blog, then they're the kind of people who would take offense at anything." I have indeed found that to be the case, unfortunately.
LGS, I think your blog and mine are fairly similar in that we post about "outside" things, rather than many of the things that go on inside our lives. I don't want to do things that hurt people, and I wish other people felt the same way. *sigh*
Jozeygirl, you will find in time that your blog posts write themselves ... you are just along for the ride. It's a lot of fun, and I know you will enjoy it.
Charles, thank you...!
DUTA, thank you too...!
Arley, yes, it was someone I actually know. I don't know the reason for the vitriolic attacks. They weren't necessary. *sigh*
JO !! never mind the person who is a negative doodle-wad. you have 600 followers !!! thats 600 people JO LOL !!! n if 100 people didnt like the blog, u would still have 500 followers!!! LOl have i scared you yet??? seriously, Jo ... ur blog rocks !!
I believe in always writing whatever strikes your fancy.
you should always write what you feel. the whole world is made up of various folks with varying opinions. trying to please everybody would be a waste of time.keep on doing what your'e doing because it seems to work.....bye 4 now, jc....ps. how did you find out about anonymous?
Leilani, yes, I do find it intimidating at times. Phew! My boring-little-blog! *heh*
Paula, yes! That's exactly how I feel too. Just write from day to day.
Jackc50, oh, I had a pretty good idea who it was. It just makes me sad, sad, sad!
Nice post!
Would you like to exchange links with our new blog COMMON CENTS where we blog about the issues of the day?
http://www.commoncts.blogspot.com
Jo,
You write a wonderful blog and I always look forward to reading it. As to censorship, well I find I am careful about who I let know I blog and I try not to directly identify family, friends or work mates. But then my blog is mainly just a book blog so it shouldn't really upset anyone and I try to never say anything negative about people I know or work. I find I do try to phrase things carefully if I am making a political comment of any kind, knowing how heated some people can get, but we all have a right to our opinions. I can't imagine why anyone would find the need to negatively comment on your blog, it is respectful and honest and beautifully written and the art work is lovely, I envy your obvious creative talent, both as a writer and artist.
I don't censor my blog any more than I do in real life. That said, I had a real potty mouth for a long time and do try to keep my foul mouth under control. Every once in awhile, I'll let something fly that I regret.
You can't let people hurt your feelings. Write because you must. Whether anyone else even looks at it, much less has a decent word to say about it is inconsequential.
Congratulations on your award. Your blog is always like sitting down to tea and apple pie with a good friend who quietly nourishes with common sense, humor and caring (and great art on the walls, even.)
I just read what you said at LGS's blog and was deeply saddened to hear it. I had thought things were going smoothly, as they should, for you and the munchkins.
If you need to delete my comment, I'll understand.
nice drawings jo!
i agree that we should be true to who we are and censoring ourself is a form of falsehood...i am very open on my blog, not really worried about who is reading it...though my husband did censor one of my posts about sex, marriage and spirituality (; yes, i chose to take it down for him so it was my choice...
Jo, you have become one of the blogger's elite and I am so proud of you.
Just don't want to loose you.
Commoncents, thank you. I will check your blog out.
Book Pusher, thank you. I rarely talk about anyone in my "real" life, except recently I talked about slicing my hand open several times on a lock, but that's pretty much the extent of it. The lock has now been fixed, BTW. :-)
Leah, yes, I agree. Totally! And I grew up in a logging town and had two brothers, so I grew up with a potty mouth too. I work next to a very religious woman whom I really like, and I regularly hear her cussing and swearing. It is a very sweet, redeeming quality in her.
Hearts, thank you. Well, yes, I seem to be in a constant state of confusion. I can get into heaps of trouble just for breathing in and breathing out ... breathing in and breathing out ... *sigh*
Mona, yes, I agree. People are not always going to agree with us -- with our politics, tastes in music, art, etc., -- but that should not deter us from voicing our opinions, should it?
Ruth, thank you! No, I enjoy blogging, so I am not going anywhere for the time being at least. :-)
Hi Jo,
I seem to be floating in the same boat as you. Though no one (read family) reads my blog, but some just knows I blog, and he has a problem with it. I get taunted, abused and ranted at what a bad person I am. It hurts no end. But what can I do. I shed a few tears whenever my 'anonymous' strikes, then I am back here, coz I know I am not doing anything wrong.
So lets cheer up...u & me.
You write beautifully, and about great subjects. I am your biggest fan and want to see you happily blogging. Hugs.
I hope I am never chosen as a blog of note because I would have to give up life as I know it in order to keep up with comments. I resist censoring myself because of who might read my blog. EXCEPT -- I stay away from writing about work. No sense in threatening my job.
I don't think your blog is boring at all Jo! I love your drawings too. I sit to read your blog at the end of the day. "What does Jo have to say today?"
You hit it sister - now I find myself asking permission before I say certain things. It's very annoying.
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