Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Thanks For Cooking Dinner....

I have had a few comments and a few emails saying I am seeking attention with my last post. Truly that was not my intent. My post was more about how it takes time to make a post and it is nice to have a few comments every now and then about a project.

Let us put this in perspective for a moment. Bear with me and play along, please. Let's pretend for a moment that you cook a fabulous dinner for a house full of guests. You are careful in making a fantastic menu, something that pleases everyone's tastes. You polish all the silverware to a gleaming shine, making sure there are no spots on the glassware, set out the best dinnerware you have and setting the table to the impeccable standards of that *okie refrains from using words that come to mind* Martha Stewart. All of your guests join around the table and partake of the meal you worked so hard on providing for them. After dinner they all leave and not one of the guests make a comment about any of the meal or the setting or even seem to notice your efforts.

After all of this you are standing at the kitchen doing the dishes what would you think? Would you think your efforts were worth the work you put into the dinner? Or would you think that your efforts were not worth the time and feel discouraged to ever throw another dinner party?

Now, let's pretend, right as you were getting ready to turn off the lights there was a light knock at the door and you answer the door and there stands one guest who has returned and gives you a hug and thanks you for a wonderful meal. After telling them they are welcome and hugging them back you close the door and lean up against the door with a smile on your face knowing at least someone appreciated the efforts suddenly made you feel "yeah...that was worth it!"

Even in our day to day life people like to know their efforts are appreciated. Yes, oddly enough I am human and I do like to be told every now and then "thanks for posting" "love the color combo" or even "your project looks like shit" or at least something. If that makes me an attention seeker because I like to be acknowledge for my efforts then so be it...think of me how you will. One reader said it was unlike me to need stroking and thinks my account has been hacked, I do not want stroking, just a simple acknowledgement from time to time.

I do appreciate all the comments and encouragement that has been extended today. It did show me there are people who appreciate my postings and even some of my projects. I had to laugh as one dear friend/reader commented "Give flowers to the living" and thought "SHE GETS IT!" and it drove home the point that it sometimes takes someone one just giving up before anyone really notices.

51 comments:

  1. I do understand where you are coming from, I usually read your post at night by email, I will make the effort to read it from here and comment, wish you would cook for me :)

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  2. Lesson learned! See you can teach us old folks a thing of two. Thanks for the memories!

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  3. I get it! Its 100% ok to ask/need feedback. We all need it, thats how we improve and grow. The problem is not everyone is smart enough to seek it when it has not been given.;) I must admit blogging is a little weird for me. I love reading your posts and lol at some of them. (The picture of your daughter in the bathroom, lol, I would not have not been a happy daughter. lol)Its weird because I feel like I know you and yet I dont really know you. I will say I comment on your posts more than any other blog I visit, its just at times I wonder if you find it weird that a stranger is posting on your blogg? Just a thought? Any who, I love al of your projects, I dont however have MTC or any other nifty cutters, except the cricut. Which, I'm afraid I have to keep, I just cant be tied to a computer. Even though PC really does Bug me. Get it bug me... lol I hope that whatever it is that has you feeling down, you find peace in it, and that you at least keep checking in once in a while. Take Care,
    Daviet

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  4. I get it, Im Sorry

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  5. Good analogy (did I spell that right??)

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  6. Yet again...another dinner well served. Thanks, Okie!

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  7. You're right. I enjoy the dinner but very seldom thank the cook. Thank you and I'll try to do better...'cause I LOVE your blog.

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  8. Oh I get it...know that you cook a mean meal, Okie!! :)

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  9. Awe please forgive me. I have eaten at your fabulous table many times but have been ill mannered enough not to say thank you. For that I am sorry. So today, thank you and I don't think you were looking for attention. We all like to know there is someone out there who likes what we do.
    Myrna

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  10. she s right i feel bad because
    I am one who REALLY enjoys your
    blog so I am hoping you keep
    up the great work.

    I will remember to respond
    more often

    fergie

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  11. I have been there many times in real life with the cooking deal, unless my Sister is here. Never a thank you and never anyone help cleans up.
    I am sorry for the person/people that thinks you are an attention getter. They must not read much about you. I would think for the most part you can have all the attention you want, with that said EVERYONE likes a little thank you every now and then. So thank you....and I really mean....
    thank you my friend ... hummm ( wonders if it is ok to call Okie my friend) I hope!!

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  12. One more thing....There are only three blogs that I read faithfully and that is yours, Linda's and Enfys's. I don't post everyday on theirs either for the same reasons that I posted earlier. Need to be a better friend.

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  13. I enjoy your blog for the humor & your creative projects, but I have a hard time leaving comments from my iPad, so I don't usually comment on blogs regularly.

    I don't think you were trying to get attention at all. You have to do what's right for you. I saw your quote, "I just wanna make chit!" and it sounds like you're using too much of your time to provide details & instructions and not create. Maybe you can just share your projects & let the readers use you for inspiration, not a free class.

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  14. I commented on your earlier post. I'm commenting again. Anyone who said that hasn't followed you long! You blog with your heart and say what you mean. I'm a poor commenter for that I am sorry. Right now blogging isn't meeting your needs. I'll miss your posts but ya gotta do what ya gotta do to make yourself happy.

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  15. I think that part of the reason people blog is to share thoughts, feelings or things they love. Well, you share all of that and sometimes it is nice to hear back that people love the same things you do. You go to alot of trouble to post projects and tutorials. It is nice to feel appreciated. What is so wrong about that. Thanks for all you do. I love your projects and your wit cracks me up. Thank you. Sandy C.

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  16. This is a wonderful post!! I eat at your table every danged day and have been terrible about thanking the cook so THANK YOU SO MUCH!! (just don't ask for me to pitch in for groceries...lol. I am on a limited income...lol) Love you Okie!!

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  17. As I sat here reading your post and all the comments I realized that was my problem! I always read the comments too. After reading them I think there is nothing I could add that someone has not already said. I think, she doesn't know me from Adam, what I have to say won't matter to her. This post has made me stop and think about all the times I've told a clerk to have a good day, or thanked someone for holding the door for me. I don't know these people either, but I still acknowledge them! I will acknowledge the blogs I frequent more often. You have let me into your family and your life through your blog. I truly would miss it. I would miss you, your family and extended family, your wit, Lucy and the stories about you clients and your lovely neighbor Naomi.
    I'm sorry I have been such an inconsiderate guest. I will do better.
    Diana Collander

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  18. Okie Thanks for the best company and a great meal! Don't you ever give up posting. I have followed you for a long time, and I dont always say thanks for all you have done and will do, but I mean it from my heart.Thank you! Thank you!
    You are very appreciated!!!
    Lindacrew4

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  19. Thank you for the efforts you put into your posts. I rarely comment but will try to leave more comments going forward. Love your ideas and inspiration!!!

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  20. That's exactly why Thanksgiving isn't high on my list of fave holidays.
    If you do give up your blog, keep writing! You are good at expressing yourself.

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  21. okie hunny, just ignore all those negative people....and imagine poking them in the eye with a carrot!!
    I still use the cuttlebug embossing folder you designed in CDS a few years ago and think of you everytime I get a new folder and hit cut ready to emboss it for my box
    huge hugs and love for a talented, gorgeous Lady who shares which is extremely special might I add
    Lou xxxx

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  22. Another one here who reads, but doesn't comment enough..... I'm sorry. I love your blog, I love your creativity and would miss that if you didn't blog. But you must do what you have time for and what makes you happy.
    As a species I don't think human-kind are forthcoming enough with compliments; so Thank you for dinner, and especially clearing up afterwards. :-D
    You are very much appreciated. Jude.x

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  23. I was feeling the same way about our annual Family Christmas party. No help, no thanks, no nothing! I do it for my parents who may not be around much longer but do get a warm, fuzzy feeling from having all the family together at least once a year. With that being said...if you decide to continue, even if it's on a limited basis...I will take a seat at your table and let you know I'm ready for seconds by posting a note to let you know I was there. By the way, I truly aspire to be as creative and talented as you, but some of us have it and some of us are Okie, Jr. Lol Thanks for the memories and the inspirations Okie...from one of your biggest fans...Carrie in WA

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  24. Like a few others here I have partaken of a meal at your dinner parties a time or two. I have said thanks occasionaly. Please keep Blogging. I know it is hard and time consuming. But you help me to laugh and it brightens up my day reading about the things you do in your life. You have so many friends who we have meet through your blog. You are truely blessed. I wish I was as blessed as you.
    Many thanks and please keep it up.
    Brighten up our days PLEASE.

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  25. Enjoy your blog. Humor and wit. Sorry I don't always comment. Will try to do better. I really don't know how you dedicated bloggers find the time. I am retired, home all day and still would not want to have a blog to keep track of but I do enjoy many blogs especially in the middle of the night when sleep will not come easy.
    Thank you for your time and energy and very creative ideas.

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  26. I have tried to leave comments for you before but my work computer and your blog do not play nice together. I check your blog almost daily for inspiration and smiles. I will truly miss your blog if you don't change your mind. Thanks for the memories!

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  27. I have learned a lot from following your blog. Sorry if I have let you down!

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  28. Your posts never fail to bring a smile, a tear, a laugh out loud, or an OMG how did she do that?

    I do comment, but not all of the time. I promise to do better not because you asked but because it's what you deserve. Trying to decide whether I love your creative posts or your life posts is like trying to say which of your children you like best. They are all wonderful.

    Thank you for always being willing to share. hugs to you, eileen

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  29. I just have to agree with Nanna above - I always talk to and say thanks to anyone I meet through out my day, I always read all the comments, but tend to not comment unless I have something different to say than those above me... I'll work on it for all my blogs. Thanks for the lesson - not having a blog myself, I've never really thought about it from the other side. I just felt you would think it weird for me to always comment, even though you don't know me.

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  30. Thanks Okie. I equate it more to my kids and family (cooking isn't my favorite past time). I don't expect to continuously be thanked for getting the groceries, doing their laundry, making sure they are fed (even if I didn't cook it), making sure they have gas for the car, clothes on their back, etc. but it sure is nice to occasionally hear, "Thanks Hon, or Thanks Mom" or Love you or a simple hug!

    I don't read your blog every day, but when I do go in search of a blog to "catch-up" on, yours is one of the first I turn to. I admire your willingness to "share" so openly with the world and wish I could be more like you!

    I also have always appreciated your creativity and know that it will just be expanding by leaps and bounds with MTC. I expect I will be checking in more frequently now that you will be using my favorite tool! For those who think they are "tied" to a computer, I would argue you are no more tied then you are with carts and handbooks looking for that one particular image that really isn't quite what you are looking for!

    Thanks Okie!

    MeFlick

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  31. Okie,
    I love reading your blogs and seeing your projects. You have taught me so much whether it be about crafting or just giving in this life. I was so touched by the card making sessions you held and thought it was such a simple yet incredibly wonderful idea. You gave hope and inspiration to people that may not have found it otherwise.
    I apologize for not commenting. I was afraid it would take up too much of your precious crafting time. I will try harder.
    You deserve every accolade and acknowledgement as you spend soooo much time bringing joy into all of our lives. I don't understand why people have to be negative. I figure they have issues of their own that they don't want to deal with so they take it out on others. I apologize for the naysayers.
    Thank you sooo much for all your posts. I look forward to getting them as they are so real and entertaining as well. I hope you keep on posting. I know exactly where you are coming from as I feel under appreciated for all my time and projects as well.
    Heartfelt thanks!!!!!

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  32. Yours in usually my first blog stop of the day. I always enjoy it, but I am guilty of not leaving comments. I'm so sorry. I don't have a blog, and didn't really think about how much work it is to post something. I will try to leave comments on blogs to let them know they are appreciated. Thank you for the years when I would wake up and think "what is she up to today?". You will be greatly missed. Pat

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  33. Very rarely do I post comments, but I do read your blog everyday. Love the projects and the humor. My talent is not close to yours but I have gotten some great ideas. Thanks Tracy

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  34. i am guilty too. i enjoy reading your blog and seeing all that you have created. your personality cracks me up and you would be one that i would like to hang out with if we lived closer. i work at an icf/mr group home and understand some of your posts. if you decide to quit i understand, just know that you will be missed. i owe you a big THANK YOU!!

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  35. i enjoying reading your blog and seeing your creations. you crack me up. i work at an icf/mf group home and can understand some of your posts. i owe you a big THANK YOU! i understand it takes a lot of time to post everything and certainly understand if you decide to quit posting but know you will me missed.

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  36. Please don't stop blogging! I love to read your blog and will try to comment more often.

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  37. Martha Stewart has nothing on you girlfriend. Can I come to dessert? Better yet, happy hour?? Hope to continue to see you,
    Sheri

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  38. I'm sorry someone was so unsencetive(sp ?) to think you were just trying to get attention. I completely understand. I know how long it takes to take pictures (just right) and edit them and do a posting for my online sales I do so I understand the energy and time it involves. Love your blog !

    Anna N.

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  39. I am guilty of looking but not commenting....not anymore! I totally understand what you are feeling.
    I do not understand though how people can say you are seeking attention. Really? It is YOUR blog right? YOUR crafts, YOUR life. It's about you and that's why I follow you. If you don't like the song, change the station. It's pretty simple.
    Hang in there Okie. There are so many of us followers who would not change a thing!

    Kim S. from N. Ca.

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  40. Pwease done stop. I LOVE LOVE LOVE reading your posts its my morning coffee!

    hugs
    Tina

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  41. Thank you all for understanding! I thought maybe if I put it in an analogy that people might understand more and you definitely do!

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  42. I agree!!! Please don't stop! I can't tell you how many times I have recognized myself within your blog posts. I have truly enjoyed reading each and every one, even if they sometimes made me hurt for you to know what you were going thru was so painful. I can not bare my soul to the entire world as you do and I also admire you for that.
    I truly enjoy your projects and I think you are very, very talented. I only have 9 subscribers to my blog at the moment and I don't post very often because of the time it does take to get everything together.
    However, I will say I have looked forward to when you and all of your friends get together for your Christmas get-together and I am glad you let us peek in on the activities a bit. I wish I had as many close friends as you do to have one of these such get-togethers, I think it would be such a great time!
    So please, please, please don't quit posting.....and I promise I will be better at commenting on what I like, don't like, etc. about things.
    Thanks again for sharing a small piece of your life.

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  43. Oh dear! I do enjoy your blog posts, I forgot my manners. Thank you!

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  44. I have been following for at least two years now. I subscribe by email and love and look forward to reading your posts. I am sorry I don't always comment, but I am always thankful you took the time to post your thoughts and projects.
    But I also get if you are moving to a different season in life, and wish you all of the best.

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  45. Oh, I must agree with Nanna cause she said what I was thinking. I read your blog, and have left comments from time-to-time. Will try to be a better commenter, as I've had so many chuckles reading your blog. And love hearing about your & Linda's adventures...so A BIG THANK YOU for all the inspiration, wisdom, sharing that you've given. I think you must be a very honest, up-front person, and I admire that. It's hard to 'put yourself out there' knowing strangers will read it, I think. You do it well, and it makes your readers feel like they know you 'personally'. So thanks & I hope you will continue when you have time.

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  46. I am also one of the ones who LOVES your blog and I don't comment as often as I should. Your blog is the one blog that I can be guaranteed to put a smile on my face, make my day and oh the inspiration you give!!! I apologize and understand and hope that you will continue and be assured that the message has not been lost and will do much better at commenting on all the blogs that I follow - THANK YOU!!!!

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  47. So sorry Okie. I read your blog more often (pretty much everyday) than I post on my own, because yours is so much better LOL! I really appreciate your humor, stories, insight, and projects. I will try to do better about leaving comments.

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  48. A great analogy, Okie. Haven't read your previous post yet to lead you to this one, but you've opened my eyes as the amazing "meals" you have served us. Not being a blogger myself, I have no idea to the time it takes. It takes 2 people to be friends, and online to have those friendships require comments to the posts. I will be a better at commenting at your table rather than just reading, laughing, and/or crying at your stories.

    If you will allow me to be personal for a moment. On Feb. 5, 2011 my father died of a stroke. I spent that year taking care of my mother who no longer knew who I was nor remembered my dad died. My mom died on Feb. 4, 2012. Throughout this time, I had little time or desire to craft, but took time to view blogs. Your blog truly allowed me to escape the grief I was feeling and allowed me to freely breathe and laugh. So, I thank you! You truly deserve the same. ~Mary in Chattanooga

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