I know I project this happy go-lucky front, but sometimes not so much; it really is just a front. Inside I am a bundle of insecurities and I take everything way too personally.
Like when I get a nasty-gram email from an anonymous person. Or another anonymous person keys my car while it is parked at the Mall. Or when yet another anonymous person gives my book an insanely cruddy review because I use the word, "Yum."
Perhaps I am too thin skinned, I know I am, always hoping that everyone likes me. Which many people do and of course that makes it even harder when someone lashes out. Particularly when they hide behind the cloak of anonymity! Geez, that is kind of a cheap shot, at least I think so.
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| "The Moon's Burden redux"- Acrylic, Wood Icing, graphite, ink |
Oh that is lousy. Well I just wanted you to know how much I still love using your stencils and my art clubbers love them too. I haven't tried them yet in the plaster class- hmmm... Maybe this weekend. Hope you have a better day tomorrow filled with lots of blessings.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!! I needed to hear something nice :)
ReplyDeleteThe stencils will rock with the plaster. Just be sure and drop them in a pail of water or wipe clean with a baby wipe.
Tomorrow I am going to make some studio time for myself and move away from this blasted computer, you know what I mean?
When something you create comes from deep inside you; you can't help but take criticism personally! Sorry for the negative comments. That sucks! Love the book and your stencils very much!!!!
ReplyDeleteHugging you
SueAnn
mary beth, just remember you are better because you have a name you are proud of! whoever that person is must be ashamed as they have no name!we all who enjoy your work and your words have names too! and we are happy to write our names on messages and comments. dont give that person the pleasure of causing you pain! lyle.
ReplyDeletethank you much for sharing. we all have off days, recovery & healing requires venting to move forward. you are a blessing! :)
ReplyDeleteOh my, but if that reviewer had to go to commenting on the word "Yum" as a criticism, to me that speaks volumes about how wonderful the book is (and it IS - I love it!!) - they had to really search for something on which to use a negative comment.
ReplyDeleteSimply put - you can't control the behaviors of people who simply have nothing better to do than to act like children. Love your work, love your story, love the book & the stencils. Keep inspiring us and asking us to think gloriously outside the box like you do.
Cindy
Mary Beth....I love this piece! The contrasts are so rich:D
ReplyDeleteWell! YUM! YUM! YUM! One of my favorite, most descriptive words. Bah humbug to those anonymous people!!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous is a coward. Always has been.
ReplyDeleteXO
p.s. I LOVE this painting!
I think I have the best blog readers in the world. Honestly I didn't write this to have you guys pump me up (although I really appreciate that you do!) but was just trying to show the other side. Thank you all so much for your very kind and intelligent comments.
ReplyDeleteHi! Wanted to let you know that I bought your book yesterday and I can't wait to dive in this weekend. I think you ROCK, but I know how easy it is to lose sight of all the good stuff when the not-good stuff happens. Hope your sad day turns around! -Shelly
ReplyDeleteOh those of little hearts, minds, and spirits. I try to remember that they are miserable souls trying to pass their pain on someone else. Be BRave GIrl don't let them get you down! I know how you feel! I think that when we put ourselves out there it is bound to happen. Why is it that one rotten apple hits us harder than all of the good ones we get? I for one think you are fabulously talented! Love the piece BTW - just love it!
ReplyDeleteHow absolutely awful and so cowardly to hide behind anonymity! I just wanted to tell you how much I LOVE your book and your work, and, yes, I also find your book yummy!!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe anyone would send you an awful email like that and do so without putting their name to it. I think you are great. Never forget that when someone does something like that, it is because of their own poor character and insecurities and NOT your own. You are a very bright and happy person and YOU are making the world better by doing so...just dwell on that instead. Happy artmaking:)
ReplyDeleteI know just how you feel..theyt are just cowards, please don't let them upset youxxyou are worth more than thatx
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my http:chocolatelifeandjazz.blogspot.com sitex
My art site is called http://tryingtocreatearteveryday.blogspot.com
if you have time to look..have fun and don't let those idiots get you downx lynda
One of my favorite quotes:
ReplyDelete"You can complain that roses have thorns or you can rejoice that thorns have roses."
There will always be thorns...
but we choose to ignore them
as we enjoy the scent and beauty
of the rose. YOU are a full bouquet in a lovely vase. YUM!
Sometimes life can really hand it to us! Know it's knocked the stuff'n out of you this week, but I also know you will see how loved and appreciated you are. And hey, it's in the dictionary and nothing seems to express all those wonderful colours and layers better than 'yummy!'
ReplyDeleteI am very thin-skinned myself, so I understand. It is pretty sad that those who are critical can't even have the gumption to use their names. I know it's hard, but try and ignore the nameless buttheads (yes, easier said than done, and I should heed my own advice...). Also, may I say I love this pieace of art you posted? Wow!
ReplyDeleteWe can only change ourselves, not others. It is crappy that someone keyed your car - why would someone do that?? It is crappy that someone doesn't like the words you use to describe things (I think they are your words and a part of you that is wonderful so keep 'em all!!). It's always a downer when people are mean for no reason. Cruelty is so prevalent. But don't let anyone turn your smile off - or dampen your spirit. You are a wonderful person - fun, intelligent, creative, curious, open, and all those other good things we all want to be. Get into the studio and paint out the blues until you turn them into golden glows again :)
ReplyDeleteYou put in words what most of the artists suffer from... that's part of being an artist I guess: feeling insecure and 'feeling it all'... Bad words and anonymous unkindness hits us hard. I'm so the same! And I think a lot of us feel what you feel... I hope the sun will shine for you this weekend!
ReplyDeleteBan the anonymous commenters, and know that if they have to say something mean, especially anonymously, then they are insecure and secretly jealous of you. Your book is WONDERFUL and I LOVE it! I am excited to be starting my summer vacation on Monday, so I can really sit down and devour ALL of it!!!! ♥ What you have done, in writing and creating a great book, is truly done by VERY FEW. Stand up and smile for being a brave, perseverant person, who also is wildly, originally creative. Honestly. Take it from anothet thin-skinned person like me. I can see this clearly and you come out on top! ~Kathy
ReplyDeleteMary Beth, hello. I have just discovered your blog, because I bought your book and cannot wait to start working through it. I know how you feel - as a writer myself, you get the crud as well as the euphoria. I want to review your book on my new professional book blog - I only created it this week so as yet it doesn't look much. And I promise I do not do 'nasties' - been at it too long to start doing that; why go out of your way to upset people? I wish you every success with your book and will be in touch shortly.
ReplyDeleteAnd I see you know my very dear friends, Kristi & Bill Steiner; they have stayed with us for the last five years when they visit England.
Whining is good for the soul. Besides, you aren't really whining as much as regretting someone else's nasties. Let them blow away and enjoy your creativity.
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome, Mary Beth Shaw. Don't let anyone else make you ever feel any less than that.
ReplyDeleteSadness that others are in a place where they have nothing better to do but strike out, yes. Sadness that this world could be such a nice place if people would just think and care a bit more, yes.
Let the sadness flow and then get filled up with that wonderful Mary-Beth-ness again.
You rock, Lady ! Thank you for all you put into the world !!!!!
Anonymous doesn't get along with anyone :)
ReplyDeleteI think he/she never learned how to play .... Or got to eat something that was truly "yum!"
Thanks for being so honest and human. Sometimes when reading blogs I wonder if they are too good to be true; everyones entitled to a few poopy days here and there. Your book-fabulous,I would even say Yummy,your honesty-refreshing. I'm sure that sensitivity and insecurity make you a better artist. Carol
ReplyDeleteTo many people in this world are mean spirited and say/type/text things that are inexcusable. I continually ask the questions why are adults so judgmental and think their hurtful opinion is necessary to share ? I love your work you have posted lately....so much great energy, beautiful colors and fabulous texture.
ReplyDeleteMB Shaw...you are the ginchiest. and you encaustic/plaster work? in a word, YUM.
ReplyDeleteLinda
The only way to deal with those sad souls I have come to learn is to P I T Y them. Not that you didn't already know that, but sometimes it helps to get a reminder from someone who believes that those neggie anonymous commenters have not been as fortunate as you or I and their path has been fraught with hurt so much so that it has become their nature to reflect it onto others.
ReplyDeleteEach time I get a 'shot' of black energy from another soul, it gives me even more reason to be grateful for the life I have been given.
I'm looking for a way to join your blog Mary Beth because I love your explorations and your amazing talent and spirit! Hope I'll find it immediately after I press ENTER now!! :0)