NOTE- I am overwhelmed at the kindness of my readers, friends and students for their lovely posts on my behalf...I am sincerely so thankful for each of you who took time to write me. I think this whole thing hit me at a vulnerable time in my life and I reacted more than I normally would have. I usually laugh off people like this knowing they are shallow and need something in their own lives. Thank you again sincerely for being so loving to me.
This week I got a negative comment and I want to share it here and address it.
I am doing it two fold reasons. I can tell the person is negative and critical and anyone who comes to someone's blog and writes such a trite and nasty note attacking someone's personality first and then her art needs to get psychiatric help.
This person wrote this to me...
"You are silly and immature and your quilts were cute ten years ago but are so predictible now and it is so predictible you need to grow up you (sic) style. ANNON. (Naturally this person did not sign it)
Now in fairness I want to say that I am not NOT silly and I am not immature and my quilts are NOT cute first of all. I am a happy andI like to share things that make others happy too. I put my hands in God's and know that my life can continue to be happy because He loves me, my family loves me and my many friends love me too. This is all because I love them.
My quilts are folk art that tell about MY life and the life around me. Like them or not I have my own style which people recognize and that is a nice accomplishment. I approach quilting from a happy positive approach and I use art principles (I studied in school) and they have done well by me and my students also. I am leaving a legacy of stories, feelings and time lines in my work.
I don't know anyone who would waste time writing something that is only meant to hurt.
Sister Mary Turnbow a professor at Gonzaga University who was one of my mentors said "do not worry about someone who asks "how you feel" when doing your art. Your art should speak for itself and if they do not recognize this, then it is them and not you.
I want to write this because I want others to remember this when they do quilts or paintings or anything from their soul. We are here for such a short time and we have so many good things to share. Don't be a hater. Be a kind loving person who is a cheerleader instead.
And for those of you who have written me so many nice things, including praying for my husband who is having cancer surgery on the 20th, I am thankful for YOU daily and God knows I pray for YOUR many blessings and the idea that you enjoy building up, being creative, sharing and bringing happiness to those that really need it.
This is Thankful MONTH and I am happy for all of you who have been so great and supportive.
31 comments:
Sorry you had to receive such a negative comment just meant to bully as is so common these days. Please know your work is fun, creative, imaginative and brings many smiles to so many people. You have challenged me to think outside my box this year and I have had a blast working on hoochy blocks! Thank you for your generous spirit in teaching others who sincerely appreciate your creative energy! Carol in Texas
I took a class from you last year. I have always loved your
work and was so thrilled to get to take a class from you finally...
Don't let a negative crank bother you. Some people would never speak
if they waited to say something nice. They are just grumpy, unhappy people. Praying for your husband and his surgery. My brother in law had similar surgery many years ago and is cancer free
at 74. Both of you keep a good spirit while you wait for good news.
Wow! Who pee'd in her soup? That is awful. I continue to be inspired to see the good in everything because of you and your positive outlook. Your quilts are masterpieces and they are BEAUTIFUL, made with love and thoughtfulness, I'm sure they will be treasured forever. Please know that poster stands alone (and is probably very lonely if that is how she communicates through life-pathetic).
I am so sorry! I came close to posting yesterday on your apology for not posting photos of recent quilts that have been sent your way, but I didn't. I wanted you to know that no apology was needed. You take all the time you need and tend to your husband, we will be here for you, no need for an apology. You are so kind and generous to all of us by sharing your blog and art with us. I have received much beyond measure from following you. It is my dream that one day our paths will cross in person and not just on my screen in front of me right now.
Blessings to you and yours dear friend.
Rondi
So sorry to learn about the person who wrote to criticize you instead of finding value in your positive works. Every quilt you do brings a smile and it's clear that you are a happy lady, blessed with talent and love.
Hope that all goes will with your husband's surgery - it will truly be a Thanksgiving of gratefulnes this year.
Some People - what else can you say. I took your class in WV last year and it was AMAZING! It gave me a chance to celebrate my love of sewing and the two wonderful women in my life that passed that to me. I do think your quilts are Cute, Amazing & Artistic - Cute isn't a bad word in my book - the story's are wonderful and this lady should look at the wonderful memories you are creating. You bring so much to your students and those who see your ART! Thanks for being YOU! Praying for you and Mark.
I hope and pray that you did not let that comment bother you one bit. I'm so sad that people who say horrible, negative things won't have a dialogue. I am convinced that they won't leave their name because, on some level, they know what they said was wrong. They don't want to let the world see their ugliness. I let an unkind (well, actually mean) quilt judge's comments keep me from quilting for over 10 years. Looking back on that time, I can see that the stress and worry I had in my personal life had taken down the "wall of wellness" that protects me from unhappy, jealous people. For some reason, it seems that mean people can sense that your "wall" is down. I have come to believe in my old age that there are just mean people. Any farmer will tell you that there are also mean animals. They don't come along very often but they are a real fact of life. Farmers often have to put those animals down because they cannot live with the other animals. We can't do that with mean people...lol.
Your work has inspired me for many years. I eagerly buy any book you write, I have a Mary Lou Weidman Pinterest board, I wrote (if you recall) Ten Things Mary Lou Weidman Taught Me. I wish I had your natural talent and I appreciate your kind, nurturing teaching methods. You have tons of fans like me. We all love you and your work!
Screw the mean lady.
Cheery wave from
Bev
You know, I think people who leave comments like you received are the ones with a problem. I feel sorry for them. They must be in misery to be so hateful. Don't let them get to you. I guess there will always be people like that. You are the bigger ad better person. Continue what you do for all of us who love your style and appreciate the loving person that you are.
You have said it all wonderfully. You are such an inspiration, in your life and quilts. You are one very special person. Thank you for all your wonderful thoughts.
I also had the good fortune to take your class and smile everytime I look at my Hootchy Mama sampler! There will always be someone out there who has such a bitter spirit that they have to try and bring others down. Know that every person who has spent time with you remembers that experience fondly. You and your husband are in my prayers.
Marylou, so sorry. I can see this touched you deeply. I think her comments are trite not your "Art". I think she needs prayers too.
I am not anonymous. . .michalee in San Diego
Wow. When did silly and "immature" become a bad thing anyways? If you can't smile and enjoy life what's left? I'd hate to see what they think of my work. They'd have a heart attack. LOL.
There will always be the negative ninny. I feel kinda sorry for people like that. They must live such sad lives with nothing better to do.
You are doing what you LOVE, others LOVE what you are doing and you are making a living doing it. So who's silly now!
MaryLou, You have been a huge inspiration all through my quilting life! I think I have told you about seeing you at market the first year Aunt Mary's was a reality. Just being in awe of the things you create and the all the thought involved in your work. AMAZING!!!!! I will always be a fan. I count you among my friends now and feel so blessed! I have had a few bad comments also. It's very hard to take. Everyone is intiteled to there opinion I suppose. It's just to bad they are so wrong!!! Keep on! The world needs more like you. Love, Carrol
Mary Lou,
I have many of your books and have taken classes and some retreats with you. I do not think this knows you or your philosophy.
I say to people, read the books and use it in your own particular stlyle and I'm sure you will find it helpful.
I love your suggestions for sparking creativity use them often to help inspire me.
Keep your head up and look to the light as you always do, we love you for being who you are.
Sandi in New Westminster B. C.
I loved the Happy Campers comment - "Who pee'd in her soup?" I've never heard that but think I might use it in the future! I'm so sorry that a negative comment like that bothered you. You are an awesome, talented, loving, caring, sharing person, and anyone who really knows you knows that. You have found your niche in the quilting world, and you bless and encourage many people with your incredibly meaningful quilts. Detach from the negative and certainly don't let her live rent free in your head! I'm continuing to pray for good results from the surgery - enjoy each precious moment!!
Oh Mary Lou.....some people are like overflowing garbage cans just waiting to be bumped into so they can spill their misery all over everyone. Her remarks were groundless. I have found you to be one of the most delightful women I have ever met. I love your classes and love story quilts! They are valuable keepsakes for my family! Add me to your list of people who will pray for a wonderful outcome regarding your husbands surgery. Donna A.
Hi!!! I can't imagine why anyone would want to be so cruel...I know someone saying something like that while you are going through so much already is like kicking you when your down!!! Luckily I can't imagine you being down!!! You cheer up the rest of us with your Happy art!!! I hope all of us can help you a little to keep happy during this time!!! Sending prayers!!!
Dear, dear Mary Lou, you are fantastic and loving. Your work is so inspiring and uplifting. God is with you. It was good for you to write about that sad, sad person and her words - good to let it go and get back to your wonderful work. Hugs to you, Karen
Well said, Mary Lou!
I'm so sorry someone attacked you like that. It's unfortunate that people will hide behind the internet to say and do things they would never do in public. Personally, I've not yet done one of your style of quilts (but I have plans!) but I love them. I love the beauty, the joy, the art and the whimsy of them. Just looking at your work makes me smile. I'm sure those hurtful words came from a bitter heart and I hope some light finds a way into that life soon. In the meantime, know that many of us love and appreciate you and your work and know that you and your husband will be in my prayers for a successful surgery. Best wishes, Beth Strand
Mary Lou what a sad person to write that nasty comment to you. Your work is not at all predictable, though your style is recognizable. I love to see what new pieces you've created. Some people are so unhappy in life, all they can do is try to bring others to that same sad place. Keep on quilting!!
Mary Lou what a sad person to write that nasty comment to you. Your work is not at all predictable, though your style is recognizable. I love to see what new pieces you've created. Some people are so unhappy in life, all they can do is try to bring others to that same sad place. Keep on quilting!!
Mary Lou, you just have to feel sorry for someone that unhappy.
Your quilts are neither silly nor predictable. They are lovely, and show your stories well. You inspire us all. Thank you for sharing your happy self. We love you.
There will always be haters...I feel sorry for those who can't see that tearing someone else down will not build them up. Keep doing what it is that makes you happy and share what you want with us...we aren't complaining!
Personally I love your quilts and look forward to reading your blogs...there was an program on NPR last week on what makes a person act like a troll on the internet. Really interesting but at the end of the day they are still just not nice people!
That's so much like painful High School days that I recall...moody hormonal girls & some return there when they start experiencing those "personal summers"!
But let's go back further, to days of running through puddles & jumping in piles of leaves & swinging over the creek and dropping in just as you've reached the highest point.
If you are silly...then it is noticed that your approach to life and your quilting are playful.
If you are immature...then you exude youthfulness...
things that can really bug some people when they're not feeling so good about themselves.
I can't understand why a person would post such negative remarks. It hurts to think that some people have so much hatred in their heart.
I love your quilts, books, and your style.
I love the poster asking "who peed in her soup?" I've never heard that before and it is so appropriate.
Using anon because I don't remember my google info.
Carol Ann
PS I HOPE IT WAS A CAMEL!
I LOVE your quilts and I would love to take one of your classes, but you don't come to my area (brooklyn ny) very often. I can[t believe someone could be so cruel. I have a feeling they are just jealous of your talents. I love your books as well, and hope you will have another one out soon.
Wow, what a sad and infantile remark! Anyone who has peeked into any of your books knows that you are a talent to be reckoned with, and you also have the rare gift of inspiring others to be creative! Your books are the ones that I go back to again and again, whenever I want to "charge my batteries!"
Mary Lou, I love your quilts. Like many of the comments, i sure would love to take a class from you. I love your quilts. they put a smile on my face. Just keep up the good work.
How sad. I just found your blog and your wonderful quilts. What a blessing your joy is to share with others! Thank you for spreading love and joy and happiness. Your creativity and positive attitude are a blessing for me. I feel sorry for those who feel the need to say mean things. It is a shame.
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