A few days ago I got what I felt was a rather mean spirited comment from someone who I do not recall commenting in the past---(and if she has, please forgive my lapse in memory)......
The comment was chastising me for being a bad blogger because I have not responded to the many comments asking how I am; that it was rude of me and at 84 I should know better.....and saying it was very wrong of me for not letting people who care about me know how I am, and then added, and, "if you are dead...well, RIP."
My Health Issues have really really laid me low and leave me with very little energy for blogging and even for going on the computer, at all.
As many of you know, I have been confined to my home for over 10 years.....not able to go anywhere; not able to participate in any of the life I lived before this disease was diagnosed----and that has been very very hard.
This blog has saved me.
And I have to say, I really hate writing all this to you because I always wanted my blog to be a place of creativity and hopefulness, in spite of what was and is happening to me.
But I'm at a point now where all of my waking hours are just about taking care of my bodily needs and that is very wearing and it takes all my energy.
You will never know just how important all of your friendships are to me.
I guess I should thank the person who chastised me because it did propel me to write this update.....
I love you all with all my heart, and I will continue to stay in touch as best I can, when I can.
Hoping there is More To Come, but I make no promises because I don't really know what is to come......
- had this to say:
Dearest Naomi I'm sure I am not the only one of your friends who would cheerfully throttle that creature who dared to write such vindictive tripe. Not worth even thinking about.
Thank you for the gorgeous photos.
I'm sending all my loving thoughts and wishes. There will be a light and hopefully we shall see it together.- Friday, April 17, 2015 at 2:07:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
naomi, I am so sorry you are going through this. I miss your posts and think of you often. I am adding you to my prayers. You have the best heart and it shows in the post you have written over the years. Your love of your friends is so wonderful and the love of the animals is very special. I hope you are going to have many better days ahead. I'm sending you hugs from way over here in Gulf Breeze, Florida. I wish I had an address to send you a card sometimes. Love to you, Sandy at Raguspug.blogspot
- Friday, April 17, 2015 at 5:23:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
It is a good thing you didn't post her message for I would have gone over to her site and left a huge piece of my mind.
Those who follow you know you are going through a really hard time and while we would love for you to blog and let us know how you are, we understand. Do we worry? Yes we do. Do we care? You bet!!! You are so special to us and have given us so much pleasure via your posts as we got to know you and the people you care about. We all wish we could somehow provide you with some respite and comfort.
Please take good care Naomi and write only when you feel up to it. We are always here for you. You are loved.- Friday, April 17, 2015 at 6:07:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Dear Blogger friend, please ignore the bad words, you are a treasure in my life and I will continue to keep you in my Prayers. Enjoy the garden as it comes to life again and know YOU are Loved. I hope your blog stays up forever !
- Friday, April 17, 2015 at 8:03:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
It's so easy to hide behind a computer and act like the people on the other side of the computer 'owe' you something. They do not. YOU do not owe anyone on the other side of the computer anything more than what you choose to give. Thank you for sharing your amazing stories and your amazing life with us all these years. You will be in my prayers. I hope that you are able to post again, but whether you are or not, I am sure that all of our lives have been enriched by what you have shared. Take care of yourself.
- Friday, April 17, 2015 at 9:29:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, how sad that someone would leave such a negative comment. Some people can be so heartless it seems. I think of you so often and wonder how you are doing. I know you are having some rough times. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your blog has been such an inspiration to me and so many others. You are loved by so many including me. I'll be in touch.
- Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 1:24:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, for that very one unkind and thoughtless blogger, there are a hundred who are kind, supportive and sending kind and healthy thoughts to you even when you haven't got the strength to post. My mom is your age and she tells me all the time that it takes bravery to age and face the challenges that goes with the process. It is so true. You are amazing to blog and post and share your life with your readers and you give us a gift each time you post. Thank you. As Larena said, you are a treasure.
- Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 4:16:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Oh my dear Naomi, how can someone leave such a disrespectful and rude comment! I agree with Larena, please my dear Naomi, ignore the bad words.
You are a sweet, lovely and so special person and you has been an inspiration to me! You enriched my life more than I can say and certainly you enriched the life of many others friends too.
We both met through our blogs about 10 years ago and I Love you so much! Your posts are wonderful, intelligent and beautiful and I have always an immense pleasure to visit your blog.
I know you are having some difficult and arduous times with your health and you are always in my thoughts.
I really hope that you are able to post again and if will be "More To Come", it will be a great pleasure to me and to all of your friends for sure. But write only when you feel up to post.
Love the pictures of the flowers and I can feel from miles and miles away the perfum of your flowers.
I hope you are going to feel better very soon my dear Naomi.
Many Hugs and much Love!!!- Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 11:45:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
How someone could be so heartless and mean to leave you an unkind comment is unbelievable to me– it just makes me so angry. You are such a lovely person who cares about everyone, family, friends, animals, flowers, books and more. I was so very lucky and happy to meet you and so enthralled by you that I made it a point when we went to New York to visit your hometown. You are one of the nicest persons I have ever met, so very generous, kind and a true artist - it really pains me to hear that a nasty person would hurt you. Do not pay attention to the mean spirited and selfish, you know they will get bad karma anyway – let it flow past you. I understand how difficult it is to have your health making you feel weak – it is the same for my husband in a way. Our bodies are like cars, after a while they start to break down, but our hearts stay the same. We all love you and hope that your will write when you can, but if you don’t, we still know that you are with us in mind if not on the web. The rose you showed is a rare flower, just like you are a rare human being. Take care, dear friend. Love you and hug you, Naomi.
- Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 9:05:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
You are as beautiful as the gorgeous blooms picture, Naomi.
Don't waste any of your precious time and energy on negative people. They are not worth it.
I don't understand the ignorance of some; and I'm at a stage in my life - at an age in my life - I have no desire to even try to understand them. They're not worthy of my time, nor are they of yours.
Just know you have many who think of you regularly...many who are always wishing you well...and always understanding why you're not blogging much. We outnumber the rude, ignorant ones. :)
Why anyone would be so nasty as to chastise you, beats the crap out of me!
Take good care, dear Naomi. You're in our hearts and in our thoughts. And I know we are all in yours. :)- Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 1:30:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi: I was so happy to see your newest post on your blog, but it soon turned to sadness when I read that you have had such a nasty comment from such a heartless person. That person isn't worth even thinking about, just ignore her or him. I'm so sorry that your health issues have been so overwhelming recently. Reading your blog over the years and and learning a little about your interesting life has been inspirational for me.... even though we have never met and probably never will, I feel I know you and that we are friends, no matter how distant in real life. I'm sending much love to you Naomi. And hugs too.... nice gentle ones!
- Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 12:22:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Sweetheart, that person is a horrible bitch, and I'm really sorry you had to read that.
We miss you and we understand! I'm so sorry you're having a hard time. I wish I lived closer. I'd bring you goodies and we could swear a lot :)- Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 10:25:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Sorry for how you have felt and the person who commented so cruelly. Blogging is a choice and when health is a factor, that has to come first. Do what works best for you. The problem in the internet world is it has so much nastiness possible when people can be anonymous.
Hope you do feel better soon but whatever the case, do what is best for you. Anybody who cares about you will understand.- Monday, April 20, 2015 at 4:45:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Nobody has the right to talk to you like that. BLOCK THAT PERSON!
- Monday, April 20, 2015 at 8:04:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I love Riot Kitty's remark. I agree... swearing a lot really does help!
- Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 5:14:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Hi Naomi - I am just amazed at the other blogger who said that to you. Wish I could give him/her a piece of my mind!
Those of us who are your true friends know you are going through a difficult time with your health + being confined, as you must be.
Like Riot Kitty (who's also my pal) - I wish I lived closer so I could bring you things. Just know that I am thinking of you. Sounds as if you have a lot of good friends here who only wish you the best.
Hugs! Lynn- Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 6:42:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I am so uplifted to hear from you today, dear Naomi. I think of you and what you are dealing with SO often. Yes, it amazes me how real connections are made via the blog world. I think the flowers you posted here reflect your true spirit, the real you! Especially the last one.
The post/poem you commented on was of and to my friend Mara. She made me promise I wouldn't call the photos "Out on a Limb" so I dug deeper. But she is. Her daughter has been facing life threatening heart failure and may need a transplant. You can read about it if you want here:http://www.swvatoday.com/news/floyd/article_a00cc790-e214-11e4-a7f2-83245c1b26e6.html or here: http://www.gofundme.com/kylarobbins
I wish I lived close by and could drop by and help out. I hope you're support system remains strong and your spirit like a beautiful flower.- Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 9:40:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Hi Naomi,
Great to see you pop around to rashbre central today.
I thought I must immediately take a look here for the latest news!
I realised you'd been having a tough time - and always wish you the very best.
I hope you can find time it get on that lovely back porch of yours and look out on that fantastic view towards the hills, city and sky.
Over here in England we are just coming out of the winter months and getting our first proper exposure to that big round thing in the sky.
There's even been some of that blue stuff up above.
And, as you say, your blog is always a place of creativity and hopefulness. Even this time you've found a delightful rose to cheer things up.
From me and Julie: Our very best wishes to you.
Ed xxx- Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 9:47:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I think of you often Naomi and like to drop by to see if there's been an update.
I can't believe someone would leave such a message... You're such a lovely person and us regular readers know you've not had good health recently. You should never be forced to blog.
I do hope you are able to blog again. Your posts are wonderful and it's a joy to read about your life... After all, you've done so much with it.
I don't know if you are on Facebook or Twitter, as I know they are much easier if you feel you can only leave short posts.
*Hugs* Take care of yourself. You're loved by many.- Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 1:25:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Darling Naomi. I cannot tell you how much joy your blog has brought me over the years. The beautiful pictures; stories of the past; your wonderful parties!
I am so very sorry that anyone would dare to post such a comment! And even more sorry that your health is failing. The person who posted that comment must be a very sad person indeed.
Please know that I do think about you from time to time even if I don't comment.
Take care of yourself, and if you feel up to it, pop in here every once in a while even if it is just to leave a line or two letting us know that you are still with us.
I don't blog anymore, so there's no need to visit my page. I think the last update was 2 years ago!
Take care sweet lady.- Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 3:24:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Dear Naomi,
I'm sorry someone misdirected their own insecurity toward you.
I want to say THANK YOU for writing a top notch blog, for bringing us into your family, your childhood, young adulthood, your many (and often funny) gigs, your father's art collection, your career, and THANK YOU for sharing your friends with us. I have always loved your Ladies Who Lunch posts, you made me feel like I was right there, opening the goodie bag, admiring the flowers, and laughing.
I treasure what you write, and what you give. I'm so sorry the body is just giving up. So what I'll hope for you is a good rest, and mornings where you can still see the flowers and plants.- Thursday, April 23, 2015 at 1:23:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I have always been glad I found you and your blog. That will never change. I am so sorry your depression and health are as they are, but THAT I TOTALLY GET!
I will admit I am glad when I do hear from you no matter how long in between.. just knowing you are as well as you can be.. that's all any of us can do. x0x0x0x0x0x0x- Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 9:12:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Wow. That was a pretty harsh comment. So sorry you had to read that. You didn't need that stress on top of everything else you're dealing with. Blogging should be fun and fulfilling, not ordered and an obligation. Of course we all miss your posts and reading your perspective on things, but part of what we enjoy is your joy and interest in life. That wouldn't be there if you felt dragged into it. Take care of yourself.
- Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 7:57:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
What a meany that person is. Sorry that you had to put up with that. This place should be a comfort to you, I know it is to most of us who stop in to see your glorious photos, share your wonderful memories and vicariously be your neighbors. Take care and stay strong and we will keep stopping in to see what's up. If you feel up to it you will post and if not we will go back through the past and enjoy what you have posted then. The most important thing is for you to take care of yourself.
- Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 12:17:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
May God hold you and keep you - and bless you with little bursts of energy. You are a treasure.
- Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 8:59:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Well, whoever left you such a heartless comment needs a wake-up call! Wish you could block people but that's part of sharing your story with the public; you get the looney tunes as well as the gems. Please ignore the crazies and remember the ones who care about you understand why you're unable to blog. I'm just thrilled to be reading this post because I know you found the strength to do it, so I appreciate the update. Wish things were better for you, my friend. If I lived closer I'd be there to help you and talk about life and the arts and all that good stuff.
I'm happy to know you have a whole bunch of folks who genuinely care about you so one bad apple isn't going to stop you from doing your thing for as long as you're on this planet to do it! I admire your determination and you are an inspiration to many.
I will chat with you soon, m'dear. Lots of love to you! xo- Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at 3:21:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Just popping in to say "G'day", Naomi...so.."G'day!" I hope all is well! Take good care. :)
- Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at 2:44:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Well did that person comment on this post to say how happy she is that you have a new post and so that now she can stop worrying about you?
I guess it shouldn't shock me anymore about how rude, mean and vindictive some people can be but this was A HORRIBLE thing to say...and to what purpose...well if it was to make you feel bad, she succeeded.
I hope you are doing as well as you can be dear Naomi rise about it all as only a beautiful and gracious lady like yourself can...I am one of the lucky ones who knows you personally, have had the privilege of being a guest at your home, including one of the most fabulous parties I have ever been to in my life( star studded!! in the Hollywood Hills!) so I know first hand how cool you are...- Thursday, April 30, 2015 at 11:57:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I can't even remember how I came across your blog but from that day forward I saved the link. Your stories, pictures and beloved cat have brought me laughter and sometimes tears. Yet I never thanked you for sharing those moments until now. You my dear are a gem and I just can't apologize enough for lurking instead of participating. I am fairly certain that the people you personally know and those of us you don't all have one thing in common. Our hearts are with you.
- Friday, May 1, 2015 at 9:30:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Dear Naomi, please ignore toxic people. Thinking of you although I haven't been blogging myself. All the best for you, my dear.
- Friday, May 1, 2015 at 12:07:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
What a bitch that person is! Right now you should just concentrate in getting better. You're always in my thoughts despite the fact that I'm rarely around here. It's been like 8 or 9 years since I've known you through blogging. You're a kind, beautiful and graceful woman that has touched many through your stories and experiences. Take care always Naomi and a lot of hugs from us here in Norway :)
- Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 9:42:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
It's amazing what some people will write on our blogs isn't it? I've had my fair share too. It really hurts, and I'm so sorry you've been hurt too. I'm sorry I haven't been here but I've been going through some crap myself as you know. Don't ever feel pressured to write a post. Real life always comes first and with your health as it is, it's totally understandable that you aren't sitting at a computer writing new posts! We all miss you, but we understand when real life takes over.
- Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 8:53:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Just popped by to have another look at the gorgeous roses.
I'm so gad I did and to read of all the love there is for you. So very well deserved. I feel blessed to have you as a friend.xox- Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 3:20:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Like Patti, I would have given that person a choice piece of my mind.
How dare she write of you that way!!
Your blog has always meant a lot to me, Naomi, and your "behind the scenes" friendship as well. I really hate that you are declining in health and I wish something could be done. I would never chastise you for not writing - even though I miss your posts and always will.- Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 8:55:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi - ((( hugs))). Take care.
- Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 8:20:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
This post must have hit when I was away or something because it didn't show up in my feed or I missed it. I can't imagine how anyone would be so cruel as to leave that comment, Naomi. How devastating.
Believe me, I understand your disease in a way that probably not everyone does. Mine seems to be underground right now but I know that sooner or later it will raise its ugly head and what it is like when it does. And no, there is no room for much of anything else other than laying low and trying your best to get through the days. Adding on all the other aging things -- well, not easy.
And like you, I feel pummelled with losses lately -- so many in this past five months. No, the most important thing is to pull your energy together, whatever you have, and do the thing or things that matter most.
I just saw your Mother's Day post and will comment on that one, too (I just posted mine). But in this one, I send you the warmest of greetings with deep empathy -- or as close to empathy as I've experienced. And big germ-free cyber hugs!- Friday, May 8, 2015 at 5:38:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I haven't been on your site for a long time, but checked it out now, mid-June. This post shocks me. What kind of person writes those horrible kinds of words to someone, as if it's your fault you have no energy or positive outlook to post. Someone who appreciates you should respect you and allow you the space and time.
I wrote to you offline maybe a month or so ago -- perhaps around Passover? (I'd have to check when I sent the email) asking you how you were and letting you know that I think of you, even if I don't read blogs much anymore. I didn't receive a reply, but I didn't rant either. I just continued to be concerned that you are reasonably well.
Nobody can imagine what you must go through on a daily basis. If they did, they would just offer you strength via a phone call, an email or a blog comment and step back and hope for the best. As I do...
Wishing you well, Naomi.- Monday, June 15, 2015 at 9:42:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Hey Naomi, July fourth and I am finally getting around to opening this infernal machine. It has been a long time. Age, medical issues and life in general has consumed me, but I think of you often. A ten year confinement, but you filled it with grace and elegance. I was thrilled to find this entry and the one that follows and am happy to hear that you are "pissed" off about it all. You should be, we are. Hope your birthday bash had those glorious blue goblets and a smashing bouquet from your personal florist on the table. Happy Birthday. May the coming year be better than the last.
Sherwood Snyder - Feagin School of Drama and Radio- Saturday, July 4, 2015 at 11:20:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Dear Naomi, I wish I knew who had written that comment to you - I would set her straight posthaste. She is clueless, rude and thoughtless. We do miss your posts - but we all understand that it taxes you too much to post. I, as I am sure you do, with it were different. I miss your posts, your colorful photos and your wonderful memories. I hope that this finds you feeling better. Love, Judy
- Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 5:31:00 PM PDT
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