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Monday, December 04, 2006

Current mood: Bah-Humbug!

I feel like I should offer some type of explanation for my mood lately. And, to put the concerns that some of you have, to rest. (You are so sweet!)

My husband and I both lost our fathers within 2 weeks of each other at Christmas time 3 years ago. Both had major strokes, both affected their right sides and their speech. My father, fortunately, was able to come home and, since I was a nurse, we were able to care for him at home until he passed away. The day before my Dad's funeral, we received a phone call that my father-in-law had a stroke and was in critical condition. It was like watching a rerun of a terrible movie without an intermission! Having cared for my father around the clock for almost 2 months, my DH and my kids were exhausted. And, for myself, being "the nurse", I really didn't have time to come to terms with "my patient" being my Dad. Then, we were thrown into losing my father-in-law. Needless to say, Christmas is a very hard time for us. I am not really sure that any of us has really grieved to the point of reconciling ourselves to our loss. This year some other things have been going on in our families that have really upset us and it seems like this week, it has hit us all like a ton of bricks.

You know how you can be upset about something but not really able to put your finger on just what it is, and, then, all of a sudden something so minor and so seemingly insignificant just pushes you over the edge? Well, the day my new refrig was to be delivered, this idiot delivery guy came, walked in my house, declared that it wouldn't fit through the door and just walked out! After 1 1/2 hours on the phone with Sears talking to equally idiotic people, I finally just cancelled the order. The next day, I got a call from Sears delivery asking when I wanted the frig delivered, and an apology that the unit had been damaged the previous day. So, apparently that is what the idiot delivery guy had told them as his excuse for not delivering it! We could not get in touch with the salesman since he was off for a few days and when we finally did yesterday, he hit the roof! He got the manager involved and between the both of them assured us that they would get it delivered so we started to go through purchasing the refrig again. When it came time to get the check approval, the company they use to approve checks said they couldn't approve it since we had written a check for that same amount just a week before and, to insure against fraud, it was their policy to reject it! Both the salesman and the manager were doing all that they could do, telling them the whole story, how Sears was issuing a refund to us, they had verified that there was enough money in the account but they wouldn't budge!

Anyway...no frig, the manager and salesman are furious, embarrassed and very apologetic and encouraged us to buy the frig from someplace else "that employs intelligent people". But, it all just pushed me over the edge! I just fell apart and my poor DH is trying to make things better and is getting furious about everything...it was not pretty!

So, I had decided the Hell with everybody and everything! Usually, when I am in a bad mood, PSP calms me down but I just sat at the computer and hated everything about it! I looked at how many people had downloaded some of the files and how few had left comments and thought, why am I doing this? It is the same people leaving comments all the time. I do appreciate your comments, some of you have become "cyber friends" and I love you to bits. But, what about the other 200-300 or so people that just grab and go? I understand not leaving a comment each and every time, and sometimes even forgetting but, geez! So, being already p-ssed off, feeling totally unappreciated by some family members, I decided to ditch it all. I would finish giving out the pages of the album I had finished and then call it quits.

DH and I now realize why we are feeling the way we are and I have re-thought my decision and although I will probably take somewhat of a break until after the holidays, I love designing and, for my loyal buds, I will probably still be here. I realize that what I have said has probably angered some people but I feel that just grabbing and never leaving a comment is rude. And, it is not just on my blog, it is on everyone's. A lot of time and effort is put into designing scraps and for those of us that give them away and are not selling on scrap sites , comments are the only "payment" we get. A thank-you, a comment of what you liked, a request for something you might like...it goes a long way in keeping freebies coming. I have talked to other bloggers that have either stopped or cut down on the amount of freebies they offer because of feeling like they were being taken advantage of, that the freebies were expected. I am still going to be thinking about all of this and maybe there is some way to keep giving out freebies to you without feeling like this. Please, leave comments for the designers. If you think enough of their designs to download them, you should think enough of them to leave a comment. It is just the considerate thing to do. IMHO, lack of consideration and lack of appreciation is epidemic in the world today. It is such a small thing to do, to say thank-you and to show appreciation to someone and, yet, for such a small act, it has a profound effect.

I hope that explains my lack of communication. I am going to spend more time with my family and trying to bring some joy into our Christmas Holiday. I hope you all understand.

Stepping off my soapbox now. I do have another page for you and still have others in the works. Today's download includes an extra-extra of things that you might need but didn't really fit on any page!

And, to those of you that always leave a comment, big hugs! Re-reading your comments is what prompted me to keep going!



Sorry! This Download has been removed

33 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi there, and many many thanks for sharing your talent with us, I am new to this an am just getting the hang of Blogs and am sad to see your hard work going unrewarded without even a simple Thank you...I just got the link to your site today by clicking a link from somewhere eles but I sure will take a good look around and will certainly come back,..
I hope you enjoy your time with Your Family even though it will be a sad time for you too, you still have each other and thats a blessing..
Seasons Greeting to You and Yours..
Hugs - ljd

Jaydensmama said...

Thank you so much for all your hard work, and for sharing it with us. As a beginner scrapper and designer I should have left a comment sooner and I have had the same problem at my site. guess we should remember to take other people's feelings the same way we do our own. Thank you again for all your efforts.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Jannie for all the
great holiday elements. The amount
dloads from me maybe adding up.
For many times I have restart
4 share site and then come back
later on for it starts and will not
finish. So this may add up from me. I'm guessing for it's so busy.
I enjoy each and everyone of your
gifts. I do try to comment often.
I wish the best for you and your
family this holiday season.
I must be @ that Bah~place for I
haven't decorated yet :)
It's so very cold here right now,
and going out to the loft in the shop for packages is not on my list
of to~doos right now.
TY so much for all gifts.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for all the goodies you share with us and I'm so sorry that more snaggers do not leave you comments! I love them!!!

I always get the same feelings around the holidays too...Lost my dad on the 3rd, my mom on the 17th and my daughter would have been 29 on the 14th had she not passed 3 years ago so don't feel bad for the feelings you have they are only normal.:-)

Wishing you wonderful memories of the coming holidays!!

Hugs
~Nancy~

Anonymous said...

Thank you Jannie, we really do appreciate all the time and effort you put in. And the Christmas stuff is adorable.
I lost my mother in a car accident 12 years ago on the 8th- so I always get down about this time too. But it does get better, it may take a few years, but it does get better. My brothers and sister and I almost always cry on Christmas when we start talking about Mama, but we have good memories to get us through. So just hang in there, and remember to take care of yourself.
{{{Hugs}}}

Anonymous said...

I want to thank you so much for sharing your tiem and talent with us all...your goodies are the highlight of my week and I love reading your blog...sometimes it really brings a much needed giggle!

Thanks again!
smoochies,
Kristine

Anonymous said...

These pages are so beautiful. Thank you for your spirit of giving.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your losses, both yours and your hubby's and I'm glad you've decided to continue with your wonderful freebies, not just for selfish reasons but because this is a way to work through your pain. There will always be an ache in your hearts at Christmastime but time and a sense of normalcy will help to lessen that pain. I wish you peace in your heart....

Lizzerd said...

I'm one of those sometimes-commenters ... sometimes I do, sometimes I don't leave a little lovin' ... I usually blame Time for my lapses!!

I will try to improve, I promise -- I love your stuff!

Sharon aka Scrapcat4914 said...

TYS another of your wonderful mini's!
I know all to well how your feeling, and wish I could say it will go away but I know that every year at this time I feel the same way after losing so many people in my life and than 5 years ago my husband and the Sat after Christmas this year will be 2 years since my bother's.
I will keep you and your family in my prayer's and A GREAT BIG HUG for you.

Anonymous said...

I was bummed to read your post today hun. I am sorry to hear you have been feeling in the downy-dumps. I too am familiar with a lot of loss.

I will say that your gifts are very much appreciated.. and I do always try to leave a thank u when dl from great peeps such as yourself!

Your work is fabulous hun. Plz don't let the greedies ruin it for all who really do love what you do and share it with us.

Wishing you much love over the holiday season.

A loyal blog reader..

Lise

Anonymous said...

Hon, I just wanted to let you know that I do read your blogs. I don't always download because of space issues and time as well, but I get your blog entries into my e-mail so I do read them even if when I finally find the time I am reading 6 posts at once. This is the first comment I have left - not because I don't think of you and not because I don't appreciate the scraps you share, but because I usually don't have time to actually visit the site and comment. Just know that we all do appreciate you and think of you whether we take the time to say it or not.
I am sorry that you are going through such a hard time - but time is always what it takes to heal the wounds. I know what you are going through as I lost my grandmother who practically raised me around Christmas time 6 years ago. It will always be hard, but it will get easier. Chin up sweetie and take all of the rest time that you need. I will pray that it gets easier for you and your family as time goes on.

Anonymous said...

Thank you very much for the lovely things.It´s very beautifull.

Anonymous said...

hi just to say i haven't downloaded anything but i agree with you about saying thank you. i am sure some people don't even read the blog, look at layouts etc and go straight for the free stuff.

Anonymous said...

I just recently found your site address through a newsgroup that I belong to. I was so charmed by your warm and witty writing style that I had to save you in my favorites. I admired the way you were so cheerful in spite of the pain from your health condition. I also think you are a talented lady and I love your papers and elements. My husband and I also share the holiday "blues" that can be so depressing. What is comforting to me is to remember that love never dies. I hope you find joy and that life is kind to you. Thank you so much for sharing and I look forward to reading more of your stories.

Big Hugs. Katt

Anonymous said...

Guilty...guilty...guilty. I apologize to you and all the other great artists out there who selflessly give their beautiful artwork to others and who only ask for an acknowledgement in return. My not taking the time to do that *is* rude and selfish and I thank you for pointing it out so eloquently. I am here to thank you so very much for sharing your wonderful talent. It is very much appreciated.

I was so sorry to read about the loss of your family members. To lose a loved one during the holidays makes an extremely difficult time that much harder. Take care and God bless.

Jeannie

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing! I appreciate the work and time that you put into the items.

I will pray for you during this Christmas season as I know from personal experience how painful it can be when a loved one died during this time of year.

God Bless,
Kathy Miller

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry that you lost your father and father in law so close in time and so close to Christmas. I don't know what it is but it seems like when you lose someone close to Christmas it makes it harder for the family. I lost my brother 4 years ago on Dec 4th so I know what you are going through. Thank you for all your shares and for sharing your thoughts and feeling with us.
you enjoy your Holidays with your family and friends and know that you have people here that care for you and apperciate you.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jan,
I guess I am partly guilty also, I don't leave a comment every time I download even though I have left comments. I sometimes come here and find many links and download them but then only leave one comment. I just love your work and will be sorry not to get it anymore, but I can understand your anger. Also I am sorry you are going thru a hard time right now. I know what you are going thru as I lost my Mom on December 10th. But that was in 1988 and time does make a difference. Also I take comfort in knowing that I was there for her when she needed me, just as you were for your Father. When my mother illness got the best of her, she came and lived with me and I cared for her. But now it is Christmas time and our loved ones would want us to be happy and to enjoy the season. My Mom used to say, don't send me flowers when I am gone, give them to me now so I can enjoy them, and thats what I did. So try to focus on the happy memories you shared and know that He is in a better place. Thanks Jan for sharing.

Unknown said...

I'm glad you said something about so many downloads and so few thank yous. I always feel badly when I see that and as you said, it happens all over.

I'm sorry to hear of your and Hubby's losses at Christmas time. Sending you both a hug and positive thoughts and I hope whatever else isn't going right, turns around for you all.

Hugs!!

Anonymous said...

I know how important it is to leave comments and get frustrated with all the rude people who don't take the time to say thank you and good work. I understand why it's even more frustrating for you at this time of year! I hope you feel better and can get a sense of closure this Christmas season.

Unknown said...

And like an idiot I posted and forgot to include my thanks. Thank you, Jannie. :)!!

Unknown said...

Jannidee,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful work with us. I will always leave a comment because I agree it is rude not to say a simple thank you.
This time of year makes all of us miss those members of our family that have passed. Remember this though when you think of them.
They aren't in pain, they aren't old, or have any diseases, but most of all they are freed of the tethers of this world. I'm thinking they are pretty happy.
hugs, NinaJo

Anonymous said...

Please take this as I mean it. I understand if you quit giving out gifts and don't blame you, but please still write in your blog. Although I don't actually know you, I do feel like you are a friend. I have very few friends and truly cherish the ones I have. Since I feel as if we are friends I do cherish you and enjoy hearing how your family and you are doing. It makes my day go better knowing that I will hear from a friend most days. Being a nurse, you have to be a very caring and kind person-please don't let do-do heads take that away from you. Remember, God loves us!
I understand a little how you feel as I have lost both of my parents, so Christmas is a sad time to me. As I told you before, I am a devout prayer warrior so I will be praying for you and your family. I hope this will help you feel better.
Know that even though people may not leave you a thank-you (which is rude, they may just be ignorant instead of unthoughtful people. When I taught school, I found that many people are ignorant about manners so please forgive them.
Well, I've talked your ears off so I'll go now. I hope to hear from you again!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I want to thank you so much for sharing your lovely kits. I'm so sorry I've been selfish and have not been saying thank you enough. I will from now on. I hope things get better for you and your family for Christmas and wish you the best. Once again thanks for such lovely work. Teresa

Anonymous said...

The snowballs are adorable, thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

I do forget sometimes, but the Thank You is sincere. Your gifts to us are appreciated.

Terry H.K. said...

Ty for sharing. *leavin some luv*

Anonymous said...

I'm afraid you have described me - just take with no thanks. I'm sorry for being so inconsiderate - get caught up in being busy. I really do appreciate all your hard work and wonderful designs - they will be put to good use.
I hope you have a "Very Merry Christmas" with your family and "all the best".
Thanks again - you are appreciated!

Anonymous said...

You do need to take some time off to spend with your family! I hope with the sad memories, you can find a way to put some joy into this holiday season.

As far as the grab and go...I truly don't understand. If someone were to physically hand you a wrapped present, would you not reply with a "thank you"? Well, in my opinion, this is the same thing. All you designers spend a lot of time creating the beautiful gifts that you give us, and I thank you for them. Hope you feel better soon. :)

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry that you and your husband are having such a sad and difficult time. Memories of lost loved ones seem to come to the surface at this time of year, no matter what time of year they passed away. We associate Christmas with family and we feel the loss more deeply.
I understand your feelings of being unappreciated. I have felt that way too, when sharing things.
People don't realise how much a few words of thanks mean, when you've spent so much time and effort making something to share.
Thank you for all you share. I love your work and your generosity.

Unknown said...

Hi Jannie...I must admit...I havent commented "recently"....although I do try to comment as and when I can...Im on dial up......on all the designers sites....and yes you are definitely a designer....you are the one who comes up with the ideas....then you create it all...which must take quite a bit of your time...some kits even longer than others....depending on how much you decide to include....and everything is always sooo lovely....so on top of the other things...you have an imppecable eye for detail...and all of those things put together....to me....makes you a designer....just cos you have decided not to sell your kits etc....because they are certainly good enough...not that I am encouraging you to do so....LOL...doesnt take anything away from that fact...soooo...Thankyou very much for everything that you do for all of us....even the ones...myself included...who fail to either comment at all..or not as regularly as they should
Your Christmas stories are totally wonderful....I wish that I had done things like that for my kids....bit late now that they are grown....wait till the grands start arriving though.....LOL
Anyway...I thank you again....and...I shall do my best to be more vigilant with....my comments....from now on
All the best...and Merry Christmas...even at this sad time for you all
Huggles
Jacqui

Anonymous said...

I must admit I visited your site earlier this week and downloaded some of your freebies and just left but came back to just really browse and took the time to actually read your blog..I first want to say I do really appreicate all the hard work that you and the other ladies do and that I am sorry for not posting a comment..thanks for sharing your wonderful talent with us, if it wasn't for you talented ladies us non-talented ladies would be in in some really big trouble...Annie