For a smile as wide as a country sunrise
Hello once again everyone! I had actually planned to do this Thank You post back in July, but for some reason it kept getting delayed. Not good. Since the time I first thought of this one 2 bloggers have stopped and I wanted both of them to see this Thank You post. Won’t happen now. Both of them had problems with what they called ‘haters’. Those are bullies who harass other bloggers, constantly giving them a hard time, causing a lot of stress. They were after me as well. Talking with Ilona when she was still here, we found that both of us had some of the same haters giving us a hard time, not wanting to leave us alone.
I will admit, I nearly stopped blogging myself. It does cause a lot of stress having to deal with these people. We need to stand up to these online bullies. Don’t let them stop you or others. The thing that kept me going and not stopping is YOU! My faithful readers and friends. Your comments encouraged me a lot to keep writing. And I will. Thank you all so very much for all your faithful support and wonderful comments! I am going to share just some of the comments received over the last couple months. I will begin with the 2 bloggers who are no longer here.
From Sophie;
A very happy friendship day to you! You are really an amazing, caring, supportive and kind person… Just someone whom I would love to have as a friend! Thank you so much Steve! You are really as good as always. Honestly I was speaking all truths about you and I admire you a lot…! I am very grateful to WordPress to make me meet such amazing people like you. I am so glad to have you as a dear friend too… Warmest regards!
From Ilona:
Good evening Steve, i’m really glad, that you liked you holiday and i’m very thankful for your support on my blog, feels good to know, that you are honestly reading and you always take your time to write a perfect comment, i really appreciating it, huge thank you. I hope that your return back went well and feels good to be home right?:) Thank you for giving me all the news and all the updates, have a wonderful evening my lovely friend:), it was very good to meet you in the real life, seems you are same kind person as you are on internet, we need more people like you in this world, so it would be much better place to live, hugs:)
From Nina;
Steve, you truly are a dear sweet friend—caring and kind. More precious than any dinosaur egg! 🦖🦕🐣It’s wonderful when friends visit because they want to—even if is been awhile it’s like no time has passed—no hard feelings or pressure. Just kind warm-hearted friendly good nature. And as always, grateful to come here to your corner of the world for an adventure and a smile! Thanks for the chuckle—it’s good medicine. Ahhhh…such a peaceful way to start the day…even just for a moment before the storms roll in.
From Savvy101 writers;
Thank you very much Steve! You have an awesome blog, sorry.. sometimes I’m just so busy… but when I return to your blog – I always find inspiration I need, there is nothing better
From Huguette;
Beautiful description for all the beauty we have around us and you are sharing a big part of it as well with us through these beautiful lakes and nature and surroundings hope you are good Steve and having a great day.
From Lillian
Because you are YOU Steve❤️ You create this beautiful blog that which makes me want to come back to read more from you and Muffin. Thank you my friend. It is so lovely to visit you because your image of your posts is lovely. It is like I am there, beside you, and we talk and talk about the nature…My heart just stop… Steve this was such a beautiful read. I have been traveling and not visit your page for a while, but it was a really relaxing read for now. Thank you Steve. Your pictures are amazing.
From Samyak
Really Steve you will hearts everywhere you go..the kindest soul I’ve ever seen.. I will strive to be this kind from now on😅💙💙 It’s soothing and calms up the mind…your words do as well. Such a pleasure to read your nature embodied write ups.. they’re rejuvenating💙💙
From Windsofchange18
Always so relaxing reading your posts. The way you see life is pretty amazing.
From Sheree
I always enjoy your flora and fauna photos Steve.
From Stu
Thanks Steve for understanding. I know you have a lot going on as well. It’s like I have to read yours for my sanity. Your posts always brings a smile to my face. I hope you have a great day too!
From Simon
Hey Steve! Enjoy the day. Another beautiful short walk. The pictures are a cooler to eyes. So cool to watch green green everywhere.It is indeed a beautiful little park & calm place. Feeling relaxed, Thanks for the ride Steve! Have a great Day !
From Ryan
I like relaxing in Steve’s country! 🙂 God bless you and Muffin too!
From Renee
Wow! Steve, I realized I had missed this post when I was going through and reading my saved posts to try to get some of my awards done. It must have been a busy day when I had saved this one for later. I’m so glad I did!!! This was an amazingly beautiful post! I am totally in awe at how trusting the mother deer was with you and especially to bring her sweet baby dawn to meet you!!! I truly believe you have a God-given talent. To see the beauty in nature and for that nature to see the beauty in you! Thank you for sharing these encounters with us! You have no idea how refreshing, calming and magical this is in an otherwise chaotic world! God Bless friend!
From Jyoti
I follow you because you are my one of the dearest friend in WP, of course Muffin too!! Your blogs are really filled with new positivity and new refreshment!! And yes I really love your photography!!
From Tiffany
Wow this page is awesome. God’s magnificent masterpiece with scripture and fun facts. This is a great way to entice us with nature.
I only picked out a random selection of comments and they are listed in no particular order, except the first 2. I wanted to show that so many enjoy the way I write, even though others say my writing is no good and that I should change the way I write. If I changed then it wouldn’t be me writing. And I wouldn’t enjoy it. Then I would quit for sure.
So once again, a great big THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL OF YOU!!! Not only for reading and commenting, but for your wonderful support all the way!!
Steve and Muffin.
© 2019 Steve McLeod.
I’ve been out of pocket this summer Steve and am so sorry to hear all of this. Stay strong my friend.
-Mike
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much Mike for taking the time to read and for your support here! It is much appreciated! Enjoy your evening!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always enjoy your writing Steve! I have dealt with hateful people on here too. Sometimes you just have to block people. Can’t let haters stop you from doing your thing! Thanks for the mention! God bless you and Muffin!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much for your support here Ryan! Yes, I have had to block some people. Unfortunately they just move on to someone else. That’s why I didn’t give any links to blogs this time. God bless!😃😺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderfully written, Steve. I really do appreciate you and your precious blog. You already know i have a special category -entitled “About You”- dedicated to the young people with the people who i find that they know how to write, and you’ re in.
Additionally, i believe that your blog’s material is suitable for educational purposes. Take care and enjoy, and keep up doing the wonderful things you do.
Ps : I wish i knew what kind of bullying this is. Excuse my ignorance. On the other hand there are some wordpress functions which is easy for someone to use in order to block whoever the blogger thinks that he/she is a hater or a provocateur or whatever. I don’t know what else to say. And i didn’t expect Ilona had the same issue. I thought she was on vacation and that she turned her blog to another function for a while. Anyway, Steve, i wish you all the best, great health, happiness and longevity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so very much Outosego, I really appreciate your support here!! This bullying is sometimes just outright hate messages, name calling, harassment, with Ilona unwanted attention by men too. Telling us our writing was no good, we were not worth anything, telling us how we should write our blogs, some was pure jealousy because Ilona’s blog was so popular, jealousy toward me because I did a lot of collaboration posts with Ilona. There was other things I won’t mention. Too much stress for Ilona so she decided to stop blogging completely. I am sure that’s why Dragon Warrior stopped as well. Not all came through comments, some through my contact page. But their email never worked or I was blocked from using it. Thanks once again, always nice to have you here!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I see. You’ re welcome, Steve. I will reblog this message-post of yours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much Outosego!
LikeLike
It’s always rough when a wonderful blogger stops.
I enjoyed reading all the encouraging notes of kindness!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Lydia!😁 The worst thing is the reason why they stop. These bullies show up unexpectedly so block them quick if they do. Hope you had a great birthday party!🎈🥳 Well, your sister that is.😂😹
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome!
Yes, I agree.
We had a great time and my sister had a great day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Okay, did you eat a lot? After all, it’s a birthday, that’s what you are supposed to do! I used to eat a whole pie on my birthday. That was so nice.😂😹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very true… yes I ate a lot!!! We ate at Golden Corral! 🙂
This evening I had a job interview/was excepted for my first REAL job!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey that’s cool!! Entering the work force! Am I supposed to guess what it is?🤔🙄I’ll be here all night.😂😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, yes!!! You will be here all night!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s not nice!😂🙄
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know Lol but I’m serious! If you can’t guess in 3 tries, I’ll tell you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Okay, here goes. Secretary.
LikeLiked by 1 person
WHAT!???? Who have you been talking to???? Sooooo close – basically the same thing….. a Receptionist!!!!!! I seriously thought you would never guess! Now you have to guess where I’m a receptionist! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Receptionist was going to be my next guess. Why? I just figure you would be good for that, you’re so nice and friendly, you seem like a good people person, perfect for that kind of job. Where? That will be even harder! There are a lot of places that use a receptionist! Medical clinic or dental clinic.🤔😀🙄
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re kidding!?
Aww thank you!!!
Nope, that’s what everybody think of when they hear the word “receptionist” I’ve committed that I would never have anything to do with medical stuff when it comes to working because I don’t like that kind of atmosphere.
Do ya give up????
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nope. Lawyer’s office. Newspaper.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good for you, but no!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Optometrist. Hotel. Town/city office.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nooooo! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
By the way, I’m working on my top 10 picks, starting at the bottom, still 3 to go.
Church.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok.
No but I might be some day! My mom use to be!
LikeLiked by 1 person
AHA! So in a sense I’m right, just a bit ahead of time!😂😂🙄
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, you’re not right, and I really doubt that you’ll guess!
I was just saying that at some point in my future life, I might be a church secretary/receptionist.
Want me to tell you?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not yet. Drivers test office, whatever it’s called.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ummm no.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Licensing office.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No
LikeLiked by 1 person
Government office.
LikeLiked by 1 person
NO!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Restaurant.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No… Ok you ready?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sigh. Okay, I admit defeat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sooooo I am the receptionist at a Christian gymnastics center!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
COOL! Okay, I would never have guessed that one, especially since I have never heard of one before. Does that mean you get to use the place free?🏋️♂️💪🚴♀️😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know right!?
Well, a christian family that are friends of ours started this gymnastics center years ago. They now have an after school program with about 150 kids. Not only do they learn gymnastics, but they have a Bible program/classes! Many kids have been saved through it. My older sister will be teaching Bible there! It’s a neat opportunity and it’ll bring in some needed money!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, that’s fantastic! I’m sure you will enjoy it there and it gives good experience for whatever direction the Lord takes you. I’m very happy for you Lydia! How does this fit in with your school work?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! Thank you!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Great question. Being in my last year of highschool it’ll be super busy! Just waking up early and having all my school done before 2:00. That’s when I go to work which is only 5 minutes away since we’ve moved! I’m looking forward to it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
ooooooooooo, getting up early!!! Hey, it will be fun, once you get used to it!😵😴😂😂🙄All for me for tonight, good night. I’m😴
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know it won’t be, but I’ll get used to it!
Have a great night!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly! You will get to like it so much that you will always remain an early morning person! Have a great day!😃😺🌞
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep! You too!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!😃😺
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoy your writing so much it’s refreshing . This world is sadly just getting ugly … I am sad to hear about the billing on here but this is what we have come to . There still is good people like you . So keep smiling and writing.🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for the encouragement!! Always nice to have you here! Enjoy the remainder of your evening!😃😺
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so welcome ! And thank you . Have a good night.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Outosego and commented:
Dear friends, Steve is a wonderful blogger, and this is a post to thank his readers. At the same time he mentions a few things you should know, and, please, PAY ATTENTION.
A few bloggers -wonderful bloggers- gave up. They stopped blogging. They stopped writing their wonderful thoughts, or experiences. The reason behind their decision to stop blogging is the so-called bullying. They were being bullied by -apparently- some other bloggers. What a shame !
Unfortunately, i have to change the tone of my voice and to say : Do not give a tuck for the so-called bullies. Their intention is to hurt you, psychologically, by writing inappropriate comments or by sending you emails with inappropriate content.
There are wordpress functions that allow you to unfollow, to block, to report. Take advantage of it.
On the other hand -and despite the problems we, all, are facing in our lives- it is different to be 40, or 50, or 60 years old and to deal with this kind of bullying, and it is much more different to be 14, 15, 16. It is self explanatory, isn’t it. And most of the bloggers in our present days are young. They know how to use the so-called technology. And they like to express themselves through this kind of medium, which is wonderful. And i have to admit that despite the fact they are young, they write wonderfully. I feel like they are my kids, my children, and i’m so proud when i see their wonderful poetry, their artwork, their inspiration. So proud !
I was raised a bit differently. The term “bullying” was an unknown term back then. Not that there were no bullies. But we were fighting back. And that was it. Things have changed, of course. The young people are more sensitive. Not that we weren’t sensitive back then, but these days, back then, were different in so many ways.
Anyway, we have to protect and support the bloggers who are facing these kind of issues. However, and because we are talking about the web and the internet, it is important for the bloggers to know how to protect themselves and to hit a few buttons, dear, in order to send to the wonderful hell the people who they don’t know anything else, and they don’t know another job, they don’t know other than bullying the neighbour in the neighbourhood and the blog-sphere !
I ‘ll try to write a guide on this, to help as much as i can. Until then, though, i ask from the bloggers who gave up to re-think, and to come back. Why not ? Dear ! You have to come back.
My apologies, Steve, and dear friends, for writing so many words. I wish you, all, great health, happiness and longevity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you didn’t stop blogging, Steve! And I hate that Ilona and Sophie felt they had to stop! It has made me cry! I’m sick of bullies! I think they need to be called out! I’m so sorry I didn’t see that you and Sophie were being bullied. I would have spoken up! I did one time when I saw it happen to Ilona! And I’m just gonna put it out there…this person claimed to be an author of a Christian book. I checked her blog out. I’m not tying to judge here, but it was very obvious she wasn’t…She was evil…She posted hateful stuff. Talking about hating men and even women?? Which didn’t make sense… If my memory serves me, one post was disgustingly sick-minded! She was harassing Ilona one day. I told her there was no place for that here. She told me Ilona was acting just like her Mother. Just ask her about her mother and see how real the * would get…..just crazy talk…..then she tried to engage me. Told me I was the same way…I chose to ignore the comment, which was harassing…I’m saying this because we need to be aware, make others aware of their actions and spread the word… And maybe just maybe this won’t have to happen again to more sweet and talented bloggers on here…I wish I could remember her name, forgive me, but… I would share it in a heartbeat!! 🤷🏼♀️ Ok, I’m getting off my soap box now 📦 🎤.. Thanks Steve for sharing your sweet comments about us all! Your friendship means a lot. God Bless! 😸 And tell Muffin to keep writing!
LikeLike
Great post Sir Steve.
Loved Muffin’s attitude 😻😻😻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for reading this Saba!! Always so nice to have you here! Muffin meows her agreement with what I said!😃😺😸😻😻😽
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love you Muffin 😻😻😻
Meoooooooow Meoooooooow, Muffin knows what I said 😻😻
LikeLiked by 1 person
😺😸😻😻😻😽😽
LikeLiked by 1 person
it’s great of you to write this post with all these comments and thank you for including me 🙂
It’s sad to know that Sophie also left as Ilona did and glad you didn’t leave as well! And certainly you don’t need to change anything and no one is actually forced to read your content or follow but no need for bullying at all! It serves nothing except hurting that’s it
It’s good to always remember these lovely words you just published each time you think about leaving 🙂 They will be a great reminder!
Best of luck always and it’s great to have you in this community Steve, as Ilona said we need more people like you so the world can be a better place 😃😺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for reading this Huguette and thanks especially for your encouragement!! I’m certainly not planning to leave now, I have a lot of great readers/friends here now and all these great comments are very encouraging for sure. I could have used even more, but it was getting kind of long anyway.
Thank you so much for that Huguette, much appreciated, I am glad to have you here!! Enjoy your day, the weekend is here!!😁😸🌞🌳
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s my pleasure always and wish you the best in this world and outside it as well 🌞😊
Happy weekend as well 😸🌞
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Huguette!😃😺🌞
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so unfortunate we have to put up with online bullies. I’m sorry this happened to you and to others. Thank you for writing this post so we can all be aware of what can happen. I am also glad you didn’t leave!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for reading this Eugenia! We definitely need to stand up to these people and not let them get away with what they are doing to others. Thanks for all your encouragement here Eugenia, have a great day and weekend!!😃😺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Did you know you can delete comments from others on your own blog?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, and I have done it too. For a while I had to watch closely which meant spending a lot of time, just so I could get rid of those comments before too many people saw them. But they also came through my contact page, they were probably the worst of them all! I have also blocked some people.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, oh! That’s unfortunate, Steve!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh man, who do I need to beat up for harrassing you and Ilona? 😠
That’s not right. I have a few fellow bloggers you do not the things I write about at times, especially when I write about sex. It’s like because I’m a Christian I should not write about it.
Crazy. You be you brother and forget about those haters. They are simply jealous and probably taking their lack of readership out on you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It would be a long list! Caused a lot of stress for Ilona, for me too really. People can be quite mean sometimes, hard to believe some of the things that were said. I still wonder sometimes if I should keep on blogging. Lost a bunch of followers because of it too. I know some of that hate was due to jealousy, maybe all of it. Hard sometimes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Keep blogging bro! You bring a smile to so many people from all walks of life. That’s a gift!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Stu, I’ll keep going, a little worn out right now though. Think I better log off too, I’m on later than usual. Thanks for all your encouragement and support!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Get some rest! Love ya bro!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Stu! Didn’t get much sleep but hope I can stay awake today! Enjoy your Sunday!🙂
LikeLike
Well dang. A raccoon, bear or moth?
Enjoy your Sunday as well😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
None of the above, just wild thoughts, not wild critters!!
Thanks brother!😄😸🌞
LikeLike
Lol. I’ve had those types of nights before!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Too bad my brain isn’t that active when I’m awake!😂😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Steve and Muffin ✨🤗 That is so kind of you and this is why people love you always. And these bullies i dont know why they are bothering you people and what business or what fun they really have. Thanks for the note steve✨🤗 Happy Weekend ✨☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Simon! Thank you for reading and such nice words of encouragement!! I know why some of them attacked the way they did and unfortunately they succeeded.😥 It seems some people are only happy if they can make others miserable.😕 Thanks again, enjoy your day!😃😺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, Steve, thank you. I am so grateful to you. This was a suprise. I deeply appreciate it.
It is sad, I miss Ilona and now I’m going to miss Huguette too.
Thank you for being you Steve.
Take care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I very much appreciate you and your great support and encouragement Lillian! Yes, sad that Huguette is leaving too, but I think she will be back, she just needs a break and she is not deleting her blog, so that’s a good sign she will be back again.🙂 I am so glad we have met here, it is a real blessing!😀😻💛 Keep up with your wonderful writing and art Lillian!!👍 And I hope you have a wonderful week as well!😃😺🌞
LikeLike