The list makers win

I have removed all my posts that speak of my opinion about list making. Too many hateful comments. Too many people getting nasty. Too many people reading more into it than I ever intended. I dislike blogging at times like this. If people wish to take sides on such a silly issue and in the big scheme of things its a silly issue. People are suffering, people are hungry, children are being hurt and to have folks focus time and energy on such a subject is just not something I want to be part of, its just not worth it to me. I feel its better to let the list makers win.

Comments

Melissa said…
Patty,

For what it's worth, I just discovered your blog in the last two weeks...I loved the post about list making!!! I forwarded it to my best friend and husband. Don't let the list makers get you down...you have a kindred spirit in me(and I'm sure many others)!

Melissa
Liz said…
I loved your list making post, even though I am a list maker.

I wish I had posted a comment with something positive to outweigh all those negative comments
~Bren~ said…
Though I am not a daily list maker, I do have a master list that I use. You and I have discussed this and I think your opinion is worthy! Your background and therefore your ability to not have lists is valuable to those of us who did not have the same upbringing, but would like to raise children who do not "need" lists. I did not realize my need for a Home Management Binder was greatly based on how I was raised until I read your post. I am ok with that and do not beat myself up about it, because it works for me, but I so wish you would have left your posts....I have went back and read them over to glean from them. It is all part of being a Titus 2 woman (which you are) and I hope you will do another post later for the young women who desire a list-free life.
I think hateful e-mails should be made public...if someone needs to share their opinion in a hateful way they should not be cowards about it.
Meredith said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Meredith said…
Oops! Can't type and talk at the same time!

I thought it was a great post, a much-needed balance to the home management binder trend.

But I understand--there's no reason for anything on the internet to bleed over into your real life, especially when it makes you feel bad.

Keep sharing your common sense, Patty!
Cheri said…
I send you praise for having a blog in the first place, something I struggle with for fear of criticism. But I caution you that this sensitivity you have towards criticism, in my opinion, can discredit your position. You are an expert on your views and on how you live your life and I come here to renew my spirit. I need you to be strong about this: if you're going to post your opinions, you have to expect naysayers to doubt you; do your best to let it slide. Turn the other cheek. By doing this, the hateful people damage themselves far more than they can ever damage you. Now keep writing!!! (please and thank you.)
Patty said…
It am not so sure its a sensitivity to criticizm as much as a strong dislike for people striking out at another person for their opinion. I understand standing your ground on a concept, a truth, a belief, and making that an issue if its important to you, but to take it to such a level that you "go after" the person, is another creature altogether.
Dana and Daisy said…
I missed the list contribution and the negative returns. But I think if it works for some, then it's all right, but maybe not good for others. I find myself in need of one when I am treading unfamiliar ground.But as a daily course, it takes too much of my time.

Patty, I don't understand why some of your readers are negative, but to understand that there is a constant struggle in the ego, and we are all human and therefore at war either for good or against it, as we perceive it.
Patty said…
Hi Dana,
I watched Oprah twice today, and although I don't agree with all that Tolle writes, I do agree with some and what he writes about the ego sure hits me square between the eyes. Ego on two sides of one issue don't seem to come to a good end.
Debbie said…
Hi. I've read your blog for many many months and I love it. I'm sorry to say I missed all the hoopla about list making. My husband is a compulsive list maker. I am not, except maybe a grocery list so I don't impulse buy. We're happy to let each other be who we are. It's a shame others can't be that way too. I've never understood how people can say negative hurtful things to others just because they don't agree. Doesn't it just wear you out when they act like that? Must be an insecurity or control thing. Anyway, I just want to encourage you to continue your blog postings about anything you want without thinking about negative comments. That's all they are...comments. Who cares? :) Oh, also, Patty....in a previous post you mentioned taking the high road. I even gave that up a long time ago. I don't take the high road or the low road.....I take MY road! And you know what? My road is the right road for me. It's familiar and friendly and all mine. LOL. Please continue to take YOUR road. It's the best one for you! Even though I don't personally know you, I feel you are a friend. And just like with any friend of mine, I respect you and your opinion. It may not agree with what I think but it's your opinion, and I would be the last person to try and tear down your opinion. It is your God given right to have your opinion and all the negative comments can't take that away from you. It's your blog. Be happy with it. Who cares about the rest. hahahahaha. I also would like to see you leave other people's negative comments on your blog. Give the rest of us a chance to see how petty some people can be. You have a huge group of readers who are in your corner. Ignore the others. Like I said before....Who cares! LOL (I'm sure that if I had my own blog and said all this stuff someone would wear me out with negative comments, too!) And I would just say, "Who cares?" :)
Leigh Ann said…
Your posts about making lists was very encouraging to me. I am glad that I read them before you took them down (and I understand why you did--hugs to you). I am one who tends to jump on different wagons that come along and also tend to think that if just had a schedule then my life would move along in one placid stream. But your posts helped me realize that I just need to be always looking for the next thing to do when it needs to be done.
So thanks for being encouraging.
Debbie said…
Good Grief. I'm sorry, but I've got to say this to Chocokitty. With all due respect...it is still Patty's blog. She can come across anyway she wants to. She "bothers" to post that kind of thing because that's the way she sees it. I repeat....It's her blog.
Patty can be humble and gentle when she wants to. She is ALWAYS sincere when she writes. And again, with all due respect, your stylistic observation and criticism didn't seem all that constructive. The other blogs you mentioned are just that.....other peoples blogs....and they write theirs the way they want to. Give Patty that same courtesy.

I did not write this to offend anyone. I just feel that we all need to lighten up. It's Patty's blog!
April said…
Hi, Patty...

I read your blog every day on a feed reader and I wanted to tell you that every single time I see a post from you, I feel so happy!

I love your positive perspective, your gentle thoughts and your frank writing. You inspire me to recognize and be truly grateful for the blessings that abound in my life. Thank you so much.

If I wrote a list of inspirers -- you'd be on it! :)
Anonymous said…
Patty,
I'm sorry for the negative comments you have received and I regret that I waited 'til now to tell you how much I have appreciated your perspective. I have been visiting your blog since Meredith (Like Merchant's Ships) linked here. Your "list" posts seemed more about developing an intuitive approach to housekeeping (and living!), and not mere criticism of list-makers and keepers. They were a source of relief to me. I am a schedule-following flunkie... and my lists (when I do make them) are often misplaced or forgotten. But posts such as yours remind me that I can be a good wife, mother, homemaker, and demonstrate hospitality, etc... with or without the checklist!

Was it you who wrote something to the effect of how we so often try to live like we're managing a business? If so, I encourage you to please repost it! (Or perhaps you'd consider e-mailing those posts...?) There's much wisdom in that thought. When I find myself annoyed with my kiddos or frustrated because of a change in my plans, I now try to remind myself that life is not a business-system that can be perfectly, smoothly managed by following correct procedures. Of course there are things that need to be done, but as Jesus said to Martha,"...only one thing is needed and Mary has chosen that good thing..." May I be more like Mary than Martha.

I know you must act in accordance with your conscience and perhaps you are called to keep the peace in this case by removing those posts, but I do wish you would reconsider! Your thoughts are unique and that's refreshing!
Holly C. said…
I'm sorry some people feel the need to make hateful comments on your blog.

Keep on writing your lovely, thoughtful posts!
Lucy said…
Hi Patty, I missed your post about list making. It makes me very curious. I don't know what you wrote but I'm not a fan of listmaking too. I love to live by the hour and joy the day. What's done is done and for what isn't tehre is coming a next day :-)
Mimi said…
Patty,
that's why you call it your blog...so you can say what you want...and if someone doesn't agree with it they don't need to comment...I have never noticed any negative comments on your posts...they must do it by E-Mail, which I think is a pretty lame way to criticize someone...
I would encourage you to keep posting what your heart tells you to post...
I enjoy your blog very much
don't let the bad guys win...,
Mimi
2 LMZ FARMS said…
I'm so sorry that you had to be the one to suffer. I have been reading your blog for a long time now and really enjoy your post. I agree with your other commenters. It's your blog. What you write is exactly what you feel to write. There has been soo many times that I have sat down and read your post and when I got up, I was a much better woman, mother, friend, and wife. Your writtings inspire me and touch me. Continue on with your post with whatever is laid on your heart. Yes, there are going to be subjects that offend someone but are you trying to please everyone that reads your post or you just trying to do what is laid on your heart? I say do what you are lead to do. Then again, I'm outspoken. Take care my friend and hope you and yours have a blessed day.
Anonymous said…
Hi Patty,
I missed this particular post but I get the feeling it had to do with that blog I posted on my site. Honey, I think you've read a few of my thoughts so you know I shot straight from the hip.

If you start allowing people to influence whats on your heart and cause you to second guess yourself and your motives, life will be very uncomfortable for you.

You really have to take a look at teh type of person who takes anything said on these blogs as a personal attack and find every other word as an insult, you just pray for them to get a life and a thicker skin and move on.

Your blog is like your home. Would you allow someone (especially a stranger) to enter your home and tell you what you can and can not sayand do, how you should say or do a thing, what you should believe and how you should believe it? Heck no! I wont tolerate it. I'm not that democratic when it comes to my personal space, thoughts and beliefs.

Dont let nagger's, whiners, and contentious women (or men) determine how you feel about yourself or your blog.

Do your thing girl! :o)
The Stricklands said…
Life is full of choices everyday - darn it! Lists, no lists, humility, anger, acting like a friend, being a jerk, snarling at the dog.... We choose how we respond to what is going on around us. Some people have a desire to be critical and hard-hearted. I can't change their minds. I CAN choose joy for today and desire to make others feel better when they have been with me.
Patty, have a wonderful blessed day. Walk across your new bridge several times for me!
Heidi said…
Sorry to hear you had such a negative response. Personally, I think it's sad that people would get so petty because what works for them doesn't work for you. This is your blog and you have the right to voice your opinion. Please don't let anyone ruin that for you. I love your blog and I don't care if your opinion differs from mine at time.
Sarah B. B. said…
Hon, that list-making post was the one that pointed me to your blog in the first place! I completely understand taking it down, but do know that it helped many while it lasted. :) Take care, & don't let the mean folks get to you. I think it's all about the spirit of the comment - if it comes from kindness, even disagreements are fine, but if it's meanspirited, that's another story.
Pearl said…
Just keep on being you! YOU are the reason that I read this blog! I liked your posts on lists. I use to be a huge list maker and it would be the end of the world if everything did not get done. Now I just do what needs doing, it all gets done and there is less stress.
Patty said…
Chocokitty, why bother reading my blog ? Everyone wonders why you do. No one is begging you to, no one is twisting your arm.
I will just keep removing your comments
JacquiG said…
Somehow I must have missed the post in question. I wish I hadn't because I'd be really interested in your point of view on list making, and certainly if it pertains to homemaking!! Would it be possible to email it to those who are interested but missed it?

Patty, I feel so sad that people are doing this to you again, but I'm also sad that you are letting them do this to you. I know, that's much easier said from my perspective. I certainly agree with something that Debbie said. I don't know you but I think of you as a friend and I value the thoughts and opinions that you express here. They may not always be the way I look at things, but then I'm not one who expects everyone to have my point of view. But your blog is an important part of my day, and *you* are important to me. Please try to not let the whiners and complainers in life force you comply with their wishes by changing your posts.

You have many, many friends here in the blogworld. Friends who care a great deal, who value your thoughts and the time you spend sharing them with us, who value YOU. Don't let them win.

Love, Jackie

PS ... Is it not possible to block someone from posting? I don't know who this Chocokitty is, but perhaps there's a way you can stop them from bothering you.
Lisa said…
Oh, my goodness! I have said before and I must say again....if someone has so much free time on their hands that they can visit blogs they don't like so they can leave ugly comments, then he or she ought to be out volunteering and making a positive difference somewhere. With a large family and 21 acres to tend, I have to squeeze in blog-reading time among my other priorities. I guarantee I don't waste that time reading blogs I don't like. I don't believe it is my duty in life to set someone straight about what is shared on a PERSONAL blog. You keep sharing YOUR heart on YOUR blog and I'll keep reading and being blessed. As for the Hurtful Comment Maker....we have miles and miles of fence to build. Might as well put all that "energy" to work doing something productive!
Spinneretta said…
Oh no! I LOVED those posts. They really made me think... because lists just DON'T work for me. The only list that ever works for me is my grocery list... and that is because I make a weekly shopping trip and I always forget something if I don't!
But your posts resonated with me... I realised that I don't NEED to make lists. WOW! What a breakthrough!

I have to add that some people need to learn civility... as a guest on a blog, I try to never criticize, those that do, usually enjoy criticizing. In fact, that is what they DO. For fun. Imagine! How bored they must be :o

I only wish I had printed your blogs, because I really liked them!
BTW, I know of many blogs that are no comments by default, opening their comments ONLY for posts on which they wish them.

Your blog... your choice :)

~Rachel~
Daisy said…
Just wanted you to know that it was your latest list post that introduced me to your blog. This obsessive-compulsive list maker so needed to hear what you shared!
Unknown said…
You keep on writing and speak your mind. Please do not let people’s negative comments bring you down. Just remember that you are a gifted writer. Your pictures are wonderful and each photo has a life to it.
Anabella
Marianna said…
I somehow missed the list post. I'm amazed that people attacked over such a trivial subject, however! As you say Patty...there are real problems in this world!
AnnMarie said…
LOL--I'm sorry you took them down to. I'm actually a HUGE list maker. HUGE. But, umm, well, around the house it just doesn't get done as much as I'd like. So I've been thinking about what you said was thinking that taking the lists out of that area of my life would lessen my stress. I hadn't looked at some of them in years anyway, but they were still in my kitchen. I cleared them out a few days ago. I almost saved them just in case them realized I have them on the computer or could re-write them if I really wanted to.

So here's a vote in your favor! Sorry some folks got ugly about it.
Renee said…
I read your posts on list making and I really appreciated them!
They were really helpful to me and encouranged me to look at how I manage my house and list making. To branch out and learn to be flexible in some areas and see where I needed more help in newer areas.

I am sorry you received some not so kind responses.

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