Just before I went on vacation officially, someone left a different sort of comment on my blog than I'm accustomed. The anonymous commenter said something on the order of "I can't believe something so small [my conversation with Gayle King] gets you so excited. It's not like you talked to Oprah." and then they suggested "You need to get a life."
Now, really. Was that last part necessary? That's the kind of thing that can keep me up nights. And, admittedly, I did have a little trouble resting my sleepy head after that one.
But just for the one night.
The next morning a few things occurred to me.
1. I do get excited over little things. That's who I am. I get excited over trying new laundry detergent. I get excited about a bell for my bicycle. I get excited about a conversation with a child. I get excited about a flower blooming. When I got my new coffeemaker, I really did exclaim "This is going to change my life!" and it did. And so do the countless other wonderful things that happen in my life everyday.
2. That said, I don't think talking to Oprah's best friend, with whom she talks to every single day, is small. I cite the transitive theory. If Oprah talks to Gayle. And Gayle talks to me. I talk to Oprah. Not really but it's close enough for me.
3. I have a life. I have a tremendous and glorious and wonderful life. I have hundreds of special friends. I have a darling husband who thinks the world of me and I, him. I have a beautiful home with nice neighbors. I don't need to "get a life". I've got just about the pick of the litter.
Thank you, all of my regular readers and the new ones that drop by every day, for "getting me" and for encouraging me to be who I am.
And, for the one who wants me to get a life, I would like to recommend that you heed a piece of advice I've heard hundreds of times but obviously escaped you, "if you don't have anything nice to say, keep it to yourself." And secondly, I'd like to suggest that when you are nice, your world is nicer. It's just like when the color appears suddenly in the Wizard of Oz. But when you throw out insults with abandon, I imagine that the world is dark and ugly. Step into the light, anonymous. Be nice.
60 comments:
Amy: It's those little moments that make up a life! How sad for anonymous that they don't find the joy in the small moments. I must say I was quite excited to find out you were going to be on XM Radio with Gayle. I loved watching as she and Oprah traversed cross-country in their Chevrolet and then handed over the keys to their road car to a deserving woman, who was in much need of a car. Keep being your sweet self. It's why we all drop by to visit you at your website.
Julie Baxley
Roswell, New Mexico
I get excited about the little things too. I posted yesterday in celebration of little things. There are thousands to be celebrated.
I am sorry for those who cannot help me celebrate. If there is a genuine need, then I will help a friend. But negative and ugly people just never make the friend list.
I love coming here everyday and catching up with you. Seems so many of us are trying to live our life in a positive and "nice" way. Maybe our way will catch on and spread.
I love that you celebrate your moments of life with us...I check in daily. It is these kinds of things, in my view, that make our life fun, wonderful, exciting. There are many kinds of things that go into making up LIFE...and you have chosen to share your excitment with us. Are there other things that make a life important...yes...but it takes ALL experiences and moments. Have fun, sweetie and don't let anyone get you down!
I regularly check in to your website, just because it IS so nice! it makes me happy, warm and snug, so just ignore those mean people, and keep on doing what you do best, bringing the world a cheerful happy place to check into!
Please don't let one nasty person make you feel bad. I have seen so many people close their blogs just for this reason. It really saddens me that some people try to make others feel bad about themselves for no reason. I love to read your blog every day, it makes me feel good to see your delight in small things. Keep it up!
Oh I so get you, sweatpea!
Your blog/company is appropriately named "Inspire Company". You do inspire. Your personality comes through it what you write and it IS inspiring. I'm not into Oprah/Gayle or bicycles... but I can appreciate your enthusiasm for all of it. :-)
Amen. What goes around, comes around. My guess is that that person is not happy with his/her life so he/she has to go around sowing little seeds of negativity! Pity that person, don't let them get to you!
that is too bad that annonymous doesnt have a life that she or he has to leave a commet like that..i am like you and get excited over everything, new laundry detergant, new socks, the way my towels smell when they are laundered with lots of bleach, i love bleach, hehehe. i love the way one of my 5dogs ears smell-chance marie, she is my comfort...so that is what makes you and that is what makes me! so i raise my glass to you missy, you are awesome!!! dont change and i was so excited for you to talk to gayle, i probaly would had peed my pants...you go girl!!
xoxo~kim
I hate to picture you bothered by the mean remarks of someone who doesn't even bother to sign their name. You are a ray of sunshine and I love to come here and soak up the sun! Thank you for spreading happiness in a world that needs it!
Amy dear..
Don't ever..ever..ever lose the wonder of the little things... I appreciate your zest for life! It is what draws people to you and to this website..
xo
The little details in life are those very things that prove important. Paying attention to details is living mindfully as opposed to living mindlessly. I feel sorry for the anonymous poster who feels so insecure and inadequate in his/her own life that she cannot understand the zest for life that you've shown. Have you ever noticed in a museum where folks just hurry by a painting so they can say they saw it but they never noticed the detail of the tiny brush stroke that really brought out the certain quality of light that made the painting what it is? Instead, they just want to say they saw the Mona Lisa or whatever but they've never "experienced" it. Just like you, I want to "experience" life; I don't just want to take it for granted. That old adage, "take time to smell the roses," really has an important message for us if we just take the time to think about it.
Your life is wonderful, Amy, and I applaud your celebration of it.
Oh dear Amy,
Let it go dearheart. I for one love the sentiment that Julie up top expresses. Life is made up of little moments, which if you think about it... makes every moment that we are alive a big one. Continue to celebrate it to your hearts content. I for one will be hear pleased as punch to hear all about it!
Don't let a little comment from an unidentified viewer get you down! You inspire me everytime I vist your blog or your website Amy! Your loyal readers are so because of the fact that you APPRECIATE all the little details that make up your life. I say BRAVO to you for recognizing the importance of all the little things, for seeing the beauty in the little things and for not taking them for granted. All those little things add up to a big thing- someone who appreciates LIFE. We would all be better people if we appreciated more of the things in our daily lives.
Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry someone tried to spill their bitter all over you, but I'm glad to see that you've popped right back up.
It's the little things in life that make it. Thank you for sharing things that excite you and make your life special.
-Amy Rue
Oh Amy, maybe miss anonymous was having a bad day. First of all, since when is Oprah better than Gayle King? Last time I checked we were all people. Oprah may make more money but I don't think that is something that matters to you. Second, we love that you get excited about all those seemingly small things. I know it makes me happy to hear how excited you are, so please, don't ever change.
On top of agreeing with everything you said about small things, I think you dealt out your answer to anonymous with grace. I would have been angrier than you were, but that's probably why I love reading your blog so much. Thanks for being who you are.
I got excited about a new brand of organic macaroni and cheese I bought the other day. I got excited about trying it, what I was going to have with it, the dessert I was going to have after it. I so get you. I've never left a comment here before but felt I must today. Inspire on girl!
Okay, I've never commented here before (at least I don't recall doing so), but I just had to say that I think you have a lovely life and I enjoy reading about it. And I'm a bacon person too.
LOL, oh Amy it IS your wonderful zest for life that is so inspiring! I see you as having a wonderful life, well goodness how could it not be since you have such a love for it all? and to me it truly is all the small things that make up the big things...I think only someone with a sad life would say such a thing to you, so I will wish for them to have 1/16th of the joy of living that you do.
You are so right! Ignore that old fuddy-duddy. No one told them to read your blog, anyhoo. You've got the right idea-remember "God is in the details." Enjoy the simple things and you are richer for it.
oh my! i am a lurker who always enjoys how you share your joy about the little things-- enthusiasm and noticing the wonderful little things is what makes a life, and a happy one, so you absolutely DO have "the pick of the litter" and you are kind enough to share it with all of us. So, I agree that not only is talking to Gayle not a "little thing" but also that the little things all add up to the biggest thing of all! Which is being a happy, lovely, creative and generous person. So thank you!
I think it is the little things that should get us excited in life. Anyone that expects major life changes at every moment to keep them going really has some issues, and most likely a very chaotic life.
I love reading blogs, yours included, to find out about the "little things" in people's lives. It's like being friends with hundreds of people around the world. I picture of the cup of tea they enjoyed that morning or writing out the "almost words" spoken by their two-year-old are the things that help me feel grounded and connected in this community.
And I agree that talking to Gayle and being broadcast on the radio is not a little thing!
Oh Amy...I know it would be very hard for you to ignore a comment like that...it is impossible for you to ignore any of the little bits, medium sized bits, and big bits, in life...which is why you have so many admirers, friends, and fans!! That is why you do what you do, and why we all visit you everyday! You effortlessly keep us all aware of what is important in life, and what should "rule" your day. The special little things....smells, tastes, sounds, conversations. The fact that this person took the time to comment shows alot....they felt compelled to mention a thing as tiny as an entry on a blog in the GINORMOUS blogworld....so they too must come here to see what you are zeroing in on each day...maybe they are sad..or do not know how to find happiness in trying a new soda pop!...hopefully in time they will "get it"!
We all get you Amy...and Love you for who you are...The day I found your blog..I know I walked around my apt. lighter...knowing the next day I could visit you again..and borrow some of your "light"!! Thanks bunches!! I would tell you "don't sweat the small stuff"...but I think that if that stopped you wouldn't be who you are.
We all luv you to bits for all that you are Amy!! Be Happy!!
Lots of Love!
xoxo Jenny..a fan and a friend!
ps...I don't know if I have ever seen a happier looking child..lol...look at that face!!
One of my favorite things about your blog is how excited you are about the so called ordinary. I mean, just look how happy Deb made you with that Tiny nest. I'm happy for you, because it made your day! There is an antique store in my area that sells bumper stickers that say BECAUSE NICE MATTERS. And you, Amy, along with many of your readers agree!
You have a wonderful life Amy and bring so much happiness into all of our everyday lives. Keep it up.
I just wanted to say that maybe (hopefully) that person did not mean it the way you took it. I know sometimes I have written emails where I thought it was obvious I was trying to be sarcastic and funny but the recipient took it the wrong way. Tone of voice is very hard to translate into written word. Anyway, I enjoy your blog and would hope that everyone else does too!
how dare that person! your life sounds absolutely wonderful!
my co-worker and i were having the same conversation this morning about being nice and how it is such a simple and small thing to do, and it makes life that much better. yeah, some days life sucks rotten ugly ostrich eggs! but sometimes that one nice person will come along and change your whole perspective, making you realize that it's not so bad after all...and it truly is a "pay it forward" kind of thing (nice breeds nice).
i say good for you in realizing just how great your life is! obviously anonymous has a rotten outlook and feels the need to drag everyone down with him/her.
:^)
Tiffany*
Wow! You said it Spanky...or Darla...yes, Darla...Go girl! And, thanks for the tip on Dwight Schrute. Made my hubbies day.
I am glad that you are YOU, and that you enjoy it so very much!
~Kelly (aka paperoses)
Well, I've just found your blog and have devoured all your postings. I, too, go into raptures over little things. I plan to read and post here on a regular basis because I like the life you've got!
Cin (aka as Lovie)
You have the bestest attitude about everything, Amy. Fooey on anyone who rains on your joyful parade. Any one of us would love to have even a tiny fraction of the lovely, happy inspiring life that you lead. What's sad is the thing that person doesn't "get" is that you are more about making OTHER people happy than anything else. We smile and laugh and get excited along with you as you talk to Gayle, or share sweet little nests, or organize Club Little House. Thanks for being you!
Smoochies,
Jenny B Harris
Amy, in the time I have known you I have learned to really appreciate the little things. I get to appreciate your nephew's fun smile, your fathers keen design for halloween costumes, your afinity for all things tiny and your unfailing ability to bring together a group of friends from all over the world who pop in day after day for a bit of inspiration. No small feate sister! In a time when the news on the CNN is usually more than I can stomach I savor the wonder you find in simplicity. Cynical, angry or rude is so common - it is found everywhere. It is much more challenging to focus on the ordinary and bring it into the extraordinary.
Amy, what we all love about you is that you *do* celebrate the little things--your enthusiasm is absolutely wonderful!!!
AND, as far as "getting a life"???? I *constantly* am thinking as I'm reading your blog "how does she do it all???" How does she run a business, work at the Cottage, make beautiful items for sale, be so involved with her family & friends and do it all so well and with such a wonderful outlook. I STRIVE for a life like yours!! :)
the little things are the things to get excited about! if you only got excited over big things, then you'd only get to be excited every once in awhile, and that certainly wouldn't be as fun!
oh dear one, I stumbled onto your blog today and was appalled at what that person had said to you. I'm probably old enough to be your grandmother and trust me..your ability to find joy and delight in the smallest of things (not that Gayle King is a small thing! no way!) will stand you in good stead throughout your life. The beauty of how the light hits the leaf on an otherwise dreary day. The delight of finding a pretty stone. And the wonder of creating...all these things will keep you well even when times are bad. Tis a good thing, and I applaud your outlook.
geesh ... really?
because that person's life is so full they have nothing else to do but try and rain on your parade? why can't people just be supportive and nice? why do some people always feel a need to rain crap down on others?
you just og on being happy about your one degree seperation from oprah, amy. if that's waht makes YOU happy and floats YOUR boat then it dosen't matter what anoyone else thinks or says. YOU are special because YOU are YOU.
That is just so, so, ooooooooofffph! I can't even think of a word for it. You are obviously a very lovely, sweet person, and I hope that you continue to be, and that you continue to write about it and fill your life (and shop) with marvelous little things, because I love visiting your site and hearing about it!
Have a happy day!
Oh please don't let that negitative person get you down. I so admire your blog...it's just so darn refreshing! You're a real gem...don't you dare change!
i saw the bitter post on your blog and thought to myself...that person must be very unhappy with their life. thank you for being you...i enjoy your excitement and your passion for life. thank God for the little things...for the little things are what life is about. they are what makes each day so special. God is into little things...He is into details. and He delights in each and every "little thing" in our lives. thanks for sharing your life with us miss amy. and to anonymous...i hope you find peace and joy in your life...and in turn can share in other's happiness instead of being negative. blessings to us all.
Amy, every day when I log on to your BLOG I already have the biggest silliest smile on my face in response to that wonderfully silly smile you have on yours. I just love you and your smile to pieces. It's the little things...
Huge Hugs
well said. i love the little things in life, too, amy. i love to make mountains out of molehills...in a good and positive way. if given the choice of your style of life vs. the commenter (whom i dont know but COME ON it was Gayle King! cool!!!) I would most definitely pick your style of living! you just keep on being you. we all love you for it!!! :)
The little things are the most wonderful things in life. I know that is what gets me through the day when it's cold and dreary and everyone is pushing. It's the little things that make me smile, kids going to school, my red shoes, a good cup of tea and my favorite lip gloss. Plus a new soft scarf that I just knit. These little things make life great.
It is folks like that who take all the fun out of blogging. I wouldn't waste another minute on a comment like that and you've handled it very well.
Just continue getting excited over the little things. It's called zest for life. Oh, and I get you! Especially with birds' nests and pajamas and....
Cheers to you for finding delight in the little things. Too often, too many people just miss the sheer happiness and joy in every day LIFE. Never let go of that delight and never let someone who is too small and chicken to sign their name get you down!!
Oh Amy...I get excited over little things, too!!! I got a really sweet little cheese cutting board with the sweetest little mice on it and I was excited...I got a cool salad spinner and it was exciting as well...SOOOO exciting...LOL.
I probably am the one who needs to "get a life" as I've just been discovering blogs (yours and some of your friends) and I get excited reading about what you are getting excited about. This is the first time I've commented and I apologize but I know you don't know me so I thought you might not care if I'd ever commented. I don't have my own blog so you can't come on over and get to know me...(well, if you ever get to Moland you might know me as wigglywourms)....anyway....I had to comment this time. Please don't lose even one night's sleep over someone's comments. You seem like the nicest person and I think it's wonderful that you can get excited over little things...it's GREAT! ...and I totally understand :o)
Marianne
Amen. I must admit, there have been times when reading someone's blog and it seems like all they do is whine about their life and I've really wanted to post a snide comment, like "Well, why'd you become a teacher if you don't like kids?" but I refrain. I just don't comment on that particular entry. It's their blog, they can say what they want. Personally, I much prefer the positivity and excitement. That's what keeps me coming back.
Amy your heart lives beautiuflly in each moment, that is what life is all about...moments, small wonders! You are blessed to take passion in the little gifts time offers.
Hopefully, the person who left the unsigned comment can discover joy in such small things, and learn about those places in the heart that give abundantly in every gesture, and word.
Amy, two quotes I saw just today:
"The little things? The little moments? They aren't little" - John Zabat-Zinn
"A cup can only spill what it contains"
Thanks for letting the "little things" bring you joy and for spilling your joy into the lives of others! I always look forward to your happy postings.
I've been a blog lurker, anxkously waiting for and reading each new post. After hearing the bits of 'snipe' hurled your way, I decided to come out of hiding...Simple things are good. They are comforting. There is never-ending joy in the things that are just so 'daily'!...new socks, the first cup of coffee in the morning, seedlings, holding hands with my little ones...speaking with someone we admire. I admire your sweet view of the world and how you fill it with pretty things, good feelings and simple pleasures. thank you...your kindness, even in the midst of snippy attacks, makes the world a better place. goodness prevails
It's funny how much of the time a negative comment will come from anonymous reader. Ignore that silly comment and keep doing what you are doing. We all love to read about your lovely little things. :)
whoa. i read your blog almost everyday but am mainly a lurker. i have a friend who painted, on her front door mind you, a little saying right above the deadbolt..."be nice or leave". I have to say I agree with that sentiment. There is no reason whatsoever to be rude or inconsiderate. So to whoever wrote that comment, it's time for you to run along and find someother place to play. shoo.
Amy,
I found your blog by clicking on Mo's link to you. I've been hooked and delighted ever since.
It's true, you are appropriately named, inspire. You inspire me every day. I count you as one of my best friends and you didn't even know it. After I found you, I went back and read everything you had blogged. I've laughed, I've cried, I've related, and now it's time to step up and tell you how much you've meant to me.
Like you, I have a life, a very busy life, but the time I take to read your blogg, is a gift I give myself! I thank God for you everyday. He knows I need to be in the company of creative, caring, fun people like you to refresh my spirit.
Your links to your many blogger friends have enriched my life. I now travel to England, France, and all over the world seeing the world through eyes of some very delightful women.
Through you, I've even found bloggers in my area here in Washington State. Through them, I'm finding wonderful places to shop and visit that I didn't even know existed.
Thank you very much, and just keep blogging!
In Moland, I'm known as Grandma Pam.
My friend and I both have internet businesses also, and we have found it amazing how unpleasant some of our written communication can be sometimes from a customer. But then, when you call them to discuss the issue, then they are really nice. I just think the keyboard makes them much bolder in what they say! It is so important to try to enjoy the little things, they are truly what matters.
Sometimes those kinds of things can be blessings in disguise, because they make us self-conscious in a way that, ultimately, reaffirms we are on the right track after all, no matter what anyone else thinks. You go, girlfriend. xoxo
Wow, it blows me away that people go out of their way to be rude & tacky. I get completely giddy over the tiniest of things...but you know what, at least we have some joy in our lives. I don't feel the need to tear others down. I have only received one rude comment since blogging, so I guess that's a good ratio. but I would love to say I have never received a rude comment. That's how the world should be!
Anonymous obviously doesn't realize just how much she's missing by not taking delight in the little things. I can't imagine the depressing drudgery of living in a world without those all-important details like bicycle bells, the first spring crocus, or the tiny rainbow in a droplet of water. Keep on loving the little things. It what makes your blog so delightful to read!
Amy,
I share in your excitement of speaking with Gayle King. I also had the wonderful opportunity to talk to Gayle a couple of weeks ago and it was a great experience. I was quite nervous while I was on hold to talk to her so I knew I was extra excited.
Don't let jealous ney-sayers upset you. Obviously that anonymous commenter was searching you site looking for Gayle's name and just left that comment in a jealous rage! Keep being excited about the little things. Oh and if you get a chance you can check out my post on talking with Gayle: http://bigpictureconcepts.blogspot.com/
I just found your blog!! I'm loving it, I'm reading all the archives
PLEASE keep getting excited about the "little things in life"!!!
Please continue to Scatter Joy and forget about that mean person!!!!
I'm glad I found you!
~Angie~
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