A Note to Readers

In response to some rather caustic criticism I've been getting for certain things that I post...

I wanted to address some of these issues and in effect, perhaps gain a fresh start with some of the readers who seem to be offended by certain things I have written. And I wanted to let people know that I do read all of the comments posted and I am listening to what you all have to say.

I was talking to my cousin, Teresa on the phone today, discussing some of the the response this blog has triggered. She was at first surprised by some of the harsh words that have come from neighbors, but then started to bring up some good points about my somewhat biting sense of humor. She has always read my blogs and knows me very well, so she doesn't think much of it when I frequently launch into these acidic tirades or inject a snide comment. She just thinks it's funny. But people who don't know me might not think it's funny and might not know what to think other than just what an obnoxious bitch I must be. Sometimes I get lost in my heavy usage of satire and sarcasm and don't realize just how abrasive I allow myself to get. But I'm working on that.

I realize it is hard to get to know someone just from seeing and reading a blog of hers online, but I thought I would help those of you who don't know me get to know me by telling you something about myself. I come from a family of seven children and I am the second oldest in line (the oldest girl). I know that's not much information, but it's a start. And maybe we can grow from there.

I would like to try to ease some of the tensions and let you all know that I really care about the neighborhood and community of Bloomingdale. I've lived here for 3 1/2 years and have many tales to tell of it.

And I care about writing and blogging and am always trying to develop as a writer. I care about the readers and audience, as you are an essential component in the writing/blogging process. I want people to read, view, and enjoy my blog and am always open to ways I might facilitate this goal. I am open to ways of improving my blog and would really like to cultivate a positive relationship with the readers. I also want to be myself and use my voice to express what I feel about the things I write about.

My sister always says that I am an acquired taste. My hope is that with time and continued reading, my critics will acquire that taste.

But in the meantime you'll have to excuse the irony and angles.

I think I gave up being earnest when I learned to talk.