I've been trying to get my port more organized and I just realized I have 204 items of an allowed 250 being used right now! I'm gonna have to upgrade or downsize, but I'd hate to delete anything.

         An update on the poison ivy... they started me on a second round of steroids because then the first perscription ran out the blisets started popping out again. Now they seem to be clearing up. For a couple of days there I could hardly stand to be touched by anything, even clothing. My skin was raw and super-sensitive; everything felt like burlap, even a silk nightgown!

         Everything is started to dry up now. My arms look like I've been scalded; my face has some patchy areas and there are still some blistered areas around my wrists and ankles, but for the most part, it's getting better. WHEW!

         Thanks to all of you who have written and asked how I've been doing. I appreciate your concern.

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         Besides being a writer I am a polymer clay artist. Today I wrote a short story about the creative process that goes into my artwork.

ID: 1464209   (Rated: E) Artistic Process  Follow the artist step by step, from idea to finished product by justme

         Today I clicked on a couple of items on the main page and I ended up here:

ID: 1451013   (Rated: E) Lizzie and Sadie  God called Lizzie and unborn Sadie to heaven. by Kings

ID: 1463983   (Rated: E) Mother And Daughter Angel's  Mother and daughter were called to heaven together. by Kings

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I read four excellent items today:

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ID: 1434262   (Rated: E) Dinner Out  Eating in a really awful restaurant. by SoCalScribe

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         Here's a question for you to think about:

         If you're reading an item and you come across an expression you're unfamiliar with, do you chalk it up to poor writing skill and criticize the writer, using the expression as an excuse to give a low rating?

         In my port I have stories that have been viewed and commented on hundreds of times with nothing but glowing, positive reviews. This week, though, I've received reviews on some of these stories from readers who claim they didn't understand a particular expression and that the story would be better without it. They then list several expressions that might be used it its place, expressions that are just as regional but which clearly demonstrate they really did understand the expression but singled it out because it was less common to them. In conclusion, they rate my work poorly, as in below average with reference to the expression as their only comment.

         I'm a big girl. I put my work up in a public forum and I know not everyone is going to think it's wonderful. I can handle that. It's not getting a poor rating that prompted me to write this entry so much as the reason for it. If these reviewers pointed out legitimate errors, misspellings, or structural problems; discrepancies, style issues, or inconsistencies I would understand. But to focus on a 'regional expression' and then rate poorly doesn't seem like a fair use of the rating system.

         There are many different regions within states, countries, and the world. Not all of us are familiar with every expression, figure of speech, or manner of speaking. If you understand what it means, why tear it apart because it's not a commonplace way of saying something where you live?

         Different countries use different spelling and grammar rules, even for the same language. Some use different punctuation rules. Even within the same country, depending on whose 'book of style' you use, your punctuation will vary.

         Countries and regions often employ different figures of speech. If I was in England I might have a spot of tea and think everything's grand, while here in the US, a spot of tea might give rise to throwing in a load of laundry. In Australia, I could throw shrimp on the barbie and everyone would know it would soon be time to eat, but here in the US, a little girl might worry about her dolls if you suggested such a thing.

         Here in the Midwest, where I live, I have friends who say "Why don't you'ens come over?" while friends in the South say 'ya'all' or 'all ya'all', and friends in the north just say 'you'.

         We all understand 'hello' but others say 'howdy', 'howdy-do', 'hi', 'hiya', 'how goes it', 'g'day', 'aloha', etc.

         In one of my stories a character uses the expression "it would be a joy" when accepting an invitation. Others might say "my pleasure" or "I'd be honored".

         One of my characters talks about looking at something on the lowest shelf at a store and says she was "bent double". Sure, she could have said she was "bent over" or "doubled over" or even that she "leaned down" to see something.

         I guess what I'm saying is, if we all use the same expressions, where does diversity come in? Just because someone has a different way of saying something doesn't make it wrong. It doesn't make their writing less than good or below average.

         Break out of the norm. Write in your own style. Use expressions you're familiar with. Expand your horizons.

         And when reading and reviewing, allow other authors to express themselves, to be themselves, and use their own style rather than trying to squeeze them into a mold of what you consider "the usual way of saying it".

         If I wanted to say something in the usual way of saying it, I'd just point you in the direction of what to read that someone else has already written. Why write if not to express myself in my words instead of someone else in their words?

         Just my thoughts for the day.

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         Today I took a moment to visit an old friend here at WDC. A few months back she, her sister, and I worked on a campfire story together and it was so much fun. If you've never participated in a campfire story, you should give it a try. It's inspiring the way the other members pick up on what you've written and turn it in different directions than you would have ever imagined.

         I visited this folder, in particular:

ID: 1405241   (Rated: 18+) Short Stories ~ My first (writing) love  Gallery of Belle-Lettres by Nicki by NickiD89 Scuba Classes!

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         Friends, if you ever wanted a lovely signature photo, you have the opportunity to have one now that shows love and support for a moderator/member/ friend who has been diagnosed with leukemia.

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ID: 1461139   (Rated: E) The Healing Room  for Judy. Let's come together and focus our energies to help our dear friend heal. by Nizza

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         This afternoon I did a few more reviews.

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         Last night I was feeling down. This month marks four years since my mother-in-law passed away. She and I were very close. She taught me a lot about life but even more about myself. She was closer to me than my own mom.

         She taught me to be a better person in all aspects of my life. From her I learned to be a kind-hearted, sympathetic, yet strong and self-sufficient woman; a loving, supportive, yet not afraid to stand up for how you really feel kind of wife; an openly nurturing and encouraging, but not clinging or overly-protective mother; and an unbiased, impartial, understanding, and accepting mother-in-law.

         So, last night I was thinking about Mom and I decided to get online before going to bed. In my email I learned that a beautiful awardicon had been placed on one of my folders of work:

ID: 1394379   (Rated: E) Just Me and My Girls  Stories about my daughters, sisters, nieces, mother, mother-in-law, and friends by justme

ID: 1374066   (Rated: E) Gardenias Will Always Make Me Cry  Loving memories prompted by a familiar scent by justme