A Growing Movement on WordPress
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My blog started out as a mental health blog because I am Bipolar. I started it to showcase my book on Amazon, “Eye-locks and Other Fearsome Things.” But I found little interest in mental health subjects and the blog soon morphed into a forum for my nature columns, photographs and paintings, recording the beauty of nature, trying to best describe and display God’s creation. Recently I have found that there are those who have used this platform to set themselves up as self-proclaimed experts, putting down others’ religious leanings and telling readers what they should do with their lives and what they should believe. In all fairness, everyone is entitled to say whatever on this platform although I don’t appreciate pornography which occasionally appears. Most bloggers have been tremendously responsive and I thank my many followers for their prayers during my husband’s surgery in whatever religion they subscribe to and their following. I thank them wholeheartedly and will not forget them. But recently I find posts putting down the religious practices of others. These comments and blog posts seem judgemental and possibly intolerant. Someone actually wrote all meditation is self-hypnosis, arguing against the many religions that use this in their practices, saying to follow his guidance. This sort of arrogance is astounding to me, and seems unduly prejudiced specifically against Hinduism. Another blogger told me to go out and heal the world… never mind that I no longer believe in the healing power of some alternative medical practices, have a major mental illness and am a recluse due to limited mobility. I had always thought WordPress to be a generous forum but apparently the growing conservativism across the planet has meant it is now okay to tell people what to do and how to live. I think in times of such utterly dreadful conflict and anger between peoples around the world, and in the spirit of the holiday season, we should refrain from such divisive comments. So to my 1, 120 followers, I am not following WordPress for awhile. I am really disheartened by these developments on this platform. I may visit to look at the posts I follow… or not. But I will think long and hard about posting again.
May you all be blessed this holiday season!
MOONSIDE 
i m sorry to hear that
i have run into some people
who are not tolerant
and are rude
too best wishes
to you and your husband
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December 3, 2023 at 3:46 PM
Thank you, Utahan! Best wishes to you and yours, too. 🙏🏽
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December 3, 2023 at 5:22 PM
Holiday Blessings to you my friend! I am sorry you experienced this negativity
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December 3, 2023 at 4:40 PM
Thank you, Cindy. Best wishes to you and your family! May your holidays be happy and bright! Happy photography! 🙏🏽
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December 3, 2023 at 5:26 PM
Always anytime away is good time to refresh and rejuvenate. Enjoy, Ellen.
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December 3, 2023 at 4:56 PM
Thanks, Cheyenne!! Yeah, you seem to profit from it! In case, I don’t get a chance, let me wish you happy holidays!
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December 3, 2023 at 6:01 PM
Happy holidays to you, Ellen!
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December 3, 2023 at 10:26 PM
Thank you, Cheyenne!
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December 3, 2023 at 10:36 PM
Ellen, I’m sorry you’ve run into such rude people! Long stories I haven’t talked about publicly in direct terms, but I have had some encounters with bad actors too. I know it happens but it’s always a shock and very upsetting. I’ve really enjoyed your site and will miss your posts. Sending purrs of support for you to do whatever you are comfortable doing. If you do decide to post again, I’ll be delighted to see your words and your beautiful pictures!
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December 3, 2023 at 6:17 PM
Oh, Leah, you are such a dear blog friend! Thank you so much!! 💓 😽Are you feeling at all better? I notice you comment more often. Hope you will feel up to doing a post maybe in the new year. I am sorry you are so sick!! 😔 Sending healing wishes🙏🏽😽
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December 3, 2023 at 6:28 PM
Your artistic blog posts will certainly be missed, Ellen. Negative responses and posts are disheartening and I’m so sorry you have experienced them. I try to focus on positive feedback and upbeat posts and delete or move past nasty ones. Good luck in all that you choose to do, Ellen!
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December 3, 2023 at 7:58 PM
Thank you so much, Nancy! No, I intend to come back. Just getting over lots of “stuff” and these posts were really upsetting. Good advice from you that I am not too good at following: concentrate on the positives! You are so wise, Nancy! Good holidays to you and yours, Nancy, and thank you always for your kind comments!
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December 3, 2023 at 9:03 PM
I am sorry too like many others who read this. Pl do not get disheartened as people of all sorts everywhere.
Best wishes for the holidays.
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December 3, 2023 at 8:54 PM
You are so kind, JM. It just got to me because it is hard times in so many ways. Best of the season to you and your family!! ❣️ 🙏🏽
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December 3, 2023 at 9:07 PM
Unfortunately, that happens. This is why there are no many words to say on this platform for me.
Sorry for your bad experience. However, do not disappear. As I understand for 1200 of your followers whatever you post is important and interesting.
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December 4, 2023 at 7:47 AM
Thank you, Alexander. Perhaps I was too thin- skinned but the condemnation of other religious practices made me angry. Thank you for your kind and caring comment! The best of the holidays to you! Hope all goes well! 🙏🏽🎄
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December 5, 2023 at 8:26 PM
Happy Holiday Season for you and your husband, Ellen!
For me church, religion and faith are three absolutely different things.
Church is the business. Religion is the tool to control human’s mind. And only Faith is the Valuable thing.
If you believe, know what Christ taught, and follow his commandments, you do not need mediator in between you and God then.
Therefore, a true believer will never judge.
IMHO. 🙂
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December 6, 2023 at 7:06 AM
Thank you, Alexander!🎄🙏🏽Happy holidays to you and your loved ones!
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December 6, 2023 at 8:40 AM
El, I’m so sorry for the way you’ve been treated, and the critical and judgmental comments that have been horrific. We’re all here on a journey that we need to choose. A platform to share is a gift, not a place for judgment. If we’ve been called to love one another, too often we have a lousy way of doing it. Thanks for speaking up with courage. You’ve once again made yourself very vulnerable–which is also a gift.
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December 4, 2023 at 8:29 AM
Well, thanks, Dayle. I was angry. I shouldn’t have been. But I didn’t feel I could ignore the condemnation of other religious practices. Love you, Dayle!
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December 5, 2023 at 8:21 PM
Don’t let others destroy your heart and soul with words, my friend. We’re called to NOT judge–and yet that’s one of the toughest things people fight against. Love you, El.
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December 8, 2023 at 4:56 PM
I believe you are wise to control the influences in your life, Ellen. If there’s a blog that I read that routinely disturbs me or causes anger, I unfollow that blog and no longer read it. I read many blogs where I disagree with the writer, and if it’s interesting, I will click the like button. The spirit of the blog might get me to stop reading. I hope you will not give up on WordPress and continue to write even if you don’t read.
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December 4, 2023 at 10:02 AM
Thank you very much, Don!! I will continue to read but not post for quite some time. Going through a rough patch but things are so really bad around the world, my things seem like a walk in the park. I will keep reading your posts! A great holiday season to you and your family!🎄🙏🏽
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December 5, 2023 at 8:30 PM
I’ve been praying for you. I go through those patches when I think about not blogging anymore. I may be asking you to pray for me soon.
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December 5, 2023 at 9:01 PM
I will add you to my prayer list right now. Don’t give up. I just need to get back on track at this point. Lots going on but nothing compared to what others have. Thank you so much for your prayers!! That’s one thing that is great about WordPress… people pray for one another. My husband had a surgery this year and several bloggers prayed for him and I will remember that and those people… just like I will remember you and thank you fir praying. We all could use extra prayers now and then. Don’t hesitate to ask me for prayers. And ha a blessed and beautiful holiday season with those you hold dear. ❤️ 🙏🏽🎄
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December 5, 2023 at 9:38 PM
Thank you, Ellen.
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December 5, 2023 at 10:26 PM
You’re most welcome!🙏🏽
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December 6, 2023 at 6:51 AM
I’m sorry to hear that arrogance, with it’s lack of acceptance toward others, is ruining the WP experience for you Ellen. Your blog, on the other hand, is written with humility and grace, welcoming the reader in without judgement. For those of us who value nature, it’s been so nice to visit here and deepen our connection to it. As long as the website is still up, I will stop by and dip into the archives. I know that I will find inspiration there, like I have with your more recent posts. Have a lovely Christmas with your husband.
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December 4, 2023 at 10:03 AM
Oh, Julie, what a beautiful comment. Thank you so much! I shall continue to look at posts, especially yours. People like you make WordPress a special place. Keep painting those beautiful landscapes! And hope you have blessed, happy holidays and a wonderful new year!! ❤️🎄🤩🙏🏽
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December 5, 2023 at 8:07 PM
Thank you Ellen! 😊❤️🎄🫶
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December 6, 2023 at 2:01 PM
❤️🎄
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December 6, 2023 at 3:41 PM
((((((((My dear Ellen)))))))) I understand how discouraging these negative experiences can be. Your blog is beautiful and so uplifting – thank you! I pray your holiday season is filled with joy and peace. Sending much love your way ❤️❤️❤️🙏
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December 4, 2023 at 4:47 PM
Thank you so very much, Sunnyside!! You are most kind and I will keep up with your blog for sure. Have a beautiful holiday season with those you hold dear. Much love, Ellen 🙏🏽🎄🤩❣️
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December 5, 2023 at 8:53 PM
Much love right back to you, Ellen – and may your holiday season be filled with peace and joy! 🙂🎄✝️
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December 9, 2023 at 10:45 AM
Thank you! ❤️🎄🙏🏽
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December 9, 2023 at 9:28 PM
Thank you so much, Sunnyside!! Sending you and yours holiday love and good wishes all the year through❣️🙏🏽🙏🏽🎄❤️
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December 9, 2023 at 10:13 PM
Ellen, beautiful Ellen. I will miss your meditation paintings and photographs. How else can we join the aesthetic experience, the spiritual spheres, if not enjoy the moments of pure truth, beautiful in our lives. 🦋💃🪷
Basically, these people who try to teach others are punishing themselves. The Universe does not encourage a lack of wisdom, tolerance, or acceptance. I even feel sorry for them.
I wish you restoration of harmony with yourself, the world, and nature! Your artistic practices help a lot with this. 📸🖼🌅
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December 5, 2023 at 7:56 AM
You are so wise, Ubit. Thank you so much for your generous comments and thoughts. You are inspiring. May you have beautiful holidays with your family. ❤️❤️🎄🙏🏽🤩
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December 5, 2023 at 8:41 PM
Oh, Ellen, I’m sorry you have to experience that. But I admire how you’ve spoken up about it. I shun away from posts and comments that are judgmental (religiously and politically). If you need to shy away for a while, it’s okay but know that you and your posts will be missed. Happy holidays in advance to you and your husband.
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December 6, 2023 at 6:56 PM
Dear Adelheid, Thank you so much for your message. It means a lot to me. You don’t know how much. Wasn’t sure I did the right thing. We’ll see. Happy holidays to you and your dear ones. 🎄🙏🏽 Thanks again!
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December 6, 2023 at 10:11 PM
You are most welcome, my friend. ❤️
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December 7, 2023 at 6:36 AM
❤️🎄🙏🏽
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December 7, 2023 at 8:54 AM
Bonjour belle semaine santé bise Bernard
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December 12, 2023 at 5:28 AM
Bonjour, Bernard! Belle semaine et bon sante a vous. Bise, Ellen
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December 15, 2023 at 10:00 PM
Ellen, I just came back from being off WordPress for several months. I have a long history of that when it comes to blogging, and during that period have periodically seen the kind of unfortunate circumstances you have encountered. Yet, I have found that for the most part WP has been a very welcoming community and I’m always made to feel welcome when I resume my blogging. I hope you experience the same. Thanks for the follow!
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December 14, 2023 at 10:27 PM
Thank you for relaying your experience. When I am stronger mentally, I hope to go back to it. Happy to follow you!! 🎄🙏🏽Ellen
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December 15, 2023 at 2:46 PM
Bonjour ELLEN
Mon ami amie je viens te souhaiter de joyeuses fêtes
Que ton Noël avec chacun de tes tiens soit heureux
Mon amie Joyeux Noël pour toi
Pendant toutes ces années de t’avoir connue a été un cadeau pour moi
Que ton Noël ne soit que joie
Merci ami, amie pour ton amitié
Joyeuses fêtes mon Amie, Ami
Mon respect et estime te sont infinis
Un ami qui pense à toi
En ces derniers jours de l’année 2023 Bernard
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December 21, 2023 at 9:44 AM
Bonjour Bernard, mon ami, Merci ami, amie pour ton amitié
Joyeuses fêtes mon Amie, Ami
Mon respect et estime te sont infinis
Un ami qui pense à toi
En ces derniers jours de l’année 2023.
I will miss your posts full of love for all! Please take care of yourself. I hope you are okay. I put you on my prayer list. Take care of yourself. Won’t say goodbye. I will be praying for you. ❣️❣️🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🎄🎄🎄❣️❣️❣️
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December 24, 2023 at 11:38 AM
joyeux Noel ELLEN bisous
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December 25, 2023 at 2:53 AM
Joyeux Noel, Bernard… bisous de Noel!
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December 25, 2023 at 5:51 AM
So sorry for your bad experience. I personally enjoy clicking annoying people into spam 🤣
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January 7, 2024 at 6:45 PM
😄
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January 7, 2024 at 6:51 PM
You’re welcome, Ellen! Your compliments are very thoughtful, and I do appreciate your positive feedback. 🙂
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January 7, 2024 at 6:56 PM
🙏🏽🙏🏽😊
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January 7, 2024 at 7:46 PM