I could use a hug

Today started off pretty normally.. nothing special. I had a few discussions for upcoming jobs.. designing some tickets for a drawing for a trip to Puerto Vaillarta. and also a concept/tickets/hall decor and menu for a St-Valentines day fundraiser. I was happy about it..it's not alot of money but it is money for something I enjoy doing.

Later on in the afternoon, took a walk in the woods and took a few photographs.

So I come home and check on Worth1000... see if anyone has done the Worth crossword puzzle I have made. It is not a huge success, but that's alright.. it was a crazy idea I came up with and was fun to do. After Worth I check out Artalyst. It's a site where people put up their images for comments and critiques.. and it is generally a sharing community. There is one guy though.. that just hates my guts.. I don't know why. I guess he just hates my face or something.

He has re-commented on a previous image that he has already commented on (okay this image could use some work but that is not what he is telling me about) The image is of an North American Indian doing a dance at a POWWOW. This was held in our town for the first time this summer. It was pretty cool. These different tribes get together and have these dance competitions in their native dress. These people are trying to keep their traditions alive. Anyways.. his first comment on the image was about the blurred background being too modern.. and the second comment is like i said - nice except for the " this is how they used to be but now they are tamed " kind of thing...What? I know he is just egging me on and wants to tell him to shut up his big fat racist mouth.... but that is the kind of thing he enjoys.. so I haven't said anything.

I go to another comment and here is what he has to say.. something along the lines of .. you used to do good work..but what you put up now is not good anymore. You are pretentious and trying desperately to put anything up.. blah.. blah.. then he adds a comment on my latest image under this image. About putting up a mallard duck just doesn't do anything for him.

This is not the first time he has come at me.. it is actually the third time.
Anyone that knows me.. I 'm far from being a trouble maker. I'm a gentle soul and even often too soft and forgiving. I have a friend that tells me: Maggie .. you should be like a good french bread.. nice and soft inside.. but with a thin hard crust on the exterior to protect yourself. Easier said than done.

I can admit my photographs aren't the best.. they aren't crap either. I 'm just learning and trying to figure it out as I go along. I don't mind someone saying.. you should change your crop.. or try a different perspective. Sometimes I agree, sometimes I don't but at least those critiques are constructive. How is making me feel like a piece of crap going to do me any good. So.. now besides feeling hurt .. I am mad at myself for letting a jerk like this bring me to tears.

Sylvain isn't here.. won't be until between 11:00 and midnight. I could really use a hug.