I know, it’s a lot right now. I’m in the US, and the other day I spontaneously burst into tears at work (a first in over 35 years in the workforce) and when a concerned co-worker asked what was wrong, all I could manage was ‘pick a topic’. Ugh - here’s to happier times ahead.
Just need to jump on here to add my 2 cents to I'm sure the majority of your viewers/listeners/readders. Gabrielle, you are a gem of a person in all the ways. You mean so much to so many of us. I bring up your name to my friends all the time in personal conversations .. sometimes I call you Gabrielle Blair, sometimes Design Mom. I tell them about you and what an amazing Mom you are, designer, writer, thinker . Sometimes, fairly often, I re-post you on my Facebook page. People I know who didn't know you, know you now. Some of them started following you, have told me how wonderful they think you are too. It sucks so bad that people often aim their frustration and anger at the wrong person or people. Yes, it's a terrible time in history right now. I'm beyond filled with grief and fear and a little anger too. But not with you. You are a beacon of good energy, hope, creativity, and yes, calling out bad ideas like guns in the homes, racism, sexism, etc. I'm forever grateful to you, and totally understand if you need a little time out, or whatever you need to protect yourself from unskillful and unkind people. I just want you to know, along with the others, that you have added a lot to my life, and are deeply appreciated. Much love, Gayle
It is a lot right now and it definitely feels heavy. I think it’s important that we all check-in and do little things to lift one another up. Sending love and light your way! ✨
I’m so sorry that people feel the need to say ANYTHING but rapturous and loving things about the content you share. You’re an absolute gift to the online community, especially in times like these. Sending you enough admiration and joy to cancel 100 negative comments. Thank you every day for what you do.
I appreciate YOU. I am grateful that you share your content - whether it be about renovations, ejacualting responsibly, guns, motherhood or the many other things you share. It is true I agree with 98% of what you write about but, even when I don't I am glad to have read your thoughtful argument that always expands my understanding. In my tradition we call a person who has integrity, morality, dignity and a sense of what is right a mensch. You are a mensch.
It’s just so easy to go off at someone else when you’re upset, especially when you have a keyboard in front of you and can be relatively anonymous ...You have to know that the vast majority of your readers are people who appreciate you, although it must be hard to remember that when you’re being buried in negativity. You can’t please everyone all the time and it’s unrealistic of anyone to expect that. Just keep on being yourself and we will keep on loving you!
I am always SO please to read anything and everything you post...I understand that there are differing viewpoints, but I choose not to engage or read those comments...I wish you could do that too.
As far as the upsetting events in the world...I have come to the conclusion that I can’t look at or listen to the majority of it, for my mental health. I can’t escape it totally...I do listen to NPR and scan the Sunday NY Times and read newsletters, but find myself crying multiple times during the day even trying to disengage. One of my daughters-in-law is Israeli originally and has family there...they are ok, but it is such a horror that she and my stepson can’t ignore. I am at a loss...most of the time.
Ugh. Why do people feel the need to dump on others? Your writing is original, incisive, thoughtful. Whether I always agree or not isn't relevant is it? We can help one another--and the world--through our generosity of spirit. I appreciate that your share your thoughts with us. To say nothing of the lovely restoration work you document so carefully, and present to us so beautifully.
I’m sorry you’re getting criticism and I hope you know that there are far more of us that love and appreciate your content. You just don’t hear from us as much. Eff the haters.
Also, another good mildly spooky kids book rec -- did you know Jon Klassen (of the 'I Want My Hat Back' picture books) did a legit chapter book for young elementary-aged readers? I just saw it in a book shop the other month, and it is also excellent -- 'The Skull'.
I am so sorry you are getting hateful responses to your blog. I appreciate your thoughtful reasoned approaches and arguments for your topics. You make me think more deeply.
I agree…it is a really heavy, hard time to be alive. I feel very pessimistic about so many different aspects of life. It is like a weight that follows me nearly all the time. I worry for the future, for my children and my grandchildren.
I hate that you receive so much hateful messages. That’s so disturbing.
Thank you for all you do. Please know you are deeply appreciated.
I know, it’s a lot right now. I’m in the US, and the other day I spontaneously burst into tears at work (a first in over 35 years in the workforce) and when a concerned co-worker asked what was wrong, all I could manage was ‘pick a topic’. Ugh - here’s to happier times ahead.
And the rest of us are just happy when someone from you appears in the inbox, even if we don’t tell you every time.
*something
Just need to jump on here to add my 2 cents to I'm sure the majority of your viewers/listeners/readders. Gabrielle, you are a gem of a person in all the ways. You mean so much to so many of us. I bring up your name to my friends all the time in personal conversations .. sometimes I call you Gabrielle Blair, sometimes Design Mom. I tell them about you and what an amazing Mom you are, designer, writer, thinker . Sometimes, fairly often, I re-post you on my Facebook page. People I know who didn't know you, know you now. Some of them started following you, have told me how wonderful they think you are too. It sucks so bad that people often aim their frustration and anger at the wrong person or people. Yes, it's a terrible time in history right now. I'm beyond filled with grief and fear and a little anger too. But not with you. You are a beacon of good energy, hope, creativity, and yes, calling out bad ideas like guns in the homes, racism, sexism, etc. I'm forever grateful to you, and totally understand if you need a little time out, or whatever you need to protect yourself from unskillful and unkind people. I just want you to know, along with the others, that you have added a lot to my life, and are deeply appreciated. Much love, Gayle
It is a lot right now and it definitely feels heavy. I think it’s important that we all check-in and do little things to lift one another up. Sending love and light your way! ✨
I’m so sorry that people feel the need to say ANYTHING but rapturous and loving things about the content you share. You’re an absolute gift to the online community, especially in times like these. Sending you enough admiration and joy to cancel 100 negative comments. Thank you every day for what you do.
Dear Gabrielle, what you do, both in renovation and in the political sphere is thoughtful and engaging. Thank you for sharing.
I appreciate YOU. I am grateful that you share your content - whether it be about renovations, ejacualting responsibly, guns, motherhood or the many other things you share. It is true I agree with 98% of what you write about but, even when I don't I am glad to have read your thoughtful argument that always expands my understanding. In my tradition we call a person who has integrity, morality, dignity and a sense of what is right a mensch. You are a mensch.
It’s just so easy to go off at someone else when you’re upset, especially when you have a keyboard in front of you and can be relatively anonymous ...You have to know that the vast majority of your readers are people who appreciate you, although it must be hard to remember that when you’re being buried in negativity. You can’t please everyone all the time and it’s unrealistic of anyone to expect that. Just keep on being yourself and we will keep on loving you!
I am always SO please to read anything and everything you post...I understand that there are differing viewpoints, but I choose not to engage or read those comments...I wish you could do that too.
As far as the upsetting events in the world...I have come to the conclusion that I can’t look at or listen to the majority of it, for my mental health. I can’t escape it totally...I do listen to NPR and scan the Sunday NY Times and read newsletters, but find myself crying multiple times during the day even trying to disengage. One of my daughters-in-law is Israeli originally and has family there...they are ok, but it is such a horror that she and my stepson can’t ignore. I am at a loss...most of the time.
Ugh. Why do people feel the need to dump on others? Your writing is original, incisive, thoughtful. Whether I always agree or not isn't relevant is it? We can help one another--and the world--through our generosity of spirit. I appreciate that your share your thoughts with us. To say nothing of the lovely restoration work you document so carefully, and present to us so beautifully.
I’m sorry you’re getting criticism and I hope you know that there are far more of us that love and appreciate your content. You just don’t hear from us as much. Eff the haters.
Boo to the hateful messages, ugh.
Also, another good mildly spooky kids book rec -- did you know Jon Klassen (of the 'I Want My Hat Back' picture books) did a legit chapter book for young elementary-aged readers? I just saw it in a book shop the other month, and it is also excellent -- 'The Skull'.
I am so sorry you are getting hateful responses to your blog. I appreciate your thoughtful reasoned approaches and arguments for your topics. You make me think more deeply.
I agree…it is a really heavy, hard time to be alive. I feel very pessimistic about so many different aspects of life. It is like a weight that follows me nearly all the time. I worry for the future, for my children and my grandchildren.
I appreciate and respect you and your content so very much. Keep up your incredible work.