Normally I don't like to coddle people. But I give exception for my new friend Katie.
On my recent Post Adventures abound! Katie said :Ok that butchering story is absolutely disgusting. How could anyone be so cruel - do you have no soul????
Katie missed the part where I said it was difficult for us. And anyone that knows me realize that it was heartbreaking to watch her suffer. But as many of you know, I write about the unpleasant things that happen when you are homesteading. It isn't for everyone, and I do put up fair warning when things might be graphic.
On the post Our Right to Bear Arms, Katie says ; Oh please. Guns kill. Why the hell do you need a gun????????????????????????? Are you planning on killing anyone anytime soon? Seriously, you rednecks kill me (pun intended).
Katie hasn't read the Constitution where it states that we are allowed to have guns if we want them. And yes Katie, guns do kill, that is their purpose. I do not plan on killing someone anytime soon. The gun I want would be for protection against all those wild dogs that people think it is ok to dump in the country. Redneck? No sorry Katie I have long hair, no sunburns on the back of my neck.
On Canned Meat, Katie says; Um, rabbit meat? Ewwwww. I am sitting next to my 2 pet bunnies and that is as repulsive to me as eating a dog or a cat (which you would probably eat). Do you also eat raccoon and squirrel b/c you strike me as the type (ahem hoosier). Sick.
You obviously know very little about me Katie. You have your pets, and I have mine. You also know very little about the mentality and the emotions of a person that raises livestock. Besides, I never once said I did indeed eat rabbit meat, I only informed others how to can it. Katie, I am a food writer, I have eaten and cooked many things for my job. You my dear are jumping to conclusions without knowing a person.
On Worst Case Scenario, Katie replies with; Let me take a WILD stab at it...you're a Christian. Big shocker there.
Wow Katie, you know me so well. Truth be told, this is something that many of my readers already know, but I am not a Christian. However I am distressed that those people that think they should deserve special treatment because they are this or that, feel so free to bash and attack one religion. One that has suffered just as the pagans, Jews, Muslims all have. But then that would mean you would need to read more than two pages of a book to discover that.
So to introduce myself. My name is Phelan. I am well educate, I listen to Heavy metal, I am a professional writer and I am a mother. I am a homesteader, I was a vegan for 15 years. I don't talk religion because it is a personal choice and I choose not to isolate anyone, and I am an Independent when it comes to politics. You could find out these things and many more if you take the time to get to know me rather than instantly judging me.
I hope Katie, that you will get all the attention that you were wanting with your comments. I am sure my friends are super happy to meet a new friend.
44 comments:
She seems immature, just glancing at her comments and her blog. She needs to find a blog somewhere more to her liking. My policy has always been if you don't like what I'm saying in my blog, don't read it. How hard is that?
I wouldn't waste time on her.
Idiots abound, Phelan. I've enjoyed reading your blog for its honesty and the unprettified slice of life you present to the world. Few of us deal with our life decisions in so direct a way as you do, by taking so much immediate personal responsibility for them. Although I wouldn't make all the decisions you do, I can only commend you for your approach.
And to Katie, Donna stated the obvious: no one is forced to read a blog they find upsetting, morally offensive, or distasteful. So put on your big girl panties and move on.
By the way, I was very sorry to hear about Sunny.
Why is that those people that are so quick to cast a stone are, in fact, not so great to begin with?
I had to laugh when I read Katie's blog [just the first page it was boring, but I took my perogative to NOT read it - hint Katie- and left and I won't be back] Anyway - in her story about work she writes about doctoring her timecard. She always writes down 9 am as her start time, but freely admits she usually gets in around 9:25. ????
Um, stealing and lying much?
I would gladly take an honest, trustworthy, hardworking person over the likes of Katie any day.
Sorry you had to make a new "friend" in this manner, Phelan.
SkippyMom
Maybe she is off her meds.
I just had to pop over and leave a comment for her. Her whole blog is gossiping and bashing people. I hope she gets a taste of her own medicine. I don't usually leave bad comments but don't mess with my homesteading buddies!
Gee...Do you think she'd want to be my friend?! LOL!
This is my first time visiting your site via Children in the Corn. When I began reading this post I thought it was some kind of crazy way you and a girlfriend tormented/teased one another. So of course I was laughing.
Now I'm not laughing for it is sad that Katie would type words she would no more likely say to you in person. It appears etiquette is quite needed for Ms. Katie.
Get out with you can Katie, you are no match for our Phelan....not even close.
People should respect the differences between other people and themselves and certainly not judge. Some people just can't grasp the concept that other people believe, live and are different from them.
My Grandmother always had two very good sayings. One, "It would be an awful boring world if everyone was exactly the same" and two, "If you don't have something nice to say, then don't say anything at all.
Umm, wow...Well, Phelan, truth be told--how much further could you get from a homesteader than a city girl who is currently a vegan? Well, that would be me, but though we are on opposite ends of the spectrum, I know what farming life is like, and that people are different, with differend experiences, I've always admired your honesty about the subjects that you talk about...so, what the hey? I am interested on the subjects you discuss...well, mostly the gardening, home improvement..but not the slaughter part, but I just skip those...so why can't she?
Hmm...this woman sounds REALLY narrow minded and hypocritical, to look at her blog...she talks about how she hates people whining and yet, there she is doing it, and hates people selling out. Hmm, but she hates her job, so what is she doing? Hmmm...
She sounds like her life is miserable. Too bad. Maybe she'll grow up one day, she sounds childish right now..ahh well. I guess she feels like cutting you down will raise her self esteem.
I am also sorry to hear about your horse, big hugs to you.
Interesting. I really enjoy reading your blog and....part of what makes America America is that we grant people the right to be judgmental. It sucks but it is what it is.
My deepest condolences about Sonny. I'm dealing with a similar situation with an old mare I raised from birth. It's hard when you know you have no other option.
Don't worry about Katie, she is just a spoiled rich city kid with no clue as to real life. You'd only be wasting your breath even acknowledging her existence. Just move on like you've never heard her. Basically, just blow her off for the little twerp she is.
YeOldFurt
WTF is that Hoosier comment for anyway? Hoosier is a term for Indiana natives call themselves. I believe you are not from Indiana (although you have family here right?) Is she implying we'll eat anything? Um, have you ever been to Indiana, Katie? It's quite progressive now. Thanks for putting her in her place, Phelan! :)
I'm sorry you have to have such silly comments.
I'm just writing to let you know how much we appreciate your "gross" slaughter posts with their excellent pictures. As new homesteaders ourselves, we are trying hard to get up the nerve and gather the education and tools to do our own slaughtering. So far I have found no finer resource than your blog. And furthermore, it's a fascinating read and has led me to many other interesting sites. Thanks, Phelan!
I just read her blog. I can't wait until her manager does find out she is doctoring her card. (Ahem, termination)
I truly enjoy your blog, Phelan, because it brings a slice of reality to my city lifestyle. I was raised on a hobby farm. We had chickens, guineas and ducks. We also gardened, raising vegetables and fruits. My friends were other kids who had cows, chickens, goats etc... We knew where our food was coming from, even if we didn't do the butchering deed ourselves. City people often are so far removed from where their food comes from that certain aspects of farm living have a certain "ick" factor. Butchering can be a foreign concept to them.(The idea that eggs come from chickens can be equally foreign!)
Guns in the city are seen as something that only criminals carry. However,life doesn't stop at the city. In many cases it starts at the city limits on the way OUT of the city. A gun is a useful tool that can protect your livestock, pets and family. Those are the things that matter most in life. It is sad that Kate has never cared enough about anyone or anything to be willing to kill to protect it. One day, maybe she'll know what that feels like.
With that being said, I would expect someone from the city to be more "diversity minded" and accepting of different types of people (race, religion, creed, etc...). It is unfortunate that Kate chooses to cast stones and aspersions at you and your blog. She would be better served by trying to learn something from you, since the economy is in the crapper and we all may need to be more self-reliant.
Since she doesn't seem to be inclined to accept a free education, she really ought to stop wasting her time by reading your blog. I know that I wouldn't waste time on something that did not fit with my value system.
Eagerly awaiting your next post,
TheMartianChick
I guess I'm one of those annoyingly optimistic people: I read Katie's comments and felt like I still have a lot of work to do. In my own blog I try to be (when I can stand it) really open about how I think and feel about things, in the hopes that other people might either realize that 1) they're not the only person that feels that way and feel a little less freakish, or 2) they'll learn a new way of looking at the world.
Just this morning I found myself questioning why I was writing my blog... Katie reminded me.
Sorry, Phelan, that she had to teach me a lesson via your blog. I find I learn so much here, though. There always seems to be something here that opens my eyes a little wider. Thanks for writing!
Well with friends like that, who needs enemies? ;)
Keep up the good work! As a back to lander myself I raise my own animals and grow my own veggies and all this is very new to me so I greatly appreciate what you do in sharing your stories with everyone they are very entertaining and informative. Ok I’m taking my gun and rabbit meat and going to work on my neck tan keep up the good work!
Great post, Phelan! I'm very thankful people like you are out there.....gives one hope that this country can still be returned to the Constitutional Republic it once was!
Oy vay.
Interesting.... Like my Dad always said: "It takes all kinds to make the world". Too bad some people seem to think that they are the 'only' or 'right' kind. I appreciate your blog for what it is. Keep up the good work.
Judy
Now guys, let us not be too hard on her. Normally I don't acknowledge these comments. Unfortunately she decided to be repeatedly disrespectful on a day that I wasn't in the mood to listen. If she would like a healthy debate, without personal attacks, I will be happy to accommodate her.
I won't be hard on her, I just to poo with her. :)
Now I am a Hoosier and I took some offense to that comment...
But you are right, Katie does need friends because it is obvious that she is devoid of ANY love in her life. What is interesting to me is that she continues to read your blog even though it seems inconsistent with her own beliefs. However, there are many people out there that want others to be as unhappy as they are so they continue to bash and say nasty things.
Regardless of your religion, regardless of your belief, it seems there is one universal truth and it is to love and respect one another. It is sad that people haven't evolved enough to do that one simple thing.
Your blog is graphic, and it is raw, but it is true to life. The plate of beef that sits on Katie's plate doesn't come from the grocery store, it comes from a cow that gave its life. The sooner we realize and respect where our food comes from, the more we respect people who raise their own, butcher their own, and take good care of their animals. Keep up the good work - continue to post your lovely blogs because believe me, there are more of us and less Katie's out there that will cheer you on.
Oops, I guess I didn't realize that poor Katie was a vegan. Regardless of that fact, she shouldn't be throwing stones from her leather Prada bag. HA! We love your blog so ignore her hateful comments!
I'm still cracking up over the "do you have no soul" comment. Hey, I just spent 7 hours with your AWESOME family doing something that was really hard for me and I can attest to the fact that you do in fact, have a soul. Hmmm, maybe after I post about our butcher story Katie pops over to say lovely words to me. By the way, if she's an example of the Mortgage Industry, well, no damn wonder why we're in such a freakin mess right now.
Hey, let's not lump all city folk into one stereotype, please. That's as bad as Katie's idiocy. I am city folk, too. We don't all have the same lifestyle. Like people anyplace else, we are all different.
I admit I'm mostly a lurker,love your writing and I've learned alot from you.I also wanted to say how sorry I am about Sonny.
Also, this Katie "person" sounds like a very miserable person. Checked out her blog, all she does is gripe and complain. Be a duck sweetie, let it roll right off your back.
LOL Phelan you handled that well
Omigod, just ban the woman already and let's all move on. WHY do some people feel the need to flame other sites, to come back over and over again simply to point out how much they disagree with the author? If you don't like what you're reading, STOP COMING HERE.
So c'mon, Phelan, tell me more about butchering and rendering and gathering and storing and canning and BEING. That's why I come here, and Miss Katie can kiss my...
Can I further clarify (of course I can, because you allow all comments, ha ha) that I agree that healthy disagreement and discussion is good. If you have an oppsoing or different point of view, let's talk about it. But to sh#t on an author for being honest about her own experiences and life? bah humbug!
You cannot please everyone. I enjoy reading your blog and hope you don't change it.
Of course we are preaching to the choir, but its unnerving to have people not capable of keeping peace. I've never harrassed or harangued anyone (that I can remember at least ;o) ) and I just can't see the point. Big wide world out there, little katie. Get out from under that rock, breathe some real air, get your hands dirty in the dirt (no sanitizer allowed!) and feel what its like to really LIVE.
I think it's unfortunate that the Internet has allowed us to become a country of incredibly rude and inconsiderate people.
I mean, a blog is a little like a person's home, and it's incredibly rude to walk into a person's home and start attacking her way of life. I would be pretty put out if some person I didn't know very well came into my livingroom and started making disparaging remarks about my lifestyle and verbally assualting me without any provocation. I would probably ask her to leave, and not come back.
Maybe Katie got the hint and won't come back ... or at least, she'll stand in the shadows and keep her opinions to herself.
She will not be banned, and she is welcome back anytime. I have had many debates with people here, and I have always welcomed that. But there comes a point were personal attacks need to stop.
I would have ignored it if she hadn't posted the Christian bashing comment. I hear it a lot, it makes little sense to me. And I feel it is unjustified and plain wrong to attack people merely for a faith. To be honest, I am tired of it, and it is starting to make me angry. What makes me angrier are those that spout tolerance, than bash a church.
I digress, she is welcome to comment, she is welcome to post her opinion, everyone is, just no personal attacks, and we will be fine.
Now I am off to feed my new babies.
I love this blog and learn a lot from y'all. Ever afraid of the coming economic calamities, I've hedged my bets and have purchased rural, agricultural property with a good water supply. I lurk over here because I find you very educational, informative, and I take something away every time you read this site. My site attracts a lot of cranks, as I'm a capitalist pig, and make no bones about it. However, good manners prevail at my blog and I delete the comments that are rude. If I had a dinner party and a guest was starting a fight, I'd make no bones about having them tossed, same thing with the blog.
Keep up the good work, as your blog is a great read. You and your husband show the rugged individualism which is a characteristic that makes this country so great.
Jeff
She can be my friend lol she'll love my vet blog when I start getting graphic. Do you have an archive somewhere? Other than the links within this post back to other posts I don't seem to be able to find previous posts. Just joined your post today and I'd love to see some of them. Going to look at rabbit meat one now...my "pet" is due the end of march (and yes, she was bred for that reason)
You go Phelan, there is NO need of that sh@#! You don't like what your reading go elsewhere!
I feel sorry for her. She doesn't sound like an adult to me.
I mean, she talks like it, but she sounds like a teenager. One that is perhaps one or two years younger than me (I'm seventeen).
Whether she actually is a teen or if she's just one of those poor adults whose inner maturity never quite reached the level of her physical maturity, I don't know, but I am sorry for her.
She doesn't have to read anything she doesn't like. The butchering posts are well-marked for your vegetarian readers.
But I am sorry for her and all the other people in the world like her.
What a lovely new friend! She is so kind to try to rehabilitate you.
LOL!
Thanks for the award, BTW. I'm behind on my blog reading (and writing) but I do appreciate the thought!
I think Katie could do with some plain ole fashioned HARD work...like around a homestead...then, maybe she could find something..and someone...to like? or just maybe she needs a plain ole fashioned KICK in the behind...HARD! LOL! Phelan? you do an incredible job...your candor and the lessons you teach on here are a credit to you and yours...
Way to go Phelan, I like your attitude about it. She sounds very immature, she may be really young.
She doesn't like it, she doesn't have to read it.
I was going to leave a comment on her blog, but then thought she isn't worth it.
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