Dear Reader:
It was last year, November 19 (anniversary of the Gettysburg Address) that the bottom temporarily fell out of my life. I think I shed more tears that day than the total accumulation of all the “little c” treatments over several years.
Some of you might remember ‘what went down’ that day. I was contacted-through email- by a “representative” from some company telling me that I had used (unknowingly) an internet photo of an historical marker (in my blog) that was copyrighted. I would have to send a certified check immediately to prevent a lawsuit.
After much anguish (Tommy and Kaitlyn checked out the source to make sure it was “legit”)….the money was paid and I was left shaking in my boots…completely paranoid and wondering if the possibility of this happening again….was worth continuing the blog..
On November 25…the decision was made….partially based on a letter I got from Honey Burrell who said:
Dear Boo,
My heart has ached all night . I just am so sad that someone has tried to steal your joy and the joy you give away each day. I don’t understand but there must be a reason. Keep your spirit!
We all have pictures we can share and I know they add to your creative flair. But Becky, it is really all about the message you give us of hope and love. The wonderful pictures of you and your garden and wonderful family are what I always look forward to and enjoy.
I love you so much,
Honey
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If you would like to re-read the first blog back after almost a week of praying for guidance on how to proceed….click on the post below.
When to ‘Cut Our Loss’ and Keep Moving A’head
Dear Reader: Rutledge has had to ‘cut his loss” too….or in this case his ‘locks.’ As you can tell it was just as stressful for him as it was for John and me with the blog this past week. …Continue reading
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I still don’t understand all the legalities of what photos/pictures are use-able and which aren’t….Still don’t understand how Facebook users share any and everything from other people’s recipes to funny photos and videos and that is okay…but I couldn’t take one photo off a huge collection of historical markers on a google (general) website and put on a non-profit blog post?
The problem, I think, is that technology is moving faster than the “rules” on how to use it. It gets more and more complicated as new search engines and websites become available. I suppose it has left the legal system scrambling too…so unfortunately, people who like to live in the “gray area” of life… take advantage of the many loopholes unbeknownst to most, if not all, internet users.
When something happens to one of us….like what befell me last year on this anniversary….it makes us all feel like the poor antelope that strays, unknowingly, too far from the pack on the Serengeti. It gets eaten by the big lion.
Today is the 20th of November…so I have made it past the first anniversary of the day my blog was attacked. And like what the people of Paris, France, and the world are learning…..we can’t allow anyone (even a terrorist) to steal our joy. Because if we do…we have given them control over our lives.
So until tomorrow… Remind us Father that only You are in control of our lives…it is You we must place our faith in to guard over us as we begin each day with a joyful heart.
“Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh
*Happy “Official” Birthday to our Kaitlyn today! Kaitlyn’s parents are in town (Susan and Butch) to add even more special joy to the day! We love you!
ichaseferalcats
John Turner
Legally Ohm
Becky Dingle
Oh how happy I am that you didn’t let the evil ones win and steal “our joy!” You continue to bring joy, hope and love through your blog each day. Your blog just gets better and better! Quitters never win and winners never quit! You are the winner and we reap the benefits!
Love you lots my frien, Honey
I am so glad you will be soon home for awhile…and get to catch up.
Amen Becky!!