Hi guys.

I never read the Afghan thread--it sounded like a knitting circle or something. I had no idea that a thread with such an innocuous sounding title contained the seeds of the destruction of your souls, the end of Democracy as we know it and the corruption of everything we believe to be holy.

That was a joke. See, this is my funny face. Look I'm doing a funny little dance to cheer you up.

Look: Tapetty tappety tap!

Tap tapa tap tap--tap tap!

Shave and a haircut: two bits!

Sometimes chocolate chip cookies can be a really healing thing too.

What I am getting at is:

I gather that you have been given some feedback that didn't sit well with you and that you feel attacked, your feelings are hurt, your angry, and not feeling so good right now.

I've tried to find the posts that have upset you so much, and I really can't find anything vicious or mean or even necessarily attacking.

I don't really feel like reading the whole Afghan thread in order to discern if the feedback you got was valid or invalid, insightful or misguided.

I do respectfully submit that you guys are maybe, just a teensy tiny bit...blowing this out of proportion. Just a little?

You got some feedback. You can take it or leave it.

Maybe you could even learn something from the experience. And maybe, after you integrate for a bit you might find that you have somethings to teach from the experience.

Here is my gift to you:

When all the dust has settled observe: You are all here together, still in one piece, still friends.

And, by instinct or innate wisdom or pure luck you have that found your way over to the incredibly cool Liberation Brew side of the board and reconvened.

Praise the Lord!

It's really cool over here in Libs. This side has everything. We have knitting, sports, cooking, religion, sex, science, advanced particle physics, poetry, music, and of course, the tastiest microbrew on the internet--The infamously bracing, intoxicating and deeeelishous Liberation Brew! (Parental discretion is advised. Please consume responsibly. Not available in stores. Void where prohibited by law.)

And check out the decor! Look at all the homesy decorations, the crazy crap on the walls.

Look, an alligator smoking a cigar!

No expense has been spared--look at all the flippin tiki lights! You like tiki lights, right? Who doesn't?

And you wouldn't believe the stuff we can get away with over here!

This place has everything!

Including you!

I am just suggesting that maybe you take a few (hundred) deep breaths, take a really long hot shower (or if you are like me, a bubble bath with candles and my favorite book. And if you tell anyone I told you that I, WD, take bubble baths I will swear to God that you are lying--that's confidential information. I do have an image to maintain, after all.)

(((Afghan Sisters)))

gg, where the heck did you go?

I have to pee and go have a cigarette, I will be right back...

gg, I am not really sure where you went, but I need to go to bed. I am exhausted....I am not going anywhere until YOU know otherwise. I mean as far as leaving the site. I will be on here in the morning...I love you gg, and I will be holding you through the next two days as I know that they will be very difficult on you. I am sorry about that. I wish that I could be there to keep you feeling safe and protected. Just know that I am with you in thought. I love you and gg, I PROMISE. That promise will last until we meet back here.

Hi ScaredinMichigan,

Yes, I read the "this site has changed thread." And really, it seems like the strength of your emotional reaction to it is disproportionate to the feedback you got.

Let me see if I can paraphrase that feedback: The Afghan thread seems to be largely the work of a clique of people who like to chit chat and there seems to be some dependency in the group.

Is that it?

Cyn,

I am having a shitty time with all of this. i still don't feel good either. COUghing my brains out. Oh well. I don't know what to make of all of this. Part of me just really wants out, because I do not feel like I will ever be able to be me here again....I honestly, I feel betrayed.

Cyn, are you still around? I thikn we cross posted before...I love ya gf. I hope your day is good.