After 6 years, art has finally made its way to my living room.  Yep, the huge void has finally been filled.  When we first moved in, I wanted this cool copper sculpture.  I called the artist and that ‘cool’ sculpture was $23,000.00.  Obviously, my taste exceeds my wallet.  Oh and did I mention I have zero vision?  I either have to see it in a magazine or hanging in a gallery before I can envision it in my home.  So . . . I went with a lighthouse thing.

 

 

I was feeling pretty good about myself.  I was kinda basking in the glory of my no longer naked wall, then I took a break and decided to check my email.  Bad idea.  Really bad.  The second email I opened was verbal lashing on my new Finley book, FAT CHANCE.  Now, I never expect to please the world, if I could, I’d be a really wealthy woman.  I’ve deleted the name and email to protect the privacy of the sender, but I must admit, I was taken quite off-guard by her hostility.  When I write my main goal is to entertain.  I’ll also admit that I have a kinda bizarre sense of humor - mainly because I’d rather laugh than cry.  2 seconds of background.  I have 49 cousins - can anyone say Catholic?  Because there are so many of us, we kinda run the gamut when it comes to illnesses.  We have cancer, diabetes, heart disease, dystrophy, Tourettes, missing limbs, mental illnesses - pretty much everything.  Name a disease and I can probably find you a relative who suffers.  Now, my Tourettes family member is fifteen years older than I am.  I adore him and when I was growing up; he noticed that when I am very, very stressed, my left eye twitches.  Still happens to this day.  I was at a family gathering during some pretty hairy contract negotiations and he teased me about having publishing Tourettes.  Okay, I thought that was funny and I twisted it a bit in my book.  Well, this person didn’t . . .

 

“Dear Rhonda,

 

I eagerly awaited the arrival of Fat Chance and instantly commenced reading it.

I must confess I was saddened to read your flippant comment on page 94 stating,

"I had homeowner's Tourette's." Clearly, you would never have issued such an insensitive

sentiment regarding cancer, Alzheimer's or AIDS. People do not elect to

suffer from Tourette's Syndrome. If people could choose, I assure you no one

would opt for this condition. Nonetheless, I think it is a cheap shot to ridicule

a condition over which individuals have no control in order to elicit a chuckle from your

readers.  You must truly be desperate for a laugh to stoop so low. I certainly will not

read your work again.”

 

I may have lost a reader (and the twenty people she’ll be sure to rag me to) but I stand by the belief that humor is curative.  By the way, I’m a cancer survivor - and yes, I make cancer jokes.  Yes, I had a cousin who died from AIDS and he kept his sense of humor until he died at age 19.  And yes, I have dystrophy and make jokes about it all the time.  And yes, I have a special needs child and because we didn’t make a ‘thing’ about it, she’s very comfortable and well adjusted and embraces her shortcomings as just one of the things that make her special.  Yes, my son died when he was 13.  I have even been known to make a reference to that, especially if someone asks me about child rearing. 

 

Do we take humor too far in my house?  Maybe for some. 

 

Still, I’d rather laugh than become mired in loss and sadness.  I did whip off a quick note to the woman but I’m pretty sure anyone willing to make the claims she made in her email without knowing anything about me won’t even consider looking at like through someone else’s eyes. 

 

Have a better Sunday than I’m having.

Rhonda

First, LOVE the lighthouses!! But then, I've got a thing for lighthouses anyway!

Second.......can you say GET A GRIP?? Honestly, when did we become a country who can't laugh at itself?? When did PC become the all encompassing god who rules the known universe?

WAY better to laugh at yourself than to sit around expecting everyone to sympathize! That woman needs a kick in the humor bone.

Thank you Maureen - I loathe when PC rules the world. And I stand by my writing - it's a funny line. Now - let's see if Humorless Email Chick snags me on Amazon . . . I'm guessing yes.

Oh dear, I do hope you brush off the bad comments, don't let it ruin your Sunday. I just finished your book and loved it! I think that a minority of our population are too sensitive and self-righteous and try to put a damper on us normal, healthy people that can laugh and find humor in the world. Don't let them suck you dry of your ability to laugh.

I too have survived cancer (twice, at age 17 and then 19. I'm now 42). I have had 4 miscarriges, a still birth and lost my youngest step-son in Iraq. My dad is currently dying of lung cancer (and he never smoked.) Darn it all, I still have a sense of humor and will joke and laugh at anything I can find humor in(even if it isn't politically correct); that is what keeps me sane (or at least faking it really well ;-)

I really feel sorry for the poor woman that can't laugh and looks for reasons to get upset. Please don't let her drag you into her bleak outlook on life. Sometimes it is easier for people to get angry and upset than to really look at their lives and address what is really causing them pain. (I fell into that after my stepson was killed.)

So please, laugh, shop, eat chocolate, drink a glass of wine, write racy love scenes, whatever it takes to put a smile on your face. (BTW, Im looking forward to the racy love scenes in your next novel.)

Peace,
Tish

I LOVED your book.You are just what I need.Funny,light hearted,sexy.It is great.Ignore that bitter women and keep on writing,for those of us who can laugh at our lives we need you.:)

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Love the lighthouses!!!

That woman's attitude reminds me why I am so truely thankful I do not work in human resources anymore. I guarantee you a dark cloud follows her everywhere and 'IT' is never her fault! I shudder to think what she would think of the dark humor that helps the public safety sector stay one small step on the safe side of sane. Oh my!

Loved Knock Off...lookng foward to all the rest.

No worries! Best wishes,

Diane:)

I like what you've done to the place (wall). I just finished your book and I loved it.

Thanks for the encouragement. My one gripe with the internet is that people will say things they wouldn't say to your face because it's so anonamous. But in the wise words of my hubby - just remember, she has to get up tomorrow and be her. That's punishment enough.

Glad you enjoyed Finley's latest adventures . . .R

Please don't let that lady's comment to ruin your day! FAT CHANCE was great and lots of fun to read!

I just finished Fat Chance and I have to tell you I loved it, non-PC humor and all. Finley makes me laugh, and I can't wait until the next installment. Keep them coming, and laughing! :)

Glad you're enjoying FAT CHANCE!!

Personally, I loved Fat Chance. I love your sense of humor and look forward to your next creation.

Thanks Deborah!