Now allow me to change the subject. Of recent I've had a very nice reader email me several times with the question, 'Why don't you post a picture of yourself?' Why indeed. Well, I like my privacy. I live and work in a very large city. I own a small business, and as is the case, after thirty-one years, I'm known by hundreds of thousands, really. Need I explain further....
Heck, I can't use the porta-pottie at the state fair without bumping into someone I know. Talk about your tight fit.
As an example, a few months back my wife and I took our granddaughter to dinner. Our waitress, a stranger to us, recognized my Little Bit from pictures I posted of her on this blog. My butt is still sore from the chewing it received from my wife. Then I posted a picture of my dear wife, a day or so ago, and again - sever butt kick.
But, hey, I try to please. Say hello to my well kicked rearend.
Again, Jane, thank you and welcome. You are now among friends.
Stephen
I know many post photos of themselves to place on their blog, but that's one of those things I just don't do. In a perfect world, it would be wonderful. In my world, that could end in disaster.
ReplyDeleteThen we understand each the other very well. Thanks, Jess.
DeleteI see you took a picture of your good side.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot photos that don't get posted for privacy reasons. I can respect that.
Actually one of my friends snapped the picture after I'd stepped from my truck. We had a bit of digging to do that day and it was hot as all get out. Thanks, Sixbears.
DeleteSince I started blogging again, one of the big differences I've noticed is that almost no one puts their pictures on the blog anymore. Two years ago, it wasn't uncommon for people to do that. I wonder what's changed? It could be the constant barrage of news about the government snooping on everyone, or all the stories about Goblins finding victims on line. I understand it but it seems kind of a shame. Like giving up one more good thing because it's just too dangerous. No one here ever locked their vehicles or took their keys out of their cars when I moved here. Everybody had a rifle in the rifle rack on the truck, and they'd go into the grocery store and leave the windows down on the truck. Now, even on blazing hot days, people roll their windows up and lock their vehicles. Nobody puts a gun in a vehicle where it can be seen because you'll come out to find a broken window and no gun. As Theodin said in the Tolkien book, "How did it come to this?"
ReplyDeleteSad, isn't it. After the incident at the cafe I learned my lesson. Thanks, my good friend.
Deletei, like many others, love Harry Flashman...he has such good knowledge to share. and i will stand proud and true and say that seeing his gorgeous pictures on his blog posts...makes me love him even more!!! thank you Harry!
Deleteu no hoo
I know, I just want to ruffle his hair....
DeleteHere herr ... Small county girl here. Due to were I work I can't go out in my home county with out bumping into some one I know, so I can understand. At the same time after my divorce I made a promise to myself; do not live in fear. Period. I have failed and I have succeeded in this promise. I can say that the happiest times I have known were when I kept that promise and not just because of the pride in keeping a promise, but because it really does lend itself to a better life ... Hmm maybe I should blog this topic ...
ReplyDeleteGood idea, blog it. It's not the fear I worry with as much as the loss of privacy., Thanks, my lovely friend.
DeletePrivacy is an issue, as is the constant & ever-increasing intrusion of governmental snooping. Granted, they already know who we are, but it's a whole 'nother thing to climb up on the roof & shout, "Look at me!"
ReplyDeleteYes indeed. Life's tough enough without drawing attention to oneself. Thanks, my friend.
DeleteWhen one has a family trait of head first, if it spans more than the current alive generations its a family trait, one stops worrying about if attention was drawn and worries more about how broke ones neck is ... Just saying.
DeleteOh, that's a good one....good thing I was sipping coffee. Well done, PCG.
DeleteOops, meant to say, 'wasn't sipping.'
DeleteThank you
DeleteYou're more than welcome.
DeleteThe person who emailed you and asked for a photo is probably the same person who asks that of everyone she visits, emails often, and asks for more information than seems comfortable.
ReplyDeleteIf a person wants to forge some kind of personal connection, you're right to avoid complying more than necessary.
My face is all over my blog from years back til now. Since I don't go anywhere, no one will know me.
Lil Bit is on my mind forever. I count you as a friend. Your wife was gorgeous in that photo.
And if your face looks anything like your rear-end, you're as handsome as I thought. lol
On the friendship, as we do you...
DeleteYes, probably the same nice lady, but enough is enough. My boot size and hair color (dirty blonde) should not be the standard for which I'm judged.
Thanks, my lovely friend.
Allow me to amend, Joy, I sincerely doubt you know of or have had opportunity to correspond with this person. Not pointing fingers here....this post wasn't meant to hurt another persons feelings. .if I'm not mistaken there is a passage in the Good Book which states, 'those without sin cast the first stone.'
DeleteAMEN BROTHER!!! Not casting stones here. Never, ever! I'm too used to being the one ducking the stones to bother 'doing unto others' that way.
DeleteAnd that is why I'm proactive where looking out for my brother is concerned, and I believe everyone is my brother. I've been hurt, and too many friends have been hurt by another blogger whose M.O. merely sounded familiar.
It takes nerves of steal to stand aside and hope the best for others, but I do.
Sorry, Joy - missed this one....but yes, flung stones hurt when the rocks fly in the opposite direction. Thanks, dear lady.
DeleteButt pics! Nice, but not as cute as Evil Ethel's.....
ReplyDeleteHey, she's in class all her own....Thanks, Sweet Lady.
DeleteIt all boils down to OPSEC.
ReplyDeleteAnd sometimes the pot boils over. Thanks, Rob.
DeleteStephen,
ReplyDeleteNice picture!!! Bahahahaha!!!!!
Whose to say the picture on the blog is actually the person you're chatting to when making comments??
On my honor, it's me. My friend has a thing with male rears....I won't mention his name (Duke) so as not to embarrass him.
DeleteThanks, Sweet Sandy.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteIt's him, I took that photo when we were conducting an experiment with buckets in a cemetery, long story.
DeleteHeck of a day wasn't it, Bro.
DeleteIt was a great day, too hot though. Let's go visit Rev...
Deletefor the love of all that is holy, can you two NOT share the full story with us. thanks buddies!
DeleteOh, but I did share the full story...it's in my archives. Research is needed.
DeleteWhat Stephen said, HA!!! :p
DeleteI have thought recently about just putting up one of the pictures Harry posts occasionally as me. We have almost exactly the same beard thing going on. Seriously though I mostly do it to protect my wife more than myself some of the things I write could be used against her and her work position.
ReplyDeleteWhy not, Harry's a fine looking feller....
DeleteOr so I've been told...
DeleteIt would put me on edge if someone started wanting pictures. Why? The picture of me is me, but I doubt anyone could use it to find me. When I ask people if I can take their picture, I then ask if I can put it on my blog. I offer to cut off the head if they prefer. Some prefer that. I only wanted a picture of a purse, so no need for a head.
ReplyDeleteThere are some people who ask too intently for information and have a "tell me everything attitude" that makes me feel like a file is being kept on me.
Only one person in this town or my life knows I have a blog AND the name of it. I just hope she never comes here because she is not the friend I thought she would be, just an acquaintance.
Harry's picture is probably him at some point. But, facial features are not clear. He could gain or lose weight, shave, all sorts of things that would make him unidentifiable in person after he changed a bit, deliberately or inadvertently.
This request for my photo, I'm sure, is innocent enough. But try as I might I just can't seem to make this nice person understand how private I try and keep my life from certain others in my life and the population of my home town. It's one thing to reveal certain aspects and revelations of my heart but to blatantly post my image on this screen is quite another altogether. As it is I can't move about this city unnoticed. If, the hoopleheads can draw a line from my writings to my picture - well, just think of the repercussions. I was again warned of this fact last evening. She almost threw a cast iron pan at my head. Our acquaintances range from garbage men to the state senate. And, here again I reveal too much...thanks, my lovely friend.
DeleteMy ex was a high profile person in this town, and I am very well known by people I don't know. I was by his side in the paper, in front of groups, a volunteer, led organizations. Now, I don't want to reveal my life to anyone.
DeleteAs long as I tell no one the name of my blog, there will probably be no interest from people here in my town.
Quite frankly, I have not a bit of curiosity as to what you look like. But, I might recognize you from the rear...lol.
I understand, Linda...and, if you can recognize a person from his photo of his rear, well, you are a talented lady indeed. Thanks, my lovely friend.
DeleteLinda. You are a hoot! Forgive me Stephen, but she's got me laughing! And that's how 'humor blogs' get started. Lol
DeleteIt's okay, even if at my expense...
DeleteNice carry rig :) I've got some britches just like those. They're my favorites. I like the old school woodland camo better than the modern stuff (who would have thought).
ReplyDeleteI thought a long time before putting a picture of myself on my blog, for much the same reasons as many who don't. I don't much care for my own image in pictures. I know... now I have a tongue in cheek picture of myself with guns on a motorcycle with coyotes in attendance - go figure :)
I've never been approached by someone because they recognize me from the blog, but it could certainly happen. If they do and are friendly, I'd be flattered. If someone does so with ill intent? They should sure to write their address on their arm with a marker so I know where to send what's left.
I still don't post Ms. Paladin's picture, both because I value her safety/privacy and because she would kill me. I've posted fewer and fewer pics of our Bailey as she's gotten older and will probably stop those all together now that she is about to be 5.
Crazy world that we have to worry about this stuff at all, isn't it?
Thanks, Bubba. It's a Galco SOB rig I use with a Glock 27. I've owned it for at least fifteen years. Smooth as silk and draws easily. I've a habit of switching out my carry pieces throughout the year so when I return to my Glock its like an old lover returned to my arms.
DeleteI made the mistake of posting SW's picture...she made me pay. I'll not make that mistake again in the future. Same with Little Bit...if ever again by God's grace she returns to our lives.
Crazy indeed. Thank you, my good friend.
I can understand the camo, but the pink shirt makes me wonder what you hunt.
DeleteThat is not a pink shirt....it's an old red, faded, shirt. Don't care what color my wife calls it....
DeleteThanks, Jess.
Sweet one - she'll return to your lives. because she loves you as much as you love her.
ReplyDeleteyour friend,
kymber
Time is finite.
Deletei know, my friend...and i know that's why it hurts so much.
Delete