Sunday, July 24, 2011

Just a note....

Oops, I missed the blog's anniversary for the second year in a row. At least I'm consistent.

Once again, I'd like to thank those you who've bothered to leave such kind and encouraging comments. Without your feedback the blog wouldn't have lasted three months.

Unfortunately, there's a relatively new side to the feedback [mostly via email]. Seems there are a few folks who have nothing better to do than mock me for my grammatical and factual lapses. Thanks ya'll for making me feel like I shouldn't bother to write anything at all. If that was your initial plan, it worked.

And there are several other new problems as well....fellow bloggers who post my vinyl rips as their own "discoveries" [totally lame], the stalker who keeps changing his online identity but always gets around to wanting a "date" [creepy]....and perhaps a special mention should go out to the idiot who for some unknown reason faults me because some of the records I've posted are worth a good bit of cash [how I spend my money is none of your business].

Oh yeah, there's also the person who implied that I'm ungenerous [after posting thousands of dollars worth of rare-ish 45s] because I made a joke about sending in $5 for instructions on how to fix skips. You can fuck off.

In short, a small number of people have succeeded in making my "blogging experience" much less fun this year. In fact, I'm at an impasse. How do I continue? Basically I've just been going through the motions for the last couple of months.

And that's the most serious problem of all, 'cause this whole house of cards is built solely on my enthusiasm. Once that's gone, there's absolutely no point in continuing. All that's left to do is hit delete.

There ya have it. I'm unhappy with the way things are going. In particular I dislike the idea that I simply provide rare vinyl rips for other, more "fabulous", blogs.

ana...

55 comments:

  1. ana -

    You're one of the ***very best**** writers in the blogosphere! All your posts are a delight to read. You are incredibly eloquent, witty & wise - not to mention exceedingly generous.

    Don't stick around if you're not enjoying yourself, but please know that the rantings of a few nutcases are NOT good indicators of the feelings of most of your loyal followers.

    Fucking assholes :-(

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  2. Ugh. Double ugh. You should get nothing from pleasure from this enterprise. Even were it a fraction of the pleasure you dish out, you'd be happy as a clam. That the music you share is stellar and thrilling goes without saying. Your kind and personable presentation of the music is such a rare presence on the scene. Your gifts are treasured.

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  3. Ana -- My sympathies for your having to deal with so many ungrateful jerks. If it's any consolation, please remember that many of us are highly appreciative of your work, and I know it is work to keep this going. And you continue to perform a valuable service by making so much excellent, under-recognized music available. Happy anniversary in any case!
    Jon

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  4. Ana, I'm with Holly above. You have one of the most well written and informative music blogs going. And I always look to yours to see how a good music blog is done. Keep it up . . . if you feel like it. But if you go, one of the all-time best will be irreplaceable.

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  5. Ana - I love your writing style, it's one of the main reasons I come here. You write with so much soul. Disregard the few lame fools and continue to please the 98% of the people who come here. I find by ignoring them that they will go away.

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  6. Hear your frustrations loud and clear. Can't say I blame you at all. It would make me feel shitty too. I too enjoy your writing very much. To hell with grammar, there's no soul in that. I hear your soul (and certainly your *passion*) in your writings, especially when I listen to those sweet tunes while reading. It's like sitting there in your living room spinning the record with you. You can't buy better entertainment than that. THANK YOU!

    I only stumbled across your blog a couple months ago, and have enjoyed it regularly ever since.

    Would hate to see you go, but I would understand if you did.

    Is there a way to make it password protected or subsciption only? That would weed out the dumbasses, hopefully.

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  7. Jeff here- i agree with all of the above comments. Your blog has hipped me to so much music that i just plain never would have heard otherwise, and the words you write are just as enjoyable to read as hearing the records themselves. The internet is full of jerk-offs and creepy weirdos, but for every one of them there are 20 real music lovers who appreciate your generosity and genuine knowledge of the music you present. Fuck em. They can all go shit in their hats if they don't dig what you're doing here.
    As far as folks lifting your rips- well, i guess that's to be expected. It's just shitty that they don't give you credit. But i wouldn't let it bring you down. Even if you aren't recognized for your efforts, you should at least know that you gave some super-cool, and otherwise forgotten music back to the internets... For what it;s worth anyway.

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  8. Lurker here. I really appreciate this blog and love the new discoveries you regularly unveil. There are probably way more people like me, people who enjoy the blog but rarely comment (sorry), than those who find fault and see fit to contact you about it.

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  9. Ana, your blog raises the bar for music blogs. The taste in music and the styles you present are educational and fully from your heart. You represent the area in which you live and expose others to your culture. You are an easy read and I love to read over and over again ! Don't quit,go private if you have to but stay with us.

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  10. Ana, I've been called all sorts, so I know how you feel, but look at it this way - if you quit now, you'll be giving them the satisfaction that they don't deserve. There are all kinds of weird and sad people out there who are so unhappy that they're compelled to spoil the pleasures of others. All I'm trying to say is . . . take some time to think about it before you erase this beautiful blog. Maybe go back and read the lovely comments that your long-time fans have left for you. I haven't been visiting other blogs much lately, but when I do I'm always sure to pop over here. Best wishes, Marie

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  11. I just came here for the first time after reading a recommendation at Beware of the Blog. I'll just be selfish here and hope you stick around so I can see what all the fuss is about (and by that I mean, those who dig your blog seem to really dig it). Have you ever thought about turning the comments off? You may miss the interaction with with other like minded music fiends (because that is one of the benefits of doing a blog after all, at least it is for me), but maybe if you shut them off, for an indeterminate amount of time, it'll shake out some of the riff raff. Good luck.

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  12. There's a lot of us that would sure miss you if you go, but I can understand what you're saying. I think the problem is, is that it's just too easy for people now to find the music. As one friend put it, having everything at your fingertips is the same as having nothing. I remember when you had to spend all your time in flea markets, junk stores, even climbing around in dumpsters (as I did once when I found one full of Fire and Fury singles on a NYC street) just to hear this music. Whatever you decide, there are some folks out here that love and appreciate what you're doing.

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  13. I love your blog, the music, the comments and the style and I hope you continue with it

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  14. Holly sums up how most of us feel.
    To me, your posts give insight into not only the historical aspect of the recordings but your connection to the music too. That emotional/human response to the music is what breathes life into your blog and keeps me coming back for more. Never mind the haters, it's easy to judge and criticize those who do. Keep the faith and follow your passion. Remember, it's better to travel well than to arrive....

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  15. Ana, I think I forgot to add that I'm no longer blogging so the link to Catch That Train could be removed. Thanks for your support of my blog over the last year and a half. Marie

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  16. Ana Ciao! Your work is so precious for many of us. Assholes are everywhere. Skip them and carry on at Fess'rhythm! We need you!

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  17. been checking your blog most every day for the past year and a half. absolutely love it. never want it to go away. i feel bad that this is my first post. some of these songs just knock me out. i hate that peoples egos can get in the way of other peoples getting kicks out of these bewitching and sacred tunes you share. - Vodney Edricks

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  18. I know that there are trolls everywhere but really--picking on Ana? Mocking her grammar? Questioning her generosity? That's just pointlessly, pettily mean-spirited. But listen, seriously, on the internet people make fun of Mother Teresa and mock the most humane of charitable projects. This is a symptom of some deep sickness in society, and has nothing to do with you or this fabulous blog.

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  19. Ana-
    Let me second all of the comments above!
    Don't let a handful of ingrates and idiots get you down! You have soooo much support out here. I grew up in NOLA and your postings help keep me connected to the city that I love the most.
    Huge thanks and appreciation!!!!

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  20. You know what, haters gonna hate. And the folks that steal your posts as their own because they have nothing to offer must lead pretty empty lives that they have to bolster their self-esteem by stealing from you. I know that I personally enjoy your blog quite a bit. And I'm sure there are many unspoken readers who do as well. If you ain't happy doing this any longer I understand if you wanna give it up. I know we all probably have better things we could do with this time. But don't let a bunch naysayers, pedants and thieves run you off. It's the love of the music that keeps us together.

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  21. Please know how vital and important your posts are and how
    small and empty the lives of your critics are...all of us will understand
    if you leave but "don't let the bastards get you down".

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  22. Please, please don't stop. I love all that you do.

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  23. Ana,
    First of all I wish a happy birthday to your blog that stands out for its quality, but you are sorry that we will use your music, personally as I said earlier I am all for sharing, as I think that the only way to live, and spread to as many people this music, so I ask you: you can not just run your disk instead of making them available to downloaders?
    I hope you understand my conversation because I translated with google and the words are not right can be translated.
    In any case, congratulations again for your work and know that I continue to follow your blog if you continue.
    and do not leave by the hoax that sends you emails doubtful
    sincerely
    Michel

    ps an Arab proverb says, the dogs bark but the caravan moves on

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  24. Hi Ana, Thanks for all the lovely sounds you post. I'm sure that there are many of us who don't show our appreciation often enough. It's a great blog that you have. Best Regards.

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  25. Ana:

    The experience you describe is all-too-familiar. This is the dark side of the "gift economy" of the internet. People get used to freebies. First they get used to grabbing without saying thank you; then it gets worse: People act as if you are their personal supplier of rare music and that you owe them something simply because you've been generous enough in the past to share. There is another blog that posts stuff like yours and the writer likes to build up anticipation for the new compilation. You would not believe the vile things that people write: "Gimmie, gimmie, gimmie the link you a**hole!!" "F you, where's my link? It's broken!! Fix it!! The tracks don't have titles---fix it!! This rip sucks!! fix it!!!"

    I am so sorry that good-intentioned music lovers who simply want to share great music have to be subjected to this.

    I would certainly understand if you've had enough, but I hope enough of the people who appreciate your efforts will write and make themselves known. I have vintage R&B show on a low power community radio station and I've played your rips many times and I've thanked you on the air. Here's my chance to thank you in writing. Sorry I took this long.

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  26. Don't you dare bail on us. I look forward to every new song you post. Even on the rare times I'm unimpressed by the tune, it's always worth the listen to learn about the many singles I've never heard and would never hear otherwise. You fill in many of the gaps in my musical knowledge.

    Thanks for all your effort.

    ROTP(lumber)

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  27. I love your blog. Interesting writing and music that's just plain awesome. Thanks for all you do, and don't let the assholes get you down.

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  28. As an American pilot said in World War II, the closer we get to our target, the thicker the flak. You're a unique voice, and much appreciated by your fans, of whom I'm one. Should you decide to close up shop, I'll bet there would be kindred spirits who'd be happy to post your contributions occasionally (or frequently). Not my first choice, but better than nothing. Robert in Tucson

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  29. Ana:
    I'm not sure there is much I could add to what others have already so eloquently written, except to say I agree with them. I've learned a lot from your blog and have gotten much enjoyment from it. Still, if enjoyment is lacking for you then I understand your decision.
    I don't understand some people (never have & never will) who get something for nothing and then demand their money back.
    Thanks for your work,
    Tony

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  30. I can't even begin to count how many times your blog has sent me straight to Gemm Music or Ebay to try and find some ultra cool 45 that you had just hipped me to. I really hope you decide to keep this wonderful blog going and not let the jerks win, despite how frustrating it can get at times.

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  31. I second the arabic saying, the dogs bark but the caravan moves on, so don't let the haters knock you out, know that they are just the static found between the words & passionate vibes you send out with your posts. I know how exhausting life gets as you get older & life & kids & work start to intrude more & more so even if the posts are 2-3 days, 2-3 weeks or even 2-3 months apart, the knowledge & music you impart are priceless. Thanks for it all.
    Torch

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  32. okay, I never write comments but your note touched me. There are those who exist only to drag down whether with picayune details or inappropriate behavior. Please don't let them grind you down. Your love and enthusiasm for music jumps off the screen and I would hate that voice to be stilled because I (and I suspect many others) are so busy enjoying what you share that we leave these boards to trolls and fools who never stand as tall as when they have their foot on someone else's neck. Do what oyu need ot do but I hope it includes spreading the word

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  33. hey Ana,you got one of the best blogs going as far as i'm concerned,love the music and your writing puts a smile on my face,there will always be some retards out there telling you whats right or what to do - just ignore them.
    love from sweden -
    max

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  34. Dear Ana, I love your site. I have been to the New Orleans Jazz Festival 4 times and the Mardi Gras twice admittedly a long time ago before I had small children. I love New Orleans and especially New Orleans music. You are a connection to one of the great cultural epicentres of this world. Plus you bring to our ears records I've never heard of, that are not available on CD. You provide an incredible service to humanity. I have learned so much. For example Eddie Bo. I saw Eddie Bo in New Orleans in 1994 and nobody knew who he was. Sad. Do not give up. I for one am very very grateful. From Johnnie K in Auckland New Zealand

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  35. Hi Ana,
    I'm a big fan of your blog and am sad to hear that you have had to deal with anything other than overwhelmingly positive feedback.Thank you so much for all the great tunes you've shared with us all and sorry its taken a long time to express my gratitude.I believe that there are many more like me who have been inwardly very appreciative of what you do.The people who have been negative are jealous and miserable-unable to do anything creative for themselves spend their time poking holes in other peoples good work.I sincerely hope that you choose to continue what you're doing-that's entirely your call-you've done a great job so far,greatly appreciated by many..

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  36. I recently discovered your blog through a link on Twilightzone, it's wonderful to hear a captivating and unique collection. I'm sad to see how another good blog will close. A blog that shares and disseminates knowledge about beautiful music. I feel quite embarrassing hearing that some people judge a good job by the way or with absurd prejudices. Sorry so much for my bad grammar, I hope that the meaning of the message reaches the correct destination. My support and greetings from Spain. ¡Gracias por compartir!.

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  37. I am so sorry to hear of the problems you have encountered. Most of what you mention seems to be pretty rife out there though obviously very distressing when you find yourself the target but being one of a smaller number of female music bloggers the weirdo must be an added annoyance. I think your many fans (myself included) who have already left comments have put their finger on it, that those that do these things are sad loners & to be pitied while you as a poster & we as fans of the stuff you post are part of a sort of community all deriving happiness from this thing. I along with everyone else hope you don't give up the blog but obviously what makes you feel happiest is the most important thing here.

    J

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  38. I enjoy your site VERY much and I'm sorry for the few jerks out there who can't simply enjoy the GREAT music and fun, informative notes. Please know that (and you can already see from the comments here) there are MANY of us who don't get to comment as much as we'd like to but we are enjoying each and every post immensely!! I hope you will reconsider and continue to post and promote this GREAT music which otherwise would sit on a dusty shelf somewhere. Thanks Ana!!!!! Kevin from New York......

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  39. Yeah, don't let the haters get you down. Keep your delete button handy, and don't respond to comments when you're tired, like I do occasionally and unfortunately. Keep up the great work!

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  40. Please ignore the assholes, they're a very small minority, and an unfortunate byproduct of the internet.

    I've enjoyed almost every side you've posted, and appreciate the historical research you've done; it makes the music even better!

    I've purchased several CDs by the artists I've been introduced to here and hope to buy more. Thanks for your efforts.

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  41. Ana-
    I love your city and its music (many friends there- it's like a second home to me), and I LOVE your blog! I'm only sorry I haven't commented more frequently, but I know there are many who may not post an opinion who really appreciate what you do..... the world-online and in general- seems to be scourged with assholes of all stripes. I hope we don't let 'em win. Do whatever you gotta, but know that there are a lot more on your side than not.
    Peace from Chicago, Jeff

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  42. Ana, I can only echo what's been said by others in appreciation of your fine blog. I'm all of 63, I got my first taste of New Orleans R&B around 1961 ("Mother-in-Law"!), have been hooked ever since, and The Singing Bones consistently comes up with aural delights I've never heard before. Also your fresh woman's take on the whole thing is a huge plus, giving you an automatic edge over the boring male nerdy tone of most music blogs. Don't bother even responding to the knockers - they're only doing it to attract attention. And don't even feel you have to post often - your posts are worth waiting for! Long may you grace the internet. Yours, Pete W in London.

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  43. Hey man don't let the cunts let ya down - you're the king! Look at the reactions above! We're all pupils and eager to learn our way in the cool world of music - lead us thou shepperd!

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  44. I wouldn't throw in the towel just yet. What you do will have even more relevance as our digital world becomes a bit more controlled -- To my old eyes, yer blog is a great slice of musical anthropology which brings me back to part of my childhood (I lived in New Orleans for several years back in the early 60's while my Dad was stationed at Camp Leroy Johnson). I've been writing a food blog for over four years and every once in awhile I gotta just take a break -- in the interim I run some of my favorite old posts. Anyhow, if you cash in yer chips just let me say Thanks for all the great sounds.

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  45. un tres grand MERCI car j'ai ecouté de tres belles chansons grace à votre travail

    DD

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  46. Per/ Stockholm, SwedenJuly 28, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    I salute and thank you! You have the greatest taste in music and I've discovered so much new old stuff on this blog. So whatever you decide to do with this blog, you should know that it's been (and still is) much appreciated.

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  47. Dear, dear Ana-b:

    First off, I blame myself. Where I used to respond with enthusiasm to many of your stellar posts, now I feel like that I have become too repetitive and unoriginal in my expressions of admiration, and so I slack off in providing my share of the wave of frequent positive responses which, in their outnumbering, can render the occasional oddball or negative energy creature less visible/meaningful/influential. Judging by the number and style of the other comments so far, I'm not the only one who has made this mistake.

    Second, I can completely relate to your stalker's infatuation, though I do hate to admit it. You are OBVIOUSLY beautiful in spirit, hip, smart and fun. You're even somewhat of an audio geek - for a girl. A very, very attractive catch in my book. Perhaps it is not meant to be in this lifetime - you are apparently pretty well settled and I am a happily married man, far away. But you do seem to be a "girl that radiates that charm," to quote the poet Arthur Alexander. Face it, you've probably been beating them off with a stick all your life, why should the internet be any different?

    If you are not blushing yet then I guess I am losing my touch.

    That's it: I'm gonna build you a SHWEET tube phono preamp like I promised. You should be getting showered with gifts and praise on a constant basis and clearly I, for but one example, have been remiss in providing same. Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.

    Now, in case it ISN'T all about ME . . .

    I bet you are very busy and overextended. You seem to have a lively social whirl and being momma to a little princess can also take some doing. I can imagine keeping your little piece of the internet swept clean might become a low priority at times since you clearly Have A Life.

    Do the next thing that brings you joy, please. I wouldn't want you following any other path on MY account. But do know that you have touched at least THIS music lover with the strong sense of who and what you are, and who and what you love, which I am so grateful you have been generous enough to share so fully with any and all of us random palookas and nimrods. Exposing your truth to the world is a generous and complicated act. You have done so with beauty and integrity.

    Thank you again, and always, and forever. You have my faithful support in whatever you decide.

    Your fan,

    -j

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  48. A NOLA-style wedding parade, complete with a second-line band, just passed my house here in Brooklyn. Thought of you.

    -j

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  49. ana
    I still log in every day to see if you are back,miss you very much both the music and the way you write about it,hope to see you soon again
    max from sweden

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  50. Ana! Don't be discouraged by the petty, it's all they have to offer so pity them....I agree with almost every other 40+ positive posts that I love your blog, and you know I'm a black belt record nerd! I partially blame myself for not giving you enough positive feedback, but you make peoples' days brighter!!!!

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  51. Ana,
    Love love love what you do here and missing you already. Take a break (I just have, although for no real reason), but you will come back. Won't you? Please!

    As the saying goes: don't let the b*stards grind you down.

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  52. Ana, The oxygen theives you speak of are part of the price one pays for a high profile. Pity the fools. Thank you; you keep me hanging on.

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  53. ana, late as usual and sorry I missed you and the little un at the raid. Obsessed with my own piles of plastic, I often regret that I don't get by this place more often, and now doubly so since you've hit a rough patch. You've got to do this for yourself - nobody else; and if it ceases to please you, I trust that you will put your inspiring energy, wit and intelligence to work elsewhere, my dear. That said, I, too, hope you are just taking some time off to regroup and will be back, because, as I've told you several times, you do this thing well; and, as you can see from these comments, the vast majority of us appreciate the hell out of it. Hang in there.

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  54. Don't worry about these people Ana, you'll be remembered long, long after they've gone.
    Whatever you choose to do, good luck with it. You've spread a lot of joy around, and, just like you said, that Johnny Adams guy, everytime I hear him he gets better and better. Quality always comes to the top.

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  55. PS there are no blogs more fabulous.

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