Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

Love2dance · May 9, 2020

There is a charity that Mr. Dance and I have contributed to for many years. As a thank you (and probably an encouragement to continue) they usually send us several really unique and beautiful greeting cards that I have always enjoyed using for birthdays, thank you, anniversary occasions. Suddenly, starting about a year ago, every single card includes a New Testament Psalm on the inside page. I now cannot use the cards as I am not going to presume the recipients want that. I would not. I wrote the charity nicely about our feelings, but their response made it clear they would not stop. We really want to support the charity, but feel conflicted now about it.

andromeda331 · May 9, 2020

3 hours ago, latetotheparty said:

That’s gross and obnoxious and I’d let them know they got their first and last sale

3 hours ago, Zella said:

I'm a Christian, and that would irritate the hell out of me too.

So am I and that would tick me off. I'd let them know they got their first and last sale from me too. I'm coming to them to buy a product not to be preached at about Jesus. If I wanted that I'd go to church or pick up a Bible. I don't want or need some random person I don't know sending me a piece of paper with my order doing that crap.

Minivanessa · May 9, 2020

Speaking of gross and obnoxious, I'm taking a break from this forum for awhile. In another topic I questioned why it's apparently okay to snark on a family's natural coloring and the response was, what is really meant by "blonde" is "inbred and creepy."

What. the. fuck??????

I'm a natural blonde and there are lots of them in my extended family. We aren't inbred, or creepy, or fundie. But apparently that's what our skin/eyes/hair colors mean.

But yeah I'm pissed, and it's silly to let something that's supposed to be a fun distraction piss me off.

See ya later folks.

GeeGolly · May 9, 2020

Yikes & wow @Oldernowiser. Was there anything on the seller's page to indicate her religious beliefs? If not, I'd reach out to Etsy and register a complaint, and depending on how badly you want the seeds, I'd consider sending them back for a refund.

We all have our own spiritual beliefs, but it's not appropriate to push those beliefs on another during a business transaction.

GeeGolly · May 9, 2020

6 minutes ago, Jeeves said:

Speaking of gross and obnoxious, I'm taking a break from this forum for awhile. In another topic I questioned why it's apparently okay to snark on a family's natural coloring and the response was, what is really meant by "blonde" is "inbred and creepy."

What. the. fuck??????

I'm a natural blonde and there are lots of them in my extended family. We aren't inbred, or creepy, or fundie. But apparently that's what our skin/eyes/hair colors mean.

But yeah I'm pissed, and it's silly to let something that's supposed to be a fun distraction piss me off.

See ya later folks.

Jeevie, don't go. We all have opinions that differ sometimes. And I get that some posts come off as condescending, rude or 'educational', but don't let one, or a few posts push you away. I, and many others enjoy your posts and would hate to see you go.

doodlebug · May 9, 2020

8 hours ago, DangerousMinds said:

Me too. That was unacceptable.

I am a Christian, and, quite frankly, I do not need seed retailers trying to insert themselves into my private life. Including a Bible verse, maybe one referring to planting seeds, of which there are a bunch, would be fine. They crossed the line when they decided to get involved in your personal beliefs. I'd let them know I didn't appreciate it and I'd send a copy to the management at Etsy. This is no different than going to the mall and forcing tracts on people, IMO.

doodlebug · May 9, 2020

7 minutes ago, Jeeves said:

Speaking of gross and obnoxious, I'm taking a break from this forum for awhile. In another topic I questioned why it's apparently okay to snark on a family's natural coloring and the response was, what is really meant by "blonde" is "inbred and creepy."

What. the. fuck??????

I'm a natural blonde and there are lots of them in my extended family. We aren't inbred, or creepy, or fundie. But apparently that's what our skin/eyes/hair colors mean.

But yeah I'm pissed, and it's silly to let something that's supposed to be a fun distraction piss me off.

See ya later folks.

Sorry, Jeeves, I was the one who replied to your query about blonds. I honestly feel that no one was meaning to denigrate blonds, but, just snarking on a particular family who are indeed, kinda creepy. In my post, I specifically said that it was creepy that the husband and wife looked so much alike which would be true if they were redheads or brunettes, too,

I hope you stay, but, if you need to take a break, I understand.

GeeGolly · May 9, 2020

1 minute ago, doodlebug said:

I am a Christian, and, quite frankly, I do not need seed retailers trying to insert themselves into my private life. Including a Bible verse, maybe one referring to planting seeds, of which there are a bunch, would be fine. They crossed the line when they decided to get involved in your personal beliefs. I'd let them know I didn't appreciate it and I'd send a copy to the management at Etsy. This is no different than going to the mall and forcing tracts on people, IMO.

I find this totally different than going to mall and having some random shopper push a tract on me. Making a purchase is a business transaction, unless both the buyer and seller are aware that religion is part of the deal, it doesn't belong there.

doodlebug · May 9, 2020

Just now, GeeGolly said:

I find this totally different than going to mall and having some random shopper push a tract on me. Making a purchase is a business transaction, unless both the buyer and seller are aware that religion is part of the deal, it doesn't belong there.

I'll concede that point, but, in both cases, it is wrong to force it on anyone.

galaxychaser · May 9, 2020

18 minutes ago, Jeeves said:

Speaking of gross and obnoxious, I'm taking a break from this forum for awhile. In another topic I questioned why it's apparently okay to snark on a family's natural coloring and the response was, what is really meant by "blonde" is "inbred and creepy."

What. the. fuck??????

I'm a natural blonde and there are lots of them in my extended family. We aren't inbred, or creepy, or fundie. But apparently that's what our skin/eyes/hair colors mean.

But yeah I'm pissed, and it's silly to let something that's supposed to be a fun distraction piss me off.

See ya later folks.

If I offended you I’m sorry

louannems · May 9, 2020

1 hour ago, GeeGolly said:

Yikes & wow @Oldernowiser. Was there anything on the seller's page to indicate her religious beliefs? If not, I'd reach out to Etsy and register a complaint, and depending on how badly you want the seeds, I'd consider sending them back for a refund.

We all have our own spiritual beliefs, but it's not appropriate to push those beliefs on another during a business transaction.

I purchased a couple of commercially produced face masks from a family company in Colorado. I was very annoyed to see that they came with a scripture quote printed on the inside of the fabric. I'm not a believer but I didn't do anything or leave any feedback. I hate how people feel the need to push their beliefs on others.

Zella · May 9, 2020

2 hours ago, Jeeves said:

Speaking of gross and obnoxious, I'm taking a break from this forum for awhile. In another topic I questioned why it's apparently okay to snark on a family's natural coloring and the response was, what is really meant by "blonde" is "inbred and creepy."

What. the. fuck??????

I'm a natural blonde and there are lots of them in my extended family. We aren't inbred, or creepy, or fundie. But apparently that's what our skin/eyes/hair colors mean.

But yeah I'm pissed, and it's silly to let something that's supposed to be a fun distraction piss me off.

See ya later folks.

Jeeves, I hope you don't go--I always really enjoy your posts!--but I understand if you need a break. 😞

Oldernowiser · May 9, 2020

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Etsy is pretty much washing their hands of it, which means I can be a bitch in my review or directly to the seller, thus confirming their martyrdom for Jesus and that Godless liberals do suck, or I can say nothing.

I resent being in this position.

Zella · May 9, 2020

Just now, Oldernowiser said:

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Etsy is pretty much washing their hands of it, which means I can be a bitch in my review or directly to the seller, thus confirming their martyrdom for Jesus and that Godless liberals do suck, or I can say nothing.

I resent being in this position.

Mention it in a review. Even if they feel martyred about it, others will at least have a heads up, so they can steer clear if it is not their cup of tea.

andromeda331 · May 9, 2020

5 hours ago, doodlebug said:

I'll concede that point, but, in both cases, it is wrong to force it on anyone.

I agree. I hate when people try to hand me a tract in a mall, I hated it when they'd show up on at my middle school to shove small Bibles into the hands of preteens, and I'd hate it if I bought something online and they put in a paper with a Bible verse. Its the same thing trying to force their religion and their version of it on other people. No one likes that. And you know they'd be pissed if anyone did that to them especially if they were a different faith. I've gotten better since my preteens at the no thank you and if they keep trying to push it then get more stern. If a buyer had sent something I'd send them a message if I'm able to that I didn't think it was right or put it in my review so other potential buyers will at least know their getting that if they order from this person.

PikaScrewChu · May 9, 2020

9 hours ago, Jeeves said:

Speaking of gross and obnoxious, I'm taking a break from this forum for awhile. In another topic I questioned why it's apparently okay to snark on a family's natural coloring and the response was, what is really meant by "blonde" is "inbred and creepy."

What. the. fuck??????

I'm a natural blonde and there are lots of them in my extended family. We aren't inbred, or creepy, or fundie. But apparently that's what our skin/eyes/hair colors mean.

But yeah I'm pissed, and it's silly to let something that's supposed to be a fun distraction piss me off.

See ya later folks.

😞

Sew Sumi · May 10, 2020

A little quarantine humor. 😁

ChiCricket · May 10, 2020

12 hours ago, Jeeves said:

I'm a natural blonde and there are lots of them in my extended family. We aren't inbred, or creepy, or fundie. But apparently that's what our skin/eyes/hair colors mean.

But yeah I'm pissed, and it's silly to let something that's supposed to be a fun distraction piss me off.

See ya later folks.

Don't go. 😦

I'm (used to be) blonde and (still am) blue eyed, and I took it more as a dig at the fundie obsession with building huge WHITE armies for Jesus. We white peeps just a lot of the time happen to be blond and blue eyed. We just don't usually look like brothers and sisters when we find our mates, like the fundies do.

(Not me..I went with a Puerto Rican)😁

I too have lots and lots of very, very pale blondes in my family...and I happen to not think any of my family look creepy or inbred either....it's just...THESE fundie family trees don't seem to fork...kwim?

Don't go!

ChiCricket · May 10, 2020

3 hours ago, ChiCricket said:

I too have lots and lots of very, very pale blondes in my family...and I happen to not think any of my family look creepy or inbred either..

Just to prove my point (and to brag) this is MY niece Samantha on this Huggies package. Can't get much whiter (and cuter, if I do say so myself) than this!

She just graduated high school this year, btw. ❤

Edited May 10, 2020 by ChiCricket

Love2dance · May 10, 2020

@Jeeves, please don’t go. You are an important part of this forum and will be so missed if you do. I hope you will come back soon if you just need a break.

andromeda331 · May 10, 2020

4 hours ago, Sew Sumi said:

A little quarantine humor. 😁

That was hilarious! I have that same reaction when I have to get dressed and go to the doctor. Although I can at least wear pants that have an elastic waist. Wondering if I'll still remember how to drive. Since its been almost six years. They say its just like riding a bike. I certainly hope so! Wait until you get out on the road you'll be thrown by that big bright thing in the sky, there's so many cars on the road and how loud everything is.

ChiCricket · May 10, 2020

😊

CalicoKitty · May 10, 2020

I finally was able to see my mom today. I had not seen her since the beginning of February because her Assisted Living home was, and is, under strict lockdown. I took her some new clothes, so I knocked on the front door and handed them in so they could sanitize the package and take it to her apartment. I went to her window and tapped on it until she came. She finally got the blinds up, and I stood outside in the flowerbed and wore a mask. A caregiver came in just then and opened the window so I could talk to her through the screen. Getting her to figure out how to open the plastic bags to get the pants and tops out was a long process, but she tried them all on and they fit--and she likes them!! She has been wearing the same set of sweats for weeks, so I had her put those in the laundry basket. She did not know where or what the laundry basket was, but she does follow directions pretty well, and the dirty clothes did get in the laundry (until she takes them out again). She had no idea why she was in her apartment all the time, had never heard of the pandemic, and didn't ask why I was wearing a mask. We are so lucky that she is living there, with excellent care. Except, I'm not too sure what to do about this. The Activities Director came in while I was with her. She is kind of different, and I'm not sure she is the best for the job--but not my problem. What is my problem, she came into Mom's apartment with her mask around her neck instead of over her nose and mouth. I don't know if I should say something or not. I'll discuss it with my brother later today.

I stopped at my dad's grave on my way, and I knew there would be a lot of people at the cemetery for Mother's Day. I just wasn't prepared for how many people were there, and how many were bringing lawn chairs and umbrella and "camping out". There was one group that had had least 30 people with more cars arriving. Everyone had balloons, and they were having a real party. I didn't see any masks there, either.

Where I did see masks was at CVS pharmacy. 95% of the customers and 100% of the staff were wearing masks, including whole families with children. The ones not wearing masks were older men.

All in all, a good day. My car had a nice run to charge the battery, and I was able to get home before the heat this afternoon.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

'

GeeGolly · May 10, 2020

Happy Mother's Day for all of you that fill that role. And whether in be for humans or pets. 🍰 💐🍷🍹

ChiCricket · May 11, 2020

I've been sick with a stomach bug for two days, and was still in bed around 2 this afternoon, when my husband came in and said "you have to come downstairs!"

I groaned "leave me aloooone!"

Then I heard honking, so I got dressed.

My 3 Illinois kids and my 6 Illinois grands did a drive by mothers day parade for me.

I mean..as much as a drive by as you can do on a little dead end street. 😊

So cute, so nice of them, so cold and rainy outside!

They made me stand way back and opened the door and threw all the posters and gifts and balloons in (they didn't want to leave them on the porch to get soaked.)

They called and included my other two kids and 7 grands (the ones who live on a boat, and the ones who live in Germany) on a video call while everyone was parked in front, so I got to see everybody at once ! :::::sniff:::::😁

now I'm going to crawl back into bed and open cards and gifts when I feel better.

ginger90 · May 11, 2020

@ChiCricket hope you feel better soon.

crazycatlady58 · May 11, 2020

How sweet.

Love2dance · May 11, 2020

@ChiCricket, sounds like a Mother’s Day you will never forget....for many reasons. 😉 I’m so glad all the kids and grands were able to “get together” to celebrate you! Happy Mother’s Day, and feel better!

Mindthinkr · May 11, 2020

I’m a bit of a science nerd so this is the card that my daughter made me for Mother’s Day. I loved it.

Scarlett45 · May 11, 2020

16 minutes ago, Mindthinkr said:

I’m a bit of a science nerd so this is the card that my daughter made me for Mother’s Day. I loved it.

This is so precious.

SunnyBeBe · May 12, 2020

I filmed my wedding video and sent it to my friend’s sister today. It’s a surprise to the couple. I did it outside and it was nice and sunny. I’m looking forward to attending virtually this weekend. They are a super couple. Instead of wedding gifts to them, they have asked that anyone who wishes to give, donate to a local food bank or domestic violence shelter. What an awesome way to start out your marriage!

Edited May 12, 2020 by SunnyBeBe

ChiCricket · May 12, 2020

I may have mentioned my (huge) old lady crush on Lin-Manuel Miranda, and my obsession with Hamilton?? I am soo happy to see this coming. I'm getting Disney+ just for it! 😁

I better have SOMEONE irl I can watch it with! I don't care if we have to still sit outside six feet apart while watching on separate computers😂

Edited May 12, 2020 by ChiCricket

latetotheparty · May 12, 2020

18 minutes ago, ChiCricket said:

I may have mentioned my (huge) old lady crush on Lin-Manuel Miranda, and my obsession with Hamilton?? I am soo happy to see this coming. I'm getting Disney+ just for it! 😁

I better have SOMEONE irl I can watch it with! I don't care if we have to still sit outside six feet apart while watching on separate computers😂

I may have screamed a little when I first saw this.

Scarlett45 · May 12, 2020

31 minutes ago, latetotheparty said:

I may have screamed a little when I first saw this.

@ChiCricket I saw this on Instagram today. I can’t wait.

BetyBee · May 12, 2020

On 5/10/2020 at 7:13 PM, ChiCricket said:

I've been sick with a stomach bug for two days, and was still in bed around 2 this afternoon, when my husband came in and said "you have to come downstairs!"

I groaned "leave me aloooone!"

Then I heard honking, so I got dressed.

My 3 Illinois kids and my 6 Illinois grands did a drive by mothers day parade for me.

I mean..as much as a drive by as you can do on a little dead end street. 😊

So cute, so nice of them, so cold and rainy outside!

They made me stand way back and opened the door and threw all the posters and gifts and balloons in (they didn't want to leave them on the porch to get soaked.)

They called and included my other two kids and 7 grands (the ones who live on a boat, and the ones who live in Germany) on a video call while everyone was parked in front, so I got to see everybody at once ! :::::sniff:::::😁

now I'm going to crawl back into bed and open cards and gifts when I feel better.

Clearly you are well loved, @ChiCricket! I hope you are feeling better!

ChiCricket · May 12, 2020

5 minutes ago, BetyBee said:

Clearly you are well loved, @ChiCricket! I hope you are feeling better!

I really am..and feeling much better today, finally.

Thanks for all the well wishes 💗

Ps just opened my gifts..now I need to figure out what an echo dot is used for, and how to use it..😁

Ps...and a...smart plug? Huh?

Edited May 12, 2020 by ChiCricket

SunnyBeBe · May 12, 2020

My endocrinologist office called today and said our visit next week would be by phone, not in person. I'm really relieved, as I don't look forward to going to that large medical facility, with huge parking deck, elevators, concourse, and literally thousands of patients, which, they may have less now since they've cut back on office visits. Also, I fear that I gained some weight back. I had lost 6 pounds back in March when I had that cold from hell for 4 weeks, that I still wonder about being covid.

For Mother's Day, I picked up Chinese, my mom's favorite for the family. I also bought a huge ice cream cake. Mom made a pan of dark chocolate brownies! Then, one SIL brought a lemon meringue pie and the other sent chocolate covered strawberries! It was just RIDICULOUS! lol

Sew Sumi · May 12, 2020

Okay, I have a couple of nephews from AZ who plan to travel to CA to see their ailing step grandfather (but not related to me....long story 😁) atvthe end of this month. They want to see me. How do I tell them no without sounding like a paranoid lunatic? They're coming to visit a man in his 80s with seemingly no regard for his health. I personally think they should stay at home, but they're younger and apparently think they're invincible.

I'm SEVERELY (thanks, Jill!) lacking in tact. How do I let them down easy?

sixlets · May 12, 2020

Do you have any health issues you could blame? Thankfully, I don't have any family members threatening to visit, but that would by automatic go-to. My doctor told me I was in the high-risk category even though everything is controlled. Truth be told, I'm kinda glad I have a built in excuse.

Sew Sumi · May 12, 2020

10 minutes ago, sixlets said:

Do you have any health issues you could blame? Thankfully, I don't have any family members threatening to visit, but that would by automatic go-to. My doctor told me I was in the high-risk category even though everything is controlled. Truth be told, I'm kinda glad I have a built in excuse.

No, perfectly healthy. I don't want to make something up; I am a horrible liar

Oldernowiser · May 12, 2020

Sigh, Sew Sumi. That’s tricky, but you could go with the truth. “I’m afraid of getting the virus, or worse, giving it to someone else.” Hint, hint.

I try to remember...”no” is a complete sentence.

In only slightly related news, the grocery delivery guy showed up today without gloves or a mask. WTF. Mr. Wiser, who meets these guys out in the driveway for the distance dropoff, kept backing up and offered him one of our masks...he turned it down. 👿 He wasn’t a kid, either.

So I called the manager and in the nicest possible way, ratted him out.

We haven’t done this for two months so that some moron can come breathe on my husband.

SunnyBeBe · May 12, 2020

39 minutes ago, Sew Sumi said:

Okay, I have a couple of nephews from AZ who plan to travel to CA to see their ailing step grandfather (but not related to me....long story 😁) atvthe end of this month. They want to see me. How do I tell them no without sounding like a paranoid lunatic? They're coming to visit a man in his 80s with seemingly no regard for his health. I personally think they should stay at home, but they're younger and apparently think they're invincible.

I'm SEVERELY (thanks, Jill!) lacking in tact. How do I let them down easy?

I’m not sure of your situation, but, I have said about my mom to unthinking family members, (because, she’s not bold enough to say it herself) She’s been under self-quarantine for weeks, following all recommendations, including no visitors. So, can you FaceTime with her? Either that or wait til the covid matter is under control. If I thought grandfather would appreciate it, I’d ask if he wanted me to intervene. If not, I’d just speak for myself.

Or, if you’re inclined say, please wear a mask. I’m going to set up chairs on the porch, so we can keep our distance. I feel very strongly about social distancing.

Also, check your state’s restrictions. Some states still have them. I abide by them.

It’s just a poor idea to go visiting. And, if anyone said they were coming to visit me.....lol. My response would be, Have you lost your mind? That sounds more like the lunatic.

Edited May 12, 2020 by SunnyBeBe

Sew Sumi · May 12, 2020

I live in a condo, no porch. Coming here is not an option. And I live in one of the most locked down counties in CA. They can park their car at the curb, and I can meet them outside. That's all I've come up with.

Yes, they're insane to travel in the middle of a pandemic.

SunnyBeBe · May 12, 2020

7 minutes ago, Sew Sumi said:

I live in a condo, no porch. Coming here is not an option. And I live in one of the most locked down counties in CA. They can park their car at the curb, and I can meet them outside. That's all I've come up with.

Yes, they're insane to travel in the middle of a pandemic.

Hmmm.....If you feel ok with it, I’d say that.

But, if restrictions are still on, I’d likely say it’s still a violation here, so, it’ll have to wait a while. We all need to do our part to abide by the orders. In my area, you still aren’t supposed to just visit for the fun of it.

GeeGolly · May 12, 2020

15 minutes ago, Sew Sumi said:

I live in a condo, no porch. Coming here is not an option. And I live in one of the most locked down counties in CA. They can park their car at the curb, and I can meet them outside. That's all I've come up with.

Yes, they're insane to travel in the middle of a pandemic.

Maybe a blanket statement.

How very thoughtful of you but Mr Sumi and I aren't having visitors during this time.

Girl in a Cardigan · May 12, 2020

Yeah, I'd just go with, "I'm sorry, I'm not comfortable with that." That's what my mom did when her hair stylist called her to make an appointment (Arizona is opening way too fast!). If they press, just repeat. You are not under any obligation to see anyone in quarantine, and you can blame Gavin Newsom if you need to.

I'd actually be interested to see how it goes for them with Arizona plates coming into California. Has CHP set up checkpoints like the agricultural inspection? California has made our position perfectly clear and we don't take kindly to those who aren't taking this seriously.

Sew Sumi · May 12, 2020

22 minutes ago, Girl in a Cardigan said:

Yeah, I'd just go with, "I'm sorry, I'm not comfortable with that." That's what my mom did when her hair stylist called her to make an appointment (Arizona is opening way too fast!). If they press, just repeat. You are not under any obligation to see anyone in quarantine, and you can blame Gavin Newsom if you need to.

I'd actually be interested to see how it goes for them with Arizona plates coming into California. Has CHP set up checkpoints like the agricultural inspection? California has made our position perfectly clear and we don't take kindly to those who aren't taking this seriously.

They're flying in. They'll only be here around 24 hours.

Girl in a Cardigan · May 13, 2020

18 minutes ago, Sew Sumi said:

They're flying in. They'll only be here around 24 hours.

That’s an even bigger reason to say no. Don’t feel bad about at all.

Zella · May 13, 2020

I say just be honest. I've had a couple of random people suggest they meet me right now, and I just tell them "No, I'm not comfortable doing that in the middle of a pandemic." And they just sort of trail off from there.

Nysha · May 13, 2020

On 5/11/2020 at 8:19 AM, Mindthinkr said:

I’m a bit of a science nerd so this is the card that my daughter made me for Mother’s Day. I loved it.

This is the coolest Mother's Day card I've seen.

**Apparently, if you don't hit 'Submit Reply', it doesn't submit your post.

@Sew Sumi, this is a time when tact isn't necessary, just the truth: "I love you, but I'm not willing to die to see you." or something like that.

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