Seems one of my chicken-hearted anonymous Stuart detractors finds it great fun to leave snide comments on my Father's Day post since I blocked comments on the "Changing Of The Guard" piece.
Ah, the beauty of comment moderation...
But his or her most recent comment inspired me to write about the very thing he or she is ridiculing me for...namely, failure.
He or she infers -- and finds it "too funny"-- that (in his or her eyes, apparently) my stints at The Stuart Herald, The West Central Valley Voice,The Independent Eye, and my husband's stint in the Methodist Ministry, all failed.
Funny, but I don't see our experiences in those areas as failures at all.
My two years or whatever at The Herald were some of my most prolific years journalistically. I managed to write a weekly column every week -- no small feat -- and many people enjoyed my columns. I wrote about important issues of the day, and human triumph and tragedy,and even won third place in the Iowa Newspaper Association annual contest.
I was fired unfairly, and I believe it was the corporation that owned the paper at the time that eventually handed the paper back over to its owner because, indeed, IT failed to make a go of things.
The best part of being fired, of course, was that it fired me up to start The West Central Valley Voice...we grew the paper from scratch and in a very short time, sported a circulation of roughly 800 a week -- and all from our homes and in addition to our day jobs. We covered four communities like a blanket, and we scooped The Herald on every major story.
Of course, The Voice was never about making money...it was a moral victory and a journalistic labor of love like no other. The time it took to run the paper from the editing side, however, eventually took its toll on my health. And I had a choice to make...my health or the paper.
I chose my health.
It was not an easy decision. I loved The Voice. We all did. And we loved and are still very proud of what we accomplished in 2 1/2 years.
The Eye failed? Oh, reeeely? I dunno. More than 33,900 hits since its inception...and it's still up and running nearly a year later. Just because Suz and I decided it was time for us to move on and officially hand it over to Peg, does not constitute a failure. The Eye has evolved, and is still evolving...and growing by hundreds of hits practically every day.
As for the ministry...they crucified Jesus. Was his ministry a failure? I think not. We chose to leave the ministry for several reasons, but the lives my husband touched with his ministry were numerous. And you never really know how the spiritual seeds you plant grow. Yes, there were some tough times, and not everyone agreed with everything my husband said or did. I challenge you to show me a ministry where there aren't differing opinions and behind-the-pastor's-back murmuring. Such is life in the ministry, Methodist or otherwise.
Anyway, Anonymous, if your comments were meant to hurt my feelings, they did just the opposite.
Writing about my adventures in journalism and the ministry only makes me appreciate these life experiences even more. At least I've had the guts to take a few risks.
It's been a crazy ride. Wouldn't have missed any of it for the world.
Afterall, as someone once said...
"The only real failure in life is the failure to try."
11 comments:
I will miss your writings from the eye. But don't forget to post your thoughts when you see something interesting. Multiple thoughts from people get the mind really thinking and lots of people need that exercise.
Failure in general refers to the state or condition of not meeting a desirable or intended objective. It may be viewed as the opposite of success.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Failure
I donot think of it as failure, it was and is an accomplishment you should both be proud of. You have made people aware of the city policies. More people are keeping the blinds open and are watchful of the happenings in all departments of the city.
Glad that I can see still your works, stay in touch.
hey Ann you might want to help Peg she is having trouble with the blog. I really miss her updating. A Stuart follower
Dear 3:01: We are working together to figure out the technical problem...please stand by...:)
who are the cockroaches?
Didn't your husband get fired because he was telling everyone's business, which he learned all about when the people came to him for counciling?
It's weird her's is the only blog affected. Quite convenient.
Dear 8:25 #1: LOL. That is a laugh. No, my husband is not one to gossip -- never has been. He never even tells me who he votes for. He is one of the most to-be-trusted people I know. He is all about confidentiality. And like I said, he was not fired. He left the ministry on his own accord.
Dear 8:25 #2: Blogger Help has been alerted, and with any luck, she'll be back up and running with the comments...it's just one of those things...
Happy to find your blog. I have read your ieye and since Peg took over enjoyed it's flavor. She is now in process of changing name. Many want old blogs deleted, but she will not and I hope as original hostess you will not either. Just let it ride out there and perhaps an alien spaceship will find it and send us a bit of nice dust. God knows, we need it here in Stuart. Thanks for your enlightment and interesting readings. Save them, put them into a book.
OH, before I go, I just read your handing the torch article. Now I do have to reprimand you for insulting our cockroaches and vipers. These are noteworthy and valuable creatures that really clean up the, whatever they are, that needs to be cleaned. Scum? That's not a living creature is it? Thanks Ann. You have some interesting links also.
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