Well, Christmas weekend just zipped by, didn’t it! It was a great weekend here at Pigtown Design, with lots of time spent with family and friends, and a little bit of time home alone. ![Merry Christmas, Everyone![2]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOjFugS3AYQ4KT4xEd7zkD2e7Q731SMCFMGSPzykqP4bXss7PC9DIJ_CQbDAD0GQrwftc3Q-aptpAYL0vz9YTph_zcULIR3R6xWIW7ubEYRWdERSiPFua9ZjXQSqTv9k9aExsl6JiuQM/?imgmax=800 "Merry Christmas, Everyone![2]")
I was recently accused by a commenter of using the blog as a self-promotion. She kindly informed me that she thinks that I am gloating and shallow, and that it is “all about me”. Poor dear, she is misinformed.
My blog is all about you, my wonderful reader. I work every day to think of things that will interest you, educate you and hopefully, amuse you. Everything I write is with you in mind. If I was doing this just for myself, it would be private.
Without Pigtown*Design, how would you ever have known about the amazing DeBois Textiles, home to incredible and inexpensive, top-of-the-line fabrics? And a treasure trove of vintage clothes! I discovered DeBois Textiles in January and shared it with all of my readers. The morning after I revealed the location of DeBois, a number of readers were lined up waiting for them to open. People still go there and tell them they found out about DeBois on Pigtown Design. 
Without Pigtown*Design, who would have commiserated with me as we suffered through weeks and weeks of snow, eventually totaling 108 inches, in a place that closes schools for a mere dusting! It was so wonderful to be able to keep communicating with people from around the world while I was hunkered down for days on end.
Without Pigtown*Design, far fewer people would have known about the talented John Gutierrez, a metal artist in Baltimore and brother of my best college friend, who died too young at age 45. Your kind comments and thoughtful words helped both me, and John’s friends and family during a difficult time. 
Without Pigtown*Design, it wouldn’t have been half as much fun to find two Hermès scarves when I was out “poking around” looking for fun things for my Etsy shop. I knew that my blog friends would understand the excitement I felt finding such a treasure.
Over the past few years, I’ve received more than 11,000 comments. This is not including the ones that are spam, and the very few I’ve deleted, like Miss Unpleasant, whose input does not elevate the conversation. I consider this blog a dialogue between me and you. I look forward to writing these 1100+ posts, and to hearing your thoughts and suggestions.
Yes, sometimes, it’s about me, but to my mind, it’s really all about you. So thank you very much for allowing me into your life to share mine.
![Merry Christmas, Everyone![2]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcHhGtAl37sxVtYg0mBjUPbLZjelgdxrLOOtt2NyC_NpXLac3c3X0MI8VBDyC-8Ld2n91qWmGALEcaFBEOQM9-YhZGA0GHqHv0SPGAqeeS7y7fSib8lhjUN1HS7DAIsfowiFV-eeIKFA/s1600-h/Merry%20Christmas,%20Everyone!%5B2%5D%5B2%5D.jpg "Merry Christmas, Everyone![2]")
I love you and your blog just the way you are!!! I completely disagree with Miss Unpleasant. I've never once felt that way about your blog.
ReplyDeleteOn a different note, the first picture reminds of those commercials about a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. It is obviously not a bird but still made me laugh.
Dear Meg, you must be the most unselfish of the bloggers I know. Apart from all the things you state, I remember your kindness in making the Etienne Turgot map of Paris available for free to anyone who reads your blog, having addressed the technicalities to make it thus.
ReplyDeleteI shouldn't worry yourself, (and I'm sure you wont), about the oddball who makes such a completely silly remark. Life is full of them!
Thank you for being such a good and generous blogging friend.
I LOVE your blog and enjoy reading it very much !
ReplyDeleteIt is very unfortunate that there are people out there who simply can't help themselves but be "sour farts" And what if the blog is a self promotion ? In the words of Fred Armisen ( imitating Joy Behar ) " So what, who cares " !
Keep up the good work !!!
Cheers :)
Meg I am behind you 100% You have been a huge inspiration to me. Your posts are so interesting and educational.
ReplyDeleteI once had a blogger insinuate that "everyone" was sick of hearing of my giveaways. Almost every blogger has thanked my for offering such quality giveaways and featuring other creative artists of all geres.
There will always be a downer person out there. We have every reason to be proud of what we do!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
it's your blog and you are free to wright about anything you like (including promotion yourself) and I don't mind to read about YOU and Connor and your daily life either.
ReplyDeleteWhat I don't understand is why she keeps reading your blog if it not to her taste?
Obviously Ms. Sourpuss' mother didn't teach her the old adage... if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!
ReplyDeleteThe dedication and commitment it takes to keep a blog going stands alone as a testament that you want to produce something of entertainment and value for us readers. But, your content is personal and friendly and wonderful and that, too, is for the reader.
Especially during the holidays, Ms. Sourpuss should learn to spread love, not hatred.
Your blog is wonderful. Keep it up!
Becky
Meg, I just wanted to say again how much I enjoy your blog, especially the posts about Baltimore.
ReplyDeleteMiss Unpleasant is sitting alone in her, most likely, tacky little room with nothing but herself and her nasty little thoughts.
ReplyDeleteBaa Humbug I say to her!
Thank YOU Meg for your lovely posts! It is always a pleasure to read your blog and learn about so many treasures. So sorry that Miss Unpleasant has so obviously missed all of that. Perhaps the new year will bring her new clarity. But if not, the rest of us are here to appreciate.
ReplyDeleteThanks again!
Melanie
Your blog is that low door in the wall through which we can enter the more enchanting, unsung places in our beautiful city. Keep up the spectacular work, Meg.
ReplyDeleteMeg, Your blog is my favorite. You bring the city to life, and I share all your interests! I admire the quality of your writing and especially, the pictures and photos you include. It makes me feel like we're friends! Thanks for a great year!
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog and look forward to all of your next post. Blogs should be about the blog owners interest and likes, Thanks why it's your blog. If this person does not like what you write about they show just move on.
ReplyDeleteMeg, I love your blog and look forward to it every morning. Any commenter so oblivous of our first amendment rights deserves no more than the nano-second it takes to delete her keystrokes.
ReplyDeleteMiss Unpleasant? Bless her heart.
ReplyDeleteThank you for yours !!
Garden & Be Well, XO Tara
I look forward to reading Pigtown'Design very much indeed. As a senior I don't gad about much any more and my laptop is a window on the world! Such interesting and wonderful places and things are out there. Thank you for taking the time to blog about many of them. Please keep doing this ......
ReplyDeleteHelen - Toronto
MIss Unpleasant is jealous that people are interested in what you have to say and write and all your great ideas. I look forward to reading your posts every time they are in my inbox! BAH HUMBUG to Miss U. Merry Christmas Meg! PS. The angel is at the top of my tree that I won in your giveaway last year!
ReplyDelete....and much more recently, I would never have known about the Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols; which I played Christmas morning.
ReplyDeleteIt was beautiful, and it was through reading your blog that I was introduced to it's splendor.
Miss Unpleasant is missing out. Too bad for her!
Well, for goodness sake!!! I REALLY want to write: "WHAT A HAG!" but I won't. Instead, I will follow Tara's lead and say a prayer for this obviously unhappy woman who can't seem to find joy in other people's innocent endeavors! I love this blog and I don't care who knows it! So THERE!!!
ReplyDeleteDear Meg:
ReplyDeleteIf Miss Unpleasant wants to see a blog that is truly "all about me" then she should come over to mine, since I've been accused of obsessively, selfishly, and endlessly staring at my own navel on it, and then bragging about it. A pox on the hussy, I say! Reggie
Just a quick shout out to you, Meg, for all the pleasure that you have given this reader!! I have a lot of delicious friends in my life here in Northern Virginia but (not surprisingly) none of them have lived in Wales and none of them look at the Real Estate listings for the British isles and find wonderful gems for me to dream of buying and none of them love textiles quite as much as you (and I) do..........and I could go on and on........so I LOVE reading your blog posts and getting to know you and, especially in this holiday season, want to thank you for all the time you have spent on Pigtown*Design and all the pleasure that you have given me.
ReplyDeletexo, Anne
Actually, I am" Miss Unpleasant". It seems the point I was making was altogether missed. This is your blog and I encourage you to write about the things that interest you. That's what it's all about!
ReplyDeleteI made a very honest remark about the way you represented the Children's Home at which you work. Nothing more, nothing less. I thoroughly applaud all acts of goodwill and charity. I was taken aback at the way you seemed to pat yourself on the back for the much needed work you are hired to do for the children. I have always thought that acts of charity are somewhat negated when the giver atempts to bask in the glory of giving and expects to be congratulated for doing what is right. That is my opinion.
I think your blog is lovely. My comments were based solely on the topic of charity.
I apologize that I was full of more passion than tact.
What a witch she was for her remark. You are inspirational,informed, fabulous and kind. Would love to live next door to you!!! But I live in Atlanta.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone heard if she's hung herself for the unflattering comment?
While I don't often comment here, I adore your blog and find it unique and interesting. Does the commenter realize that a blog is basically
ReplyDeletea biographical log?
Biography=discussion of oneself.
Anon@10:16... I am afraid that you continue to not understand what it is that I am doing.
ReplyDeleteMy paid professional position is to raise funds for the children at Woodbourne. I choose to use my blog, which has a significant reach, to publicize an annual fundraising effort. Through that, more than $10,000 was raised in less than a week for the children in residence here.
I am indeed basking in the glory of giving, but in other people's generous gifts to Woodbourne. If you notice, I have not mentioned anything about my gift to them.
While you indeed started your comments by criticizing my efforts in publicizing what it is that I do professionally, you strayed over the line by criticizing someone else who commented on my blog. That is unacceptable.
While I applaud anonymous for stepping up and admitting it was she and for apologizing, you cannot let the bad guys get you down. Our blogs are open to anyone who wants to comment and osmetimes that gets a bit nasty or "passionate" as anonymous said. Lets all kiss and make up and I, personally, look forward to more of your fun blog posts throughout the coming year.
ReplyDeleteWow, Meg--your blog is always fantastic. I love the fact that you share yourself--misadventures as well as adventures. By it's very nature, a blog is a reflection of its author and his/her priorities and interests--and yours are always from the giving side. Don't even pay attention to this comment: she was really having a bad day or month and probably is in need of love.
ReplyDeleteSending love to you and can't wait to see what is up your sleeve for the coming year. Mary
You can never always please everyone. A blog, at least a good blog, is a look into someone's life and mind: their passions and interests. Yours does this to a T and thats why we keep coming back for more! Don't let one of many get you down. xo
ReplyDeleteTake a holiday from Miss Unpleasant, and enjoy everyone's well wishes.
ReplyDeleteMeg, since I did not see Miss Unpleasant's note, is it possible you misunderstood. Perhaps she was giving you a little jab and since here in internetland it is hard to hear voice inflection, maybe she was really saying she enjoyed your musings. I had the same thing happen to me, by you, when I responded to one of your post with my tonge planted firmly in my cheek. You misunderstood and admonished me publically, though anonymously. I survived and continue to spread the joys of your blog. Happy New Year HKH
ReplyDeleteWithout you, my Christmas Eve dinner guests would not have been able to enjoy the Italian feast of the seven fishes with gorgeous, antique fish forks and knives. So promote, promote away! And never stop boostering Charm City!
ReplyDeleteHKH... I am sure I mis-understood you, but there was NO misunderstanding some things she said about another commenter who came to my defense. It was unacceptable on her part to say those things, and thus, I removed the comment.
ReplyDeleteHer accusations of me grandstanding because of raising a lot of money for the kids is questionable, since that's what I am paid to do.... talk about the kids and raise money, as well as do PR and marketing for our organization.
Suzq... Sounds fabulous! Did you see the new pieces which have fish engraved on them? Not on the shop yet...
ReplyDeleteI went to a Dinner of Seven(ish) Fishes, which included sushi and sashimi!
Hi Meg, sorry to hear about the unpleasant comment but maybe it's not so bad...we as bloggers do need to "promote" ourselves and our point of view...it's what blogging is about..and we bring sunshine and grace into the lives of others by writing our opinions...when I read a blog, I don't want a dry boring textbook account of a topic, I want to hear the real person who's writing it, speak in their voice, with their take on things, and opinions...you are talented, informative, sharing and caring... don't second guess yourself because of this narrow-minded individual...don't stop with your great insight and design talent.... maureen
ReplyDeleteMeg -
ReplyDeleteI'm at a loss. I have nothing nice to say about anyone who would have such poor judgement and manners to make such comments regarding your promoting and fundraising for the children of Woodbourne .
As my mother would say, "Well bless her heart".
If you choose to exploit the trauma of these children in order to do your job I cannot change that. I just pray they never read your blog.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, the 'friend" who came to your aid should have been more prudent than to bring my children into the equation. Doing so would raise the ire of any mother.
Thank you for your time.
I started reading your blog when you wrote your post about the passing of John Gutierrez. I have been friends with Bonnie, his sister-in-law, since we were children. I continued reading as I am also a Baltimore gal. I never noticed you patting yourself on the back...but even if you did, for goodness sakes, It's Your Blog.
ReplyDeleteAnon@19:02... I am not exploiting these children.
ReplyDeleteI do fundraising, marketing and public relations for Woodbourne. I could not raise money for these children without telling some of their stories. Can you imagine what kind of donations I'd get if I just said, "please help our children". Can you imagine what kind of support other organizations would get if they didn't talk about the people they help.
Look at almost any charity which supports people in need, or with a sickness or in desperate poverty and you will find that they do the same thing. People give to people whose stories they hear!
And to insult my friend, who has done so much to help, is pathetic on your part. Out of respect for her, I took down your reprehensible comments both about her and about me. In some ways, it was also out of respect for you, since you come across in your comments very poorly.
I appreciate your apology earlier, but it was more for being full of "more passion than tact", but not for the insulting things you said about my friend.
Meg - You are a complete superwoman with all that you accomplish in so many diverse directions. How can you not be proud of what you accomplish in your professional and personal endeavors as well as all the fun and quirky tidbits you turn up to share with your readers?!?!
ReplyDeleteAnd without Pigtown*Design, I would not have a killer green bowl or a fabulous set of lime pennants! Thank you for all you do - and I am proud (and glad) to know you
Thanks, Pat! I love Bonnie! I've been friends with her brother-in-law, Richard, since the very first day at college. They're a great family!
ReplyDeleteMeg, our lives are greatly enriched by your posts. I for one cherish each of your 1100 + posts, and am anxious for tomorrow's.
ReplyDeleteI always look forward to reading your blog! I am not from MD but from CT. I have learned so much about Baltimore from reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteI find your posts interesting and inspirational for their educational and informative content. I also very much admire you for the work you do as a professional fundraiser.
Think your Etsy shop is great.
All the very best for a personal and professional 2011.
.
.
Thanks for always sharing. May you have a healthy and happy new year!
ReplyDeleteXo,
E&J
I disagree with Miss Unpleasant. She must be jealous or have a very unhappy life. It is obvious that people who follow and comment on your blog are interested in what you have to say. I started following your blog about 3 months ago and love it.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful,wonderful blog.I won't give up my morning coffee and I will never give up this blog!!
ReplyDeleteSo there.......
i love your blog and i love maryland!
ReplyDeletehappy new year, and i'll read you in the new year.
Meg,
ReplyDeleteI read you every day, and always learn a thing or two. I get so many compliments on my Paris map, all due to you. Keep it up!
Just to let you know that I look forward to your blog everyday...keep it up...and as my grandmother would say: "ignore them with well-bred indifference". Here is another quote: non illegitimi carborundum. best wishes for a healthy, happy and blog-lovin' 2011
ReplyDeleteDear Meg
ReplyDeleteBeen away for a few days, just saw your recent blog, and it is obvious to me that your malcontented commentor knows nothing at all about you. I personally owe you and your blog a tremendous debt of gratitude and thanks for all of the kind and flattering things you have said about our company, DeBois Textiles, Inc. Not to mention the really great business this has brought to us. It has been a joy to have known you for a few years, and in that time, it is my impression that you are motivated out of your love of art, design, beautiful and interesting objects and your desire to share these with others. Please do not stop doing what you do!!!
Thank you once again for all of your kindness and for your friendship, and please accept our best wishes to you and your family for a Healthy & Happy New Year!
Kindness Regards,
Bob, June & Reanna Jacobs
DEBOIS TEXTILES, INC.
Wow!
ReplyDeleteI have been an avid reader and admirer of your headers for a long time :) and in all that time I have never noticed you patting your own back.
I am always suspicious when folks post "helpful" comments as anon. I feel they must know that whatever they are posting could be trouble or else they would proudly post who they are.
Patty
preppyplayer
Tisk. If she thoght that, why even take the time to visit the blog or comment at all? People are strange. And why is it that we are sceptical of complements but quick to beleive the (negative) critics? Keep up the good work. I like the use of "Miss Unpleasant" Reminds me of vintage Emily Post. Toploftys, and Gildings, and etc.
ReplyDeleteFondly, KDM
Dear Aunt Meggie: I'm quite stunned that someone thinks you -- of all people! -- are somehow using your position to pat yourself on the back???!!! I've known you for how long...about 17 years, I think...and there is ABSOLUTELY no truth in that statement. Over the years, you've given many, many hours to multiple nonprofit groups, and you are to be commended for your charitable work.
ReplyDeleteMay you have many wonderful blessings in the New Year.
There's always a sourpuss waiting to rain on your parade! Love, love, love your blog and it's so not just about "you"!
ReplyDeleteShawn K.
And what's wrong with a blog being all about you? IT'S YOUR BLOG!
ReplyDeleteIf they hate it so much why don't they just stop reading and go play sudoku?
Rock on, chick.
Meg,
ReplyDeleteIt is sometimes so difficult to know what to put "out there"...but we each find our voice and I say if you don't like what you hearing...don't listen!
I mentioned on my blog that giving back is important to me and once I even mentioned an orphanage in Afghanistan our family has been working to send donated school supplies to and I received 2 emails critizing my efforts there instead of here. My response...children are children and I don't see why it matters where they come from, their suffering affects us all in one way or another.
Don't let it get you down whether is was intended to be nasty or not.
Best wishes for a Happy New Year!
applause for your fabulous work for the children.
ReplyDeleterude, annonymous comments are just sad.
Happy New Year to you and the children!
joan
Meg, Simply forget this woman. She is not worth a moment's notice. Celebrate the new year reflecting on the obvious joy you have brought others during the past year & anticipating the new finds & perspectives you will share with all of us in the coming year.
ReplyDeleteMeg this is a hard one to know how to process isn't it. I think taking the high road is always a good way to go. It sounds as if you have done just that. Bravo for your wonderful writing and your charity work. I heard it said once that when giving a speech there will be about 10% of the people that just won't like you for no reason other than they just don't. I have never forgotten that. As blog authors we give a speech with each post don't we? I am just sorry one of the 10% showed her face on your blog. Keep up your good writing and work. I look forward to your post in 2011,
ReplyDeleteKathysue
Dear Meg, I love your blog, you knowledge and your messages.
ReplyDeleteI think some people are zealous and unkind, no need to get angry, I just feel sorry for them to miss out on the fun and the meaning!
A blog by nature sends a personal message and that is what makes it so great!
Here is to a wonder-filled new year!
xoxo
Meg, just found your blog and love it. To Miss Cranky Pantalones, my Mom always said that if you don't have something nice to say, keep your trap shut.
ReplyDeleteWhy do you care what people say about you? It's a blog. All blogs are self promoting. It's what a blog is. I don't have one one because I'm certain no one gives a squat about anything I have to say and I'm fine with that. There's nothing wrong with writing a blog which is both self-promoting and informative for others. Keep on writing, Hon.
ReplyDelete