Inspired By A *Sincere* Spammer, Here Are Photos Of Pretty Spring Colors

/ Ally Bean

I was wondering how I was going to introduce these photos then inspiration arrived in the form of a spammer. No doubt he’s a sincere dude, offering me unsolicited advice.

You see, kids, this spammer believes I’m too verbose to create good content, as evidenced by my last wordy post*. He mansplained graciously suggested that by using more photos in my posts, and fewer words, I could become a GREAT blogger.

Thus with a hat tip to this fine fellow, and a hope that this picture-filled post doesn’t burden him with the need to read & comprehend too many words, I give you seven pretty photos that showcase spring colors in the garden.

Also, Zen-Den wants me to wish spammer dude well completing fourth grade. We both think this might be a challenge for him… all. those. words.

BLUE sky smiling above

RED geranium in a terra cotta pot

PINK astilbe in dappled sunlight

GREEN trees as backdrop to screened-in porch

BLACK petunias [that are actually as very dark purple but are sold as black] in a terra cotta pot

PEACHY PINK drift roses

PURPLE salvia by a stone path

AND FINALLY THREE READER COMMENTS…

About hypocrisy versus sound judgement:

“I don’t know this woman but I think you’re protecting your personal boundaries. I think her response to your very thoughtful and honest suggestion speaks volumes. Sure, people can change. But that doesn’t mean they get to be let into your life. No thank you.”

~ Nicole MacPherson

“Boundaries, baby! Yes, Ally, I believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion/schtick/whatevs, but that doesn’t make them right or smart or even decent people. If there’s anything the I’ve learned since we’ve entered the aughts is that there are a whole lotta people out there I wouldn’t want to have dinner with…”

~ Pam Lazos

“Nothing hypocritical about avoiding people who aren’t good energy. I have to say I feel a little bad for Zelda. Not bad enough that I think you should follow her. Just sad for a person who seems to know something of the world, yet remains so self-focused.”

~ Crystal Byers

* The analysis of my word to photo ratio on the previous post shows 246 words per 2 photos. On this post, excluding this footnote and the captions on the photos, there are 42 words per 7 photos. Make of this what you will.

201 thoughts on “Inspired By A *Sincere* Spammer, Here Are Photos Of Pretty Spring Colors”

  1. Beautiful, colorful pictures. Even better words. And statistics at the end – my goodness Me! I hope all of your fourth-grade readers appreciate it.

    Liked by 7 people

  4. All things being equal, those are excellent image captions! And I’m not being facetious, they describe very well what is in the picture and is useful for accessibility browsing (though I recommend also putting those captions into Alt Text). For some reason I’m really drawn to your 4th photo, the screened-in porch. The colours really pop and it’s well-framed.

    Liked by 5 people

  6. Oh, spammers. Can’t live with ’em, can’t… get rid of ’em.

    I do LOVE the photos, though. But I prefer posts with words to posts with photos. I mean, I like photos! But if I had to choose one over the other… words would win every time.

    My daughter picked out some black petunias for our yard! She wanted to do a whole “goth” pot, but I steered her back toward some color. The black petunias are quite striking, though. One of ours grew with a shocking pink stripe in it! Very punk rock.

    And SO MANY people around my neighborhood have that gorgeous purple salvia. It makes me desperate to add a salvia border to my house. Not desperate enough to do anything about it, but I have all the salvia envy.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Suzanne, I often enjoy what spammers have to say, but rarely end up laughing at the comment like I did with this one.

      One of your black petunia went punk rock?! Oh I hope that happens with the ones we have. I’d love that.

      In the right sunny spot purple salvia is easy to grow. And it is a showstopper. Thanks for noticing it.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. I love your photos, but your words made me laugh! A perfect post in response to your spammer. Keep writing and maybe your “4th grade” spammer will be making good use of the dictionary.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Katie, thank you. I’ve wanted to have some black petunias and this is the year. As for geraniums, those goofballs grow in spite of what I do to them.

      Like

    • Judy, thank you. I can weed with the best of them but we had a landscaping service trim those boxwoods this year. I know, it’s cheating, but occasionally we are lazy gardeners. All the rest of it though, we did.

      Like

  12. I love your photos (and your words)! The same well-meaning commenter has sent a similar statement to me as well, proving that some people are never happy with the photo and word distribution, no matter what you do. 😉

    Liked by 2 people

  13. Your flowers and other spring images are beautiful!
    I’m sure there’s another Fourth Grade guy or someone like him out there who thinks more words less pictures is just the ticket to get your readership up. I think you responded brilliantly! 😀

    Liked by 2 people

  14. I expected the spammer to continue with “I can show you how to be a great blogger for only $80!” Love the black petunias! I actually do like pictures but sometimes they just don’t fit. It’s more the whole composition, you know? Honestly, everyone’s a critic! Sheesh.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Martha, oh that would have been perfect if there’d have been a request for money, but there wasn’t. This was just some random dude criticizing me– because he knew better. I agree with you, a blog post is the whole composition of words and photos melded together to communicate something clearly.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Thank you for taking the time for a few Extra words on the true enlightment of the “black” petunias. How embarrassing if I called them purple outloud! Petunias can be quite sticky if I might add or am I too wordy! Ha!💝

    Liked by 3 people

    • cjdabbles, made me laugh out loud. You were not too wordy for me. Those black petunias look truly black from certain angles, but in the photo they look purple-ish. I love them, regardless.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. You’ve always had a way with words that I could never aspire to! There’s always going to be at least one critic who thinks they know it all. Glad to see you standing your ground.
    And as usual, your pictures are wonderful. I too, love your screened in porch. You probably spend a lot of time out there enjoying all the nature and beautiful color.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Beth, thank you. I don’t plan on changing my wordy ways for spammer dude, but he did make me laugh out loud, bless his heart. 🙄

      The screened-in porch is nice. It’s a great way to be outside without getting bitten by bugs or burned by the sun.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. I enjoy a good story, which usually requires words. Of course, a photo to accompany a good story always enhances the package. I’ve yet to understand why the spammers do what they do. Usually annoy, but this guy has proven entertaining.

    Lovely photos. I’m envious of your screened in porch. So lovely.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Ernie, you make an excellent observation: a good story requires words and telling stories is what I’m doing here on my personal blog. As for why spammers spam, beats me. I guess doing pointless things appeals to them?

      The screened-in porch is delightful, I’ll admit it. Maybe someday you’ll get one of your own.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Some spam comments, while annoying in general, can still be entertaining! Great photos. (I also read ALL the words.) I so want your screened in porch. Of course, here the screened part isn’t as necessary, so I guess a “sun room” is the more the name of the thing I want. Either way, lovely all around! Still think its cool you include people’s comments at the end of your posts. No doubt they are so honored!

    Liked by 3 people

  19. I’ve been writing since the early 60’s, first with journals then in the 80’s it was short stories. This progressed into the late 80’s when I ventured into novels which I never tried to publish for this or that reason. Still today I write. I have my little bit of a blog, and a couple of others when the internet was young. The big difference between those very early days and now are pictures. It used to be that content was about the written word. I use few pictures on my blog. Guess I’m just too far behind the times. Keep writing my friend and know that are folks out there who love the way you write.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Johnny2Toes, I know exactly what you mean about early blogging. Back in the beginning I didn’t know how to add a photo or image to a post, so I had to only use words. I still lean that way now and occasionally *gasp* publish something with no pictures! Can you imagine that?

      Thanks for your kind supportive comment. I like to write so I’ll keep using my words.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Very pretty outdoor surroundings Ally Bean! I’m envious of the screened porch. I’d love any porch in general but I’ve always thought there’s something quaint and rather special about a screened porch. How is the reno coming along?

    Liked by 2 people

    • Deb, the screened-in porch is a delight and you’re right it is quaint. A throwback, I guess. Nothing is happening this week with the renovations. The company that cuts the countertops has to do their thing before we move forward. So just waiting…

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Don’t we all just love unsolicited advice? I guess those who have “got it together” feel it is their absolute duty to share their wisdom with the rest of us poor slobs. Lucky us! 😉

    Deb

    P.S. I enjoy both your words and your pictures, Ally.
    P.P.S. Dear Spammer, don’t be so stingy with your advice. Start your own blog and show us how it’s done!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Deb, why YES I love unsolicited advice about something that is going better than I could have imagined. But PLEASE tell me more about what I’m doing wrong, spammer dude.

      I do like your idea that spammer dude should start a blog, to show us the way. As if 🤨

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Love the photos. Mostly spammers want to help me make money on my blog (like that would happen with my nonsense). I almost feel badly that I didn’t include any photos on my post today. I did include a music video. Maybe that helps. Or perhaps I should have a paypal link for people to send money. Things to ponder.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Kate, I don’t get offers to help me make money off my blog, but I do get offers wherein I may send money to have someone fix my spirit from afar. I’m charmed by their concern for my good health, but am unable to send money today.

      No photos on your post!!! What’s going on with that? If my spammer finds you he’s not going to be pleased. I don’t think a music video will cut it with him.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Spammers are so helpful, aren’t they? It seems like the spam now isn’t nearly as creative as the spam used to be, when people actually tried to sound as if they had read your blog. I like when people talk about my great insights when my post was a photo for Wordless Wednesday or similar comments. My blog started out to be mostly writing and now it’s mostly photos, although I do try to mix in writing because I enjoyed that as well. I liked the photos today and I too love your porch. But I enjoy your writing and don’t at all miss photos when there are none. Some people are photographers blogging, some are writers blogging, some are a combination, and some I wonder why they’re blogging. But each blogger does what s/he is at heart. Viva la difference.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Janet, you’re right that spam used to seem more personal. I hadn’t thought about that, but it has changed. I think you’re selling yourself short if you don’t understand the “great insights” in your Wordless Wednesday posts. 😉

      I knew you used to write your blog but had shifted to photos. I agree with you that some people write and add photos, while other people photograph and add words. There’s no set way to keep a personal blog. I also wonder sometimes about why a person is blogging to begin with, but that’s a conversation for another post.

      Like

  25. Oh what a hoot! Poor ‘lil spammer 🙂

    Your screened porch is absolutely tip top – I have massive envy. Porches aren’t something you see over here in the UK, and I miss them. I grew up with verandas, which is close to a porch, especially as some of them were screened in with mosquito netting.

    Your photos are always lovely, but your words match their beauty, so I’m happy you’ll continue to blog your way 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, I can’t tell you when I’ve laughed out loud at some spam. I mean, this was delightful albeit unsolicited.

      No porches in the UK? I don’t suppose I realized they weren’t the done thing there, but now that you mention it I don’t remember ever seeing one when I was there. Pity that, they are a nice retreat.

      Thanks for the compliment about my photos and words. Everything in the proper balance, right? I don’t think spammer dude understood that.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Um, what in the world? Was it the generic spam that’s just unloaded on everyone or was this specific? I’ll bet the English was not very good!

    I particularly enjoyed the pansies. We had some along our house growing up and they came back every year!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Bijoux, I couldn’t tell if the spam was meant only for me or if it was generic. The English was perfect in it, so who knows? I like pansies, too. Am fond of any flower that wants to grow!

      Like

  27. Wow, what a helpful fellow he was 🙄.. How did you ever blog without his foresight?!

    Anyway, your screened in porch looks like a dream! I would love one of those! Looks so comfy and homey, a great place to read or just stare at nature! I’ve recently become a proud plant mama… going to nurseries are now just as exciting as it used to be browsing the shelves of bookstores and libraries for me! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    • Jen, I know! It’s a miracle I’ve made it this far in blogging without spammer dude by my side.

      The screened-in porch is nice. We use it about nine months a year, weather permitting. It’s a mellow, a good place to hang out. I’m pleased you’re into gardening now. It’s fun, can be science-y, and adds some pretty to me life. I wish the same for you.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Don’t you just love the anonymity of the blogosphere where dudes (and broads) can give you unsolicited advice? They would never tell you face-to-face: Yo, too many words! Pfft! I say, go read another blogger. Ever hear of TLDR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)? This would be good for him. There is no purpose to read something that doesn’t suit you, so move on, why leave a stupid comment? Oh, wait. He DID serve a purpose. Served as your muse for a post to include such lovely photographs! (I am drooling at your porche – what a sublime photo!) And I love ALL your posts!
    I, for one have never calculated the photo/word ratio. Never even crossed my mind to, to be honest. I have a mix of types of posts. Oh well. Some people have nothing better to do with their time, it appears!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Dale, you’re right, of course. This spammer dude could have just moved along if he saw something he’d classify as TLDR, but of course he didn’t. I agree that he did give me a good way to start my post of pictures of posies. For that I am grateful.

      Until yesterday I’d never calculated my photo to word ratio either. Why would I? I usually throw in at least one photo or image into every post, but occasionally I go old school and just post words. Like some sort of dinosaur. Can you imagine?

      Liked by 1 person

      • Definitely. Same thing with anything you see on line – don’t like, don’t stay! Seems so very easy to me but there are those who have taken it upon themselves to “right a wrong” that they perceive is there. Oy!

        You are crazy! What? Words only? What the hell are you thinking? 😀

        The way I see it, we do what pleases us and if there is an audience for it, then it’s a bonus.

        Liked by 2 people

        • I’ve never felt the need to fix people, but I sometimes wonder if that’s what motivates unsolicited advice. Fixers gotta fix?

          I keep this blog going in my own way. To use my motto: I cause no harm, but take no shit. If this doesn’t please someone I invite them to go elsewhere. No hard feelings on my part.

          Liked by 1 person

          • Me neither. If you ask for my advice, I will give it. I would never consider criticizing someone on their own blog.

            As it should be, my fellow blogger. It’s your space!

            Liked by 2 people

  29. I love photos but rarely follow blogs where there are too many pictures and not enough words. Love the black petunias! I had some a few years ago but couldn’t find them this year. Spammers are an interesting bunch–usually out to sell things. This one gave unwanted advice?

    Liked by 2 people

    • Margaret, there is a balance to be had between photos and words when you profess to be writing a personal blog. I love blogs that are mostly photos, but this isn’t one of those. Look around, spammer dude. As for wanting money… nope. Just needed to tell me I was doing things wrong.

      Like

    • Janet, thank you. I appreciate you reading and seeing what do here. I have to say though this spammer dude’s advice tickled me more than it should have. The porch is nice, we are lucky.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Since you brought up 4th grade and reading…if you really want to go down a metric rabbit hole, you could paste the text of your posts into the lexile analyzer to get an analysis of its reading level. This is only a quantitative tool, though–measuring things that can be counted. It does not take into account such qualitative measures as organizational complexity, abstraction of language, background knowledge demands, etc., which also contribute to text difficulty.

    Liked by 4 people

  32. Your post brought delight Ally Bean thank you! Some good scrabble words in your post of fewer words – even in my comment there are a few. But more than that the photos are beautiful. We’re in the depth of winter here up on the highveld. I begin my return to home tomorrow. Enjoy (vg scrabble word) your wonderful piece of paradise.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Susan, you know I do what I can to write blog posts that appeal to all wordy people. If I’ve gifted you with some Scrabble words, I’m pleased. I know you’ve hit winter now, which I still find trippy. I mean I understand how the northern and souther hemispheres work, but it gives me pause thinking about it. Safe travels

      Liked by 1 person

  34. I’ve never understood those random spam comments about my (and probably the thousands of other blogs they send the same comment to) blog. What’s the point? Anyway I think your word to picture ratio is just fine in this post and all your other ones.

    Very jelly of your screened in porch. I first discovered there was such a thing while visiting my in laws in North Carolina. Since we don’t get enough rain or bugs to require such a porch here, I will have to enjoy the lovely porches of others.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Janis, I see no point to most spam comments either. Some ask for money so maybe the spammers sucker some people into that, but this one was just trying to help me be a better blogger. Considering the comment arrived already in the Spam folder I’m going to assume it is one.

      Screened-in porches are popular in the south for good reason– less so around here but still darned nice. Living where you do I can see why you don’t need one but around here they let us be outside more comfortably.

      Liked by 1 person

  35. xoxoxo

    Okay, I laughed and laughed reading this. Oh, spammer. How very helpful of you to suggest that Ally could be a GREAT blogger if only she didn’t…write so much. Very helpful advice. I mean, why read when you can exclusively look at photos?

    Now, that said, I LOVE these photos. I am HERE for the flowers. I especially love your astilbe – I had some in my hosta garden but they didn’t come up one spring and I never did replace them. I miss them! Maybe I should try again.

    Once I had a spammer tell me I had really ugly eyebrows! And once I had someone tell me all the books I recommend are terrible and I must be really boring to like them. I mean, okay? Maybe I’m boring? Or maybe you’re reading the wrong blog, spammer.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Nicole, it’s unusual for me to read any spam comment but this one called to me. I got laughing as I read it, then told Zen-Den about it and he got me laughing harder.

      Astilbe is a newer perennial for us. We put some under the trees in the backyard and it grew so I stuck some more out front. I like how feathery it looks.

      You got spam commenting on your eyebrows! That’s hilarious. As for criticizing the books you read, that sounds like a plea for attention on the part of the spammer. Like they wanted you to engage with them so they could sell you some better books.

      Like

    • Jan, I like your grannie’s saying. It’s perfect and applicable to just about every weird thing that happens along the way. Springtime here is very pretty.

      Like

  39. Beautiful photos! Lovely words!
    Your spammer sounds very different from mine…mine are very wordy using every sexual word/name possible. I’m pretty sure they’re not looking at my words or photos.

    I think salvia is the gift that keeps on giving! And I do love your purple/black petunias they had a little bit of dark mystery to your garden.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Suz, I usually get spammers who want to cleanse my spirit, for a price, so this was different. Aren’t you lucky with the ones who find you? 🙄

      I like salvia too. It’s pretty and the deer don’t like it. The black pertunias appeal to my [apparently] unbalanced soul.

      Liked by 1 person

  40. Love the photos but I also love your words. I did manage to pass the fourth grade and even went on to high school and then college, and so I feel educated enough to say that in all your posts you attain the correct balance of words and photos for the content. As for me, sometimes my sentences are too wordy.

    Liked by 3 people

  41. I keep on coming for more to your blog, photos and words included, and spammer-dude reminds me of that thing about those-who-can’t-criticize… Just like the toxic lady, some people are best put on ignore. George Carlin often pointed out that we should think of how stupid the average person is and realize that half the people are stupider than that 🙂 I wonder where spammer-dude falls…

    BTW, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the enclosed patio. LOVE.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Endless Weekend, thank you. I don’t intend on changing my blogging style because of spammer dude’s suggestion. I’ve not heard the Carlin idea before, but AIN’T IT THE TRUTH? It is a timeless observation.

      The screened-in porch is the unexpected diva of these photos. I like it out there when we can use it. Had no idea it’d be the star here.

      Like

  43. Does this fourth grade, mansplaining spammer have ANY concept about what a blog actually IS? I think not.

    And I LOVE your screened in porch! And all the lovely pictures – but that screened in porch is swoon worthy.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Gigi, I don’t think he quite gets personal blogging at all, but so kind of him to try to help me.

      I had no idea our screened-in porch would be so popular. It’s nice for sure, I get to be outside without sun or bugs.

      Liked by 1 person

  45. Every post is different. Some need no pictures, although at least one is always nice. And sometimes you don’t have suitable images. Some posts are perfect for lots of photos.
    Beautiful photos! The dark petunias are stunning and unusual. All the flowers are cheery. But I particularly like the patio photo. What do you call that blue? It’s so intense and lovely.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Nicki, I agree with you. If I have an image I’ll use it, but if I don’t I won’t. And sometimes, like in this post, I’ll stick 7 or 8 photos out there, but I don’t do this often because I write my blog. Spammer dude seems to have not noticed that. 🤨

      The rug you see in the photo is a color somewhere between dark cobalt blue and navy. I’m sure the manufacturer had a specific name for it, but I don’t remember what it was.

      Liked by 1 person

  47. Bah to the spammer. Some people use more words and others use more pictures — one isn’t better than the other, just different ways to express oneself. I like both kinds of blogs. Enjoyed your colorful flower pictures. The red geraniums brought back sweet memories of my grandmother’s porch.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Barbara, I agree. It’s not a right or wrong thing with the photos, but to criticize someone about their ratio is a little wacko. And entertaining.

      I’m glad the red geraniums made you remember fond memories. That’s part of the power of flowers, to make you feel. A good thing, I think.

      Liked by 1 person

    • nance, the screened-in porch is a relaxing space. I like gardening outside, but I also like lollygaging outside, too. Yep, spammer dude does need to settle down– and maybe go outside to play?

      Like

  50. Even if it was due to the spammer, I am grateful that you shared photographs of your lovely flowers with us.
    I can’t get over how gorgeous your patio enclosure is. I’ll look at it when I’m in the mood for something happy. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  51. You really make me laugh Ally 😂 It can be hard for the spammers to appreciate some bloggers like words, aren’t interested in SEO and would just rather connect with those who enjoy their writing (long or short).

    Liked by 2 people

    • Rae Cod, I think you’re right. I get that spammers gotta spam, so I’ll leave them to their wacky comments, confused ideas, and pursuits of SEO. As for me, I’ll just keep on doing what I do, my way.

      Like

  52. I am snickering, being a very verbose blogger meself–no matter what anyone says! I just type and type until the energy runs out. (Except during blogging breaks.) Sometimes it seems like your spammer is right. People sometimes would prefer reading short posts because our national attention span is 5.5 seconds or something similar. But it is SO FUN to write and we’ve got to follow our fun, don’t we Ally Bean?

    Liked by 2 people

    • Kathy, I like how you weave your words together so I’m happy to see a blog post from you. Verbose isn’t necessarily bad if you have a decent attention span. Why yes, I’m looking at you, spammer dude! 🤨

      Liked by 1 person

  53. Gosh but that back porch of yours looks nice. Yeah, I’m always amused when I get those emails on my blog mail account. I get a lot of people asking if they can guest blog (I’ve never done that), and that amuses me. Why would I do that??!!! I think your words to pictures are just fine. – Marty

    Liked by 2 people

    • Marty I get requests from people to be a guest blogger here, too. Not gonna happen. I just reply and say it’s not my policy, leaving it at that. They go away. The screened-in porch is delightful, we use it as often as we can, weather permitting.

      Liked by 1 person

  56. Funny thing. I get a spammer who thinks I need more photos too. I could never figure out what he’s selling but I don’t care. If my followers can’t read 900 to 1,000 words twice a week then they don’t need to follow me because that’s MY thing. Love your photos by the way.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Jean, I can’t imagine why anyone would think that a message criticizing how you blog would make you want to interact with them. You said it, if people don’t like how I blog then they don’t need to follow me. My blog, my rules, as I often say.

      Like

    • Bethany, you make a good point that many of us old-school bloggers approach them differently than newer bloggers. Oh well, live and let live– once a wordy girl, always a wordy girl.

      Liked by 1 person

  58. Spammers!! Urgh, they are nothing but time-wasters.Especially spammers who think a good turn is posting a condescending comment that they think would be their latest attempt at a beneficial community service, (an attempt to do a good turn). I think it is personal preference to add photos on blogs, and they are useless data wasters if they don’t relate to the story or add some zen to a post.
    Btw, love that screened in porch. A gorgeous haven.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Amanda, well said about spammers. Maybe some do think they’re attempting to do a good turn by sharing their wisdom with the world. I laughed to no end about this last spam, kind of missing the point of this blog, dude.

      I agree, photos that don’t enhance the story, or too many photos that overwhelm the story, are not good. The screened-in porch is our happy place.

      Liked by 1 person

  60. Although I tend to be photo-heavy with my own posts, I love words. Words are what usually draw me to a blog and I always enjoy your words. That said, your photos are beautiful and wonderful representations of spring colors.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Robin, thanks a bunch for the compliment. I like words, I like photos, in the right balance depending on the topic of the post. Spammer dude made me laugh out loud with his simplistic approach to GREAT blogging. It takes all kinds, as they say.

      Liked by 1 person

  61. Wow. I wonder about someone who takes the time to write so many words to tell someone how to be a better blogger. Pictures are nice (and this particular set of 7 are very nice) but blogging is about words. Words make up thoughts. Thoughts are interesting. I also wonder if this spammer has hit other bloggers with his great insights.

    Liked by 2 people

  63. No words Ally. I know the spammer would be perplexed with my blog by saying “your word count is over the top and although you use a lot of photos, your photo count is way over the mark as well.” He’d suggest I shut it down! That took nerve – people say what they feel with no restrictions these days, especially when they hide behind a profile – say what you want, your identity is not revealed. I see rants and raves and rude interactions in comments on all forms of social media. They disgust me. On another note, I like your screened-in porch, just perfect for Summer and the skeeters. I have never seen a black petunia (or dark purple) for that matter. I hope you have another fawn sighting tucked between the pretty flowers this Summer to wow us with.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Linda, you made me laugh with the idea that spammer dude would advise you to shut down your blog because you were doing it all wrong. As if

      I see arguments on social media too. Most of them don’t involve much of anything worth arguing over although I’ll admit that I chuckle when a person with facts puts an alternate reality wacko in their place by, you know, using facts and logic. 🙄

      The black petunia is a first for us. I’ve seen them for sale in previous years but never got one. No little snoozing fawn this year… yet?

      Liked by 1 person

      • The spammer would likely just give up on me and move on. 🙂 I also enjoy seeing facts thrown to counter someone’s statements that were baseless and stupid. It stops them in their tracks every time!

        The black petunia sure is unique looking and I hope it entices a fawn to snooze in your backyard again Ally.

        I found a possum a year or so ago in the back – came face to face with it after a severe storm and I was checking the A/C grille to ensure no sticks had fallen through to damage the A/C unit. We both had a staring contest and i

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          • Possums redeem themselves by eating ticks. I’d still rather see a fawn. I’m hoping to head back to Lake Erie Metropark this weekend. I was there at Memorial Day weekend and had a pregnant doe peeking at me through the bushes, near the same location as last year. So I want to see if that is her territory or not to take more pics of her fawn.

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  64. Beautiful photos, Ally, but just about anyone can post pretty pictures these days. I read “Bean” for your words, which are wonderfully expressive of your personality and the goings-on in your life. I’m sure the same sentiment has been shared dozens of times over in the previous comments. One person with a critical opinion is perhaps the same person who should be seeking pretty-picture blogs instead. Kinda think you already knew this before you typed your first sentence here so I eagerly look forward to your next “wordy” post 🙂

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    • Dave, oh you’ve made my day with this comment. How clever of you to realize that I think spammer dude needs to find other blogs to follow, ones with many pictures. And while I wanted to say that straight out, I also needed to use my words. You understand. I wish him no ill will, and hope he finds his corner of the blogosphere.

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  65. Two very interesting posts, this and the Zelda one. I just stumbled upon someone I was just about to follow until I read his about page. He openly states that he doesn’t have the time to follow other blogs or respond to comments. Ah, no thanks then. Definitely not following!

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    • L. Marie, I agree that the comments on this post have been spot on and often funny. Gotta go where the muse takes me, in this case calling out a spammer who made me laugh out loud with his advice.

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    • Mona, exactly. Words are good, pictures are good. It’s all about the balance and telling a story in a clear way. But I suppose that idea might be lost on spammer dude.

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    • Ann, your suggestion seems logical. I follow some blogs that are all about photography and they’re wonderful. But IF you come upon my blog and see lots of words, few photos, AND you prefer photos to words, THEN move along. It’s really quite easy to ignore me. 😉

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    • Mary, I didn’t reply to the spammer dude, but your idea does make me laugh out loud. I bet if I put my mind to it, I could be so pedantic and erudite that spammer dude wouldn’t know what hit him. But I’d have to care about him to do that! 😉

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    • Kara, thanks for such a lovely compliment. I’m glad you like what I write here, it’s fun to write a blog. The flowers this time of year are stunning here.

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  71. You write beautifully, Ally and it’s strange how trolls feel the need to add negativity and over the quotes, knowing who you wouldn’t want to bother having dinner with is a good thing in blog land, lol. We can be self aware over it. Btw, I did come back a couple of days ago and made a post over the social construction of best friends and hope to share more of my deep content from inside my mind again. I want to give WP another go 🙂

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    • Katy. you said it. If spammer dude was trying to be helpful he missed the mark. All I got from his comment was negativity– and good laugh. So there’s some positive. Thanks for letting me know you’re back. Maybe this time you and WP will click. 🤞🏻

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  73. I confess I do love the colorful spring photos, but the caption on the black petunias may be a little wordy for sincere spammer. Just an observation. 😉 In my humble opinion, your words are what make your blog fabulously you. Keep writing…and feel free to throw in a photo occasionally!

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    • Belladonna, another commenter said she got this spam comment too. Like this is how you start a blogging friendship, but criticizing someone? Great approach, dude. Gonna say NO!

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  75. Here I am, yours truly – The Late to the Party Blogging Buddy. Sorry to read about the spammer. You created a fun post in reply to their ‘feedback’. I did enjoy the photos – I love seeing glimpses of your world. The screened-in porch looks so inviting. I’ve never heard of the PINK astilbe. That’s a very interesting-looking plant. Petunias are always happiness-producing!

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