Thursday, August 13, 2015

The *Other* Story Of Mertie The Snail

You guys have heard me talk about my friend Jason of Red Rocket Farm a couple of times now; he's a skilled artist with a truly twisted sense of humor - both of which are on display in his new(ish) comic web series, Story Town.

Several weeks ago, as I was reading the first few pages of Jason's latest story, the strangest thing happened: I suddenly HAD to try sculpting. More specifically, I had to try sculpting Jason's newest main character, a snail named Mertie:


I was in a rough place emotionally at the time. We'd just had some more drama and controversy over on Cake Wrecks, and both John and I were feeling beat up, wrung out, and generally awful. John hadn't slept in three nights. I was writing and re-writing online apologies for something we never intended or could have predicted. Still, the Internet Outrage Machine was at full throttle, and it was all we could do to keep ahead of it.

So it was in that mindset that I sat down to read this story about an introverted, friendless snail.

Within just a few pages, I chuckled. I felt... better. There was something so reassuring and comforting there: a reminder that light and life still existed outside of my own stress-filled sphere. That art and story-telling and happy things would always go on. That this, too, would pass - even if only at a snail's pace.

John drove me to the craft store, and while I shopped for clay he was on his phone, checking for more angry comments.

Back home, I sat at the dining room table and cut off some clay. I had no idea what I was doing, but it was calming, holding and smoothing that squishy lump into a rough shell shape. I'd never sculpted before, and I was pretty sure it wouldn't work, but amazingly just trying was fun. (My fellow perfectionists know it's usually never fun for us unless perfection is guaranteed. Amirite?)

I don't know how long I sat there - an hour? - but eventually I looked down and realized I was holding Mertie's shell in my hand. I was even a bit startled.

The rest of her went much faster, so within another hour or so, I had this:


I looked at her, this thing I had made in the quiet, away from notifications and moderations and angry virtuality, and I saw tangible evidence that everything was going to be ok. I took that picture with my phone, and after a few minutes' deliberation, I texted it to Jason, along with a few lines thanking him for helping me during a down time.

Then I set Mertie on a shelf to dry, and went to bed.

The next day, I had a long note from Jason waiting for me in my inbox. Without going into details that aren't mine to share, Jason was also in a rough place that night. Much worse than mine, in fact. My text had reached him right in the midst of a terrible situation, and seeing how his work had both helped and inspired someone else was just what he needed at that moment.

Reading his note, I felt mildly ashamed of my own self-pity, but more than that, I was so glad I hadn't listened to the little voice warning me not to send my message. I generally like to be free with compliments, but sometimes, compliments take vulnerability. Sometimes you have to admit things are broken in order to thank someone for fixing them. That's tough. Especially if you don't know the person well - or even at all!

But here's the thing, and here's the reason I'm writing this long-winded dissertation about a clay snail: you never know when that heart-felt thanks will mean the world to someone. We're all a little broken. All of us. Misery and hurt are no respecters of person or position. But sometimes - and more often than you might think - thanks and praise find their marks at precisely the right moment.

So be free with your praise, my friends. Be vulnerable. Be generous. Tell them.



And now, as your reward for slogging through all that text, here's my finished Mertie:



 



 (Did I really order a suction cup gun set online JUST for that one dart? Yes, yes I did.) 




 

Mertie's story is still going over at Story Town, btw, if you'd like to read along with the rest of us. Here's the first page.

And finally, here's a sweet story from Jason - just published today - about his own hard time.

75 comments:

  1. Hug! That's all, just a hug, because it's always good to throw some anti-internet-outrage-machine hugs out there just in case someone needs one. :)

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  2. So cute! Thank you for posting--made me smile. :)

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  3. I'm watching TitansGrave, an amazing RPG show, and it produced a profound and wonderful quote: None of us are whole, but that doesn't mean we are empty.

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    1. LOVE TitansGrave! That moment really got me, too....

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  4. FREE FLOWIN' PRAISE, COMIN' ATCHA: in case you don't hear it enough, or hear it loud and clear, or hear it from people who are always here but really quiet like 99% of the time (ahem, me), thank you, jen. thank you for reminding us that we're not alone. thank you for making us laugh. thank you for inspiring us with your bravery, and honesty, and mad craft skillz. thank you for showing us corners of the internet that we might otherwise have missed. thank you for introducing us to artists, and art forms, and fellow internet geeks that i just want to hug all day because--thanks to you--i know they're out there now. i know i'm not alone, i know there's others JUST like me, i know i can find comfort and joy and giggles and tear-filled "yes...yes...me, too" nods of affirmation when i come here. thank you. thank you for sharing you. thank you for being you. thank you. (p.s., copy-paste, free-flowin' praise to you, too, john.) i love you, awesome nerds. (p.p.s. in case anyone here doesn't also follow the bloggess yet, you need to. like epbot, you'll always find honesty and humor and kindness and openness and bravery and silly weirdos you want to be bffs with forever.) kiloveyoubye.

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  5. You've inspired me to come out of my own shell (lol) and thank you. The past 2 years have been absolute shit for me, aside from getting married. I've been trying to get a diagnosis for a painful mystery disease, trying to control my mental illnesses, and am currently living on a bus because the illness mentioned above caused me to lose my job. It's so nice to be able to come to your blogs and escape that. To laugh, and squeak over awesome geeky shit, and see how you, John, and the kitties are doing. It's a bright spot in my day to help me forget the pain I'm in the the constant stress of poverty. Thanks for continuing to put yourself out there and send out smiles to us, even when people are being shitty. You're loved and appreciated, even when it doesn't feel like that.

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  6. If we were meant to live blameless lives, life would be very boring. I'm sorry that you guys are feeling the brunt of someone's ruffled feathers, but I'm so glad that you are out there doing what you do! You and your works bring a lot of color and fun into so many lives. Thank you.

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  7. People can be mean, for a variety of reasons; we never know just what it is that prompts that person to be the way they are. Some may have a reason (not an excuse, mind, but a reason) for acting out the way they do. Their reason doesn't excuse such behaviour, but it does allow me to think that they might be having a crappy day, which makes it easier to ignore their vitriol. So, Jen, just ignore those twits - don't let their lousy attitude ruin your inner peace.

    That being said, seriously, this is your first time sculpting????!!!??? Holy WOW! Such a great job! You have a seemingly endless well of talent and creativity. You really inspire me to try new things. In fact, CakeWrecks inspired me to start decorating cakes!! I now do cakes for family and friends, and even when they don't turn out the way I imagined them, everyone is so supportive. My best compliments always come from my nephew; he's in awe with the current cake, and then starts telling me what he wants for next year! He seems to have infinite faith in my abilities, so who can argue with that!

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  8. Hahaha your Mertie is amazing!! :D

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  9. Wow! That came out so awesome! And what a cool story!

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  10. I can't even tell you how much I appreciate you, in so many ways. Not least of which is in reminding me that my own anxiety issues aren't the end of the world. They are generally minor but in times of stress (which I've had plenty of in the last few years), they can get out of hand. Your honesty and generosity in sharing your own story helps me feel that I can manage what's going on in my own life. And then you appeal to my crafty side, and I want to be your bestie!
    Thanks for sharing this. And Jason's part of the story. Hugs to you both, and to John.
    Oh, and I love to color. Colorfy app on my phone has been a lifesaver.

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  11. I just wanted to send you a note to say that I am here on Epbot because.of.Cake.Wrecks. Thank you for the Cake Wrecks blog, and thank you for this Epbot blog too. I have been a Cake Wrecks reader since 2009 - so 6 years now. I go to it 6 days out of 7, and it's the first website I pull up when I get home and turn on my computer. I love that Sundays are about awesome cakes, and Wednesdays are "blasts from the past" so I can see posts that pre-date my readership or just "re-see" some funny ones, and I love that you guys take Saturdays off from posting cuz we all need some down time from our jobs. In all that time, I have never once been offended by any post - ever!!
    After reading at Cake Wrecks, I venture over here automatically just to check for any new posts cuz I don't want to miss any of these either.
    Again thanks for all you do - you are seriously appreciated :)

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    1. I'm the same way. I was about to post much the same, but you did so eloquently.

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    2. Seconded. When I stumbled across Cake Wrecks and was CRYING for the better part of the afternoon at the descriptions, Epbot was a no-brainer-MUST-read blog. I absolutely adore Jen and John.

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    3. Thirded. (?) I have been traveling for work and hadn't checked CW in a couple of days but first thing today I looked and didn't see anything objectionable (except for the cakes, of course. Worst frogs I've ever seen.) At any rate, I'm so sorry to hear that drama has yet again ensued by people who are humor impaired. I love CW and Epbot and by extension both you and John. Thanks for being so creative, funny, and terrific. HUGE hug.

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    4. Fourtheded! You and John are so incredibly talented and delightful! I found CW a few years ago through your book and immediately went back to the beginning and read, giggled, guffawed, snorted and got my monitor all wet (until I realized that I couldn't have a beverage whilst reading your blog -- and yes, it took more than once!).

      Your Mertie is spot on too. Thanks for the connection to Jason. I've been enjoying his website too. I'm continually amazed at the number of incredibly talented people out in the world.

      I'm so sorry that people get their knickers all in a twist. Over the past many, many years, I've definitely learned that I shouldn't always take myself so seriously. That should be rule number 1 for CW readers.

      As always, I look forward to your next foray onto the computer.
      ~Zippy

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  12. Jen and John, you both are so super talented and amazing! I love Cake Wrecks, but I absolutely LOVE Epbot!
    Mertie is adorable, you are just so talented Jen and an inspiration to me.

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  13. I found you because of CW but I honestly don't even look at it anymore aside from Sunday Sweets and the occasional Missed Marks post. I love EPBOT! I can't believe how talented you and John are, seriously. I'm glad you sent Jason that encouraging message. I often struggle with whether to send "gushy" emails to people I don't know, telling them how much I love their work - authors, bloggers, etc. - because I'm afraid I'll come across as weird or creepy. I usually do it anyway and receive such sweet replies, thanking me for "making their day." You just never know how much people need your kind words. I'm so impressed with what you and John do, Jen - what you do AND who you are.

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  14. I love both your blogs, and I'm sorry there are those who would rather be trolls and vessels of negativity rather than just enjoy the fun you and John share. I believe the nice people outnumber the troublemakers, so please keep doing what you do. You bring a lot smiles to a lot of faces. And Mertie is just too cute!












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  15. Jen, I've been a fan of yours and Cakewrecks for a long time and a fan of Epbot since it started. I don't know which post on Cakewrecks caused upset but please believe not everyone feels that way. I love the Cakewrecks posts. I promise I'm not a creepy stalker, but I went to both of your book signings in Atlanta and always try to find you at DragonCon. Last year we found you on the Comic Artists' Alley (I think Sunday). My enthusiasm at spotting you tipped off another fan that you were in the area so that she was able to talk to you also. I hope we see you again this year and I hop my 7 year old daughter is in her Lady Thor costume when we find you (I posted the helmet I'm working on for her - now finished - in response to one of your in-progess shots on Facebook). I've seen Jason's work at DragonCon and have always admired it. Lots of hugs!

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  16. Sorry to hear about that stress! I hope you both are ok.

    Mertie is ten kinds of adorable (at least) and is super precious. Good job!

    And now off to read the story!

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  17. I'm sorry people on the Internet are mean..

    You however (and your awesome husband) are fantastic. Your posts always make me happy and inspire me to be crafty as well as work on my own anxiety issues.

    Through your posts I have been able to explain my anxiety to my boyfriend in words I have never been able to find. I follow your lead which in turn has gotten me closer to be able to fully enjoy all the things which I once hesitated at.

    I built myself a hogwarts themed craft room. I designed a poral office for my boyfriend. I put together an Elizabeth (bioshock) cosplay and went to NY Comicon where I met so many of the wonderful artists you have featured on your site. I started conversations with then and told them you introduced me to them and they were all so happy and friendly and sweet. I can handle Disney world without freaking out at the crowds.

    Thank you for everything. You are brilliant. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

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  18. I teach high school. We just started back this week and so that's where my brain is. This is a great example for my students. I won't share personal details or even mention your web site if you don't want, but can I quote your conclusion? It sums up how a lot of teenagers feel and I want to encourage them to reach out and be kind.

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    1. Of course, Emily! Share all you like. I'm happy for everyone to know, Epbot reader or not.

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  19. I myself am really bad about giving compliments (because of the whole vulnerability thing) to others, and accepting them as well. But here goes. I always feel whenever I read an Epbot post (I have read Cakewrecks, thanks to my sis, but I love this blog more) that we are in some ways kindred spirits. Maybe it's because you're a Jen too, or because we're both Floridians, but your posts never fail to make me smile or give me inspiration. Keep doing what you're doing. Stay gold.

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  20. I wish people used the Internet to spread a bit more hope and encouragement. So often people are unfairly critical or hurtful forgetting that there are real people and real feelings behind photos and stories on the Internet. Which is why I think you and your hubby are amazing. You were sent a cake, and you posted it. When you found out the back story, you took it down and apologized for any hurt it might've caused.

    I personally want to thank you for being my bright spot in the interwebs. I love the silly cakes, the innuendo, the puns, the pan wows and sweets. I love the tutorials, the cosplay photos, and the heartfelt honest posts about anxiety, and living life.

    I've never met you (book tour didn't hit our city), but I consider you my friend (non creepy, of course). ((hugs)) Keep up the good work, you two!

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  21. We share a love of Disney and geekdom, and I'm a fellow sufferer of anxiety issues. So, I also have a big problem expressing my thanks, but this post encouraged me to do so. So here it is: My family and I are currently going through a rough time, too, and this post really struck home. I wanted to let you know both Cake Wrecks, and especially Epbot, always make me laugh and/or smile! I've discovered so many lovely things (art, crafts, music, events, other wonderful bloggers, etc) that I'd have never known about if not for you. And even if so many of your amazing crafts and projects are usually beyond my skill level, I love dropping by to gaze in awe at the things you and your husband make. I'm also sorry to hear about the controversy you suffered on Cake Wrecks, but just know you and your blogs constantly brighten my day!

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  22. I love that! You are so talented in so many ways!

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  23. Is it wrong that I really want to know about the controversy over at Cakewrecks? I just wasted half an hour searching for something, anything, that might have been offensive. Nope. Couldn't find it. Anyone willing to give me a hint?

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    1. The fact that most of our readers have no idea what happened just shows how well we did our job, tbh. (The offending post was pulled the same day.) Sorry, no hints: it's still a bit too painful to talk about. :/

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    2. Rachel, I looked for it too! Because I know Jen and John would never intentionally hurt anyone.

      I wanted to tell you Jen that one afternoon I went to see my Mom who was caring for my Aunt. Aunt had cancer and we knew she was dying but my Mom was there taking good care of her but understandably blue and scared. As my aunt was sleeping and we couldn't watch TV or play music to disturb her I said to my Mom, "Have I ever showed you Cake Wrecks?" and my Mom read on my laptop for a good hour and she laughed so hard she cried, silent tears (again, Aunt was sleeping) and she rocked back and forth on the couch just giggling so hard and it was one of the best memories I have of my Mom, during one of her darkest hours. So thank you for all you do. XOXOXOX

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  24. Thank you for your bravery, your blog and all the laughs and inspiration you provide. I look forward to reading Epbot now, eager for new stories of adventures at a con or in DIY-land.

    Please don't be discouraged by the haters, there's thousands of us who love what you do who never take the time to say so.

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  25. Awesome post. Just awesome in every way!

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  26. So sorry to hear about drama on CW! I haven't noticed anything at all, so I missed the whole thing of whatever got people upset. You've talked before about how hard that is with you and John when you go through it.
    LOVE your snail! And yes, I turn to crafts also when I need to get away from my own head and/or events and let my creative juices flow. I don't think I could have done what you did with the clay, but that's ok. I would have had fun trying and felt better for it.
    Totally agree with you on the encouraging word thing. I have been a strong believer in that for many years,and always try to practice that. Thanks for sharing that Jen, and thanks for sharing your awesome snail.
    Maureen S

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  27. Just the fact that you care so much, that you want to send out apologies, that upsetting others is so upsetting to you, shows what a good person you are. I know things like that can just make you sick, and that it's impossible sometimes to keep a sense of perspective, but you are a GREAT person Jen

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  28. I love this. Kindness and thoughtfulness go such a long way.

    Monique

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  29. Jen, this is a lesson I learned, the hard way, when my partner was (thankfully not, but we thought so at the time) near death in the hospital a couple of years ago. I'd have a really rotten day, and be ready to take it out on the world, and then I'd see someone having a worse day - someone just died, or got a really bad diagnosis, or just came into the ICU waiting room after arriving with an ambulance loaded with their loved one (and a big piece of their heart). I tried to make a point of offering some small kindness to them - a smile, an offer of a seat on the comfortable couch, pointing out the nice desk clerk that would give you some slack on visiting hours, etc. I found that the more of those little things I did, the less focused on my own misery I was, and the better I felt - so every kindness to someone else was also a kindness to me.

    I hope this reminds someone that sometimes the milk of human kindness is free - and sometimes, when you buy one for someone else, it's a buy one get one free deal for you, too.

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  30. Thank you for posting the link to Story Town. I just spent the past four hours combing through his site and crying at his stories and laughing at his delightfully twisted Free Drawings for Complete Strangers.

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  31. I hope that the joy you get from cakewrecks continues to overwhelm the negativity - because I have to say that the first thing i do every morning is read your two blogs. I don't get my kids out of bed until I have had a few quiet moments with your sense of humor, your creativity, and you openness. I get the majority of my current events information through you, and frankly, i'd be a little lost without you. Thank you so much for all that you do. I am sorry there are people who make it so hard.

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  32. She's positively *beautiful*!!!!

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  33. Beautiful job with Mertie! And I love it that you found the dart to go with her--your attention to detail makes me so happy (and makes me feel less weird about my own perfectionist tendencies). I know I've said this before, but it bears repeating--thank you so much for being here and making the interwebz a more positive place. I read CakeWrecks for the giggles, but I love the community you've accumulated here at Epbot. Awkward virtual hugs from another introvertie.

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  34. I kinda have curiosity over which post caused an uproar on cake wrecks because I mean its cake people I dunno seems a weird thing to get pissy about.
    Cutesy sculpture though

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    1. Whenever we tell someone a few CW stories, John and I are often told that Cake Wrecks is proof positive that people on the internet really CAN get offended by any and everything. Most readers have no idea how often we get raked over the coals, of course, and we like to keep it that way. (Funnily enough, we almost never get in trouble from the actual bakers; it's always the readers themselves getting mad.)

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  35. Thank you for creating (and continuing to run) CakeWrecks and Epbot. Even when I cringe at the wrecks, I love to laugh at the puns, admire the beauty of Sunday Sweets, and feel the geeky love on Epbot. I'm so sorry there was kerfuffle on CW, but you and John are doing a Very Good Thing with your blogs.

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  36. Just wanted to say that your Mertie is adorable and your message is wonderful!

    The puns and humor of CakeWrecks led me to Epbot where I really fell in love! I so look forward to everything you've with us... your adorable family, the amazing love between John and you, the beautiful things you both make, your relatable journey with anxiety, your sense of humor, the unabashedly geeky love of all things amazing, and your amazing portrayals of all things Disney and Con. I also feel like the commenters I see most days have become a sort of "friends" or at least a comforting group where I see myself saying, "me too!" more often than not when they share their stories...

    Just in case it would help for you to know- my first steampunk outfit was inspired by your tutorials and your stories have made me realize that I might find a place at my own local conventions (steampunk and otherwise). You constantly inspire me by introducing me to new artists, craft ideas, and by letting your commenters be another source of inspiration!

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  37. I have given up reading many blogs over time. Same ol' same ol'. But I have kept up with both Cakewrecks and Epbot. I love them both. Cakewrecks lightens my day and Epbot cues me into all things geeky, arty and feelsy. (That's a word!) Thanks, Jen and John. Hugs ~Jessica

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  38. I'm so sorry about the negativity going on over on Cakewrecks. I don't know the details, but sure sounds like a difficult time for you guys. I was going to wait until I (hopefully!) meet you at DragonCon in a few weeks to tell you this, but this seems like a better time. Even though I don't comment as often as I should, you and Jon have been so inspiring to me over the years. I love laughing daily at the humor and absurdity from Cakewrecks, and over here I am constantly amazed by the creativity the two of you possess. And it inspires me to try new things, get out of my comfort zone, stretch myself creatively, go to cons and cosplay for the first time, etc. I will say that my recent love of steampunk is all your fault, and I mean that in the nicest, most grateful way possible. :) And you really helped me to embrace my geekiness and not be afraid to be myself in that way. You are amazing, and whenever crappy things happen online that try to tear you down, remember just how many people you've helped and inspired and entertained with your humor over the years. There are far more of us who are grateful to you than those who are offended by something.

    And thanks for sharing your adorable little snail! What a great job for your first attempt with clay!

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  39. I have been through a rough patch too, and your blog is one of the things that makes me smile. : ) I haven't been hitting cake wrecks as much recently, don't know why--but went over to visit just now and it was totally hilarious. The frozen snowman July bikini cake. !!!! I'm really sorry for whatever awkwardness and painfulness you & John found yourselves in. You are both loved and admired and appreciated. I really wish we were closer (instead of coast to coast!) so I could insert myself in your life as your loving and not at all bossy steampunky big sister.

    hugs!

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  40. Love it! Life is hard enough all on its own - we all need to practice being kinder to each other!

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  41. To add my voice to the crowd here - Thank you. Not only for having *two*awesome blogs, but for putting up with haters and trolls so we get to see all your cool stuff.You are a good person and you deserve good things.

    And that snail is awesome too! :) Makes me want to sculpt something...

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  42. I will never comprehend how people can be so mean to others, especially to people like you (and John). It's like kicking an adorable puppy. Your websites have brought me nothing but joy, especially through some of my own rough times. You've created a lovely community here, and I'm very thankful for it.

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  43. Those haters at Cake Wrecks just don't know how awesome you are.

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  44. your Mertie looks fantastic! sorry for the tsuris.

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  45. So cute! You did an amazing job! Sorry you had a rough time with the commenters. Some people are ridiculous! ((HUGS))

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  46. Another way to break the cycle of a downward spiral is to recognize it in others. I am a global moderator of a forum with over 202,000 members but I have been told that I saved a few lives by seeing that there was something odd in the way they posted that day or an off remark not typical to them, after which I PMed them to see if they were okay. They weren't. It's very easy to get offended by a snarky remark, but that vitriol has to come from somewhere. Sometimes a simple, "I know you probably didn't mean to offend me, but that remark hurt," is all that's needed to get them to realize that they're having a bad moment online. By doing so, I have turned several arguments into lifelong friendships, have prevented at least 3 suicide attempts that I've been made aware of, and have kept the piece on a forum filled with all sorts of interesting personalities. We all have the same need to be loved, yet sometimes the world can't see that because of the walls we put up or our own fears.

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  47. Proof that creativity brings people together! His drawing is adorable and you did a great job replicating her in clay. How cool that she was able to be such a good thing for both of you.

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  48. It looks great! I'm sorry that you were having such a rough time. Unfortunately, the Internet can be a hard place to work sometime, but know that there are some many more people out there who love and appreciate all that you do than those who seek to denigrate and get upset with you. We love you Jen!

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  49. Love the little Mertie! That is super adorable. I'm sorry you've had to deal with people who haven't been nice lately. I love CW and Epbot. You always make me laugh, or ponder something in a new way, or just feel better about being me.

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  50. Umm...Why the *expletive deleted* would the internet be offended by something at Cake Wrecks? *sigh* Seriously, I have used this blog and Cake Wrecks as an example of how some people have used the interent to create safe and helpful spaces.

    I'm a regular reader of both Epbot and Cake Wrecks but don't comment much. I believe that the internet has brought out both the worst (*coughRedditcough*) and the best in human nature. I think you and your husband and the virtual spaces you've created are a prime example of the latter. :)

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  51. It really bums me out that you had to deal with that whole mess when you bring such joy to so many people…I just wanted you to know that checking Cake Wrecks and Epbot is the highlight of my day, and I never fail to come away with a smile. Don't let the bastards get you down! :-)

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  52. That Mertie is wonderful and so perfect, You are amazing and both you and Jason's blog have got me thorough some tough times, you have created such a wonderful internet community and I am very happy to be part of it.

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  53. People suck :(
    Especially anonymous people on the internet. I'm sorry you're having a hard time with CW at the moment, because it's a bright point of my day. I'm a regular reader both there and here and you always make me smile, no matter how rough things get. I'm glad the story of Mertie the Snail was able to do the same for you.

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  54. Short comment today. All I want to say is you and John are so loved.

    Lewis x

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  55. m so sorry that you and John have suffered for something you simply did not deserve. There is actual pain and harm happening in the world, and you guys caused NONE of it, nor can I believe you would ever intentionally do such a thing.

    I, and so many in the virtual world of CW and Epbot, love you, in a completely non-stalker-ish, platonic, adoration from afar kind of way. I wish you could be buoyed by that above all the unnecessary drama and vitriol.

    CW has saved my day SO many time that I wouldn't even try to count them. Thank you.

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  56. jen thank you so much for sharing this! i have really been struggling the last few days, i moved to a new area about 2 years ago and because i am such an introvert and nothing is familiar i tend to spend my spare time alone, to be honest it's usually how i prefer it, but the last few days i have been felling homesick and missing my best friend who is 3000 miles away, who knew spending my lunch break reading a comic about a snail could make my day so much better! also i cant believe you have never sculpted before that snail is amazing!

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  57. Omygoodness, that is freaking adorably cute! I'm glad you let your brain relax into the clay (not literally, of course, because -ewww!). Besides that, it is always, always worthwhile telling someone thanks, good job, or I really appreciate you and what you have done. This reminds me, I must go send the letters to the only two movie people I have ever really followed. You never know when it might be too late.

    Oh, and thank you, Jen! And thank you, John! I love your humor (both of you!!), AND your creativity. I have not been following the comments lately, so I have missed the drama. Nevertheless, I am sure you are blameless, and those people just need to get over themselves. You guys are special, do you hear me? Special!! And please don't you forget that. Hearts, CJ

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  58. I wish that engaging with the interwebs as you do didn't come with so much painful baggage, and I know how hard it is to silence one critical voice among many positive ones--let alone trying not to be affected by the kind of pile-ons that internet commenting fosters.

    But more importantly--you truly are an inspiration, Jen. I am much freer with my compliments these days than I ever was, thanks to you. Extreme introversion makes lurking a natural, but I fight that now because, as you say, you never know how much a kind word might mean to somebody.

    I truly <3 you both!

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  59. One of my life goals is to always tell people when they're good at something- and your post reminded me of it! I first heard of you at Cake Wrecks years ago... but now I just come for Epbot... I love this happy little corner of the internet.

    Also, I'm moving to Orlando next week to work at Disney World... and I'm secretly (well, not so secretly anymore!) hoping I run into you some day! I promise I'll try to not absolutely freak out!

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  60. Like many above, I also missed the offending cakewrecks post (though I'm not sure how, cause I read it religiously every day) but I know this...anything you posted, even with funny commentary and puns included, was never intended to hurt anyone. Those of us that follow you regularly, both on CW and here, know that neither you nor John have a mean cell in your body.

    As others have said, it's a shame that some people take things so far on the internet. I sure hope you are both feeling better now, and are no longer losing sleep. The fact that you were both so torn up over what you KNOW was not an intentional slight/offence, is just proof positive that you don't deserve the ire that was directed at you.

    I am also really glad you decided to send your note to Jason. I recently read a meme/inspirational post on some form of social media or another, and though I rarely even read those, let alone find much value in them, this one struck a cord: "Say every nice thing that comes to your mind." If everyone did this, rather than saying all the angry, sad, and negative things that come to their minds, the world, and the internet in particular, would be a much happier, more peaceful place.

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    1. Me again...just came across this article and thought it was relevant...maybe if people were made aware of their poor behavior, they wouldn't behave poorly.
      http://magazine.good.is/articles/how-a-15-year-old-tech-whiz-is-using-software-to-fight-internet-hate?utm_content=24_2

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  61. I've been a looongtime reader/huge fan of cakewrecks and Epbot. Several years ago, I was struggling with depression. I emailed you a pic of my then 5 and 3 year old daughters dressed up as Lady Vader and Princess Leia. Right after I sent it, you posted something about being inundated with emails and that you probably wouldn't be responding to emails for a bit. But two days later, I got an email from you. It was very simple; just a couple of lines telling me you loved the pic. But it came at just the right time. (Also, I totally squealed out loud when I saw that you had written me back and I scared my husband who was drifting off to sleep.) I still keep that email in my inbox just because it makes me happy when I see it. I never wrote you back or did anything to thank you for seriously raising my spirits that day because, like you, I tend to be very introverted and wind up deleting most of the comments I do write on your blogs (and I've been tempted more than once so far to delete this one!). So, it's a few years late, but thanks for the email and thanks for these blogs. They're my little corner of happiness on the internet.

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  62. In the words of Leonard Cohen, "There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in."

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  63. Yet another lurker, but I had to share, I have a corollary to that saying "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything" - of you do have something nice to say, be sure to say it. I'm also a chronic over sharer, because you never know when it's going to help someone to know that they aren't the only one dealing with chronic depression or that their high sensitivity (HSP) is just a trait not a flaw, or their collection of symptoms is actually Ehlers-Danlos. So thank you for being more eloquent and sharing this so I could show my husband and help him understand. He is a very private person, so my sharing tends to drive him nuts, so stuff like this helps him accept it better. Thank you! And for the cat onside tutorial, after wearing one temporarily for over grooming, our kitty discovered she likes cuddling under the blankets with us. And for all you share over here, even the tutorials I will never attempt, I very much enjoy reading and seeing your photos.

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