thanks guys. I so much appreciate all the comments everyone leaves...no matter what they say...no matter how many words. Dee Marie, i don't see anything wrong with saying WOW either. Like you...sometimes that's just the first thing that hits me. I like my photography. I like the way i express myself. I know it didn't sound like it from what i wrote. I was mad. someone said something to me. I probably should not have posted this thread here, but I was so mad about what was said to me. I won't here what was said. It is that person's opinion after all & they're certainly entitled to it. I don't agree with it. All i know is the reason why i do what i do is because i enjoy it. It makes me feel good. It is a way for me to express myself. I don't upload images for other people's enjoyment. I please myself first. I work on an image until I'm satisfied with it. If I can't get it the way i want it, I'll post it in the forum. Or if I'm not sure how it's coming across, I'll post it here for feedback. That helps. I know the forum is the place to get more critiques. that's true. Dee Marie & Niu, thank you SO much for what you said. sniff sniff. i just got so incredibly mad. My opinion: I like who i am and i like my images. they come from my heart. I know they are not technically up-to-snuff, but I'm trying to improve...at my OWN pace. I'm trying to learn new techniques. My gallery is a place of self-expression. If someone doesn't like my images that's fine. I don't expect everyone to like my work. After what was said to me, I guess i just needed to let off steam. Thanks for listening and for the wonderful things you said. Hugz sheila