There is a lot I could say, but I won't..... really just a quick note to those people who I *think* might actually care. Going away for some me time.... I need to evaluate exactly what it is I'm *getting back* for the time I spend here. Lately doesn't seem like much. :~( I'm tired of "the game", I see being played in the gallery (I'll stop there)..... and recent events just literally made any enthusiasm I did have hit rock bottom.

So today I decided that it was time to clean house..... I managed to whittle 5 years worth of gallery uploads down to 7 pages, not painful at all..... and I probably could have removed lots more.

So I guess now I'm rambling.... few days, few weeks? I don't know..... just depends.....

Yours with mood.... 'Chelle

Message edited on: 02/18/2005 13:27

i think i know what it feels like. atleast you didn't clear out your gallery....and then regret it! i guess eveyone needs time away every now and then...but please return :)

Dito my dear Michelle Amarante..I follow you trought your website...You are such an eligible member...and loved...and admired...that have your link like the one of Cindy...in my bookmarks...February is a month with more light , not yet Spring...and very very sad...lets us join heaven in a different way without blaming RR services for wellcomed new members...Hugs...hope I dont make spelling fault...Sylvaine Beautiful pictures filled of soul and tenderness....

Despite such a fierce whittling, it remains a gallery full of beautiful work:) Full of the emotions that drive us, hither and thither through this life...a long, winding and tortuous path. Your presence will undoubtedly be missed, but clarifying the thoughts, leads to forward movement....the only way to go:) Come back when you're ready, fore surely we will welcome you back with open arms. Your loving family...... Hugz for you along the way:) Dave

'Chelle, my sweet. My presence is no longer made here in so forceful a way as it used to be - I hope you see it in your heart to still be around also. You will never know how much I gained from your guidance and wisom, and I honestly never thought I'd see the day that you decided this was no longer the place to be, although having read recent goings-on I think I can understand why. With lots of love, Mike x p.s. You still look HOT, babe ;-)

Attached Link: http://nippongraphica.jp/

http://nippongraphica.jp/ Heve a nice WE

hi 'Chelle! You've invested a lot of time and energy here at RR...a lot of years, and you've given a lot. It IS important to evaluate what you're getting back for the time and energy you invest here. What is it you want back that you're no longer getting (or getting ENOUGH of)??? For me, I'm here to learn. I have so far to go. I want to improve my skills and become more adept at what i do. I want to be around people who challenge me to continually do better and to think about new things. I want to become better at expressing myself in an artistic way while increasing my technical skills. Getting feedback here and in my gallery, as well as looking at other people's art, fulfills those needs. I also feel like i belong here. Several years ago when i organized an art showing in college, my artwork was showcased...and it stuck out among my peers like a sore thumb. it was so different than everyone else's, and no one liked it or understood it. Here, i don't feel so different, and i'm comfortable in my own skin. You guys encourage creativity and exploration. i like that. and i like that we can laugh along the way. well...sometimes it's not ALL joy and laughter as this past week has shown. Despite the problems and conflicts that have occurred here, however, i do enjoy the fellowship, friendships, and commradarie here...it's like family. sometimes we fight like family too. :( i'm not sure of the game being played in the gallery which is tiring you; however, my experience has been that no matter what kind of social group you belong to, people play games. it's our nature. some games can really suck though!!!!!! :) as for recently events curtailing your enthusiasm, well, that's understandable. i guess none of us walked away unscathed. Anyway, now I'm the one who's rambling. What else is new?? LOL! just wanna say i've so much appreciated all you given here, Michelle. I can't even begin to tell you how much i have to learn from you as a photographer. It'll take years and years! I'm also just beginning to get to know the person behind the cam, and i gotta tell you, I think you're one helluva of person!!! I will admit that i'm selfish and hope you'll stick around! I would miss your art terribly, and i would miss out on continued learning from you!!! then on top of that, well, i would miss your presence here...your spirit. Like i said, I'm selfish!!! I think you're awesome and hope to get to know you better. But i do think it's important for you to evaluate exactly what it is you need here that you're not getting. and if you need some time "me" time, then by all means, take it. Let yourself go away and find whatever it is you need to be fulfilled, and then I hope you'll come back and share it with us!!! See how selfish i am!!!!! sorry! i just hope you won't go for good!!!!! Huge hugz, 'Chelle!!!!!!!! Hope you have a fantastic weekend full of sunshine and awesome photo opportunities!!! sheila

thanks for the link Sylvaine. some fabulous images there.

I've always loved your images even though I hardly post comments. I also think the forum is a bit brighter with you around. But if you think you need to leave (for any amount of time) that is your choice. I hope you can figure things out for yourself and rediscover the enthousiasm I've seen from you ever since my first carefull steps on RR. With respect, Rinze

Aaah...the Raven Haired Moody Moderator...I know...I know...not a Mod any longer...but You still make Me shake in My Gum Boots...I still recall the first Words I had ever seen You Write....*Michelle.A* "I leave the Forum for a matter of Days, to return and find that it has been Invaded by Lunatics!!!"....and since You made this Image "Stop the World....I wanna get off!"...one off Your favorite Images, and even put a Link in the Forum...it was not My Image that made Money....but the ones I constantly stole from Your Gallery, to sell at the Thieves Market....so...I am glad that You have got rid of some of the Images...it will make the ones I have...more...exclusive. And guess what Michelle....I do actually *care*...I care enough to invite You to come Fishing...always great for a *time out*...I will show You My Worm Collection....ok?

You put a little bit of your life into something, and sometimes you maybe get a little bit back out. I know how much of 'chelle's life was put into this, and what a great amount we all benefited. Certainly we can afford to give her a little time and space. All of the Mods and Coords here, whether we get along with them or not, are (for all practical purposes) doing this freely as volunteers. Without this the site could not exist. The Members are getting the meeting place and a Gallery to exhibit their work, for free. Sometimes the Rules do not make much sense, but at least no (Member) can argue that they paid too much. As for "fun" things, interesting tutorials, answers to life's questions... That's pretty much up to the Membership to put in. There are a great group of folks here, and I expect you all to keep the Forum alive.

hope you will be back soon.

I allso hope U will be back..some day...U inspire me a lot :) Take care!!! Puss & Kram

Hmmm, the forum is not abounding in good news these days..... I am very sorry for you, Michelle (and I'm sorry for us :( sniff )! If things get out of balance it's wise to find some time to reflect. sigh RR definitely consumes lots of time and energy. And what's the return on investment? I'm glad to learn to know more people here, but I'm not even one year member here, so look who's talking ;) Well, I hope you'll find out all you want to know. Take care, Michelle! ~ Jan-Carel

(here's an old posting for you) come back when you're ready :-* muuuuuuuuuuuuuah!!

Wow, seems like we're in a similar mood... I cleaned up my gallery too, but not quite as drastic ;) Enjoy your me time, but don't think too much huggles

Michelle - know how you feel. Sometimes you just need space and time. Now if I could just figure out how to turn my brain off for awhile; the thinking part .. not the whole breathing and blinking part. :) warm hugz

Till we meet again...I bid you a fair bon voyage. Hope your recoup is short for it will not be the same without you.

I have been away having a little me time too. That is important for everyone. It has reminded me why I am here at all. I like to believe what you put in you get out, but in reality I doubt that is so. Im not sure of the game of which you speak, but I was never that quick on the uptake. You will be missed. Take care Simon

When Michelle returns from Fishing....She will be right...and yep... like LostPatrol mentions it is about receiving a bit back from what You put in....but...that seldom works out fairly...coz...there are more "takers" than "givers"...however...and this Thread is an example....it is the Common as Muck People, that adore Michelle....and I think...Her Heart will skip a beat...when She reads the Thread, knowing...that a lot... do care...and many know that She is regarded as a "Nurturer"...no matter how Moody .

If you go away for a while, can we please still stay in touch? Your a bust of inspiration to me 'chelle! Please? Thanks.

Better late then never eh? Just found this thread sorry! I too understand the investment of time only too well... I also know that you will find the answers you seek in your heart. I was just thinking to myself that I hadn't seen you around... Take it easy and I do hope to see you around again in the near future. Hugs! Brenda @};---;----

Only for you my dear Chelle...I vowed I'd never again set foot in r'osity after last week. But you of course...are more than worth the return. I hope you know what I think of you but just in case you're not too clear on that part...the whole wide world, little one. If there's anything at all that I can do...you know the name, number, address. :-) As for receiving something in return for the effort you put into an enterprise...I tend to think it's unusual when that happens. I know that was never your reason for being the "rock of r'osity" though. There's a "core" of members here who are the best. They do indeed appreciate each and every thing you've done. So send me some new images woman! You have time on your hands now! ;-) luv & hugs...G