Apologies and Tone

I want to sincerely apologize to anyone that was hurt by my comments over at a certain message board. I certainly didn't mean my tone to come across as snotty or mean. I sometimes get so absorbed in my opinions that I forget that the means of communication in the digital age can be so easily misconstrued. If you know me, you know that I am passionate about art and kids! I love teaching, creating, and sharing with others. I would never intentionally hurt someone's feelings unless I don't think ahead of time... which is what happened. I put my foot in my mouth... I spouted defensive statements about art and kits that I shouldn't have voiced in written form because it can always be read in a negative tone. I should've known better! I should've thought and reread it... I shouldn't have been so "know it all"... It's horrible to have all these strangers saying horrible things about your personality when it's NOT your personality or intended message. I was wrong... I feel terrible. It doesn't matter what the initial reason behind the post was, nor does it matter if I still feel that some of my statements were truth... it just matters that someone's feelings were hurt. That I instilled defensive responses to art and personal creation... Art is art... it's whatever you create that means something to you. So, I have learned a HUGE lesson today. One that will have me posting my opinions less on public forums and more on my own personal space. This is MY space.. my blog. It's certainly viewed by some... more now because of my stupid fingers typing nasty remarks (even if they were provoked). BUT it is a place for me to share my art and get excited over things that inspire me. If you like it, great! Come back often and enjoy new art and new finds in the art and craft world, but if you don't like it or are offended, well, I'm sorry. However, it is my blog. I want to speak my mind here... share my passions, excitement, joys, family, and memories. I sometimes share funny stories about my boys. Sometimes I will share student work that inspires me or makes me smile. I will keep it positive as best I can because ultimately I want a positive atmosphere around me. Ultimately, I want to inspire others and support artists. I should remind myself that it doesn't feel good to have someone insinuate that you are not an artist... it hurts and I should've known that being an art teacher. Whatever I THINK in my mind (and don't voice verbally) is MY thoughts for good or bad and can't be held against me. IF it ever comes down to that in our country that our THOUGHTS are censored, well then I don't want to live here anymore. My private thoughts about art or other artists are PRIVATE... AND I'm keeping it that way unless those thoughts are positive in nature. SO, i have learned my lesson. I have begged foregiveness from those that I angered or hurt. That's all I can do... and go on creating!