Have to say this years advent videos are just too long. I dont want to spend a half hour a day on them, so all I'm doing is keeping an eye here and cherry picking the bits I want to watch from what you guys mention. Far more entertaining that way. I am really disappointed in the videos in general. It's the classic example of capitalism ruining art. As soon as SJ started making money off of YT and creating the kind of videos she thinks we want to watch, it ruins the output completely and there is 0 spontaneity. EVERYONE is performing now, all so self-conscious, especially SJ.
I used to like SJ so much I thought we had loads in common, and that if we ever met we would be BFFs, it felt so special to see into her world. Now its turning me off her videos and I really miss the old stuff.
They all definitely read here, even Cat has stopped wearing crop tops with trackie bottoms, had anyone else noticed that? Hanni won't be back, after the lashing she got online, mark my words, and Marie is too clever to divulge much on screen. The only reason SJ is running after her with a camera shouting "I love you!" is that we all said M had fallen out of favour, and SJ is desperate to show that isn't true. If M becomes too unhappy there (cuz of the snarking) she will leave and then SJ will have no hand maiden to mind her when mummy is away.
Not sure what to make of M Potts and his Patreon interview. He is the poor man's Hugh Grant and so charmless and boring I could only watch 10 mins. Life is too short.
I used to want to volunteer there but there is No Way I'd go near it now, not only because of having my privacy infringed with the camera, but because I no longer believe in the dream. And I miss that dream. It really kept me going this year.
We all need a dream or two to keep us going. But, I want to congratulate you for waking from this particular one and for escaping from the quicksand that surrounds Miss Jarvis. There are many people in your position - feeling royally let down by her. If you read some of the posts in previous threads you will learn more about her character type and perhaps understand just how manipulative she can be. It is all too easy for her to draw unsuspecting people into her world. She reminds me very much of the Spider in this children's poem:
“Will you walk into my parlour?” said the Spider to the Fly,
“‘Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I have many curious things to shew when you are there.”
“Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne’er come down again.”
“I’m sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;
Will you rest upon my little bed?” said the Spider to the Fly.
“There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,
And if you like to rest awhile, I’ll snugly tuck you in!”
“Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “for I’ve often heard it said,
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!”
Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, “Dear friend what can I do,
To prove the warm affection I’ve always felt for you?
I have within my pantry, good store of all that’s nice;
I’m sure you’re very welcome–will you please to take a slice?”
“Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “kind sir, that cannot be,
I’ve heard what’s in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!”
“Sweet creature!” said the Spider, “you’re witty and you’re wise,
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!
I’ve a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf,
If you’ll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself.”
“I thank you, gentle sir,” she said, “for what you’re pleased to say,
And bidding you good morning now, I’ll call another day.”
The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly.
Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing,
“Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing;
Your robes are green and purple–there’s a crest upon your head;
Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!”
Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly,
Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by;
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue–
Thinking only of her crested head–poor foolish thing! At last,
Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast.
He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,
Within his little parlour–but she ne’er came out again!
And now dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne’er give heed:
Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.
The Spider and the Fly
by Mary Howitt
Poem © Out of copyright