Well, the story has to go somewhere, right? It’s been awhile since I mentioned anything more on the “blogging drama”. If you didn’t read the first post, you can start HERE. It’s a pretty good one. Not really, but let’s get on with the story shall we?
I caved…after a lot of thought, a lot of research, even after seeking actual legal advice…I still decided to caved. I have a relative who works in the trademarking department. She was sweet enough to jump in and help me with this whole mess. An attorney who works in her office reviewed my case for her…for me…and you know what the verdict was? That legally, this other Earth Mama…has NOTHING! She has no right what so ever to ask me to change my blog name…and definitely does NOT have any right to go out of her way to harass people through my blog! Then why did I cave? Why did I change my blog name? I guess I could just say my heart is too big. I don’t want to fight, I don’t want to be threatened, and above all I don’t want my sponsors or readers bothered by all this jazz. I want peace…hear that crazy Earth Mama lady? It’s something we should all be striving for…peace and harmony.
I weighed it out in my mind for two weeks. You see, I could continue to keep my blog name, Earth Mama 101. I could continue to blog and own the domain that I bought, www.earthmama101.com. I could continue to refer to myself as Earth Mama 101 on ravlery, and flickr, and twitter, and everywhere else I have been using that name for almost ten…count them 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 years. However, sometimes a fight is just a fight, and whether you win or lose…you still lose in the end, which makes it not so much fun to even think about fighting in the first place. Make sense? I’ve kinda learned that over and over in my life. You seek justice. You seek the right to be seen and heard and understood…yet in the end it’s like there’s all these rules or laws or people that basically just say… we don’t really care about what you have to say.
For whatever reason one may wish to speculate, this other Earth Mama wants the words Earth and Mama all to herself. She wants to knock everyone else out of her way so that when people google “Earth Mama” it’s just her who turns up. As for me…standing my ground and knowing my rights, has pissed her off. Hence the threats going beyond me to some of my sponsors. So if I keep standing strong, I risk the chance of loosing friends that I have grown to care about…and that thought is no fun to me. I risk the chance of this crazy woman taking me to court. And even if I win in the end, since legally I am not doing anything wrong…it would cost me a whole crap load of money that I don’t feel like paying just to fight over some words. Two words that I am compassionate about EARTH and MAMA…two words that mean the complete opposite of fighting in my mind. Two words that I am letting go of.
But after a lot of thought…I’m okay with that. When we moved in March I wondered how I could form my blog into a more all encompassing family view so to speak, to share this journey of ours a little closer. So maybe, just maybe, this was the last push toward bigger and better things. This new blog here literally came together so effortlessly in a matter of two days…and when things happen so easy like that, I really believe it’s a sign that I’m on the right path.
So here I am. It’s still me, Lisa, formerly known as Earth Mama 101. All of the content I have ever written on Earth Mama 101 is still here. But now, as so much of my life has ebbed and flowed and changed over the years that I have been blogging…my blog now reflects that sift and change too. I am in a new place, physically and emotionally. I have grown and learned so much about myself since I first started blogging. Words will always be words. It’s up to us to understand and apply the meanings behind them that we wish to. People however, will always be who they are…individuals. And that is much more powerful then any word(s) could ever offer or label.
So, welcome aboard. Take a look around. I’ll be continuing to do a bit of tweaking here and there. And if you haven’t already, you can jump up and follow me of feedburner and get my posts emailed right to your inbox…or I’ve added a new facebook badge for our little homestead where blog posts will be posted and other random photos and tidbits of farming life. I’d love it if you hoped over and “liked” our facebook page. I think this change will be fun. As always, I’m so happy to have each and everyone of you along for the ride! Have yourself a wonderful Monday and I will be back to posting my Growing Gratitude posts next Monday.
I had no idea this was happening! So frustrating, good for you for being goodhearted but what a mess!
Hoping the best for you!
Hugs dear one! I’ll be stopping by more often!
Thanks Mary! No matter the blog name…I’ll still be me!
kudos to you, lisa! here’s to ALL your fabulous new beginnings
Lisa…I haven’t visited in awhile. I’m immersed in gardening and homeschool prep and spinning and, well, you know! But I just sat down to catch up with you and this is the first thing I saw. I really must keep going, but I had to stop and say, Are you kidding me? This is ridiculous. Holy cow, this truly is a year of shedding the old for you, in very unusual ways. Ok, now I must go see what this is all about! Hugs to you dear Lisa Earth Mama Sweet Woman!
xo Jules
Well I love the new name, love the new blog and the new feel. It makes sense to have a new beginning when so much has changed for you. I’m sorry that it came about due to a droolingly insane maniac making your life a misery, surely envy at play there, but glad you’ve taken lemons and make lemonade! Feels like a fresh new start and I’m all for it : )
I’m sorry for all the trouble and bullying you went through to get to this point, but I like the new name and layout, sometimes change is a good thing! Look forward to reading you for 10 more years lol
I recently read the saying “Life’s not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about leraning to dance in the rain” and to me, that is exactly what you are doing. Staying true to your heart en doing what works for YOU. Not being hateful and wasting time on someone who doesn’t deserve it but carrying on with what’s important for you! To me that is strength and autenticity.
Good decision. The ornery, spiteful part of me wants to change my name to ‘earth mama’ and have a bunch of others join in and all call ourselves ‘earth mamas’. Geesh. You’re changes are good. . .
There are a few different earthmama sites that pop up when you google it. I would love to know which is THE one. And by the way, I think you did the right thing to rise above the crazy soup and take the high road. Kudos to you my friend.
So sorry you had to go through all this, but from the sounds of things the experience, while sometimes absolutely draining has brought you to this place…and I like it. Looking forward to visiting your new space, watching as it grows and changes and following you on the journey.
Wishing you all the best.
Love the new name! I’m sorry that you had to go through all that cr*p. (All I would say to that other “Earth Mama” is “Hope it was worth it.”)
As another reader commented: Onward and upward, baby…onward and upward.
It’s a sad business – as you say, this person is the complete antithesis of what Earth Mama means. But what exciting changes for you! I know when we moved to our croft, I felt the need to change my blog name – it felt a natural evolvement for me and my writing. Many blessings on you all in your new life. x
Good for you Lisa, you have us behind you and the knowledge that you are a much better person than that other crazy lady! I agree with Ang, Karma is a doozy…:)
I’m still reading! I’m sorry you had to go through all of that, but I think maybe you did the right thing. I mean, she had NO right to do that, but now you don’t have to deal with her. <3
I am so humbled by you Lisa. You truly are a beautiful soul. All that really matters in the world is love and you lead by example in everything you do. Many blessings to You.
I’m really enjoying checking out your new space!
Many hugs to you Lisa, you are one classy chick and I’m glad to say you’re my friend!
Lisa, It’s hard to let go…boy do I know that one! But as everyone keeps telling me, “keep moving forward” and we’ll be right there with you–new name and all! Love you, XOXO
I think you made the right decision, if only for your own peace. However, did you ever consider changing the name to “Mama Earth”?
I did think of that amongst other various switch-a-roos, but I figured if I was going to change…I was going to change it the best I could. Mama Earth just didn’t seem the same as Earth Mama 101. Plus, Mamma 4 Earth is Linda of Natural Suburbia’s knit shop name…and I really wanted to try something completely unique and not potentially infringe on anyone else s space, which was much harder said than done! But I think I found a good spot.
I think it will be freeing to put it behind you. Who needs it? You have veggies to grow, kids to nuture, and life to enjoy.
I LOVE your new blog name and set up. I think it encompasses everything you are about…and with a new baby on the way it’s as if your blog and life are about to begin a new chapter
Love you!
Meredith
Oh wow, what a mess!! I think you made a good (and nice) decision…..you can’t reason with “crazy”.
You’re awesome Lisa! No arguing that! I love your new blog look and your name. Much Love! Kyndale
I admire your bravery at redesigning your blog. I applaud you for taking the high road and probably saving yourself tons of money battling a fight that you would have won. The site looks lovely wonderful and may karma/god/ or whatever blesses you in abundance
Moving onward and upward!!!!!
Blessings and peace to you dealing with the Crazy. Looks like she is just “doing the most” as my brother would say and that is not a good thing. I will continue to visit and I admire your maturity and compassion. I am an attorney and so often people just want to fight. You are completely within your rights, but you are so wise to know and understand the costs of fighting in court. So frustrating, but you are awesome! Karma is a doozy and I have the feeling she will get back from the world what she is putting into it.
Love to you and yours,
Ang