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FYI #72476
10/25/2015 04:11 PM
10/25/2015 04:11 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
Barbara Offline OP
Traveler
Barbara  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
I will no longer be posting here.
It's been nice knowing most of you.

SXM Sponsors
Re: FYI [Re: Barbara] #72477
10/25/2015 04:32 PM
10/25/2015 04:32 PM
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,132
St Louis, MO
SXMNorm Offline
Traveler
SXMNorm  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,132
St Louis, MO
Thanks for all your great and valuable info, Barbara.


Next SXM visit -November 2023. Also January 2024.
Re: FYI [Re: Barbara] #72478
10/25/2015 04:34 PM
10/25/2015 04:34 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 223
Collingswood, NJ
dkupersmith Offline
Traveler
dkupersmith  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 223
Collingswood, NJ
We will miss your posts.

Re: FYI [Re: dkupersmith] #72479
10/25/2015 04:39 PM
10/25/2015 04:39 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
RonDon Online content
Traveler
RonDon  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
Thanks Barbara I'll miss your posts.

Do you still have a blog? What is it.

Re: FYI [Re: Barbara] #72480
10/25/2015 04:51 PM
10/25/2015 04:51 PM
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,144
Washington, DC/SXM
Angelface Offline
Traveler
Angelface  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,144
Washington, DC/SXM
I will truly miss your voice and valuable insights on this board. But I completely understand and respect your decision to move on.

Re: FYI [Re: Barbara] #72481
10/25/2015 05:03 PM
10/25/2015 05:03 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
That is your decision, but local input is always invaluable.


Carol Hill
Re: FYI [Re: Barbara] #72482
10/25/2015 05:36 PM
10/25/2015 05:36 PM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,764
Quebec
kish Offline
Traveler
kish  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,764
Quebec
Hope you continue to post on the other site.

Re: FYI [Re: kish] #72483
10/25/2015 05:56 PM
10/25/2015 05:56 PM
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 124
Clearwater, Florida
LSmayda Offline
Traveler
LSmayda  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 124
Clearwater, Florida
Barbara,, I certainly will miss your posts. I especially miss your blog postings, too. I know it has been a rough time for you and the"Gardener" and wish you all the best. Maybe eventually you will post again. You will be missed.

Re: FYI [Re: LSmayda] #72484
10/25/2015 07:23 PM
10/25/2015 07:23 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
Barbara Offline OP
Traveler
Barbara  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,752
St. Maarten
Thank you

Re: FYI [Re: Barbara] #72485
10/25/2015 08:13 PM
10/25/2015 08:13 PM
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 364
P
pandpfromcanada Offline
Traveler
pandpfromcanada  Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 364
Sorry to hear that. Always love to hear the local perspective on what is happening on our favourite island. All the best to you.

Re: FYI [Re: Barbara] #72486
10/25/2015 08:38 PM
10/25/2015 08:38 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,156
Riverhead, NY
BobD Offline
Traveler
BobD  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,156
Riverhead, NY
Barbara, will sincerely miss your local coverage of news and events.
Sure do hope that you might reconsider your decision......
With all respects, BobD <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Kiss.gif" alt="" />

Re: FYI [Re: BobD] #72487
10/25/2015 09:47 PM
10/25/2015 09:47 PM
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,143
JimCandD Offline
Traveler
JimCandD  Offline
Traveler
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,143
When I see a post on this forum with opinions about the island and things that happen on the island, I check to see if it is someone that lives there or visits. I so appreciate the comments by the residents as it puts gives me the perspective of one who has to deal with everything on the island and not only the touristy parts. I don't post a whole lot, but I have seen your posts as well as others that are on the island and appreciate all of them.

I would wish to see some of your posts in the future, but understand and respect a person's decision not to. Best of wishes for you as you and others try to make the island a better place for you and, as a result, a better place to those of us who visit.

Re: FYI [Re: Barbara] #72488
10/26/2015 07:49 AM
10/26/2015 07:49 AM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,001
Cape Cod
whammy Offline
Traveler
whammy  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,001
Cape Cod
Barbara, will miss your posts and the great perspective you've given us as a resident. Thank you!

Re: FYI [Re: Barbara] #72489
10/26/2015 08:07 AM
10/26/2015 08:07 AM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
Barbara, without your input on this board there are several perspectives and causes that I fear would not have received attention or crowd fundraising. You brought them to a wider audience by your participation here.. Perhaps you may not be aware of the impact you have had, but quietly and behind the scenes we often do further research on our own about the things you bring up related to the island environment, etc.

Scholarships.

Be The Change

Nature Foundation

And most recently the Officer Benjamin fund coordinated with Soc.

Island landmarks and artwork, such as One-Tété Lohkay at the circle, I explored the history because of you.

It may feel good to make a dramatic statement and do a "mike drop". But please realize that not all of us can be painted with such a broad brush. You know that you have many supporters here. Take some deep breaths, step away.....and hopefully you will realize that "yes"....there are ugly, ignorant, and selfish people in this world. But not all of us are.


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: FYI [Re: BeachKitten] #72490
10/26/2015 09:02 AM
10/26/2015 09:02 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
Traveler
GaKaye  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
Quote
BeachKitten said:
Barbara, without your input on this board there are several perspectives and causes that I fear would not have received attention or crowd fundraising. You brought them to a wider audience by your participation here.. Perhaps you may not be aware of the impact you have had, but quietly and behind the scenes we often do further research on our own about the things you bring up related to the island environment, etc.

Scholarships.

Be The Change

Nature Foundation

And most recently the Officer Benjamin fund coordinated with Soc.

Island landmarks and artwork, such as One-Tété Lohkay at the circle, I explored the history because of you.

It may feel good to make a dramatic statement and do a "mike drop". But please realize that not all of us can be painted with such a broad brush. You know that you have many supporters here. Take some deep breaths, step away.....and hopefully you will realize that "yes"....there are ugly, ignorant, and selfish people in this world. But not all of us are.



Bravo! I couldn't agree more!

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Re: FYI [Re: Barbara] #72491
10/26/2015 09:44 AM
10/26/2015 09:44 AM
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 662
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
J
JohnandBev Offline
Traveler
JohnandBev  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 662
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Our first visit was 2008, the 1st site we found for island info was your blog, which we have greatly appreciated over the years. Enjoyed you let us "peek" into your life while giving some insight to the island

J&B

Re: FYI [Re: Barbara] #72492
10/26/2015 09:56 AM
10/26/2015 09:56 AM
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,697
D
DonLinda Offline
Traveler
DonLinda  Offline
Traveler
D
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,697
We hope you will return and share your wisdom and perspective. Those of us who have grown to appreciate you ignore the ones who haven't. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Re: FYI [Re: Barbara] #72493
10/26/2015 10:00 AM
10/26/2015 10:00 AM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 61
NJSusan Offline
Traveler
NJSusan  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 61
As you can see by the number of posts I make, I am a very infrequent poster although I have been reading TTOL for many years. I felt I had to post now to say thank you for all the information you have passed along. Many of us who have been coming to SXM consider the island to be our second home and look for ways to help the island we love. Having a full time resident like you passing along the information has been invaluable. So again, many thanks and best wishes.

Re: FYI [Re: NJSusan] #72494
10/26/2015 10:19 AM
10/26/2015 10:19 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,116
missouri
Cathyg Offline
Traveler
Cathyg  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,116
missouri
It is always a shame when feelings get hurt on Forums. It happens all the time unfortunately.

People come and go. I have been member here for a very long time....and i have always appreciated Barbara's contributions.

I hope you take a short break...and return.


[Linked Image]
Re: FYI [Re: Barbara] #72495
10/26/2015 10:48 AM
10/26/2015 10:48 AM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline
Traveler
jazzgal  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
I echo the thoughts of others. Your insights have been invaluable and appreciated. I hope you will reconsider and return.


[Linked Image]
Re: FYI [Re: jazzgal] #72496
10/26/2015 11:45 AM
10/26/2015 11:45 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
I sympathise with Barbara. A person can only take so much self centered self absorbed comments directed at the people of the island she lives on and loves.
I too will miss her but I also understand her dissision.

Re: FYI [Re: SXMScubaman] #72497
10/26/2015 12:01 PM
10/26/2015 12:01 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Scubaman--PLEASE do not disparage other members of the board.


Carol Hill
Re: FYI [Re: Barbara] #72498
10/26/2015 12:10 PM
10/26/2015 12:10 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,240
North NJ, 1720 miles from Para...
Kathleen Offline
Traveler
Kathleen  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,240
North NJ, 1720 miles from Para...
I too hope you will reconsider. It has been a pleasure reading your posts and your perspective is truly unique since you are not only a long time resident but also a US expat. Your stories and insight has been invaluable.

It's not easy to deal with such a large group of very different people. We all love the island (although sometimes it doesn't seem that way) and sometimes that love makes us react strongly without thinking. It's very hard to interpret what people actually mean or feel by just reading what is written in a post. So much of what we mean can't be conveyed because you can't see expressions. There's also no way to have a quiet give and take discussion since there is a lag between what is written and a response. As has been very obvious here, we don't know the background or history behind most of what goes on on the island.
I hope you will reconsider and help us mere visitors understand what it is that make the island the place we love so much.
Respectfully (thank you Pat, I love that all of your posts are signed this way),
Kathleen


That's why I wander and follow La Vie Dansante, that's all I want, La Vie Dansante (JB)
Re: FYI [Re: BeachKitten] #72499
10/26/2015 01:20 PM
10/26/2015 01:20 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,295
Vancouver, WA
Todd Offline
Traveler
Todd  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,295
Vancouver, WA
I also would agree with BeachKitten.

Barbara, you and your family have done great things with others in mind.

Take care, hope to see you on island.
Todd


I prefer the Isle seat
Re: FYI [Re: Barbara] #72500
10/26/2015 01:44 PM
10/26/2015 01:44 PM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,160
Greensboro, NC
charlieh Offline
Traveler
charlieh  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,160
Greensboro, NC
Barbara - I can easily understand your frustration and have been in the "same boat" as you. I have 28,000 posts on the message board I visit the most and in the past swore it off due to postings that upset me. However, I did go back and now do not post as much, but still visit it almost every day.

Hope that down the road you reconsider. TTOL is a big asset to Carib travelers, and your input is definitely helpful.

Re: FYI [Re: charlieh] #72501
10/26/2015 03:39 PM
10/26/2015 03:39 PM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,294
J
january Offline
Traveler
january  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,294
Although I understand why you are leaving, beating your head against a brick wall is not fun, I hope you will reconsider. This forum has lost too many contributors that live on SXM. (Bill and Elaine come immediately to mind). Loosing you will create a big gap in the knowledge about the island that we need. Instead of getting the facts and corrections that we need, we will be stuck with the speculation on some. yours is a voice in the darkness that will be missed.
Again let me hope that you will reconsider. You have many supporters on this forum. But if you don't, my hope is that you continue to have a happy, productive life. All you have to do now is say "Goodbye, and thanks for all the fishes."

Re: FYI [Re: january] #72502
10/26/2015 05:43 PM
10/26/2015 05:43 PM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 568
Bucks County, PA
S
snuba Offline
Traveler
snuba  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 568
Bucks County, PA
Barbra
Sorry to see it come to this. Have enjoyed your input, it will be missed, as was the input of the other local's that no longer post here.
Hope to follow your post's on other sites.
Best wishes.


Life is short, travel the World.
Re: FYI [Re: snuba] #72503
10/26/2015 10:16 PM
10/26/2015 10:16 PM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 450
Teresasxm Offline
Traveler
Teresasxm  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 450
My dear Barbara and her wonderful "Gardener",
You have no idea the joy you have brought me and other people on TTOL over the years. Your insight and love for St. Maarten shines through in every informative post you make. Your pictures of the island the way it used to be are amazing. I studied every photo you posted and relished each and every one. Every time you posted about an issue on the island I took notice and learned as much as I could so I could be an informed and helpful visitor.

As in life, there are people who may hurt us with their words and actions. I am only guessing what may have caused you to back away from TTOL...but like my fellow posters above me, please know how much you and your insights into island life are loved and respected. Reconsider and come back soon...

TTOL needs your Voice, information and opinions.

Respectfully,
Teresa

Re: FYI [Re: Teresasxm] #72504
10/27/2015 05:42 AM
10/27/2015 05:42 AM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,764
Quebec
kish Offline
Traveler
kish  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,764
Quebec
Quote
Teresasxm said:
My dear Barbara and her wonderful "Gardener",
You have no idea the joy you have brought me and other people on TTOL over the years. Your insight and love for St. Maarten shines through in every informative post you make. Your pictures of the island the way it used to be are amazing. I studied every photo you posted and relished each and every one. Every time you posted about an issue on the island I took notice and learned as much as I could so I could be an informed and helpful visitor.

As in life, there are people who may hurt us with their words and actions. I am only guessing what may have caused you to back away from TTOL...but like my fellow posters above me, please know how much you and your insights into island life are loved and respected. Reconsider and come back soon...

TTOL needs your Voice, information and opinions.

Respectfully,
Teresa


Well said!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Re: FYI [Re: Teresasxm] #72505
10/28/2015 02:04 AM
10/28/2015 02:04 AM
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 32
Elyria, OH
Chook Offline
Traveler
Chook  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 32
Elyria, OH
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />


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