take (something) to heart – idiomatic expression to consider that some comment is significant to oneself
level – n. an amount of something
fabricate – v. to create or make up (something, such as a story) in order to trick people : fabrication – n.
ratify – v. to make (a treaty, agreement, etc.) official by signing it or voting for it : ratification – n.
folksy – adj. friendly or informal in manner or style
rural – adj. of or relating to the country and the people who live there instead of the city