Oh my gosh, I can go forever about how many experiences that I’ve too had - my perspective as in a younger generation (I’m in my 30’s) My father made good money when I was born to the time I turned 13. One Christmas, when I was 8 years old, I got a 5 piece- professional drumset. That was what I asked for was a drumset and by far was one of the best christmas present I have ever had.  By the time I was 14, I was lucky to get a couple of toys and clothes. My dad at that time lost his high paying job as a warehouse manager and took a job as a janitor for the same company. Going from $80K a year to $20K a year. Huge difference in lifestyle.

 On the flipside, I remember in grade school, we would have these christmas parties that you would draw and name and buy a present for that person. One year, I drew a name of a girl who wasn’t very popular and her family was very poor plus, she wasn’t very nice to anyone either, many of us other girls tried beings friends with her but she would yell at us to leave her alone.  Well, after I drew her name, later on the day, I complained to my family that I had to buy a present for this girl. Couple of days later, we were shopping for this girl’s present and my dad loved bargins.  He went over to the bargin isle and found a barbie house with complete dolls, clothes and other items as a kit. Marked down from $80 dollars to $20 dollars. $20 dollars being the limit. He bought the item for the girl.  At first, I didn’t agree with my fathers decision to purchase this item. He looked at me and said, it’s better to give than to receive. The next day was the party -I brought in this huge box wrapped up pretty paper with tons of bows. The class’s reaction to this was a gasp. I placed this package, right in front of this girls desk and she sit motionless with her eyes wide as a full moons. We all were supposed to unwrap together but all eyes were on this girl. At that moment, I realized why my father thought it was important. This girl was given the gift of love and kindness. She unwrapped the present and the barbie house was exposed. Everyone knew that this was not a $20 item, in fact the teachers came to me and said that this was over the limit and I told them no, it’s not. I showed them the receipt. $20 was what we payed for. The class looked at me in a way that I will never forget. Proud and respected. Oh and one more thing too, the girl, all she wanted for chrismas was in fact, the barbie house. She told me that later, when we became friends.

On the issue of how we grew up, I’ll share this. Many people I knew in high school are now on social networking sites with me.  We all knew the class structure, the cliques and the ones who showed off their money. BUT I’ve met with some who are doing very well at little get togethers and can think nothing but happy thoughts for my friends who rose out of their smalltown southern roots to be successful in their fields.

That aside I see the girl who used to rip those less fortunate financially than herself everyday I was around her. She has I’m sure all that money can buy including boobs, face and tummy and the same fake smile on her face as middle school judging by the profile pic.  So the point is, I still can’t make myself click on that friend suggestion box because whatever made her want to annihilate imperfect people in elementary school still seems to be with her. 

Talking with these friends and acquaintances has inspired me to finish my education and believe in one another again.  I just can’t get over the person who appears to have learned nothing.

I went to a private (catholic) elementary school and my (physical) mother isolated me from all media until I was 10…then threw me into public middle school in 8th grade. I went through hell socially because I didn’t know what socially was. Aside from the kids around my grandparent’s home and my nieghborhood, I didn’t know anything but church, home, and school…

I never fit into any single click…I did my own thing. …and the people that I would consider friends today get that reality about me.

I have a question about knowing that what you want to give is actually going where it’s supposed to. Because I’m getting ready to auction a painting and thought I could link multiple charities through Giving Works and ebay.

…and I can’t

I trust local charities to actually do something for the people I’m working to help.

How do structure this so I can give something to each, and help more. …and give the art buyer the security of knowing that I will do what say will…and me the security of knowing that my art is supporting what I’m asking it support?

Thanks…

…Amy, PennDragon Studios

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