Date: Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:50:21 -0400
From: Tamera
Subject: reply to Rodger about Clyde Critter
I feel inclined to respond to Rodger’s post about selling a Clyde Critter~
I’m not sure if we’ve met before and what you really know about me, but in the post directed toward me and me selling all my worldly possessions, it seems you don’t approve?? Over the years that my husband and I have lived here we have donated 100’s of pieces of art and spa services to the many many grassroots organizations and charities that bless Chatham County and surrounding areas. We have been happy to be a part of raising money to help in any way possible. In fact, I tell the story to Clyde as well as others, that Clyde Jones was my first inspiration to give so freely. He has helped so many people through his art and I think I am in good company. I gave Clyde one of the dogs that I make out of metal when his dog died and Clyde placed it on the dog’s grave. This made me very happy. If Clyde wants to sell that dog someday because he needs the money or is moving, he is welcome to do that. When
I asked him about selling the Giraffe one time, he said, don’t you want to donate it? I said no, and he said.. “well excuse me!” lol
The Giraffe that I am selling, was won at a raffle and not given to us. Many people have bought Clyde’s critters at auctions for 100’s of dollars and how did you know I didn’t buy this giraffe?? What would you tell someone that bought a critter for that much?? Do they have to donate it?? I also listed art from other artists that give their art freely for auctions. Why didn’t you bring that up??
That aside, I may have been wrong to sell the Clyde critter, but I can’t take it with me and am selling everything to help us with our move. No money will be given to the Baha’i Faith. These sales are helping us with our move and getting settled in a new country. The temple that the Baha’is are building in Santiago is built for All People, not just Baha’is and there is only one temple on each continent. Yes, it will be beautiful as all the temples are a tribute to God no matter what faith, and shouldn’t they be beautiful? If I am able to be of service in its
construction, I will be doing it voluntarily without pay. To be a part of raising a temple to Praise God and the Unity of all People is a bounty without measure. I will be working with others who have given up much… not living the “high life” but with humility and humbly.
I’m sorry that the quote that I have as an automatic tagline in my personal emails accidentally got put at the end of my sale items.. I usually erase that especially when selling items.. seems inappropriate. Yet, if you would have read the quote, you would have seen that it talks about possessing a “kindly tongue” which I feel a lot of people who post on the chatlist could take that good advice. Frankly, I’m surprised that people I don’t know, know that I’m a Baha’i , as my friends know that I do not talk about my religion unless I’m asked a question about it or am sharing what I’m doing in my life. A tagline containing a beautiful quote from a religious man isn’t prostalityzing. Trying to convert people against their will is prostalityzing and Baha’is are strictly forbidden to force their beliefs on others. Sorry if you were offended.
There was no agenda.
As a final note, I did feel a little weird selling the Clyde Critter and vacillated about it. In the end, I need to thank you Rodger, for bringing to light, my attachments and knowing that this is another to let go. You will be happy to know, and anyone else that cares a hoot about it…that I have made arrangements with a Charity that is dear to my heart to donate this piece of art for the organization’s benefit which will also benefit Chatham County. Nothing is worth soiling the reputation, love and friendships that my husband and I have developed over the years here in Chatham. We love this community and love all of our dear friends and hope that you all know you will be missed dearly.
Love to all and to you too dear Rodger!
Peace,
Tamera Mulanix