The curse of homemade gifts

[JWBear]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

Ok, here's the deal with posting:

If I get around to it (I don't have much home time these days without packing) I'll take pics and post them in the Parking LoT. I don't want them viewable by non-swankers. They've got names and pictures on them. I'm kinda worried one will end up on boners.com or something I'll ask that no one copy the pics. Yeah, I'm a bit paranoid about it.

If I do so I'll let you know.

Do you or GD have Photoshop or some other photo-editing program? Just go in and blur out the sensitive information before posting the pictures.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Many years ago, my mom decided she wanted to try and see if she could paint. She was a big fan of the hippie on cable tv that painted "happy little trees" and such. So she got her supplies and produced exactly one painting, before deciding that it was ugly and that she had no artistic talent. Actually, my dad and I thought she did ok for her first try but she would have none of it. The painting sat in the back of her closet, covered in old clothes.

When she died, it was one of a few things that I really wanted because, like others have mentioned, it was something that was created with her own hands. I didn't think I would ever display it, but I didn't want it thrown away. It sat in my closet for many years until one day when Matthew saw it and asked me about it. I told him the story and a few days later, he bought me a frame for it and for the first time ever, it was displayed for others to see. Surprisingly, there have been some positive comments about it over the years from people who have no idea who it was painted by. I can't help but smile when that happens.

But realistically, to anyone who knows art, it is probably seen as a piece of crap. Still, it is priceless to me and I will continue to display it regardless of its artistic merit. It could have so easily been discarded and within a short time, I probably would have forgotten about it completely. Instead, it is one of the few tangible reminders that I have of her existence and I'm pretty thankful that I kept it.

Now, as far as you are concerned, CP, you may never want to display any these items as I've done. Nothing wrong with that whatsoever. I would ask you to consider the underlying value of them however. Some day, you might just get a little joy from digging one of these out of a box and taking a trip down memory lane. At that time, I suspect that they might even look a little less ugly to you.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Motorboat Cruiser

Now, as far as you are concerned, CP, you may never want to display any these items as I've done. Nothing wrong with that whatsoever. I would ask you to consider the underlying value of them however. Some day, you might just get a little joy from digging one of these out of a box and taking a trip down memory lane. At that time, I suspect that they might even look a little less ugly to you.

If it were the one and only thing she's made, I'd agree. But her mom's made lots and lots of things, much of which is far less attrocious than these couple of items. Those we are happy to keep. But these...

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I have a beautiful photo album my Mom put together that I'd show anyone. I have a crocheted blanket she made for my doll when I was 4 years old. There are other things as well. My mom used to make beautiful, witty birthday cards as well.

I have lots of wonderful things that she made with her own hands, and those I'll cherish forever.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Fair enough.

[Alex]

Gather up all the things you don't like and head for the beach. Start a bonfire and then throw each item in the fire one at a time shouting out some awful thing about your mother as you do so.

It'll be really cathartic.

Or, you'll convince yourself that you hate your mother and then throw away even the stuff you do like and that'll save you a lot of room and free up the holidays for personal travel. Win win.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by Alex Stroup

Gather up all the things you don't like and head for the beach. Start a bonfire and then throw each item in the fire one at a time shouting out some awful thing about your mother as you do so.

It'll be really cathartic.

Or, you'll convince yourself that you hate your mother and then throw away even the stuff you do like and that'll save you a lot of room and free up the holidays for personal travel. Win win.

Heehee, visible mojo for Alex.

I think posting this on the message board is cathartic.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Ok, head for the Parking LoT.