While my family has always been supportive of my endeavors, they have never been in a financial situation to pave my path for me... That is why, when I saw the generous donations coming into Philly a MUSE ment EVents's Indiegogo campaign (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/amusement-events-live-recording-party) with so few contributors, I called and asked each of them for a $5 donation. "I want the gals to see we have people behind us. I know the money will come in- People have already committed to send us more... But I want MORE CONTRIBUTORS."
...an hour later, my mother donated $100.
While I know I should be elated at anyone's generosity exceeding my requests, I felt a little annoyed- as a daughter -for not being heard. I meditated on it and sent her this email:
Umma,
I told you to just give $5!
I really don't want you and dad to give a lot of money... Make the other women responsible for giving too~ But THANK YOU! The reason I wanted just $5 is because this is how crowdfunding is supposed to work... Instead of taking $100 from one person, I want $5 from 20 people! Anyway... Please tell your friends that this is something really important that is your daughter's career... I am a musician/artist/writer, but aMUSEment isn't only about me- It is about every woman who wants to express herself through a creative medium. These parties we have been throwing have been getting bigger and more and more attention for a reason~ Because the women LOVE each other! The thing only a few have is money... and those who have it mostly have children and jobs that keep them busy. Understand why I am writing you- - - the amount was TOO MUCH from you and dad! I know that you don't have it give away like that... and I want you to understand that I am doing this campaign to help other women in the group realize it is part of being an artist to start acknowledging their self-worth and asking others to show appreciation for our works' value too!
Okay... I love you... Please know I do not have a lot of time to write right now- I took the time because it is important to me that I explain it well so that you can explain it to others- Like your friends who like to throw their money away at casinos.
hugs,
-Ev
...As I hit "send", I told myself, "She is your only mother, and she loves you. She thought more money would show how very much she cares. You can not demand validation under YOUR terms- Accept validation however she chooses to express it!"
The next day, she sent this response:
Thank you for explaining I just wanted to help, but now I see what you mean.
I love you and I am so proud of you, you work so hard to make so many people realize what their potentials are, and together you can accomplish much much more than they ever imagined. Good Luck Babe.
This morning a $5 contribution was made in my father's name (which I know he could not have made without my mom typing for him). It was the most generous donation we have received! -that I have received! I am so grateful to my parents, my brothers, my family~ Without them, I would not be the woman I am today!
...an hour later, my mother donated $100.
While I know I should be elated at anyone's generosity exceeding my requests, I felt a little annoyed- as a daughter -for not being heard. I meditated on it and sent her this email:
Umma,
I told you to just give $5!
I really don't want you and dad to give a lot of money... Make the other women responsible for giving too~ But THANK YOU! The reason I wanted just $5 is because this is how crowdfunding is supposed to work... Instead of taking $100 from one person, I want $5 from 20 people! Anyway... Please tell your friends that this is something really important that is your daughter's career... I am a musician/artist/writer, but aMUSEment isn't only about me- It is about every woman who wants to express herself through a creative medium. These parties we have been throwing have been getting bigger and more and more attention for a reason~ Because the women LOVE each other! The thing only a few have is money... and those who have it mostly have children and jobs that keep them busy. Understand why I am writing you- - - the amount was TOO MUCH from you and dad! I know that you don't have it give away like that... and I want you to understand that I am doing this campaign to help other women in the group realize it is part of being an artist to start acknowledging their self-worth and asking others to show appreciation for our works' value too!
Okay... I love you... Please know I do not have a lot of time to write right now- I took the time because it is important to me that I explain it well so that you can explain it to others- Like your friends who like to throw their money away at casinos.
hugs,
-Ev
...As I hit "send", I told myself, "She is your only mother, and she loves you. She thought more money would show how very much she cares. You can not demand validation under YOUR terms- Accept validation however she chooses to express it!"
The next day, she sent this response:
Thank you for explaining I just wanted to help, but now I see what you mean.
I love you and I am so proud of you, you work so hard to make so many people realize what their potentials are, and together you can accomplish much much more than they ever imagined. Good Luck Babe.
This morning a $5 contribution was made in my father's name (which I know he could not have made without my mom typing for him). It was the most generous donation we have received! -that I have received! I am so grateful to my parents, my brothers, my family~ Without them, I would not be the woman I am today!
