How are you? Have you won the lottery? Written that best seller? Painted that famous picture? Listened to a good band? Gone on a lovely vacation? None applies to me, but here's hoping one does to you:)
Here's how my last week shook down.
How Not To Get Repeat Donors
So, I received a request for money, along with the other six or seven that appear daily, for charitable organizations. If you're in the United States, you're probably familiar with this particular one. They always send a 'real' stamp along with the donation request. They've been doing it for years and who can't use a stamp? I saw it and thought, "Great. I can stick that on my SIL's Bday card. Which I did. It didn't look like the stamps I'd received in the past, but I figured it was just a forever stamp. Luckily I took a closer look at it before it went out the door.
What the?
Yup. It was a real stamp alright. But it was for a penny. I pulled the request out of the trash and read that the real stamp was only for a penny but the return envelope for my check was for the full amount. Oh, thank you so much:) You know, some poor smuck--which was almost me--went ahead and mailed their envelope with that stamp thinking it was for the full amount like they've always been in the past.
Hmm, in my humble opinion, they might want to rethink their charity drives.
AND
I'm taking part in Denise's writing challenge. The idea is to write a short or a poem about the picture she's chosen for the challenge.
Here's the picture.
Here's my poem:)
Sam and His Cat
Sam and his cat crept through the darkened forest,
Surrounded by ancient, shadowy oak,
Whose skeletal branches moaned when the wind blew.
Mist hung low,
Reaching out for the boy's thin, shivering arms.
Leaves cracked and crunched underfoot,
All while he prayed for quiet.
Frightening creatures stared from dead, misshapen bushes.
The night eerie,
Black as his father’s coal bin.
And cold. So cold.
He took one more step.
Heart pounding,
Relief flooded his small frame as he and the cat broke free of the grove.
A smile tipped his lips. Fear forgotten.
Ahead, warmth and light streamed from a small cabin’s windows.
They were home.
AND
The little holly tree.
That's about it folks. Did you get a penny stamp? Deluged with charity requests? No? I bet you won the lottery:)
8 comments:
I saw that stamp and thought who would send a request for charity with a 1 cent stamp. That's why years ago, I stopped giving to everyone except PBS. And 100% of my money goes to my local station.
That story was rather bleak until the end. I was worried fr the little boy. Well done, Sandra.
I'm really impressed with your holly tree. Have a super week, dear.
I absolutely LOVED this poem! Beautiful imagery. So glad he found the safety of home too. As for that stamp, I better pay more attention. Xo
When we receive unsolicited requests for donations they go straight to the recycling bin unopened. We support organizations we have chosen and not those that besiege us with ongoing begging letters. I suggest that everyone do the same. Your poem, dahling, is lovely, from the brain that conceived it to the fingertips that delivered it. Well done!
One cent? That's useless. Cheap.
I have never received a solicitation from them -- but really? That's just a waste of money. And it's the season for plenty more of those requests. I loved your poem. Really lovely.
Good thing you caught the scam with the stamp. Beautiful poem. Thanks for sharing it.
Good catch on that stamp. Lovely poem.
Penny stamp. Looks like part of shrinkflation.
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