A Beautiful Day to Fly!
It was a beautiful day at Art in the Afternoon. AiA is the annual fundraiser for A Window Between Worlds (the non-profit organization that uses art as a healing tool for victims of domestic violence). I volunteered to help out at the sales table this year where some of my Me Dolls were displayed. The best and most precious sale of the day was by far the last one. It happened while we were getting ready to close things down and Holly came by with her mother and brother. According to her mother, Holly had been admiring this doll earlier and had her heart set on it. Holly's mother was one of the 50 volunteers for AWBW working at the event that day, and she had brought her two children with her. Holly had insisted they all come back to the sales table to see if Fly was still available.
As I watched Holly admiring Fly, her mother explained that Holly had fallen in love with Fly and especially loved the words that came with her. It is my custom to attach a tag in which I include each doll's name and write a few words or a poem. Fly was one of five dolls I had created for this event. Sometimes while I'm creating my art dolls, one in particular will stand out more than the others. When that happens it's hard not to indulge my curiousity and wonder who will end up purchasing that particular kind of doll. Fly was that kind. I am deeply touched whenever anyone connects with one of my dolls, and I'm honored when I get the chance to actually meet the person who purchases one. When that person is a child it means so much more -- not to mention that this child was the daughter of a volunteer (i.e.: multiple magical moment factors). So one can imagine how I felt when the little girl looked up into my eyes and asked me if there was any way I might lower the price. Keep in mind this was the annual fundraiser. Ouch.
I decided to ask Holly a couple questions, while my mind was spinning. First I asked how old she was. “Ten.” she replied. Next I asked how much money she had to spend. “Ten dollars.” she answered. Ouch. The price I set on Fly was $75. Her mother stepped in and said quickly that she would have to save up some more and they would need to come back another time. Ouch again. I just couldn't go that low. Slowly they began to walk away. Slowly I began to pack the doll to take home. A few moments later I looked up and was surprised to see Holly's mother again. In a hushed voice she asked me how much would I accept for the doll. I said, “How much can you offer?” She said, "$40.” I said, "Done!" I noticed Holly wasn't with her mother and that we were hurrying and my burning question was answered for me as I carefully wrapped up the doll. Holly's mother excitedly explained that her daughter had no idea she had come back to get Fly -- on the sly -- and said Holly would be so surprised and overjoyed by this gift!
Holly's mother had no idea those were my exact sentiments too, because Fly was going to a good home, AND I got to be the one to send her on her way! What a special volunteer and mother! What a beautiful day to FLY!
The above photo of "Fly", an art doll created by Lori Minick, and the accompanying words are set against two colorful freebie background papers created by Annamarie -- please visit her blog here in the Artella Cafe for more inspiration!