Thank you all so much for the support. I've tried to answer questions as best I can. My intention really was not to stir the can of worms more than it already was, nor to put more fear out there, nor to be hostile towards those of you who thought using images in a 'positive' way was okay. My tone might have sounded harsh as I was coming from a place of defending my children from being 'used' in a commercial way. I'm not fearful for our safety, and I have no intention of changing how my children appear on the blog, nor do I advise you to do so - unless that feels right for you. But I do believe strongly that asking first before using someone's content or images should be the standard. Providing a link on your website is fine (lots of you have asked me about this), that isn't 'taking' anything, it's just referring. A big difference. I was encouraged by most of the response to my post, and it feels good to me to know that we're looking out for each other. I think that, combined with awareness, and technological knowledge that will help protect image theft, this really can move in a positive direction. I do hope.
Now, let's get on to some joy, shall we? Please? I'm bursting to share this with you!
From under a table (always look under the table!) at a church rummage sale this weekend. It was one of those heart-leaping thrifting moments, where you're sure you're not going to actually make it out the door with the find. Do you know what I'm talking about? Frightening. The conversation went like this:
Church Lady: Oh no. Where did you get this dear? What is THIS doing out here?
Me: {sinking heart...and are those tears forming in my eyes?}
Church Lady: Father Michael! Come over and look at this. Who put this out here, this is filthy! We shouldn't have ripped up old quilts out here.
Me: Oh, it's okay! Really! I love old things.
Church Lady: I don't know who put this out there. This is all ripped up and old and filthy! Just filthy! Bertha {yes, really, her name was Bertha}, did you put this out there?
Me: {chewing my fingernails. getting a little twitchy.}
Bertha: Well, if she wants it, sell it to her!
Me: {That's my girl, Bertha.} Yes, I really do like it just the way it is.
Church Lady: Well, I can't sell it to you for a dollar, I just can't. It's just filthy. Bertha? I can't sell this to her for a dollar!
Bertha: Well, if she wants to buy it for a dollar, sell it to her for a dollar!
Me: No, really, it's FINE. Let me give you a dollar for it. I'm happy to! {please, please, please}
Church Lady: Well, alright then. But I just don't understand....I can't believe....Who would have....Why would....
Me: Um, thank you! {OUT the door}
Oh, how I love my 'new' quilt.
