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Posts: 715
| I've been thinking about doing this for quite some time now. I guess it's because I've read about the stories here about members who have given away guitars to those who cannot afford one.
I know that I've said that the Walden was a gift from God. When I got my Ovation, I thought that giving away the Walden would be like turning my back on God. (End of religious discussion).
However, I stopped one day and realized that the gift wasn't some inanimate object that I could touch. It was something I couldn't touch -- it was in the experience of people I've met, whether it was online (such as the OFC members) or people I have met in person.
I've been privileged to meet so many wonderful people. I've also learned just how strong I am --many times over the 2 + years I've taken lessons I've wanted to quit, but haven't given up (if learning "Rhymes and Reasons" and barre chords hasn't made me give up, nothing will).
I figured that I couldn't keep this experience to myself, so I wanted in some way to pay it forward. The guitar is a little banged up (just like me) but it is in working order (just like me :D ). I'm getting the neck reset and new strings on it, so it should be good as new.
I've asked my teacher to be on the lookout for someone who wants a guitar but cannot afford one. I've also asked people at church, and I'm also going to contact a school near by.
One of my friends wanted to buy my guitar, but I told her no. I know it sounds weird, but I know that my friend would play it for a week or two and then it would collect dust (just like my Stinger did when I sold it to her daughter). At first I felt bad about not selling it to my friend, but I felt so strongly about giving it away.
Michelle |
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Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | Yes Michelle, this place will do that to you!
Once I get "settled" I have simular plans to pay it forward as I have been the recipent of good OFC vibes! :) |
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Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | It's kinda contagious, isn't it? Sure feels nice too!
Maybe we can call it the OFC Flu...
Way to go, Michelle! :D |
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Posts: 715
| Originally posted by 2ifbyC:
It's kinda contagious, isn't it? Sure feels nice too!
Maybe we can call it the OFC Flu...
Way to go, Michelle! :D OFC Flu -- that is a good disease to get, for sure!
It feels good to not have the guitar sit around and collect dust.
Michelle |
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Posts: 13988
Location: Upper Left USA | We don't seek a cure, only fellowship and treatment!
When I gave a Josh White to my friend Josh White (that's right) it felt so right. Six months later his wife is finishing off her first round of chemo and he has been more than overwhelmed trying to care for her and their three small children.
If he gets to sit and strum a little from time to time how valuable is that?
We are not Owners, only custodians. You go girl! |
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Posts: 1119
Location: Michigan | Good for you, gifts from God are meant to be passed on and shared. That is how they grow! |
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March 2009
Posts: 715
| Originally posted by MWoody:
We don't seek a cure, only fellowship and treatment!
When I gave a Josh White to my friend Josh White (that's right) it felt so right. Six months later his wife is finishing off her first round of chemo and he has been more than overwhelmed trying to care for her and their three small children.
If he gets to sit and strum a little from time to time how valuable is that?
We are not Owners, only custodians. You go girl! Woody, I hope your friend and his wife are doing well.
The strumming of the guitar probably helps with the stress of having to care for his family.
Michelle |
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September 2002
Posts: 806
Location: Seymour, Tennessee | You are to be commended.
I can tell you I am a first-hand recipient of the wonderful good nature of a number of people here on the board who donated a guitar to me for use in Iraq.
I fully believe in the pay-it-forward thing.
there isn't a lot I can do from here but, I try to do things like I should and I certainly have been blessed.
We've got a fantastic group of people here to say the least.
Someone will treasure your gift. |
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Posts: 4827
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Or, as some of us old hippies used to say.. (if I remember correctly)...
"What goes around comes around"
It's a lovely gesture dear and will do your heart good I'm sure. |
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Posts: 2683
Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | Michelle, that is wonderful! Some person who might never have played guitar will now know the joys (and frustrations) of making music. And I know that Walden will start them out right.
Oh, and Michael, as far as YOU paying it forward, you already are, to all of us. The way I look at it, you are over there risking your neck for ME, and I thank you again and again. |
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Posts: 715
| Mike, you've already paid it forward by your kind words and service!
Filhixx, your quote made me think of a sign that I saw in a guitar shop run by an old hippie. It said, "Keep your karma clean -- don't steal!" Well, I guess I would also like to say "Keep the Karma going -- pay it forward"! BTW, this "old hippies" shop was where I got to try the Ovation 2009 Koa! Who says that hippies don't know guitars?
Alison -- I remember when I got that Walden. It was an answer to a dream and a prayer, and I cried when I got it (tears of joy, that is). The man who got it for me was a Takamine player, but his cousin played an A/E Walden. I cannot help but think of those two fondly when I hear the name Walden. I would have never imagined the trip I have taken with guitar, that's for sure!
Michelle |
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March 2008
Posts: 2683
Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | Michelle, the Walden I had experience with was one that went to one of my regulars. She fell in love with it but was out of work. Her Mom called me from Chicago and asked if she could mail me a check and buy it for her as a Christmas present. The day before Christmas, her Mom showed up here and I went in the back room to get the guitar. Rebecca had been so disappointed to find the guitar was gone a week after she had looked at it, so she was totally surprised when I pulled it out of the case and handed it to her. We ALL cried. |
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Location: Reisterstown, Maryland | That's a wonderful gift you are sharing Michelle and will keep on giving.
Anita |
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Posts: 1017
Location: Budd Lake, NJ | I sat down once and looked over my list of guitars in, guitars out over the years. The ones that letting go of provided me with the most satisfaction were the ones I gave away. I figured out then that it's not just giving away a guitar--it's also giving away a part of yourself, the best part. My beloved Gertrude was a gift. So was my Gilda, a gift from a lady who discipled me for over 13 years--and Gilda now belongs to a wonderful young woman who is growing in her playing.
Whoever gets your guitar will always remember the heart that gave it, long after the guitar is gone.
--Karen |
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Posts: 1433
Location: Right now? | Michelle, what a kind and generous gift, and as Anita said, it is a gift that will keep on giving. The best kind of gift!
;)
Willa |
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Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | I always found that giving something away, I'd decide to do it then find a recipient and do it, or the need would become obvious and I'd respond. I never said I was going to before hand. Now I came from different circumstances and whenever I said something like that an immediate line formed so I kept my mouth shut to avoid the line.
It's fun to give shit away like that, when it has such a big impact. (See, you say shit and it cancles out all those big religious overtones and gets it back to basics, one person with giving to another with a need, which is what it should be) |
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Posts: 715
| (See, you say shit and it cancles out all those big religious overtones and gets it back to basics, one person with giving to another with a need, which is what it should be) [/QB] Well, Beal, if I said that word, it wouldn't have been something that you would have heard out of my mouth IRL, the story wouldn't have been true and it wouldn't have been me. And I gotta be me :) .
Should I have cut the story short? Perhaps, but I couldn't edit it now anyways.
Michelle |
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February 2009
Posts: 335
Location: Reisterstown, Maryland | So, Michelle, have you found a worthy person to give your Walden to?
Anita |
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March 2009
Posts: 715
| Originally posted by ladylaw:
So, Michelle, have you found a worthy person to give your Walden to?
Anita Well, I want to try and keep it local. But if I can't find someone local, I do know of an OFC member that would be able to use it, but they also understand that I would want to try local first. I didnt' want brown or fed ex to mess with the guitar.
No matter what happens, it will go to a worthy person or organization.
Michelle |
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Posts: 3111
Location: Nashville TN. | You'll be blessed |
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I've Decided to Give Away My Walden
