Going to Hell, Making Donations, and Taking No Prisoners

Aunt Kat, please turn the other way (in your grave) for this will not make you proud. Sometimes a southern woman needs to make herself clear.

A week or so ago, I received the following email:

           Hi Ann!  I hope things are going well with you.

          We are gearing up for our seventh local book and author luncheon to be held this year at              the Orangeburg  Country Club.  Last year you donated a beautiful framed print for our silent           auction and I was wondering if you would be willing to do the same this year.  100% of the             proceeds from the auction, sponsor ships and ticket sales go to our Newspapers in                          Education program.

           If possible,  would like to have the items by Friday, the 13^th.

         Please let me know.  I have attached a copy of the ad with information in case you might be           interested in attending!

        Thank you!

Now for those of you who follow along, you may remember, last year when I was approached by this same lady, I immediately said I would be happy to donate to photograph to their auction. Then upon rereading her email I called her back and after explaining that I, too, was a local author, I asked what the criteria was to participate as an author. She acted as if I never asked the question and just asked when they could pick up the photograph.

Fast forward to this year. When I received her email this morning it dawned on me that until the mention in this current missive, no one had ever thanked me for my donation last year. And after reading this year's email it seemed as if I was going to be asked every year now. Also, no one every offered a complimentary ticket to attend the event. More like - can we please have your donation for our cause - thank you.

"Politely", I responded:

       Actually Carla in addition to my interest in photography, I have published 2 books and being         a local author would like to know what the criteria is for being included as an author. I am just         curious as I mentioned this last year  when I generously donated to the auction and you                 never replied.

        

        I am always happy to support a local cause.

I may be going to Hell. I know this was not "Nice", but Nice girls finish last. I took grave offense, given her response, or lack there of last year. After all it is not like I did not donate to the cause. 

I have nothing to lose but she does.

After all, what is the worse they can do? Take away my birthday?