A Cautionary Tale

[dragonphyre@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Hello all. I post this story both to vent, and so other
beginners can learn from my mistake.

Last spring, a friend saw a carving I did in alabaster of my
Pit Bull, Rosie, and asked if I would do something similar
of her dog, a black Great Dane. I was hesitant, thinking
that a lanky, leggy creature like a Great Dane would be a
difficult subject for a beginner, but finally I agreed. I
ASSUMED that she would offer me a fair payment for my work.
(As the saying goes, when you assume, you make an ass out of
you and me. ass u me)

I decided to really push myself and did the piece in Belgian
Black marble. To make a long story short, I spent a lot
time, money and energy, and finally got it to a point where
I was fairly satisfied with the result. In the meantime, my
friend's husband lost his job, and they fell on difficult
times financially.

When I delivered the piece, my friend did not act as if she
ever intended to pay anything, and I felt too awkward to
push the issue, considering the circumstances.

 From now on, I will get agreements up front in writing,
whether dealing with friends or strangers. At least I got
the experience.

Linda Harbison