Comments on: ideas do grow on trees

By: Nila

Nila — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 05:15:40 +0000

My mom is always broke because she’s helping my sister get through school. It’s rough, and I always feel the need to help, but how much without hurting my family. You’re in a tough spot.

My husband used to design t-shirts, and used several screen printing business. One was out of a garage. Maybe you don’t need to buy the whole business to start, but one printing press (or whatever they’re called), then print t-shirts for local businesses or such to cover the over head and help support your own projects. If anyone can make it work, you can.

By: Gingermog

Gingermog — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:14:23 +0000

Sorry for not posting much, new job and some other sad things. I am doubly sorry to read this post as I thought things were looking up for CC and the family. I may be able to understand a wee, bit about the situation as I have a sister, who has had a fair share of misfortune come her and her partners way, no matter what choices they made, which has made me feel sad and guilty, she’s doing really well now though luckily.

I don’t know how much capital you would need to buy the t-shirt business, but the idea has legs. One thing I would say about reading your blog is that you know how to sell, unconscienciously (spelling) I mean, not hard selling which puts people off. You have come up with some great ideas, and packaged them beautifully.

I know of a successfull design company here in London who lived for several years mostly off the revenue of selling their t-shirts. They just came up with the designs though, the tees were printed abroad. I think you have to print a lot to make a profit if you do them yourself. I do know a girl who used to co-run a tee-shirt business would you like me to ask?

I’m afeared of the looming crash too, makes the future even more uncertain.

By: She Likes Purple

She Likes Purple — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:24:22 +0000

I’m really proud of you for sharing this. Even if it’s not my place to be proud.

And I think you, more than many, many people, could make that dream come true. You have an entire Internet who would buy T-shirts from you.

I’m thinking of you and your family. I know too well where you’re at.

By: toni

toni — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:01:48 +0000

Your honesty is admirable and much appreciated. We all learn from one another’s transparencies! I hope things work out with you and your family. Poverty comes in all sorts of experiences and situations, but they are all difficult nonetheless. You emanate so much good karma, SAJ, I believe that all that goodness will come back to you and your loved ones.

By: jenB

jenB — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:24:47 +0000

this is such an honest post and one that i know a lot of people could relate to. it is hard to watch family suffer and struggle and you are obviously so sensitive and are so close to your family that this is particular difficult for you. you are a fantastic and sensitive person. i wish i could do something to help you, help you family, mostly, help you worry. i think we all have family and friends who need a foot or a footstool up. i hope things get better for you and your loved ones. you are such a generous, creative and obviously loving person.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 03:47:07 +0000

Robert Reich puts full out depression at 20% slim but it may happen- I’m from Cleveland and the economy sucks here too. Lots of good people in this country just wanting a chance for their piece of the “dream” and you hurt for them. Hugs to your brother and his family. I know I hurt when my family hurts.

By: adriana

adriana — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:38:28 +0000

All I can say is that you aren’t alone. Your words are profound, and thank you for being blunt in saying that California is headed into a depression. Not many people want to admit this.

Why don’t you channel this anger into some political activity? John Edwards has been a strong advocate for the poor. Have you listened to his message? The story you tell is much like the ones that he gives speeches about. Action is going to propel your family and others like it forward, more so than prayer. Let’s face it. We are closer on the food chain to those in poverty than we are to Bill Gates.

I sincerely with you guys the best. Your brothers kids are adorable, and they are deserving of every opportunity that America can offer… just like those privileged children living on the beach.

Fight the power SAJ!

By: bethany v

bethany v — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 01:09:27 +0000

such a horribly hard line. want to help/can’t help/sometimes better not to help. you’re golden, CC’s golden, and your hearts are in the right place. hugs to all and thanks for being candid.

By: Richard

Richard — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 21:01:52 +0000

Let’s be clear about guilt:

It’s appropriate to feel guilt if you’ve done something wrong. It’s appropriate to feel sorry and give charity to a family member who can’t help themselves.

It’s inappropriate to feel guilt if that family member can help himself, doesn’t, and has no plan.
This is when helping brings everyone down. Endlessly!

By: Kaili

Kaili — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 16:06:20 +0000

Maybe being there is the help your brother needs. It’s so rough with family, cause you want to help, but does it actually help them or do they need to go through their own stuff to figure it all out? It’s a fine fine line and those kinds of things drive me nuts too. I hope in the long run looking back this was a brief time and things get better for everyone in your family. Thanks for being so open and honest, we need more people to do that. All the best, you and your family are in my thoughts.