Catalina loves Her Daughter - Buy a Raffle Ticket to Win one of Many Great Prizes!
Buy A Raffle Ticket To Win A Limited, Edition, Museum Signed Print From Lochai
I’ve never discussed this on my blog before, but recent developments have prompted me to discuss the reason why I’m no longer a teacher. Being Catalina isn’t always a good thing. I separated early this year with my school as a peaceful way to avoid a public scandal that would ultimately affect my teenage daughter, who attended said school.
Part of my agreement I cannot legally discuss - specifically the reasons and terms of my separation - but use your imaginations. I can say that I agreed to leave quietly and peacefully under the condition that my (straight-a’s, honors courses, award-winning, athlete, without a discipline record) child be allowed to attend her last year of middle school just as if I had resigned at the end of the year. Let me spell this out for you. Faculty receive a substantial tuition discount. I pay 10% of the tuition. This roughly amounts to $1,100. After leaving, all faculty are offered one more year for their children at the faculty tuition discount as a way to avoid disrupting their children’s lives too much.
A few days ago the head of my former school called me to tell me that had rescinded his offer and that she was no longer welcome to attend. In the same phone conversation, he changed his mind and decided to honor our agreement. Well, kind of. I came in with the tuition and they refused to accept my payment.
Later I received an email that stated that on top of the faculty tuition, I am also expected to pay student fees, which are not covered under the faculty discount. Okay, so throw in another $900. I can come up with that, even if it means the car payment doesn’t get paid.
The straw that broke this camel’s back? The additional $1,000 expense account that is being demanded by the 18th of August to cover her lunch account (which was roughly $750 last year) and field trip expenses (which are roughly $250). I requested that she not be allowed to charge a lunch in the cafeteria and that she will bring her lunch, which is an option available to (other) parents, to have this fee waived. The field trip charges, I can’t really object to, that seems fair, so mental tab up to $2,200.
I’ve just been informed that the school is unwilling to waive the expense account fee for her lunch account and demands the entire amount be paid. If it is unused it will be refunded to me at the end of the year. Nice of them to at least offer that. This brings up my new grand total to $3,200 in 8 days.
I went from having her tuition paid to being a mile away.
I have never been as upset as I am right now. For a “Christian” educator to use a child as a pawn in a moral battle against me, and what I represent, is unethical - it’s beyond unethical - it’s reprehensible.
So I’ve played all of my cards, my hands are tied. He wins right now. Because I have been judged a whore, my child loses.
I refuse to allow that to happen. For the first time ever, I am asking my readers to help me. I’ve asked my readers to support the arts (artists, photographers, and other bloggers) but never asked for financial support on my blogs for myself or my family. Today that changes because my child is involved. Today I ask for your support for my daughter’s education and future.
Similar to the project I did for Lochai, I am asking for donations towards my daughter’s education fund. I spoke to Lochai this afternoon, and he has offered to donate three 5×7 museum signed prints from his recent exhibit at the World Erotic Art Museum, two of them are not only museum signed prints, but are also very limited editions.
Alley Bound and Curves are a limited edition of 10 museum signed prints. If you win, you will receive either 6/10 or 7/10. Beach Bound is Lochai’s iconic World’s Most Erotic Photograph winning piece, and is a signed museum print. (Sold normally at $75/print)
On top of Lochai’s unbelievably generous offer, several people have contacted me since posting this and asked to donate items to be raffled off as well. Now, from Ellie Lumpesse we have three books:
The Straight Girl’s Guide to Sleeping With Chicks by Jen Sincero
Aqua Erotica by Mary Anne Mohanraj
The Ultimate Guide to Fellatio by Violet Blue
Ellie is also offering a 30-minute private phone session (that can include her amazingly sexy man) if you win.
And one of Janice’s friends left a comment in my blog that she would donate custom, hand made jewelry (a necklace and earring set) to a runner up.
“It’s not a kinky prize, but pretty,” she said. Pretty indeed! Take a look: http://quem98.livejournal.com/306470.html
Thursday and D have also offered a signed 8×10 print of any one of their photographs and a copy of the book, The Mammoth Book of Illustrated Erotic Women. And Thursday has also offered one of her sexy (orgasmic) voicemails to a lucky winner. Let me tell you, that is one hot prize.
Then I got an email from a total stranger, the writer of Between My Sheets, who offered:
A brand new, still in the package, never been used Silver Bullet Vibe.
And just now I heard from my Naughty Secretary who offered:
Her services as a graphic designer and artist. She is looking into which painting(s) she is going to donate, but she has committed to two separate prizes - each being two hours of graphic design time (normally charged at $120/hr).
Edward, from Exjinn.net, the company that hosts all of our blogs and provides us without outstanding support and service, has offered:
A 50 gig hosting plan from Exjinn.net with 1-year of service.
Thank you, so much! I cannot tell you how moved I am by the random kindness of the community. Lochai’s the one who started the commUNITY concept, but I get it better than ever now.
Essin’ Em, the pansexual feminist sexpert on her way up, just donated a copy of the book, Wetter, with her story signed personally for you. As if that weren’t generous enough, she has also offered an 8×10 print!
Sabrina Fox - does the name ring a bell?
Sabrina Fox, as in the redhead hot as fuck bondage and fetish model, Sabrina Fox, was chatting with me today and mentioned that she has a few pairs of latex panties that she recently wore for a photoshoot that would offer as prizes. Latex panties worn by Sabrina Fox, anyone? Oh wait until I tell W about this when she is older.
Jeff Mach commented: (THANK YOU, JEFF!)
Prize donations, a few: - I am running a New Year’s Eve fetish event in New Jersey at the end of this year (on NYE itself). Tickets are probably going to be something along the lines of $250 per couple - we were actually finalizing that this week. I’ll offer a ticket (that is, admission for two people, including gourmet meal and champagne) for the raffle, if you’d like.
and
I run the Wicked Winter Renaissance Faire, now entering its fourth year, every February - again, in Jersey. We’re going to three days this year, and tickets for all three days would usually be at $40; I can donate two pairs of those, as well, if it will assist you.
I feel like George from “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Graydancer, who posted a very insightful post about the society that we live in, just twittered me (it sounds dirtier than it is) and said:
I didn’t realize you were adding prizes. Throw in an audiobook version of my novel, “Nawashi“.
Thanks, Graydancer! I appreciate it! I didn’t know I was going to add prizes either, until people started offering. The outpouring of support in the various ways people have shown it is very moving. Some people can afford to show their support by purchasing a ticket, some people are supporting us by crossposting, some are offering prizes, some are doing all of the above and then some. I even consider it supportive just to see comments from people who happened upon it and have shown emotional support.
In the comments this morning, from a total stranger, Rose Fox, was this offer, which is generous and naughty — a very good combination for this crowd!:
I’m here via the person who donated the jewelry. I used to review DVDs for AVN, and I’m still on Vivid’s mailing list, so now I have a closet full of unopened Vivid porn DVDs. I’ve been trying to figure out how to donate them someplace and would be delighted to offer them for your cause.
There are too many to catalog, so perhaps 10 “grab bags” of ten DVD’s? I’d do my best to include a varied selection so that the winner is fairly likely to get at least a few titles that suit their tastes.
Thank you, Rose — I don’t know anybody, personally, who would turn down a handful of DVD’s. And you’re really giving away 10 prizes, not just one, so thank you x 10! You’re right, there’s got to be something in there that turns that key in the lock. (Just a note on this: because of the laws regarding the selling of pornography, the winners would need to submit a copy of their ID to Rose in order for her to be able to send them to you.)
Also in the comments this morning was a message from Beautiful Rebecca offering a piece of original sensual art:
I have an original piece of sensual art from the artist I live with I would like to donate. It was scheduled for a gallery show next year but we would much rather have it go to your cause as it hit home.
I believe most of my readers know Ms. Nikki Nefarious. She’s not only an award-winning rigger, but an award-winning photographer as well (http://alteredaperture.com). She is also a very close, personal friend of mine and although she is going through her own crisis after leaving her own job, she has offered to donate some of her prints as well as a rope kit. Here are the details:
Collette for TABU Magazine 8 x 12
Jamie in Latex 8 x 12
Girl’s Best Friend 8 x 12
Scream 8 x 10
GarGirl Bound 8 x 10
The Enforcer 8 x 10
Sarah Sealed 8 x 10
Red Hood 8 x 10
and then A Starter Rope Package (4-pack of multi-colored ropes in different lengths and hemp rope cuffs)
Lily, who calls herself Lily (the rope ho) in her comment below offered:
3 x 30ft hand-dyed, processed 6mm hemp kit to add to the prize box
Radical Vixen, who most of you know as the editor of the weekly sex blog digest, Sugasm, is a very active political advocate. She has offered two books for the raffle: (Thanks, Vix!!)
She’s on Top: Erotic Stories of Female Dominance and Male Submission
Sex and Bacon: Why I Love Things That Are Very, Very Bad For Me
I’m officially launching the “Catalina’s Emergency Tuition Fund Raffle”, here is the link to buy your virtual ticket. Tickets are $10.00 each, you can buy as many as you’d like (if you’d like to donate $50.00, for example, I’ll enter your name 5 times). I really will write down names and put them in a hat, and my daughter can pick the winners (of course I’ll come up with some vanilla reason why she’s doing it). We’ll choose the winners on August 17th at 10 pm. You will be notified by 10:30 pm.
**I wanted to mention that any money in excess of need will be donated to the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom. At the end of the year when this ridiculous expense account is refunded to me, I will also donate that money to the NCSF. This is more than one parent’s experience/nightmare. It’s the bigger cause that we are ultimately fighting for. If you’re not familiar with the mission of the NCSF, this is copied from their page:
The National Coalition for Sexual Freedom is a national organization committed to creating a political, legal, and social environment in the United States that advances equal rights of consenting adults who practice forms of alternative sexual expression. NCSF is primarily focused on the rights of consenting adults in the SM-leather-fetish, swing, and polyamory communities, who often face discrimination because of their sexual expression.
[...] [Cross-Posted From Catalina Loves] [...]
I can’t even begin to express my anger on your behalf and hers, I really can’t. I only wish I could donate more. Others will be more eloquent, lol, I’m sure. I’m just so shocked that I can’t express it. What an awful, horrible man.
Thanks, Lilly — I wish I had an outlet for anger aside from running. It’s difficult to channel anger without violence, yet I’m so angry all I can do is cry. Thank God that Marky is a better faker than I am, so he’s keeping the children away from me today so that I can sit here in my room and do just that. Lots of tears today.
Sometimes life is unfair - we all know that - but as a parent, when life is unfair to your child, it is a whole different story.
Thanks again, for your support and comment. It means the world to me. You have no idea.
[...] the link for the full story: Catalina Loves Her Daughter. What is comes down to is that it’s not enough for the school to punish her for what they [...]
I refuse to use PayPal. Is there anyway to send a check?
Yes!
I will email you my address since I have your email from our other project.
Thanks! I don’t use PayPal much myself, but I didn’t see another real option. I suppose this is a good option!
Catalina
I don’t know you but I have seen Lochai’s work and have admired you in pictures. As a christian kinkster, I find this morally inept to say the very least. Sigh one of the reasons I left my nondemoniational church for a UCC church. Intolerance is unacceptable on any level and even more so for those whose life work is to extend the gospel. I can’t do much but hopefully a little will help and I will spread the word. Be strong and know that you are blessed.
Thanks, Dana — I think there are a lot of good people out there who consider themselves to be Christian, which is why I put “Christian” in quotes in this post. I think he’s one of those people that make Christians look bad.
A little helps a lot and spreading the word is just as important, if not more.
Best,
Catalina
This terrible - I intend to assist. This is when friends need to step up. If you can’t invest in a child’s future - than what?
How horrible. As a new teacher, I have avoided any further thoughts of being a nude model or photographer over fear something similar would happen to myself, in the public school system.
In no way should your fight have ever become your daughters fight. I gladly donated what I could to help your daughter out.
[...] tuition bill and you will have a chance to win some very valuable and beautiful prizes. Proceed to her website to see all of the details. Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and [...]
Mr. Johnson - I’ll see you Wednesday - you are the best.
Roni - The random kindness of strangers touches me beyond words. I hope you never experience something similar.
If you’re looking for other prizes and donations, I can offer custom, and made jewelry (a necklace and earring set) to a runner up. (Ask Janice about my jewelry making skills. And see link below.)
It’s not a kinky prize, but pretty.
http://quem98.livejournal.com/306470.html
[...] The short of it is: Catalina left her teaching job early this year due to a lifestyle conflict with the administration and in order to avoid a public scandal. Her teenage daughter still attends the school, and the only way she is able to attend this private institution is through the agreement Catalina made when she left. Her daughter is able to remain at the school paying tuition with the faculty discount because “all faculty are offered one more year for their children at the faculty tuition discount as a way to avoid disrupting their children’s lives too much.” This seems reasonable, no? However, the administration has decided that they needed to add a large amount of fees onto her bill as well (for the first time) which is due in the next week. You can read the full tale here, which is much more detailed. [...]
It’s a beautiful prize and I’m honored that you offer! I’ll add it to the post! :)
Please tell Janice to give you a big hug for me. Hers are the best!
Thanks again,
Catalina
shared your story on his LJ. As I said to him, your situation is not uncommon as I have been asked to leave numerous xtian organizations over the past 20 years due to my lack of censorship and open honesty about my lifestyle. I now live an hour away from the father of my three children in order to give my kids the chance they need to survive in that world until they can make the decision for themselves. I absolutely know and understand what you are going through. I will definitely send you some money on Friday to help with the cost of her tuition until she can finish this next year out.
I am no longer a xtian. It was far too painful for me to believe in something that tortured my very existence to the core.
[...] here to go to Catalina’s blog and read the whole story (what she can divulge, at least) and please [...]
I’ve sent my contribution and Twittered. All the best to you and your daughter.
Thank you, Viviane! I am absolutely moved beyond words, again, at the community support that we’ve seen. It’s unbelievable. I have no family, so this sense of family is very foreign, but very good.
I hope you win something sexy! :) Sabrina Fox’s panties were just added…
Prize donations, a few: - I am running a New Year’s Eve fetish event in New Jersey at the end of this year (on NYE itself). Tickets are probably going to be something along the lines of $250 per couple - we were actually finalizing that this week. I’ll offer a ticket (that is, admission for two people, including gourmet meal and champagne) for the raffle, if you’d like.
I am also going to email you to see if I would be able to hire your marketing and PR for that event. If there is anything that is within my budget, I’m hoping this would help you - and it’s not charity by any means; I feel, from your work, that you’d be an excellent choice and I’d be fortunate to work with you and Marky if I’m able.
Finally, I run the Wicked Winter Renaissance Faire, now entering its fourth year, every February - again, in Jersey. We’re going to three days this year, and tickets for all three days would usually be at $40; I can donate two pairs of those, as well, if it will assist you.
Jeff,
Thank you so much! I would love to be able to add your generous prizes to the list! I’ll email you about the rest.
I started the day crying and have ended it smiling.
What a roller coaster of a day.
Thanks again,
Catalina
Hi there,
I’m here via the person who donated the jewelry. I used to review DVDs for AVN, and I’m still on Vivid’s mailing list, so now I have a closet full of unopened Vivid porn DVDs. I’ve been trying to figure out how to donate them someplace and would be delighted to offer them for your cause.
There are too many to catalog, so perhaps “grab bags” of ten? I’d do my best to include a varied selection so that the winner is fairly likely to get at least a few titles that suit their tastes.
If you don’t want to include mainstream porn in this, of course, I understand. Just let me know either way. My email address is the domain name linked off my name below, but with the . after ‘rosefox’ replaced with an @.
I wish you and your daughter the very best.
Ah, I wish I could do more to help than repost, but alas, I’ve been out of work far to long and barely have enough to live on myself, but I’ll send along my good wishes!
Donated what I can. Will spread the word. Best of luck!
Here’s a hello from Germany, together with my best wishes and a little bit through Paypal just now. I hope you will receive a big enough total to support your daughter’s education. Good luck for you and your family! Please keep us posted. I’ll be thinking of you.
I have an original piece of sensual art from the artist I live with I would like to donate. It was scheduled for a gallery show next year but we would much rather have it go to your cause as it hit home.
[...] Catalina Loves - Catalina Loves Her Daughter [...]
Hello Catalina,
I was so saddened and angry and upset reading your story. Your troubles represent so many issues I come across so often! Why should any of us come out of the closet, when we have examples like yours to tell us it isn’t safe? Why should any of us fight to be seen and heard and respected when we’re shown time and time again how much it costs us to do so? It’s very upsetting.
Sometimes I wonder if these battles would feel any easier if more people were openly fighting them. I mean, if we felt less alone about the problems, would they feel any smaller? Would they get solved any quicker? Like, support groups would be good, “Kinky Resistance Against Prejudice” maybe?
Oh, wait, that doesn’t make a very good acronym. :p
The idea that the people running that school used your daughter to essentially blackmail you into an agreement which was to your detriment, and then reneging on that agreement to blackmail you further?! How utterly vile.
I do hope that once your daughter is no longer subject to the school’s jurisdiction, you will then be able to safely disclose just what they’ve done to you and your family.
I’ve given a little something to your fund this morning, at 12:02 IST, 07:02 EDT. I wish it could be more.
I’ll be thinking of you and your family.
Best regards,
Lubyanka.
I have cross-posted…
http://quem98.livejournal.com/323779.html
Can you add a comment section to the donation page? (one person mentioned wanting to leave a comment and donate without being entered into the raffle)
-Sam
I just saw this by way of Matisse linking from her blog. I was a middle school teacher for 5 years and just recently left that line of work. I’m off to a different job in the education field this morning, but you can count on me to come back and donate as much as my educator’s pocket-book will allow.
Here via Matisse’s blog. I’ve sent in my donation, and I hope lots of other people will do the same! Best wishes to you and your family.
Oh man, I knew something had gone down with your job but I had no idea it was this bad. I wish I could say I was surprised but I lived in that town and I know how those folks are all too well. You are smart to do this though, your daughter has a right to finish with her friends.
[...] x-posted from CatalinaLoves! [...]
Wow. I’d almost forgotten how horrible people can be. -sighs-
I wish I could make a donation but I’m exceptionally limited right now.
I just wanted you to know my thoughts are with you and I hope things work out for you and your daughter.
Here via Matisse - it’s terrible that they’ve involved your daughter in this. I’m not usually a monetary supporter of kinksters (not because I have Principles, but because I’m a brokeass college kid), but this was so unfair I had to donate. Isn’t much, but I hope it helps. Best of luck.
Rose - I think that it can’t hurt to have them as prizes. I don’t know anybody personally who would turn down a grab bag of DVD’s. There must be something there people like :) I’d love to take you up on your offer and include it in the prize list! Thank you!
Catalina
Jeanie - A friend of mine always says it is easy to be generous when you have it to give, it’s a true test when you have to sacrifice to do it. I appreciate it, but more importantly, so does she, she just doesn’t know it yet.
Best of luck in school! If you need help with your Spanish homework, let me know ;)
Catalina
Cat (the other Cat),
Thanks - yeah, we haven’t had a chance to talk much since MDS isn’t where you work anymore, but things were ugly and this is just … inexcusable. I had no idea how strong of a community I am a part of, though, because the response and support in every form has been nothing short of overwhelming.
I hope we can reconnect soon. We’re both Mommies and we love to be tied up by Nikki. What more do we need in common?!
xo,
Catalina
Dara,
…I felt exasperated yesterday. Like the bad guys won. That there is really nothing good in humanity. Completely defeated. I wept for the injustice of it all.
…I can assure you, there is more good outshining the negative, in this instance, at least, and I’ve done nothing but cry tears of happiness, humility, and gratefuness today.
Thanks for your comment. Comments are invaluable. Priceless, as one of the major evil credit card companies would say.
Sincerely,
Catalina
Annie B - Thank you for your support. I’m touched that Mistress Matisse would direct people here. I’ll be sure to thank her personally.
Warm wishes and deep appreciation,
Catalina
Red,
Thank you — for your words and your support.
I love your blog, by the way … the image with the xray is striking and makes the title even more interesting. Obviously you thought that through ;) But neat. I like clever.
Thanks again,
Catalina
Sam — I asked Mark to go into Paypal and look at that, but I found the comment you mentioned in your livejournal and made a note of it.
Thanks again. Your jewelry is undeniably beautiful!
Lubyanka,
KRAP might not be the best acronym, you’re right :) I remember my friend’s father had a sticker that said FART: Fathers against radical teenagers… as a teenager it was funny.
When she is safely out of the line of fire, I do intend to let hell rain down upon them. Or at least, I hope to. One more year of playing nice…
Thanks for your support, both in words and in money. Both matter!
Catalina
Tony and Sun,
Thank you so much for your kind words and your generosity. I feel like I keep saying it over and over, but the positivity of these random acts of kindness from strangers all over the world outweighs the negativity of the experience. I am grateful.
Catalina
As a fellow teacher (currently on maternity leave) this burns my ass. I saw the link on Mistress Matisse’s blog and I’ll try to send some traffic your way by doing a dedicated post on my blog too.
We’ll be donating later as soon as I get Sexyhusband’s attention at work and an amount.
I wish I had something to donate too. I’m not really well known enough that a custom erotic story by me would probably be a draw for anyone. If you want one though, let me know and I’ll write the official offer text.
Long time reader from the uk and single working mum. Love your blog and think you’re great. It’s really crappy what’s happened to you and your daughter and I’m more than happy to give a little helping hand - donation on the way.
One question: when the unused lunch money is refunded at the end of the year, what do you plan to do with it? Since it was donated to you, will you pass it on to another charity, or refund it proportionally to the people who bought raffle tickets, or…?
Wow this sucks. Really sucks.
Money sent. I can’t imaging that this is legal. It certainly isn’t moral in ANY way.
-sir.
Rose,
Great Question!!! I was just talking with Lochai about that. Any excess money from the raffle will be donated to the NCSF, unless someone has a huge objection to that. I can’t imagine anybody would disagree that the money going to the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (www.ncsfreedom.org) is a good way to give back.
I will plan to personally get involved with the NCSF once my daughter is out of the line of fire.
Catalina
Illegal, probably - but they know I’m not in a position to fight it right now and with my daughter caught in the middle of a legal battle over my morality, I just can’t… yet.
Immoral - no doubt about it.
Thanks for your support!
Catalina
Blessings and patience until this storm passes.
~Del
Thank you, Del.
Sincerely.
Oooh, all of those are lovely prizes (and the money for a good & valid cause - being a school teacher myself, I sympathize greatly).
Are you doing each bit individually? What if you’re interested in say…being in a raffle for the donations from Jeff Mach over the other items? (which if you can’t be specific, I understand - because it sounds like you’ve have your hands full with donations!)
I’ve sent a donation to the fund. I can also offer 3 x 30ft hand-dyed, processed 6mm hemp kit to the raffle if you want to add to the prize box.
What’s been done to your daughter is just plain mean. “Jesus, protect me from your followers!”
Normally I am a lurker, but I had to delurk to say I think it is a disgrace that your child is being punished because some tiny minds have issue with your lifestyle. The only thing I have to donate is a few bucks and my staunch support. I hope it helps.
[...] who calls herself Lily (the rope ho) in her comment below [...]
Gives new meaning to “The odds are good but the goods are odd…” heh. Luckily I’m into odd.
I’m strapped right now but the cause is a good one. Everyone’s parents should love them so much.
I followed the link from Mistress Matisse - I sincerely wish I had the money to donate, and in a few days I get paid so I will be back. Not only is it wrong to punish a child for what is perceived to be a parent’s wrong-doing, but the fact that they can take this kind of action and still look down on you is as low as it goes. Hypocritical assholes!
As I was reading this entry, I was already looking around for my wallet. But when you mentioned the NCSF, I doubled my donation. This is a wonderful organization and I hope you make use of them to help you in your situation.
In the mean time, good luck. I’ll cross my fingers and send good juju your way!
I followed a link that Sabrina Fox posted on the Yahoo! group of a local BDSM lifestyle support group. Being the mother of a 9 year old girl, I understand your situation and would hate to see the same thing happen to me should someone discover my lifestyle preference. I hope that my donation will help her continue her education, and I am happy knowing that the remaining funds will go to a worthwhile organization like the NCSF. Good Luck!
[...] Oh, if you haven’t (or if you have), go buy a raffle ticket for Catalina’s daughter. (here) [...]
Heather - I do hope it never happens to you, but the lesson here is it could happen to any of us. :( I hope to raise a lot of money for NCSF, actually. And at the end of the year it will feel good to give them the refunded money from the asshat school. :)
Sophia - Thank you for your support. Like I was telling Heather, I hope that in the end the Greater Cause is what I’m ultimately supporting.
JT - Thanks for leaving a supportive comment. The support I’ve gotten from this community has quite literally picked me up off of the floor and I feel gently held up by good people. Thank you, sincerely.
Nick - I think that may be the single biggest compliment I’ve ever received as a mom. It made me feel really good. You’re right, if only everybody’s parents loved their children as much as we love ours. Our own parents are guilty of turning their backs on their own children, and I know it’s the same for a lot of others like us.
Karla - I’m glad that this got you to come out of lurking into the light. Thank you for your generosity. I feel like I keep saying thank you over and over, but it’s all I’ve got. I’m filled with gratitude and emotion.
Thanks to everybody who is cross posting, too. I think awareness of the larger problem is a valuable tool against it happening to others.
I hope that we raise so much that NCSF has a substantial amount at the end of this raffle. There are even more prizes now than before! The raffle goes through Sunday, so there’s still time to buy a ticket :)
Very sincerely,
Catalina
Wow… I’ve donated 10$ and I will post a link on my blog, as well. It might not get you much trafic but it’s better than nothing ;) Good luck!
omg………just reading. ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME????? *sigh* I will keep you and the family in my prayers!!! xxoo
[...] a quick note (wow, 3rd post today!): I stumbled upon Catalina’s blog, and I think we should all help her and her daughter. One of the major points of my blog is that [...]
I just donated a small amount. I hope I didn’t get tagged by PayPal - I have issues with them and don’t for the life of me see why i”d let some on-line outfit put their hand in my pocket. It’s not necessary. I admire your story enough that I took a chance. What a story. I hope you get enough for your daughter and have some left for NCSF too. They are awesome.
[...] and suffers repercussions based solely on their personal preferences. Without a lot of buid-up, I refer you to Catalina Loves and the saga of her termination from teaching. Tagged in: Catalina Ramirez, [...]
I have cross-posted to this site from my blog. I am angered by the “educator’s” arrogance, and pry you are successful with your campaign.
[...] that there is both a willingness to share and a willingness to work. What sets aside a cause like Catalina Loves Her Daughter from a charity is that she didn’t come out and say “Give me money to help me [...]
It’s insane that something as important as this (a child’s future) is being used by the school to let you know how they disagree with the choices you make. I can only say that it disgusts me.
As a social worker I am all to aware of the ‘danger’ of the outside world not agreeing with my lifestyle and your blog has pushed the narrow mindedness of the world into my face once more. It’s a pity that said school can’t focus on what is important (children and their future) but decides to focus on you, a stable person who has made her own decisions and life fit her needs.
Thank god you know how to turn this unfortunate event into something that brings us all closer.
I hope we can reconnect soon. We’re both Mommies and we love to be tied up by Nikki. What more do we need in common?!. Indeed I told Nikki is was way past time for a tie up :) You know I am always up for that. But I am also up for lunch to catch up…I miss you guys.
[...] a loss for words at the outpouring of support that people in our community have shown our family by donating prizes for the raffle, buying tickets, cross posting to spread the word, and the kind words…. We are proud to say that our personal need has been met and good (us, the sinners) triumphs over [...]
[...] read Catalina Loves blog and read on how apparently crap like this still [...]
[...] who calls herself Lily (the rope ho) in her comment has [...]
Talk about someone in need of a spanking. What a complete wanker! As much as it pains me to contribute funds to an institution run by such an unmitigated ass-hat, it is for the greater good. I see his actions as additionally vile given that you are obviously a kick-ass mom since your child is such a rock-star success story. The world should have more moms like you and I feel sorry for all the kids you used to work with at their school who now won’t even get a glimpse of what really good parenting can look like.
Don’t know you by the way(though I’ve bookmarked your blog now). Found you through Matisse. I’ll be doing a cross-post on my own blog later today in addition to sending some positive mojo(the money got sent last night) your way.
Last note, have you considered posting on The Hang over at Max Fisch? I don’t know if that’s more public then you would like. I’m new to that board myself, but if you aren’t a member(it can take a few days to process) I’d be happy to do a post over there for you. Just let me know…
Be mighty.
Donated. Best of luck to you. =)
Sir. Sexy Cruiser– Well, sound like raffle is a good idea for the event prizes …but I have one word …EBAY … for the stuff ,with this link in the ebay listings ..and it will bring in more money then raffling each item separate… I can donate my time and give a free spanking leaaon a 4 hours seession worth $1000
[...] a loss for words at the outpouring of support that people in our community have shown our family by donating prizes for the raffle, buying tickets, cross posting to spread the word, and the kind words…. We are proud to say that our personal need has been met and good (us, the sinners) triumphs over [...]
[...] a loss for words at the outpouring of support that people in our community have shown our family by donating prizes for the raffle, buying tickets, cross posting to spread the word, and the kind words…. We are proud to say that our personal need has been met and good (us, the sinners) triumphs over [...]
[...] a loss for words at the outpouring of support that people in our community have shown our family by donating prizes for the raffle, buying tickets, cross posting to spread the word, and the kind words…. We are proud to say that our personal need has been met and good (us, the sinners) triumphs over [...]
[...] a loss for words at the outpouring of support that people in our community have shown our family by donating prizes for the raffle, buying tickets, cross posting to spread the word, and the kind words…. We are proud to say that our personal need has been met and good (us, the sinners) triumphs over [...]
I’m so touched by your love for your daughter, your respect for your own path, and the wonderful caring shown by our community! I’ve already purchased some tickets, and am in the process of posting to my blog. Will you let us know how many tickets were purchased when it all wraps up?
Ruth
Ruth,
Thanks for your support. I am beyond touched by the wonderful caring shown by our community! It’s surreal. I will, in fact, be very transparent about the numbers, total tickets, and how much was donated to NCSF as well. We are even going to take pictures of the raffle process :) Some people have opted to donate and not be entered into the prize raffle, so I’ve got to figure that out, but I’ll be posting a final update with all of that info.
I can only say Thank You, yet again, as I’m without a better way to express my gratitude right now.
Sincerely,
Catalina
[...] Originally Catalina needed to raise funds for her daughter’s tuition because some asshats were messing with her. The full story can be read here. [...]
A friend of mine directed me to this site, I’ve contributed a little and best of luck with getting all of this sorted out with your daughter.
~~Of course, I’m late to respond!
This is absolutely, the most stupid thing I’ve ever heard.
[You have my support in this, for sure!]
**
Right now, money is tight for me,
but, what I can do is enter something
that might be of interest in the raffle.
Just let me know if these items would
be ok.
1] An autographed, hardcover, copy,
of “A View From Above,” by, Wilt Chamberlain.
2] A copy of Horacio Altuna’s “Naughty Escapades”
[Hardcover/Heavy Metal Edition]
3] A copy of Vaughn Bode’s “Poem Toons”
Softcover/fully illustrated/One of his final
works; includes, Biographical information & tributes
from fellow artists.
You can reach me at my e-mail.
Let me know where to send these.
~x~Will
[...] obvious that I’ve recently encountered issues with people who have deemed my writing as immoral. I have no problems admitting to the world that I am working towards a legitimate career as a sex [...]
[...] obvious that I’ve recently encountered issues with people who have deemed my writing as immoral. I have no problems admitting to the world that I am working towards a legitimate career as a sex [...]
I found you via CurvaceousDee good luck and i hope your your daughter does well , 10 bucks is nothing compared to a good education my thoughts and 10 bucks are yours :) ( i have a 9 yr old daughter so feel for you )
[...] I’ve been a little out of my routine lately, but it feels really great to be getting back to normal. [...]
Good luck. Just bought some tickets today.
Hi Catalina,
I read submissivereflections quite often, and I started exploring about the links on her site and came across this.
I’m a single mother in the UK, and it’s hard enough trying to be everything to my girl without other people pressing their prejudices on me. I can’t imagine how much stress you must be going through right now. I can only afford to buy one ticket, but every little counts, and it’s money better donated to something so important.
I would want to kill them, I’m amazed you haven’t. This sort of the thing is why I’m not religious anymore.
I wish you both all the best.
(That picture at the top is amazing. Rar.)
I’m impressed with the responce from this community, but as already articulated, this should have never been your daughter’s fight. It breaks my heart to hear your story, and I hope you meet your goal.
While I am not a member of your fetish community, I am your fellow citizen and I support you. I proudly made what donation I could.
I’m sorry you have been persecuted for being yourself. I don’t fin dyou immoral, and I am ashamed at how little people can be when they simply don’t understand something.
My body quakes with rage at what has been done to you, but I am calmed by the positive outreach you have recieved. Those religious zealouts can hudle together and give their little self congratulating mastubatory speeches but we can’t masterbate or express sexuality in an artistic manner?
The irony is lost on people like that.
I am so sorry that you and your daughter have been put through this nightmare! You are showing grace under fire and have proven yet again that there is more to this lifestyle than most realize. It’s a pity that others can’t look beyond the bondage and see the heart that beats within this community. I sincerely hope that things go better for you and yours soon.
Okay I am done fighting with frickkin paypal. I think I may have missed the auction but I dont care. Is there a p.o. box I can send to to still help? My private email is maressap@chorus.net. Let meknow and keep up the good fight.
[...] circles of bloggers that form a Venn Diagram in the bloggosphere. A recent example of this was our issue with our child’s education. When we put out the call for help, the response was so overwhelming that only tears could [...]
Found this through Graydancer’s site… this sort of hypoocrisy and holier than thou garbage is exactly why I have no respect left for organized religeons, but I’m not writing this to rant.
You can add another item to be raffled. How about an hour of coaching via Skype or phone (think of it as a private presentation and Q&A) on the subject(s) of choice. This can be “Excellence in Aftercare”, “Deep Headspace Exploration (Endorphins and/or Highly Erotic Scenes), “Successfully Mixing Singles and Couples in Play Without Drama” and more.
People can see my Alternative Presenter Bio to get an idea of what I can offer. Sorry, but you just can’t safely teach Advanced Fire Play or Single Tail Practice Drills if you’re not face to face with people.
The bio is at:
http://alternativepresenter.com/index.php?option=com_comprofiler&task=userProfile&user=239
I wish I could just buy tickets but the budget won’t allow for that… but there is always something each of us can do.
Good luck!
NCD
awwwww sweetheart… this is SOOOO heartwrecking to read… why didn’t you told me before… damn, I feel your anger ! We just introduced a maximum bill here in Belgian schools. So parents know what they have to pay and what is facultative…
So do you have any clue what can I offer if the auction is still up ? Contact me, I’m sure we’ll find something ;-)
love !