Wednesday, March 20, 2013

fresh gathered & giving


Thank you for reading. I've wanted to be a writer since I was three. Your reading of my words makes me a writer. 


If you get anything out of reading The Wilder Coast- humor, escape, a five minute distraction from work, empathy- and by the way, this is what I hope you get- then consider giving a donation. This blog is my reason to wake up, but it's also extremely time consuming. Your donation makes writing this thing possible. Click on the yellow Donate Button on the right sidebar to use your credit card. 


Last year, I did not ask for donations. I was living on the ship, before the ship was good, and what I truly needed was letters. And I got them. Your letters kept me afloat, and they still do. I keep them in a box on my bookshelf and read through them from time to time. 


This year, I'm excited to offer something new and tangible. If you donate 25$ or above, I will make you a pendant from freshly gathered sea glass here on the original wild coast.


I make these pendants at my kitchen table, usually while listening to The Decemberists or anyone who can deliver a good sea chanty. The glass will make a lovely necklace-with-a-story, or just a pocket token for you to have, a little piece of the coast. 

As always, anyone who donates at any level will receive a handwritten Wilder Coast photo card as a thank you. (The cards change every year, and this one is good, but the design is a secret until it lands in your mailbox.) This is not just a scrawled thank you- I write a full on letter and send it to the billing address provided by Paypal. 


There is a comment section through Paypal, so feel free to tell me a little about yourself, then your thank you card will be a continuation of dialog- my favorite. 


As we all know by now, blue sea glass means good luck in love, so if you're feeling like you need some extra luck, mention that in the Paypal comment section and I'll try my best to find some blue for you. Not guaranteed, because it's rare! but I'll try my best. It worked for me.


If you love the Wilder Coast, consider donating if you can with the yellow button on the right. If you can't, you can always help by sharing this blog with anyone who might enjoy reading it. If you'd like to see more about giving and my thoughts on the magnificently weird realm of blogs in general, check out A Letter to Readers.

Thank you to you for reading.

With love,

Melina
The Anchored Ship Cafe on Ballard Ave, March 2013

50 comments:

SmithShack71 said...

Wish I could. I'm so pinched. One day I know I'll pinch myself because you are going to blow up and be a very famous writer, and I'll be all, damn, I read this kid (woman) and had a chance at some sea glass and personal words straight up delivered to my door. Already feeling the burn from it. Tried to decide whether to even comment, but decided to because I really do love your words and wish you all the best.

-Angie

Melina said...

Angie-

I've been there before. No need to feel the burn. I read your blog and I love your comments- I know you!

xo
Lina

SmithShack71 said...

You are so awesome.
You have a great day!

xo
Angie

Anonymous said...

Do you know the band "The Once"? They're from Newfoundland, and would provide a great soundtrack for your sea glass projects.

Karen said...

I'm a newer reader and I am loving your story. So inspiring. I donated because I want you to keep doing what you're doing. And I don't need any luck, so I'm not looking for anything blue, but I think it will just be awesome to have a piece of your adventure.

Anonymous said...

Hey Melina,

I just started reading your blog recently and I love it! Your sincerity, warmth, love for life, strength and openness are inspiring. Reading your blog makes me laugh (sometimes through tears) and warms my heart. Keep writing!

I am happy that I am fortunate enough to have been able to contribute a small amount for the blog. I hope it helps.

Best wishes and hugs,
Tsveta

Anonymous said...

Hey Melina,

I just started reading your blog recently and I love it! Your sincerity, warmth, love for life, strength and openness are inspiring. Reading your blog makes me laugh (sometimes through tears) and warms my heart. Keep writing!

I am happy that I am fortunate enough to have been able to contribute a small amount for the blog. I hope it helps.

Best wishes and hugs,
Tsveta

Jill said...

Doing anything to the Decemberists is doing it well. A little Rox in the Box always gets me motivated. Anyway, Melina dear those look beautiful! If I wasn't absolutely strapped, I would do it. I really would. I completely agree with SmithShack71- someday I'll be kicking myself- "It was only $25, you crazy girl!" I'm fairly new to this blog of yours but I love it for two reasons: A) You are a great writer- insightful, inspirational, and brutally honest- and you are someone I relate to, which is odd since I get the feeling we are very different. B) Hometeam is really cute. :) I know I'll still be following your words years from now. Keep it up!

Sarah said...

...I am a recent reader but love your blog. Have donated a little something... to allow you to continue to do what you do! Thanks for sharing stories and snippets of your life on the internets!

Wishing you all the best from Canada's Arctic!

Cheers,
Sarah

Jona said...

On it's way Lina. Best subscription I signed up for!

Angela said...

Ditto what Jona said -- pendant or not, this blog is so worth the $!! Loving it all!

Best wishes to you!

Melina said...

Karen,

thank you. I'm so happy to send you a little piece of adventure.

xo
Melina

Melina said...

Tsveta,

thank you for such encouraging words. they mean the world! Your donation is so helpful. it literally makes this possible. THANK YOU.

melina

Melina said...

Jillian,

"I know I'll still be following your words years from now" are the most magical words I can hear. thank you. and please- i've been there (in fact, I AM there) completely pinched/strapped. Trust me, I understand.

much love
Melina

Melina said...

Thank you Sarah! Your life intrigues me, what do you do up there in the arctic?

xo
Melina

Melina said...

Hi Jona!

I owe you & L an email and a huge congratulations!!

xox
lina

Unknown said...

I just donated but didn't see a comment box. Maybe bc I paid with a card instead of through Paypal? Anyway, just wanted you to know that I feel privileged to read your writing here and on IG. You're a beautiful writer and a beautiful soul. Keep on doing what you do. :)
Gratefully,
Michelle Thode

Anonymous said...

Here's my dealee-o (is there a good way to spell that): I've seen so many good writers/bloggers get so sucked into the marketing/profit of their blogs that their blogs really ended up sucking. A lot. And then they lose their audience, and profit, and it were all fer naught. Please don't be that person. I sent my donation, because I believe in your talents. I believe in your talents because you affect me with your writing. I want it to continue. Use your powers for good, is what I'm saying.

~SaraBee~
Lewiston, ID

Anonymous said...

So let me get this straight. You want readers to donate $25 or more, just so you can keep ... writing? Are you for real? Did I misread something?

Melina said...

Oh I'm quite real, anon.

Writing takes time. It's my job.

It's okay if you don't get that. It's okay if you dont donate. And the best news of all- it's okay if you don't read here.

DIANE said...

Haters oughta just be movin' onnnnnn! =D

Unknown said...

You are truly a force, Melina...

Unknown said...

Melina,
I stumbled onto your blog a few weeks ago and have been hooked. I'm a pediatric nurse who works nights and look forward to little breaks where I can catch up somewhere between 2009 and today. I was just referring a friend to this space today and told her that somehow I read your words and think, "I totally know!" I'm happy to support you and wish you the best on all your projects!
Shanna
Houston, TX

Unknown said...

Hi Melina,
I stumbled onto your blog a few weeks ago and have been hooked. I am a pediatric nurse who works nights and look forward to little breaks where I can catch up somewhere between 2009 and today. I just referred a friend to this space and was telling her I read your words and think, "I totally know!" You're reaching people all over it looks like and I'm so happy to help support you!
Shanna
Houston, TX

Unknown said...

Hi again....since I was unable to write with my donation I wanted to add that I'm facingwest99 on IG.
Have a great day!!!
:)
Michelle

Nicolette Gawthrop said...

well said, Melina. well said.

Lisa said...

Don't feel that you have to use my donation to....keep on writing as Anon said. I'm happy for you to spend it on an overpriced coffee if it suits you! :))) I hope you do!

Jacki said...

Haters gonna hate ...

Lina, just keep using your powers for good, as SaraBee said up there. Your writing inspires me on the regular.

And personally I'd rather read an annual conversation about donation than constant advertising content. Some can monetize gracefully - but just as often it becomes too distracting and the writing suffers.

Anonymous said...

I think it's a wonderful idea! I'm looking forward to a piece of your adventure and hopefully a little luck.
Much love,
Michelle

Leslie said...

I am a recent follower if yours. I have followed etst for years and her blog led me to you. I feel like a blog stalker lately because of the blogs that I'm following through etst. The other night when I should have been reading my book for book club, I found myself instead reading your blog. I was reading in reverse order which was interesting at times. But when I would read something I felt compelled to keep reading until I found out about a certain experience you had referred to. People pay for books and magazines they want to read, yet they don't realize the time, energy and emotion it takes to write a free blog. I have been donating annually to the National Down Syndrome cause because etst said something similar on her post - consider a donation as the price of a subscription. If you provide so much enjoyment why shouldn't you receive support for that. I will never understand why people feel the need to post negative comments on such a personal forum. And such a coward to not state her name. Your reply was perfect. I had been considering making a donation, and this negative post has made me take action. IMarch Photo A Day so enjoy your writing and you make me feel as though I'm experiencing these things with you because of your vivid descriptions of your experiences. Please keep doing what you do. Good luck friend.

Melina said...

Michelle- facing west! it's you! awesome. So good to meet you! xo melinadream

Melina said...

SaraBee.

Yeah, I understand. I'm wary of it, too. It's such a fine line. Thank you for your donation....and hey, if Lewiston is close to Cascade....I might be around your parts in the near future....(I know Idaho is a big state, but you never know!)

xo
Melina

sara said...

Gee, some people!! (rolls eyes) Melina, it's obvious you pour your soul and hear (as well as lots of time!) into this blog. Thank you for asking for a little something back, because as a reader I am happy for the opportunity.

Sara

Melina said...

Thank you Shanna! I'm always thinking of going to nursing school, although the whole thing intimidates the hell out of me. and a pediatric nurse? good on you, sister.

thanks for the kindness.
xo

Melina said...

Nicolette.

thanks. ;)

Melina said...

Lisa.

With sprinkles, whipped cream, syrup and an extra shot.

xo

Melina said...

Ann.

I love that.

Melina said...

Jacki- you inspire me as well. and I'd really like to move to maine some day, so let's keep in touch.

advertising on blogs is so new, it's a new realm, a new industry, we're all just feeling around in the dark here....I hope to do it all with grace....uh, here's hoping, anyway! (raises mid-day glass of wine.)

xo

Anonymous said...

Do you receive emails at the address listed on the paypal donation page?

Melina said...

I do not. However, feel free to email thewildercoast@gmail.com

Leslie said...

Oops. I was having a problem editing my comment and I see that something else I had cut got pasted there at the end. Sorry about that.

Unknown said...

I'm so glad that you welcome donations - I feel like I just helped an amazing woman do amazing things!

~gretch said...

Hey M...I recently told our 20yo babysitter in her bday card that if I could do 20 over again what would I do differently and I think one of the most important things I said was "if you can make a living by doing what you love than do it."

It should never be about wealth. I am a nurse that recently completed dual, master degrees and I have absolutely no idea what is next. It is not that I don't love the profession but when I am honest with myself and think about being 20 again, I don't think that is the direction I would have went.

So I think this is my moral...one story is good till another is told. So keep it up. If this is what you love to do then have no shame about asking for donations. It is your job and quite frankly I am excited to hear many more stories.
Hugs!! -gretchen

Heather said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I would like to send you a check in the mail. Is there a way to do that?

Anonymous said...

PS - I love your blog!

Melina said...

Yes of course- send me an email at thewildercoast@gmail.com

thank you!

Jules said...

I'm pinched, but I believe strongly that if you send good things out into the world, good things will come back. I just came across your blog, and haven't read nearly as much as I've wanted to yet, but I was moved. I'm inspired. I know every little bit helps, so here I am... sending massive good vibes your way!! ~Julie Ann

Jules said...

Just wanted to leave a quick note... did you get the $25 from paypal, that I sent? I'm not used to using it, it's always so much easier to send a check!

Melina said...

Hi Jules! I can double check, but I'm sure I did. I'm so sorry for the delay, I'm responding to the donations in the order they were received. The letters/pendants are hand written and handmade, so they're taking a bit of time.