Email of the Year

There was a random email from an unrecognised contact sitting in my inbox today. Here's the skinny on what it said:

"Hi!

I finished your painting! Sorry it took so long. I've had to get
through over 450 requests to get to yours.
 
What do you think? If you like it i'll mail it to you right away!
 
Talk to you soon!

Ali"

It wasn't until I scrolled to the bottom of the painting until I realised that the email was from Ali Spagnola, an artist offering free paintings, who I had emailed back in May 2007 asking for one.

Because she had such a long waiting list, it took her nearly a year to fulfil my request, but the result was amazing - It really has made my entire year when I got that email and saw the painting!

The pictures floating around this post are examples of her work. Cute and cuddly, and a lot of fun. Ali is even mailing my work of fine art completely free!

A message on the free paintings part of her website has this to say:

"The list to get one of my free paintings is about 400 people long. (Sweet!) I paint as dilligently as I can and people keep requesting so thats about the length its staying currently. If you're submitting a request right now, keep in mind that you'll be at the end of that list of 400 people. Its not that I'm ignoring you, its just that I haven't got to you yet. If you want to move up on the list, by all means donate. The more you donate, the faster you'll get my attention."


This has just renewed my belief in the power of the internet.

So go ahead, check out Ali's website, buy her paintings and donate to her cause.

Ali Spagnola. Remember the name. Buy the paintings.