nightfall8705

My two cents on the matter: I don't like this event, and here's a few reasons why...
 
1. If people are going to donate, they should just donate. Prizes shouldn't really matter.
2. I view this event as an attempt to a) get rid of junk on the servers and b ) regulate inflation, and nothing else.
3. Granny should keep her day job. Her "tags" are robbing more people than the Thieves Guild.
4. Items that are usually worth 1 np are now selling upwards of 650k or more, and people who can milk it are milking it.
5. How many people feel left out because they a) aren't mass hoarders and b ) filthy rich? I've got 14 mil in the bank and I'm struggling!
 
And this whole "most generous Neopians" list boils my blood because something isn't right about it. It's extremely fishy. This event hasn't been out THAT long. According to the list, some people have donated well over 3,000 times.
 
a) what are the odds of you being that highest ranking generous Neopian? Seriously, how many players are on Neo each day?
b ) many of the same people have constantly been on the list. Really? Does that surprise you? Doesn't surprise me!
 
and my personal favorite
 
c) these "users" would have to literally have NO life whatsoever, and be online 24/7, constantly donating to have donated that much, considering the price hikes on items and the serious sitewide lag! I think this whole list thing is just a catalyst to make everybody try to one up each other.
 
Donating toys whether it be in real life or virtually, the concept is still the same, and it shouldn't be a competition.
 
All that being said, no, I'm not being a cynical grinch, but I am saying this, my eighth tag is coming up. Once I complete it, I'm out. The only reason I've done it this far is because Neopians have helped me, and I have helped them in return. The whole point is to help somebody and give back, which is what I've tried to do.
 
Considering it's now Christmas Eve where I am, all of my future donations are going to the money tree, where they belong.
 
- Lady Angel out. Peace and Love, Ya'll! <3

My two cents on the matter: I don't like this event, and here's a few reasons why...
 
1. If people are going to donate, they should just donate. Prizes shouldn't really matter.
2. I view this event as an attempt to a) get rid of junk on the servers and b ) regulate inflation, and nothing else.
3. Granny should keep her day job. Her "tags" are robbing more people than the Thieves Guild.
4. Items that are usually worth 1 np are now selling upwards of 650k or more, and people who can milk it are milking it.
5. How many people feel left out because they a) aren't mass hoarders and b ) filthy rich? I've got 14 mil in the bank and I'm struggling!
 
And this whole "most generous Neopians" list boils my blood because something isn't right about it. It's extremely fishy. This event hasn't been out THAT long. According to the list, some people have donated well over 3,000 times.
 
a) what are the odds of you being that highest ranking generous Neopian? Seriously, how many players are on Neo each day?
b ) many of the same people have constantly been on the list. Really? Does that surprise you? Doesn't surprise me!
 
and my personal favorite
 
c) these "users" would have to literally have NO life whatsoever, and be online 24/7, constantly donating to have donated that much, considering the price hikes on items and the serious sitewide lag! I think this whole list thing is just a catalyst to make everybody try to one up each other.
 
Donating toys whether it be in real life or virtually, the concept is still the same, and it shouldn't be a competition.
 
All that being said, no, I'm not being a cynical grinch, but I am saying this, my eighth tag is coming up. Once I complete it, I'm out. The only reason I've done it this far is because Neopians have helped me, and I have helped them in return. The whole point is to help somebody and give back, which is what I've tried to do.
 
Considering it's now Christmas Eve where I am, all of my future donations are going to the money tree, where they belong.
 
- Lady Angel out. Peace and Love, Ya'll! <3

So, I spewed this out on a whim today. It's due for some major editing, but, I thought you guys might like a little story about Sandrea's humble beginnings. (Also, I'm not sure if this is in the right forum, if not, please move it for me.) Anywho, it's open for commentary, and note that this is nowhere near my best work, but considering I've not written in a little while, it's better than the other drivel I've come up with lately. Anyway, enjoy. Also, any tips for a title would be appreciated, thanks loves!
 
------------------------
 
 
I knew Sandrea much longer than before she became popular to scout on missions by very important peoples. I suppose you could say that our friendship had the same humble beginnings that our creation did. You see, we weren't always who we are today. There were a lot of hurdles before we got to that.
 
I remember the day I met Sandrea. It was a foggy afternoon in the secluded town of Neovia, where fate destined us to be. I had not been long created by what I would later recall to be an "absent" owner, and left to explore the town alone. I felt like a sore thumb on an otherwise perfectly healthy hand. I was a bright red aisha called Ember, and I wandered the cobblestoned streets looking for someone, anyone, that I could relate to. And then, out of the corner of my eye, there she was. I saw her standing there. Another bright red aisha.
 
My eyes were in disbelief at first. Could it be? Another aisha like me in this town of proper, Victorian attire? I blinked and rubbed my eyes, just to make sure my eyes weren't deceiving me.
 
"Ah!" she sighed. "I'm so glad to have found you!" she said with a cheery smile on her face. "I was beginning to think I was the only aisha here redder than scarlet berries at Christmas."
 
"H-hi." I started with a shy smile. "I'm Ember." I said, extending my paw. She took my paw gingerly in hers and shook it with another smile. "I'm Sandrea! Nice to meet you." She looked around the streets of Neovia, and then turned back to me. "I rather like this town. Even though we stick out... everybody here seems to be prim and proper. Me thinks my owner picked out a great place to call home... and now to have a friend too?!" She sighed blissfully.
 
"I'm sorry." she said. "I've not been long created and I'm itching to find a place to call home, and then I'm out to adventure all over the world! What about you?"
 
I looked down at the ground for a moment. "I was recently created too! My owner is a bit absent though, but don't get me wrong, she's pretty nice!"
 
Sandrea looked at me with a glimmer in her eye. "Don't count her out just yet. Give her time to come around. That's what my owner always says. Never expect the worst. Just expect the unexpected."
 
Suddenly, Sandrea started to run off towards the Crumpetmonger's pastry shop. "C'mon, let's try out the food here... my treat!" My stomach was rumbling, so I hurried along after her.
 
-----------------------------------------
 
It was because of Sandrea that I now have a love of Neovian cannoli, and a new perspective of life. I spent my early days lamenting over the fact that I was just simple and red, and how uncommon it was for a young female aisha to become magma. Yes, that seemed like only being a dream to me... a dream I nearly gave up on.
 
"Sandrea, you never really told me, why is your name Sandrea?" I asked her one day.
 
"Why is your name Ember?" she asked me back.
 
I thought for a moment. "Well, my owner said when she created me that I reminded her of fire, and that fire was one of those elements of life that she thought I had in me. She said I would bring lots of warmth to those I meet."
 
Sandrea nodded her head. "And right she was." She looked at me with that same old cheery smile of hers. "Sandrea is actually short for Sanguine_Dream."
 
My jaw dropped. "Sanguine? Like blood?"
 
Sandrea laughed. "Yes, it's quite the moniker, I know."
 
I scoffed. "It sounds quite morbid."
 
"True." Sandrea explained. "But not everything is as it seems. I would consider myself far from morbid, but think of it this way; blood is also one of those elements of life, just like fire."
 
"Yeah," I said, "But, why would one dream of blood?"
 
Sandrea smiled again. "That's the thing. Don't you know what it means to dream of blood?"
 
I grimaced. "Something bad?"
 
Sandrea hesitated, then answered, "That's a possibility, but the general meaning of seeing blood in dreams is to be remembered of love, and life, and passion. Don't you see? That's why I love my life. That's why I have a passion for everything I do."
 
"And it would seem that name fits you then, huh?" I said to her.
 
Sandrea nodded again.
 
"Sandrea?" I questioned. "What dreams do you have?"
 
Sandrea thought for a moment, and then said, "Well, someday, I hope to be striped, and I hope to help a lot of people, and maybe someday, be in the Neopian Times."
 
After a moment of silence, Sandrea spoke again. "Ember, what's your dream?"
 
"... To become magma, but that seems impossible."
 
Sandrea frowned and leaned in close to me. "Ember, you know how when you really, really love someone, you think 'I can't possibly love this person more than I do right now.' but then tomorrow, you love them even more than you did the day before?"
 
"What does that have to do with being magma?"
 
"Everything." Sandrea said back to me. "The impossible can occur at any moment, and on any day. Just believe it can happen, and it will. You'll see."
 
-----------------------------------
 
I remember that conversation very vividly. Actually, it was the first thing that popped to my mind the day I finally became a magma Aisha, and wore my new color loud and proud.
 
Sandrea congratulated me on achieving my dream, and suggested we go to the Crumpetmonger to celebrate with cannoli and catch up, as it had been a couple of years since we last saw each other.
 
I almost didn't recognise Sandrea at first. She looked gorgeous! She had flowing black hair, and her striped aisha face was stunningly beautiful. She was as lovely as Princess Amira! She had a sachel with her, filled with Neopian Times papers.
 
"Ember!" She cried out excitedly. "Did you see the Times? I did an internship at the Neopian Times office, and the boss overheard me doing one of my funny anecdotes, and he gave me a small column in the paper! I get to write back to readers asking for advice! I also get to personally deliver the Times to my hometown! I get to be in the Times, and help others! Isn't that great? I'm so happy! We both achieved our dreams!"
 
And she was right. We both loved our lives and lived with passion for our biggest dreams. No truer words have ever been spoken to me than when way back then Sandrea told me the impossible could occur at any moment.
 
Yes, the impossible is possible every day.

I hope there are at least 5 easy days during that time.. I donated to the Toy drive 60 times. I wish that counted for something..

So, I spewed this out on a whim today. It's due for some major editing, but, I thought you guys might like a little story about Sandrea's humble beginnings. (Also, I'm not sure if this is in the right forum, if not, please move it for me.) Anywho, it's open for commentary, and note that this is nowhere near my best work, but considering I've not written in a little while, it's better than the other drivel I've come up with lately. Anyway, enjoy. Also, any tips for a title would be appreciated, thanks loves!
 
------------------------
 
 
I knew Sandrea much longer than before she became popular to scout on missions by very important peoples. I suppose you could say that our friendship had the same humble beginnings that our creation did. You see, we weren't always who we are today. There were a lot of hurdles before we got to that.
 
I remember the day I met Sandrea. It was a foggy afternoon in the secluded town of Neovia, where fate destined us to be. I had not been long created by what I would later recall to be an "absent" owner, and left to explore the town alone. I felt like a sore thumb on an otherwise perfectly healthy hand. I was a bright red aisha called Ember, and I wandered the cobblestoned streets looking for someone, anyone, that I could relate to. And then, out of the corner of my eye, there she was. I saw her standing there. Another bright red aisha.
 
My eyes were in disbelief at first. Could it be? Another aisha like me in this town of proper, Victorian attire? I blinked and rubbed my eyes, just to make sure my eyes weren't deceiving me.
 
"Ah!" she sighed. "I'm so glad to have found you!" she said with a cheery smile on her face. "I was beginning to think I was the only aisha here redder than scarlet berries at Christmas."
 
"H-hi." I started with a shy smile. "I'm Ember." I said, extending my paw. She took my paw gingerly in hers and shook it with another smile. "I'm Sandrea! Nice to meet you." She looked around the streets of Neovia, and then turned back to me. "I rather like this town. Even though we stick out... everybody here seems to be prim and proper. Me thinks my owner picked out a great place to call home... and now to have a friend too?!" She sighed blissfully.
 
"I'm sorry." she said. "I've not been long created and I'm itching to find a place to call home, and then I'm out to adventure all over the world! What about you?"
 
I looked down at the ground for a moment. "I was recently created too! My owner is a bit absent though, but don't get me wrong, she's pretty nice!"
 
Sandrea looked at me with a glimmer in her eye. "Don't count her out just yet. Give her time to come around. That's what my owner always says. Never expect the worst. Just expect the unexpected."
 
Suddenly, Sandrea started to run off towards the Crumpetmonger's pastry shop. "C'mon, let's try out the food here... my treat!" My stomach was rumbling, so I hurried along after her.
 
-----------------------------------------
 
It was because of Sandrea that I now have a love of Neovian cannoli, and a new perspective of life. I spent my early days lamenting over the fact that I was just simple and red, and how uncommon it was for a young female aisha to become magma. Yes, that seemed like only being a dream to me... a dream I nearly gave up on.
 
"Sandrea, you never really told me, why is your name Sandrea?" I asked her one day.
 
"Why is your name Ember?" she asked me back.
 
I thought for a moment. "Well, my owner said when she created me that I reminded her of fire, and that fire was one of those elements of life that she thought I had in me. She said I would bring lots of warmth to those I meet."
 
Sandrea nodded her head. "And right she was." She looked at me with that same old cheery smile of hers. "Sandrea is actually short for Sanguine_Dream."
 
My jaw dropped. "Sanguine? Like blood?"
 
Sandrea laughed. "Yes, it's quite the moniker, I know."
 
I scoffed. "It sounds quite morbid."
 
"True." Sandrea explained. "But not everything is as it seems. I would consider myself far from morbid, but think of it this way; blood is also one of those elements of life, just like fire."
 
"Yeah," I said, "But, why would one dream of blood?"
 
Sandrea smiled again. "That's the thing. Don't you know what it means to dream of blood?"
 
I grimaced. "Something bad?"
 
Sandrea hesitated, then answered, "That's a possibility, but the general meaning of seeing blood in dreams is to be remembered of love, and life, and passion. Don't you see? That's why I love my life. That's why I have a passion for everything I do."
 
"And it would seem that name fits you then, huh?" I said to her.
 
Sandrea nodded again.
 
"Sandrea?" I questioned. "What dreams do you have?"
 
Sandrea thought for a moment, and then said, "Well, someday, I hope to be striped, and I hope to help a lot of people, and maybe someday, be in the Neopian Times."
 
After a moment of silence, Sandrea spoke again. "Ember, what's your dream?"
 
"... To become magma, but that seems impossible."
 
Sandrea frowned and leaned in close to me. "Ember, you know how when you really, really love someone, you think 'I can't possibly love this person more than I do right now.' but then tomorrow, you love them even more than you did the day before?"
 
"What does that have to do with being magma?"
 
"Everything." Sandrea said back to me. "The impossible can occur at any moment, and on any day. Just believe it can happen, and it will. You'll see."
 
-----------------------------------
 
I remember that conversation very vividly. Actually, it was the first thing that popped to my mind the day I finally became a magma Aisha, and wore my new color loud and proud.
 
Sandrea congratulated me on achieving my dream, and suggested we go to the Crumpetmonger to celebrate with cannoli and catch up, as it had been a couple of years since we last saw each other.
 
I almost didn't recognise Sandrea at first. She looked gorgeous! She had flowing black hair, and her striped aisha face was stunningly beautiful. She was as lovely as Princess Amira! She had a sachel with her, filled with Neopian Times papers.
 
"Ember!" She cried out excitedly. "Did you see the Times? I did an internship at the Neopian Times office, and the boss overheard me doing one of my funny anecdotes, and he gave me a small column in the paper! I get to write back to readers asking for advice! I also get to personally deliver the Times to my hometown! I get to be in the Times, and help others! Isn't that great? I'm so happy! We both achieved our dreams!"
 
And she was right. We both loved our lives and lived with passion for our biggest dreams. No truer words have ever been spoken to me than when way back then Sandrea told me the impossible could occur at any moment.
 
Yes, the impossible is possible every day.

I hope TNT releases an exclusive Vandagyre paint brush... black and white... I know it's been said before, but... PANDAGYRE anyone? <3 <3 <3
 
I mean, a snowy owl is adorable, but a panda? Come on, now. <3

I really love the Vandagyre! And the Christmas one is really cute! I love that it does look like a snow owl though too! :D

Thank you Brian and Shelley! If anybody has been inspired by her, then she's legendary. Her memory will live on through her children and those she inspired. I am glad that she is no longer suffering now. Times like this either strengthen a person, or break them, and I've already told Peter to lean on me. I've already experienced losing my mother, and I told him I would do anything I could to help him. What he really needs most is love and support, and I have told him we are all behind him. That has seemed to cheer him up some. :)

I did. Vandagyres are so cute! (They should totally make one black and white and call it Pandagyre). Anyway, I created a blue one as soon as they came out, and I love mine, but I really felt bad for that little guy. It does remind me of real life pets and how they feel in the pound. :(

The very first Vandagyre weapon was rewarded from today's Charity Corner quest.


Lucky Vandagyre Feather

Please Contact Us if you have information on this weapon.

Me too. :( I love Vandagyres and adopted one soon after their release. This was pretty much my thought process in reading today's letter:

"I'm a Vandagyre! I like pie!" Heehee, so cute! Maybe I should try feeding some pie to my Vandagyre.

"I don't like being abandoned, though. My owner kept me around for one week, and then off to the pound it was." Man... well, that's probably what happened after they were first released, people adopted them and then threw them in the pound...

"I'm not sure what I did wrong." Oh, no... :sad02: :sad02: :sad02:

That last statement really hit me, speaking from the pet's perspective not understanding why they were thrown away... I can't stand the thought of sad, abandoned pets (real or virtual). At least the good thing about the event is that we can help out.

So today's (December 20th) letter from the Adopt-a-Neopian event was:

"I'm a Vandagyre! I like pie! I don't like being abandoned, though. My owner kept me around for one week, and then off to the Pound it was. I'm not sure what I did wrong. I'm living at the Pound now, and we're supposed to ask for five things we need. So... I didn't learn about much in my one week of freedom, but I would like a rice bowl. Brown rice is yummy. I don't have any tea here; can you find some that's cherry-flavoured? An assortment of biscuits to go with the tea would be great, too. Then I would like a hand puppet, maybe one of those pandaphants? They're so cute! Lastly, could I have a cardboard box that growls? They're hilarious!
Thanks for caring! Vandagyre in the Pound"

Oh MY! I felt so sad reading this. It surely happened a lot after Vandagyres were presented... I felt so sad for the poor little guy! Did anyone else feel the same? :(

I'm so sorry to hear this news Angel :( I hope that everyone dealing with her passing can find peace. It was an honor to be a part of signing her e-card. Sending warm thoughts your way <3 you know you always have my support

Hey Angel, I'm very sorry to hear about Peter's mother. It's tragic when a parent or loved one passes. I am glad at least, that she passed away peacefully. I lost an older friend in May to Liver Cancer. The only consolation when I learned he had passed, was that it hit him fast this time, so he didn't have time to suffer. *hug* Everyone grieves differently, but I would suggest you focus on reasons to be glad. Like glad that you got to know someone like her. Memories and other things to be grateful and glad for. Sure, either way you go, the tears will come. But that's natural and imho, healthy. My continued thoughts to you and Peter and his family. Grieving and loss is hard, but I'll think positive that everyone who was fortunate to know her, will be able to grieve and celebrate her at the same time. Take care.

Ooh, I think the Vandagyre looks pretty good! And I'm not usually a fan of Christmas pets. I just wouldn't have expected the base to be black and white... Now I want to see what it looks like without the clothing. If the ears were black, it would make a perfect panda!
 
EDIT: OH MY GOD, IT ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE A SNOWY OWL.
 

I'm trying very hard not to be impulsive and paint my Vandagyre... I can't wait to see the next colours!
 
EDIT 2: Whoever owns the pet named "Hedwig" needs to morph/paint their pet ASAP... or else I'll be very disappointed.

Thank you, Lia. I love you so much! Thank you for being there for me. My heart aches for him... but at the same time, I am glad she is not suffering anymore. Who knows, maybe her and my mom can meet and be best friends... gosh, losing my mother destroyed my entire life. I know the pain of losing a parent, especially one who was your whole world... Peter's father passed when he was younger, so all he really had was his sister and mother. His sister wasn't around much unless she wanted something, so he was Maureen's primary caregiver, and took her to appointments, and stayed in the hospital with her, and all that. Now that she's gone, his heart is completely broken. Losing a parent is something we all face... but I never wanted him to face that. I had dreaded the day when this news would be told to me... and I've cried my heart out for him and his family. I wish I could do something, but from where I am, I've done all I could.
 
All I can do is pray and be there for him in spirit (or on Skype.) :sad02: :sad02: :sad02:
 
 
Thank you all so much! I love you all very much, and I am encouraged knowing that you all are behind us! I will let him know that we are all here... so he knows he isn't alone during this time! <3

I am extremely and entirely sorry for you and for Peter, but I know that the joy in this is that she is finally at rest and heaven gave her a HUGE welcome party. I will continue in prayer for Peter, his family and for you :D

My sincerest condolences to you and to her family. I'm sorry to hear this bad news. Everybody on this forum is ready to help you with whatever you need. Stay strong <3

Oh my dear. :( I'm so sorry to hear this. Please give my sincerest condolences to her family. I will definitely keep them in my thoughts. <3
 
Bless you, dear. If you need someone to talk to about this, you know I'm here.

Second this wholeheartedly, abusers are weak people who make themselves feel strong by hurting and threatening others. You, jenny bean are better than him and the one thing you can do for yourself to prove it to report him.
 
I'm so sorry to hear about everything you're going through, one of those things alone would be enough, but all combined :(
 
I'm sure it took a lot of courage for you to say all that, even on an internet forum. Don't put yourself down with words like "hide" and "chicken", you're a strong person because you're still here and trying, and the fact that you even thought about and tried to report him matters.
 
We're all behind you. <3 <3 <3

Thank you all so, so much (I've reached my maximum likes for the day, or else they'd all have likes from me).
 
I really, truly appreciate the support from all of you. I reported him last year, but unfortunately, that got nowhere since he had left by the time I actually mustered up the courage to do anything. And honestly, I guess it was really not a wholehearted effort. But it makes perfect sense, and it's exactly what I should do. And if I see him again this year, I think I'll finally speak up before it's too late. I'm just kind of tired of being afraid, and more than that, I don't think I could live with myself if I found out he was doing this to anyone else.
 
Then again, I always tell myself I won't chicken out the next time, but it's gotten pretty ridiculous by this point. I started thinking that it's been going on for almost two-thirds of my life now, and I just want myself and everyone around me to be happy. Thanks for the support, TDN <3 You're absolutely right; it's much easier to hide behind the computer and say this than it is to come forward and talk to people in real life. But I'm glad I've got you :wub_anim:

oh sweet girl! I know you won't believe this at first, but please, please try.... NONE OF THIS -- NONE --- is on your shoulders. I know it feels that way. I can tell how deeply and how beautifully you care for those around you, and that is to be commended, but NONE of this is on you. People have terrible things happen. People do terrible things. It's a horrible feeling to see things crumbling around and you and feel powerless, but I promise you that you are no powerless. You can do one very important thing: You can report your despicable uncle.
 
I know he's threatened you, but I promise you, promise you, promise you- THAT IS WHAT ABUSERS DO. They create fear in their victims so they can keep doing what they want. PLEASE KNOW you are stronger than this! You can make a positive difference for your life, and for the lives of others. The truth WILL come out- and you are not protecting anyone but your abuser. He is a sick man who is no doubt hurting others- PLEASE stop him.
 
We're all here for you if you need us. I can get you in touch with an advocate in your area. We will put a stop to this.

I have to echo Musical_Shoyru's comment in mine. You are going through a lot, and I don't know how religious you may or may not be but I will tell you what my mama always told me, nothing will ever happen to you that you cannot handle. The strongest of people get handed the strongest tasks. I know it's hard right now, but this kind of thing happens to us all, and the best thing we can do is keep our head up and keep going, or we'll stop and get stuck, and it's okay to get stuck sometimes, as long as you have the will to keep going.
 
You do need to report your Uncle. You need some kind of justice and closure. I know how you feel. My own family members did things to me when I was younger. It's a terrible burden, but it is one that a person can overcome. My mama used to say "You have to appreciate the dark times in order to appreciate the light. The strength to overcome the dark makes your light stronger... There are times in your life where your light is very bright, but there are also times where your light is very dim, and there are times when it seems your light has burnt out. That isn't so, because that light can never go out unless you blow it out yourself. As long as there is an ember that sparks a flame to your light, your light has the will to be bright again, and it is only then when your light will fully glow again, outshining them all."
 
Things WILL get better. It just takes time, faith, and patience. See everything as a learning experience. You will come out much stronger in the end for having endured this trying time. Just don't give up, and know that we here at TDN are behind you, cheering you on, okay?
 
Praying for you and sending you love, my friend.

Congrats, Lia! I hope someday to be in the Times too! Can't wait to read your story!

I honestly don't like it. I see a new "Coincidence"-like ultrainflation of junk items coming. No me gusta.