"Self Portrait with Still Life" by:
BRITTNEY YELSEY (2005)
Silver Key, Painting
The events that took place in the summers of 1999 and 2000 and the impact that they left on me and the way I look at the world are as fresh in my mind now as they were during those early developmental days of my childhood. It was summer and I wanted "the bike", the one everyone in my neighborhood wanted, the BMX OffRoad. My parents made it clear to me that the bike wasn't going to just be handed over, despite some of my best persistent nags and pleas. They were willing to increase my allowance slightly in exchange for what sounded to me like the most backbreaking, time-consuming chores known to man. Or there was the option to start a paper route like some other kids in the neighborhood were doing. In the end, it was my teacher who had the best idea. He suggested that I start my own little business. I asked him if a lemonade stand would be a good venture. With his assurance that it was I quickly ran home and told my parents - who agreed to start me out with everything necessary, the only catch being that the supplies would become my financial burden if my business did well.