I stood on line at the store, MEET THE BEATLES clutched in one hand, money earned ironing a basket of clothing taller and wider than I was, clutched in the other hand. I was in 6th grade. My mom had driven me to the store and stood next to me. She asked, "How badly do you want this? How many hours did you work to get the money to buy this?"

I was resolute. I'd worked specifically because I'd wanted the Beatles first US release. I still listen to the Beatles.

It started with me asking my mom if I could buy the record. I didn't have enough of my own money and no babysitting jobs were coming up. In my entire childhood growing up on our farm, if you wanted to eat, you helped out. Even as toddlers we were given little jobs. Fold the washcloths.

When I get determined, I find a way. I had a lot more energy back then, but I can still "sink my teeth in" when I want something badly enough.

My mom worked hard on our farm. Our house was clean, but rarely tidy. Some things, like ironing did not get done unless there was nothing else to wear.

I offered to iron the entire basket, now filled with clothing, even the pleated skirts, if she would give me the money. She hated ironing enough to pay someone else to do it.

Standing on line at the store, I was surprised by the question, but undeterred. What I didn't realize, until years later, is in that moment my mother taught me a valuable lesson without being overbearing.

I was 30-something and had gone shopping with a girlfriend. I picked something out and as we stood on line to pay I said, "I don't want this badly enough," and put the item back. My astonished girlfriend told the story for days. She'd never seen anyone about to pay for an item turn around and put it back. Don't ask me what the item was. I don't remember.

JJ Murphy, writer and naturalist, lives in Harriman NY. She offers creative nature curriculum, wild food recipes, fiction, poetry, articles and writing services for individuals, entrepreneurs, small businesses and ecologically aware companies. Please visit her at http://www.writerbynature.com/index.php Creative Content for Your Nature Endeavors