Central Dispatch
Having passed along your generous gifts of books to kids who need them, and having reunited Willow with her family, it seems I've been given an third helping of magic fairy dust to spread around this month. My friends and colleagues at Good Housekeeping magazine are casting a holiday makeover television special, and are looking for someone in the New York city area who could use a day of pampering at a top-notch salon. The makeover candidate must live in New York, and be able to spend a day filming during the week of October 12. I'm sure one of my readers knows that someone or is that someone. Won't you send some photos and a few words about yourself or your nominee to ghtv4(at)hearst(dot)com?
Synchronistically, I've been incubating this little daydream that I could start a scholarship fund for the kinds of things that are so hard for women to justify when money is tight: a hair appointment, a massage, a morning of childcare, a new outfit, a good book, a weekly counseling session, a yoga class, a date night. The kinds of things that affirm that life is meant to be more than just survival, that embolden us to expect more. But I couldn't get past the problem of not being in a position to write the checks.
None of your concern, says the universe. Here, pass this on.
Dream aloud with me. What's a "non-essential" that would really make a difference to you? What keeps getting bumped to the bottom of the list?
Synchronistically, I've been incubating this little daydream that I could start a scholarship fund for the kinds of things that are so hard for women to justify when money is tight: a hair appointment, a massage, a morning of childcare, a new outfit, a good book, a weekly counseling session, a yoga class, a date night. The kinds of things that affirm that life is meant to be more than just survival, that embolden us to expect more. But I couldn't get past the problem of not being in a position to write the checks.
None of your concern, says the universe. Here, pass this on.
Dream aloud with me. What's a "non-essential" that would really make a difference to you? What keeps getting bumped to the bottom of the list?
—Kyran, 4:54 PM
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17 Comments:
What a great idea! Go with the universe. All of those things you mentioned would be great, but the weekly counseling session is really needed by so many people. Sometimes you just need someone to hear you.
Oh Kyran what a fantastic idea!
I never really thought those small non-essentials were that important until 24/7 care of three children took over my life.
Right now the thing that would most top my list would be hair care. It hasn't been taken care of in so long because of finances. After that, a yoga class would be wonderful.
honeymoon...eh we'll get it eventually.
I've wanted to take an art class for years; and a night out with husbandor significant other always was pushed to the bottom and so crucial for the relationship.
Love this: "affirm that life is meant to be more than just survival."
A good pedicure always does me wonders.
Fantastic idea. Those little things always make a huge difference.
I keep making mental notes to my future mother-in-law self such as - spontaneously call and offer to pick up kids from school and take them for a couple of hours or, what my MIL actually does, bring dinner when she comes to babysit. It makes such a difference not to have to plan and make a meal when you are getting ready to go out. It really is the little, unexpected things that make me smile.
What if... you started a non-profit, that your circle of friends could all donate a few dollars to here and there? That your book club wine money went into one week, and that local salons, massage therapists, counselors, etc. could donate services to as a tax write-off? That babysitters could "volunteer" for to beef up that college application? And that moms could anonymously apply for a "break" here and there?
I'm not sure of the rules of non-profits, but there's an organization here in San Diego that does this to benefit a certain industry (advertising) when they have financial emergencies. Check out their site: http://www.aboutsafe.org/about1.php (and no, I'm not affiliated!)
Jenny
Oh, I'm sure there's something that gets pushed to the bottom. But I'm interested in contributing to that fund if you ever make one. Let me know!
Great idea! I would love a day that is all mine with out cell phones and sibling rivalry! A girl can dream!
I am actually in a position now where I must chose between my weekly therapy and paying the water bill. All of your suggestions are things I would love to induldge in...
Fortunately, the library and a good book are free ;-)
New socks. Not just everyday white socks, but long socks that make me feel confident and smart. Socks that are not white and that go up to my thighs or my knees, socks that are rarely seen but add a really nice layer of warmth for cold Utah winters. Every fall around this time, they get pushed back with a hope that someone will buy them for me for Christmas or my birthday.
Dance classes, haircuts, babysitting and massages. Mmmm.
After much deliberation--because all of the ideas you mentioned sounded good--I decided that the non-essential that I (and probably my husband) would bump back up on the list is a bikini wax. Painful, yes, but worth it in the end. It's probably a strange thing to wish I had the time/extra money for, but there it is.
Ever since my husband opened his own practice, I've had to give up most of the things you listed. Even before he went into practice for himself, money was always too tight for an honest-to-goodness vacation to someplace we didn't have relatives and we never went on a honeymoon. It would be nice to afford a baby sitter every once in awhile for an evening out just for the two of us - to give us some much needed (and appreciated) time alone. Together.
Back in Calgary, I knew a group of women, ten to be exact who would gather every month for lunch (with the exception of December and one of the summer months, I can't remember which.) In addition to the great conversation at various restaurants around town, each woman would bring $25 in cash.
At the end of the meal, the bills would be collected by the woman in the new outfit and ceremoniously be handed to the next member in line. You see, it was with their monthly luncheons that each woman was given a turn to go out and purchase a fantastic outfit, accessory, pair of shoes,, whatever she wanted, so long as it was wearable and visible in public. The only other condition - that the new ensemble be worn the following month.
I haven't thought of this group in a long time as it has been more than five years since I moved away, but it makes me think that creating a gathering of women, even if they only meet for coffee instead of lunch and bring only $10 in cash could do a lot to boost the morale of 10 in these economic times.
Dana, thank you for sharing that! What a simple and fantastic idea. I'm going to do something with it as soon as I get to the other side of this manuscript!
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