Lottery Dream is Kaput!

Okay, so I bought FOUR tickets to the lottery the other day while so tempted by “the dream”.  I purchased two Power Ball tickets and two Mega Millions.  Out of all four tickets, ONE number matched.  ONE!!  Now, luckily, that one number was the power ball number so I will win $2 of my $4 bet back.  But, this is why I don’t play the lottery.  I don’t win!

The thoughts of what I would do with all the winnings have plunked into the waste bin of broken dreams.   Now, I suppose, the trick going forward is to decide what to do with the ideas that now sit, crumpled, in that bin.  How can I possibly ever achieve even one of those lofty goals? 

Aside from my desire to write, which hopefully some people enjoy through this blog, my dream of opening my own, unique coffee house is the most realistic of everything I wrote and thought about.  To be honest, I came very close to realizing that dream many years ago.  A co-worker and I had actually reached the point of meeting with some businessmen who were offering a coffee house franchise opportunity. The franchise was named Ebenezer’s.  In those days, Starbucks was relatively new and Ebenezer’s was going to take their premise, add entertainment and more food options (this was before Starbucks added other food options of their own), and Ebenezer’s was going to storm ahead in the coffee business. 

Unfortunately, that plan fell through when the woman who was going to be my partner backed out.  As the time of handing over deposits grew closer, she felt it was too much of a financial risk being that she was a single mother.  I understood, but was utterly disappointed.  I could not buy into the franchise alone at the time due to my own financial constraints, so the bottom line was, the business was not to be.

I suppose, in retrospect, that result was for the best since that franchise never did succeed, anywhere.  But the image in my head of MY Coffee House…maybe called Grounds for Discussion, or even just My Coffee House, is still a dream I hold dear. 

Until I can find a way to make that dream a reality, I will continue with my other heart-felt dream, my love for writing.  It is truly cathartic and another way of growing and learning.  Until my coffee house exists, and probably even afterward, I sincerely hope you continue to enjoy drinking in what has been percolating in my brain.  Some days my thirst for communication leads me to a bold, strong, French roast, some days it’s more decaf.  But, either way, I hope you always find it satisfying and heart-warming.

Have a perky day!!

Should I Buy that Lottery Ticket?

Decisions, decisions!!  There’s a long line in the local convenience store this morning.  The lottery might as well be a bazillion dollars, as any additional monetary help would be truly super right now!  As I watch the people in line, old men with deep wrinkles and red suspenders, young men in dusty work clothes, businesswomen in a hurry and moms with young children in their arms, the hope on all their faces is obvious. The dreams that live in all of us are strong and alive!

What would I do if I won bazillion dollars?  I’m standing in the middle of the bread and chip aisle contemplating that fact, as I seem to be heading into the line by an invisible push of hope and dreams.  If I won bazillion dollars I would first let my friends and family know they would never have to worry about money again. College loans, paid off; mortgages, gone; retirement set.  From there, each of them could then be free to do what they have always wanted to do, not what they have always had to do. 

My dream?  I’ve always wanted to own my own coffee house.  To own a welcoming, warm spot with lots of room for people to come in, enjoy some good, healthy food and rich, delicious coffee.  We could have speakers that would teach us about leading calm, productive, helpful lives; speakers that would inspire conversations about life, love, and happiness.  There could be music nights, poetry nights, a book club, even Weight Watcher meetings and recipe exchanges!  The atmosphere would be soothing and natural.  Each and every day I would not only get to know the “regulars” better but also I would be happy and fulfilled meeting new people every day!  What joy!

From there, after fixing up my house, updating my 70’s style bathrooms and putting in new flooring and windows, I would turn my sights to others.  With a bazillion dollars I could feed the hungry and shelter those who need help all around the world.  I would fund research so intelligent scientists, like my son, would be able to do all that is in their power to cure diseases like cancer and ALS.  I would invest in green energy and yes, I would donate to positive, progressive candidates who are more concerned with helping those in need than those who are not.

I was awoken from my revelry when the man behind the counter looked at me…"Ma’am", he said.  “May I help you?”

With that I realized my decision was made.  I was buying into the dream just like everyone ahead of me and behind me.

Hey, if you know me…wish me luck!  After all, we’re in this together!