If I won the lottery
Well, besides shopping, buying and decorating a beautiful home and hiring a personal trainer (I'm just like all of you, after all), there is something rather unique and special that I dream of doing.
I'd like to open a place for women to be able to be with other women and to be with their creative selves. What do I mean? For starters I would purchase a roomy townhouse that had at least three stories and a good sized basement. Why would I need to win the lottery first? Well, not only would the property and equipment be expensive, but I don't want to have to charge a lot (or maybe anything) for the services provided by this place. Money is a barrier for so many of us in so many places in our lives. I wouldn't want this to be one of them. This "business" would never make money - or break even, so the lottery money would fund it. Besides, as you'll see, it is as much for me as it is for other women.
And it would look something like this...
On the first floor:
There would be a café and bookstore.
Not too fancy, Light foods, tea, coffee, perfect lemonade and fresh squeezed orange juice. Baked goods created by women in the area who loved to bake and wanted to share their talent with others. Tables would be small enough for intimacy between friends, large enough for a book and your drink. There would be sofas for those who wanted to be very casual. Nothing rushed. Time for women to be together.
Toward the back there would be a used book store. A place for customers to bring their "past loves" and share them others. Maybe some new books, but again, nothing to large. More like a book collective.
Maybe there would be a place for women to sell the things they make: knitters, quilters, jewelry crafters, whoever. No pressure, just the opportunity to express your artistic being.
On the second floor:
This would be a special place.
On this floor there are lots of rooms, at least ten. Not too large. All have a desk, a computer, a printer, a chair. Some may have easels or drafting tables. Maybe a CD-boom box so women could bring their own music. These are a "Room of One's Own" for women to be with themselves and explore their creative side. I love to write. But when I write at home I am frequently distracted: the phone, the cat, my husband, the laundry…. Anything can take me away from looking inward and bringing out my heart through my writing (which is my dream). As I talk with other women, other artists at heart, I have learned that this is a challenge for them, too. I would love to give women a place where they could get away for a few hours and live this dream. There would be a very reasonable membership fee for those wanting to book a room, reservations required, and a penalty for canceling less then 24 hours in advance (because that would interfere with other women going after their dream!). Rooms would be available for up to 4 hours. You bring your own disks, paper, supplies, whatever. There would be at least one late night during the week for women to be able to come after work.
On the third floor:
Well, here is where I get selfish.
This floor is mine. A suite of two, maybe three, rooms including an office. This is where I write, have friends visit, and manage any other business that I might have (like talking to my agent - I hope, I hope). A place of beauty, femininity, and serenity. There's lots of light up here. A stereo plays soft music. There is a large couch where I can nap, if necessary, or just stretch out and think. The ringer on the phone is often off. The energy coming from the floors below me is inspiring - but hopefully not too distracting.
In the basement.
That's for a the kids.
The kids?? Sure!! So that women can come visit without worrying about their children, there would be a day care center of sorts downstairs where children can be supervised while their mothers are upstairs either visiting or creating. Low cost - like $2 per hour per child. It would be best if women could let us know if they are bringing children with them and the ages, but I don't think that would be required.
And on some nights and the occasional weekends, there would be special events. Storytelling for children. A coffee shop of local singers and performers. Book and poetry readings. Maybe even a "Chick Flick" night. Whatever. Just another place for women to be together.
Why is this my dream?
Dreams are precious - but having the space to turn them into visions is invaluable
And when women are honest about who they are and have opportunities in their lives to express this to themselves and to others - the world is, simply, a better place. Our friendships deepen, our families flourish, our communities grow.
What would your lottery winning dream be?
Please sign
my dreambook and tell me what you think of this dream
or you canviewwhat others have written
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And it would look something like this...
On the first floor:
There would be a café and bookstore.
Not too fancy, Light foods, tea, coffee, perfect lemonade and fresh squeezed orange juice. Baked goods created by women in the area who loved to bake and wanted to share their talent with others. Tables would be small enough for intimacy between friends, large enough for a book and your drink. There would be sofas for those who wanted to be very casual. Nothing rushed. Time for women to be together.
Toward the back there would be a used book store. A place for customers to bring their "past loves" and share them others. Maybe some new books, but again, nothing to large. More like a book collective.
Maybe there would be a place for women to sell the things they make: knitters, quilters, jewelry crafters, whoever. No pressure, just the opportunity to express your artistic being.
On the second floor:
This would be a special place.
On this floor there are lots of rooms, at least ten. Not too large. All have a desk, a computer, a printer, a chair. Some may have easels or drafting tables. Maybe a CD-boom box so women could bring their own music. These are a "Room of One's Own" for women to be with themselves and explore their creative side. I love to write. But when I write at home I am frequently distracted: the phone, the cat, my husband, the laundry…. Anything can take me away from looking inward and bringing out my heart through my writing (which is my dream). As I talk with other women, other artists at heart, I have learned that this is a challenge for them, too. I would love to give women a place where they could get away for a few hours and live this dream. There would be a very reasonable membership fee for those wanting to book a room, reservations required, and a penalty for canceling less then 24 hours in advance (because that would interfere with other women going after their dream!). Rooms would be available for up to 4 hours. You bring your own disks, paper, supplies, whatever. There would be at least one late night during the week for women to be able to come after work.
On the third floor:
Well, here is where I get selfish.
This floor is mine. A suite of two, maybe three, rooms including an office. This is where I write, have friends visit, and manage any other business that I might have (like talking to my agent - I hope, I hope). A place of beauty, femininity, and serenity. There's lots of light up here. A stereo plays soft music. There is a large couch where I can nap, if necessary, or just stretch out and think. The ringer on the phone is often off. The energy coming from the floors below me is inspiring - but hopefully not too distracting.
In the basement.
That's for a the kids.
The kids?? Sure!! So that women can come visit without worrying about their children, there would be a day care center of sorts downstairs where children can be supervised while their mothers are upstairs either visiting or creating. Low cost - like $2 per hour per child. It would be best if women could let us know if they are bringing children with them and the ages, but I don't think that would be required.
And on some nights and the occasional weekends, there would be special events. Storytelling for children. A coffee shop of local singers and performers. Book and poetry readings. Maybe even a "Chick Flick" night. Whatever. Just another place for women to be together.
Why is this my dream?
Dreams are precious - but having the space to turn them into visions is invaluable
And when women are honest about who they are and have opportunities in their lives to express this to themselves and to others - the world is, simply, a better place. Our friendships deepen, our families flourish, our communities grow.
What would your lottery winning dream be?
|
Please sign
my dreambook and tell me what you think of this dream or you canviewwhat others have written |
|
[HOME]