I may have mentioned once or one hundred times that I love Linda Eder. Just hours ago, I was fortunate enough to see her live (I mean really see her, just 20 feet away) at Feinstein's, a classic Manhattan night club that feels like stepping into a time warp. In the ladies room, I saw two elderly women with snowy puffs of perfectly coiffed hair, wearing fur coats on this unseasonably warm day. This is the Upper East Side, folks. Steps away from Bloomingdales. A glitz and a ritz away from Madison Avenue.
To be honest, I could not afford this show. And I certainly could not afford the insanely overpriced bottle of Pinot Noir on our table. It was both a surprise and relief when I landed a new writing gig this afternoon AND when I stepped into my boss's office to receive a (very modest) bonus check. Both justified that bottle of wine and my initial splurge.
Tyler and I chatted with the woman sitting at the table next to ours. She had flown from Utah. She had ordered a feast at her table for her and her alone. An appetizer, entree, champagne, dessert. She would not only see this show, but she would see Linda Eder at tomorrow night's show and, again, at the show the night after that.
Suddenly, my 'splurge' did not seem so epic. Later, we wondered if her costly trip was a bit excessive.
I am far too sentimental about music. I cry way too often over a violin. I barely held it together during Linda Eder's rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow (Is there no song sadder for a person with too-big dreams?) Maybe that sentimentality is the fault of the novel I am desperate to publish right now. I hang on to old songs. I try to write about once-famous singers. I think finding your singing voice is a coming-of-age tale.
But, I don't know, I am lucky. So very lucky to have what I have. Maybe I'm spending money on the wrong things.
How much would you pay to take a long walk with someone you love on a blue-sky day? Look up a tree? Eat an ice cream cone?
Maybe there is no price too high to listen to a beautiful song. To hear a voice that brings you joy.
I think you should go ahead and splurge sometimes -- especially on something that feeds your dreams. You can't stop dreaming.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post. ...ditto what Dianne said.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Dianne, too. Sometimes, I splurge is just what you need. If you did it all the time, I don't think it would be as fun or as meaningful . . . but every now and then . . . well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post, Melissa. I'm so glad you had a fun splurge. It would have been sad if you splurged, but couldn't enjoy it. I think splurges are fun. I don't do them often, either, and I do feel guilty, but then I remind myself, "I hardly ever do this!" and that makes me feel better. :) This sounds like a wonderful evening!
ReplyDeleteMmm, I don't know the answer to that, but have a feeling that cost would not come into it.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you had this treat and entered an amzing world that usually passes us by, but which must be normal lifestyle for many. I am sure that you took away far more with you than some of the others there ... I just loved your descriptions and the way you have put together this post. AND congratulations as you obviously desreved your reward!
Of all the things on which I've splurged over the years, attending concerts is probably what I regret the least. I once read (or heard, or something?) a quote that basically says, "Don't spend your money on things -- spend it on experiences. When all the money and the things are gone, your memories last forever." I've never forgotten that -- and I absolutely count music, music I really love, in that category. I don't balk at $90 concert tickets when it's someone I love, someone who moves me. That is money well spent.
ReplyDeleteWhat a FAB story, and amazing experience . . .
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