Personal ads! They’re … personal! Very.
So my itty bitty personal ads made me realize that it’s time to make a regular practice of trying to feel okay asking for stuff.
Ever since I posted the first one asking my perfect house to find me, which united me with Hoppy House, I have been a fan of the madness that is personal ads.
And now it’s my Sunday ritual. Yay, ritual!
Let’s do this thing.
Last week we managed to witness some pretty cool things, including Tracy getting her cat back and Leah’s husband selling his business.
The way I see it, the worst case scenario is that I’ll feel better for having written these.
Shall we?
Thing 1: Help filling the open spot in my North Carolina workshop.
Here’s the situation:
This weekend workshop (August 21-23) filled up so fast it was out of control.
There are people flying in from all over the place. All over the place? California, Minnesota, Arizona. Nigeria.
Because it is a ridiculously awesome workshop. And because people will basically do anything to spend time with my duck in person. And can you blame them? Of course not.
Just look at that schweet little face.
Anyway.
Someone had to cancel. So there is now one spot available — with lodging included.
And I do not have the time/energy/capacity to get someone to put the buy buttons back up on the sign-up page after we already went ahead and took them down.
Here’s what I want:
You are one of my people. You connect with my work.
You think it would be fun as hell (and also possibly kind of terrifying, but mostly in a good way) to spend an entire weekend with me and some really amazing people working on your stuff. And flailing around like an idiot.
You are willing to pay by paypal or write a check so that I don’t have to have someone put the buy buttons back on the page (thank you!).
You have no problem honoring your commitment to this because it’s basically the best thing that ever happened.
Here’s how I want to get it:
Someone who really wanted to go to the workshop and wasn’t quick enough the first time reads this and then reads this and goes yes yes yes yes yes!
This person is so smart that even though the page says SOLD OUT, they realize that there is now a new spot (because I’m saying so right here).
And then this person tells Marissa right away.
But I’m open to other options as well.
My commitment.
I am 100% okay with letting the new person pay the Early Bird rate since that was the spot that opened up.
I will update THIS post the second the spot is taken so that people won’t have to wonder if it is or if it isn’t.
I will adore this person forever.
EDIT: Workshop is full again. And the most marvelous person in the entire world is coming, so be happy for me and for her and for everyone else there. And if it didn’t work out for you this time around, I’m sorry and I know it will happen when it’s time. Thanks so much, guys!
Thing 2: Havi’s Pirate Ship needs a Tech Person.
Here’s what I want:
You know your way around Moodle. Like mad. Also WordPress, obviously.
You are a genius at fixing things. You laugh at gremlins.
You are patient and easy-going. Or can act like it when you are interacting with me and my people.
You will communicate pretty much exclusively with my Gentleman Friend who is the Best Explainer on my pirate ship.
Some weeks we’ll have nothing for you. Some weeks a couple hours. Some weeks a lot of fixing. You’re cool with that. This is a side thing for you, not the main thing.
You are not insanely expensive. You’ll make an offer on each project and we’ll talk it over.
You are an independent contractor. Or an LLC or something. Point being: the pirate bookkeeper lady and the pirate tax lady are not going to have issues with you doing work for me.
Ways you could come to me:
You’re a blog reader? Or you know a blog reader?
Or through a Twitter friend. Or magic. I’m pretty much open to anything here.
My commitment.
I am patient. I am fair. I am appreciative of work well-done. Also of trying and of communicating honestly and openly.
EDIT: We got a bunch of applications & resumes and we’re interviewing, so I think we’re good for now. Wow. The internet is so ridiculously cool that I can’t stand it! Thanks, guys!
Progress report on past Very Personal Ads and what’s going on with them.
Just to update you on what’s happened since last time.
I still haven’t bought swing dancing shoes but I have looked through all the amazing suggestions you guys came up with.
And can I just say how lucky I am and how easy you make it on me?
I now know for sure that whatever shoes I get are sure to be absolutely marvelous. Wheeeeeeee! Thank you!
As for the hedging … you know, I haven’t thought about it that much.
But on the other hand, I also haven’t really noticed myself engaging in it that much. So that’s progress.
I’ll count that as seeds planted and keep my ears open.
Comment Zen. Since I’m already asking …
I am adding to my practice of asking for stuff by being more specific about I would like to receive in the comments. And that way, if you feel like leaving one (you totally don’t have to), you get to be part of this experiment too. 🙂
Here’s what I want:
- Your own personal ads, small or large. Things you’ve asked for. Or are asking for. Or would like to ask for.
- Thoughts or ideas about ways any of the personal ads listed here could come true.
What I would rather not have:
- Reality theories.
- Shoulds. As in, “You should be doing it like this” or “That’s not the right way to ask for things — instead it should be like x, y and z”
- To be judged or psychoanalyzed.
My commitment.
I am committing to getting better at asking for things even when asking feels weird. I’m committing to giving time and thought to the things that people say, and I will interact with their ideas and with my own stuff as compassionately and honestly as is possible for me.
Thanks for doing this with me! You guys rock. I say that every time, but it’s true.
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I’m going to try this personal ad thing, since I believe in putting your energy out there and focusing on getting the things you want, so….
1. ISO the perfect job for S (and maybe me, too) that makes plentiful money to not have to worry, but also allows for a calm and unstressed life while simultaneously challenging and making everybody happy. Am open to jobs in many fields from restaurants to offices to education to security.
2. ISO a warm and cozy home for S, me and the kids, with a washer dryer, d/w, two bedrooms, room for a studio, enclosed yard in a wonderful place with wonderful people and a wonderful community.
3. A way to get all of us, and our stuff, together in the same place with the least amount of hassle.
rowenas last blog post..Goldenrod Light on Gray Horizon, Traveling
Oh, the North Carolina thing sounds so amazing. Not the right time for me, I’m afraid, but I know someone will read this and go wow – how perfect in every way. Probably many someones!
I wrote a personal ad a few weeks ago, which I’ve been dragging my feet about sharing. But I’m ready, I think. It’s the first post of my new blog:
Blog Seeks Readers
Attractive, intelligent young blog would love to meet hordes of enthusiastic readers for entertainment, mutual inspiration and more.
I am all about craft: knitting, crochet, sewing, embroidery, patchwork, quilting, dressmaking. Sometimes I’ll stray in other directions (e.g. gardening, cooking, carpentry), but rarely for long.
You might have been crafting all your life, or you might have picked up a pair of knitting needles last week for the first time since you were six. You know that it’s not the size of your stash that counts, it’s what you do with it.
You share my thirst for beautiful, well-made things. You understand my sheer glee when function and form are successfully combined. If we’re out together and I suddenly whip out my camera to record a detail (a fern, a skyline, an iron grille), you won’t look at me strangely.
You get why making things is such a central part of me. You also know that there’s a political aspect to this work. You get fired up about that every so often – or if not, then you don’t mind if I do.
Anyway, if this is you – or even if it isn’t – you’re welcome. Pull up a chair, and let’s have some fun together.
Lean Ni Chuilleanains last blog post..In Memory
Hi Lean (and Havi)!
So this morning while I meditated after dance of Shiva, I wondered why I haven’t been using my delicious new sewing machine to sew yummy new things. Now I see your personal ad and realize that it’s because I’ve been needing your pretty, young blog to inspire me.
I am very new to sewing and full of all that newness brings (eager and enthusiastic and very messy seamlines and questions and fingers full of pin pricks) – wheee, can’t wait!
xo,
Briana
Brianas last blog post..Letting your little light shine
So the first thing I did before commenting was email a link to “Thing #2” to my Mad Moodler friend, telling her she MUST email you & offer her services. She is awesome except she has no confidence in her own awesomeness, but hopefully she will go with my little push & contact you. 😀
VPA #1: My sister & brother-in-law really need to sell their house, or they are in danger of having to let the perfect-for-them-second-house they’ve been building go. So I’m asking the universe for a good, solid offer for them.
VPA #2: This one is hard. My own Gentleman Friend’s mother has an inoperable brain tumor. She is one of the best people I have ever known (how many people say that about their defacto mother-in-law?) only 45, her youngest child is only 13, and her two middle children (girls 18 & 19) already lost their father less than 5 years ago. As a child her husband was a major caregiver to his mother who suffered from a long illness, so going through this again with his wife has brought up a lot of his stuff too. My Gentleman Friend & his mother are very close & there is just SO MUCH HARD & EPICLY UNFAIR all around on this one. I’m just asking the universe that however this all has to play out, that everyone involved will get the love & support they need, and be able to find some peace with things. Thanks.
Wow! I was just about to post a Very Personal Ad about the freelancing business I’m starting… and here’s the answer. It’s wonderful! 🙂
What I want:
The first users of my new freelancing business.
You make awesome stuff for the world. You’re in the business of bringing your genius to the world, and helping other people bring theirs as well. Right now, though, you’re having some… technical difficulties.
Maybe your WordPress installation has blown a fuse, or the computer you rely on to help you create your Stuff is not being your friend at the moment. You need help. And you’re not just looking for someone to fix your problem and go away, but someone you can build a productive long-term relationship with. You appreciate a job well done and someone who takes the time to understand you and your world.
How you could come to me:
Maybe you’re reading this. Or someone who read this lets you know what I do. You email me, or tweet at me. Or magic. 🙂
My commitment:
I will take the time to understand you, your business, and your technical stuff, in context. I’ll communicate openly and patiently, and not speak “tech” at you – unless you want me to. I’ll fix your stuff at a reasonable price and as quickly as possible.
Oh, and Lean – awesome blog. I’m reading!
I love it.
@Lean – Your blog is HOT. 🙂
@Holly – you know a Mad Moodler? Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! *jumps up and down*
Also, your ask is so beautifully asked:
… that however this all has to play out, that everyone involved will get the love & support they need, and be able to find some peace with things …
Thank you for that!
I have two big wants at the moment, both of which I’ve been putting off for ages thanks to stuckness. So, here goes.
1) I need a part time job.
It should be something that uses my skills, but which is flexible enough that doing the work doesn’t make me ill. I’m open minded about whether I work freelance from home, or whether I go to a place to work. I don’t need millions of pounds, just enough to cover my medical bills plus a bit of pocket money for shiny things. I’m doing my part by looking for jobs and being open to suggestions, even if they’re suggestions I would have run away from in the past.
2) I am setting up a new blog.
This blog also needs to make some money for me, so that I can afford to study a course and make the blog even more amazing as I write about what I’m learning. (No pressure!) I would very much like my Right People to find the blog – both as readers, and as advertisers. So, if you’re interested in learning about aromatherapy and how you can use it to help yourself in your daily life, then the blog will be for you. Equally, if you also have a product or service that could help our Right People, I’d love for you to advertise with me. (A sponsor would be especially awesome!) For my part, I promise to put the work and research in, to make the blog worth reading.
I’ve been very afraid about both of these things, because they’re huge changes from what I’ve been doing for the past ten years. I know that I have a lot of work to do, especially with the new blog, but I know I can get it there – with a little help!
Eternal Magpies last blog post..Vintage treasures.
Thank you Havi and Selma and everyone for the space and community to do this.
@Holly: I second the fact that your ask regarding your mother-in-law is so incredibly beautiful. Thank you for role modeling that so amazingly and may you and all your family have exactly what you ask in this time.
First, a brief update on my personal ad last week. It was about having help in getting the writing of my play through its next draft (for work with mentor this Thursday). It has been coming, I have stuck with my commitment of at least 30 minutes a day, and there has been movement and progress. So yay for personal ads.
My ask for this week is related to that one. I would like to create a greater sense of freedom to fail in the writing of my play. I would like to have greater abandon in trying new things with my characters and with my scenes. I would like to make big bold choices and have enough courage to try some risky things so that I can make this play as funny and theatrically compelling as possible.
How this could come to me: I think it would have the feeling of being drunk without actually being chemically altered. That sort of lovely “no inhibitions” feeling you get after one drink that makes you feel like you’re game for anything. It would feel easy. It would feel like The Muse comes and sits on my shoulder and whispers to me while I take dictation, or improvise out loud. It would be the feeling of Flow, or being in the zone, while writing and creating. It would feel fun and free like a child playing dress up or make believe. It would just show up, without me having to actively conjure it. It would simply appear, when I sit down to create.
Lean – What beautiful knitting! I have a sewing machine that I’ve used once. It scares the begeebees out of me. It’s always a far away goal to try again.
What a tough time Holly. She sounds like a lovely woman.
I hope you all receive what you are looking for or something better.
My personal ad: I’ve been doing some Shiva Nata recently and am feeling more creative. I would love some ideas for creative exercises to play with.
These can come in books, websites, fun ideas you’ve been playing with and any other place.
I am open to receiving ideas by twitter @bethdargis or get my email off my blog or leave a message in these comments. And of course serendipitously in places I visit, people I meet and books I see.
Eternal Magpie, I made a feed for your blog on Dreamwidth (the journaling-for-people-who-make-things service I use) and made a little plug for it on the promotions community there. Lean, I wanted to do the same for you but couldn’t seem to make a feed – your RSS button leads right back to the main page! 🙁
My personal ad. Okay, hard this week because I’m so all-over-the-place.
Er, here goes.
Budding astrologer seeks guinea-pigs.
I’m thinking about resurrecting my love for astrology and maybe turning it into a business, as I have occasionally fantasized about doing.
In that, I am looking for three “guinea pig clients”. I’m currently unpractised at drawing charts and giving readings, so I’m looking to get back into practise by… practising.
If you are right for this, you will be:
At least open-minded towards astrology, if not fully believing in it. However, “open-mined” is pretty broad, so if you’d count yourself as open to it but a bit dubious, or doubtful, please consider yourself welcome!
Prepared for the odd mistake and lots of laughter along the way!
Prepared also to give me some honest feedback about the process when the consultation is done: what worked for you, what didn’t, whast was easy/hard, comfortable/uncomfortable, and so on – so I can work towards figuring out how I would like to go about this.
Willing and able to give me your date and place of birth, and your time of birth as accurately as you know it. (This will of course be private and I won’t disclose it to anyone!)
In return I commit to:
Draw up your chart in full and spend one hour disucssing it with you by telephone or Skype. (I would really like to be able to also email your chart to you, but I draw them by hand and don’t have access to a scanner. Hm, this will need some consideration.) If you’d prefer not to do it via Skype, we can also hook up via Instant Messenger, though I’d imagine that would mean less “content” during the hour. This would be free of charge of course, as you are a guinea pig!
Anything we discuss during the session will of course be 100% confidential.
A short description of the type of astrology I do:
I trained in a course called Client Centered Astrology. This type of astrology is focused strongly on the client and the way they use the tendencies described in their astrological chart. Because of this, it’s a type of astrology that uses the indications of the chart to enable you to find out more about yourself, in a gentle, “should”-free way. It’s not about telling you how the chart says you obviously are, whether that rings true for you or not.
How my right people could come to me:
Via leaving comments on this blog, emailing me, or leaving a comment on MY blog! Or a surprise. 😀
randomling@gmail.com, by the way. For it’s in public everywhere already and I like you lot.
Wow. That is the rambliest personal ad EVER.
Lucy Viret (aka randomling)s last blog post..On the stories I tell myself.
Oh, North Carolina sounds wonderful, but it doesn’t mesh with my school schedule for August 🙁
I’m still seeking the mindset that will allow me to deal with my overload of work without overeating. So far, it is eluding me for any length of time. I get part of a day here or there, but haven’t been able to string together a whole week or even a couple of days yet. I’m frustrated with my jeans becoming increasingly tighter. Trying to have compassion for myself as we are currently dealing with a terminally ill kitty. The vet warned us to think in terms of weeks not months. Which is absolutely devastating. A few days at the vet actually made her worse off than when she started the week. But today has been a little bit better with her showing more interest in her food and being willing to venture down the stairs (she was having a lot of trouble walking when she got back from the vet).
I’m just overwhelmed on all fronts it seems. And food is the only thing that seems in my control – eating lots of it that is. ARGH!!!!!!!!
Well, from your fan in Outback Australia, Havi, here’s my personal ad:
Here’s what I want:
An income stream equivalent to my current one, that allows me to travel for 3 months of the year, live in a rural setting, practice yoga and fitness and live authentically.
Here’s how I want to get this:
I am would like to develop my knowledge and talent in anthropology, social research, writing, coaching, & fitness into products and services that could generate both a passive income and be delivered remotely, via workshop or consultancy.
Ways This Could Come to Me:
-Via a website for writing, specialising in essay writing and writing for therapy, have PDFs for sale.
-I could develop a consultancy that specialised in creative ethnography
-A coaching/yoga/personal training/spiritual practice business
-Any other means that manifests creatively
My Commitment:
I will use this to benefit others. I will teach others how to do what I have done (write amazing essays & theses and live a fit and healthy life for their whole life). I will create free products and offer gratis help. I will live truthfully and authentically and do no harm.
Amandas last blog post..The Mouth of Sauron *grin*
Lean, I loved your blog. I’m a needle-worker, too, mostly cross stitch and embroidery. My great-grandmother taught me backstitch when I was about five years old. My brother and I were being obnoxious, so she drew some pictures on pieces of cloth and sat us down with needles and thread and taught us to embroider. I treasured Christmas gifts from her because they were always something she’d embroidered, crocheted, or quilted.
Holly, your mother-in-law is in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m a bit apprehensive about this personal ad thing, but here goes:
1) Looking for a career change plan/business plan for my future animal behaviorist/animal trainer career. I have a gazillion ideas about what form this career will take, and I’m kind of on ittybiz information overload, but I’m learning so much. I believe I have identified a niche market (and that would be pronounced NICH because I live in Texas, y’all) and the certifications/means to become an expert. I am Bouncy-Tigger excited about it, but then reality rears its ugly head (financial, situational constraints) and I have no idea how to make it all happen. So, I just need a plan. I’m a planner and I like to see the big picture. I’m not so good at taking risks or leaps of faith. I would prefer that this come to me in nice ah-ha! moments, brainstorming sessions, or talking with folks who are way smarter and more experienced than I am. But, I would take a whack on the side of the head, too, if it just HAS to be that way.
2) I want the right people in dog rescue to find me. I have a lot to give and a lot to learn from them. I also want to help as many dogs find forever homes as I possibly can. This ask is two-fold, because the wrong people have already found me – yikes! So, I need the right people to find me and the resolve to not get sucked in by the wrong people anymore.
It is less than half an hour since I posted my personal ad, and I have one spot left.
Wow.
This thing really works!
Lucy Viret (aka randomling)s last blog post..On the stories I tell myself.
Lean, I like your blog. 🙂
I wish I had more readers too. I might if I posted more often. I think what I want is this:
What I want: the ability to focus and not get distracted so easily so I can accomplish more, and also to be able to separate when I’m working from when I’m not working, so I don’t work 15 hours straight when I am focused on something. If I do that I’m exhausted the next day. This is probably one of those time management things that my brain just can’t get the hang of.
How it could come to me: Umm… Dunno. Any way that works, I guess.
My commitment: I would treasure the time freed up to knit, dye, spin, make jewelry, and write more. I would get more rest so I have more energy. And I would spend time just being instead of feeling like I have to be busy every waking moment (damn Puritan work ethic).
Riins last blog post..Trunk show pics
Personal ads:
#1: I just got laid off last week and am job hunting. if the universe wants me to get a full-time job, then please bring it to me and deposit it at my feet, and have it be awesome and non-soul sucking.
#2: if the universe does not want me to get a full-time job again, then please materialize the awesome freelance slot I have been in discussions about.
#3: please let the editor who contacted my agent about my writing be THE ONE.
#4: an extra dose of courage to get my recent novel in gear.
My commitment: I will honor the space given to me to do the work I was put on this planet to do and trust myself and the muses and the gremlins and fairies who help me do the writing and treasure every moment and NOT run screaming from it.
Havi: have you looked at John Fluevog shoes? They are heels, but they are the most awesomely comfortable, stable heels I have ever ever worn. Specifically look at these: http://tinyurl.com/lohyz8
I cannot wear heels but I can walk all over New York City in these! They are in Seattle so you could at least *try them on* and see for yourself.
Havi, as always, want to thank you for giving the world this safe place and focus of “classified ads” and permission to share.
I have been thinking of classified ads a lot and, more importantly, being comfortable with asking for things for myself. So, I’m working on a couple of ads but they’re not ready for prime time yet.
Wish I could go to North Carolina but can’t. Some day I’ll get to a workshop. Maybe we should consider that an ad. 😉
Want to say to Sherron, I have a friend who is a dog trainer with a small facility now and she does lots of work with rescue. In Texas. And with very little money. So it is possible. Keep your ad “running.” You can Twitter me @SnakeCharmers if you want me to direct you to her website, etc.
Good wishes to everyone and may the universe be kind.
Personal Ads: (Here it goes, wish me luck)
#1 Looking for fabulous Blog Readers for my fabulous photography blog.
I take fabulous pictures of fabulous seniors (the high school kind)& college students.
Looking for readers and appreciators of fabulous photography to leave comments (the good kind).
Looking for fabulous seniors & college students to take pictures of (San Diego area).
http://www.h-photography.com/blog
Number 1 ad will hopefully finance my number 2 endeavor.
#2 Looking for fabulous blog readers for my fabulous College Dream Project Blog.
Designed to help young girls attend college, get involved in their community, help our planet, and to support each other.
Looking for comments and regular readers.
http://www.collegedreamproject.wordpress.com
Dear: Abundant, Spirited Business That Makes Enough Dobleros For Me And My Love To Work At Home And Live Wherever We Want,
Hello there, divine hottie.
I just wanted you to know: I am seducing you with my goddess good looks and childish sense of humour.
Who you are:
A happy, profitable, abundant, creative and spirited business.
You make enough money (you know how much) that I get to stay at home all the time, and so does my love. We’ll take you with us, wherever we go (most likely to live in tropical paradise on a farm. I think you would like that.)
You don’t drive me nuts or crazy.
You’re pretty easy going, and usually very fun and lovely to be in and around.
You’re the business expression of my soul’s purpose to help goddesses all around the planet remember they really *are* goddesses.
I’m open to you coming:
Through the biggification of my current business.
Through the addition of other sacred, joyful products that sell brilliantly well.
Through the help of others.
Through word getting out inexplicably about just how amazing Goddess Guidebook is.
Through other ways that I don’t know about yet that I’m totally happy with.
My commitment:
I will put time and energy into you.
I will continue learning.
I will continue being brave.
I will continue having balance and taking care of myself so I can take care of you.
Biggest love,
your awaiting lover,
Leonie
xoxo
Goddess Leonie | Goddess Guidebooks last blog post..How to survive work meetings and courses
I posted one on my blog a few days ago. It’s german so I’ll post a translation here.
—
Are you the location we search for?
Small, ambitious film team with clean shoes and light luggage is looking for an affordable location which can be transformed into a theater for the final scene of a short film.
We only need you a few hours, treat you with respect and leave you as we find you.
You are in the Ruhr area, maybe near Recklinghausen, have a small stage and enough chairs for an audience. Maybe you even have a small theatre group which rehearses inside of you. Laura just joins them on the stage and pretends to be a part of them.
Michael is working on weekdays but will take one or two days off for you. He has a close look on everyone so nothing breaks and he gives you his credit card number in case it happens anyway. By all means he sends you a bunch of DVDs when his film is done.
If this sounds like you please get into contact, so we can meet you in person. Best option is e-mail to studiospecialplace@googlemail.com. You can also send a picture, if you like!
—
Oh… and as a small tribute one of the characters also takes her rubber ducky everywhere. 😉
http://www.flickr.com/photos/studiospecialplace/3328610573/in/set-72157614518312213/
I am going to professional training to become a labor support doula this coming weekend, and I just contacted a local health center to participate in their volunteer doula program. Even though I’m super nervous about it, I wrote a bio that shows who I actually am (including the things about me that seem counter to the “typical” doula – childless, pretty young) and the type of person I want to work with (well-informed, queer and otherwise alternative families). This is like a mini-personal ad in my mind, but I want to add the special personal ad wishing sauce here and say that I really want to find a very particular type of client for my first birth:
You are:
-well-informed about the process of childbirth, or taking steps to be so
-open to working with someone who is young and new to this
-willing to communicate honestly about your expectations and needs
-interested in attempting a birth with few interventions
-queer or queer-friendly
I commit to:
-fully supporting you, physically and emotionally, to have the kind of birth you choose
-gaining any special knowledge I might need before your birth date
-helping your family/partner feel supported so that that person can be your support
-honoring your birth as a sacred beginning to your new family
-above all, attuning to your needs throughout the process
Wow, it’s powerful stuff to actually write this out!
My needs have changed rather drastically since the last personal ad I wrote. Now I need to find a proper job since the home equity loan didn’t fly. But I keep getting stuck trying to write an ad for my ideal job; I keep thinking about how it’s unrealistic to ask for a job that pays well and doesn’t suck or exploit people or kill the planet or something.
There are two halves of my brain in battle over this: the softer, woo side that believes in at least nailing down what you truly want, and the cynical, bitter, hurting side that believes there’s no such thing as a good job, especially in this economy (I think this second side is the one that’s getting an MBA right now).
Catherine Cantieri, Sorteds last blog post..Freeing up mental space
Okay, I’m writing a personal ad for something that is so freaking unlikely to happen that…oh, well, what can it hurt? Thanks for the opportunity.
Seeking:
Something free or very low cost — person, software, gigolo, animal, vegetable, mineral, costume, incantation — that will get me to make some CRITICAL sales phone calls for our lovely long-established small (husb, self, three employees) business that is straining to survive in this darned economy.
Details: Haven’t had to market in 13 years. It’s just hard times, nothing else has changed about the product, competition, or market. Prospects are best reached by phone, but I HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE (sorry, that just couldn’t be said vehemently enough) to call people more than anything in the world.
How I prefer this to come to me: Any way but over the freaking phone. I promise to keep all channels open 24/7 — dreams, visions, overheard conversations, comments here that aren’t even directed at me, etc.
Level of urgency of this request to the universe: Red alert! We may lose everything if I can’t find a way to make myself *pick up the freaking phone* and call, say ten places a day. Losing everything is not an exaggeration — and we are in our fifties, so this is not an ideal time to go bankrupt and start completely over with nothing, no health insurance, no credit, whatever.
Thank you so much for letting me put this out there.
(P.S. Am I having a total brain cramp and forgetting it, or has anyone here already compared this process to the one in the beginning of Mary Poppins when the kids write their ad for a dream nanny and it floats up the chimney in bits and goes where it needs to go? Forgive me if that has already been referenced. Makes me a bit happier just thinking of that.)
@Gadgetgirl: I’ve been where you are on the eating thing, and there’s one thing that has worked for me (though not foolproof) that I lovingly suggest for your consideration: Don’t fight the feeling of wanting to feed yourself…BUT stock your kitchen with really delicious and beautiful things that will lift your body up during this hard time instead of weighing it down. Then eat as much as you want!
Tons of juicy fruits — orange cantaloupe, beautiful green honeydrew, ripe strawberries, cold green grapes!
Cut up carrots, pounds and pounds of ’em, bright orange wonder-sticks of crunchiness and beauty! Same goes for whatever sexy vegetable you like — asparagus, ripe tomatoes with grated parmesan, fresh green beans sauteed with olive oil, garlic, and almond slivers?
Are there any whole grains you really like? Brown rice, barley, millet, quinoa, cooked in broth and then tossed with olive oil and fresh garlic sauteed for a minute? Make a giant batch of that, and eat all you want, hot or cold! Can you afford fresh herbs to chop into it?
Do you eat animal proteins? Some people feel totally pampered by lots of good chilled shrimp dipped in tangy cocktail sauce. You could get a tray of that all prepared for you at the grocery store — heck, get one every day during these tough times unless money is a big issue.
And if this just annoys you that I thought this idea might help, please forgive me…maybe it will be the answer to someone else’s as yet unposted personal ad!
Good luck to everyone on everything they’ve posted!
–Sandy
@gadgetgirl – Oh dear, I have been there with eating and it is really the worst. If you e-mail or find me on twitter (tweetbri) I would be happy to recommend books and stuff that helped me make it through to the other side. And I’m sending you and your kitty good thoughts and internet hugs!
Brianas last blog post..The right thing
@gadgetgirl – Oh dear, I have been there with eating and it is really the worst. If you e-mail or find me on twitter (tweetbri) I would be happy to recommend books and stuff that helped me make it through to the other side. And I’m sending you and your kitty good thoughts and internet hugs!
Brianas last blog post..The right thing
Thank you for this Havi!
Here’s what I want: A quick and sale of my house in Maine for my asking price (which is really reasonable) and ease in finding a great rental or house in Asheville, NC.
Here’s what I want it to look like:
Sale of house in Maine: Single person or couple who love the outdoors to make a sweet little abode in this little house. Someone who can relish in the natural beautify of the wooded, shelf-laden backyard. The house and land have been a beautiful, safe little place for me. It has much untapped beauty to it. Here’s to the person coming to the house and saying, “Oh, this is just what I/we’ve been looking for!”
New (to me) place in Asheville: Smallish, clean, bright living space. Large, fenced back yard for the dogs. Pet-friendly street (not a cut-through street is ideal). Walking distance to coffee shop. Diverse neighborhood. Public park nearby. Walk or bike ride or quick drive to YMCA or other gym.
Here’s how it will happen: Effortlessly, easily. and with integrity. No games or manipulation on either side of the table.
My commitment: I will go through this process in a giving manner, not withholding or panicing. I will be peaceful and trusting in the work of the Universe in providing me with the people, places, things and situations that will bring me to the happiness that I am seeking.
With gratitude, Meg.
Wow… Just when I was starting to feel okay about missing out on the North Carolina thing.
I know the price is incredible, but I still just can’t afford it right now. Kills me! Agh! Kills me!
But… I’m only two hours away from Highland Lake. So, although I’m sure you’ve got these details figured out already, if you’re flying into Atlanta, I’d happily drive you back and forth between the airport and Highland Lake. In a totally non-creepy, won’t-bug-you-and-make-you-work-while-you-ride kind of way. . .
Yeah, I guess that sounds creepy, anyway. But I’d SO do it!
*sigh* I’m going to go make myself feel better and finally purchase the Dance of Shiva Starter Kit. I’ve been holding out, and was actually going to buy it today. Of course, once I’ve started on it, I’ll probably REALLY kick myself for not making this workshop happen. Oh, well.
Havi, I would love to be your tech person. I was recently discussing potential business ideas for me to pursue with Charlie Gilkey and some other friends that I met in the biggification class that you and Naomi did last year. One of the things that we looked at was membership site services. I live about 20 miles away in Hillsboro and I have a C corporation, so no tax problems. I have done various forms of IT work for the last 25 years (yes, I’ve been doing this way too long). And I just rewrote my about page on my http://mikestankavich.com website with inspiration from your Copylicious link you posted last week. I do have a day job, so small amounts of time are just perfect for me. Just drop me a mail or tweet if interested. Hey, every pirate ship needs a fireman, right?
Mike Stankavichs last blog post..How Copylicious inspired massive improvement to my About page
OK. I’m asking for that one in a million, really strange person who wants to live in two places for six months at a time…and one of them is…the Big Island of Hawaii. I’ve got a great place that I want to hang on to. I’m one of those people who has elsewhere to be, for a minimum of around 4 months starting in Sept. but I could stretch it out until March…so if you are that kind of person…which has to be out there somewhere…let’s be fast friends!
First of all I send love and thanks to Havi, Selma and whatever divine intervention, or/and the stuff of the good, the bad and ugly has occured for us all to meet here. Huge thanks for Havi and Selma giving/sharing/inspiring us with so much good stuff, tools, life smartness, realness. Cos we need you!
THANK YOU GUYS a million times over.
So my ad…
I’d like to ask for something quite huge and a bit unreasonable perhaps. hmm
I’d like a job to find me or for me to find a job with people that I have fun with and enjoy being around who love my wackiness, energy, smilie disposition and share a simliar value system – we all try our ‘best’ not-to-throw-shoes at each other/ourselves etc…
I’d like a good wage. A wage that I can live off, pay all my bills (I can’t right now, things threatening to be cut off). I’d like to have funds left over for pursuits that I love like Samba and maybe even some stuff I haven’t tried yet like the Yoga, Havi stylee and to be able to afford to make my flat a beautful retreat from the world.A bit of paint, a gorgeous sofa and be able to put up some yummy blinds.Even though that feels a bit greedy to ask for it is what I’d love to create so I’m going to try and trust that it’s ok to yearn for a want and not a need and in a public space at that.
I’d like to have a place of work where I enjoy getting up and going there.
I’d like to feel so comfortable at work that I still have energy and time for myself and for my interests and my creative needs when I am outside of work…
If it’s part time work that would be great too as long as it pays for these things -the basics and a bit more of life’s pleasures.
I’d like all of this to come into my life soon.
That’s a big want!
And if I’m somehow stopping this occuring I’d like it to become clear as to whether I need to try a different route because I have tried lots of different things and in the meantime I am struggling to cover the basics….
(I can’t write this without saying a huge thank you to the universe for the love and support of my Mummy.)
I’m aware I’ve not adhered to the best way to language this ad bt I just had a huge urge to put it out there anyway. This morning was a day of red letters demanding payment and even though I’m flummuxed (spell?!)right now I have ripples of hope that good stuff is just around the corner.