needful luxury

When I came home for lunch today I was reading, and I read a quote from Dorothy Parker that said something like, You take care of the luxuries, because the necessities will take care of themselves.  I have found myself thinking a little bit about that philosophy the rest of the day, as my technician/friend and I  had to shoo G back into the bathroom when his pants were half down, and as my husband and I spent time rattling off ideas to save money each month.  Will my necessities take care of themselves?  Really?

I have known some people who spend so much time worrying about and negotiating over saving a dollar here and there, or not wanting to go out to see the world, because they need to save for the new roof.  Of course we need that roof over our heads, but will there really ever be a time when every single thing is lined up and in order and then you can go on that trip?  I am thinking no. 

I believe Ms. Parker spoke a bit of truth in her statement.  Usually the necessities are taken care of, if for no other reason than instinct.  We eat because we need to.  We pay for the house because we need one.  We put gas in the car because we have to get places.  For me a luxury here or there can seem like a necessity, and that is when the line can get blurry.  I admit that about myself.  I like a new piece of clothing, or a road trip.  Even when they might not seem needful to someone else, they do to me. 

So thank you Ms. Parker.  Today I am choosing to agree with you.

16 comments

Kristina P. | October 11, 2010 at 5:21 PM

I agree. I think that if you have nothing you want, motivation gets lost. And you don't have to buy a new car. Even a small candy bar you've been craving.

gigi | October 11, 2010 at 5:47 PM

I agree too and those little things just help so much in getting through those really big things that have to be done. Did that make sense?

AnneMarie | October 11, 2010 at 5:59 PM

I think I'm with you on this one too

mermaid gallery | October 11, 2010 at 6:20 PM

heh, i love Dorothy Parker too...but her logic came out of the 1950's....still, I think memories are when we make them. I won't remember the new roof but I will always remember the beach in Tulum, Mexico..... I go there in my mind over and over again....and know I will until I die. Life experience is what it is all about......

Kazzy | October 11, 2010 at 7:21 PM

I like the way you ladies think. :)

Connie | October 11, 2010 at 8:11 PM

I like that quote. It's so true that I wouldn't be able to do anything luxurious if I waited until all my necessities were taken care of. Sometimes I feel selfish and other times I feel justified.
Now I have a quote to ponder during times of feeling selfish.

wendy | October 11, 2010 at 8:30 PM

Life would be drudgery indeed if we didn't throw in a luxury here and there.

and we all have our personal little luxuries....maybe just sitting in a perfectly quiet room with a good book would be a luxury.

there are sooooo many things that are luxurious.

Robin | October 11, 2010 at 11:13 PM

When I read the title, I thought it would be about boot shopping. I guess it kind of is.

I read that you were going and wanted to have others join you. Please understand when I tell you that every cell in my body screamed, "Not me!"

It's not you; it's the shopping.

But you have a great time. And I can't wait to see the boots.

Welcome to the Garden of Egan | October 12, 2010 at 12:52 AM

Very wise my friend. I agree.

CiCi | October 12, 2010 at 5:45 AM

Not worrying about providing the necessities takes the stress out of day to day living. Lots of things can be a luxury.

Barbaloot | October 12, 2010 at 8:19 AM

Sometimes luxuries can be necessities...if only to make your regular schedule have a little boost.

My necessary luxury is sleeping in on Sunday mornings.

Becca | October 12, 2010 at 9:28 AM

I look forward to the time when my necessities can take care of themselves. But I'm naturally so lazy that I need to coerce the Urgent, Imperative, Important things to happen daily.

Someday.

Charlotte | October 12, 2010 at 3:20 PM

I believe in letting in not forgetting the luxury, but I like to make sure the necessities are there, too. I like to find a comfortable balance (in other words, don't want to come home from the trip to a fallen in roof and drenched belongings).

* | October 12, 2010 at 5:01 PM

I like the idea that when we get a vision of the bigger picture, we live our lives such that the details take care of themselves...

At least that's the idea, right? :)

My way of saving $$ lately has been to stay home more and write/read. One of my indulgent past times is shopping, and even if it *is* at thrift stores most of the time, money spent is, well, money spent! (sigh)

Jenny Lynn | October 13, 2010 at 6:35 AM

This is an interesting thought, that I would have to agree with. Although, I have been the worried woman who saves every dime to pay for the car that needs new tags. Her logic makes since.

Luann | October 18, 2010 at 2:22 PM

As with most things, I think it's all about balance. If every penny is going for the roof, things are out of whack. If every penny is going for luxuries, things are still out of whack. The tricky part for me is finding the right balance. One that gives me enough financial restraint and savings to sleep at night, but still gives me enough money to feel like I'm doing more than survive.