Today I met with a wonderful old friend of mine from my show business days, Merilee Blaisdell. We were roommates together on the National Tour of My One and Only. We still keep in touch, even though thirty years have passed since that time.
I have several ballet barres stored in my outside shed. I invested a lot of money in them, and it made me feel sick to think of them just sitting there, going to waste. They had gotten dusty and a bit discolored. I wondered if I would ever use them again.
Merilee recently opened a new studio in Los Angeles. She teaches Body Rolling, Franklin Method Education, Pilates, and Fitness. I knew that she was also a terrific ballet teacher. I sent her a message, asking if she would like to have my old ballet barres. I explained to her that I had bought them for my ballet and yoga studio before closing it after the economic downturn.
She was very excited, and we were thrilled to find out that they would fit into her vehicle. I measured them carefully and sent her the numbers. It turns out they are also the perfect size for her new studio! Her landlord will put them up for her. My loss is her gain. I feel so happy to know that they are going to a good home. They are wonderful wooden barres, made with excellent quality materials from Alva's.
It's such a good feeling to find the right person who needs something valuable that you have. We sat in my living room with her husband, enjoying a pleasant chat. As she was leaving, I also picked her some Meyer lemons from my tree, and a large bunch of fresh rosemary. She was so enthusiastic and appreciative. I'd forgotten what a pleasure it is to have people over to chat. It really is the simple things in life that are the most rewarding.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I read and appreciate all of your comments. If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.
You are so right - a simple visit can be such a gift.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's all about compatibility and chemistry.
DeleteYes you are so right, and being kind and generous is so rewarding, better to get use from them.
ReplyDeleteI think so, too Simple Living. It was such a relief to clean them up, and send them on their way to a new home.
DeleteJust to let you know that I read your blog regularly and enjoy your posts. Never boring and so peaceful to visit. Thanks for your recipe for Hungarian Plum Cake, I made it more than twenty times. Few times I made with Hungarian cherries from Aldi( in jar)Plums are in season here and looking forward to make more .All the best in 2018.
ReplyDeleteHello Hope, Thanks for commenting. Wow! Twenty times, that's fantastic! It sounds delicious with cherries. I would like to try it with apricots, too.
DeleteGood for you, Stephenie!
ReplyDeleteAllowing those barres to move on and continue their intended purpose was a generous and very freeing thing for you to do.
You, your friend and her students all benefit from their continued use in the world. Their energy, and yours, was locked away in that shed and now the energy continues to flow. Imagine being stuck in plie all these years!!!!
Your years as a disciplined performer, dedicated teacher and hardworking, business owner didn't end when you closed your studio. That energy formed the multifaceted person that you are today, and continues on in your present life.
Keep that energy and creativity flowing!!!!!
Thanks Jill. I actually felt like the barres were happy to be traveling to their new location. They are such good quality. I love the wood.
DeleteIt's so nice of you to give barres to your friend.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are right, simple things are the most rewarding in life.
Thanks Nil. She is a very sweet person. We had some wonderful times together on tour.
DeleteHow wonderful that you were able to move the barres along. It is a wonderful story. Your home looks lovely and so peaceful. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anita. Yes, it is. I love peace and quiet, and enjoying being home.
DeleteIt's wonderful that something well-made and valued is going to a new home where they will be appreciated and useful. It's lovely to move things on in such a generous way. Meg:)
ReplyDelete