I actually spent money on myself!

[Alice Abbott]

We had our sisterly trip out to La Rochelle today. We window-shopped, had lunch, giggled a lot, put the world right generally and came home in a very sweet frame of mind.
I spent ALL of the money Mom gave me for Christmas on myself and bought new shoes, new jeans, a sweater, scarves, moisteriser and perfume. "New" is the best bit, all that tissue paper and those shiny paper carriers! This probably proves that every woman, no matter how much they make do and mend, buy second-hand, make their own and so on will always feel better for a luxury, be it ever so small!
Ginny & I persuaded Loren to consider seeing a therapist to try to deal with her depression, to contact some old friends she has shut herself off from thanks to the miserable ex and to look into a new course which will improve her "marketability" as a doctor.
Loren and I then persuaded Ginny to stop being such an absolute monster to our parents and give them a chance. That took some doing.
And then the pair of them persuaded me I should look into writing a book, one of those "Guess What Happened to me in France" type books, probably half fiction and half fact. I said I would give it a try in my spare time. That was VERY tongue in cheek as I rarely have spare time and I don't see it seeing the light of day anytime soon.
So we came home and Loren immediately sent online New Year Cards to every old friend in her email address book with her news and contact number, then Ginny presented a box of chocolates to Mom with a kiss on the cheek and a hug. Everyone, particularly Mom, was amazed. She's been smiling ever since! So here am I, supposedly looking over all the notes I've made over the last two and half years. We shall see...

[MuddyWitch]

Go for it! I'd love to read your book, I LOVE your writting style!

MW

[Green Aura]

So glad you had a good time and sorted out a few things - as well as the retail therapy of course (OK a bit of me still likes it ).

And I'd buy your book!

[123sologne]

Well, this may be a great holiday after all! Based on what I read of your family in the various threads, it looks like you are all starting 2011 on a very good footing! Well done all of you!

[Millymollymandy]

Well done Alice that sounds like a brilliant day out for all three of you! You deserve some retail therapy and a bit of pampering! I also think you could really make something of a book as your adventures are extremely readable and your style is great. I wonder what Monsieur le Maire will think as no doubt he would feature in it.