When we last left off, I was in a dressing room at Target wondering what parallel universe I had just entered. I mean, entering Target is pretty much entering a parallel universe for many reasons (all different, depending on the individual)… But seriously, to be talking to my father’s older brother while I’m more of less naked in a Target dressing room? Never saw that one coming.
As I explained yesterday, he called to let me know that he reads my blog (hi again Uncle Dick!) and that he had this really great idea about something I should write. Now before I get into the details, I need to address the obvious question that this will elicit from many of my readers: Your UNCLE has an idea about what you should write in your blog? And you’re actually going to consider this?
Well – yes. You see I am a Coveny by birth, and we are idea people. We have a lot of great ideas. All the time. And we don’t hoard all of these breakthroughs for ourselves. Oh no – we are very generous people. We SHARE our ideas with others. We know how much they can benefit from our wisdom and creativity.
And of course, we are not shy about this. You can ask my friend Christy. I have ideas about what she should be doing with her jewelry design business ALL THE TIME. I have sent her many via e-mail and we have discussed them at length on the phone. If Christy could hire me full time, I’m fairly certain that we would make millions. Unfortunately, we are both a little too busy with our day jobs – but maybe someday… I have (in rare moments of objectivity) asked Christy if she minds me sending her all of these gems – and she has verified that they are good ideas and much appreciated. That’s a good thing for you Christy – because there are plenty more to come!
So in light of the fact that I am an idea person myself, how could I not be open to a suggestion from an “idea man” over 30 years my senior? And because it would go completely against my nature to actually get to the point before paragraph number six. Let me tell you just a little bit about my Uncle Dick.
Uncle Dick is about sixty-eight years young (and no – he won’t be mad that I am telling everyone how old he is – Covenys are not vain about age). He is my father’s older brother and has three beautiful daughters, all around my age. He has a successful background in business and can recognize talent when he sees it (hello! my blog…) He liked my idea of having a weekly feature (as of last week, I’m now doing “Friday Confessions“), and he had another suggestion for me.
But before I get to that, I should mention one other thing about my uncle. He is not just a dreamer – he is an achiever. Several years ago, he suffered a stroke that left him with fairly severe paralysis. He was told that he would never walk again. His response? “Just watch me.” Initially, he had to spend some time in a facility that offered full time care, and was surrounded by much older people that had pretty much given up on their own rehabilitation (as if being over eighty years old made it not worth their while). But my uncle’s determination was infectious, and he left there having given hope to many (and also having received a marriage proposal from a wealthy older woman – but that’s another story). After years of physical therapy, he is now living by himself in his own Manhattan apartment and makes a point of being outside of it as much as possible.
Uncle Dick is retired – but he’s never idle. He’ll always have ideas. And here is the one he had for me: He thinks that I should do somewhat of a “Dear Abby” kind of thing for kids. So they can write me for advice on how to deal with their unreasonable/embarrassing/you name it parents. Of course – it wouldn’t be REAL kids writing me. Real kids are not known to be enthusiastic letter writers – not even for advice from idea people like me. No, I would have to make them up – which is even better since their questions would be ones that I can actually answer. Score!
I spent most of Friday evening and Saturday too busy with my own kids to give much thought to the “Dear Mrs. Hood” advice column, but was reminded of THE IDEA when Uncle Dick called me again on Sunday to discuss it further. I will admit that this is not an easy one for me – but I’m going to give it a try. But not tonight.
It’s getting late (and this is getting long) so I’m going to have to finish the story tomorrow. I know! Cliffhanger number 2! It’s like watching episodes of Lost – except I don’t make you wait another week to see what happens next. So – until tomorrow…
What a great idea!
Woot Woot Uncle Dick!
Just so you know, I have a coupla kids who’d be MORE THAN HAPPY to write you a letter or three…dozen asking you stuff like, “Why do my parents ALWAYS make me go to bed?” or “Why don’t my parents EVER let me play on the computer for eight hours in a row?” or “How come *I* ALWAYS have to do EVERYTHING?!?”
Just sayin’…in case you get hard up for questions.
That is a great idea. Your family is brilliant.
I’m pretty sure you could find a few kids willing to write letters. We parents are pretty awful sometimes.
Sow ait you were in the dressing room. That;s a relief
Cute idea, but it sounds like a lot of work. I have thought of many good ideas for regularly occurring posts and whatnot, but I have no follow through.
Connie – Yeah, my Uncle Dick is a good guy. I’m still a little nonplussed about the whole “I have an idea for your blog” thing – but he was sweet to think of me.
Steph – First of all – that is quite a picture. As you may have seen, I came by to check out the blog behind the picture. I’m having a hard time coming up with ideas for questions – so I may take you up on that.
Renee – I’m sure Bunny could come up with some questions that would be hilarious on their own!
Suzie – Do you know me at all?!? (Oh right – you don’t really…but still!)
Christy – Yes – you are right. I’m thinking this may be a one hit wonder. But I felt I should give it a try for Uncle Dick since he was so excited about it.
This is so funny – and a new experience for you to be on the receiving end of the “great idea.” I know you’ll come up with something truly funny.
I think I’m the black sheep.