Remember When "Needy" Was an Insult?

"We don't need shark hats...we need food!"

Continuing from yesterday's post about your "Shark Party Needs" I've been thinking about the way marketing types use the word, "Needs." Since Monday, I've read recipes for, "Smoothie needs", heard an ad for a pharmacy that can help with your, "Health needs", and been screamed at from a headline in my local paper about "Back to school needs." Look, I will never ever, need a smoothie with raw kale and coconut water. Ever. If it does happen, then the only thing I'll be in "need" of is a solid punch upside my head. I promise you, I don't have kale smoothie needs. Likewise, when I go to the pharmacy, it is for a problem. There's nothing wrong with having a problem-problems can be resolved. Needs are more complicated, and typically involve spending money. And let's be honest, most "Needs" are really anything but, and it takes advertising to convince you otherwise. "Your shark week wants" is awkward and doesn't quite roll off the tongue in the same way.

"Yeah? Well I have needs too, you know. Before we had the extra mouths to feed your father used to bring me all sorts of lovely insects. Now everything is, "Must feed the hatchlings". Just shut up with your needy bullshit already."

See? Needs with respect to subsistence is different. Helpless baby birds have needs. Middle class people have kale smoothie and shark party needs.

"But... we really needed the kale smoothie!"

Thanks for indulging me. *Steps down off soapbox*.

 Now, how about we turn our attention to "Wants?" This morning's breakfast was some lightly toasted buttermilk white bread spread with a thin layer of cream cheese, topped with nectarines and a pinch of brown sugar. A dab of butter, then under the broiler until the sugar bubbles. No, you don't need it but if you have good nectarines to hand-you'll want to try it. The season is so short, and thus far the fruit has been exceptional.

 "I fancy a bit of kale, if I'm honest."

 I was getting ready to leave the house, and remembered I'd forgotten to put on my rings. I joked to Danny that I'd better put on my wedding band so I don't get any weirdos trying to pick me up.
"Does that even ever happen to women your age?" He wanted to know.

I'm still thinking of a suitable punishment. I mean...geez.

 I dug out this teal bangle that doesn't get worn nearly as much as it ought to.

And these dangly shell earrings, and white necklace.

 I bought this maxi at Goodwill yesterday for .99 cents and am ever so pleased with the way it looks. I didn't need it-I wanted it. The dress appeared to have been taken-in on top, and I was concerned it might not fit, but I bought it anyway figuring it would fit somebody and at that price, I wasn't leaving it. Fortunately, it does fit and it was perfect for a day of walking about outside in the sunshine. I do know that this was originally intended as a hostess type dress that likely never saw the public beyond a patio but after 45 years or so, most people have forgotten that and today a polyester maxi is perfectly appropriate daywear. If any elderly persons were shocked, they kept it to themselves.

Outfit Particulars:

1970's Kenny Classics polyester maxi dress-Goodwill

1960's teal bangle-Imaginarium

White bangle-Goodwill

1960's vinyl bag-Etsy

Shell earrings-Sears, a few years ago

1960's Sara Coventry white necklace- now defunct antique shop

No pattypan or beans yet, but we're just starting to see buds. I sowed more lettuce seeds, which I've been doing every two weeks so that ought to keep us going through autumn. I'm afraid the peppers may be doomed, but we'll see.

Thanks again for indulging my lecture. Remember, no matter what the birds tell you, kale is an ornamental plant. Nice in a lawn, but unsuitable for human consumption. I hope I've met all your blog reading needs for today.