Park Free & Go Shopping Card
Several weeks ago, a friend was here in Johannesburg from Cape Town as an events manager of a 3 day economic conference in the Sandton City Conference Centre. Which is part of Sandton City, I think the largest shopping mall in South Africa. She gave me several parking vouchers left over from attendees, which meant that if I were to use them I would not have to pay for parking. The Centre in ordinary circumstances allows for a half hour free parking and I use that time to collect the mail from the post box, or dash into Woolworths for food, pay an account or two – but never for any serious shopping. I have a ‘thing’ about paying for parking while supporting the vendors. It’s just one of my peculiarities –
But, as many of you know, I have a wedding coming up – my son David’s wedding in Plettenberg Bay, in less than 3 weeks time. And I haven’t got anything to wear! (Well, I do, though they’re items I found the other day in my wardrobe that are rather ancient).
I’ve been walking the centre in recent days in a bit of a dream-like state and looking at glamourously dressed mannequins in the windows of trés chic shops. I felt the allure of shopping unrestricted by ‘paying for parking’. Much of the while thinking … how do I want to be, or appear, for this joyous occasion of the wedding of my son to his beautiful bride? I know that I value comfort above everything … but how it would be to wear e.g. a bold and colourful African print dress? Absolutely different to anyone else’s. I was falling under a spell. I sensed and felt the pull of the desire to find that perfect outfit that would make me feel like a million dollars on this occasion. And that I could use afterwards.
But, I also thought about this go free parking voucher – does this slip of a parking ticket have anything to do with my feeling a certain freedom, at least in terms of free parking and taking my time about shopping to find that elusive outfit? How much of me is slightly panicking and thus maybe putting caution to the winds and buying irrespective of what it costs? No, I would never do that –
It reminds me of my own wedding 34 years ago when I bought my wedding dress a week before and a flouncy hat the day before ..
But, those thoughts aside, I felt myself seduced in some strange way by the allure of shopping. I’ve returned zillions of items after trying them on at home in my own time – after initially raving about them and thinking ‘This is great! Problem solved!’ Maybe the allure had something to do with the free parking voucher –
I think I’ve come to my senses – those old and lovely things that I already have is what I will wear. Now, to look for a lovely striking belt, a necklace of some kind or the other, and a fascinator – those things one wears as a sort of a clip on one’s hair … which I had cut coloured and styled yesterday and which I’m hoping like mad will grow into its own by the time of the wedding …
I’ll be using my go free parking vouchers to look for above items and I only hope that I don’t have to step into the Dior fashion house to find such things. This free parking ticket ain’t so free after all and it’s taking altogether too much of my not so free time –
52 Comments on Park Free and Go Shopping Card –
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I love those excuses to go shopping, Susan. As you can probably imagine, I’m not much of a shopper to begin with… Not much of a clothes person, I guess—I can’t be, not with a life that revolves around dog rescue 😀 But when there’s a special occasion — and it really doesn’t get any more special than one’s SON getting MARRIED!!!! Congratulations!!!! — I somehow manage to get into the shopping groove. And I also manage to spend, always, much more than I wanted to or could afford. So kudos to you for keeping a level head and using the shopping time for accessories… You’ll look gorgeous, I’m sure of it. And we’ll be looking forward to the photos!
Thanks Guilie! We’re down in Plettenberg Bay as from yesterday and my clothes are sorted and I’m happy with them. Much was returned to shops 🙂 It’s just my hair now to worry about which although cut and styled 2 weeks ago, has grown out of shape! Perhaps a visit to a salon here in Plett! I’ll definitely be posting photos! Thank you for your congratulations 🙂
You’ll look beautiful now matter the outfit, as beauty is projected from within. Interesting tale of the free ticket, though. Nothing is free, indeed, yet we’re spending our time thinking it is, just because it says so on a piece of paper. 🙂
Congratulations, and have a great time at the wedding.
Thanks Silvia ‘Spending’ time – how true that is! Best to spend time gainfully!
Thank you for your good wishes – a few days to go!
Amanda told me about this, lol
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Love your story, Susan. I find it striking, though, that in the photos there are no shoppers. Didn’t anyone want to pay for parking to shop? Seriously, you will look beautiful no matter what you choose, I am certain. Re getting the hair done, before my daughter’s wedding I told my hair stylist, “Make it look like it was cut two weeks ago.” “Then, why didn’t you come two weeks ago,” she said flatly. As for trying on clothes in the store dressing room, I wish they’d stop using funhouse mirrors and garish lighting. Candlelight and wine would be more appropriate.
So exciting and wonderful for you and for Jüte and Dave.
That’s so funny – re your hair stylist’s comments! I’m chuckling! Also re candlelight and wine! I imagine the sales soaring, as well as the credit card!
The malls seem to be quieter – a bonus for me – we’re all feeling the pinch economically. I didn’t want to take photos with shoppers, someone may have come across them and then who knows …
Yes, it is exciting, we leave this time next week to fly down and the wedding is NEXT WEEK! 🙂
!! Wow. Coming soon! 🙂
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What a fabulous post, Susan. I love your storytelling and the whole piece was simply enchanting. I hope you find your perfect outfit and that David’s wedding is a beautiful and heart-warming event. I look forward to seeing some pics and hopefully reading about this happy day.
Thank you Gulara! A week to go before we leave – a week to find an outfit! I’ll definitely be posting photos! Can’t wait to share this joyous occasion! Have a great week! 🙂
Love it, Susan. Please send a photo of you at the wedding. (The bride would be nice, too.) In 2013 for my son’s wedding, I needed something, especially because it would be challenging to be there without Vic. I’m a terrible self-critical shopper. What allures on the rack doesn’t look so good when I try it on. A friend convinced me to get something new–and I didn’t have anything old that was appropriate anyway. I took a pair of flattering black draping pants I already owned and visited a local store known for beautiful fabrics. There was nothing I liked, but the owner said, “I have a perfect fabric for you.” I met her a few days later. I liked it, so made me a silk jacket and I bought a turquoise shell to go with it. You’ve seen my outfit because I wore it for my formal author photos. Next week, doing the workshop with Jeanie in FL, I’ll wear my silk shirt and shell. It was a good investment, although I cringe when I think about silk. Sigh…
No free parking for me except at the big commercial shopping mall and somehow I never get there. Instead I go to small shops in our town where I must pay for parking.
I’ll definitely send photos Elaine! I’ve seen the lovely outfit for the wedding in other photos of you Elaine, the story behind it is lovely too –
We’ve just come back from a swim – over my costume to walk down to the pool, I wore a sort of a tunic, loose flowing caftan type (tho shorter) garment stitched up the sides, wide sleeves, black and white jazzily striped, that one of husband’s secretaries gave me some Christmases back, as a swimming costume overthrow – (i.e. one of the secretaries – I have only one husband) – and I thought, hmmmm, maybe I could jazz this up somehow for the wedding. 🙂
Anyway I’ve got a week before we leave – I’m sure I’ll find something. And I do have some old vintage gear –
All best wishes for your upcoming seminars Elaine with Jeanie – I so look forward to feedback 🙂
To conclude my comments and balance out the facts that I think apply in general, I submit:
Anita has great skill and pleasure selecting ear-ware, neck-ware and pinning adornments on her shirts or jackets. The young men keep their eyes on Anita in restaurants and customers coming into the business office. I enjoy being active giving Anita advice about what to select on a particular day. Earlier this week a group of police officers had lunch at a table near where we were sitting, and one of them (a well-built husky/tall guy) had 4 stripes on his sleeve and several medals on his jacket. I got into conversation with him and I learned that he was second in command to the chief at his post in City of Southfield where we live. When Anita & I got up ready to leave and to pay for our meal, the server told us it had already been paid!
So, you see there is a lot of good chemistry in the thoughts of the He’s and the She’s. I expect this will be the same at the wedding that you will be celebrating, and I understand from my experience you will have a great celebration with good feasts for the tummy and for the eyes!
What a lovely story Joseph thank you for sharing it with us! What a lovely man to charm yours and Anita’s day – it’s a real melting moment indeed.
Two weeks to go today for the wedding! I am sure it will be lovely and charming and joyous and beautiful and delicious on all fronts!
Ah, it’s so difficult to find the perfect thing when you’re looking for it, especially at a shopping centre. I feel your pain.
And paying for parking is ridiculous! They should be trying to entice people to come in and spend money.
Good luck with your search, and have a lovely time at the wedding!
Thanks J.H. It seems it’s common practice – at least at upmarket shopping centres. Ooosh, they must make a mint – There’s another shopping centre close to where I live that allows for a half hour free parking but if you shop at the grocery store also, they exchange your parking ticket for a free one! That kind of manipulation is okay by me – and thank you for good wishes!
I love this story. I can’t wait to see the picture of you all ready to go. I haven’t seen your already-owned clothing. It sounds perfect for a wedding.
Thanks Jacqui – still in process – who knows what I’ll wear after all … but my already owned clothing holds promise if I can juj it up –
Take my previous comment about the “appropriate card-board box” attire- – -please take this metaphorically. I was thinking that less fussing and more simplicity is better. Of course my wife, Anita, has twice my IQ ( I sort of mean this). I imagine she would want to call me a knuckle-head – -and admonish me, “After all the decades we have been married, you still don’t understand ‘THE WOMAN’ “.
Thanks Joseph – don’t worry, the cardboard box has appeal at this moment. It’s a great metaphor!
I’d likely have been thinking the same as you if I had to pay to park. And, by the way, I believe that if those business owners want my money, free parking is their responsibity. I do feel discounts and other incentives, puts more money in my billfold. You will look gorgeous no matter.
Thanks Marsha – a gal after my own heart. Off shopping elsewhere this morning (limited time-have to be at work at 12.30) where I WILL have to pay for parking – I’ll bark as I enter and leave …
Hi Susan – that’s great – I’m glad you’ve decided on ‘tarting’ up something you already own and knows fits … a jazzy belt – sounds good, lovely necklace -yes … and then that fascinator … and you’ll be good to go. It’s going to be such a fun wedding and wonderful time with family and friends and gaining a daughter … all sounds good to me. Enjoy that’s the main thing.
I hate shopping – always have … clothes’ material always irritates … cotton is fine. So feeling pressurised to buy is always a nightmare – you’ve made the right decision … though those vouchers sound a good idea occasionally.
Happy preparation days ahead .. cheers Hilary
Thanks Hilary for coming by! Shopping is not my thing either as evidenced by my bringing things home and then not liking them, wondering why in the first place, and then the schlepp/shop of returning them 🙂 … anyway I’m just back from going further afield, and have got some jewellery re tarting up what I have. But no belt as yet. There was one which I thought I could wear backwards, i.e. the plain buckle at the back and the glitz of the rest of the belt in the front but on second thoughts –
Ah well – btw did you ever see my 2nd response to you in previous post re EU to be or EU not to be – I thought it was worthy of a post on it’s own. Am hopping over to your recent one on Emily Hobhouse ..
Congratulations on your son’s wedding! How exciting! And how intriguing that a parking voucher could lead to other liberties. Maybe not so free, after all. 😉
Thanks Sara! Yup, not so free after all! Maybe today I’ll get lucky – am going further afield, even if I have to pay for parking 🙂
So nice to hear from you Susan; I know how delightful it is to wanting to dress up for the wedding 🙂 As women its a great feeling to wanting to look good… in India weddings are celebrated in pomp and show and clothing, accessories, foot wear, hairstyle all this becomes so important at this time… and so much of planning goes in for all this 🙂 .. like you Susan I go for comfort whether its a saree or a foot wear, its very important to be happy and comfortable… of late I have been so much at peace by wearing what ever I have and learnt not to visit huge malls… for me I feel overwhelmed and end up confused and not buying anything after all the time invested. these days I prefer shops having a few choices so its easy to select and move on… while I read the other comments, I agree in total that ultimately its the happiness and joy in our hearts that matter the most. Glad for you Susan choose whatever you want; and you are beautiful from within and that will shine on any dress your wear… take care and God bless you !!
Thanks for coming by Genevive! Yes, people here are saying I must go all out – it’s a wedding after all! Your saying about the pomp and ceremony makes me think I must keep on looking. Who knows, maybe something nice and new will just appear! I’m about to set off – wish me luck! Maybe a sari as I think of you always looking so beautifully draped when I see photos of you and friends. And thank you for your kind comments … you too take care and God bless you.
I am SO laughing Susan, as I can SO RELATE to your turmoil! When my son married four years ago, I didn’t know what to do as we don’t dress up, so WHAT would I do with a fancy dress that I would never wear again. Finally, I went through my old clothes and found something acceptable that fell in with the Halloween Theme the kids were using.
It is SO exciting that your son is getting married! Good luck with the Free Parking Voucher… maybe you will find something FREE to purchase for your outfit too! 😉 You will have a delightful time at the wedding, I just know it! HUGS!!!!!
Thanks Gwynn a gal after my own heart! I could go goth perhaps …
The chance of finding something free to wear is small, although yesterday when I went to the plants nursery they gave me some plastic boots, free, to wear over my shoes … maybe if it’s raining at the wedding I’ll wear those. Is green ok to wear to a wedding I wonder?
Here in the states the bride picks the colors. Find out what colors the bride chose for her bridesmaids and the flowers for the wedding… at least that is what is done here!
I checked with Jüte a while ago … the bridesmaid were wearing navy but the LAST time we communicated she said she was changing the bridesmaids dresses – colour, style the whole bang shoot – so, I ain’t asking nothing!!! Her Mom is wearing b & w she said …
Wonderful … enjoy the great occasion of releasing your son to the world, to another woman.
Nearly two years ago I travelled to Australia for my son’s wedding, since most of my daughter-in-law’s family lives there. Tending to travel with just a small on-board-case, my dress was light, and I skipped the hat 🙂
Shopping malls or department stores are my kind of nightmare. I prefer small shops, and am happy when I discover one item that transforms other items in my wardrobe, like a striking shawl.
I hope you find the items that transforms something lovely you already have and value.
Thanks for coming by Ashen – I remember your trip to Australia for your son’s wedding and some photographs – and on the water too.
I’m about to set out to the mall to return things – your saying about smaller shops reminds me of a suburb not that far away that may well inspire me with unusual things … thanks for the prompt. And a shawl …
Oh I hate shopping. I prefer going through the catalogs. Of course I sometimes still have to send things back. I think you have a point about if you’re paying the vendors why should you have to pay for parking. We have the same issues here though I don’t drive any more.
Thanks for coming by Kimberly – we have catalogues here too but I’ve never got ‘into’ that –
I’m jumping in, here, without carefully reading the comments before mine.
I think that people who know you and love you do not fuss about relatively trivial matters. Enjoy the beautiful event, and Mazel Tov (In Hebrew an exuberant Best Luck wish).
I imagine that I would not care even if you came in an appropriate card-board box. Just seeing and celebrating with you would be enough!
Thanks Joseph for Mazel Tov wishes! A cardboard box? Maybe! I could decorate it – and maybe do a Marilyn Monroe and jump out of it –
How wonderful about your son’s upcoming wedding, and the happiness you feel! Rather than thinking the parking voucher took your time, perhaps it gave you time to dream. Time you wouldn’t have taken otherwise.
City parking is a pain though. It’s always an issue when we go into Philadelphia, and we are always thrilled when we get discounted parking for attending certain theaters or being museum members.
In the last two years, both our daughters married and my sister did, too. I bought new dresses for each one, and also wore my hair differently each time. My husband wore the same suit, but with different ties. But you know, no one notices in photos that a man is wearing the same suit. Still, we were both happy, as were all involved.
Oh! The comments help me so much in clarifying things for me Merril thank you! Time to dream which I wouldn’t have done otherwise (except in nightlife dreams)!
A few of my friends are urging me to get a new outfit. A good friend of mine is attending her second son’s wedding in London, her first son got married less than 2 years ago also in London. She is getting a brand new outfit. As you did for your 2 daughters and sister! My husband will be wearing the suit we got married in (unless he loans it to our son David who has his eye on it).
Perhaps the parking ticket, like the clock, is another imposed geometrical point at which the future becomes the past…
Seems as though you were very much in the present when you composed this clever piece.
Cheers,
R.
Well now, Robert, there’s a thought to think about, now and later thank you! If I get other bits and pieces they will be a present to me –
Oh how I admire you! I do adore dresses and… I am afraid to say that such an occasion as a son getting married would be they way for me to compose an outfit very different from the way I usually look. My son is in his first relationship. Common, he is 12 the dear guy, so a wedding will be years away. But it is so sweet and endearing how much in love he and his girlfriend are. And so I can imagine how proud you must be of your son getting married. Very symbolically you have parked your car and look for a new dress: a new way of acting in a new phase of life.
How dear to witness your young son’s first love Susanne! As you say about getting an outfit quite different to how you usually dress, I think this was my first idea – and it is interesting to me that I am now considering very seriously wearing some old and lovely things instead – though of course I could change my mind! Thank you for coming by!
I think the happiest thing I hear in your voice today is the anticipation of your son’s wedding. The free parking vouchers and the lure of fashion are just icing on the cake, so to speak!
Icing on the cake! I love that Marian thank you!
Dear Susan;
How right you are. There is no free lunch!
And, how we might already have what we think we need that is not elsewhere but within.
Dear Susan, thank you …amazing that I forgot all this in the heat or lure of the moment … which makes me think that putting up this post, so different from what I usually do, may have been an unconscious desire on my part to be put on the straight and narrow (in the broader sense) that you and Deborah have helped me do –
Whatever you decide to wear Susan you’re going look happy! And ‘happy’ is one of the best dressed, and most beautiful looks eyes (and of course camera) can ever capture. All love-filled ceremonies light us up from the inside, thus we radiate with pure joy! I guess David’s wedding will be taking place on or around the March Equinox, which is a truly auspicious time for sacred, divine marriages.
As I’m not keen on ‘clothes shopping’ the free parking voucher would have held little sway. However, I do know that clever marketing, shop lighting, style and design go a long way to seduce the shopper in all of us. Especially if one can smell the aroma of freshly baked bread heading down our supermarket aisle. Ha-ha! I also bought my dress one week before my own wedding.
Warmest wishes, I hope you all enjoy your magical day! Blessings to the happy couple, Deborah.
I’m glad that you’re the first commenter Deborah thank you because you remind me and no doubt anyone else who reads your comment how happiness lights up everything! I wonder how it was that I missed that, worrying about inconsequentials like clothes – though truth be told I’m fretting a little about foot wear which I totally forgot about until just now .. although I do smile inwardly whenever I think of Dave & Jüte making their marriage vows 🙂
But you’re spot on – a happy and joyous heart means everyone will be and look beautiful and that really is all that matters 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thank you for your warm wishes to the happy couple!