In Pursuit of the Perfect Purse

I am the discount Queen. Let it be known throughout the land. I live for and love finding discounted merchandise. Recently, I was in the market for a new purse. My current purse was worn and weary, and as my mother would say, “It doesn’t owe you a thing.” Thus began my search.

From one discount store to the next, I looked at each and every purse. Nothing escaped my eye, and yet, I came up empty handed. As an aside, one of my hallmarks when shopping is to purchase from a place of love. As in, “I love it!” But no purse appealed to me, not even a close contender.

This search went on for several months. Now I didn’t spend every waking moment, only the weekends were devoted to the cause. Despite my best efforts, nothing turned up, and this was most unusual.

Challenges in whatever form or manner are a way to get our attention. There is usually something at heart that we need to learn. Oftentimes these insights arrive unexpectedly, because of need. Had it not been for the local town crier, I am not sure I would have heard or received the message.

“Hear ye, hear ye, henceforth from this day forward ye shall pay full price.” I looked to the left and then to the right. Was he talking to me, the discount Queen? Apparently so! This meant no coupon, no promo code, no 30% off on top of a 50% discount, and no mail in rebates. My spirit, the essence of all that I am, was in agreement by asking me to go to the next level. Quite frankly, I wasn’t so sure I’d like this new deal.

For most of my life, I have lived very responsibly, living paycheck to paycheck. I had a good thing going floating down the river of limitations in my doughnut hole patchworked inner tube. My spirit was now demanding more from me because I was desiring more from life. I wanted a lifestyle of quality and simple luxury—not for material gain, but because at heart this is who I am.

I have my husband to thank for this lifestyle change. It was he who helped raise the bar. My husband came from a background of privilege, where lack was not a part of his milieu. Quality and abundance, combined with hard work and enthusiasm led to a comfortable life. I was also impressed by his genuine care and concern for the environment. Through osmosis my standard of living was raised, though I still enjoyed my discounted discoveries.

It was time to graduate from Frugal High. My diploma would be the purse of my dreams—a Michale Kors monogrammed purse. I had seen a woman carrying it, and based on my reaction, one would think I had found the Holy Grail. “Where did you buy that purse?” I asked in an anticipatory voice. She said it was purchased several seasons ago, and paid more than she expected; however, she said it was worth every dollar. She loved it!

I searched the internet high and low. I was in pursuit of the perfect purse. I looked at more purses than I care to say. I never did find that particular style, but in its place, something took hold, something far more valuable than the purse itself. I traded in my doughnut hole inner tube for a shiny new Chris Craft motor boat. Care for a ride?

I now pay full price if and when I desire. I also try to shop for quality, though I still love a good deal when I see one. It’s the best of both worlds. And guess what? That Michael Kors purse I was looking for, well I found not one but two in a similar style at my favorite discount store. They are “my happy ever after.” Oh, shhhhh . . . let’s be quiet now. The commencement speech is about to begin.