I know I’ll never win the lottery. How can I when I don’t buy tickets? That’s why I don’t dream of winning it.
I do imagine what it would be like to receive a windfall of some sort, like being offered a million bucks to answer a random trivia question (Jeopardy nerd here) while walking down the street or finding some rare whatsit worth a ridiculous amount of money in some thrift shop. I’m not afraid to verge into soap opera territory either. I’ll definitely welcome an inheritance from some unknown, estranged billionaire great-uncle.
My imaginary money may not come from the lottery. Still, it has the same potential capacity to open up opportunities for improving my quality of life, helping those in need, and accessing expensive experiences.
Make no mistake though; one of the first things I’ll do with my money is to bless the beast and the children. I haven’t fleshed out what I’d do for orphans and other underprivileged children, but I already know I’m funding various rescues and sanctuaries to work together in rounding up non-terminally ill cats and dogs facing euthanasia. I’ll happily invest in rescue workers who dream of having their own land to turn into a safe and loving haven for strays and other at-risk animals.
I’m not completely selfless, though. I intend to have fun with my money. I’ll buy all the books and plants I want as well as go on various trips around the world.
I have given some thought to what adventures I would like to embark upon when given the chance. The list is long, as my hypothetical windfall is apparently limitless. Here are some of my favorite ones that I can recall off the top of my head.
I’m far from an adrenaline junkie, so don’t expect anything extreme. BUT, if you’re of a similar temperament to mine, you may find inspiration from the following cozy adventures:
A Book Town Pilgrimage
I’ve already written about this dream. Several places on this earth are considered book towns, and they hold book festivals besides offering a multitude of bookshops for book fiends such as myself to poke around in on a regular day. This pilgrimage would also include places associated with some of my favorite books and authors, e.g. Prince Edward Island for Anne of Green Gables; Amherst, MA for Emily Dickinson; Bath, England for Jane Austen, etc.
Sleeper Train Trips
I want to ride a slow train across Europe, making overnight stops in quaint towns so they can be experienced beyond a quick ramble through the main street and a hurried purchase at the souvenir shop. The Orient Express is definitely on this list as well. Another one is Amtrak. When I was a kid, my dad had an Amtrak magazine in his office, and I used to flip through it and dream of our family traveling across the US by train. Dad passed away in 2021, so I’m not exactly sure what to do with that dream now.
Arctic Year
Northern Lights, anyone? I’ve always had a fascination with Alaska. This probably tracks since I come from a tropical place. I watch a lot of Alaska homesteaders on YouTube and find myself charmed by the natural beauty, wildlife, and limited accessibility of the state. In recent years, I also discovered Svalbard and was just as intrigued. It would be amazing to get a taste of what life is like in these places.
Autumn Road Trip through New England
I think New England, which is already gorgeous, becomes extra special in the fall when the leaves turn. It is peak coziness, the very stuff Hallmark movies are made of. What is it about the fall that fills our souls with warm joy? I definitely want to relish the atmosphere. It has its distinct appeal in every season, but New England does autumn in a really superior way.
European Canal Boat Holiday
Decades before I started following liveaboards on YouTube, I came across the idea of houseboats (probably not the first time, but that’s when it registered) watching Baywatch. Eddie (I forget his last name) lived on one. I’ve always liked the idea of being a liveaboard, but knowing myself better now, I probably don’t want it in a permanent arrangement. And, while other types of houseboats are also plenty cozy, I just find the narrowboat extra snugly charming. Since I have plenty of (dream) money, I plan to cruise through various canals in the UK, France, and the Netherlands.
This Small Life 