I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the cost of things. Why? Because my first book, I Was In Love With a Short Man Once is currently free (FREE!) as a Kindle download through Friday, November 13th. No strings attached, just a little gift. Of course, I’m hoping for some honest reviews from you nice people, but there’s no obligation whatsoever.
I’m guessing you might be a little skeptical, because, is free ever really free?
For example, here in the DC area, I love to visit the Smithsonian museums. My favorite is the National Portrait Gallery. It’s not just a stodgy collection of portraits of U.S. Presidents. The museum also includes paintings, photos, and drawings of an impressive range of celebs and dignitaries such as Malala Yousafza, Rachel Welch, Charile Chaplin, Joan Baez, and Elvis Presley. All provided free to peruse at your leisure. Except, all the Smithsonian museums are supported, in part, by our tax payer dollars. In fact, according to the Smithsonian website, “Federal appropriations cover about 70 cents of every dollar needed by the Smithsonian,” (https://www.si.edu/giving/faqs accessed 11/8/15). So, these museums are free, but are they free?
Image provided courtesy of Pixabay, https://pixabay.com/en/expression-man-young-adult-male-909044/
I put on my thinking cap, and worked to identify a few things in life that are indeed free. Here’s my quick top five freebie list:
Sleep. There’s nothing like a good solid night of deep, uninterrupted sleep. I’m also very fond of the occasional rainy afternoon nap. Sleep costs you nothing, but a lack of sleep can indeed be very detrimental.
The Beach. Growing up in Florida, I took for granted that the beach was there any time I was so inclined to jump on my bike and head over to the shore. The beach was a great equalizer because no one knew if you drove a Ferrari or rode up on a used and beat up Schwinn. There are now summer days when I long for the time when I could spend lazy hours laying on a towel on the sand, listening to the waves and basking in the heat of the sun’s warmth.
Image provided courtesy of The Commons public photography archive: https://www.flickr.com/search/?w=commons&q=florida+beach
Hugs. This may be the very best free thing out there. Hugs are awesome. I’m a big hugger. Great big bear hugs.
Bank Lollipops. Yep, my bank still offers free lollipops and I take one every time. My favorite flavor is butterscotch, followed by root beer.
Laughter. I love laughter. Big ‘ol infectious giggles. My own laugh is more of a guffaw, quite horse-like. Be warned to not sit next to me in a funny movie if a loud laugh, at all the wrong moments, is going to embarrass you. This video of quadruplet babies laughing has been viewed over 7.5 MILLION times. I double-dog dare you to watch this and not be affected by it’s total cuteness. Laughter is indeed the best free gift of the Universe.
Video provided courtesy of YouTube: https://youtu.be/CQo2FJPLeQk
How about you, what are your favorite freebies?
Cheers,
Kimba
Estelle says
November 11, 2015 at 12:03 amLoved all your items on the free things list. The beach is definitely top of mine, and laughter. Love guffaw type laughs!
Carolann says
November 10, 2015 at 9:31 pmI appreciate learning about new ways to save money. I like all of your things that don’t cost any especially laughter!
Lois Alter Mark says
November 10, 2015 at 8:39 pmI love that video with the babies laughing. I watch it whenever I need a little lift! That mom must need to watch it too, especially on the days when all of those little ones are crying at the same time!
sherill says
November 10, 2015 at 8:12 pmHi, love your post, yes , laughter is the best medicine and it is free. Thanks for sharing a great read, it made my day. 🙂
WendysHat says
November 10, 2015 at 7:41 pmFun! Thanks! I would love to read this. I will recommend this so my friends.
Cathy Chester says
November 10, 2015 at 6:29 pmLately we’ve learned how to find fun and exciting ways of enjoying less by spending less money. I’ve always loved art and my husband has a BA in Art History so we enjoy galleries, museums, sculpture gardens – anything with art.
I also love smiles, hugs, endless girlfriend chats and soaking in nature that includes our 3 cats.
I’ll be in Florida shortly. I miss it so and I can’t wait!
Mary Lanzavecchia says
November 10, 2015 at 12:35 pmI loved your point about the beach being the great equalizer, too. I grew up on the opposite coast, but never much thought about the fact I never considered the mode of transportation taken by my fellow beach goers.
My favorite freebie to give and receive is a smile, and this post gave me one. Thank you!
Kim Dalferes says
November 10, 2015 at 1:07 pmSmiles are definitely a great universal freebie!
Tammy says
November 10, 2015 at 11:31 amFree is one of my favorite words! So are giggles and hugs! So many of the important things in life are actually free. Thank God for small favors!
Kim Dalferes says
November 10, 2015 at 1:07 pmHope your day is filled with giggles.
Marquita Herald says
November 10, 2015 at 4:31 amHey I’m a also a big huger – and one of the best things about living in the Island is there are plenty of us around! I had to laugh at your question about whether anything is ever really free because the first thing that came to mind is all of those promotions for free gifts, webinars and bonus materials which of course are anything BUT free because they require your email when means you either have to immediately dump them after you get the promised offering (which inevitably racks me with guilt) or suffer endless email pitches. Hope your book promotion is a huge success Kimba!
Kim Dalferes says
November 10, 2015 at 1:06 pmMarty we’ve never met in person but I have always pictured you as a big-time hugger!
Carol Cassara says
November 9, 2015 at 4:55 pmLove is my favorite freebie. Oh, and friendship. Both so lovely … and free! Totally free!
Kim Dalferes says
November 10, 2015 at 1:05 pmI cherish my friends every day; especially my gal pals.
Vicki says
November 9, 2015 at 4:12 pmOne of my favorite FREE things is volunteering! It only costs your time & the rewards received are priceless. Also the air we breathe each day is free..outside..not in airconditioning! A walk with nature is free. Like your freebie list too!
Kim Dalferes says
November 10, 2015 at 1:04 pmYou are my volunteer hero. Well, you and your grandson.
Rena McDaniel says
November 9, 2015 at 12:13 pmHeading over to get the book. I’ll let you know when I post a review on my site! Thanks!
Kim Dalferes says
November 10, 2015 at 1:04 pmThx Rena! Hope it makes you smile and laugh.