When I am Rich, I’ll make sure there are plenty of safe and cosy nesting sites for all the birds I’m hoping to attract into my lovely, big garden. Although this pair seem to have already decided where they’re going to set up home.
Folklore tells us that birds choose their mates and begin nest building on St Valentine’s Day, but these wood pigeons took up residence in a neighbour’s apple tree several weeks ago. They might just be sheltering from all the wind and rain but the way they keep snuggling up together makes me think they’re making plans!
When I am Rich, charity won’t be a problem. I won’t have to
think twice about giving to every good cause that tugs on my heartstrings. ‘You
need some money? Of course!’ I’ll say. ‘How much? Would you prefer cash or a
cheque?’
But until then charity is a big problem, especially at this
time of year when there are so many fundraising campaigns all asking for my
money. I really wish I could give something to every Syrian refugee, every
person affected by typhoon Haiyan, all the sick and hungry children of the
world, the homeless and deprived in my own relatively rich country … and, no, I
haven’t forgotten the endangered animals, mistreated pets, and our threatened
natural environments.
Unfortunately my limited resources won’t s - t - r - e - t -
c - h that far.
When I do make a donation I want it to be put to good use,
and that’s the other big problem with charity. Call me an old cynic, but I
can’t help wondering how much – indeed, if any – of my small contribution will
actually trickle down to those who need it most. How much will be used for
admin and publicity? How much will be ‘diverted’ by corrupt officials? Or
simply get lost in a long supply chain?
And that’s why I found myself nodding and smiling when I
discovered Lend With Care. It’s a simple way of helping people who are working
hard to help themselves and their communities. Instead of giving handouts to
anonymous charities you lend a named individual the small amounts (minimum
£15.00) that they need to fund business enterprises.
The transaction is managed
by a microfinance institution that assesses the borrower’s business idea and,
if a loan is approved, agrees a monthly repayment schedule with them. As the
borrower repays their loan it is passed back to you, the lender. You can then withdraw
your money from the scheme, or reinvest it by loaning it to someone else.
If you’re not rich enough to give your money away this is a
brilliant way to make sure it goes round – and round – and round!
One of the things I love best about this time of year is the way so many birds suddenly decide to flock together. Nature switches to party mode as the jostling, chattering crowd swoops excitedly from place to place.
When I am Rich I’ll buy a tractor and offer to help the neighbouring farmers with their autumn ploughing and sowing. I might even resort to offering bribes for the chance to be the centre of such joyful attention!
I’m still following your blog – and would like to comment – but I can’t because I haven’t signed up to Google+. I don’t want to join Google+, or risk linking my blog to it, in case it prevents some of my followers from leaving comments.
(I’m sure Google would like us all to sign up but I just haven’t got the time - or enthusiasm – to get to grips with yet another social network!)
Someone asked me what I wanted for my birthday, and my mind went blank. After a while, I thought of a few things I would be pleased to receive, but I couldn’t think of a single thing I actually need.
A sign that I’m rich now, or just old?
But I did enjoy and appreciate these surprise birthday flowers very much.
Earlier this year my husband and I decided we needed to replace our ageing car. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find the perfect hybrid vehicle that would please us both so someone had to back down …
