THE FANTASY OF FINANCIAL SECURITY
BY DAN MILLER
September 18, 2006
Who among us doesn't fantasize about all the wonderful things we'd do if only we were financially secure with money to burn.
And I'm talking about the things beyond the expected generosity to churches, charities and family.
Such fantasies always find me plotting ways to "recapture" the magic and wonder of my early years -- as if such a thing is possible.
Last week, I read that Garrison Keillor -- who's roughly my age -- has decided to open a neighborhood bookstore in St. Paul, Minnesota.
And I especially like the reason he's doing it....
He's not opening a bookstore as a sound business investment.
Garrison, I feel certain, is quite comfortable financially.
No, he's simply at a point in life where doing something that reconnects with his past seems warm and appealing.
Garrison told Associated Press he's doing it, "because I am fond of independent bookstores.... like to walk into them, and sit and read in them.... and it's time I make some contribution to my neighborhood."
He's planning to open the bookstore inside an old St. Paul building that has a long-ago connection to F. Scott Fitzgerald, an author whom he greatly admires.
It makes perfect sense to me.
I have a friend who became quite wealthy in the broadcasting business.
So, in his 50's -- and secure financially -- he decided to buy two AM radio stations.... not because it would be a huge money making business, but because it's something he loves, and he wanted to be able to "hang around" the stations just like he did when he was a kid.
And think about the late Gene Autry....
I'm certain he bought the California Angels baseball team years ago so he could hang around the stadium and the players, the way he enjoyed doing when he was young.
For me, if I had unlimited finances, I'd probably buy a radio station, either in Nashville or my Georgia hometown, and program it -- not with the idea of attracting the biggest audience -- but the way I remember radio when I was young.
I recall radio stations featuring pleasant personalities playing music.... with a 5 minute newscast at the top of every hour.
It was simple and comfortable.
On my fantasy station I'd play lots of Nat King Cole... Rosemary Clooney... Johnny Cash... Louis Armstrong... Joni James... Eddy Arnold... Elvis Presley... Mario Lanza... Bing Crosby... Doris Day... Brenda Lee... Marty Robbins... Perry Como... Dean Martin... The Four Lads... Connie Francis... Jerry Lee Lewis... Fats Domino and Little Richard.
I'd put up big glass windows around the control room and studio, just like WGAC in Augusta had in the 1950s.... a place I would hang out a lot, whenever they'd let me inside.
I always felt so inspired inside that magical radio station.
I realize my station would never attract many of the younger demographics so attractive to advertisers......
But -- so what?
Remember, I'd have no money concerns.... this is my fantasy!
On the other hand, I might chuck this whole radio station idea and put all my extra money in a baseball team.... or a candy store.... or an ice cream parlor.... or a zoo.... or a comic book store.... or maybe a drug store soda fountain.
As someone once said.... "We all have our 'good old days' tucked away inside our hearts, and we return to them in daydreams like cats to a favorite armchair."
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