It is the Way. The Crandall Way. Making an Investment for My Front Porch Writing Space. There Has to be a Story. Always.

Before my front porch collapsed during Covid, when the twins were on Mt. Pleasant and Chitunga, we learned that we needed another sitting space for soccer games (the twins...Chitunga and I were more football, American style). On the way home from Young Adult Literacy Labs one summer, I told Abu and Lossine we were going to stop to see if Pier Import might have something. They did. A corner of a sectional for like $55. A steal. Better yet, the sign said, "Crandall Chair." It was the company. No brainer. I bought it and used it in the living room until I rebuilt the front porch and turned it into my writing space. It's been good to me, but the cushions are faltering, the fabric ripping, and the springs poking straight into my sciatica nerve. Plus, Karal perches on my shoulders when I write to look out the window.

I've been looking for several years, but I'm picky, stubborn, and rather cheap. I found a couch I could live with but it had a stain. It was marked $600, so I left. I went back, though, to see if they could take off money. The manager looked up the couch and said, "That is the wrong price tag. It's $1,200." He said that the best he could do was $600. I said, "Forget it then." He rebutted with, I tell you what, I'll take off another $100 if you open a card with us." I said sure. 

Of course, that card also came with a 10% coupon, so it was given to me for $450. Knowing the way I like to feel like I'm getting a deal, I simply drove away thinking, "There's a story here. I got the exact one I should have." I'll pick it up today, as Patrick Kelly said we could use his truck. Because of my savings, I bought him and his wife a bottle of bourbon and another of wine. Sweet.

I'm hoping the lengthier lounge will be good for Karal to look out, so she doesn't push down on my spine, roosting like a chicken around my neck. The color matches the rug and I'll have space, too, for Karal's bed, a table, and the light. I live in this space (the smallest in my house) because I love looking outside, the natural lighting, and typing from the front of my house. Looking forward to seeing how it all comes together before graduations this weekend. 

I wish I could be normal and simple when I actually make a purchase, but since I was young, I've always hopes for the deal (& the narrative). I'm a lucky son of a Butch. Once again, I got both.