The Legend of the Goodwill Lady
oh...and Liz is PISSED.
Your Friendly Obsession is a weekly newsletter filled with pop culture recommendations, ideas, essays, personal anecdotes, travel inspo, and so much more.
The Legend of the Goodwill Lady
In the heart of the city, amidst forgotten alleyways and bustling streets, lies the enigmatic enclave known as the Goodwill Books and Donation Center. Here, amidst the labyrinth of old clothes and discarded trinkets, resides a figure shrouded in legend and mystery — the Goodwill Lady. She is not merely a mortal, but a mythical presence whose essence is woven into the very tapestry of West Los Angeles.
Imagine her, if you will, a humble figure with cascading locks of hair framing her face, adorned with spectacles, of average stature. Her blue apron, fluttering in the air-conditioned breeze within the donation center, is more than mere attire; some whisper it holds mystical properties, concealing her true nature from prying eyes or granting her the guise of humanity to move amongst us unnoticed.
Ah, but let us not forget the imposing gates that encircle the donation center, steadfast against the outside world. They serve as a barrier, separating reality from the realm of the Goodwill Lady. Only the chosen few are beckoned inside, drawn by the allure of her captivating presence and the treasures meticulously arranged upon her shelves.
At noon, as the sun reaches its apex, she secures these gates, allowing no soul to pass. Seated upon an upturned crate, one might envision her nibbling on a celestial sandwich crafted from moonbeams or stardust—or perhaps indulging in fare from the Blaze pizza across the road. Some speculate she feasts upon the dreams of yore, savoring forgotten memories akin to the items bestowed upon her store.
But her mystique extends beyond the lunch hour. The impeccably curated shelves, adorned with books seemingly imbued with immortal life, hint at otherworldly intervention or a spellbinding charm. And how else to explain the perpetual influx of newly released books? Surely, magic is at play.
Yet, for all her enigma, the Goodwill Lady is not without her idiosyncrasies. Did she once emit a soft purr akin to a kitten's? Indeed. Did she cast a disapproving hiss at a trespassing customer during the sacred lunchtime reprieve? And was there a fleeting glimpse of an additional appendage or tail vanishing into the shadows of the donation center? Such mysteries linger, unanswered.
As twilight descends upon another day at the donation center, one truth remains steadfast: the legend of the Goodwill Lady endures. She stands as a beacon of magic and intrigue in a world grown jaded by the mundane, a reminder that within the unlikeliest of realms, wonders await those with the courage to seek them.
So, the next time you find yourself wandering the aisles of a thrift store or bestowing offerings upon a local charity, take pause to contemplate the legend of the Goodwill Lady. Who can say what secrets lie beyond the locked gates, yearning to be unveiled?
TV Time (Ranked)
Dead Boy Detectives (Season 1) ❤️
Survivor Season 46 Episode 9 (Run The Red Light)
The Valley Season 1 Episode 7 (The #1 Gossip of the Group)
Vanderpump Rules Season 11 Episode 14 (For Old Tom’s Sake)
The series Dead Boy Detectives on Netflix was such a fun binge watch! There were 8 episodes filled with ghosts, psychics, sprites, witches, and you name any fantastic beast, this is where to find it. I highly recommend this! This week’s episode of Survivor displayed one of the main reasons I continue to watch after 46 seasons…When people are hungry, in the elements, away from loved ones, and at their most carnal…we get a Liz Meltdown. Also, all of that for a Bourbon Burger from Applebee’s…respect. Still hate watching The Valley and at this point I am waiting to hear news that this show is not being renewed, and that Brittany can go on and live her best life post-divorce from Jax. Still hate-lite watching Vanderpump Rules, and just now realizing Brock is missing 1.25 fingers on one of his hands, how have I not noticed?? Or did I casually forget?
Looking Forward to…
Watching “Challengers” in theaters
Recommending “The Idea of You” to everyone I know, solely for laughs
Finishing one of the three books I have on loan from Libby
Eurovison Rehearsal roundup in preparation for the live Contest this upcoming week
Bopping to Dua Lipa’s new album, “Radial Optimism” on repeat on my flight to Chicago
Please consider sharing this post & Substack on social media, with friends, family, colleagues, and anyone you think might be interested in what I have to say:)
This weekly newsletter is completely free!
If you would like to subscribe, it would mean the absolute world to me to have your support!
Here are four of my favorite posts to start:
Dead Boy Detectives 👍👍