Just when I tried to focus...

Like clockwork.

Oct 25, 2026

Disclaimer: I veer into soapbox territory at the end. Totally unplanned. Promise it’s brief.

This is classic Veronica.

Heading into this weekend I was very aware that I haven’t been pushing my crowdfunding link with the fervour that is needed. There have just been SO MANY things happening all at once as well as some health stuff.

So I was DETERMINED to make this weekend be ALL ABOUT the birthday crowdfunding since it ends on Thursday.

It’s almost as if I can hear the Universe laugh when I have these “Veronica you must focus” moments.

Because sure enough, like clockwork….a friend had a financial emergency that trumped my crowdfunding.

Now the context is that I knew that things were tight for her…and I was booked in to help with an upcoming fundraiser evening…but I had specifically said that it would need to happen in November since I already had my own happening and it gets too confusing for people when crowdfunding links overlap.

Which is all great in theory…

But then shit hit the fan. And here we are.

Because my friend Nada who owns the wonderful Dragonfly Cafe in Preston was told that she only has until TUESDAY (as in, THIS TUESDAY) to pay the overdue rent.

And I know that if Nada posts about money stuff publicly…things are serious. Because as a small business owner myself I know what things have to look like behind the scenes to push us to go public. And yes, it’s not pretty.

So in a nutshell…

I’ve come up with a raffle to support Nada. People love raffles.

And if they don’t love raffes, I have a plan B.

Raffle idea is this:

Facebook post with all the details of the raffle

PayID: 0488097797 (that’s Nada’s number…not mine)

And then email me here to make sure you’re part of the raffle: veronicahappilymade@gmail.com

Plan B for those of you who are not feeling lucky:

Raffles are great…but I acknowledge that not everyone loves them.

So if you want to help but you want something in exchange, which is totally fair enough.

This is for you:

Happily Made shop full of treasures

Disclaimer: this option helps me as well. Which between you and me…is greatly needed at the moment. But yes, 20% of your order will be forwarded to Nada.

(Sharing the link to my Happily Made shop with your friends is probably the biggest FREE gift you could help me out with)

Speaking of small businesses… (this is where I unintentionally got on my soapbox)

Yesterday I took my NDIS client to Train World. It’s his favourite shop and I thought it would be good option as our first outing after he’s been unwell for two weeks.

While I was waiting for him to choose which engine to buy, the owner came over for a chat. And he started telling me how hard it is to keep his business open with so many expenses going up and how he doesn’t think that most people realise that we just won’t have these shops around anymore. Which is EXACTLY what I’ve been telling everyone who will listen. It was just sad to hear it from someone who is much older than me and has clearly put his heart and soul into providing a space that is much more than a business. (Train World is a dream come true for those with trains as their special interest)

Worth a visit if you live in Melbourne and have someone who loves trains

Every so often I try to imagine what it will be like once all the small quirky shops and cafes have gone extinct and I only last a few seconds because it gets too depressing seeing either big brands only or heartless online shops.

But that’s where we are heading.

So yes, it’s too soon to mention the C word. (Although I did see a sign yesterday that said “Only 9 Fridays until C….”)

But hear me out.

As we head into this gift buying season…if we can all think a little bit more strategically about how we spend our money…and make a choice that if we are going to buy a gift (I realise that it’s too radical for most people to opt out completely) - then at least if we can try to make most our purchases from artisans and small ethical shops - we can feel good about our contribution and invest into more creative and heartfelt communities.

Back to Nada…

I know that once Dragonfly Cafe has money to not just pay rent every month, but to also finally have a kitchen so they can serve food….it will be a buzzing hub for soooooo many different groups and causes. It’s EXACTLY places like this that council grants should go into because they support the mental health of the community in such a holistic way.

Oh, I’ve just remembered I have a photo that I took of Nada when she won a council award! I’m going to end with that and then have an early night with a hot water bottle.

And then hopefully wake up to an inbox full of raffle contributions!!!!