Let Me Know If You Need Anything!

A list of unrealistic asks to the outside world.

One of the hardest things is when people from outside say, "Let me know if you need anything," because I struggle to figure out what I actually need. My thoughts usually focus on others with more urgent needs than mine. Lately, I've been thinking about creating a list of unrealistic asks—things that would bring real comfort to me and those around me, even if they're impossible. I figured this would be a good post to share those asks and to keep things light.

Great British Bake Off -

I have 3 asks for this show and I think most will agree:

1. Please release the full season RIGHT NOW for anyone who is in the path of Hurricane Helene and Milton. Thanks.

2. Weed Week - We need Martha Stewart and Snoop Dog as guest judges and people have to just do the showstopper challenge cooking with weed. I’m also gonna need you to film Martha, Snoop, Paul, and Prue an hour after the challenge and have them play spades or cricket or something like that. Whoever has the best laugh wins.

3. Can we please have an Asheville Bake Off with some chefs that are out of work? I know my girl, Melissa Gray from Cakes By Gray and Rosabees would crush it. Sadly Rosabees has been condemned and I’m sure there are others that have lost their businesses. I want all of them to win and walk away with money but also the winning recipe can be distributed by World Central Kitchen.

Ted Lasso -

I know someone reading this works for or has a connection to Apple. Can we give anyone who applied for FEMA aid a free subscription to Apple TV so they can binge Ted Lasso? I realize that people still don’t have power but let’s host some watch parties for those that don’t.

Also, just go ahead and release that new season in full while you’re at. If you haven’t watched the show, Ted Lasso is like chicken noodle soup when you’re sick.

Brené Brown -

Brené, we could definitely use your help over here. If I can be frank, it feels like we’re raw-dogging vulnerability with this trauma. I mean, I consider myself pretty balanced when it comes to sharing my emotions, but here I am writing about my bowel movements for complete strangers to read. We are not okay. We're definitely keeping it awkward, brave, and kind like you say, but we could really use some guidance right now. Could you do a webinar or something for us? I need to know what, or better yet, what NOT to say to the person bagging my groceries at Publix. Speaking of webinars..

Esther Perel -

Maybe Esther and Brené could do a webinar together because those of us in relationships are struggling. Our routines and usual division of chores are disrupted, causing friction. Speaking of friction, having no water makes intimacy much more challenging, so some tips on staying connected with our significant others would be greatly appreciated. What do you do when both of you are operating at only 30% for extended periods of time?

The Detroit Lions -

Oh my beloved Lions. I could really use a win right now. Not just today but like, all the way. I really want to see you win the Super Bowl in one of my homes away from home, New Orleans. Amon-Ra St. Brown, you’re my man. Dan Campbell, I wish you were my dad. Did I just make it weird? Because you’re like, only two years older than me? I did, didn’t I? Well better you find out now before you meet me in New Orleans. If there’s a way to make it weird, I will.

Beyoncé and Dolly Parton Hurricane Relief Song -

The song for my first dance at my wedding was supposed to be "II Most Wanted" by Beyoncé featuring Miley Cyrus. My sweet, sweet friends Josh and Marissa Blake actually recorded a cover of it and texted it to me on the Saturday that was supposed to be my wedding. I am grateful to have such wonderful friends in my life. I’m also super grateful for music in times like this, which is why I think we could use these two powerhouses to create a song for those of us who need something to help keep us going through these challenging times. They could donate proceeds from the song to relief efforts. Ladies, you can even record at Echo Mountain, where we don’t have water to really give you inspiration. I have definitely come up with some choice lyrics after walking into a bathroom with an unflushed toilet.

I Need Tyler Childers To Sing At My Wedding -

Have you seen the video for this song, In Your Love? Gah, it’s so good. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re welcome. This is the song I was going to walk down the aisle to. The song itself is great, but it’s really the video that got me. For those who don’t know me, I’m not a very emotional person—I’ve always been more of a head-over-heart type, at least before the hurricane. And for those who do know me, I’m sure you, like me, never thought of me as the "marrying kind." I wouldn’t say I’m hard to love, but I do think I can be hard to be with.

When I saw this video, it summed up how I feel about Charlie—that I finally found my person. It’s this feeling where your person shows up for you, becomes a part of you, but also gives you the space to be and do what you want. We’re both fiercely independent people, and we’ve found a beautiful way to weave in and out of each other’s lives. This video feels like two people, the same kind of different, finally finding their match—and that’s how it is with us.

I have no idea when we’ll reschedule the wedding. It’s hard to even think about right now. We were going to get married in the current studio because it’s been such a huge part of my life for almost 19 years. I hate to take away studio time for something like my wedding, especially knowing how booked we’ll be next year with people wanting to record before we move to our new location toward the end of the year. Honestly, it feels daunting to even think about.

When it does happen, my dream—totally unrealistic, I know—is to have Tyler Childers sing this song as I walk down the aisle. Who knows, maybe if I offer him studio time, he’ll do it. A girl can dream, right?

I hope this post brings some lightness to others. I’d love to hear what unrealistic asks my fellow WNC people have. Maybe we should start a page for all the ridiculous things we could ask for!