A Year Ends

Happy holidays to you and yours! I cannot believe my year long pledge is almost over. It really went fast. Granted, there were some moments in April and then again during the long, hot summer that I deeply regretted making the pledge and was ready to chuck it all for a new purse or a different shirt. But, all in all I believe I am a little wiser for sticking with it and plodding through. My timing certainly was good considering the current state of the economy. I picked the perect time to call a moratorium on unnecessary spending, don't you think? A few of my close friends and even my husband have asked me what I will do once it is officially over. I don't think I will do anything. I have been able to wear and use my previously purchased stuff for a whole year wothout really needing anything. I wanted more variety, even craved it at times but I did not legitimately need another purse or pair of pants. So, I dont see myself rushing out to shop like a mad woman when they advertise all the after Xmas sales.
But I will let you know what really happens after January 3rd!

A Lesson from Walmart

While Tim & I were sitting at a movie Friday night waiting for it to start, I overheard the man and woman behind me talking about an employee at a Walmart in N.Y. get trampled to death by an angry mob of customers. I was sure he must have been making the story up until I read the paper the next morning. I am still shaking my head in disbelief that shoppers could get so agitated, so aggressive that they could end a man's life over a bargain or two. Shouldn't that be enough to force all of us to take a long step back from some of these habits we have cultivated for years and make a few radical changes? As a nation, we spend $450 Billion a year on holiday gifts. Read that again. I swear it is true. And it would take just $10 Billion to provide clean water to the poor throughout the world. Contaminated water is one of the major health risks the poor and disadvantaged have to deal with on a daily basis. Let's start a new trend this holiday season. Let's say, "enough already" and put our time, effort and cash where it can really make a difference. That unfortunate 35 year old man at Walmart would agree, don't you think?

Other People's Stuff

We held the stuff swap today. It was very interesting to watch people's reaction to this nontraditional form of acquiring stuff. I don't think most people feel very comfortable looking over other people's things and then picking some to take without also engaging in the ritual of handing someone money or wampum. I explained that the only rule was that everything in the room was free to be had by anyone else. You would think that kind of invitation would unleash chaos and mayhem but it actually had the opposite effect on the women. Most seemed almost embarrassed to get things for nothing, even though they had brought in some of their own things that others were examining and looking just as embarrassed to take. I walked away with a beautiful bracelet for myself and a bracelet for my daughter. I also got quite a few books that I am looking forward to reading and sharing. I was hoping to pick up a purse which seems to be my achilles heel as far as detachment to stuff goes. But alas, there was no purse to be had that met my needs or desires. I guess I will have to keep appreciating what I have, which actually seems to be getting easier as this year of shoplessness continues.

Grandma and Analog

A National Trend

The recent news articles about the bleak financial condition of our economy is on everyone's mind right now. Sitting at Paneras the other day I overheard a young woman telling a friend that she had just been laid off of her HR job. Some of my friends are afraid to look at the notices coming in from their banks and investment firms, knowing that the news is not going to be good. I can't help but think that this really was the right year to take a "no shopping pledge" and as the year gets close to the end, I feel a deep sense of relief with my new habits. Another article in the St. Pete Times last week talked about the fact that as a society, we have become a consumer based economy. Quite different from a production based system that we were known as not too long ago. "Consumer purchases account for 70% of the U.S. economy" now. Wow. So, not only was I just swept along in the popular mindset of buying stuff even when we did not really need any of it but so apparently was most of this nation. Maybe we should turn our attention and energies towards making things again or better yet, making do with what we have while we try to figure out another way to survive and thrive.

Not Just about Us, Anymore

My husband, Tim just finished reading, "Theodore Rex," by E. Morris which is a great book according to him about Teddy Roosevelt. He shared a quote from it that made me think about this blog. "We should not forget that it is just as important to our descendants to be prosperous in their time as it is for us to be in our time." That statement carries a big punch after reading the financial news throughout the world over the past two weeks. The St. Pete. Times also had an article today by a Nobel Peace prize winner talking about the extreme problems college graduates around the world are going to have finding suitable jobs. He warns that this dilemna could lead more youth into dangerous circumstances. We certainly are not doing a very good job of setting the stage for our young to live prosperous lives that are full of options and opportunities. In fact, for the first time in our history, this younger generation is projected to earn less throughout their lifetimes than we have been able to and to live shorter lives. It kind of makes you pause & think for awhile, doesn't it?

The Rising Sun

On my walk this morning which I usually take down by the bay, I walked by a young man sitting at the edge of the seawall. He was perched with his back to me and he had his arms open wide, in a meditative pose to the rising sun. It was a beautiful morning and I guess he was trying to embrace as much of it as possible. Also perched just a few feet away from him was a large heron. She was also on the seawall, facing the sun and just taking it all in. For some reason that scene touched my heart. I slowed down so I could stare at them a bit and memorize the image. I don't know if he was even aware of the fact that he had company and she apparently did not mind his presence, either. They just both sat there, taking it all in and sharing the moment. What a great way to start the day. Thank you, both. You made mine.