Just a quick question: why do people park their shopping carts in such a way as to completely block the aisle while they peruse labels and scratch their heads? They seem to do this even when it is extremely busy and they are asked to move their carts repeatedly. Also, if they chose to block the aisle, why do they glare and act irritated when asked politely to move? Is this some sort of game?!?

 

They may be related to the nefarious “Anti-Destination League” that haunts me on the roadways.

 

Welcome to the shopping season, a time of glut and guilt. I hear such disturbing news about people going crazy buying things, becoming increasingly rude and even violent in pursuit of the latest fads. I’m reflecting on how we are pawns in the hands of marketers and huge corporations who poison us while selling us junk shipped thousands of miles from foreign countries. We all know this. As consumers, one of our biggest--and most overlooked--roles in making positive changes is by becoming more thoughtful, peaceful buyers. Here are some suggestions: Bring your own bags or a beautiful woven basket. Bring your favorite commuter mug--stop for a cup of joe or hot chocolate. Buy quality, buy locally (preferably where you can walk from shop to shop), or even handmade. It might costs a little more, so buy fewer things. Make sure your purchases will last. Give gift certificates to reduce waste--shipping, wrapping, and to make sure that people get what they actually want/need. I read somewhere that the average purchase gets thrown out within 18 months...we can’t afford this as a culture. Trim down your lists, get reasonable, pay in cash. Make delightful gifts in your own kitchen...don’t feel as though you have to spend, spend, spend (or even worse, charge, charge, charge). What may happen is that this season becomes more thoughtful, more aesthetically pleasing, and you may enjoy it more.

 

Sorry if this sounds preachy. I’m trying to be more radical and make my own lifestyle more in line with my values.

 

Off to photograph more brambles, these forms that writhe and twist, almost too complex to paint.