Wishing a Very Local Christmas to You

I have very limited means. The gifts I give will largely be small, and not a ton of them at that. So probably I am not going to change the economy single-handedly. But I gotz minions, yeah? All of YOU could make this a real voice, right? (please?)

The idea is simple. Big business has forgotten us. They have mistreated us and ruined the economy. Now if everyone just put their money under a mattress we could spiral into a depression and we don't want THAT. But what if instead, we spend the same amount of money, but we spend it in businesses where we KNOW the people who are running it? What if we buy gifts from artists—where the money directly pays for their supplies and then provides their families with income—no loop through the banks—no hefty overhead. Money just doing what it's meant to do—providing desired goods to US for gifts, and needed income to the people who have actually done the work.

If you don't have a great local selection, may I suggest shopping via Etsy? Or at least investigating craftspeople who are selling their wares online.

Now I do plan to give some items that can't really be purchased this way—books, movies and the like. But the primary gifts for at least half of my people will be centered around artistry.

It's easy, really. I mean sure, it requires some thought about what your loved ones like, but limiting to a domain where you can find something home made that perfectly suits them—there is something liberating about it. I know for my parents and boss I am much happier with the ideas I've got than I have been with gifts I've found browsing stores.

I hope I'm not too late with this message—surely many of you still have gifts left to buy. As for me, I know some talented jewelry makers, knitters, quilters, crafters, photographers.

So I just thought I'd give you a sampling of some pictures I really love. The photographer is a high school friend of mine, Mike Hudson...

I love the variety of subject matter he has, and that the things he chooses are local to where I grew up, and therefore meaningful to people from the area.

So that was my little holiday political plea... but it's not really politics at all. It is community, and close to home. Or that's how I see it.

Blowing Stuff Up

Photos taken by my friend Marjorie

You know, I'm not a girly girl. HWMNBMOTI and I have happily swapped gender roles in several life domains. I've been the primary worker; he's been primary caretaker and cook. I make the bigger decisions (of COURSE he has input, but it is at my suggestion we've done things like moving across the country or buying houses) where he manages ALL the little stuff (heck, I'd forget we had children—I should NOT be trusted with DETAILS).

But there is nothing like the 4th of July to bring out the girl in me and the boy in him. I prefer to sit back with a frozen adult beverage and say 'ooooooh, pretty!' and he wants to blow stuff up.

My IDEAL of the 4th is to go someplace across a lake or bay from the big display, so it isn't as crowded, and WATCH. But he likes to participate. Sadly he likes to pick and choose WHAT and so it is costly (though not as costly as a vacation, so my option is out anyway). This year I put my foot down on finances. He argued that if you spent at least $200 then they start throwing in extras. I responded 'then go in together with the neighbors and pool your bargaining power'. (see what a problem solver I am) We can't afford $200. So he did—talked to the other neighbors who enjoy watching and several pitched in.

Another gorgeous Marjorie photo

It is actually a fun little party. Our FABULOUS neighbor has a pool. There are about 6 families involved, two with small kids--two with medium age (one is actually the son of a neighbor, but as they live in Canada, they always come HERE for the 4th--best way to maximize on holidays), one with in-laws visiting from China. My kids each have friends joining. We are a family with FAMILY across the country, so Thanksgiving and Christmas can be a little bittersweet. This holiday that is more a friends occasion—nice summer barbeque—has become one of our traditions.

But when I watch my son and his friend eager to light the fireworks, and my daughter hanging out watching with me, it is ever-so-clear.

Boys just like to blow stuff up.


I wish you all a truly fabulous Fourth if you are in the U.S. Be Safe!