Echoing thoughts expressed here, and here, and also my own thoughts about my desire to make a conscious effort to make thoughtful purchases of things that are lasting (timeless, enduring), that are beautiful, that support efforts or causes or people (especially people) that I admire, and that support the ultimate mission of our family and our home, I found this print by Julia Rothman to be a delightful reminder of so many of those thoughts. (You’ll also appreciate the idea of Help Ink.) I think it helps curb the appetite for acquiring as well. Is that thing, that object, really the best that it could be? If not, then it’s probably not worth it. And if it is, then buy it without guilt, and use it and love it like mad for as long as you are able.
It’s not a bad way to look at anything, and I’ve found us doing this more and more as a family – with good results I think. For example, we often travel out of town for weekend trips to visit family, and when we are making those trips we are passing through some very rural areas. Years ago we pretty much stopped settling for the few fast food options that were sprinkled around highway exits, and started searching for better places, even if they were a little bit off the beaten path. (This has become so much easier to do with expanded cell phone coverage and smart phones – although my well worn copy of Let’s Go! Italy worked nearly as well.) I suppose one way to look at travel (or food) is that it’s something you want to get to, and through, as quickly (and cheaply) as possible. I prefer to look at it as an opportunity to have the best.lunch.ever. Or at the very least, a good one.