Last weekend Daughter C & I supported our local economy. Earlier this week, I again supported our local economy. Our local economy is now on its own– which is to say, I have traded cash money for nearly everything that exists in our local economy that I wish to purchase. And so yesterday I went to Starkvegas.

But before we go to Starkvegas, allow me to comment that two of the items I removed from the inventory of the various junk / antique / gift stores in town are items I, myself, wanted to add to my collection of crappy old and not-so-old stuff.

One of the more interesting stats about Mississippi is her giving. Pound per pound, Mississippians give more than others. My Dad always said, “There, but for the Grace of God, go I.” This lovely piece of pottery is from Itawamba Crossroads Ranch. 

God can make something beautiful from tragedies in our lives.
After an accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury, a young man spent several miserable years in institutions.  His mother realized there was a need for a community where special needs adults were treated with respect and where they could become a contributing member of society.  Out of necessity and love, Crossroads Ranch was born.

https://www.xroadsranch.com

When Mr. Big Food bought me an antique mahogany drop-leaf tea cart, I thought that I had arrived. And when the J-Man gave me a Royal typewriter, I knew I had. But something still gnawed in the back of my brain. We did not have a proper ice bucket. Sure, we could improvise with the nice crystal bucket we have, but it’s not the same thing. This is a proper ice bucket. Glass liner. Hinged lid. Proper.

I mention these items for a reason. There’s a discussion about crappy old stuff going on in the comments at American Digest. Lamenting that facts that kids these days don’t know quality furniture, can’t even give away crappy old stuff, &c. ‘Tis true. If one even casually pays attention to so-called “modern” culture, one notices that it is vogue to possess next to nothing, and in particular, next to nothing which once had value. Simplify! Declutter! Books have been written– and sold! JFC. There’s even a website called “decluttr” dot com. 

On my view– and I do have a well worked out view of this– this is a conspiracy* to deprive folks of their property rights. And you know what the ultimate property is? Self-ownership & individuality. 

Not me. Why– just the other day, I came across a beautiful walnut cabinet that was tagged as a music chest, but that’s wrong. It’s a tray cabinet. A cabinet for storying trays and platters and the like. Here’s the thing. I will never relinquish ownership of myself because I have so many trays and platters that I am seriously considering supporting the local economy by moving a tray cabinet from the flea mall to my dining room. If only I could figure out where to put it!

*Mr. Big Food & I once presented a paper at a conference about conspiracy theories. Never got around to publishing it though. Long story short– conspiracies do not need to be highly orchestrated, as arguments against conspiracies claim; and the skepticism that leads to conspiracy theories is a good thing in a republic. Keeps citizens and their governments on their toes. 

Goodness! I have prattled on, haven’t I? I’ll get to Starkvegas later.