There are those that want " nice things, " I think that is true for most of us, and it is what drives the materialism we see in America today. Truth be told that is true in most civilized societies. There is a trade off however, practicality. Objects that we admire are often not very practical for everyday use. The initial cost or maintenance of those items can inhibit the enjoyment of actually using the item. Which do you prefer, something you use every day or a beautiful object on the shelf ? I get far more pleasure from a snapshot I have taken than the greatest work of art. That is to say, I would trade the Mona Lisa for a picture of my Mother. The latter has the greater value.
These thoughts came to mind as I was reading a blog by a friend of mine. She was talking about our home town. More specifically our home town from fifty years ago or more. She did point out that we tend to look at the past through rose colored glasses. Things have changed. The change has been dramatic, of that I have no doubt. It has been many years since I was there in person but hear the stories. Many older buildings have been razed and replaced by modern dwellings. The main street is vibrant and alive. But for the locals, those few that were born and raised there, that same street is like the proverbial toy store. All they can do is look at the " nice things " in the windows. The items are not for them.
It seems to me that my hometown has become one of those " nice things. " It is something that most people covet. For those with the means they can modify the " set " and enjoy the area as they wish. For those that have lived here for generations we don't like our furniture moved. It is a matter of enjoying the " nice things. " The definition of them is what causes the friction. The new vs the old. What is more comfortable ? An old pair of shoes or the latest style ,brand new off the shelf ? Depends on the frequency of use does it not ? The tourists, visitors and summer residents do not mind using those " nice things " the new things. They have plenty of resources to repair or replace. The locals prefer to take care of what they have. For them, those are the " nice things. "
The unfortunate reality in all of this is revenue. We all must have a revenue stream. The fact is from this stream comes the " nice things " we want. They must be paid for and those doing the paying get the majority opinion. It has always been so and so it will remain. If you control the stream ( the water ) you control the land. That has always been a basic truth. You may not like the taste of it, but it sustains life.
Each of us must decide what " nice things " we want. It is an individual thing and there is no right or wrong.
I was reminded of some lyrics from a Merle Haggard song, " another class of people put us somewhere just below,one more reason for Mama's hungry eyes. " Mama didn't need to be hungry though, she wanted those " nice things " she thought others had. It is the same with all of us I believe. The defining of the " nice things " in life can define your happiness as well. The past can not be changed, only enjoyed in memory. Enjoy the " nice things " in life today, for tomorrow they may be gone.
These thoughts came to mind as I was reading a blog by a friend of mine. She was talking about our home town. More specifically our home town from fifty years ago or more. She did point out that we tend to look at the past through rose colored glasses. Things have changed. The change has been dramatic, of that I have no doubt. It has been many years since I was there in person but hear the stories. Many older buildings have been razed and replaced by modern dwellings. The main street is vibrant and alive. But for the locals, those few that were born and raised there, that same street is like the proverbial toy store. All they can do is look at the " nice things " in the windows. The items are not for them.
It seems to me that my hometown has become one of those " nice things. " It is something that most people covet. For those with the means they can modify the " set " and enjoy the area as they wish. For those that have lived here for generations we don't like our furniture moved. It is a matter of enjoying the " nice things. " The definition of them is what causes the friction. The new vs the old. What is more comfortable ? An old pair of shoes or the latest style ,brand new off the shelf ? Depends on the frequency of use does it not ? The tourists, visitors and summer residents do not mind using those " nice things " the new things. They have plenty of resources to repair or replace. The locals prefer to take care of what they have. For them, those are the " nice things. "
The unfortunate reality in all of this is revenue. We all must have a revenue stream. The fact is from this stream comes the " nice things " we want. They must be paid for and those doing the paying get the majority opinion. It has always been so and so it will remain. If you control the stream ( the water ) you control the land. That has always been a basic truth. You may not like the taste of it, but it sustains life.
Each of us must decide what " nice things " we want. It is an individual thing and there is no right or wrong.
I was reminded of some lyrics from a Merle Haggard song, " another class of people put us somewhere just below,one more reason for Mama's hungry eyes. " Mama didn't need to be hungry though, she wanted those " nice things " she thought others had. It is the same with all of us I believe. The defining of the " nice things " in life can define your happiness as well. The past can not be changed, only enjoyed in memory. Enjoy the " nice things " in life today, for tomorrow they may be gone.
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