Friday, August 21, 2009

Accro'...

When Sharon gave me my award, I was way too hot to list five current obsessions, but it's cooled down (hurray!) and had a chance to think about a few of the things on which I'm 'accro', which means 'hooked' in French! (See the link to the word crochet, there?) The only problem now is the order to put them in!

1. Charity Shopping and other second hand shopping. I love the thrill of never knowing what you're going to find, I love the good value, I love the character and quality of older, local things and I love the fact that I'm not contibuting to modern problems such as sweatshop labour and environmental degredation...2. Mother of Pearl buttons and hand made lace. You'd never have guessed that one, would you? 3. Nature - these hoopoes are a good example, but really, all of it... I just think that the entire of creation is so incredible, and fascinating, and makes me feel warm and fuzzy! The hoopoes came to mind because we have them here in springtime and summer, and some people are totally unmoved by these incredible birds. We drop everything to watch them, and we just feel so grateful to be able to share our garden and our area with such incredible wildlife.
4. People - the same way that thinking about nature makes me feel connected with the whole world, I think a lot about how what I'm buying has been made by people, making links: across time if I'm brocante shopping, and around the world, if I'm in the supermarket. I find myself thanking God for the people who made the stuff I get to buy - am I sounding too Pollyanna yet? Probably. So that's why I like Fairly Traded stuff, anyway.
5. There's a link here. Avoiding the Pollyanna preaching, as a family we're somewhat obsessed with looking after the world. If you love nature and people, and you love your family, then how can you not care that the world where they all live is getting into more and more of a mess? Oops, didn't avoid the preaching. I'll shut up and leave you with a quote from my boys' favourite, Sir David Attenborough; "How could I look my grandchildren in the eye and say I knew about this and did nothing?"
Ooh, a serious note... I think the most important thing is to realise that if we dwell on how hard it is to protect our planet, we'll do nothing, but if we enjoy every little attempt we make to improve things (like shopping second hand, he-he!) then we can protect our children's future and love the life we lead at the same time!

21 comments:

JuanitaTortilla said...

I love this! But I can't agree more with you on the last point there. As you might have noticed, I don't preach about "being green", etc.; I just think it's every planet-dweller's right to be conscientious about his/her actions.

My eyes nearly popped out of my sockets, and my heart sank, yesterday. See, during a German class session, we were being introduced to our next topic (of conversation), "Second-Hand Laden" = Secondhand Shops. The teacher asked, "Who shops in Secondhand shops", to start the ball rolling. The first answer by someone in the class was, "The less rich people". I am dumbfounded. What do you feel about that?

Unknown said...

My grandmother just gave me a bag of antique fabrics and trims- and I haven't even had time to look at them! I'm going to this weekend though. :)

Michela said...

I love very much your blog, there are always lots of interesting things to read about! And I agree with you on point no.5!
Glad it's cooled down there, my dear French cousin..here we are still suffering ;-)
Have a fantastic weekend!

Selfsewn said...

Floss thanks for your excellent wordage,
I know I shall recover soon, so thanks for always saying the right thing!

Have a great holiday!

Clare

Anonymous said...

Hi Floss,

Fab obsessions!
Mine seem so silly next to yours!

Rose XXX

Cal said...

Your obsessions are great Floss. I love the Hoopoes. Fantastic markings. We don't have birds at the moment. the seagulls drive them away, I can understand your pleasure from seeing them though. And I agree with point number 5. Food for thought. Have a lovely weekend. x

Ashley said...

Nice warm fuzzy obsessions.
I am appalled that everyone on our street does not have a recycling bin. And if you really want to get mad you should work at a retail store on shipment day - almost every item is individually wrapped in polythene and the sheer amount of rubbish is unbelieveable! The Mall I work at doesn't even have seperate compactors for cardboard so that is not even recycled. It makes my blood boil! America is so behind!

Joshy and belle said...

i agree with you, i think there's nothing nicer than buying an item second hand and re-using it and re-loving it, and i look after it better because although it was cheaper you cant replace it! fliss xx

Josie-Mary said...

Well said Floss. Buttons & lace??...You??? are you sure? :)

BadPenny said...

Those birds are beautiful Floss. We have woodpidgeons cooing & crows cawing. Love them all xx

Jeannette StG said...

I'm with Felicity. Second hand things are special, because you know someone enjoyed them enough not to throw it away in the garbage bin!

Sophie - Chez Sophie said...

Hi Floss, Glad it's cooled down a bit for you I am a red head and would find that kind of heat unbearable, but the pool dose look very inviting.
Love your obsessions too.
Luv Sophie xxx

Kim said...

Excellent list -I'm so with you on the nature, fairtrade (doesn't the chocolate taste better?!) lace and buttons! I love charity shop finds too, and have an eclectic haul of china in my hall cupboard, who says things have to match!
Kim xx

Unknown said...

Wonderful list! Im with you all all of those, love charity shop finds and nature, and thinking about the world as a whole too! Love this post! Suzie. xxx

Olga said...

Hi Floss :) It is great to be back to your blog again. I don't like to come here in a hurry just to leave quick unmeaningful comments, I need my time :), this is the reason why I sporadically disappear... What a great list you came up with - it is very noble and what is more important very true about you. I also enjoyed the pictures!

Ragged Roses said...

What a great post and a wondeful list!
Kimx

karenshopes said...

Wow I wish we had those birds in our garden.
I also treasure other people "trash" its amazing what people get rid of there is nothing nicer than being able to put something to good use.
Karen

Poppy said...

I’m with you on num 1! Not that I’m having much luck at the moment, but like you said you never know what you might find.
Love Lou xxx

Unknown said...

Hello Floss, I have left you a little something on my blog! Love your post! Suzie. X :)

Anonymous said...

Lovely post Floss, I too love charity shopping, it is like an adventure, you never know what your going to find, and you always come back with a treasure, which was also a real bargain! xxx

Victoria - Florence and Mary said...

Everyones all too quick to say what's the point aren't they but I do believe every little bit helps.

Victoria xx