Addicted Shopping

I was thinking about all the fuss everyone is making about being green because of a radio ad that talked about "cheap" people who re gift and buy at thrift shops and yard sales as being smart people because they are careful with their money, and how that is good for the environment (green.)  I drifted back through my life as a "thrift shopper."  I have been doing yard sales, and thrift stores since the very early 60's.  My kids had all kinds of fun things, because I bought stuff at yard sales.  The had every kind of camping equipment, sports equipment, toys, and high dollar clothing.  I was considered the yard sale queen in my family, because every time someone would compliment me on some decor in my house, most of the time my reply was "I found it at a yard sale."  I built up awe inspiring collections of depression glass for myself and my sisters, and even some of my nieces, cat figurines, one of a kind pieces of furniture, dishes, unusual kitchen helpers, camping supplies, yard decor, and the list could go on forever.  My kids, however, did not appreciate that someone might know our stuff came from yard sales.  So, one day as we were doing an activity that is now forgotten we started playing with the name ZCMI....saying ZCMeyes.  Most people would know that ZCMI was/is a high end department store started by the Morman church, and the church also manages the Desert Industries, which is a thrift shop.  So, to save my poor children from embarrassment, we started telling them we got whatever "treasure" we brought them, came from ZCMeyes.  They were happy, we were happy.  Nowadays, finding treasures in this way is considered chic and smart.  I know people who have plenty of money, are very careful on how they spend it, so I see lots of high end shoppers arrive at the yard sales in high end autos.  I still get a thrill at finding the wonderful bargain at these sales.  I am forever addicted.  It seems like whatever it is that I have been thinking about wanting or needing, bwa la... it shows up at a yard sale.  Serendipity!

My latest treasures?  Rolls of paper, knitting needles, crochet needles, and a journal!