Gratitude Project: Day 21: Making the Dirt Stick
September 5th 2008 02:44
I have always been drawn to the good 'ol fashioned humble art of thrift. I am sure that it springs partly from my family's perspective of money (more specially of living out retirement years being beholden to others). Like lots of 60's babies,my young world was populated by adults who lived through the depression; spend enough time listening to stories of yore of apple vendors and pencil salesmen peddling their wares on street corners. and you too might find yourself getting excited when saving the odd dollar here and there.
Frugal living, satisfies my will to create. I get a thrill when I am able to think outside the box (which can be reused as a redneck cooler, a cat habitrail, or a decorative piece of art).
It is contemplative and giving, not loud and boisterous. Taken too far thrift skates by cheapness which can be obnoxious and off-putting. What works for me is alert and sensible spending, gently padded here and there with worthwhile splurges. I have learned that I am comfortable with needing less and saving more.
While I am not rich, I have very little debt. For my age and considering my current and former careers, I do well, living proof that even the most modest salary and some planning even can provide financial rewards. Even in my early adulthood, I socked away whatever I could as a single mother working odd jobs in addition to an 800.00 a month teaching salary, living in a barrio in a suburban town in Texas, driving a donated car, taking my lunch every day, while maxing out my 401K contributions. No matter what, I did, I would emulate my grandfather's favorite phrase. As a member of the Wanderlust family, you need to "make the dirt stick". This meant that no matter whether the time was feast or famine, I would have to manage to stay afloat, keep a roof over our heads, keep clothes on our backs , and food in our guts by earning a respectable living by working hard. No matter what....
Frugal living, satisfies my will to create. I get a thrill when I am able to think outside the box (which can be reused as a redneck cooler, a cat habitrail, or a decorative piece of art).
It is contemplative and giving, not loud and boisterous. Taken too far thrift skates by cheapness which can be obnoxious and off-putting. What works for me is alert and sensible spending, gently padded here and there with worthwhile splurges. I have learned that I am comfortable with needing less and saving more.
While I am not rich, I have very little debt. For my age and considering my current and former careers, I do well, living proof that even the most modest salary and some planning even can provide financial rewards. Even in my early adulthood, I socked away whatever I could as a single mother working odd jobs in addition to an 800.00 a month teaching salary, living in a barrio in a suburban town in Texas, driving a donated car, taking my lunch every day, while maxing out my 401K contributions. No matter what, I did, I would emulate my grandfather's favorite phrase. As a member of the Wanderlust family, you need to "make the dirt stick". This meant that no matter whether the time was feast or famine, I would have to manage to stay afloat, keep a roof over our heads, keep clothes on our backs , and food in our guts by earning a respectable living by working hard. No matter what....
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Comment by katyzzz
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Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
We live in such a disposable world don't we.
Consumables even people seem to be in and out of favour depending on the day of the week it appears sometimes.
Like you - I was brought up with the waste not, want not outlook on life.
The concept of making do and saving your pennies to turn them into dollars (or pounds as was the case) - was sound reasoning.
Sure - we all try and give our kids a little more than we had - each generation adopts that right - but the ethics of hard work, saving for tomorrow rather than living for today.
Stay well
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Thanks so much for your kind words. I am so glad that those days are behind me.
Mis
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Very good points friend. I hope you and the MNG clan are well. So nice to see you as always.
Mis