While reading the Times on the train this morning, I came across a rather appropriate article on shopping. times2 featured Judith Levine's new book Not Buying It about her year without shopping. It was harder then she thought, despite the fact that she considered herself a non-shopper. Levine recognizes that our society not only encourages but depends upon consumption.

I'm of two minds when it comes to shopping. The blog is meant to be fun, but I realize there is a dark side to shopping. At best it's a diversion, at worst it's an addition. But we use shopping to make ourselves happy too. As Levine writes, "Shopping defeats, or at least circumvents, boredom. But not only because it fills idle time. Consumption is an exercise in hope--hope for more happiness, more beauty, more status, more fun". Hope's a good thing, but we should be careful where we look for it. Kudos to Sarah Vine for another well written article.

So, what did I buy today? Not much . . .

morning: coffee and a muffin, £2.30
afternoon: food, flowers and wine, £13.90

p.s.

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the rabbit rocks!!!