By Anita Clenney
As writers we work hard. I doubt that anyone can understand the the challenges and frustrations that come from putting together a 100,000 word puzzle that must fit together perfectly and then stand up to stringent review. So writers need some time away to recharge their batteries. Sometimes that's in the form of a good book (a definite indulgence), a pedicure, sitting outside in the sunshine - away from the computer, or one of my favorites...shopping. I mean look-out-I'm-on-a-mission shopping.
There is always something I want or need. Maybe it's a new mirror for the wall, which I use instead of artwork. My husband issued an ultimatum after the twentieth mirror went on the wall - I'm obsessed with them, or rather, the frames. I'm a frugal shopper so I won't pay a lot for my lovely mirrors, or whatever I'm looking for. This means I have to go bargain hunting. It's my version of a treasure hunt. It may be a handbag, the perfect pair of jeans, comfy shoes, a shrub for outside, or a bracelet - diamonds are my downfall and get me in huge trouble, but I can find deals like you wouldn't believe. Unheard of deals. It makes it really hard to say no.
The problem is I have a tough time with decisions. I'm either 100% certain of something or completely wishy washy. Oh for a happy medium, but I seem to live my life in extremes. All or nothing. You'll notice in some of the pictures here that my reflection is in the mirror. I'm taking a picture so I can go home and talk myself into buying the item or out of it, which will probably require another trip to town. It would be much simpler if I just didn't go in the first place, or if I bought the first thing I loved and went home and wrote. I go back and forth until my indulgence has me totally wiped out. Now I need a pedicure and a massage to relieve shopping stress, but I can't afford either. I spent all my money on mirrors.
Now that I have deadlines, those treasure hunt shopping trips have become scarce. But I occasionally sneak one in. Pictured here are some of the bargains that tormented me until I bought them or made a conscious decision to leave them for another lucky shopper. I should write a book about it. Or seek therapy. Or perhaps spend the time learning how to properly imbed pictures in blogs.
As writers we work hard. I doubt that anyone can understand the the challenges and frustrations that come from putting together a 100,000 word puzzle that must fit together perfectly and then stand up to stringent review. So writers need some time away to recharge their batteries. Sometimes that's in the form of a good book (a definite indulgence), a pedicure, sitting outside in the sunshine - away from the computer, or one of my favorites...shopping. I mean look-out-I'm-on-a-mission shopping.
There is always something I want or need. Maybe it's a new mirror for the wall, which I use instead of artwork. My husband issued an ultimatum after the twentieth mirror went on the wall - I'm obsessed with them, or rather, the frames. I'm a frugal shopper so I won't pay a lot for my lovely mirrors, or whatever I'm looking for. This means I have to go bargain hunting. It's my version of a treasure hunt. It may be a handbag, the perfect pair of jeans, comfy shoes, a shrub for outside, or a bracelet - diamonds are my downfall and get me in huge trouble, but I can find deals like you wouldn't believe. Unheard of deals. It makes it really hard to say no. 
The problem is I have a tough time with decisions. I'm either 100% certain of something or completely wishy washy. Oh for a happy medium, but I seem to live my life in extremes. All or nothing. You'll notice in some of the pictures here that my reflection is in the mirror. I'm taking a picture so I can go home and talk myself into buying the item or out of it, which will probably require another trip to town. It would be much simpler if I just didn't go in the first place, or if I bought the first thing I loved and went home and wrote. I go back and forth until my indulgence has me totally wiped out. Now I need a pedicure and a massage to relieve shopping stress, but I can't afford either. I spent all my money on mirrors.
Now that I have deadlines, those treasure hunt shopping trips have become scarce. But I occasionally sneak one in. Pictured here are some of the bargains that tormented me until I bought them or made a conscious decision to leave them for another lucky shopper. I should write a book about it. Or seek therapy. Or perhaps spend the time learning how to properly imbed pictures in blogs. What about you? Do you have a shopping bug? Is there something that you find it hard to say no to? Please, tell me I'm not alone.
No, not a shopper at heart, though one of my favorite areas to visit to shop was Salado--where I wrote the time travel A Ghost of a Chance at Love. I love the old world feel of the old Texas town, the garden shops, the antique stores, the craft shops and the antique buildings--the small building that was a saloon, a stagecoach inn and a post office...the hotel that was the stagecoach inn... I have plans to stay at a bed and breakfast there with my daughter--maybe at one of the antique houses they've moved there for that purpose--take pictures for the release of the book... maybe meet a ghost or two. :)
ReplyDeleteMY SISTER! Shoes. Oh man, if there's a shoe store in the vicinity, I'm SO THERE. I also love shopping for clothes at consignment stores and vintage shops, which turns shopping into, as you say, a treasure hunt. Some days you come up empty, and some days you hit the mother lode. ;-) I've found some wonderful cocktail/party dresses shopping consignment. Jeans! And you can find the greatest shoes. I have the most average foot in the world (7B) so I find a lot of shoes. This is both good news and bad, as you might imagine. Let's just say shoes and boots have become an integral part of the decor in my guest bedroom.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those "on a mission" shoppers too, Anita. Browsing endlessly has no appeal for me at all, and I can usually tell just from walking by a store whether there's anything in it I want or not. I probably drive my friends crazy when we shop together, but that's just the way it is.
ReplyDeleteLoved your post! With all my girly granddaughters retail therapy is so much fun...and they are bargain basement girls so the check book doesn't moan when it sees me getting ready for a therapy trip.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I admit I enjoy shopping for clothes, mostly dresses. Beautiful, feminine dresses. And it's not so much cocktail type dresses or fru-fru dresses, though I love to get dressed up and wear them, but any dress that makes me feel lovely when I put it on.
ReplyDeleteAmelia
I don't like shopping, but (no surprise) I have a hard time saying no to buying books! All of those mirrors look great. You should buy them! :-0
ReplyDeleteI used to have a hard time saying no to new purses...but strangely since I've been buying books kind of hog wild...that urge has left me...actually to an extent the urge to shop has left me..except for books....I think it's because I took over shopping for the family groceries and that has killed the enjoyment of shopping all together:(
ReplyDeleteI never used to be a shopper, but after having my kids and trying to get through a store with two toddlers in tow, I now find the opportunity to go shopping by myself (even if it's just for milk) a wonderfully relaxing experience!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh. I just had a huge comment replying to everyone and blogger ate it all up! Twenty minutes down the drain. I'll be back later to commment. My poor mother is helping me clean house and she'll think I've abandoned her.
ReplyDeleteTerry - I have another reason to envy you. I wish I wasn't a shopper at heart. Salado sounds wonderful. I love ghost stories. If you see a ghost, let me know.
ReplyDeleteTamara - oh my...shoes. I love them, and I'm size 8 and so I can find them pretty easily too. Too easily. I LOVE consignment shops. I've bought so many things on consignment. I've found the most incredible deals on diamonds from consignment and estate sales.
ReplyDeleteCheryl - I'm glad to know another "mission shopper". I'm sure it isn't fun for those with us.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn - my daughter is 10 and unfortunately she's a shopper as well. But the good thing is she loves bargains too. My husband swears I can smell a TJ Maxx store a mile away.
ReplyDeleteAmelia - I wish I loved dresses. I almost never wear them. I think it was because when I was young, we went to a church that believed women should wear dresses or skirts all the time. I got so sick of them. It's sad really, because dresses are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteShana - I did buy them all :) I can't say no to a nice mirror. Last year when my husband and I were trying to lose a few pounds, he was fussing about all the mirrors. He asked why we had so many mirrors in a house with fat people :) I had to explain to him that the mirrors weren't so we could look at ourselves. They're decoration.
ReplyDeleteMaria - Oh I love purses. But I do find when I get really excited about one thing, like purses, the mirror fettish eases. And grocery shopping is the worst. I fuss every time I go, then feel guilty when I think of the people who can't afford to buy food. I should stop buying purses and mirrors and give them the money.
ReplyDeleteAmanda - when my kids were young, it was a thrill to get a few minutes to myself. They're 10 and 13 now, but it seems like just yesterday that they were toddlers.
ReplyDeleteWhoopee, all the posts went through.
ReplyDeleteI can't resist a sale. I always buy a bunch of crap I don't need. This is why I stay away from stores as much as possible. Especially if I know there is a sale going on. I have no willpower. I like your mirrors!
ReplyDeleteOlivia I wish I had your self control.
ReplyDeleteOlivia, what I should have said was I admire the fact that you have the self control to avoid the stores since you know you have no will power. I can't even stay out of the stores. But I am getting better. Having deadlines puts on the time constraints.
ReplyDeleteLike you, Anita, I love coffee, but indulgence to me=Cold Stone Ice Cream. My personal weakness is Mint Chocolate Chip. If there were no such thing as ice cream, I would be a size 2. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAh, Anita, that's one of my favorite things as well. Lovely post!
ReplyDeleteI would suggest you NextLeatherstore it's a online Jackets Store This is amazing Website for shopping. years We aim to provide you with the best styles from various cultures offering all varieties in men’s, and women’s wear in different sizes as well as customized jackets to ensure maximum customer satisfaction Next Leather Store - Men Trench Coat
ReplyDelete