Our enormously productive economy… demands that we make consumption our way of life, that we convert the buying and use of goods into rituals, that we seek our spiritual satisfaction, our ego satisfaction, in consumption… We need things consumed, burned up, worn out, replaced, and discarded at an ever increasing rate.
- Victor Lebow, 1955
The quote was recently featured in a video at The Story of Stuff. The video might seem a bit long (20 minutes) but it might just get you thinking. And I’d love to hear the discussion.
It is just one side of the story. And probably a slightly biased and perhaps misrepresented one too. Even so, what if it’s enough to make you stop and think for a moment or two? Would that be enough?
HT: Wade
Canada Post came through. A friend of mine sent an ExpressPost package but flipped the numbers in my address around. It made it to my house on time (next day guaranteed) with a scribbled note of “try ….. instead.” Pretty amazing in my mind.
I may have found a church to attend. Not that churches are difficult to find; most are well-signed and some have webpages. I’m a little indifferent but have decided to tag along with some friends and rediscover my ethnocultural heritage. This mennogirl will no longer be a mennogirl in baptist clothing.
Shopping is done. At least my fair share of the consumerism for this holiday. I like giving gifts … even the ones you agonize over and then spend an hour in line waiting to purchase. Must move on to the wrapping.
In addition to spending money on others, I have sort of spent some on myself. As you can see, I’m off to Africa in 43 more sleeps. The travel details are all in place. I am taking a couple of days at the end to recuperate and I just booked the hotel for that. (If you want to know more about what I will be doing, send me an email or leave a comment. Email can be found in the “About me” section: link at top right.) I am so excited to head back. Will update more in the near future.
A Sunday Five List (from Meg)
Rejoice in the nearness of Christ’s coming, yes, but also in the many gifts of the pregnant waiting time when the world (in the northern hemisphere, at least) spins ever deeper into sweet, fertile darkness.
What makes you rejoice about:
1. Waiting?
Waiting means I am forced to slow down. This is so very good indeed. Hum a tune while waiting in a que that doesn’t move. Catch a glimpse of beauty. Marvel in the wonder of others. Be available for an opportunity.
Waiting brings patience and appreciation. It builds anticipation. Waiting is about finding joy in the journey.
2. Darkness?
The tiny sliver of vibrant colour that exists in a winter sunrise.
3. Winter?
The possibility of warmth. The beauty of each and every delicate snowflake. Reconnecting with family and friends.
4. Advent?
Anticipation and impatience for the already-not-yet-Kingdom. Like a lover who has promised his return, so too will my God come. Soon.
5. Jesus’ coming?
That all things will be made right. Despite my best efforts to share and emulate this message, they will always fall so very short.
I have a friend from highschool who won the 168 Hour Film Festival’s award for Best Original Score last year. Another film (Ctrl Z) she scored is a finalist in the Sundance Film Festival 2008 Delta Fly-In Movies Competition. That’s pretty cool IMHO.
In a related vein, I recently saw Dan in Real Life. While I wasn’t aware of it until the end, the entire film was essentially scored by Sondre Lerche … whose music I’ve been falling in love with for some time now. If you haven’t heard of him, you should have a listen.
Other music currently on repeat:
Vienna Teng … pianist and singer/songwriter from Cali
Brett Dennen … singer/songwriter who toured with John Mayer this summer
Paolo Nutini … actually Scottish not Italian (& what could be better than a song with your own name in it)
And of course, I’m dusting off some classic Gordon Lightfoot and Joni Mitchell too. Wouldn’t want to neglect some great Canadiana now, would we?
(If you want a great song for the holidays, find Sarah McLauchlan’s cover of Lightfoot’s Song for a Winter’s Night.)
The most hilarious thing I heard the other day at work…
Clinic will be cancelled next week due to Christmas at the Mosque.
Our physician was trying to explain the annual pilgrimage celebration his mosque holds to his office assistant. She heard “something like Christmas.” She in turn, passed along the “Christmas at the Mosque” reason along with the cancellation message. Our office, physician included, all had a good chuckle over that one.
