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4:33:00 PM MST
Green Backs of Choice
I had a conversation yesterday with a colleague about the all mighty green thing we call MONEY. For me, it's always interesting talking to him about such things because he grew up on the right side of the tracks. Actually, I think that's an understatement. If there is a poor side, and a rich side, he grew up 25 miles past the golden side of the tracks and atop a mountain of lush wealth. As for me, I was the good old fashioned, sitting in the middle section of the train tracks growing up.
Now, although his parents have more money then I could comprehend, this person is absolutely out, on his own, building his own fortune without any "here's a million to help you out" from his Parental units. I admire that. I knew him for over a year before I even realized I was in the presence of one of "those kids", the ones that grew up in 24 K gold. How could I not appreciate his humble demeanor.
We ended up on the topic of "What do you spend your money on, for personal enjoyment."
For him, at the ripe old age of mid 20's he already knows exactly what and if he has spare change it will be spent on. It's cars. Beautiful, classic, exotic, muscle, imported, fast, etc etc. He luvs 'em. Cars do nadda for me. Absolutely nothing.....
For me, I have to admit it took until my early 30's to finally nail down something worthy of my spare change. Before I found my monetary reward calling, I can assume I spent my money on clothes, a new purse or odds and ends. Then again, I didn't exactly have handfuls of money lingering around with nothing to do in my 20's. I was typically broke as hell and a spare 5 bucks was rolled around in my hand in spectacular awe.
But a time did come, several years ago, that I found myself with alittle extra money. Extra beyond bills, necessities, savings, blah blah, the boring stuff. I think at first I did what any red blooded American would do. I spent the hell out of it on things I couldn't even name at this point in time."Things" I had always felt deprived of, left out on, "things" I thought were the right material effects to covet...... After awhile though, I learned I wasn't exactly a shopper by instinct, and those things I had purchased had very little meaning to me. Empty satisfaction comes to mind.
Which brings me to Art. I never thought I would morph into a collector of Art, but it seems I have. I counted today and realize I have collected 17 beautiful pieces of art to cherish and linger over in my home. I finally found something that I could reward myself, treat myself and actually feel good about it's purchase days, months and years after I parted with the cash.
Now, for public clarification, or in case someone felt the urge to stake out my house and go shopping, my art collection isn't worth millions, or even 10's of thousands. The majority of my pieces cost under a reasonable $500 bucks. Some are worth exactly what I paid for them, some have climbed the totem pole of 'value' and one in specific is worth enough now to make tears come to the corner of my eye's, but I'd rather be run over then part with it.
I guess what I'm saying, is that art comes in all shapes and forms and all dollar figures. We normal humans certainly have the ability to acquire the illusive if we are inclined. I guess I once thought art was for the rich. Rich held the corner market on fine things and I've proven to myself that's not the case.
I'm glad I discovered something in life I adore and cherish. My art collection is for me and myself and always I. The three of us have a specific taste and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't walk through my house and say hello to all my pieces. Which, all but 3, happen to be female figurative. It seems, I like the ladies of portrait~~~
Do you have a specific treat you do for yourself? Something that is for you and you alone? Be it buying something? Doing something? Just my nosey curiosity of course. For my friend it is all things cars. For me, it's all things Art.........For you it's all things??
Speaking of Art. There is a blogger who deserves far more readers and comments then he gets in my humble opinion. His name is Marc and I've been reading him for awhile now. He has an interesting perspective on life that can only be found through someone who has experienced the world in several different dimensions. He's a talented writer and has been delighting me for sometime now with his Hy-Art pieces. I suggest going over for a look~~~~>>>>Sober Gay Poz Ex-Con Don't let that title trick you .....trust me~~
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Rebecca,
I grow plants and yes, I do talk to them. It was in a gardening book I read in the 70's that I learned "rich is a feeling, not a bank account."
Smiles,
David -
When I have a little extra I buy books -- old books, or authors I'm collecting, first editions, etc.
Lori
http://journals.aol.com/helmswondermom/DustyPages/ -
I collect original writtings. I keep them in steamer trunks and guard them with my life. They are so precious to me that I would spit bullets if someone even THOUGHT about stealing them!!!!!!!!! That, and dog eared, well read, antique books. Yeah, I collect those too.
Gotta check out this new dude now. Sounds interesting.
J~ -
Ah, yes, Marc does fantastic stuff with art, writing, and playing with perspectives on life. I'm glad you've given him a nod!
Hmmmmm, I'd love a few splurges and right now my main focus would likely be either a few things for my home, or concert tickets, or? I will be happy to get out of the wow, $20.!!! stage of life, then again, it's not so bad to have learned to appreciate a variety of things no matter the cost:)
1/21/08 11:06 PM