It amazes me every time I encounted the amazing willingness of my small town to come together and support a cause for one of its own.
Last year, my 19-year-old neighbor, Hayle Shay Brown, was critically injured after an accident during a motocross race. She has endured numerous surgeries and continues to suffer from heart problems, as well as being paralyzed from the waist down. Despite her injuries, she maintains a positive attitude and has the adopted the motto "hope does not give up". In addition, she is joining the board of a local organization that supports causes like her own, so that she can spread her message and share her attitude with people who truly know and feel her pain.
On Thursday, her family and friends put on a benefit in Hayle's honor, in order to raise money for her mounting medical bills. The event was held in the Assembly Hall at the local expo center - a very large room with a stage and tons of cafeteria style tables, and the place was packed by the end of the night. Adam and I were touched to see how many of the neighbors came out, as well as donated items for the silent and live auctions. Ms Hayle and her parents made speeches about how tough their journey has been and, despite that, how much they refuse to give up hope that she will one day walk again and they will be able to return their lives to a sense of normalcy. Most heart-warming of all was finding out, during the event, who had actually done the work to make it happen and spread the word. A local real estate agency - competitors of the real estate agency Hayle's father owns - ran the event and made sure it went off without a hitch. When I heard this, I got very choked up as I was reminded of the goodness not only in people, but also in local businesses.
Other local businesses, such as a prominent HVAC repair firm, donated services that went for thousands of dollars, far above their actual value.
Adam and I were struck by how willingly the entire community came out to support this brave young woman and show her that her plight will not be forgotten or ignored, and that her family will not be left to bear the burden alone. I pray that for Hayle, hope really doesn't ever give up.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Rockin' Ricks Bar - A View Through Beer Colored Glasses
Alright, I've lived here for almost five years and for every bit of that five years, Adam and I have been searching for our down-home watering hole. Given the stories you hear about Texas, one woudl be inclined to believe that their is a beer joint on every corner but it's not really the case. As with most places, we're pretty full up with chain restaurants that get super crowded on the weekends and don't have that special sort of brotherly feel that you want with your binge drinking.
And then, as if a light shone down on it from the Heavens, Adam and I stumbled upon Rockin Ricks Sports Bar as we drove our two friends home from dinner the other night. The first oddity about it is that essentially it's in a neighborhood. Which is sort of weird. Just kind of tucked away in the neighborhood in a little strip mall that also houses a defunct Mexican restaurant and maybe an insurance agency?
Well, we pulled in because it was only 8:30 at night and we figured if it was awful there was no wasted time, since we were driving past it and had already had our fill of beer and chicken wings. Ah, but many of you know there is not really such a thing as a "fill" of beer. In fact, quite opposite - when you have actually had what should definitely be your fill, that is the exact moment when the devil on your shoulder starts whispering in your ear that you need more. And so, more we had. And more. And more.
Rockin Ricks was filled with 20-somethings and cougars and of course "Rockin Rick" - who ran the music and pretended to sing and do guitar while actually air guitaring and singing lightly into a microphone while the real music played much more loudly over the speakers. Rockin Rick also liked encouraging the ladies to come up and request songs, and then pretend that he couldn't hear them so that they had to move in real close and he could put his arm around them. We watched this unfold about 15 times in a row. It was quite hilarious. Despite the cigarette smoke, the place is a total gem. There are tons of tables - so hardly anyone was left with standing room only. There's a fancy lounge-like area in the back, and very clean bathrooms.
Adam didn't really like the music - there was a little bit too much country for him. But other than that, there was plenty of fake karaoke and normal music for the rest of us. We had to sort of force him to admit "this is our new watering hole" but he finally did. Of course, my coat smelled like smoke for about a week, but it was worth it.
**Disclaimer - always drink responsibly and remember to have a designated driver no matter how close you are to home. We always do.**
And then, as if a light shone down on it from the Heavens, Adam and I stumbled upon Rockin Ricks Sports Bar as we drove our two friends home from dinner the other night. The first oddity about it is that essentially it's in a neighborhood. Which is sort of weird. Just kind of tucked away in the neighborhood in a little strip mall that also houses a defunct Mexican restaurant and maybe an insurance agency?
Well, we pulled in because it was only 8:30 at night and we figured if it was awful there was no wasted time, since we were driving past it and had already had our fill of beer and chicken wings. Ah, but many of you know there is not really such a thing as a "fill" of beer. In fact, quite opposite - when you have actually had what should definitely be your fill, that is the exact moment when the devil on your shoulder starts whispering in your ear that you need more. And so, more we had. And more. And more.
Rockin Ricks was filled with 20-somethings and cougars and of course "Rockin Rick" - who ran the music and pretended to sing and do guitar while actually air guitaring and singing lightly into a microphone while the real music played much more loudly over the speakers. Rockin Rick also liked encouraging the ladies to come up and request songs, and then pretend that he couldn't hear them so that they had to move in real close and he could put his arm around them. We watched this unfold about 15 times in a row. It was quite hilarious. Despite the cigarette smoke, the place is a total gem. There are tons of tables - so hardly anyone was left with standing room only. There's a fancy lounge-like area in the back, and very clean bathrooms.
Adam didn't really like the music - there was a little bit too much country for him. But other than that, there was plenty of fake karaoke and normal music for the rest of us. We had to sort of force him to admit "this is our new watering hole" but he finally did. Of course, my coat smelled like smoke for about a week, but it was worth it.
**Disclaimer - always drink responsibly and remember to have a designated driver no matter how close you are to home. We always do.**
Monday, February 13, 2012
Vive Les Arts: The Color Purple
So, on Friday my friend invited me to go see The Color Purple at the local community theatre and of course I accepted because who wouldn't?
Where I grew up, the community theatre was pretty... erm... downtrodden? I don't know the right word but it definitely wasn't a big fancy building on a prime piece of real estate with professional lighting and an orchestra pit. I'm pretty sure the kids in the audience had to sit on the floor actually. And the name had the word "Possum" in it. Who wants to go there? (Actually, I did. I played a hag in the showing of The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe. I was totally awesome.) But I digress... that was Delaware so...
Quite on the other end of the spectrum lies Vive Les Arts - a community theatre that feels anything but. They served complimentary wine before the show, first of all. So, you know I'm hooked already.
The Color Purple was a musical and I was a little skeptical, I have to admit. I mean you just don't have all that many great singers running around these days, or at least it doesn't seem like it judging from American Idol auditions and such.
But I was 100%, completely WOWED. First of all you should know that this was the first community theatre in the United States to be granted rights to produce The Color Purple. So every few minutes you just remember that you are actually part of history right now. Which is pretty neat. And then the singing. People, the singing! The kid who played Harpo was amazing - I mean I couldn't take my eyes off him when he was on stage; he had that much star power. Shug Avery and Celie were equally captivating, both in acting and singing. The church ladies were hilarious and probably my favorite part of the whole production. The music was fantastic - I didn't know until after the show had ended that it was a live orchestra and not a recording. I haven't been to a whole lot of plays, I admit. But the ones I have been to have generally left me feeling lukewarm at the end - a nice way to kill a couple of hours but not a crowning point in my life. It wasn't like this with The Color Purple. I left there feeling invigorated and proud to be a part of a community where so much hidden talent sizzles just beneath the surface. Where are these people Monday through Friday, and why aren't they famous?!?
Bravo Vive Les Arts!
Where I grew up, the community theatre was pretty... erm... downtrodden? I don't know the right word but it definitely wasn't a big fancy building on a prime piece of real estate with professional lighting and an orchestra pit. I'm pretty sure the kids in the audience had to sit on the floor actually. And the name had the word "Possum" in it. Who wants to go there? (Actually, I did. I played a hag in the showing of The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe. I was totally awesome.) But I digress... that was Delaware so...
Quite on the other end of the spectrum lies Vive Les Arts - a community theatre that feels anything but. They served complimentary wine before the show, first of all. So, you know I'm hooked already.
The Color Purple was a musical and I was a little skeptical, I have to admit. I mean you just don't have all that many great singers running around these days, or at least it doesn't seem like it judging from American Idol auditions and such.
But I was 100%, completely WOWED. First of all you should know that this was the first community theatre in the United States to be granted rights to produce The Color Purple. So every few minutes you just remember that you are actually part of history right now. Which is pretty neat. And then the singing. People, the singing! The kid who played Harpo was amazing - I mean I couldn't take my eyes off him when he was on stage; he had that much star power. Shug Avery and Celie were equally captivating, both in acting and singing. The church ladies were hilarious and probably my favorite part of the whole production. The music was fantastic - I didn't know until after the show had ended that it was a live orchestra and not a recording. I haven't been to a whole lot of plays, I admit. But the ones I have been to have generally left me feeling lukewarm at the end - a nice way to kill a couple of hours but not a crowning point in my life. It wasn't like this with The Color Purple. I left there feeling invigorated and proud to be a part of a community where so much hidden talent sizzles just beneath the surface. Where are these people Monday through Friday, and why aren't they famous?!?
Bravo Vive Les Arts!
Buying America: Fail #1
Turns out I bought foreign-made makeup yesterday on accident. I thought the packaging said California, so I bought it. But my hangover-induced fog kept me from seeing the huge lettering on the side that said Made In Italy. So I will remember for next time that Physicians Formula is made in Italy.
A friend suggested to me today that loosening the grip on this challenge might make things easier and still meet the intent. For example, Canada and Mexico might be okay. It's a nice thought but I don't want to make this easy, because it's not easy to be out of work and struggling to pay the bills. It's not easy to interview for job after job, with no luck, and keep a smile on your face for your children and family. And whether something is made in Canada or Russia -- it's still not made here. And isn't that the whole point?
My buying power will never be enough to make any sort of splash in a corporate structure. Executives at General Electric will never care that the Alexander family in some podunk town in central Texas isn't going to buy their products anymore. But maybe our experience will help pave the way for our friends and family to try the same thing, and their friends and their family to try it, and to feel a sense of pride about the choices they make regarding where they send their money. And that, my friends, is the point.
A friend suggested to me today that loosening the grip on this challenge might make things easier and still meet the intent. For example, Canada and Mexico might be okay. It's a nice thought but I don't want to make this easy, because it's not easy to be out of work and struggling to pay the bills. It's not easy to interview for job after job, with no luck, and keep a smile on your face for your children and family. And whether something is made in Canada or Russia -- it's still not made here. And isn't that the whole point?
My buying power will never be enough to make any sort of splash in a corporate structure. Executives at General Electric will never care that the Alexander family in some podunk town in central Texas isn't going to buy their products anymore. But maybe our experience will help pave the way for our friends and family to try the same thing, and their friends and their family to try it, and to feel a sense of pride about the choices they make regarding where they send their money. And that, my friends, is the point.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Buying America - Grocery Day
Well today was the first true test of Adam's and my new goal to buy only products made or grown in the United States. We started out this morning rather uneducated but what our day taught us is that we have a lot to learn and much research to do before we can truly say we've done this.
Some things we faced this morning:
1.) Normally grocery shopping is a super easy and enjoyable part of our week. We do it on Sunday mornings while the rest of Texas is at church, thereby avoiding the crowds. Usually we go out for breakfast first and then go to the store, where we buy pretty much the exact same products from week to week. We're not adventurous eaters, most of you know. Such a routine is easily accomplished in pretty much any state of mind. But we're not doing routine anymore. Our lives have changed now, and even though I want to say it's for the better - things aren't as simple. This morning we did the shopping a little hungover and later in the day because we got a late start (on account of the fact that we went out with our friends who drank us under the table until about 1 a.m.). We were in a bit of a fog and moving slowly, and probably being the exact people that we hate at the store. Of course, in the name of our goal - I didn't particularly care what other people thought, but I was surprised at how noticeable the change in our mindset was. How easily we don't realize where our food comes from. How hard it is to find certain things...
2.) What we wouldn't compromise on: It was particularly difficult to find laundry detergent. Our normal brand is Gain. That seems to be imported from Canada. So is everything from Proctor and Gamble, from the wording on their packaging. Tide pissed me off because the bottle was basically a great big American flag. Also imported from Canada. We ended up with a choice between FAB and Purex. We chose Purex, with fingers crossed. Because the thing is if we mess up our clothes, I'm not sure how we'll buy new ones. More on that later...
3.) What we weren't sure about: Most products say things like Distributed for (INSERT NAME HERE), Cincinnati, OH (or other American city). What does this mean?? We spent rather an inordinate amount of time trying to decipher some of the verbage, including looking it up on the internet via smart phone and using an APP where you can scan the bar code and learn more. A couple times, like with our Taco Bell hard and soft shell taco dinner kit, we had to sort of shrug our shoulders and say "we think so". This isn't exactly in line with our goal, but it definitely taught us we have lots to learn and some product research to do. So it was okay. Brilliant Idea Here: Someone needs to make an App where you can scan the bar code and it just says "Made in America" or "Not".
4.) What we cheated on: Yeah, we cheated. I bought three green bell peppers which were clearly marked "Mexico". There were none, and I mean zilch, from the U.S.A. In fact, there was hardly any produce from the U.S.A. It took several minutes of digging and searching to find U.S.A tomatoes. I couldn't buy raspberries or strawberries or blueberries or bananas. So I caved and bought bell peppers because I need them and because I promised myself that when the farmer's market in town opens again this spring, that I will go there and buy my produce. What is both ironic and highly annoying about this is that we were in HEB, which means nothing to anyone who isn't from Texas, but HEB is BIG on Texas and America and all that jazz, and all their commercials are highly patriotic in terms of "all our stuff comes from America". In fact, they have these really sweet commercials where some farmer is standing in the middle of his crop fields proudly proclaiming "this is the produce department at HEB". Well guess what - it's not. Unless that farmer is the only American in all of Guatemala. Because it seems that most everything in that department is from Guatemala. Disappointing to say the least, particularly because I love those commercials and I love HEB produce even more.
5.) What we just plain didn't buy: We did not buy a digital meat thermometer, which I desperately need because I keep accidentally washing mine and I've gone through like 3 in the past year. I have one of the kind that is not digital and I don't trust it so whenever I use it I end up spending the entire meal worrying about whether or not I am ingesting E Coli. But there were three different kinds in HEB and all were "Fabrique en China". Great.
6.) What we totally nailed: the laundry detergent, eggs, meat, and oranges were all definitely made in U.S.A.
All in all, it was a little frustrating because I suspect that some items are highly misleading on purpose in terms of where they are made. There are probably no real laws about full disclosure regarding product origin or manufacturing when it comes to things like spaghetti sauce or chips or detergent. So when you slap a huge American flag on the front of your packaging, you're telling your consumers that your product is American, and it's pretty sleazy that, in fact, it's not. Regardless, I think overall we were pretty successful for our first shopping experience, with a couple missteps here and there.
Next time we'll probably try to do the shopping on a hangover-free day and see what happens.
Note: The place where said hangover was acquired is a locally owned dive bar where we drank Coors Light all night long. So it's like we were just working on our new goal; so actually we should have been congratulating ourselves this morning on helping to send that guy's kids to college.
Some things we faced this morning:
1.) Normally grocery shopping is a super easy and enjoyable part of our week. We do it on Sunday mornings while the rest of Texas is at church, thereby avoiding the crowds. Usually we go out for breakfast first and then go to the store, where we buy pretty much the exact same products from week to week. We're not adventurous eaters, most of you know. Such a routine is easily accomplished in pretty much any state of mind. But we're not doing routine anymore. Our lives have changed now, and even though I want to say it's for the better - things aren't as simple. This morning we did the shopping a little hungover and later in the day because we got a late start (on account of the fact that we went out with our friends who drank us under the table until about 1 a.m.). We were in a bit of a fog and moving slowly, and probably being the exact people that we hate at the store. Of course, in the name of our goal - I didn't particularly care what other people thought, but I was surprised at how noticeable the change in our mindset was. How easily we don't realize where our food comes from. How hard it is to find certain things...
2.) What we wouldn't compromise on: It was particularly difficult to find laundry detergent. Our normal brand is Gain. That seems to be imported from Canada. So is everything from Proctor and Gamble, from the wording on their packaging. Tide pissed me off because the bottle was basically a great big American flag. Also imported from Canada. We ended up with a choice between FAB and Purex. We chose Purex, with fingers crossed. Because the thing is if we mess up our clothes, I'm not sure how we'll buy new ones. More on that later...
3.) What we weren't sure about: Most products say things like Distributed for (INSERT NAME HERE), Cincinnati, OH (or other American city). What does this mean?? We spent rather an inordinate amount of time trying to decipher some of the verbage, including looking it up on the internet via smart phone and using an APP where you can scan the bar code and learn more. A couple times, like with our Taco Bell hard and soft shell taco dinner kit, we had to sort of shrug our shoulders and say "we think so". This isn't exactly in line with our goal, but it definitely taught us we have lots to learn and some product research to do. So it was okay. Brilliant Idea Here: Someone needs to make an App where you can scan the bar code and it just says "Made in America" or "Not".
4.) What we cheated on: Yeah, we cheated. I bought three green bell peppers which were clearly marked "Mexico". There were none, and I mean zilch, from the U.S.A. In fact, there was hardly any produce from the U.S.A. It took several minutes of digging and searching to find U.S.A tomatoes. I couldn't buy raspberries or strawberries or blueberries or bananas. So I caved and bought bell peppers because I need them and because I promised myself that when the farmer's market in town opens again this spring, that I will go there and buy my produce. What is both ironic and highly annoying about this is that we were in HEB, which means nothing to anyone who isn't from Texas, but HEB is BIG on Texas and America and all that jazz, and all their commercials are highly patriotic in terms of "all our stuff comes from America". In fact, they have these really sweet commercials where some farmer is standing in the middle of his crop fields proudly proclaiming "this is the produce department at HEB". Well guess what - it's not. Unless that farmer is the only American in all of Guatemala. Because it seems that most everything in that department is from Guatemala. Disappointing to say the least, particularly because I love those commercials and I love HEB produce even more.
5.) What we just plain didn't buy: We did not buy a digital meat thermometer, which I desperately need because I keep accidentally washing mine and I've gone through like 3 in the past year. I have one of the kind that is not digital and I don't trust it so whenever I use it I end up spending the entire meal worrying about whether or not I am ingesting E Coli. But there were three different kinds in HEB and all were "Fabrique en China". Great.
6.) What we totally nailed: the laundry detergent, eggs, meat, and oranges were all definitely made in U.S.A.
All in all, it was a little frustrating because I suspect that some items are highly misleading on purpose in terms of where they are made. There are probably no real laws about full disclosure regarding product origin or manufacturing when it comes to things like spaghetti sauce or chips or detergent. So when you slap a huge American flag on the front of your packaging, you're telling your consumers that your product is American, and it's pretty sleazy that, in fact, it's not. Regardless, I think overall we were pretty successful for our first shopping experience, with a couple missteps here and there.
Next time we'll probably try to do the shopping on a hangover-free day and see what happens.
Note: The place where said hangover was acquired is a locally owned dive bar where we drank Coors Light all night long. So it's like we were just working on our new goal; so actually we should have been congratulating ourselves this morning on helping to send that guy's kids to college.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Buying America - Methodology
Having not actually purchased anything yet - it's difficult to say how I feel about this challenge so far.
However, I know we will run into some challenges and so here are a few ground rules and disclosures:
1.) We have lots of foreign made items in our house/life already. Two of our cars are foreign - and I am not allowed to drive the other one. Because Adam thinks I don't know how to drive stick shift. Even though I had a stick shift car long before I met him. And he's reading over my shoulder at this very moment. Also, our electronics are foreign. We're not getting rid of any of it. Just to be clear.
2.) Gas - we are not even sure how to go about knowing whether our fuel comes from America. Exempt. Just sayin.
3.) Some product packaging just says "Packaged for (COMPANY NAME HERE) in Cincinnati" or whatever. I don't know how to find out more. I guess look it up on the Internet. For certain products, like toilet paper or essentials, this is just going to have to be good enough until we figure out how to be smarter at this whole thing.
4.) Not sure whether or not we should stop buying products manufactured by companies whose Headquarters are located in foreign countries. I'm leaning towards Yes. Still figuring it out, though, so for now we're going to pretend this is not a question and just get used to our new way of thinking on a smaller scale at first.
5.) Clothes are going to be impossible. I honestly believed the "Faded Glory" brand from WalMart was made in America. I am not sure why - I think the commercials are misleading. Anyway, it is not.
6.) Even though wine and beer will be easy - I am sad because the only wine I can get at the gas station right up the road is Australian. So now I can no longer tell Adam to stop at the gas station for "chips" and then run in to get wine. Now I actually have to ask him to take me to the liquor store. Minor annoyance.
That's all I can think of at the moment. I think it's enough of a start. We have to go grocery shopping this weekend and need an awful lot of stuff (like laundry detergent, our favorite brand of which I just noticed is not made in America), so the first true indicator of what this is going to be like will happen in the next couple of days. More to follow!
However, I know we will run into some challenges and so here are a few ground rules and disclosures:
1.) We have lots of foreign made items in our house/life already. Two of our cars are foreign - and I am not allowed to drive the other one. Because Adam thinks I don't know how to drive stick shift. Even though I had a stick shift car long before I met him. And he's reading over my shoulder at this very moment. Also, our electronics are foreign. We're not getting rid of any of it. Just to be clear.
2.) Gas - we are not even sure how to go about knowing whether our fuel comes from America. Exempt. Just sayin.
3.) Some product packaging just says "Packaged for (COMPANY NAME HERE) in Cincinnati" or whatever. I don't know how to find out more. I guess look it up on the Internet. For certain products, like toilet paper or essentials, this is just going to have to be good enough until we figure out how to be smarter at this whole thing.
4.) Not sure whether or not we should stop buying products manufactured by companies whose Headquarters are located in foreign countries. I'm leaning towards Yes. Still figuring it out, though, so for now we're going to pretend this is not a question and just get used to our new way of thinking on a smaller scale at first.
5.) Clothes are going to be impossible. I honestly believed the "Faded Glory" brand from WalMart was made in America. I am not sure why - I think the commercials are misleading. Anyway, it is not.
6.) Even though wine and beer will be easy - I am sad because the only wine I can get at the gas station right up the road is Australian. So now I can no longer tell Adam to stop at the gas station for "chips" and then run in to get wine. Now I actually have to ask him to take me to the liquor store. Minor annoyance.
That's all I can think of at the moment. I think it's enough of a start. We have to go grocery shopping this weekend and need an awful lot of stuff (like laundry detergent, our favorite brand of which I just noticed is not made in America), so the first true indicator of what this is going to be like will happen in the next couple of days. More to follow!
Buying America - The Reason
Not that there should be an particular reason why Adam and I want to buy products manufactured and grown in America, but I have one.
If I was a better patriot and ambassador of my country, the reason would simply be that I support my fellow citizens and, while the global economy is important, I believe in the products my countrymen can create and want to further our local economy. But I've spent the last 32 years buying whatever I want whenever I want, without much thought towards where any of it was made and that's a hard habit to break (actually, it's a hard habit to recognize) until something you see makes you cringe and wakes you up to the harsh reality of what is happening around us. And by that, I mean unemployment and poverty and families struggling to feed themselves because they can't find work, even low-paying work.
And this all shone under a glaring light for me on Tuesday, as my husband, our friends, and I drove from Taos Ski Valley, NM back to our home here in Texas. I found clarity of vision on the mountain roads of northern New Mexico. The gift shop in Taos Ski Valley was filled with merchandise for tourists to stock up on and bring home for family and friends. Coasters, shot glasses, shirts, and picture frames were of course abundant. I bought a couple shirts without thinking twice. Always a sucker for a souvenir tshit, I am. And I almost bought the picture frame with TAOS laser-cut into the reclaimed spruce. But when I looked at the back it said "Made in Canada" and was $20. What first stopped me from buying it was the fact that I'm certain there are identical picture frames being sold in Aspen, Vail, and Crested Butte - all made in Canada. Some factory in Canada is getting lots of work to churn out identical souvenir items for hungry travelers in rich tourist towns. So, pretty much only because I don't want some mass-produced picture frame to display my memories, because I would prefer something original, I put the frame back and did not buy it.
And then we began the 12-hour drive back home and the reality of the situation hit a little closer to home. Because not 30 minutes down the mountain is a town called Arroyo Seco which looks as if the recession arrived there and took up permanent residence about 20 years ago. Even the elementary school has seen way, way better days. It takes a good 5 hours to get out of New Mexico from Taos (by way of Texas), and it never reallhy gets any better. Every 20 miles or so you come across another broken down town. This could be a result of many things - the remote area, farming/agriculture communities dependent primarily on sustaining themselves, a focus on seasonal tourism. Regardless, I found it disturbing to think that these people might actually be in need of steady work and that the very souvenir items that are keeping the local shops alive aren't even made locally. All those people sitting around, hoping for a break - and we're farming out our livelihood to a foreign country to save a few bucks.
Despite the possibility that much of my sentiment is naive, it weighed heavily on my heart throughout much of the drive home.
So, right, wrong, or indifferent - this is how the idea came to be.
If I was a better patriot and ambassador of my country, the reason would simply be that I support my fellow citizens and, while the global economy is important, I believe in the products my countrymen can create and want to further our local economy. But I've spent the last 32 years buying whatever I want whenever I want, without much thought towards where any of it was made and that's a hard habit to break (actually, it's a hard habit to recognize) until something you see makes you cringe and wakes you up to the harsh reality of what is happening around us. And by that, I mean unemployment and poverty and families struggling to feed themselves because they can't find work, even low-paying work.
And this all shone under a glaring light for me on Tuesday, as my husband, our friends, and I drove from Taos Ski Valley, NM back to our home here in Texas. I found clarity of vision on the mountain roads of northern New Mexico. The gift shop in Taos Ski Valley was filled with merchandise for tourists to stock up on and bring home for family and friends. Coasters, shot glasses, shirts, and picture frames were of course abundant. I bought a couple shirts without thinking twice. Always a sucker for a souvenir tshit, I am. And I almost bought the picture frame with TAOS laser-cut into the reclaimed spruce. But when I looked at the back it said "Made in Canada" and was $20. What first stopped me from buying it was the fact that I'm certain there are identical picture frames being sold in Aspen, Vail, and Crested Butte - all made in Canada. Some factory in Canada is getting lots of work to churn out identical souvenir items for hungry travelers in rich tourist towns. So, pretty much only because I don't want some mass-produced picture frame to display my memories, because I would prefer something original, I put the frame back and did not buy it.
And then we began the 12-hour drive back home and the reality of the situation hit a little closer to home. Because not 30 minutes down the mountain is a town called Arroyo Seco which looks as if the recession arrived there and took up permanent residence about 20 years ago. Even the elementary school has seen way, way better days. It takes a good 5 hours to get out of New Mexico from Taos (by way of Texas), and it never reallhy gets any better. Every 20 miles or so you come across another broken down town. This could be a result of many things - the remote area, farming/agriculture communities dependent primarily on sustaining themselves, a focus on seasonal tourism. Regardless, I found it disturbing to think that these people might actually be in need of steady work and that the very souvenir items that are keeping the local shops alive aren't even made locally. All those people sitting around, hoping for a break - and we're farming out our livelihood to a foreign country to save a few bucks.
Despite the possibility that much of my sentiment is naive, it weighed heavily on my heart throughout much of the drive home.
So, right, wrong, or indifferent - this is how the idea came to be.
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