The daily prompt from
Blissfully Art Journaling today asked us about our last shopping expedition at a thrift
store.
I shop at thrift stores
regularly: the most recent time I visited a thrift store I was looking for
books to use in my mixed-media art projects. There is a goodwill clearance
center close to my home that has books for twenty-five cents each. I go
specifically looking for old textbooks, dictionaries, etc. I especially favor
those books which might have been sitting on the shelves when I arrived in
elementary school or high school, usually the ones that my brothers might have
used rather than me.
The last time I went I hit
paydirt. I got a copy of Gardner’s Art History Book in its Third Edition, used
in the Kern Union High School… there were stickers inside from students in the
late 60’s and early 70’s. I love when the books I get leave traces of former
users on the pages for me to trace with my fingers and think about, ponder.
I also got a dictionary,
college edition of Merriem Webster’s from 1961, full of now-fallacies or at
least political incorrectness. I especially felt a tug around the definition of
autism. I am grateful we aren’t there any more, but then I think “Has it
changed much?” I don’t think it has, perhaps.
In 1961, college students were learning that autism was “absorption in phantasy to the exclusion of reality” and yes, they spelled “phantasy” with a “ph” rather than an “f’.
Today’s Merriem-Webster says
it more accurately: a variable developmental disorder that appears by age three
and is characterized by impairment of the ability to form social relationships,
by the impairment of communication with others and by stereotyped behavior
patterns. That is better.
I also got some sheet music, a Mother Goose book, and a children’s encyclopedia/dictionary which I used to make a collage as well. It is still in process, but I like how it looks so far.
I never know the history of
the treasures I find at thrift stores, but I do come to know fascinating things
about my journey from turning the pages and creating from them.
I also have a goal to donate
at least 52 bags of “stuff” to local thrift stores this year. So far I have
marched four bags to the donation truck. Once I settle in and clean out the
garage I should catch up quickly!
So yes, thrift stores and I am close compatriots. I am grateful for them.
Julie publishes her ezine, the Daily Passion Activator, which includes an Essay and a Poem every week day - inspiration delivered directly into your email box. Why not Subscribe today? It's free.
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