One of the highlights of working in retail during the holiday season is finding people’s discarded Christmas shopping lists. There’s something oddly exciting about coming across somebody’s folded gift list, riddled with crossed out names and gift ideas, laying in between two rows of candles on a shelf. I see it as an invitation to meet and learn about somebody new. Invariably there are gaps to fill; and the imagination happily obliges. In a way, it’s kind of like coming across a random blog and realizing that the author is somebody you’d love to get to know. I’m not sure what kind of insight I’m hoping to find when I study a Christmas list or scan a stranger’s blogger. All I know is, that seemingly trivial and time-consuming act can often prove to be one of the most rewarding pursuits. Three cheers for voyeurism.
Filed Under: Human Condition
you’re on my list then !!!
Thanks Cat. It’s nice to know who’s viewing my site. I wish I could read your blog, but I don’t understand a word of French. That’s what I get for opting to study Spanish back in high school.
Maybe I’ll try running your words through an online translator. The heart of your writing would be stripped away, but it would be better than nothing. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.