If you’ve read any of my blogs, you know I have a shopping addiction. Consignment shops and thrift stores sing to me like the Sirens calling Ulysses. And the Old Man knows no ropes are strong enough to keep me away.
Please don’t get the idea that I’m self-consumed (see what I did there?). Sure, I always check out cool stuff for myself. Who wouldn’t? But once I’ve rifled through the clothes and shoes and phone cases, I like to search for the perfect gift for my son. If you’ve read my blogs, you already know that I learned how to gift from the Old Man.
My son, Toby, loves to play catch. So I’m always on the lookout for the perfect ball. Big ones, small ones, just so long as they’re colorful. I get excited whenever I find a new one, because I know that as soon as I open the front door, Toby will run toward me with a big goofy grin.
The Raison D’Etre
That big goofy grin is one of my main reasons to trek to thrift stores and consignment shops. While love can’t be bought, sometimes a smile can; and for a penny or two on the proverbial dollar. Plus, let’s face it, when Toby gets a ball, I get entertainment and exercise out of the deal!
You Can’t Win ‘Em All
I’ve been on many shopping quests in my lifetime and, sadly, sometimes I come home empty-handed. Going to secondhand shops doesn’t always yield treasure; just ask any eBay seller trying to make a living. But my son Toby, my 8-month-old Goldendoodle, is okay with my empty hands. I’m who the big goofy grin is for, anyway. The gift is just a bonus.