Shopping and Memories

As I wander around the shops today I wonder how today's children will remember their youthful experiences 'at the shops'?

Last century, when life was less rushed [who was it that said, Life will be full of leisure with the advent of computers?] a day shopping with my mother was a day of excitement, especially if that shopping trip was to the distant city.

Up early, breakfast, a careful wash to disperse any sign of food on face, a taxi ride to the railway station, a hour and a half on a steam train when we managed to lower the windows ever so slightly [against rules] passing through the two tunnels, and the excitement of arriving in the bustling city with shops stretching as far as the eye could see, and beyond, on both sides of the street; tram cars rattling down the middle of the road hitched to electric wires above.  We kept careful watch for my uncle who drove a tram.

My favourite shops were McKenzies or Woolworths, not the modern supermarket shops of today, but shops where goods on show were placed in rickedy wooden trays just high enough for a small child to have to stretch up on tippy toes.  Money didn't grow on trees, or cards, nor was it pulled from an electronic device; money was made to go round, and just, at that.  Looking gave more than enough excitement!  Toys were beyond my price range, balloons and pop guns were viable if careful budgeting was in place ... first to check there were no other temptations.

Often I bought a ball of wool to improve my knitting skills.  Needles were not essential; Mum had plenty at home.

Yesterday while at the local shops I noticed a young Mum carrying her child in a front harness; the baby's legs dangled loosely as Mum struggled with shopping at the same time trying to keep a toddler safe.  

I wondered what memories those children will carry with them of shopping days?  Would they remember the scary thrill of trying to make a shilling or two stretch to enable the purchase of a coveted prize?

Or will they be happier shopping on line?  A confession; while not usually an on-line shopper recently I made a purchase that will give daily pleasure for many months, and years, to come. 

A cute mouse mat emblazoned with ancient, well old-fashioned, cotton reels.  It is colourful, useful, and inspirational ... reminding me that time spent 'surfing the 'net' is really time wasted when one could be creating crafty delights.