Friday, November 29, 2013

Decidedly not black

Diamond Peak, from the window of the cabin where we're staying.

I wonder why they call it Black Friday? It sounds ominous. To me, the idea of lining up to charge, mob-like, into a Walmart is ominous. Maybe a shopper-phobic made up the term, I'm not sure.

Today I will be nowhere near a Walmart, or any kind of retail store. I'm with my sister and her family and grandkids in a cabin at Crescent Lake on the eastern slope of the Cascade mountains. Shopping is not a part of today's plan. We're going to take a walk by the lake in a little while, come back for a lunch of leftovers and probably a nice nap this afternoon.

Let's see - charging into Walmart vs. a walk by a beautiful mountain lake? It's hard to imagine anyone would have trouble deciding which activity is preferable.

One among my theories is that the urge to join the mob on Black Friday has more in common with the tradition of running with the bulls at Pamplona than about getting a deal on a new TV. It's about jumping into the fray, snorting and running with the herd.

Sounds like hell to me.

Thanksgiving was a total success, but it's over now. Onwards to solstice.

Shalom.

My grand nephews. That's Isaac looking at the camera. Eli is focused on the iPad.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a lovely uplifting experience, but Walmart sounds more like 'in for the kill and emerge victorious'. The photo of your grand-nephews is lovely and it's so sweet that they had the opportunity to get to know you further.

Unknown said...

I had to ask about the meaning of Black Friday - and what a dreadful well to spend one's time (not to mention those who must work that day). It is the day of vast expenditure when a business can make enough profit to get out of the "red" and into the "black". Every year there are several students at the school where I teach who can not get home for a holiday. Some of the teachers stay, invite family and friends, make a meal, and a party which we always enjoy.