About the Shopping

This photo was taken in a vintage store. More specifically this photo was taken in the restroom in a vintage store.

You guys, the vintage/ antique shopping abounds in Austin, Texas. I'm not talking about junk stores or Goodwill-esk type of random, old trash that no one wants. I'm talking about really good vintage stuff. There are so many stores in Austin that there is even a map of the almost forty locations that cater to the thrift shopper.

There are stores dedicated to records and albums. There are stores with old instruments and music accessories: sheet music, microphones, albums and posters. There were stores specializing in furniture and antique furnishings. And of course: the clothing! Chris was in heaven in one store where we found an entire rack of pearl snapped shirts- with short sleeves. And another entire rack of pear snapped shirts- with long sleeves.

The thing about all the vintage stores we visited was this: most of the people who worked there, who owned or managed these stores, were doing what they loved. They were artists and invested in their business. This drive to do well and put forth a quality product or environment was very apparent. You can just tell when thoughtfulness and craftiness have been poured into a space. When the heart is involved it's obvious.

Austin supports the small business owner. Austin supports everyman and entrepreneurship- it's apparent in the eateries and shopping and the fact that there's not a Subway sandwich and Wal-Mart on every corner. I love the fact that people can take their ideas and run with them and be supported as a seamstress or piano teacher or jewelry designer. I like the fact that it's a large city, but seems comfortable in a neighborhood sort of way.

We didn't do alot of shopping, but we did alot of looking and browsing and realized that it's nice to live in a place that can support local book stores and farmers markets and coffee shops that aren't Starbucks. Not that there's anything wrong with the familiarity of Starbucks (tall non-fat 1/2 caf. misto please...) and sometimes you just need a Target, but I'm glad places exist where people can feel safe enough to create. And other's support them in their endeavors.

It's a big risk going out there on your own, creating, being your own boss, diving into grass roots efforts that begin with hot checks and a prayer- but it's worth a shot if you want to be free. Free to do what you feel like you've been put on the earth to do. And it's usually not the easy decision. And it usually doesn't look "right" to everyone else. Oh, and it'll probably mean you'll mess up alot. BUT- it is what living and life are all about. It's not about being a receptionist.