Times and Traditions are Changing

It’s hard to believe that the holidays are over. I have been off the last four days in which I needed desperately. In those four days I guess I have accomplished a great deal. I have returned to work, and to physical therapy, (which will be another post), along with putting away Holiday decorations, and throwing out or donating some of the things I no longer use.

It’s January 7th and the temperature out today was 62 and beautiful. At least for most people 62 is great. It used to be for me. When I entered my 50’s I feel like I have lost control of my body. Again this will be another post down the line. Today my mother and I spent the day shopping at what used to be our favorite Holiday destination. I am sorry to say that with Amazon and some of the other online stores, which have their purpose, has put a strain on the brick and mortar stores. The dynamics has also changed. For my mother and I, there isn’t a great deal for us there any longer. The mall in Huntington caters to a much younger crowd. Most are family, as in family purchaces for infants, children, teens and young adults. For me, I call the way I am built my compremised stature, and, there is little that fits me. Then again, there is another story there that will be visited at a later date. I don’t know who told the designers that short women or large women wanted to be adorned in large floral, tent dresses. Most of what I find that will fit are shoes and jewelry. And lets face it, we only have so many feet and fingers.

It has improved for me however as far as finding a better fit. There is something that I noticed about one store today. If it had not happened to some of our more local stores I wouldn’t have noticed. We went into a well known department store that has been in business for years. Unless the area was from having out Christmas merchandice, there was a large whole in the center along with a line of clothing that was 70% off with a sign that stated everything must go. If you saw this what would you think? Just curious. I have thought for some time now that the malls, as the “Twilight Zone” would say, you are considered obsolete. So in tradition, that we have had for years, is slowing making it’s way into the past. Unfortunately with it comes missed sizes and returns through the mail. Oh yeah, we had this when I was a kid but we still had stores and malls that you could go to, if you had the time and money for gas. We’re talking about the 60’s and 70’s folks, not many had that opportunity. I know we didn’t unless it was for back to school or for a few simple items for spring and summer where I had outgrown my clothes not because we just wanted to shop. While the economy has improved the millenials has gone digital because of convenience. I don’t blame them, I have been part of it myself. I am a regular Amazon customer, I love the idea you can pick out what you want and get it delivered to you home in 2-3 days. I still enjoy my trip to the mall, especially to the book store. Who knew? As a kid I hated to read. There was a reason for that. I wasn’t diagnosed with sight issues until I was in third grade. This landed me in what was called remedial reading. I can’t say I hated it but, it made me feel incrediably stupid. It was a good thing I loved my teacher, she was an amazing person. Now, I go to the book store for reference books mostly, but I also enjoy the atmosphere and if I have time, to sit down and enjoy a cup of capachino and a cookie. It is the highlight of my trip everytime.

· Before I end this post, I want to thank these retailers for their assistance and customer service. Sears, J.C. Penny and CO, BAM, Pandora, and Craker Barrell, all at Huntington Mall Barboursville, WV. You are all much appreciated by this family. God Bless.

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