RE: In Search of Finer Things | LMAC FreeStyle Collage No. 154

Your collage is exquisite!

I grew up with paternal and maternal families that had very different views of material possessions.

I relate emotionally to my maternal family, but I found their acquisitiveness silly and shallow. Yet, I understand. Their parents were immigrants. They grew up so poor that none of my mother's siblings attended high school. Two of them were sent to orphanages because there were no provisions for them at home (my grandmother was left a widow with young children). So I get it... the family is compensating for the embarrassment, the sense of inferiority they felt as young people. Boy did they compensate. Fancy cars, elaborate furniture...an ostentatious lifestyle, each trying to outdo the other. All them generous to a fault, but their lifestyle was all about what they could show to to others.

My paternal family, on the other hand, farmers. Many generations in this country. I was told that my grandfather was wealthy. There was no way to tell by looking at him. He always wore work boots. My grandmother had to wait to get a new stove, to get a washing machine. He built his home by himself. Drove around in a pickup. The man didn't have to show anyone what he had. He was confident in himself.

I choose the paternal side of my family when it comes to the 'finer things'. To me, a finer thing is something that is useful. Or, valuable (that is, you can trade it for something else). I don't want 'fine' things. The finer they are, the more they cost, the more you have to worry about them.

Maybe it's true that you are what you eat. However, I don't think you are what you own :))

Growing up being fortunate to view two different perspectives is priceless. You were able to navigate toward the family you felt embodied the concept of "finer things" through their value attitude toward life. I love that no one knew your grandfather was wealthy. I'm of the same mindset. No need to advertise your resources. And I instilled that into my children. In today's climate, doing so may attract unwanted attention for those aiming to relieve you of them.

But the most important takeaway was that you got to see both sides and how "finer things" affected each, then choose for yourself early on. Most children don't get that chance. They're instilled with a certain mindset through adulthood. Shedding that mindset is much more difficult.

Even with my collectibles hobby, as a child growing up in a poor neighborhood and household, my mom would collect "things" only to share them with neighbors or anyone who wanted or needed them. All they had to do was ask. She instilled in us the concept of "giving" so that we could uplift others. But the most important lesson she taught us was that acquiring or indulging in "finer things", especially in terms of financial resources, don't necessarily make one happy.

I appreciate you taking time to stop by and view my collage theme, design, and article. Thanks for the Community support.

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