Upcycling

 A few months ago, we did some sorting out in our apartment. We gathered nearly three full moving cartons of books, DVDs and CDs. Usually, I would have brought these things to our local Oxfam.

Since we were dorting throughout the weekend when stores were closed,  I decided to see whether there was any space in the community book closet down the street from where we live. I went there with one bag full and was delighted to see there was enough space, but not a lot. Enough though, to put in what was in my bag. 

The next day I passed by the book closet, I noticed again, there was quite a bit of empty space. I came back with two bags of books this time. These also disappeared over night. Then I stepped it up a bit, and put some of the DVDs and CDs there. They also disappeared. 

I began to suspect that it wasn't the avid readers in our neighbourhood who were taking the stuff but perhaps someone who was selling them to supplement their income. It cheered me to think of this new upcycling scheme. Since that time, I have brought a bag or two more of stuff and placed it there. 

Today as my partner and I were walking through the pedestrian zone, we passed a houseless person sitting at "their" corner. Instead of an empty cup placed next to the sign asking for money, they had set up an area where they could display a selection of books, DVDs and CDs beside their empty cup. And voila, they were our stuff. The sign now says, "Please pay whatever you want!" I was so chuffed that I could help someone without having to go to Oxfam.

What I wonder is if they are getting more money selling stuff to passer-byes than they were before. I hope so.

Strange occurrences

Last weekend...

I am staying in a lovely hotel in London. I go down early every morning at 7 am to drink ginger and lemon tea and work on my Talkshow Rivals project. Then around 10 am, my colleague comes down, and we eat breakfast together. 

Yesterday's early morning work session was accompanied by an American couple eating breakfast and then getting into a furious fight. They thought they were whispering, but I could hear everything they said. Ultimately, their argument ended in a declaration of divorce and the wife stamping out of the room, and the red-faced husband loitering a time in the restaurant, presumably to give his wife enough time to pack her bags. Since I was the only one in the restaurant with them, I felt like a witness to a crime. Really weird experience. 

This morning, there was a British couple right behind where I was sitting, obviously very much in lust with each other. They spent a good hour or more finding everything the other person says hysterically, giddily funny. They giggled and laughed their way through a large breakfast meal. I wanted to turn to them and say, "Get a hotel room" to them, but hey, that is precisely what they were doing. I had forgotten the lightheadedness they were experiencing at the first flush of passion. At my age, I just find it highly irritating.

Can't wait to see what strange occurrence happens tomorrow morning.  

(This post is part of my "Growing Up & Growing Old" project.)  

Back from London

(from my travel diary)

Work has gotten busy again. Amongst other things, I am travelling quite a bit. I'll still try to write a post or two.

Spring has come, and I am happy. The greens are healing salves to my soul. 

(This post is part of my "Growing Up & Growing Old" project.)