As Summer winds down and the kids go back to school, could I do something different? I imagine many are excited based on the pattern of our education system in America. It is the time to get new clothes, school supplies and gear up for the fall sports season. Well now, all of this is also related to consumerism. I took advantage of a tax-free weekend to purchase a computer because my old one was stolen. So for that, I participated in the fervor. I waited 45 minutes in line to get my chance to save $70. I watched as my community chatted and some impatiently, to get their orders filled. I saw how I had changed from needing the best I could buy to only wanting the bare bones. Somehow, I was selected by a handsome gentleman manager type who asked how long my wait had been. He did not ask anyone else but those around me stopped talking to hear my reply. Next I was making my final purchase. Nine hundred dollars cash for a small device to stay connected to "the electronice world" but it was a big step for me. One step on my spiritual path not different at face value but peel back the layers of American conditioning and you will see the difference.

menshi mihas photography