It all began with this one
I found it under the floorboards of my old house, all crinkled and dusty and yellowed.
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Written in blue and purple fountain pen and titled 'Weekend 22 + 23rd Aug; '53, George and Joan down for weekend (M,D + Mg, V at Butlins, Clacton).
Not only does it list everything they bought for their eating pleasures, it also chronicles the weekend events along with prices for train fares and treats ~
'8/- knickerbocker glories at Crescent'.
It's a beautiful snapshot of the times and a little bit of local history ~
'Sunday. NeverNeverland (walk along the front to Chalkwell in the morning)'.
The total cost *38/10* split down the middle ~
'we paid 19/2, George & Joan paid 19/8'.
This treasure switched on something in my brain.
The next time I was at the supermarket, I saw a piece of paper in the trolley.
And it started ....
Little clues are left on an anonymous list ~ the handwriting, type of paper, things to buy, methodically scribbled out as they walked around the aisles, folded or scrunched, spelling mistakes, junk food, items underlined, extra instructions.
I make up images in my head of the person that wrote the list ~ older lady, widowed, careful about her diet, likes to keep herself youthful.
What sort of paper are you?
Pretty floral purpose made from a pad, with the heading 'shopping'.
A square of card cut from a teabag box.
An old birthday card or unused postcard.
Recycled envelopes or office a4 paper.
Torn.
Cut.
Do you write the list in a virtual tour of the aisles?
Fresh on one side ~ the rest on the other?
Long hand or block caps?
Most misspelled words are yoghurt and broccoli.
My boxful of paper lists has grown and I really should curb my habit. But it's not easy when I see that little piece of paper fluttering in the breeze at the outside trolley park of the supermarket ....
Ooh that is so tempting - love all the usual list and then - ? Hat
ReplyDeleteand 3 tomatoes ~ very specific along with 1 soda
ReplyDeletewonder what boutique =2 is all about?