Well that was a crap year wasn't it? Here is my take on how to survive 2009. 3 years ago I was an affluent business woman, big cars, big house and no time to enjoy life. Take it from me the simple life is GOOD.
Here's where it all started. The big boys did it and ran away. So now what can we expect?
Millions of people all over the world will face unemployment.
Taxes will rise on an unprecedented scale to pay back all the money borrowed to bail out the banks.
Interest rates have fallen to near zero but not fully passed on to borrowers but fully passed on to savers. Oh yeah that's fair!
People will have to downsize - well that's if they can sell their houses.
The big high street names are falling like flies. No more Woolworth. I can't ever remember there not being a Woolworth.
Empty pockets and full credit cards doesn't make for having a good time - OR DOES IT?
A man bigger than The White House will be in charge of the most influential country in The World. Let him take care of the big stuff and if our government tappy lappy behind him like they have Bush then we should be OK. In the meantime................
Small businesses should flourish with the big boys falling like flies. Communities can come together again.
We can take time to see what's on our doorstep instead of shopping for recreation.
Vintage shops and charity shops are seeing a boom and power to their elbows is what I say.
When inflation hits figures as big as the national debt we at least can carry our money around in a very stylish wheelbarrow like this one. They didn't have these in 1930s Germany.
We can just Slow Down, We Move Too Fast as the song says.
And finally we can all learn from this little message. Have a good 2009 despite everything.
40 comments:
Happy New Year Di - and all the best in 2009!
Fabulous, simply fabulous, and so true...so much of what you have listed is heartbreakingly true !!
That poor guy with the sign on his back, I really hope we never see that sort of poverty..I don't think we would know how to cope with it.....yes lets hope we can get through all of this.!!
Happy New Year Di to you and your beautiful family, you are a real treasure to know.xxxx
Love and Hugs Lynn xx
Excellent Di!
And such good thoughts.
Part of surviving the bad times is having fun IMHO and you are right up there with the best of them at that Di.
BIG MERCI et Bonne Annee 2009
xoxo
At least if you have to stay up nights worrying you can just look outside your window to count sheep
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Lady Bea Happy
And I say, "Let them eat MACARONS"
XOXO
Sophia C. AKA M-A
Oui, mangez des gateaux plus souvent!
Amicalment,
Grace Under Pressure
Well summarized. Hope 2009 is a good year for you.
What a great post Di
Here's hoping
Happy New Year x
Amen, my beautiful and wise friend. Amen. Here's to 2009 and better, happier times ahead! xoxox
A truly wonderful post Di and a very happy New Year to you, xv.
Great post!!
I sooo miss Woolworths, it has been closed here for several years. It was like stepping back in time.
I second the simple life and I hope you are right about the little merchants being prosperous!
The best to you in 2009!!
What a fabulous post! I'm definitely looking forward to the slower, simpler times where people aren't concerned about keeping up with the Jones's. I've always loved those simple things that most people take for granted.
Happy New Year Sweetie from one of the little merchants. Check back with today's post and see what Chips made for me. See, money can't buy love!xx
Hear~Hear Lady Di!
What a GREAT post. You say it like it is! And thank you for looking towards the positive!!
May you continue to share all the love you carry in your heart!
Happy 2009 to you, Harvey, and your family.
AND three cheers for Ghost! For all you have accomplished this past year!
xox
love,
Constance
Love, love, love it! Featured on Liberty Post right now! Happy New Year!
I popped into the Woolworth's in Cardiff when I was over in the UK in October and got some pick n'mix for the trip back to London. One of the children still had a chandelier I got at Woolies when I lived with them. I do fundraising and it has just been the worst year ever - after our best year ever last year.
One word....Amen!
Happy New Year Di!
Sandra Evertson
Very well put Di and a fantastic post.
I wish you and your family a wonderful new year and much happiness in 2009!
Di, you left the crazy world at the right time and are situated to truly taste the slow, the beautiful, the peaceful. Lucky woman! Thank you for this lovely post and wishing you all things wonderful this new year!
xo Mary Jo
Happy New Year to you too !
What a fantastic and thoughtful post - always look at the bright side of life!
Greetings from Italy
Amen! Looking forward to getting rid of all the bad things of 2008, and building communities and core values in 2009. Thanks for the lovely thoughtful post, happy new year full of love and happiness to you and your family!
Great post! Thank you so much for the wonderful words of hope.
A perfect post. Have a great year 2009 Di. Hugs!
We shall see what we shall see.
I've been a thrifter my whole life.....don't get me wrong, though....with Christmas money you may see me at the local Nordstrom...hehe...even just for a Chanel lip gloss
What a concise message - I hope that 2009 is a year filled with inspiration and loveliness for you! And keep up the wonderful posts, they are very much appreciated.
A wonderful post Di.
Happy Slow new Year to you.
Great post Di. Thank you for the tips. Happy new year to you and yor family...
Beautiful! Happy new year Di!!
Hello Beautiful lady!! Oh goooodness, whata year indeed ;)
I have kept my blinders on, kept it simple and stayed indoors creating... Hiding from the truth of it all ;)
But, there are waves.. so hopefully a good one is on its way ;)
Lots of hugs, xoxo, V
(fab images!!)
I love this post!!
Happy New Year x
have a happy new year:)
Excellent beginning!!!Happy New year , Dear Di!!!!
What a great post! Thanks and a very happy 2009 to you and your family.
Some great photos there and I agree with your sentiments.
In fact I had a weird moment over Christmas as I finally got time to read a book my dad had leant me months ago called I Fought the Law, by Dan Kieran, which was published in May 07 and warned of the current situation but also suggested it could be for the best - making our communities stronger as big businesses fall and give the smaller shops more opportunities.
Personally - and I know I'm very fortunate - I don't have any debt (never trusted myself with a card and didn't do uni) so I can use this as a good opportunity to evaluate my spending habits, priorities, etc.
Hopefully the good will outweigh the bad in the end - we've been through worse as a society, I have confidence we can weather the storm again.
Happy '09!
Happy New Year to you Di!
In spite of all the crap! :)
I just love how frank you are.
So very refreshing!!! May you and yours prosper this year and many more to come.
xoxo
Nice blog!!
Happy 2009!!
Dear Di
Having been drawn back to your blog for the third time, I still find it wonderful; you have good stuff going on in your head! Keep finding us all more beautiful things to look at in 2009...
love, Sabina
A happy and creative 2009 to you!
I just love posts with a series of images depicting reality. Well made.
Wonderful year , DI !
Fantastic post , I'm sure with a ll your advice , we will survive
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