Advent Art

Looking Back...and...Looking Forward

I grew up in a small town in Nova Scotia. When we went shopping in the local stores and businesses, we didn’t worry so much about whether the price for an item was inflated or whether it was poorly made and would break quickly. There were a few “get rich quick” business people, as in every town, who would raise the price by 20% before knocking off 10%, “just because you were such a good customer”. We mostly knew who they were, and approached them with caution; although I do recall my father remaining steadfastly loyal to one car dealer who I considered to be a particular crook.

My father’s name was William, and when my mother went to the local grocery store, Mr. G. who ran the Meat Department, always referred to her as “Mrs. Willie”, and my brother and sister and I were “the little Willies”. The fish was fresh, and a pound of ground beef was a pound of ground beef. Mr. G. later set up his own business and his Lunenburg pudding and sausage, and minced meat are still legend in this area.

Most of the shops were owned and run by our neighbours, people like us who were part of the community. Networking wasn’t discovered by the internet, it used to be part of everyday life; and sometimes we just called it “gossip”. Store owners either didn’t want to cheat you or sell you a faulty product; or knew that if they did, the rest of the community would soon know about it. I prefer to recall that it was the former, and I would like for those of you who enter into our “Purchase” section to have that same regard for us, and for me.

Whether you are considering something in our “Purchase” area; or have just dropped by to visit my “Art Gallery” and browse the site, I hope that you enjoy your visit. If you have any suggestions, please leave us your comments.

Paul W. Kelley