I do have to post a little peeve of mine. Cat presents.
I don’t mind getting presents that are gifts for my cats. Mom brought a great toy for the gang during
her Thanksgiving visit and it’s Webster’s favorite toy. If a cat is playing with it, I can pretty
much guarantee it’s him. What I’m on
about is gifts for me that are cat themed.
I got two this year. I was looking
around my place this year and couldn’t find a single thing with a cat, other
than one poster in the bathroom that has a cat in the background grasses - you
almost don’t see it if you aren’t looking.
But otherwise, I’m catless, other than the real deals.
I recognize I’m probably a hard person to shop for, but there is a
difference between loving the actual animals and loving things with cats on
them. I was trying to figure out why I
was a bit peeved this time round. And I
think I’ve figured out it comes down to two things. One, I’ve been trying to down-size, slowly weeding
out things. I’m finding I hang onto
gifts for sentimental value - because so and so gave it to me, not because I
actually appreciate it’s form or function.
Which is a no-no. And secondly, I
realize I’m getting close to becoming “that lady”. The old cat lady who lives alone and
knits. I’m starting to take up knitting
again, and with three cats at the moment, the only thing I can do to try to
stall the perception is not build up a collection of kitschy cat stuff.
For all those readers who ever need a good default/safe gift, I
give you this: Maple Syrup Candy. Be
careful, I’m a snob, and there are imposters.
Be sure to get the ones made with 100% real maple syrup. There are cheaper blend versions with “maple
syrup flavor” which frankly shouldn’t exist (both the candies and the flavor). I love Maple Syrup so much I would go without
chocolate for the rest of my life versus real Maple Syrup. Luckily I’m not in that position so still
love the chocolate - just finished all my Christmas chocolate the other
night. But you get the idea.
I realized I accidently left one of the cat gifts on the mantle at
dad’s in Vermont and the other gift had its price tag on the back (accidentally
I think) so am going to try to exchange it at the small private gift store in
Lexington. It’s a hard thing though,
what do you say? This is why I never buy art for
people - it’s so subjective and personal.
And why you should step back and appreciate the thought that went into buying
the gift. It’s the thought that counts
after all.
End of rant. To end on a positive
note, I also experienced the inverse. My
uncle Fred is an avid… trainer. What do
you call a guy that is into trains?
Sounds like the beginning of a bad joke.
BTW, did you hear about the blind man that walked into a bar? And a chair? And a table?
Well, as part of our family Christmas exchange, Fred drew my
name. He sent me a little special extra
gift, along with a gift card to my favorite store (TJ Maxx) which was very
thoughtful and I think had more to do with my Aunt, am I right? The gift was a dinner plate from the Boston train
line. I will need to get the letter to add
the particulars and will have to post a picture later of its new home. They very thoughtfully included a plate stand.
Nick and I were talking the other
weekend and I was saying that it was really sweet that within the world of
trains, when Fred sees Boston/North East lines, he thinks of me. I’ve got quite the collection of cookbooks/history
books from the different lines in the area.
I’m trying to think if this would be translatable. I don’t think it does. For example, if I had someone who was into
baseball, I’m not sure how much Red Sox paraphernalia I would be wanting. I guess it helps that I appreciate trains,
especially the old romantic image of a bygone era of rail travel.
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