We are big believers in buying locally and supporting events that happen right here on the Peninsula.  Part of our feeling that “it’s the right thing to do” stems from the days when we owned the Bookvendor in Long Beach.  A good part of our livelihood depended upon the success of the business which, in turn, depended on people buying our books.

In an area where the economy is traditionally depressed – not just in economic turn-down times, but almost always – we certainly understood that everybody couldn’t buy books as a matter of course.  Even though reading might be considered by some as important as eating, we have a great library system here and then there were the other options like Amazon.com and CostCo for those with slim book-buying budgets.  That was all totally understandable,

What was more difficult to understand was having locals come into the store with paper and pencil in hand to make lists of books that they then went and bought online.  Some folks even asked for help with that – like “Would you look on your computer to see if this book is still in print?” so they could order it elsewhere.  Amazing!

In a larger context, it was even harder to understand the local bank treating their employees to a weekend of Christmas shopping in Portland even as their reader board said “Buy Local!”  Other businesses – restaurants, for instance – did similar get-away treats for their employees.  Truly a mixed message.

And, then there are those who don’t go to local theater productions or musical events because they prefer going to “real” theaters or concert halls in the big city.  Never mind that we have top notch entertainment available right here, both by locals and visiting artists.  And besides, it’s just nice to support your friends who are performing or going to the effort of putting on the event.  It’s part of the pleasure of living in a small community.  And part of the responsibility, too – at least that’s how I look at it.

Complicating all of that, of course, are the sheer number of events and opportunities that seem to be constantly bumping up against each other here.  Yesterday was a good example for us.  A fabulous Water Music performance was scheduled to begin right across the street at the church at 1:00.   And, at the other end of the Peninsula, the Cranberrian Fair was getting underway.

Unfortunately, we had an unavoidable scheduling conflict and could not even be at home to offer our house as the “Green Room” for the Water Music performer.  We were sorry about that as we’ve enjoyed filling that role in the past.  Also, classical guitarist Scott Kritzer who was the performer has actually been here before and we were looking forward to renewing our acquaintance.

We did manage, however, to nip into the Cranberrian Fair at the tail end of the day.  It was a cheerful-feeling atmosphere and we saw lots of friends among the vendors.  That’s probably the part I like best about supporting local events.  I love to see what my friends are up to and getting a chance to oooh and aaah over their accomplishments.  And, often, I see just the perfect gift for a friend or a stocking stuffer possibility for one of my “kids.”  What could be more fun!