What am I missing?

I am living on a remote cluster of islands across an ocean from where I grew up. Of course life is different. Yet in less than a year, I don't notice differences on a daily basis...until I leave the islands, drive off of the ferry, and encounter a stoplight. What are these stoplight things? I laughed at the realization that there are no stoplights on the island, except for zebra crossings (How do zebra's survive on the island, you ask? They don't. This is what a certain type of pedestrian crossing is called:). Why hadn't I noticed that? What else am I missing?


It can take a bit of distance to make you aware of what is right in front of you. It is not everywhere that you need to brake to let a curlew join its mate on the other side of the road. Or you can drive home without seeing a single car on the road at 8:30am (on a Sunday). Every car that goes by when I am out in the yard passes with a smile and a wave. Or see a sign along the main road saying "Otters aboot"? As I waited for the ferry to leave, Eider ducks paddled around the boat.

I have returned from a wonderful (and far too short) visit with friends on the mainland. I enjoyed seeing those beautiful Caledonian pines again and delicious Greek food. I stocked up on a few goodies not available on the island. And I finally picked up both a cutting board and a pillow (yes, there are pillows here...I am picky).

I thought I would relish the choices that come with life in larger society. Nope.

I was struck by the waste and clutter. I recently read about a store in Norway where you bring in your own containers and fill them up with what you want (rice, nuts, etc.). No packaging that immediately goes in the trash. They only stock one or two types of any one thing. They select their products based on quality and feel that is enough for their customers. It is the way I imagine it once was in the local shops. And I believe it is what we all need to return to.