I love my country but sometimes it drives me crazy….for instance my experience this afternoon at the well-known Sarasota book and gift store, Elysian Fields. I’d been to this store before and liked it, so, having just returned to Sarasota and being in the neighborhood, I stopped in to see what was gong on. They have a nice selection of gifts and spiritual books, as well of many ongoing events such as meditation classes, intuitive arts fairs, etc., and I was looking forward to getting involved.

As I walked in, I noticed a sign on the front door stating that all backpacks must be left at the front counter. Now, my backpack serves as my purse and goes wherever I go. Frankly, I think it would be foolish to leave it out of my sight and in the hands of strangers, so I politely asked if I could carry the backpack with me as I shopped, explaining that it is my purse. One of the pleasant women behind the front counter suggested that I remove my wallet from the backpack so that I could leave it at the front desk, just so that “everyone is treated the same.” I could have pressed the point and asked her what she suggested I do with my checkbook, camera, lenses, iPod, and laptop computer. Did she expect me to lug all of those items around the store in my arms as I Continue reading →