My New Job! and a Background for Babar

I got a job!
One I want.
That happened fast, once it happened. I'd put job hunting off --and off and off-- partly because I was recovering from finishing a huge project, but partly that turned into dawdling & dithering & self-doubt ("What's wrong with me that I don't want to pursue a Serious job?"
 Oh, that's right: nothing!)
--until finally last week I felt ready to apply for a handful of things I thought I might like to do.

Yesterday I interviewed for part-time jobs at Subway sandwich shop & the thrift store, got offered both, and took the thrift store job (even though Subway pays $1/hour more). It seemed the best bet, since I worked happily (mostly) at SP thrift store for three years for free. I always used to say I wished SP would pay, even a little.
And "a little" is what this store pays! ($10/hour)
My wish has come true.
Luckily I have very low expenses (no car! friend-owned, little apartment), cheap tastes (second-run movies, used toys), and good State health insurance (plus good health, so far).

Look at the tiny hand-painted scene I found for $1.49, after the interview. When I took it out of the frame at home, I saw it's signed on the back and dated 1967.

 Babar says she painted it. (I think that may not be technically true... but it is her colors.) 
At any rate, when I get my camera back, I want to set up & photograph some little-animal tableaux. I've also started sewing again and am excited to be around source material again. Yay!
I start on Friday, will work variable hours, 20-30 hours/week.

I felt a tiny bit sad to turn down Subway--you know, I'd wanted to make sandwiches, and I think I'd have liked it, but I can't imagine doing it for more than a few months, whereas I could at least imagine the possibility of working at this store longer--even, who knows? conceivably, until I retire. Say I work until I'm (godwilling) seventy--that's only fourteen years:
WEIRD!!!  
My auntie worked part-time at a friend's boutique until she was ninety--kept her active and socially connected--but then it got too painful on her legs, so she retired.

Oh, hey--I didn't realize--the thrift store is part of that old social justice movement of 100+ years ago (like Jane Addams & Hull House), and started by a Methodist, as Steeple People was too.

"We were founded in 1902 in Boston's South End by Edgar J. Helms of Iowa, a Methodist minister and social innovator.
Helms collected used household goods and clothing in wealthier areas of the city, then trained and hired those who were poor (many were immigrants) to repair the used goods.

TOY REPAIRS!!!

The goods were then resold or were given to the people who repaired them. The philosophy is, “Not Charity, but a Chance”.

"Times have changed, but Helms’ vision remains constant: “We have courage and are unafraid. With the prayerful cooperation of millions of our bag contributors and of our workers, we will press on till the curse of poverty and exploitation is banished from mankind.”

So, I take it back: I have pursued a Serious job!!!

Oddly they don't much emphasize the environmental good they do in keeping stuff out of landfills, though in 2007 they launched a Going Green Initiative "to reduce our environmental footprint while preparing workers for green-collar jobs." 

What are green collar jobs?

"Work in the environmental sectors… Generally, they implement environmentally conscious design, policy, and technology to improve conservation and sustainability."

Now I can resurrect my "Tales from the Thrift" too!