About me

Most of My Stuff Is Inexpensive

The Challenged writing prompt of June 27th, 2026

The free feather I’ve been using for years — photo by author.

For June 27th, Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles asked to tell about an inexpensive item you own that means the world to you. Where did you get it? Why do you love it?

I’m quite frugal — often mistaken for cheap — so a lot of things I own are inexpensive.

My wife was free and she means the world to me — does that count? I got her at a friend’s birthday party. She makes me happy — most of the time — and that’s why I keep her.

But, okay, seriously… There’s little that “means the world to me”; I can do without pretty much everything I have. I have a few items that were inexpensive and I use all the time, but that’s more because I’m a creature of habit than that they are somehow special.

I always drink my coffee out of the same mug, and I always use the same plastic mug to drink during the day — that’s two different mugs, in case you were wondering. They each cost less than 3 euro.

I use a feather to wipe away eraser residue; I found it in a garden once, so it was free, and I’ve had the same one for years now.

I have a decent pair of walking shoes that I got for less than 20 euro. They are the home brand of a particular sporting goods chain store. They are surprisingly good for that price and I wear them every day. The last pair I had from that store was less than 15 euro and I wore them every day for 4 years. I ruined them doing heavy/dirty work during our last workaway, otherwise I’d still wear them today — that’s why I bought the new pair.

I could go on, but it’s all about everyday objects that have more practical than emotional value.

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