Analog Bag: what is it and why do I bring it to markets

Saturday's at the market are the perfect atmosphere for allowing yourself to be fully present in your time. People chatting quietly at booths, birds chipring and cars passing by, wind cooling your skin from the South Texas sun.

When I am able to sit at the market I like to try and challenge myself to stay off my phone.

I started noticing it more and more—how quickly those small pockets of time felt more productive all because of one small tweak in my free time.

I started bringing what I now call my analog bag.

Inside, I keep simple, hands-on things:

• A crochet or knit project

• A notebook and pen

• Sometimes a book

• Anything that encourages creativity

I feel more refreshed knowing that I will have a physical result at the end of it. My current project you've likely seen me working on is a wool sweater. It may seem bizarre to see now that the summer is creeping in, but by the time I finish it should, theoretically, be winter.

Choosing to Be Present

When I bring my analog bag it can feel inconvenient to have something extra with me, especially as a mom to two young boys. However I almost always find time to put it to use!

People notice, too.

People love to ask what I am working on and talk about their current hobbies or projects. One of my main reasons for doing the market is to engage with the community. This is a small and fun way to do just that.

It turns waiting into something meaningful.

Productivity Doesn’t Have to Be Loud

For a long time, I thought productivity had to look like constant motion. Fast replies. Checking things off. Staying “on.”

As I get older I realize there is a lot of value to rest and quiet work.

The value of small things like:

• Finishing a few rows of crochet

• Writing down a thought before it disappears

• Letting your mind wander just enough to come back with a new idea

It’s slower, but it stays with you.

A Different Kind of Work

With any luck the micro-trend of analog bags will bring back the appreciation and skill of creative hobbies. Sourdough included! I will be the first to say that sourdough is a gift, but it can also be a skill and skills can be learned. Our grandparents, and their grandparents, and so on and so on were always constantly learning how different things were done or made. I think technology is a great resource to learning, but often times with it there we forget about the connection of learning person to person.

If You’re Always Reaching for Your Phone…

Maybe you don’t need more discipline.

Maybe you just need something better to reach for.

Try something simple and accesible. There are lots of local gatherings, library events, and more that teach you things like embroidery, watercolor, knit. You can find hobbies for any skill, age, price range, and more. I hope this inspires you to pick up a new (or old) hobby and carry it with you. You never know who you might inspire!

If you try this, I’d love to know what ends up in your analog bag.

With Love,

McKinley Nix

Owner and Baker

The Bread Winner