Choice

You don’t have to dig very far beneath the surface to see clear contrasts between the conditions that people lived in.  Where they hung on and created out of necessity, available materials and purpose.  There in juxtaposition were those that were in the position to choose, and choose they did; elegantly carved wood, patterned walls and fireplaces, imported materials, strange foods, exotics plants for their gardens, travel, sumptuous fabrics, books and education.   When we look at these lives, frozen for the viewer behind the museum glass, do we judge them and their choices?