Prince Harry was wedged in the top rack, hugging a blonde. “This is the one!” shouted the headlines. Waiting at the checkout, I leaned forward for a closer look. “Oh, I know all about her – she’s part of royalty and I just know that she’s not right for him!” said the elderly woman behind me in the queue. “They entice us with those headlines at the checkout, but I don’t fall for it. I haven’t bought a newspaper or magazine for 30 years. We made a pact back then not to listen to or watch the news either!”

I nearly dropped my storage bins. “How does this make you feel?” I asked, trying not to look stunned. “Well, the papers and magazines are just filled with gossip or sensationalism. None of it affects me. It’s all pointless. And the big stuff like wars …well, I can’t do anything about the disasters of the world, can I? I just try to keep my strength for my daily chores and for looking after my family”. It was her turn to be served and I asked her hurriedly how she knew about Harry. “Well, I like talking. I work in the convenience store in our small town, so people tell me all the news. They filter it for me. And when they start on bits I don’t like I tell them to talk about something else. I have no social media, no smart phone for me!”

And then it was time for her to pay. “Think about what I’ve said!” said the hunched and elderly woman, pointing a finger at me and smiling. “I enjoyed talking to you!”

I have since contemplated life without media. Is it a better way to live? Less stressful, perhaps? I still cling to my old copies of Women’s  Weekly. I would like to reread the story on Maggie Beer and how Lisa Wilkinson loves second hand finds.  I keep Time magazines and interesting newspapers as it’s fun comparing politicians’ predictions to what eventually happens.  My tangible pieces of history are probably a fire risk but I love the smell and feel of paper.

What about no radio? Before we had television in South Africa, the source of all news was the little red radio. Solemn 7 pm supper – waiting for the news. Sanctions, Northern Ireland and the weather. No talking during the delivery which was probably good for our digestion. The radio was a treasured friend to my late mother  right up to the end. She prided herself in knowing the latest news. From cricket scores to weather forecasts, she had the very latest update.

Sadly, today it’s TV trays and The News. Shock and horror. A visual bombardment. I mostly prefer the facts without the footage. I believe it’s good to escape to nature periodically and get away from technology. Nothing but nature is good for the senses.  I would still feel comfortable with my smart phone,though, to check on fire or floods. It’s become a compromise between the beauty of nature and the unpredictability of it.

That old woman from the small rural town can probably  afford not to have media as all her family live in the same town. All that is important to her is contained to a manageable region. “I saw your daughter down at the filling station. She’s got a headache and is off to have fish and chips for lunch”. She gets her news delivered by a face – no need for Facebook.  Most of us need access to global news as family and friends are scattered around the world. Facebook, Skype and other social media are lifelines to the ups and downs of loved ones.

Each time I pass Harry at the checkout, I’m reminded of the  The Medialess One.  She probably saves herself a fortune by having the locals as her news conduit. Interestingly, she also had the latest on Keith and Nicole but ran out of time in the telling. It seems that nothing compares with the juice of the local grapevine. It’s free and it’s all some people need.