story 237. join the dots.

I have gathered shells

since a little girl.

its a habit,

a ritual I observe

without thinking of it.

a way to bring a little piece

of the sea

home.

(I have even smuggled

them home through customs from overseas.

it seemed worth the risk;

that's how instinctive it is

for me to collect shells...)

I found this treasured set

belonging to someone who took their collecting seriously.

 a stocking box filled with matchboxes,

each compartment labeled

by species

place & year.

scattered places

- like Mornington, Middle Park,

Port Fairy (Victoria), Waratah (NSW) and Victor Harbour (SA)

between the years 1952 to 1954 -

dots on a map joined together by a beachcombing bowerbird.

 

a beautiful story imagined;

perhaps even enough to compose the script to a movie?

I like that idea.

Comments

[Prudence @ Flotsam Friends]

Oh wow. What an incredibly personal find. Apart from the natural beauty of the shells. How wonderful. So satisfying. How are you going? Look forward to following you again this year. Pruxxx

[Georgina]

it is truly an amazing piece of history. very sweet and delicate.

[oldyarns]

Pru & Georgina - yes, the collection certainly spoke to me, and there was no way I could leave it behind. Thanks for stopping by again and your kind support. K x