" Through wisdom is a house built; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall all the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches." Proverbs 24:3,4
So, I am a collector. Someone else might call it hoarding - but I just don't need that negativity in my life - So, Collecting is what I do. I always think that if you want 1 of something, then 12 is even better; None of this "3 things" makes a collection, for me. Take shells, for instance:
"I have three shells, that's all I am collecting," said no one ever! So, yes - I collect shells, too, among other things.
All of us have something that strikes our fancy, inspires us to amass a small collection, or a large one. And we do this because looking at our things brings us pleasure. Maybe we collect something that is valuable and will gain in value. And, maybe not. What do you collect?
I grew up on the beach at Hilton Head Island and shells were probably the first thing I ever collected. Our neighbor William Lariscy and I actually "Sold Seashells at the Seashore" a hundred years ago! And we probably should have charged a lot more than we did. Beautiful days, those were. 1969. We had the beach to ourselves most of the time. I still collect shells. I can't help myself.
I also collect bird nests - after the birds have flown, of course. Bluebirds often leave unhatched eggs behind, so I have a collection of those, also. Carolina Wren's, one of my favorite feisty feathered friends, very often will abandon their strange nests when they have been found out, and I have amassed a few of their eggs as well.
Keeping our collections out and about is a wonderful way of keeping inspiration at your finger-tips. At my desk I have a collection of vintage fountain pens, my writing instrument of choice, and various and sundry other special items that remind me of loved ones, or travels, or things that I keep to inspire me.
A table in the corner of my Studio, closest to my easel, is my Paris dream table. I hope to one day have an art show in Paris and also to take my husband and children for a month. Keeping these mementos and pictures close by inspire me as I paint.
My Studio, and my home are veritable Cabinets of Curiosities. From floor to ceiling art, to shells, statuary and photographs. All reminders of sweet moments, and moments yet to be.
I share these table-scapes by way of reminder that even our belongings can be points of inspiration. Memories that beg for their stories to be told.
Were I to run out of my home or studio in a fire, these are certainly not the things I would grab on my way out the door - but they do inspire and remind me of beautiful things this life has to offer. They remind me of the natural beauty that I get to enjoy every day. They remind me of good days yet to be.
In all my collecting I am praying that I have collected wisdom, understanding, and knowledge first and foremost. For these are the things that will go with me if it all goes up in flames.
Finding Joy in the Journey,
