Collections and sea shells

Vicki P
Task 4 in lab


Collection-something that is collected; a group of objects or an amount of material accumulated in one location. By proper definition this is what a collection is, but to me it is much more. A collection is a type of memory. It is a way of representing who you are, what you like, as well as telling a story. If you were to ask me where I got something from one of my many collections, I guarantee you I would be able to tell you the exact experience of how I obtained the item. I have been collecting for as long as I can remember, and I guess you could call it a personal tradition for me.
The very first thing I collected was sea shells. By the time I finished collecting them they had accumulated two large dresser tops, a desk, and drawer (not to mention the occasional ones under my bed or on the floor). My collection started when my mom and I went to help out a friend's garage sale. Although I was very little and couldn't help move things around, I was excited by all of the people and the momentum of it. Eventually, it was time to close down the sale. As I watched my mom and others help put away things into boxes I noticed a large fish on a small gold stand. I went over and asked my mom what it was. She told me that the fish was called a puffer fish. I was immediately in love with it, and the people running the sale said that I could keep it. This was the first thing of my collection, and definitely not the last. For about the next three years I bought large shells, small shells, seahorses, starfish, and sand dollars. I bought anything I thought would fit into my collection.
My collections didn't stop after sea shells. I collected everything from teapots to art easels to wizard of oz memorabilia to plates to boxes.
Although today, my collections tradition isn't as frequent as when I started, I still love doing it. Currently I collect doll house furniture. I have two grand Victorian mini-mansion doll houses packed with three years of collected furniture. I am very picky about the furniture that goes into each house, but without the small details I add the houses wouldn't be my own. They each represent a small part of me, and are great ways for me to express my personality and character.
I wish that everyone could have at least one collection because they prove to be better than given credit. Collections are so valuable, and will carry with you for the rest of you life. Collections often bring back memories of you child hood days. I keep one thing from each of my collections that I have had to remind me of when I was younger. Collecting can also relate us to other people and even ancestors. I believe collecting is a fantastic hobby that can be enjoyed from everyone young to old. It is a great way to represent who you are.