No, stones, he called them.
Semantics, I thought.
"Stones just sounds better," he said.
As I’ve traveled, I’ve collected artwork here and there. On my latest adventure, I’ve taken up a new collecting hobby. Rocks. Or, should I say stones as my colleague does? At first, I made fun of him for his collecting preference, one that never once crossed my noggin. But sure enough, ten minutes later, my boot kicked a rock, then I slide it sideways, turning it with my foot, and the strange formation and designs caught my eye.
Since then, it’s become an addictive hobby. Perfect circles tattoo some of them, red map-like veins interweave deep down in others. An assortment of rich greens, whites, and blacks make for a colorful collection. Maybe it seems simple or a cheap thing to collect, but heck, people collect shot glasses, hats, magnets and other little trinkets of a touristy nature when they travel. Why not an actual piece of the country? Here are a few of the rocks I’ve accumulated to take back--though this picture doesn't do them justice, I still have to wash and polish them. So, while collecting rocks was never something I thought I'd be doing, I’m glad my partner introduced me to it. Anybody else have any interesting or strange collections in their possession?
22 comments:
You've got some wonderful rocks, there. I like to collect them, too, and used to tumble them. Haven't done it in years. Your post made me miss it.
I love cool rocks. I still pick them up on occassion though I don't have a systematic collection. I bring them home to Lana. I actively collected them when I was a kid. There's just neat.
Leah, Tumble them? I have heard about that but will have to research more.
Charles, My wife would pick up rocks here or there during our travels but now I have the eye for it. Collecting since a kid? You must have a heck of a collection.
I, too, collect stones in all shapes and sizes. I have one shaped like a fish that came out of some creek sand. I like to imagine that someone chisled the shape out of a rock for their child to play with. The rest are all colors and shapes and I keep them in glass jars as decorations around the house. I do that with shells also. The grandkids love looking at them or dumping them out to play with.
Nice collection you have there David. I collected when I was a kid, but I think mom kept losing them for me. There are still a few unusual ones around somewhere though.
Sandra, I can see the grandkids having lots of fun with them. Hey, I think that fish deserves a special post at your little corner.
Reb, I didn't see anything special about them as a kid and I'm wondering if I will collect them in the States.
I collected stones and rocks in childhood because my older brothers did. Perhaps on my next walk outside I'll keep an eye out for one to bring home.
I can't wait to see these pretty rocks up close and personal... and I can't wait to see you :)
Barbara, I see a new bench style post developing.
dMix, All for you, mi amor.
Siempre.
very cool, rocks are alot of fun
Josh, Good to hear from you!
I once engaged in a bet with a friend to see who could collect the most belly button lint from their own naval over a year's time. So for one gross year I kept the fuzz in a pickle jar.
An Irish farmer corrected me over stones and rocks last summer. If you can move it, he said, it's a stone. A rock is part of the landscape, not something you can carry away in your pocket. If anyone in the world can be trusted on questions of rocks and stones surely it's an Irish farmer.
Yeah, Travis, ha. You go to the head of the class in collecting weird items. Do you still have that jar? And I hope the answer is no.
Mairi, Of course, I would take the word of a Irish farmer but damn, I have to change the title of my post. Actually, I remember hearing that somewhere growing up about the correct definitions of rocks/stones. Btw, thanks for stopping by.
Cool collection...I collect small locks.
Aloha, Friend!
Comfort Spiral
Small locks. Now, that's another unique hobby.
I like a good rock myself, but I leave the collecting of them to my seven-year-old. I do have a lovely collection of shells from Sanibel Island. Other than that, I'm not really a collecting person (other than books), but I love to look at other people's collections. Nice post.
Dave,
As hobby jewelry maker, I see some cool necklaces in your collection.
Mates
Alyssa, My wife and I were at Sanibel Island about two years ago. Beautiful spot that I hope to return to.
Mates, I may have a few for you. But lets see how customs handles my departure. I don't think it should be a problem.
I had no idea you liked rocks! I do too. I'm an amateur jewelry maker and I just bought some turquoise to make a necklace. I love shells and and turquoise and amethest rocks.
Elaine, Well until now I wasn't a collector. And I'm not sure I will continue in the States or not.
Any chance we will ever see any of your work?
I have the habit of picking up a heart shaped rock every where I go to bring home to the wife.They are always there if you take time to look.My wife and the kids want to try to dig for Herkimer Diamonds.check out the link.Always remember and never forget. ROCK'S....ROCK . http://www.herkimerdiamond.com/
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