Inspired by Sand Dollars…
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“MORE sand dollars?” My husband’s tone asked its own question (“Have you lost your mind?”).
“Why do you need to bring so many?” My older daughter squiggled her eyebrows.
“I don’t know. I just do.”
“Can I give some to Anne?” Anne was her best friend.
“Um…” I didn’t want to part with a single one. “Yeah, I’ll pick out a few for her.” I chose five of the most mundane, set them aside, and continued to swaddle the remaining delicate wafers in layers of tissue before tucking them into various containers.
I’m not sure how many minutes, or even hours, I spent packing my collection, knowing their fragility would be a poor match for the thousand mile truck ride from Maine to North Carolina. In the last few weeks before our move, my sand dollar-hunting gained urgency. If I spied one, I couldn’t leave it on the sand. After every walk my jacket pockets were damp and sagging with loot. Once home, I laid them on towels. Only after they were dry could I rid them of the sand trapped inside by tapping them ever so gently. Did you know sand dollars have a mouth, and a um, “butt”?
My obsession was rooted in panic over leaving Maine, and the beach.
Understanding the source of an obsession doesn’t loosen its grip.
I opened the boxes and containers a couple of days ago. As you can see, not all of their contents survived the trip.
My sadness was fleeting because when I lifted the lids, ocean scent rushed out to kiss me.
Do you collect anything from Nature that has special meaning for you?
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Rhiann Wynn-Nolet 