Collecting

I think sometimes, I am a pack rat. I have always collected something. When I was a kid, it was rocks. I ended up with shelves of them, all identified and labeled. We move and they were left behind. I collected lighters. I didn't smoke, but everyone else did, and they were happy to add to my collection. I had lighters that looked like coke bottles, cameras, pistols, you name it. I tired of them and gave them away. I have, over the years collected coins, stamps, bottles, shells, dolls, bears, old family jewelry, tiny Occupied Japan vases, and old records. They all take up too much space. I don't know where this trait comes from. My mother said the only thing she collected was dust. It is easy to come by, and no one would steal it from her. I think it is the "hunter, gatherer" in my genes. It is the thrill of the hunt. I think, now I am onto something. I can collect sunrises, and sunsets, and scenery wherever I go. Pictures don't cost like they used to. With digital camera and computer, there is no film or development. Thousands can be put on a single disk. Lovely. I can share them while I keep them. Now, I just need to get rid of some of my old collections that try to grow.