In the past week or so, I have come face to face with several souvenirs I’ve gathered from the past few years. Each had a story to tell, a memory lane to go down on, a feeling associated with it. And that’s what today’s poem is about.
Alright, poem starts in 3… 2… 1!
Back when I was small with tiny eyes and tiny ears. I'd wonder then that what could be the point of souvenirs? What's the point of photographs or buttons made of glass? Why hold on to coins or pins, or a torn up railway pass? But now that I have larger ears and decades in my past. I've realized some memories need clues and cues to last. They need an indicator like a medal or a pin. Like magnets put up on your fridge, or tattoos on your skin. A photo will remind you of a day you had much fun. And when you look at trophies you will think of all you've won. Time will pass, and life goes on and memories will pile. And in that pile of memories are hidden many smiles. So when you have some time on hand, with nothing else to do. Go dig up an old souvenir and live that time anew.
That’s it! Thanks for reading edition no. 175 of Hello Universe. Only 25 more weeks to go for the big 200!
I’m curious to know, what’s your favorite souvenir and what does it remind you of? Mine are some instant photos I have with my little niece from 2 years ago at a festival. Share yours in the comments below!
Some Fun Stuff:
This is where I share something cool to read, something cool to listen to, and something cool to watch! The underlined words are links that you can click to visit the recommended content.
1. Check out STORM by Stanford: Ever wanted a Wikipedia like article on something you’re researching about, but couldn’t find your topic on Wikipedia? Then check out STORM, which is an AI app that generates Wikipedia like pages about things you want to research, along with citations and links. It is tremendously useful to get a head start on a topic you’re researching on, highly recommended, check it out!
2. Listen to Hiroshima mon amour by [dunkelbunt] and Lisa Cantabile: A happy chill track to begin your evening walk with.
3. Watch “When Someone Doesn’t Make an Exception” by Trent Lenkarski: Trent is a chill, laid back youtuber who makes chill, laid back skits. This one is about a man of principle, or is it? Check it out, and enjoy the chuckles.
That’s it for this week, see you next Tuesday!
I'm extremely sentimental and that can make for too much stuff! I have a a couple of items from my childhood that I am not particularly fond of from a decorative sense...but I still get a kick out of seeing them. I have cleverly made them a home in my yard. One, is a bunch of glass grapes that my siblings and I purchased for my mother at Christmastime. I still remember how proud we were to scrap up enough change to give my mother what we thought was the perfect gift. She loved it, and now it sits on an old log amongst the flowers at my kitchen entrance. The other object is a black metal cat that is also a lantern. It's clunky but cute and I have it in my vegetable garden. I'm hoping the cat is chasing away some of the garden pests. I just wanted to say that even objects that have been with us for an eternity...and not necessarily to our taste, can have a fine place. Of course that would certainly include the Thrift Store! Be creative, be thoughtful and your life will at least be interesting. Thank you Punit! Write on!
There are so very many things I wish I'd kept, or taken better care of. A glass snail, a gold-glazed tiny tea cup, the diary of my trip to New York when I was 8. The memories endure, though, so I've still go those!