Gone to Swan

I used to love getting t-shirts. But of course I was a kid, and it was the best way to show off where I had been travelling.

Once that obsession faded, I definitely became a picture junkie – I took tons of photos and framed several to have around me in my home.

And that hasn’t changed – I love taking photos. I keep learning by asking questions and reading articles, to try and create better photos for work and myself.

But I don’t print as many photos as I used to do – instead I post them on Facebook, Flickr and Twitter, and share them with friends online, so they don’t feel like souvenirs.

So do I still have a souvenir? I love to buy jewellery, something unique that will remind me of a place – or art, which helps me satisfy my need to look at my walls when I’m at home and remind me of my past journeys.

But the one thing I really love is shells. I’m a beachcomber at heart, and love collecting shells when I’m at the beach. I do respect the rules and don’t remove shells if there are signs telling visitors not to do it.

But when I can, I love finding a few shells, washing away the sand with the sea water and examining the ridges and colours.

When I’m feeling the need for a little beach fix at home, far from the ocean, I look at my shell collection, bringing back my memories of beach time.