Some exceptions exist. If, for example, someone were to offer to purchase a lovely item for me, I might choose a small piece of art or a painting. The item really has to stand out, though, for me to be interested. I have to find it unique enough to warrant looking at every day. I'm a pretty tough critic, unless it's got a monkey on it.
I tend to remember interesting trips and sights by pictures, so I admit to having a shelf full of photo albums detailing my adventures. You don't have to look at them if you don't want to, but they are very nice.
I do like to collect a souvenir or two from places I have lived. Spend a year or two somewhere and you have more time to naturally happen upon something worth buying. I have, for example, some Russian matryoshkas--the iconic, stackable, painted wooden dolls--from my time in Russia. I have a pretty painted mug with a thistle--the national symbol of Scotland--and a cute fluffy sheep magnet from my studies in Aberdeen. I also have a kickin' pair of green high top Doc Martens from downtown Amsterdam.
And now I have Chester, the Wyoming bear.
Two words: chainsaw art! You have to be impressed. And a little scared. Chester greeted me when I came home from work one day. He seemed a natural addition to a Wyoming household.
I also have Eddie Lizard from Florida, scampering up my bedroom wall. He is from the St. Petersburg Saturday market, and finds Wyoming much too cold. I do miss seeing crazy lizards doing impressive push-ups on every sidewalk, and Eddie is a good reminder that every place has its charm.
My souvenirs from Oregon and Virginia are more lasting. Wookie was born feral in Veneta, Oregon. I think he looks happy to be a well-travelled indoor kitty.
Sammy was rescued from a shelter in Arlington, Virginia. She has since taken up sleeping, electronic music, and boxing.
