Cherished Souvenirs: The Trinkets That Hold Our Memories
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Chapter 1: The Value of Small Keepsakes
Do you have a small item, perhaps an insignificant trinket, that you treasure because it evokes fond memories of someone or a special event? The Trinket of Affection, Just Because!
These small treasures can be anything from a stone collected during a hike in the Bucegi mountains, a tiny marble from Apollo's temple in Delphi, to a boarding pass from your initial journey to Japan or a high school emblem. They can also include ticket stubs from art exhibitions, entry passes to Versailles, a postcard from 1983, letters from relatives, or even a napkin from a café in Venice where you splurged on two coffees.
Fifty years later, you might find yourself filling a shoe box with these mementos (let's hope we don't end up with a statue from Athens next!). As I approach my sixties, I continue to gather these meaningful objects, holding them close to my heart.
I've even begun purchasing new types of boxes—colorful, sturdy ones designed to hold souvenirs and brochures. These special containers serve to collect memories from our travels to places like Romania, Greece, France, England, Scotland, and Ireland. I could go on, but let's stay focused.
During holidays or rainy days, we often sit on the floor and sift through our collection of memories.
After this long introduction, I finally get to the crux of my article: one of my most recent treasures is a pen!
This pen is the newest addition to my collection of souvenirs. It holds a special place in my heart—my Trinket of Affection. My pulse quickens and I feel a wave of nostalgia every time I hold it.
During my recent trip to Romania, I reconnected with a beloved high school friend after more than nine years. We spent hours reminiscing and sharing stories, catching up on nearly a decade of life. We lingered in that café for three hours before moving on to a restaurant, where we spent another three. The food arrived promptly, but even though the steak felt like shoe leather, we hardly noticed as time slipped away.
On that day, I needed a pen to sign a few books, and my friend offered me hers. She insisted I keep it, and now it has found a permanent home in my shoe box.
This pen has become my most cherished souvenir! I haven't tucked it away yet; I use it daily. It writes beautifully—not too firm, yet not too slippery—its ink flows just right, and the surface feels smooth in my hand. Plus, it has a touch screen end! In black and green—my favorite colors. What more could I ask for in a pen?
Every time I use it, I'm reminded of that wonderful day, filling me with joy and hope for our next reunion. This pen transcends being just a meaningful keepsake; it has become a functional, enjoyable, and beloved piece of art.
Do you agree? Certain places seem to accumulate items as if giving them a new home, and some people do the same. I am Lola—the collector of souvenirs for my Doc Martens boots box.
Do you have a special object, a trinket, that evokes memories of someone dear or a beautiful experience?
If you enjoyed my reflections on souvenirs, please give it a clap, and feel free to follow me. Remember, you need to read for more than 30 seconds so I can earn my two cents! :)
All the best,
Mst, M