Evangeline and Her Nature Collection

Eva has become quite the little "nature nerd" in the last month or so, asking about all the types of birds and trees, and whether there are bears about in our wooded backyard. (To which I answer no, but there are foxes and skunks, so be aware.) E's very favorite thing is to add to her "collection," a select handful of treasures found while on our adventures. I suggested she start collecting after many trail walks where the little girl agonized over having to empty pockets full of acorns and leave "all the pretty things God made" on the ground. A lump of green moss, one chipped pink rock, three dry acorns hats, a pokey gum ball, lichen of four different colors (they're a family), and few other little bits and pieces that might only catch the curious and easily delighted eyes of a child, make up the prized hoard.

She keeps her "collection" in a hand-painted treasure box depicting woodland animals and plants, a Christmas gift from Sarah B, and a perfect place for the little heap of special bits and pieces. "These all guys are friends." she tells me, about three different seeds she's arranged. Makes sense.

Evangeline tells me often about how 'one day she will open up her collection to the people that come, and she will stand beside it and show it all to the watchers.' She always thinks "today" is a good day for her opening, but when nobody but Mummzie comes, she decides that another day will be better, she has more collecting to do anyway.