Some people collect belly button lint and dust bunnies. Maybe that's enough adventure and discovery for some people. I like to collect other things. Actually, I don't collect belly button lint at all and the dust bunnies seem to collect me, on their own.

I began collecting postcards when I wrote to other young people around the world. I still have almost all of those. Later I asked family to send me postcards when they went anywhere. My Dad traveled on business now and then too so I had some from places that weren't just vacation spots. My Dad collected stamps and he would sometimes take my letters and confiscate the stamps. Now and then he did this before I had even read the letter.

At some point I began with the idea of collecting coins. I had offers to send me all sorts of things, whatever would fit into an envelop and go through the mail. I think I still have some of those too. But, my siblings liked them too. They just didn't understand that the money wasn't very spendable over here in Canada. Of course, they didn't let that bother them. Later I began collecting old Canadian coins and I do still pick up a set now and then. I have the set of never used coins from the year I was born, 1964. I was pretty impressed with those cause that was the year they changed the picture of the Queen on the back. She got older the year I was born.

I also like china posy bowls. I began keeping those when I got one from my Aunt Sally. I can't remember now if she gave it to me or if I was given it in some other way. Anyway, that was how that got started. I have five of them now.

My family would say I collect books. They complain about how many books I have quite often and for any reason what so ever. Usually this comes up when connected with moving, yet again.

I collect addresses too. If that's a real collection. I've lost count of how many addresses I've had. There's a reason I called my BackWash column Bewitching Vagabond.

I try not to collect other things but things seem to creep up on me and become collected. Other people think I will like something and then give these things to me. I always feel obligated to keep them, these treasures. Most of the time I like them, but sometimes I feel like I'm being buried alive under a lot of really nice stuff.

Do you feel obligated to keep things people have given you? Especially something someone has made or if it's something they truly treasure themselves and really feel you would too.

I was sad to hear that Steve Irwin had died today or yesterday in Australian time zones. He was 44 and left behind a lovely wife, 2 children and a world full of animals. He cared about the wildlife and the environment. I think I most remember him from The Crocodile Hunter when he was chasing after stray/ feral cats, trying to keep them out of the Australian ecosystem. Best wishes and thoughts to his family.

I am optimistic globally. So many scientists are working frantically on the reparation of our planet./

Steve Irwin

I believe that education is all about being excited about something. Seeing passion and enthusiasm helps push an educational message./

Steve Irwin

My belief is that what comes across on the television is a capture of my enthusiasm and my passion for wildlife./

Steve Irwin

When I talk to the camera, mate, it's not like I'm talking to the camera, I'm talking to you because I want to whip you around and plunk you right there with me./

Steve Irwin

Yeah, I'm a thrill seeker, but crikey, education's the most important thing./ Steve Irwin

Steve Irwin's Biography is available on the site where I found the quotes. His site, The Crocodile Hunter is not loading today, likely due to a lot of web traffic.

Every writer should have at least one other art form. We need to work with something outside of our comfort zone with words. Not only is this a great way to deal with writing stress, blocks or rejection but you make your brain work in different ways, bringing out fresh vision and inventiveness.

I like ASCII art (typed pictures) and sewing (quilting and embroidery). I've begun teaching myself to draw. Just simple cartoon type drawing, nothing fancy, professional or very complex, just another outlet for my creativity. I’m finally trying to draw some of those pictures in my head.

Think about the things you enjoy doing. You may have a few creative hobbies or interests which you haven’t considered as art forms. Don't discount something just cause it doesn't suit the arty types. Maybe you create with plants, gardening. Maybe you enjoy home repairs and other do-it-yourself work around the home. Inventions and inventiveness are all apart of being creative. Maybe you like home decorating, photography, recycling thrift store finds, collecting some odd thing or other, it's all art.

Take stock of your creative outlets, you may find a few you didn't even know you have.

What are you looking forward to blowing money on? For me it's these bone china posy bowls. I check once in a while to see how they are looking and being priced on Ebay.ca. They are still fairly cheap. Cheap enough that it costs more or as much to ship them as it does to buy them. Kind of puts me off from using Ebay. Anyway, these are one thing I am looking forward to buying more of once I'm moved, employed and have money to spend on extra luxury type things.

What luxury item do you like to collect?

Zack is back. Yesterday Zack hurt his back and head while playing at the park. He jumped off the swing while it was at a high point. He landed badly, luckily it was on sand. This morning he was sore and stiff and needed help getting out of bed. I helped him. Then I called his Mother and then the school. I spent my day taking him down to Newmarket to get his health card and then take him to the doctor for a check over. He was fine, just sore. I knew that by then. But it’s good to have a professional opinion about some of these things.

While we were in Newmarket I bought more coffee. I like Zavida for the Cinnamon Cream and Caramel Royale. Not everyone likes the flavoured coffee. My Mom says its sickening and I have begun trying to make coffee when she isn’t around. Just so I don’t have to listen to her.

It’s my brother’s birthday today, he’s 40. At least I’m not the only one to hit that mark now. I took him some plants: white scabiosa and prickly pear cactus. Also, a jar of spicy hot salsa. Things he likes. He came over to InPlay (Sarah’s entertainment complex) and had free pinball with Sarah and Zack and Sarah made a spicy pizza for all of us for lunch.

Now we are back here. Zack has just left with Grandma for a swim in the salt water pool near the house. I can make my new coffee.