A Window into the Soul

Daily writing prompt

Do you have any collections?

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Hello dear friends,

I hope this blog finds you in a cheerful mood, filled with the same zest for life that keeps us inspired and curious.

Today’s writing prompt brings back a flood of memories and opens a charming little window into my heart.

“Do you have any collections?”

Ah, collections—those delightful treasures we hold close, not just for their material worth, but for the memories, emotions, and stories they carry.

They can be quirky, nostalgic, sentimental, or even eccentric. But to the collector, they are priceless chapters of a personal story.

Welcome to my world of collecting….

A Journey That Started with a Stamp

Like many, my collecting journey began with postage stamps. I remember the excitement of discovering an envelope from a distant country, with colorful, miniature works of art stuck neatly in one corner.

To a young mind, each stamp was a ticket to another world—a window into foreign lands, cultures, and eras.

My first stamp album, a gift from one of my childhood friend, became a sacred book of wonders. Each page was lovingly filled, each stamp a gateway to curiosity and dreams.

Even today, flipping through that album brings back the wonder of childhood—when the world felt huge and magical.

Coins and Notes – The Pulse of Time

As I grew older, my curiosity expanded to coins and currency notes. These little marvels, often overlooked, are nothing short of time machines.

Holding a century-old coin or a note from another country is like shaking hands with history.

My coin collection, now over 300 strong, is housed in a sturdy binder, each piece carefully labeled and preserved. Indian paise, British farthings, U.S. quarters, and even ancient princely state currencies—each has a tale to tell.

And my currency notes, with their faded edges and intricate designs, form a canvas of changing economies and shifting artistic styles.

Books – My Lifelong Companions

With time, my passion for collecting turned toward books—perhaps the most soul-nourishing collection of all.

My modest library holds a blend of poetry, fiction, biographies, and spiritual texts. Some are rare finds from old bookshops, others gifted by dear friends.

Every book on those shelves is a world I’ve visited. Some carry scribbles in the margins; others still smell of ink and paper.

They’ve been with me through moments of solitude, joy, and inspiration—always whispering wisdom and warmth.

Toys and Treasures of Childhood

Toys, too, find a special place in my heart. I’ve kept a small collection of dolls, model cars, and wooden animals—reminders of a simpler time.

These aren’t just toys—they’re echoes of laughter, play, and innocence. Whenever I see them, I am reminded of my inner child and the unfiltered joy of youth.

Nature’s Keepsakes

My love for nature finds expression in collecting seashells, rocks, and dried leaves from my travels.

Each item is a souvenir from Mother Earth—imbued with the scent of adventure and the serenity of the wild.

A smooth pebble from a mountain trail, a coral from the shores of Andaman, a pine cone from a forest trek—each one connects me back to a place and a moment that stirred my soul.

The Artist Within – A Late Bloomer

Retirement brought with it the greatest gift of all: time. And with that time, I discovered my inner artist.

Today, I have a growing collection of my own paintings and sketches. Some are vibrant, others deeply introspective—but all are reflections of my inner world.

Each canvas is a silent diary. Some adorn the walls of my home, others await their moment. This collection is perhaps my most personal—a testament to the rediscovery of self through creativity.

Digital Memories – My Visual Archive

In today’s world, even moments become collectible. I’ve started curating a digital collection of short videos and poetry performances.

A tribute to the rains, a playful dance with my granddaughter, a thoughtful walk by the sea—these are capsules of emotion captured forever.

These digital keepsakes may not sit on a shelf, but they live in the hearts of those who watch them. And perhaps someday, my granddaughter will revisit them and smile, saying, “That was my grandpa’s world.”

Why Do We Collect?

What makes collecting so fulfilling?

Collections are anchors to our passions, emotions, and lived experiences. They preserve time, tell stories, and reflect our inner world.

Whether it’s stamps, books, seashells, or memories—each collection is a unique museum of the self.

Some collect to remember. Others to express. Some to connect with the world. But all collectors share one thing—a heart full of wonder.

A Gentle Invitation to You

Dear reader, take a moment today. Look around your space. Do you have a collection?

Maybe it’s a box of love letters, a playlist of your favorite songs, or a garden blooming with rare flowers. It doesn’t have to be grand—only meaningful.

Because within those collections lie the invisible threads that stitch together the story of your life.

Finally, My Answer Is Yes!

So, to answer the prompt—“Do you have any collections?”—a resounding yes.
I do, and I cherish them deeply. My collections are not just hobbies—they are extensions of my identity, testaments of time, and containers of joy.

I will continue to collect, to create, to celebrate life through every stamp, every page, every painting, and every memory captured.

Until next time, stay joyful—and keep collecting what makes your soul sing.

With warm regards,
Vijay Verma
www.retiredkalam.com

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Tags: #Life, #poetry, books, dailyprompt, dailyprompt-1946, featured, Poem, writing