Turtle Shell Hunting: Comforting OR Contagious

Turtle Shell Hunting Is My Therapy

If I was to take a poll on how many people (let’s say out of 100) had a “collection” of some sort, I would wager that the percentage would be high of those saying “yes.”

For some reason, we, as humans, gravitate toward something that we like.  Then we start stockpiling more of that one thing.   Before we know it we’re “hoarding!”  Yes, I said “hoarding!”

We will spend hours searching for different sizes, different colors, even different patterns of whatever it is we are accumulating.   All in the name of having our compilation be complete.

As much as I hate to say it, I am just as guilty. I would have to raise both hands.   

Because not only do I have ONE collection of treasure troves, I own MULTIPLE collections.

I am a collector from way back and not the slightest bit sorry for it either.

I collect shot glasses, from all over the world and all over the country. I think I counted 250 just the other day. However, in my defense, none are cheesy and all are cool.

“I love scouting for treasures when I’m out in the woods.”

Another thing I collect is rocks. And seashells. And sand from different beaches. Oh, I can’t leave out antler sheds, deer skulls, and turkey feathers.

The Best Souvenirs Are The Ones You Find Along Your Way

Yes, I know, it sounds like a sickness.   But I believe that the BEST souvenirs you can bring back with you are the ones you find. I spend most of my time out in nature.   Obviously, it would stand to reason that I love scouting for treasures when I’m out in the woods. That’s what leads me to my favorite collection of all…old turtle shells.

During turkey season, when I’m out in the timber, you can bet that I’ll be more concerned with looking down than looking around. As much as I love to hunt turkey and whitetail, I love hunting for empty turtle shells even more.

There’s just something exciting about trekking along through the timber and then all of a sudden spotting a white circle amidst some dried leaves. I have a love for turtles anyway.   So when I find a remnant of what used to be,  I grab it up and stick it in my pocket.

Each and Every Turtle Shell Is Different

I have been known to find several on one trip out to the woods. Over the years I’ve had a number of turtle shells and although each one is totally different, they are all very special to me.

I believe each shell has a story to tell and I thankful to be the one who gets to let the tale live on through me.

When I do find a shell the first thing I do is bring it home and wash it with a toothbrush. I get in every nook and cranny and make sure it’s clean and dry before I do anything with it. I used to just leave them in their natural state but over the last couple of years, I’ve begun painting on the shells.

I never have any design in mind. I just let it come to me and then create from there. Depending on what’s going on in my life, or what I’m thinking about, is generally where my inspiration comes from. As you can see from the pictures, I don’t have one central theme…I have multiple.

No, none of them are for sale.   Although at one time I had planned on painting them and selling on Etsy. I tried to let go of them a time or two but just couldn’t. I guess, in my craziness, it just seems like no one would treasure them as much as I do. And to be honest, they were hard to come by.

You don’t just go out and find turtle shells all the time. It takes effort and perseverance in the quest for hunting them. Seeing them reminds me of the memories I made during the searching.   And I am thankful that God led me to every one of them.

“There’s just something exciting about trekking along through the timber and then all of a sudden spotting a white circle amidst some dried leaves”

To some of you reading this it doesn’t sound like this is much of anything really. And I suppose it’s not in the grand scheme of “collections.” I guess I could have more money invested like cars, or guns, or even sports memorabilia but I’m just not interested in any of that.

I am happy and content right where my heart resides…in the middle of nature. So for me,  I’ll take my pine cones, acorns, skunk skulls, Lake Superior rocks, sand from every beach I’ve ever been to.   I’m thrilled with every seashell I’ve ever bent over to pick up. It’s not about the stuff. It’s about the memories made while hunting for nature’s “free” souvenirs.

Yes, my husband wishes I could tone it down a peg or two. And yes, when I die I have no idea what my family will do with it all. But for now, I am choosing to just be glad that I have two legs that I can walk on out to my favorite hunting spot.    I’m elated that God gave me two arms and a waist that I can use to bend over and pick those darn turtle shells up.

Life is about living, not just existing. I can’t think of a better way to live my life than with childlike wonderment at times and letting myself explore my surroundings and just see what I see. I see turtle shells.

Live a life that others can look back on and tell great, funny stories. Let them remember those small but BIG things about you. And by all means, pick up that turtle shell when you’re out in the woods and think of me…The Running Doe!