3.24.2010

Trash to Treasure :: Snail Love


I'm a second-generation, skilled trash-picker. When I'm driving through our suburban streets, I'm keenly aware of what people have placed along their curbs for some lucky passerby to discover. This skill was bred into me, as no one is a better trash-to-treasure picker than my daddy. It's served me well over the years, as I've garnered some fabulous finds. Yesterday's treasure was a bit more modest...
I stopped to check out a bucket full of Legos sitting patiently by a mailbox, hoping to find a new home. My 7-year-old nephew, a Lego master, and my oldest chick jumped out to help me determine its worthiness. While I loaded up our Lego jackpot, Selby discovered a more natural treasure...
...she grinned from ear-to-ear and begged to bring this cute little snail home. Who could resist? So "Snaily" rode home in her hands; then we got to work creating him a lovely terrarium habitat.
We spent a lot of time watching him (or her?) check out his fancy new digs, which includes pink flowers and jewels, of course. Snaily booked it all around the little box we set up, crawling over rocks and across moss, leaving a telltale trail behind him.
We were all enchanted. So much so, the only evening meal I'd prepared was for Snaily, who was happily exploring a salad of flower petals, fresh kale and spring lettuce. Certainly I can justify feeding my children frozen pizza and applesauce because I was too busy playing with them to make dinner. Right?
Before bed, Selby said to me: "Mommy, I've been wishing for a pet and now nature gave me one!" I smiled, knowing some of the greatest gifts are free, just waiting to be discovered, whether it be on the side of the road or under a leaf.

7 comments:

Kangaroo said...

Oh that is just beautiful!! Well done mama... this makes me want to help the boys create a habitat right now and see what wants to live there!

(I have a particular fondness for snails, you know...)

elizabeth ~ so wabi sabi said...

what a treasure...especially your daughter's appreciation of nature's gifts. what a blessing!

5orangepotatoes said...

What a beautiful little habitat for such a cute little creature. Love this post very much!
lisa

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

I am a total trash collector and am proud of it- Great Lego find and great blog.

Rose said...

"Certainly I can justify feeding my children frozen pizza and applesauce because I was too busy playing with them to make dinner. Right?"

Indeed you can. Memories like this don't happen every day.

asavoryspoonful@gmail.com said...

I want one too :) Seriously, though that is just so beautiful. I love the snails little home with the flowers and jewels. How special Selby truly is!

catching caterpillars said...

you give me goosebumps!!!