Collection

When Netta showed them her collection - the ordinary things, cleaned and kept with great care, they were confused. "But this ... is just a basic rock," someone said. "This is ... a dried rose, your plain old everyday rose," said another. Netta smiled. "I know - and isn't it wonderful to have the chance to look again ... to not dismiss this time?" She went around the treehouse, speaking to each item (what it was and how she found it) as if each piece was a treasure both rare and magnificent. Some left (shaking their heads) and she let them go without reproach; the ones that stayed, however, began to see a tiny bit of magic at the edge of plain things, a singular perfection or irregularity that would not (could not) repeat. "Life is better when you can see the inexhaustible beauty behind everything labeled as 'average'," Netta told them. "I think this is the key to loving life when it's ... not all that great." And they agreed, because how could they not?