on collecting

One of the things I love the most about our time on the shores of Lake Superior is our walks and collections.  We usually take about 3 or 4 strolls down the beach and back over the course of each day.  Every time we walk, my collection takes on a different feel or personality.

Have you ever wondered: Why am I noticing this now (when I didn't before)?  What prompted me to pick this up this time?

I returned to my usual routine this morning of walking our dog, Stella, in our neighborhood.  Right now the sidewalks are "littered" with seeds, supposedly all the same.

What makes me choose these particular ones out of all the others?

Why do I bring these home and leave all the rest behind?