CADE'S CURIOSITIES

I've always loved rocks. As a kid I found that the unique qualities of each stone were so fascinating to me. I would go out and collect rocks that I thought were cool, and keep them in a shoebox in my closet. I also loved science experiments; my parents would get me these kits with a bunch of different experiments in them. One time they got me a geode kit; the moment that I cracked open that first geode and revealed the elegant sparkling center hidden within, nothing could stop my awe and utter obsession with crystals. I began getting tiny stones in gift shops and anywhere else we went where crystals could be found. My parents took notice of my growing collection and they got me a rock tumbler so I could create my own little masterpieces. Many of the rocks and crystals that I tumbled way back then still remain in my collection. Another person soon took notice of my hobby - my grandma. She began slowly fueling my collection, adding crystal after gorgeous crystal. For my twelfth birthday, she took me on a trip to San Francisco, just the two of us. We went all over the city, but one of my favorite places we went was Pier 39. Now, it just so happened that Pier 39 had a crystal shop; the very first real one that I had been in. I remember looking around in awe at all of the stunning crystal displays. Overwhelmed with so many choices, I didn’t know what to get until my grandma told me that I could get any crystal I felt drawn to. I ended up getting about eight crystals; I was so grateful. Ever since then, I’ve loved going to crystal shops with my grandma, exploring the endless possibilities of these geological wonders with someone I care about. Even when I’m not with her and she runs into a crystal shop, she’ll get me a little treasure for me to keep close in my collection. Now, whenever I see a crystal, I think of my Grandma Birdsall and all the amazing things she has done for me and my passions.