National Seashell Day is celebrated on the first day of summer every year. This is a time to admire this remarkable aspect of Nature. I do not recall a time when I didn’t collect seashells when I visited a beach somewhere. My grandfather had made jewelry from seashells. I adorned various items with seashells… from baskets to picture frames. I enjoy large ones and small ones… neutral shades and vivid colors. I have marveled at the artistic talents of folks who turn shells into fantastic works such as realistic-looking cakes and tortes to a massive, sprawling octopus. Such a pleasure to walk along a beach on a peaceful day, pausing to pick up and examine some precious shell the waves have tossed ashore. Sure, there have been times when a storm may have cast clusters of live starfish or live scallops up onto dry land, and I gleefully take some time to gently cast them back into the sea.