Essentially this travel kit is a blank CD case filled with tidbits of amazing things. Through the clear plastic I could see a small compass, clothespins, teeny tiny puzzle pieces, a piece of 8mm film, a coin of foreign origin, stamps, pieces of maps, a slide for a slide projector, and even a piece of blue fringe-like string. As I turned it over and over to get a look at the pieces I thought that perhaps it was a scrap-booking kit but the note from my friend said that although this was actually an ATC travel kit she saw it as a portable writing prompt kit. She suggested keeping it in my purse for whenever I had a ten minute break and needed writing inspiration.
When I opened the case it was if the world around me slipped away and I was presented with a feast of sensual and tactile delights. It was magical. The 8mm film piece revealed scenes of natives in Africa, there was pieces of foreign paper money, the thick cardboard of a ticket stub, and the crisp tissue like paper that had the Eiffel tower on it and the words French Madeleine's.
A red folded sheet inside explained that the movement started in 1997 when Swiss artist, M. Vanci Stirnemann, created an exhibit of 1200 hand-made cards. On the last day he invited others to create their own cards and trade with him. These miniature pieces of art are traded around the world and ATC swaps are run in almost every major city around the world. The only official rule is that each ATC must be 2.5" x 3.5".
During this past week I've spent time with my kit several times; a few days ago my eye was caught by a map piece that was obviously biblical in nature and the back discussed the King of Tyre and Israelite King Ahab. This made me think that it would be fun to write something from that biblical period as it is a time frame I know something about; I just never considered such a historical setting before. Now I have the beginning of a story starting to swirl around in my mind and when it takes a more definite shape I know there will be something worth putting down on paper.
I've spent some time checking out ATC's on the Internet--its an amazing concept. Keeley and I are planning a trip to Ruby Dog's Art House soon. I've mentioned the store name to a number of friends and they have all said its is the most incredible place and well worth a visit too. I'll let you know when we visit.
The old adage “Give a hungry man a fish and you have fed him for today; teach a man to fish and you have fed him for a lifetime” came to mind as I was writing this story. The gift my friend gave me was a really quite simple but it is one that has inspired me and has endless possibilities. My friend didn't just give me a one time gift; she gave me a gift that triggered my creativity and that is going to last a lifetime.
Salynne ©2009
