Trinkets: The Love We Hold in Small Things

Image Courtesy: Laura Marine

I like to say my room is a reflection of myself. The wrinkled posters pasted up on my walls, the doodles on my whiteboard, the decorative pillows that take up too much room on my twin XL– it’s all me. If you look a little closer, you’ll notice countless little things scattered around my room. The small trinkets that have found their place on my bedside table, corkboard, desk, and just about any other surface hold cherished memories and rich history. Whether it’s a tiny figurine, a piece of jewelry, a receipt, or an old movie ticket, each trinket is a look into my interests and experiences. When you step into my room, you’re entering a museum full of precious memories and personal touches, where each object is an artifact with its own story to tell.

The connection between us and our trinkets runs within each crevice and groove of our hearts. Each time we glance at one, the memory it holds plays in our minds and warms our souls. All of our little items emphasize a small piece of our inner beings that, when compiled in a space like our rooms, form a reflection of ourselves. I’ve opened my eyes to this connection since coming to college and moving into my tiny dorm room. I no longer have the space I used to have, so my bedside table and desk are practically overflowing with my little things. I will admit, it is mildly annoying that my Sonny Angels fall every time I bump into my desk and that I barely have enough space on my bedside table to fit all my souvenirs, but I could never part with my trinkets or leave them at home. 

While the art of keeping trinkets is enthralling to me, some people don’t share the same sentiment and would refer to it as “clutter.” I despise the word clutter. Its meaning has been pulled and stretched like taffy to encompass personal trinkets into the same category as knotted cables, crumpled-up post-its, dirty laundry, and unopened mail. That’s simply unfair. I’m certain these clutter-accusers have trinkets of their own that simply look different than mine and therefore, they don’t notice our little things serve the same purpose. They might not have tiny naked angels with fruit hats, an “I love dead musicians” magnet, or a broken vintage alarm clock, but they have something. Maybe it’s a little more subtle like a photo of a significant other, a shot glass from another country, or a loved one’s jewelry. It’s human nature to want to keep the things that bring us joy. So, I’m willing to bet that everyone, including you, the reader, has at least one little trinket lying around.

I spoke to a few people about their trinkets and the meaning behind them. My fellow Strike writer, Riley’s favorite trinket is a little antique fairy that “watches over” her as she draws, writes, and journals. Nabeel, another Strike writer, listed a Beatles’ music box from Paris, a skeleton figurine from a spontaneous trip to Chicago, and an antique frog as his favorites. My sister held onto a ticket from her favorite movie when we went to see it in 2017. My parents’ living room is decorated with dozens of Star Wars figurines (including, much to my mom’s dismay, a life-sized Stormtrooper helmet) that remind my dad of his childhood. My mom has two dolls my grandma made for her a few years before passing away. As for me, my favorite trinket is a miniature electric guitar my dad gave me, a perfect symbol of our shared love for music. Needless to say, it’s not about the size or monetary value of the item, but the memories and emotions it carries with it.

Next time you get a little thing– a receipt for the pizza you shared with a friend, a concert ticket for your new favorite artist, a postcard from a long-distance lover, or a plane ticket to a dreamy destination– save it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting you hoard everything. Just pick and choose things that will remind you of this moment years down the road. They may not seem very significant now, but in hindsight, they’ll remind you of the people, places, and experiences that shaped who you are. 

Strike Out,

Orlando

Written By: Laura Marine

Edited By: Olivia Wagner & Erika Ryan

Laura Mariné is a staff writer for Strike Magazine Orlando. She’s a lover of thrifting, dead musicians, and books that make you question everything. You’ll often find her scrolling on Tumblr, snacking on yogurt, and exploring new places with friends. In the future, she aspires to work for an entertainment magazine while writing novels and screenplays on the side. You can contact her at lmarinee06@gmail.com or @laura.marinee on Instagram!