


I woke with a start at 7 and racing to the station ended up missing the 7:36 train by four minutes. As a result, I was left with an additional 20 minutes on top of the following hour train ride to get into Pure Sea Glass: Discovering Nature's Vanishing Gems by Richard LaMotte. This is kind of an amazing book that eplains what Seaglass is and how it is made...in detail sharing information such as the history of glass, the complexities of glass chemistry and coloration and more.
It is interesting to sit in this in between state. On one side I am interacting with people everyday to whom Seaglass is often not a part of the common lexicon or public culture. On the other side is a culture, that I have to admit that I'm a part of, where this material or object has achieved the status of phenomenon. From the thin strong roots of nostalgia that I experience to the deeply set hold of almost fanatical collecting and appreciation.
Again this material that is the result of alchemy of the mind suprises me in the extent that it is waste turned to jewel. Trash to treasure.
The questions are flowing now as the structure comes together for the machine.
I wonder how can Seaglass be effectively shared with the people of Holland???

Can it have the same affect that is start of my simple fascination?
Can it have the same affect that results in things like: http://www.seaglassassociation.org/ ?

What is that affect?

Is the source of that affect rooted in the nostalgic experience?

What is the process by which the human mind develops a nostalgic association?
i.e., where does nostalgia come from?

Is it possible to play and active role in that experience?

