My mother isn’t the type to have tchotchkes laying around, however she does have a tendency to get a tiny bit obsessed with things when she suddenly discovers how great they are. Pens, post-it notes, measuring cups, gladware containers, cute pads of paper, the newest lace top/dress trend, chunky jewelry… she just can’t stop at one or two, its got to be ten, or twelve, or twenty five (or in the case of gladware, 250). Please don’t get me wrong, this explanation isn’t meant in any way to be negative. In fact, I’m doomed, genetically and via environment, to turn into my mother, so I tend to get just as obsessed with things. Just look at my packed-to-the-brim storage unit. Really, its an endearing quality, I swear.

Anyways, don’t ask me why, but cute rubber ducks in all shapes and sizes with a myriad of decorations and outfits have made the obsession list, and although we are a clutter-free household, her incredibly random rubber duck collection is currently chillin in the guest (er, my) bathroom.

So the other day, I’m brushing my teeth and staring at all the cute ducks and I have an “aha!” moment. “I bet one of these cute buddies would make a great travel and photography companion!” I said, splattering toothpaste everywhere. So there you have it, the story behind the adoption of Stella.

She’s quite small and simple, with a red tie around her ducky neck, but I’ve become rather attached to her already, and believe she will be great company on extraordinarily long bus rides and during my many hostel sleeps. We’re bound to become great friends, I just know it.