Flotsam and jetsam

On my desk, I have a small pebble that I picked up on a beach. It is white, slightly rough, and it fits easily into the palm of my hand. It's not too heavy and not too light. It feels comforting, like a small anchor that steadies me when I feel restless.

The beach can feel like a treasure trove of interesting objects. We pick them up, carry them with us for a while, drop them again or take them home.

Some of these pieces of “flotsam” carry previous memories. Others feel less important, and we might even forget why we picked them up in the first place.

No matter whether your English loves picking up treasures wherever it goes, or whether it agonises over finding the perfect pebble and the most beautiful feather – this episode is for you.