A grouping of small, sentimental treasures that I tuck into the Pouch alongside the mundane, modern essentials.

Frog Talisman

The frog represents many things across cultures, and in most it has a female presence as a symbol of water, renewal, fertility and the female energy yin. I think of it as a little good luck.

 

Notebook

When I first moved to New York, over ten years ago now, I didn’t have an iPhone. I used to write down train directions to wherever I was going, along with grocery lists or random thoughts, in a small notebook. I still find myself wanting a place to jot down notes and lists, and this notebook brings back fond memories of what seemed to be simpler days. If I’m lucky, I’ve remembered to pack a pen too.

 

Oil Blend

A childhood friend made this oil for me; it’s an unexpected combination of lavender, cedarwood, citrus, and ocotea, among others. It’s intended to calm the mind. 

 

Stone

My daughter is always picking up little rocks and pebbles on our walks. I often reach into a pocket or into my pouch to discover that I’ve saved one along the way. 

 

Penny

We just moved into a new apartment, and we keep finding pennies everywhere - on the stoop, in the entryway, on the window sills. I've started to carry one with me.

 

Vanessa Saba is an art director and one half of Ensemble Studio. Pictured is the Pouch in Cammello.