It was just because I stopped
Pam Bice began hunting glass scraps as a way to be alone and grieve. She found connection deep and wide.
Pam Bice has over 160,000 followers on her Instagram page in which she catalogues fragments of glass she finds, mostly along waterways in Ohio. Most of her followers from around the world cheer her on, excited by her finds and sharing information. Some question if she's for real.
When she started started out seeking lonely spots along rivers and lakes, Pam never imagined she'd gain an audience. It was during COVID-19, and her brother was dying of cancer. This was something she could do to get out in nature, and be alone with forces larger than herself.
These days, Pam feels like she's on the other side of those crises. But she still seeks out water and looks for glass.
In the latest audio story for the This Is Ohio podcast, I asked Pam if she would take me out with her, and her good friend, Tina Swift. Join us to see if we find anything good at one of Pam's secret spots, and to hear a good conversation about healing from grief and forming community.
-Doug Swift
Pam Bice, and the bag she uses to hold her water treasures. She also picks up garbage. Photo by Doug Swift.
Pam Bice, and the bag she uses to hold her water treasures. She also picks up garbage. Photo by Doug Swift.
A glance at Pam's Instagram page, @water_treasures.
A glance at Pam's Instagram page, @water_treasures.
Doug Swift writes for TheReportingProject.org, the nonprofit news organization of Denison University’s Journalism program, which is supported by generous donations from readers. Sign up for The Reporting Project newsletter here.
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