I am a confirmed and unrepentant collector.  My house and lifestyle reflect this.  I go into the basement to "clean up the place" and generally come out several hours later dazed, confused and with (at most) three things to throw out.  Nearly everything I examine seems to have some purpose or meaning in my life.  I feel sorry for my daughters when it becomes time to clear out our house after they move us to the old folks home a few years down the road.  (then again, it will serve 'em right for forcing us out of our own digs!)  I know they will be shocked.   Well, one will be shocked---the other is very much like my husband and I are, she's a real saver!  ~smiles ruefully~

There is tons of miscellany tucked around our house and in the basement, attic and garage.   But there is also a whole different class of items that I laughingly or lovingly (depending on my mood) call "my collections".  These items are the ones that are sitting out on the shelves and tables so I can enjoy looking at them.  (no not the magazines and papers in that stack.  Those are just a mess I meant to get to yesterday....sigh) The collections are less dusty and a whole lot more interesting.  At least to me.

If you can identify with any of the above statements, then you will recognize a fellow crazy person.  We collectors have a lot of fun.   We just know the very best way of confusing our lives.  I'd like to bet that at least 90 of 100 "collectors" don't know at any given moment just exactly every item that is in their collection(s).  More than half of us really want to catalog what we have collected but are too busy collecting MORE stuff to get the job done.

I am going to share some of my treasures with you.   I won't get to all of it, but here is a start anyway......

Come on, let's take a peek at......

The Fairy Page -- I love the beautiful Fairy Artwork of Cicely Mary Barker.  In the last few years I have begun to collect some of the charming fairy ornaments based on the art from her wonderful books.   Come see a bit about them.

The Teddy Bear Pages -- The first collection I tried to showcase.  It has been a part of the site since the first few months. I add new pages whenever I find time.

Fontanini Nativity --  These beautiful figures have captured my heart and imagination.  Read why on this page.

Books, Books, and more books -- I have loved to read for 60 years.  Check out the Book Shelf and see who I'm reading this month.  I also have some background graphics in honor of Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys and Trixie Belden among others.

I LOVE Amber --  The glow is aluring and it is said that amber also has some hidden properties that make it even more wonderful to wear.

Coming in future months:

Christmas Ornaments -  40+ years of memories

Longaberger Baskets - So beautiful and practical
(They can hold lots of my other collectibles!!)

Angels    -      Old kitchen utensils and gadgets     -      Fenton Glass

Glass paperweights and little glass animals      -     and MORE!