Years ago, way back in 1965, there was a movie called “The Collector” (based on the John Fowles novel) and, for some reason, I thought about this while putting thoughts together for this post. Actually, it was a pretty terrifying movie and the only reason it popped-up in my mental index file was because of its title and the things people accumulate. Or try to. For one of the characters involved in this movie, sadly, what was involved with her “collection” did not end well.
We all know that, in many ways, gathering groups of items can quickly move past collecting and lurch forward into some type of obsessive, almost hoarding, behavior. This gave me much pause for personal reflection as I started writing, took a deep breath, and quickly determined that I truly am…just a collector. In a good way. At least I think so.
I’ll begin.
Snowmen. Up in our attic there are large storage bags full of snowmen. You know those giant, plaid, zippered ones that you can purchase at the used to be Dollar Store? Yup, thought so. Well, they live here, approximately 30 or so of them, and tucked inside are hundreds of irresistible snowmen which have managed to find their way home with me during the holidays; tree ornaments, figurines, music boxes, cookie jars, dinnerware, linens…and more. And, you can bet that, when others know of your passion about having certain things, it’s inevitable the gifts you receive will be in that category. The nice part (which I always tell myself) is that this collection is large enough to be shared with all my grandchildren. At some point, in the distant future. Very distant, hopefully.
I’m not done, yet.
Insulators. I just love them. Truly, I do. In shades of green, assorted shapes and sizes. You’ve never heard of them? I suggest you give them a Google and learn about their history and collectability. Pick up a few at a local antique shop or at a summer flea market, put one of those little LED tea lights under them on a table for a charming and fun display. And, no. I do not have bags of them stored away, just a reasonable amount scattered here and there or sitting on a window ledge. Honestly, that’s it.
I’m still not done.
Cookbooks. My very first was Julia Child’s “From Julia Child’s Kitchen” and her wonderful cooking talent led me down a very long path of recipe exploration. It’s been an exciting trip through page after page of cookbooks of all sizes, most with tantalizing illustrations of food prepared and plated to perfection. All things Italian make up a significant part of my collection along with books from regional areas of our country. Seafood, Game, Vegetables, Grilling and, of course, Desserts. One book, called Dressing & Cooking Wild Game, by Teresa Marrone, came in handy when The Husband snagged his first deer…then turned it over to me for the final prep. More than four hours later I managed to produce backstrap, tenderloin, brisket, ribs, a roast and stew meat. Hey, don’t judge. That was painstakingly hard work for my first, and last, adventure as a pioneer woman.
Now, I’m done. Most likely, done. I’m sure there will be something else to collect before I finish my trip around the sun. I’ll move quickly…just in case.
From Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop…Write about something you like to collect. Seriously, I feel that a home tells a story, your story. Everything inside tells others who we are, even who we’d like to be. We represent ourselves through the things we own, and collect. I don’t particularly like “fads” but enjoy collecting only what I connect with. I choose to surround myself with who and what I care about and, as far as things, only those objects which have meaning. At least to me.
