What's your passion?
By ladyluna
@ladyluna (7004)
United States
May 24, 2007 2:02pm CST
Is it baseball cards, postcards, matchbooks, beer mugs, hummel figurines, silver spoons, coins, stamps, gemstones, tools, shoes, pocketbooks, online graphics, books?
What do you collect?
How long have you been collecting (fill in the blank)?
How did you get hooked on your passion?
And, please share with us at least one detail about what makes your passion so interesting.
I'm looking forward to hearing about your individual passions. Oh wait, that's just an invitation for this discussion to go down the gutter. Let me rephrase -- I'm looking forward to hearing about your individual collecting hobbies. Whew, that could have gotten ugly! Thanks for sharing!
8 people like this
16 responses
@cheekyvods (164)
•
24 May 07
ok i`ll start
i collect...............junk, well to some people its junk to me its the things i like.
i seem to collect wooden boces, dont know why just do, especially those that no one else seems to want.
i like putting them around my house as they make good little stash boxes for whatever may be lying around and doesnt have a home.
i used to have quiet a few but ended up throwing some away when i moved to a new (and smaller) house
1 person likes this
@cheekyvods (164)
•
24 May 07
i started collecting boxes when i was about 14, i remember my nan giving me a pretty litle wooden one that was from spain and i remember storing things into it and thinking it was great.
i now cant walk past a charity shop without checking if theres any in there
1 person likes this
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
24 May 07
i collected stamps with my mom when i was younger...i have collected cobalt blue glass and glass flower frogs in the past and i have always collected old books ( i love history and reading...so it makes sense that i collect old non fiction books :-)...i collect rings lol ( i love em!!!) oh and purses too...do they count? lol
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
24 May 07
Hello Cher913,
Of course purses count. So, you're an ecclectic collector. A bit of this and a dash of that. I know what you mean about old books. I'm rather a reference book hound myself.
Glass flower frogs. Hmmm, I've never heard of that one. I've heard of glass hummingbirds, but frogs are different. How did you start collecting glass frogs, if you don't mind me asking.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
24 May 07
Yeah, old postcards are very cool. A snapshot of a moment in time, so long ago. It's like taking a peek into another world. I love the postcards from the 40s. That's a favorite era of mine anyway.
I remember one wonderful Suday afternoon spent at the local 'Flea Market'. I ran across a vendor who was selling all kinds of old photo's from yesteryear. I couldn't help myself, I bought a couple of really great ones. One old family photo from around the turn of the 20th century and a great one from the 40s.
1 person likes this
@maryannemax (12156)
• Sweden
25 May 07
i personally love shoes. i have loads of shoes that even some of them i haven't worn yet. i don't know why but whenever i see a pair of shoes which really attract me, i just wanna buy them at once. this started when i was in college. i don't know why but i just have passion for shoes.
i also collect stamps a lot eversince i was in gradeschool. and i am still collecting stamps up to the present.
1 person likes this
@maryannemax (12156)
• Sweden
25 May 07
funny. but some people who know me make fun of me saying that i am trying to surpass imelda's collection for shoes. ofcourse not. not as many as that. hehe...
and well, for stamps, i just collect anything i see. and i have friends in other countries, too who send me stamps for my collections.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
25 May 07
Hello Maryannemax,
Thank you for sharing your passion.
Does your passion compare to Imelda Marcos, the queen of the shoe collection? You must have a roomy closet to accomodate all those lovely shoes.
Stamps, huh? Another classic collector. Do you try to acquire the rare stamps, or just shoot for variety?
@charms88 (7538)
• Philippines
27 May 07
Hello ladyluna. I started collecting pig figurines way back when I was still in high school. I really don't know why. There was something about their chubby arms and legs that fascinated me. You'll be amazed to see my huge collection. I never failed to buy a new one every week. Figurines made of wood, ceramic, even pictures and postcards of pigs.
I thought my obsession with this collection will go on forever. I stopped collecting after I graduated from the University. But all my collection are displayed prettily all around my house.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
28 May 07
Hello Charms,
Thank you for sharing your passion.
I've always had a soft spot for pigs, since my first exposure to "Charlotte's Web" as a kid. Then, when I was 6 or 7yrs old, we visited some family friends who had a large, working farm. While we were there, one of their sow's gave birth, and one of the pigletts was given to me as a gift. When the time came to head back home, I wanted to take the piglett with me. Of course, that was out of the question. And, this is when -- horrified, I first learned where bacon comes from. I literally swore off pork for decades afterward. I guess it's a really good thing that the farmer didn't gift me a calf, eh?
I've never collected pig figurines, but can certainly understand how you would find them cute and fascinating. They are also considered a creature who brings good luck. So, you must be blessed, indeed, by having all that good luck displayed in your home.
Do you have a favorite?
@titaniumsoul (1191)
• Singapore
25 May 07
I collect stamps since young, it occurs to me when I saw letters from abroad with fancy designs of stamps. I have collected China, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand and other countries in a stamp book.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
25 May 07
Hello Titaniumsoul,
So, you're a classic collector. Stamp collecting is indeed fascinating. I also have quite a collection of stamps. I didn't collect them myself, the whole collection was given to me by a relative, which actually makes it quite special.
Do you try to capture the valuable, limited print editions, or just as many types and countries as you can?
I recently read a news story here in the USA about someone who had mailed a letter, using a stamp worth several hundred thousand dollars. What was particularly interesting is that the stamp was so rare, that the post mark did not devalue it at all.
@titaniumsoul (1191)
• Singapore
28 May 07
Hello Ladyluna,
For me, whenever, I come across stamps that are unique in design and unwanted, I will keep it inside my stamp book regardless of valuability. Maybe, I do have a few valuable stamps which I do not realize it. What makes stamps so valuable?
@spiderdollar (298)
• India
25 May 07
My passion is painting.It is form of art which can speak loads without being alive itself.It can be a pure outcome of your imagination.You can create all you want to express with an amasing combination of colours and lines.I think painting relieves me of all the strss I go through out the day.I can share my dreams with the worl by putting them on paper.Even walls of my room are jotted with framed pictures I have drawn.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
25 May 07
Hello Spiderdollar,
Thanks for sharing your passions.
Hmmm, we've an Arteest in the house, eh? I dabble a bit myself, and completely understand your explanation about relieving stress, and sharing your inner self. Sadly, I do not paint as often as in years gone by. I'm glad your is a vibrant passion.
So, naturally I'm curious: watercolors, oil, pastel, charcoals, mixed media. What is your medium passion?
@banta78 (4326)
• India
25 May 07
I have passion for music and so have a collection of my favourite music casettes of my favourite bollywood films. I also have a collection of magazines that i used to refer for carrers, current affairs. As a kid i used to collect coins and postage stamps though i don't indulge in these hobbies now. good day folks. :)
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
25 May 07
Hello Banta78,
Another music buff. Certainly, music stirs the passion of our souls, so it's a highly understandable collecting passion.
So, do you have a Bollywood favorite star? And, were you affected by the Richard Gere kiss at the recent Bollywood event?
Magazines -- I wondered if we'd get any magazine collectors to reply. Any particular mag's?
As for your stamps & coins, hopefully they'll appreciate greatly, giving you a sizeable 'nest-egg' for later in life.
Thanks for sharing your passions with us Banta. Very interesting!
@jamie11982 (1658)
• United States
25 May 07
Well My hobbie collection is books and bowling. I guess that i have always been hoocked on books all my life. It was always a way to excape my every day life which when i was a child was a very hard life indead. When i was about 10 years old i was introduced to my second passion. Bowling. I love to bowl. I am now 25 and still bowl. i have about 20 troffies and an average of 153. My highest average was a 161 and my highest game was a 233. I have won 2nd place in my local jr bowling leage and 1st place the year after. Then i had children and took a year or two off and started back up again in an adult leage. I have bowled 2 years in this adult leage and just finish it in 2nd place. We are amming for 1st next year with the team that we will have. So these are my 2 passions hobbies in life. I also love being a mother. My kids are fanstastic to learn from. Just making them happy makes me feel like i'm doing the right thing.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
25 May 07
Holy Macrel Jamie11982 ... I can't believe where you're from. I grew up in the outskirts of Rotterdam, toward the Duanesburg direction. Wow, it really is a small world.
Both of your passions are very satisfying, indeed.
Books are the great escape. Do you have a favorite genre?
As for bowling ... yup did that as a kid in both the Rotterdam and Guilderland alleys. I was pretty good too, but not as good as you are. Wow, I haven't bowled in years. Thanks for reminding me of the good old days.
As for your children hobby: Sounds like you've got that one in perfect perspective. They can certainly be the greatest teachers.
@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
25 May 07
Well I collect several things actually :) I have a good size collection of thimbles from all over. I also collect dragon and unicorn statues. I love dragons and unicorns. I also like to collect movies. If it's a movie I like to watch I will get it. I hate having when I want to watch a movie and I don't have it. Still happens a lot but I try to find them, usually at a good price. I think that's it that I really collect now. I used to collect books by certain authors but haven't in a while.
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
25 May 07
Good morning Emeraldisle,
Thanks for sharing your passions!
Wow, what a variety of interests you have. Thimbles, huh? Did you have a grandmother or great-aunt who got you started with thimbles? That is a very old, traditional type of collection. I'd love to hear how you got started with thimbles.
As for unicorns & dragons -- both magnificent mythological animals. I've actually checked out your website link. So, this does not surprise me. I'll have you know that I am also very fond of several mythological beasts, including dragons and to some degree unicorns. However, I'm deeply fascinated by the Phoenix.
Yup, I'm a movie hound as well. Living out in the sticks makes running to the video store quite out of the question. So, when we see a good movie (one that we suspect we'll want to watch more than once) coming out on DVD, we'll just buy it. We've got
quite a collection. It's especially appreciated on cold, wintry days. When all you want to do is snuggle up by the fire and watch a great flick!
@monkeywriter (2004)
• United States
25 May 07
I love to collect since 1999 plush monkeys and 80s toys. I think they rock! I love plush monkeys more and havent added any 80s toys in a while to the collection. I have hundreds of plush monkeys though. HUNDREDS! I add to them all the time. They are fun fun. I also love buying movies and books.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
25 May 07
Hello Monkeywriter,
Thanks for sharing your passions with us.
Hmmm, 'Monkeywriter'... 'plush monkeys', I'm seeing a connection here (chuckle, chuckle). I often wonder about people's I.D.s here, yet you've given us a glimpse into the possible meaning behind yours.
So, do you keep your plush monkeys and 80s toys in a safe cabinet of sorts? And, how did you ever get hooked on plush monkeys?
Movies & books, any particular genre?
@xfallenxlostx (2074)
• United States
25 May 07
i collect anythign and everythign oinvolved with AFI. AFI is an amazing band...not only as musicians, but as people. They are not just my absolute favorite band, they are my very dear friends.
1 person likes this
@sardar2007 (78)
•
23 Jun 07
Hi There,
I collect stamps since 1984 and have over 80000 stamps in my collection, but the great thing is that I still have the craze about stamps as I had when I started it.
I have lots of exchange partners from world wide and love meeting new collectors. I have very recently started to collect Used Postcards with stamps on them, any country, it makes me feel like I m personally travelling to corners of the world.
I m also planning to collect stickers like Barbie, cars, animals, bikes, aircrafts, etc.
I also have a decent collection of English movies on DVDs, about 100 in numbers.
These things make me feel relaxed, is it the same with u people??
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
24 Jun 07
Hello Sardar2007,
80,000 stamps? Wow, that is alot. It's wonderful that your passion still brings you joy and relaxation after so many years.
Yes, my hobbies do relax me. If I've had a particulary challenging day, I like to come home and let the worries of the day melt away by focusing my attention on my little collecting passions. I put on my magnifying head gear, and start weighing, testing, and checking growth formations of my gemstones. I look like a dork in my headgear ... but hey, I live in the sticks, so nobody can see me anyway (chuckle, chuckle).
Thanks for sharing your collecting passions Sarar2007.
@psyche49f (2502)
• Philippines
25 May 07
In high school and college I was the captain ball of our volleyball team and later was also team captain of our province's volleyball varsity. I had gone to many places playing this game in which I was so passionate about.
Now as a professional, I used to still play the game but not as much anymore. Lately, I had taken a rest from it because of an operation I underwent.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
25 May 07
Good morning Psyche49f,
Thanks for sharing your volleyball passion. I'm sorry to hear about the surgery. I hope your back to your passion quickly.
Volleyball is an underrated game. I used to play in a city league. It is a very demanding, challenging game. I'm not a very good player, but enjoy it nonetheless. So, let me compliment you on your volleyball achievements! It sounds as though you'd mop the floor with my little rag-tag team. 'Course, we're just a bunch of 40-somethings looking for some fun and exercise.
I certainly hope you get back to playing your passion again!
@punnuthechamp (42)
• India
25 May 07
I like to drive bike with high speeds but alwayz in control, i also like to watch the beautiful and innocent looking girls........
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
25 May 07
Hello Punnuthechamp,
By bike do you mean bicycle, or motorcycle? I'm glad you keep it under control, but please do stay alert. I'm told that if motorcycles are one's passion, that they will eventually dump the bike. Meaning that it's not a matter of if, but when. Most, are minor incidents. But, it's best to be prepared -- helmets and chaps/jacket.
As for the beautiful, innocent girls: Well, hopefully one of them will someday be your dream mate!
Thanks for sharing your passions!
@filmbuff (2909)
• United States
25 May 07
I will title this post: "A different perspective on filmbuffs passions."
There is a very obsessive quality about filmbuff that he is aware of. Since he knows he can become fixed on a certain thing he tends not to collect things anymore.
As a child filmbuff collected comicbooks. He one day hopes to retire on what they will be worth when he is of age.
Much like Transdisc, filmbuff used to be really into books. He still loves to read, but rarely finds the time. At one point he had every book written by Robert A. Heinlein, until he made the mistake of loaning them out. I will state here and I'm sure that filmbuff will agree that Heinlein is the best science fiction author ever. If you havent read "stranger in a strange land," or "The Moon is a harsh mistress," he suggests you rush out and buy them now.
There is one passion in filmbuff's life that he has had since a young age. It is not somehing that you can collect, realy. Music has always been his great love, listening, playing, composing and performing it. There are few words to describe just how filmbuffs feels in regards to making music, it's not what he does, but rather who he is.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
25 May 07
Hello Filmbuff,
Thanks for sharing. And yes, you do present a different perspective.
Ya' know, I really love to learn new things. Which is why I posted this question. But, I cannot tell you how humbling it is to learn that I'm clueless about so many different 'things'. For example: I haven't even heard of Heinlein. And, that's rather embarrassing. Geesh, I would have thought myself rather literate, and I have a sister who's a real Sci-Fi buff, yet you've shared with us a completely new author. Thanks for that. I'll look into his work, for sure.
As for your comic books: it is simply amazing how valuable those little things can be. I, too, hope you have a sizeable retirement egg from them as you approach your golden years.
Lastly to your music: I certainly understand your passion there. I am curious though, what is your instrument? And, would we have an opportunity to hear any of your compositions anywhere? I'd love to applaud loudly to a piece by you, and say "Hey, I know that composer ... he's our 'Filmbuff'".
@zamm13 (363)
• Philippines
25 May 07
I used to play a lot of videogames before, the ones you see in malls. It was a hobby of mine to go to different malls here in Manila and collect video arcade tokens. But i stopped too early so i had just collected 40+ something video arcade tokens, everyone of it is unique. And i used to collect foreign currency coins. If given the money and the time, i would go again to malls once again to collect moe tokens but i've got no time. So many things to do, so little time...
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
25 May 07
Hello Zamm13,
Interesting! I've never heard of collecting Mall arcade tokens, but remember some people collecting amusement park tokens. Well, if each is unique, then it certainly does sound collectable.
As for foreign coins, that's a fun one. We have some coins from other countries too. It's neat to see the different minting images. Perhaps your schedule will ease up some, so that you can get back to the arcade. I'll bet you honed your gaming skills pretty well while collecting those tokens, eh?