Darby Hinkley

When I was young, I used to collect rocks when we went on camping trips. I would search for agates on the Lake Superior shoreline. They were like gems to me, and I suppose they are technically gems.

Now, the only thing I collect is jewelry, much to my husband’s chagrin. Well, he plays along, although I’m sure he doesn’t know the difference between a marquis and a princess cut. He’s smartened up, though. He just takes me to the jewelry store and lets me pick something out, which satisfies my addiction for both jewelry and shopping. And attention from my husband, so it’s the trifecta of gratification.

I recently sorted through some of my items to find that I had far more costume jewelry than I ever could want or wear, and a lot of it was outdated or just not to my liking, anymore.

So I bagged it up and gave it to a friend who also likes jewelry. I still have too much, but I like most of it and wear most of it, and I’m definitely not getting rid of sentimental pieces or my fine jewelry, like sterling silver, diamonds, gems, and gold.

But I continue to collect it, not just to be boxed and forgotten, but to be worn to compliment whichever outfit I’m in the mood for on that particular day. To me, jewelry is a practical collectible. To some, I’m sure it seems superfluous, but it’s essential to me. A day without earrings is a day half-lived.

Do you collect anything? Have you ever thought about why you collect it? Collecting items gives us purpose. Some collect coins, some collect baseball cards, some collect postcards. You can collect almost anything. Well, not bones. Don’t collect bones. That’s creepy.

My grandma collects bunnies. We call her Grandma Bunny. She also collects Elvis memorabilia. Her house is like a bunny and Elvis museum. I think the figurines, stuffed animals, and wall hangings give her comfort.

Plus, it’s a hobby to collect something. It’s nice to be on a treasure hunt at an antique shop, searching for that one item that will just sing to you. For me, it might be that antique emerald ring. For Grandma Bunny, it might be a glass rabbit. If we ever stumbled upon a figurine of Elvis holding a baby bunny, no price could be too high. Well, that’s just a figure of speech. Under $50 would be acceptable for such a perfectly odd piece.

At one time, I decided I was into collecting ceramic teapots. I think I had about six, all in different colors and patterns. Then I realized I didn’t have the space or a display case to put them in. So I reluctantly got rid of them, but I could see myself going back to that in the future.

But I’m really mesmerized by antique glassware. I’m just also rather clumsy. Grace is far from my middle name. Once, a friend presented me with a beautiful glass fairy ornament, and upon unwrapping it, I immediately dropped it and one of its wings broke off. I cried. I’m such a klutz! That was years and years ago, though, so perhaps I’m more graceful now and could handle delicate glass items more gingerly? (Maybe not).

Now that I think about it, our family collects Christmas ornaments. We go to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland annually and the three of us each pick one out. Every time, we wonder how we will fit more ornaments on the tree, but, every time, we do. And it looks better every year!

Whatever you collect, keep at it. If it makes you happy, and you’re having fun, don’t let someone tell you it’s a waste of time, or that your precious finds are “junk.” Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and, if you behold beauty in your collection, it’s fulfilling a need within you.

If you decide you’re ready to let something go, that’s your decision.

If you want to keep it because it brings you joy, then joy it up.

Surround yourself with things that make you happy.

To talk about your collection of unusual, weird, but not creepy, things, email dhinkley@thealpenanews.com, or call Darby Hinkley at 989-358-5691.