People collect the damnedest things. Actually, collecting, for the truly devoted, can become an all-consuming occupation. Often it is for some quite an irrational undertaking while for others it is inspired by love for an occupation or hobby or locale. In many cases there is no explanation for why people become collectors. The best they come up with is–they just do.
But people could do worse things, as when they do nothing at all. What is life about if it isn’t driven by some passion, as irrational or seemingly insane as it may appear to outsiders?
I remember meeting a couple in Bayfield, Wisconsin whose house was filled with
Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, buttons, posters, and pictures. They trolled flea markets, garage sales, antique stores and the internet searching for missing pieces to add to the already-filled nooks and crannies in their home. With fondness they would recall the excitement they had when they found each. The intervening years hadn’t seemed to dull the initial thrill. Quite to the contrary, it just boosted their pride in having put together such a formidable array of colorful treasures.
Who can explain the collector and his or her collection? Probably nobody. We can just stand in wonderment and try to absorb their fascination while recognizing that life for them has a special joy.
Kathy Coughlin’s Lucius and His Collection of Unusual Things attempts to pay tribute to this hobby and to the individuals who are lost in the charm and hunt for yet another prize to brighten their lives.
Until next time . . .
Comments are closed.