Do you have any collections? If so, what kind?
February 21, 2024 | Sparkle Wednesday
Several years ago, probably fifteen or so, David bought me a harmonium for my birthday. It was one of those gifts I didn't even know I wanted. Have you ever had those? He thought the sound would complement his style of guitar playing and our music. I remember thanking him and wondering internally, "What am I supposed to do with this big thing?"
Little did I know that this strange instrument would open new doors, spark relationships, a new sound, and a deep affinity for yet another instrument almost as persnickety as the oboe. I even had a chance to play it for a show with the author Stephen King, and he, in a very Stephen King way, asked me, "What is that doohickey?"
I'm not much of a collector, but over the years, I’ve amassed a collection of harmoniums. There's my favorite, The BHAVA (pictured below), Little Red, The Big Boy - Paul & CO (pictured above), and the OG, the brown Natraj that started it all.
I have fond memories of enjoying and playing all of these instruments, tuning (with David's help) a couple of them (That's a job not for the faint of heart), and buying one at very strange little store on NYC's lower east side and lugging it by foot all the way back to midtown. Whew!
On a more random note, and born at a Dublin pub and a pint or two of Guinness, I recently started collecting drink coasters (the cheap cardboard kind, see my little sample below) from pubs, bars, and restaurants we've visited on trips. It's fun to whip these coasters out at home and reminisce.
How about you? Do you have any collections? If so, what kind?
I think this is a fairly common one, but I collect matchbooks! Whenever they’re giving them out at a restaurant/coffee shop/etc. I always take one and keep them in my dining room!
I have a collection of crystal balls. All different sizes, all round of course, but beautiful colors & imperfections in many of them that add interest as they reflect the light. I used to have them displayed on the coffee table but now scatter them around in different rooms. The stands I display them on add a flair as well. I picked them up here & there on trips or in little shops. I also collect small pieces of visual art when I travel. They are All different sizes & shapes, mixed media. Photographs, watercolor’s,oil,charcoal,drawings to remind me of my travels & special places and people I meet.