Another Quote of the Week

 

Just some motivation and hope for this Thursday.  A good reminder for me in achieving some personal goals. 

Today's Moment of Mindfulness

 

Enjoy the gift of each moment, giving space and attention to your experiences.

Looking back on my final presentation

 

Well, as most of you know by now, I have finished up my classes at UNCG and have earned my Master's in Gerontology.  That last two weeks were tough.  I had to do a video presentation of my experiences in the program and talk about gerontological competencies.  While I did know what I was talking about, it was still pretty nerve wracking.  I chose to do mine on Power Point because I am familiar with that program.  And it lets me record one slide at a time as opposed to doing it all in one take.  That did relieve some of the stress. And we couldn't just record our voices, we had to be on camera.  Yippee LOL Like many people, I am not a fan of listening to myself speak much less watching me do it.  Oh, well.

Trying to get everything done was tough.  Our presentation had to be between 25 and 35 minutes. Mine clocked in at 33 minutes.  And now I know now that is a relatively short amount of time.  Some of the competencies I discussed could have gone on a lot longer than they did.  But I was on a time constraint and had to get everything in. We were not allowed to read from a script either.  I understand that.  I did not do that but I did have notes to refer to so that I made sure I covered everything I wanted to under each topic.  However, having notes pasted all around my desk made it difficult to keep my train of thought.  I think the first slide that I did took me about 2 hours to do.  I was frustrated to say the least.  I stepped away from the computer for a bit to clear my head and when I came back, I noticed that Power Point has a notes section.  When I checked into it, I learned that I could type in my notes for each slide and have them there by the screen.  That was a HUGE help and from then on, everything went smoothly and quickly. 

Our presentations were due on a Monday by 11:59 p.m.  I finished my taping on Saturday.  On Sunday I checked everything to make sure it was working properly like the link to my video and the audio levels.  Everything was fine and I turned it in that day. Then I had to sit and wait.  That was nerve wracking as well.  My presentation was being sent to three adjudicators for review.  They were being sent out Tuesday morning and they to review them and get them back in the following Wednesday, so they had a little over a week..  Dr. Caro and Dr. Eifert would meet on Thursday to discuss the reviews and Friday we would find out if we passed or not.  I took that Friday off because I knew I would be a nervous wreck.  Actually, it was not that bad.  But I would go and check my email to see if my notification had come.  I kept myself busy around the house, trying not to think about it. But I would check every hour or so and then go back to something else.  Finally, around 3:00 p.m., my email came, and I had passed. That was such a relief!  Dr. Eifert told me that one of the reviewers said gerontology was lucky to have me and another said they would hire me on the spot.  That's some good feedback!

So, there you have it.  I now have a Master's in Gerontology.  I am not sure what the next step will be for me as far as this degree goes, but I am excited about the possibilities.  And I am proud of my accomplishments.  That is all. 

Done with one room, on to the next

 

Well, I have finished purging things in the bathroom.  I am quite happy with the organization of my shelves in there.  I can actually see where everything is now LOL  And there was quite a bit of stuff on those shelves that was outdated and needed to be tossed.  I did end up keeping some of the beard balm because I never know when it may come in handy.  But everything now is spread out, I can see where it is when I need it.  That's a good feeling.  It's nice that something as simple as that can make me feel better, more accomplished, but it is what it is.  I am happy to have that feeling!

Now it is time to move on to the bedroom.  This will be a huge task because there is stuff everywhere.  And, frankly, it drives me nuts.  It is my own fault.  I just put stuff down or stack it up here or there without giving it another thought.  I need to remember my motto of "don't put it down, put it away." and that will help me in the future.  Still, there will be a lot to do to get this room into shape.  It is not like anyone is going to see my bedroom, but it will be better for me in the long run.  I have already cleaned off the top of my chest of drawers.  Well, I got it more organized. It's funny that the thing that I had the most of up there was appointment cards.  I would lay them up there so that I would not forget the appointments.  I don't forget the appointments but apparently, I forget about the cards.  Oh well, out they go!

I am not taking any "before" pictures with this one because it's too embarrassing.  Just take my word for it!

A Prayer for Grief

 I have had several friends who have experienced a major loss in their lives over the past few months.  Losing a loved one is one of the most painful things any of us will experience.  Whether it be a parent, a child, a friend or an animal, the grief will go deep into our souls and will forever change the landscape of our lives.  I am thinking of those friends today and lifting them up as best as I can during these times. I hope this gives them some comfort. 

Online Antiques

 I am going through boxes of stuff from the garage.  It's a time-consuming task, to be sure. I think I am going to start selling things off online for a while. I have always wanted to have an antiques shop of my own and this seems the most viable option right now. I am now figuring out which is going to be the best place for me.  Ebay?  Facebook Marketplace?  Not sure yet.  But I will get it settled one way or another. I am going to go through several boxes this week and post them to my personal Facebook page first. I would like to give my friends the first choice.  After all, they have seen me through the last few years of my life. So, be on the lookout. You may just find your next treasure!!!

Quote of the Week

 

I have some people in my life that fill this role.  I need to remember that and focus my energies on them more often than I do. 

Slowing down a bit this month

 

My daily challenge for July has been to slow down.  While this may not sound like much but for me, it is. Once I finished with my last class, I still found myself running at the same pace.  I had my job, my school and things I needed to get done. I make a list of things to get accomplished every day. Now, that school is over, I am just taking my time getting things done.  Trying to relax as much as possible.  And, if I take my time doing things, chances are that I will do a better job at what I'm doing.  But also, taking my time and slowing my pace to enjoy things as well.  Sometimes, I just sit and listen to music. Or I'll stop and read a magazine.  Just taking in as much as I can right now.  It may be a simple challenge, but it is good for my psyche.  And that is important!

The Ceramic Pitcher

 Many of the antique and collectible dishes that I own have chips and cracks in them. I love that.  To me, that shows that they have been used and loved. I have no problem setting my table with a plate that has a crack in the middle of it or a chip on the rim.  Why not?  It has still got plenty of use left in it.  I am definitely not perfect so there is no need for my dishes to be perfect either.  I feel the same way when I am out shopping at an antiques mall or thrift store.  I have bought pieces that have imperfections, often at a very good price.  This pitcher is one example. 

I found this pitcher at the Twin Deer Antiques Mall in High Point.  Anytime I go to an antiques mall, I have to walk around once completely without picking anything up.  I make mental notes of pieces that I like and where they are.  If they are still there when I come back around, then it was meant for me to have it.  This is one of those pieces.  I love the shape of it.  And the color.  That subtle green in the glaze is beautiful to me.  It has two chips on it. One on the bottom and one on the spout.  But, for $8, I did not care. 

The pitcher now sits in the windowsill of my laundry room. I like to fill my windows and ledges with fun things.  And I use this pitcher to water my plants.  The angle of the spout makes it perfect for watering without spilling everywhere.  So, I do use it several times each week.  It may not be used for its original purpose, but it is still a piece that I utilize and enjoy!

Moments from The Cosby Show

 Despite the controversy over Bill Cosby's crimes, The Cosby Show is still an important part of television history.  Every Thursday night at 8:00 p.m.  Appointment television at its finest.  With the passing of Malcolm Jamal Warner this week, here are some of my favorite moments from The Cosby Show. What are some of yours?

1. Night is Day 

2. Theo and the shirt 

3. Claire tells off Elvin 

4. Denise's In-Laws 

5. Who could be the most romantic 

6. Cliff turns the tables 

7. Lena Horne 

8. Denise's Car Accident 

9. Regular people 

10. Theo's real world test 

Marry Me a Little - Liz Calloway

 Sometimes songs pop into my head for seemingly no reason at all, yet there they are.  Yesterday, while I was mowing the yard, this song was stuck in my head.  And the thing is, it's not one I've particularly listened to a lot but I think it's message has been on my mind lately.  Being single probably for the rest of my life because I came to the realization too late of what I want in life. Ah, well.  It has new meaning to me now I suppose.  Still, it's a good song that I never really appreciated before.  Enjoy!

10 Original Casts I wish I had seen

 I do love the theatre and want to have more of it in my life.  I have been collecting cast albums for decades!  If I had a time machine, here are 10 shows that I would love to go back and see the original casts of.  Sometimes because the show is phenomenal.  Sometimes the show isn't, but the cast is.  Would you join me in seeing some of these?  

1. The Secret Garden

This was my first Broadway show.  By the time I saw it, Rebecca Luker was the only original principal remaining. Even though she was amazing, I would love to have seen Mandy Patinkin, Alison Fraser and Daisy Eagen perform this beautiful show.

2. Gypsy

This was Ethel Merman at her pinnacle.  While many have put their own spin on Mama Rose, seeing the original, the one the role was written for, would be mind blowing!

3. A Chorus Line

The ultimate Broadway show about Broadway.  Knowing everything this cast went through and how the show was created, this original cast would be a must see.  I was obsessed with this recording when I first heard it and played it constantly for several years!

4. Oklahoma!

This was such a groundbreaking show for its time. It forever changed the face of musical theatre.  Specifically, the opening night was the only time that the original cast performed together according to lore.  Would love to have been in that audience.  That audience they couldn't fill all of the seats for and were giving tickets away! 

5. A Little Night Music

To have seen Glynis Johns perform Send in the Clowns!  Not to mention the great Hermione Gingold as her mother.  The cast is stellar and it is my favorite romantic musical ever.

6. Camelot

This is not a great show but it's a great score.  The book has major problems that have not been able to be fixed over the years.  Still, it can be a magical night in the theatre.  Besides, with Julie Andrews, Richard Burton, Robert Goulet and Roddy McDowell....what's not to love!!

7. Chicago

Seeing Broadway legends Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera on stage together would alone be worth the ticket price.  Enough said!

8. Applause

The great Lauren Bacall in her Broadway musical debut.  While her vocal range was limited, what she put into the role of Margo Channing was undeniably brilliant.  A Tony award winning performance not to be missed!

9. Dreamgirls

A brilliant cast in a brilliantly staged production.  Sheryl Lee Ralph and Jennifer Holliday and Loretta Divine as the title trio.....Wow!

10. Ragtime

Seeing Marin Mazzie in the role that should have won her a Tony would be thrill enough.  But when you have a cast that includes Brian Stokes Mitchell and Audra McDonald, count me in!

Which original casts would you like to see?  Let me know!

Today's Moment of Mindfulness

 

Minds are like parachutes - they only function when open.

One shelf down

 

Going through the stuff on the bathroom shelves and trying to weed out things I do not need is more difficult than I thought.  So far, I have found things that I haven't used in awhile along with things I have never used but in the back of my mind, there is always the question that I may need it one day.  This kind of defeats the purpose of what I am trying to accomplish.  However, it is a real struggle.  I did manage to get rid of a few items, but mostly all of the things are still there.  They are better organized now and I can see more of the actual shelf, so I suppose that is progress.  

Cottonballs.  I have no idea why I have a bag of Cottonballs.  They were a staple in our house growing up and of course, Grandmother always had them.  But what do I need them for?  And the thing is, the bag is open, and half used. Not a clue as to what I have used them for.  But as soon as I throw them away, I will find a need for them, so back onto the shelf they go.

Disposable travel ponchos.  Hmmmmm I wonder when I will get stuck in the rain somewhere and have time to go through my bag and find this packet, put everything down, open the packet and put on the poncho.  Won't stay very dry that way!

Beard balm.  Apparently, people like to gift this to me as I have a lot of it.  I have never used it before, but it supposedly keeps your beard conditioned and soft.  My beard is relatively short, so I have not ever considered it needing balming LOL  Maybe it does. 

And this is just the first shelf.  Oh well.  It is still good for me to see what's there.  Who knows, I may need to use Cottonballs to apply beard balm when I am stuck out in the rain. 

Matthew 7:1-6

 In this day and age, when society has given people the power to say whatever they want to without consequences, I still try to live by this.  It doesn't always work, but I do try. 

The Chalkware Bird

 As you know, I do love my Knick knacks.  They are all over my house.  I have always loved them and enjoy putting them on display.  That is especially true with family pieces.  I love the history of things, be it significant or incidental.  This chalkware bird, I believe it's a cardinal of some kind, belonged to Aunt Billie.  In her home, her den was made out of knotty pine. While that is not to everyone's taste, I absolutely love it.  Especially in a den.  Her den was an addition to her home sometime in the late 50's or early 60's.  She also had her kitchen redone at the time, so it was filled with the same knotty pine. Anyway, this bird sat in one of the large built-in bookcases in her den.  It was just something she had picked up along the way.  Eventually, it went to live at Grandmother's house, also in one of her built-in bookcases.  Now it has come to me.  It's a beautiful little bird and I love it.  I have not found the exact place I want to display it, but that will come in time.  It just makes me smile. 

Quote of the Week

 

It took me a long time to make this realization.  Once I understood it, life has been much more fulfilling. 

With You/Gifts of Love - Marin Mazzie

 I was listening to The Stephen Schwartz Album yesterday, this one put out in the early 2000's, pre-Wicked.  And it has some wonderful tracks on it, including this one.  While I could not directly post it from YouTube on here, here is the link.  Marin Mazzie's voice is just beautiful and the combination of these two songs is wonderful.  Enjoy!

With You (From "Pippen") / Gifts Of Love (From "The Baker's Wife")

Starting out with the bathroom

 

I decided to start my "one drawer at a time" process this summer in my bathroom.  There's just too much stuff in there.  And, as much as I like stuff, this room is very cramped.  It is a small bathroom, but still quite functional.  It was an addition my landlords made when they renovated.  And, honestly, it is nice to have two bathrooms when I have guests over.  But I have so many products in the bathroom that I do not use.  I need to get rid of them.  I hate to throw things out, but if I'm not going to use them, then so be it.  I don't think I can donate unused products like that anywhere.  I will have to do some research on that one.  I have a set of shelves that stand over the toilet.  It helps out but has just given me more opportunity to have more things in there and it needs to be cleaned off.  That is going to be my starting point.  I will start with the top shelf this afternoon and then work my way down.  Oh, the fun of domestic bliss!  

As you can see, there is just too much stuff on these shelves.  I don't use half of it.  I'm sure some of it's expired and needs to be tossed anyway LOL But this can definitely be better organized than it is right now.  It is time to clean out and condense.  I'll let you know how it goes!

A trip to the dentist

 I may be one of the few people who actually look forward to going to the dentist.  I do.  And I will tell you that is a complete 180 from my childhood.  No offense meant, Dr. Gibson. I used to be petrified of the dentist, especially having to get a cavity filled.  The very sight of that needle would send me into fits.  Thankfully, I am no longer that person!  I have always had issues with my teeth; there is no denying that. But as an adult they got worse.  I have had a lot of work done on my teeth over the past 20 years. But I never really had a regular dentist for more than a year until now. 

When I started seeing my PCP several years ago due to my high blood pressure, I once asked her if she could recommend a dentist to me.  She could not officially recommend anyone but told me that she went to a Dr. Welch here in town.  I set up an appointment with his office for later that month.  And I have been going there ever since.  Everyone in that office is so nice and accommodating.  Dr. Welch referred me to my periodontist, Dr. Tanner, who is also great but now retired.  Well deserved. Anyway, whenever I go into the dentist office now, I am not filled with anxiety and dread.  What is to be is to be when it comes to my teeth and I know they will take good care of me there.  Every procedure I have had done has been a good experience.  Even when it meant losing a tooth.  Ah, well.

I had to go to his office earlier this week because of an infection in one of my back teeth.  Let me tell you it hurt like hell.  But we discussed the options, and he was very open about what I needed to do.  I will be going back to see my periodontist office once they have reviewed the x-rays.  Thankfully I got a prescription to help with the infection, and it is definitely working. I am grateful that they could work me in because I was having a difficult time eating and sometimes the pain was so bad I thought I was going to be sick.  I tend to have a high tolerance for pain but not when it comes to my teeth.  Strange LOL. Still, it was a great experience as always and I look forward to my next appointment in several months.  

It is just nice not to fear going to the dentist anymore.  It makes me feel more like a responsible adult for developing this relationship and sticking with it for a change.  That is all. 

Grandmother Bivens' Rocking Chair

 I absolutely love this rocking chair.  It belonged to my Great Grandmother Bivens. It used to sit up in one of the bedrooms in the family home in Wingate.  When the estate was divided in the 80's, it went to my Aunt Billie.  That's where I really took notice of it.  She kept it up in her master bedroom.  That's the room that Grandmother and I would normally stay in when we visited.  It had the loveliest antique twin bed bedroom set in it and this rocking chair fit in perfectly. I just fell in love with it.  When Aunt Billie passed, Grandmother got all of her furniture and gave this rocker to me, specifically. I kept it in my bedroom for years. And it has been a part of my home ever since.  I think the back of it is so beautiful.  And the arms have that sheen on them where you can tell someone has gripped the ends plenty of times.  At some point in my current house, the rocking chair got delegated to the garage.  It sat in there for several years.  Once the house was just mine, I brought it back inside and cleaned it up. Now, it sits in my living room.  And people have no trouble sitting in it, either LOL  It is still pretty sturdy. I love having pieces like this that are a part of my history and also functional.  What's the point of having them if I do not use them, right?  I will always cherish it and hope to pass it on to one of my nieces one day.  That is all. 

Recipe of the Week - Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread

 

Last summer, a friend of mine gave me some jalapenos from her garden.  I had never cooked with them before, so it was an adventure for me. I found this recipe and have made it several times.  I hope you enjoy it!

Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread

8.5 oz box Jiffy Cornbread Mix

1 egg

1/3 cup milk

2 Tbsp diced jalapenos

1 cup shredded cheddar

1/8 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 375.  Combine cornbread mix, egg and milk.  Add remaining ingredients.  Combine well. Mixture will be thick and lumpy.  Pour into 8x8 pyrex dish.  Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Hymn of Promise

 We sang an arrangement of this hymn in youth choir at FBC Monroe.  To be honest, at the time I did not care for it.  I thought it too simplistic. Now, I realize that it is a hymn that I connect to more now that I have some life experience under my belt.  I understand the hope and the promise in the song and it's meaningful to my life. 

Taking some time away from social media

 It seems like every day it is more and more bad news. And that really weighs heavily on my mind.  I try my best to find the good in things and to find something good every day.  Our current climate tends to make that a challenge.  While I do not want to live with my head in the sand, I am going to need to find more ways to keep my mental health as level as possible.

One of the things I am going to try is taking at least one day a week off of social media.  Maybe more. I know that will be good for me. I spent more than half of my life without staring at a screen or looking at my phone all the time.  I don't recall lacking for anything in those days.  Sometimes, I do not want the world at my fingertips.  I remember when using the computer used to be fun.  Mainly learning things and reading when the internet first began to be popular.  Now, it's like having the National Enquirer shoved in my face everywhere I look.  It makes me tired, emotionally and mentally.  I need to take better care of myself and stepping away every now and then will do that. 

I think that if I take time off every now and then, it will do wonders for my morale. It may not be much, but it is definitely a start.

That is all. 

Today's Moment of Mindfulness

 

Be mindful of your speech - pause before you reply to others and bring awareness and wisdom to your words.

A Whole New World Reunion Performance

 This was my high school class song.  It's one of those songs that I never really cared for but the more I hear it, the more I like it.  I came across this on YouTube the other day and loved watching the two original vocalists, Lea Salonga and Brad Kane, sing together again.

5 Places I have been that I would like to revisit

 Here are 5 places that I have been to, 1 that I lived in, that I would love to go back to and visit again.  Maybe this year will be the year.

1. New York City

I haven't been to NYC since 1998.  I would love to go back.  See shows.  Do all of the tourist things that I have not done like seeing the Statue of Liberty.  I've only been there three times but loved each trip.  I think it's time for another.

2. Monroe, NC

I grew up in Monroe and it holds dear memories for me.  I still have special people in my life that live there that I need to see again.  It's been over ten years so it's time to go home again.

3. Waxhaw, NC

This one goes along side Monroe, NC.  I spent many days in Waxhaw going to the antiques shops there.  Those were good times.  I would love to go back and see how much things have changed.

4. Disney World

I have been to Disney World 4 times, so I think it's time for a 5th trip. The last time I went was when Michael took me for my 40th birthday.  Good times and good memories.

5. Charleston, SC

I haven't been here since I went to a wedding about 15 years ago.  And then the weekend was filled with wedding festivities so I did not see too much of the city.  It's a wonderful place full of history and I would love to spend a few days there again.

So, these are a few of the places that I want to go and see again.  Anyone want to tag along?

Quote of the Week

 

I'm practicing my patience skills this week while I'm waiting to hear about my presentation, so this felt like a good quote to share

Thought of the Day

 

I get so tired of all of the hatred in this country right now.  And, yes, it comes from both sides of the political aisle. It is just so exhausting.  I believe it is so much easier to love than to hate.  That does not mean that you have to love everything and everyone but love yourself by letting go of the hatred.  If we did that, the world would be a better place.  I believe in karma.  It has been known to bite me in the ass a few times and I totally deserved it.  So, I do not worry about people being punished for this or for that because one day, they will know what karma truly is.  I do not need to focus my life on that. These recent floods have devastated so many lives. Whether or not the tragedies that accompanied these flash floods could have been prevented, this is not the time to say things like "you voted for this".  Innocent children lost their lives; entire families have been destroyed. I wish we were that country that lifted each other up and not only in situations like this.  But, alas, we are not. We're too quick to start blaming everyone else for what happened instead of working through it together.  It makes me so angry.  I am tired of the hatred.  That is all. 

One Drawer at a Time

 

Now that I am, hopefully, done with school, it is time for me to start this process back up.  I really have been slacking in this area.  But I give myself allowance for that right now haha! But I need to decide which room to start in this time.  Every single room in the house could use some streamlining, that's for sure!  I think I am going to begin either in the bedroom or my bathroom.  Now that I have a roommate, well I have had a roommate for almost a year now, these two rooms specifically are like a sanctuary to me.  Not that I have to go and hide or anything when Jason is home.  But, sometimes I just need to shut myself off for some privacy.  Having things in order will be a calming aspect of that for me.  There's just stuff everywhere.  Big surprise, I know! So that is where I will start.  I will keep you updated on my progress.  I know you're thrilled!

That is all.

Prayer for Patience

 This applies to many things in my life right now.  That is all. 

10 Things That I Collect

 I love to collect things.  Whether it is searching online or going to thrift and antiques stores, I love the thrill of the hunt for something to add to one of my collections.  I realize that I should probably focus on one collection, but alas, I do not.  I have many tabs open in my collection mind LOL For this list, I am not including generic groups like "antiques" because that would take forever.  I am also leaving off china, crystal and silver because those are for another blog sometime. I enjoy them very much and I'll take whatever gives me joy these days.  I hope you have something that you collect.  I would love to know!

1. Pigs

My love of pigs began early on.  It was first grade in fact when our TA, Mrs. Gaye, read us Charlotte's Web and I fell in love with Wilbur. My collection began with a little porcelain pig that Mom gave me for Christmas.  I remember it came from Alice Williams's Flower Shop, for those of you from Monroe will remember.  My collection has grown since then!

2. After Dinner Coffee Cups

This collection started with Grandmother.  She collected "after dinner" coffee cups or demitasse cups.  I was obsessed with them early on, like pre-elementary school.  And she would let me play with them. I know I broke a couple LOL But they were kept in the top of her secretary in the living room, and I loved them.  People would occasionally gift her a new cup. I inherited the collection and have since added to it as well. 

3. Cookbooks

I love a good cookbook.  Specifically, I love a good regional cookbook.  Anything that came from a church or the junior league, etc.  I think they are fascinating.  And they've often got good recipes which is a plus for me.  I have some of Grandmother's and some of Mom's and some of June's.  The oldest cookbook I have is from 1909, the Raleigh Women's Society. I love it because there are no cooking temperatures at all!! Anytime I'm at a used bookstore, I will seek out the cookbooks and often find them for less than $1.  Into my cart they go!  With church cookbooks, I love seeing when a cook's name appears multiple times throughout the book and I imagine what her/his kitchen was like.  I love to sit down and just read a cookbook cover to cover. Now, I just need more shelves to store them!

4. Cream and Sugar Sets

This collection has evolved over the years. The first set of cream and sugar dishes that I bought was at the Monroe flea market.  Mom and I went there one Saturday to look around.  I spotted a set at the back of a shelf in someone's booth.  Homer Laughlin, Cotillion pattern.  I paid $10 for the set, and they were proudly displayed in our living room.  Something fascinates me about the sets and over the years I have picked up about 15 different sets.  I don't use them like I do my other dishes, and I should probably change that! Still, I love them. 

5. Christmas Records

This is my happy music. I listen to it all year long.  Mom had a nice collection of Christmas records, and they are now part of my collection. But hers is where it started for me.  We listened to those albums every year.  It was one of the highlights of Christmas.  When I go to Ed McKay's, I will sit on the floor for hours going through the cheap records, which is where most of the vintage Christmas albums are.  Most are under $1, so I can get some good deals. I now have over 300 Christmas albums in my collection.  And, like Jello, there's always room for more!

6. Strawberry Shortcake

This is my childhood.  And God bless my family for letting this be my childhood. I gave my collection of the miniatures to my nieces when they were young, and I think they loved them. I started collecting Strawberry Shortcake again about 10 years ago.  It makes me happy and takes me back to a place of innocence and joy for me.  That alone is reason enough to collect this!

7. Scented Candles

I love a good, scented candle and have started picking them up here and there when I see one that sounds like I would enjoy its smell. I keep about 15 of them in stock at a time.  I have specific places in the house where I put them and switch them out every month to enjoy all of the different smells.  Just the other day I hit a clearance sale and picked up 5 for $15.  I love a good bargain!

8. Tom Clark Gnomes

This collection began at Christmas 1984.  That year in my "Gifted and Talented" class, we studied gnomes, and I loved it.  Tom Clark gnomes were all the rage back then. And they remained popular for the next decade or so.  Aunt Sara gave me my first one at Christmas.  His name was Jeffrey.  That began years of collecting them for me.  I probably have about 40 of them.  And, luckily for me, now that they aren't highly sought after like they once were, I can often find them at very good prices!

9. Golden Girls Collectibles

Another no brainer here LOL  This is my favorite tv show of all-time, so naturally, I collect anything Golden Girls.  While most of my collection has been gifted to me throughout the years, I have found a few on my own.  Either way, I absolutely love this collection.  I have books, figurines, dvds, etc. Can't wait to find more!

10. Vintage Record Albums

In addition to Christmas records, I also collect vintage records.  This collection is also based in Mom's collection that I inherited.  I have about 500 so far haha!  I will sometimes buy an album simply because of the album cover.  Most times, I am pleasantly surprised by the record itself. These are also pretty cheap at used bookstores.  It was always funny when Michael and I went to Ed McKay's. We could both spend $30 on records.  He would come out with 2 or 3 and I would have to 40 LOL But I love listening to them, which I do, and can't wait to see what "new to me" albums are in my future!

There you have it.  Some of the things that I collect.  I know that most people don't collect because everyone loves being minimalist these days. But I would love to know if you collect something these days or if you did collect something over the years.  In the meantime, Happy Hunting!