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The way I see it is, yes, my collection is measly compared some others, but there are also plenty of collectors who would kill to have what I have. One of the best pieces of general advice I ever got was "live an enviable life". What I take that to mean is don't worry about what you don't have, but love and be happy with what you do have, because believe it or not, a lot of people don't. There will always be someone with a better collection, a nicer house and a hotter wife. As stated before, trying to keep up with Jones' will eat you up from the inside out.
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Sage advice. I know people who make truly crazy money, investment banker types, and many of them are envious of the one or two people they know in town who make more than them. Crazy stuff. Be ambitious, but be happy with what you have and life will go a hell of a lot easier. Always always people with more than you have.
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I think most everyone feels that way at some point or some level. Some people feel that way about other people's house or car or whatever it is. Being happy at whatever level you are at is what's the key.
And I don't completely agree with the sentiment that people at that lofty level don't appreciate what they have. I know some VERY well-heeled people who are just as happy to get something at that level as someone else who gets a VG common for their 1970 set to finish it out. They just work on a different level. Some are huge collectors who do it for the love of it. |
Another point to be made is that you shouldn't let missing out on a deal eat you up (I used to do this). There will always be another good price in the future, especially if you are diligent.
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"It's all relative."
"One man's trash is another man's treasure." "Keeping up with the Jones'." "Eat your damn Brussels Sports, there are people starving in Africa." "Money can't buy you happiness." "Green with envy." etc, etc, etc, :o That's the game of life, and pieces of card broad. If you (not only Josh, but anyone else) had $20,000 on hand, you could have a 520 T206 set tomorrow. What fun would that be ???? :confused: To paraphrase Dorothy in Wizard of Oz: "If you can't find your life's desires in your own back yard, you're not looking hard enough." Fun, fun, Scott :rolleyes: |
Great post Josh. I think we've all felt that way in some situation or another, and like you say it isn't the easiest thing to admit. There's a lot of great advice in here. I pretty much agree with everything that has already been said.
This next thought isn't really aimed at you, just something I've been thinking about recently. I think a lot of times when people are envious of the things that other people have, they really have a deeper problem. Let's take for example the guy who wants a big house, fancy car, and supermodel wife. It's easy to look around and find guys who have all three, and better than our example guy could ever have. He is likely to be very bitter and jealous, not just because he'll never reach the place he most wants to be, but because his wants are not really aligned with his needs. It's important to make sure that the things we want will really make us happy. I'm sure we all know a guy who works way too many hours, eats bad food, and doesn't get to see his family nearly enough. But they live in a huge house, and they have a cabin by a lake somewhere. When we focus on the wrong wants, we have no hope of happiness. Obviously that's a little deep, when we are just talking about baseball cards, but I think it applies. In terms of cards, make sure your current goal still feels right. You have a lot of equity built up in your set, and you could put in to use in a number of different ways. You know I am a big proponent of taking a few small steps back in order to make a big step forward. You can stay the course if that feels right, or you could decide to list a bunch of commons for sale this weekend and you could buy a nice red Cobb by the end of the week. As long as the way you collect makes you happy, there's no wrong way to approach it. |
OK, I read this with great joy, and I need to jump in. What a great topic, moreso on life and not necessarily cards. The last post made me want to reply.
I am an IT guy, divorced for many years with two daughters. They don't remember us together. I was on the track to be CIO for a multi thousand person organization. I quit at 30 to go independent. People thought I was crazy, including my then boss. I took two summers off to be with my girls when they were young, as a single dad. I coached them in hockey and soccer for years. Taught them to golf. Spent lots of time with them, and got to also play hockey and soccer with the old guys. Still play hockey a couple of times a week, and I'm nearly 60. I never had a meeting called at noon on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Do I have a '52 Mantle? No. I have a nice collection, lots of hockey and football mostly. Some would love my collection, and others would look at it as pithy. And my daughters come by and we play cards, go to football games, golf together, ride a bike, go to card shows, and now grab a beer and wings together. I look at it as a pretty cool win for me. I'm healthy enough to walk 18 holes and carry, and break 80 a few times a year. Am I rich? You bet... in values and life. I'm still working. My youngest just landed today in Australia at noon my time. Taking 3 months to explore the world. I never had that opportunity, and I'm damn proud that she does. Not jealous, happy for her. Someone always has more. My financially richer friends are jealous of the fact my kids have always been OK to hang with their dad, and still do. "Happiness is not having what you want, it's wanting what you have" Life is good. And one day I may even have a '52 Mantle. |
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All the best, Larry |
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Regards, Larry |
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Best to all, Larry |
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May your collecting bring you joy, Larry |
I apologize for getting off track but thought the member that posted comment #26 should be banned for that racist remark. No room for that bs period! Perhaps Leon hasn't noticed it? I applaud the few collectors that mentioned the bigot's comment!
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Highest regards, Larry |
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That comment didn't bother me, but thanks for all the support.
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All I have to do is say "I can't explain that". Then I get the same. I tip my cap to you sir (yeah, over used). :eek: |
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He's still too young to understand or play sports or really have his own independent likes other than dinosaurs, cars, Toy Story (I used to like that movie used to). I think and have thought ever since he was born that the greatest gift in life is your child(ren). In a way part of my collecting is filling the void when he's not with me and a BIG portion is I love it and researching the history. I do know one day that I will be able to get the cards I desire. I know that patience is a virtue. However patience is a thing this 29 year old has yet to master! In fact the only thing I'm truly patient with is my son. My father has told me that I have a lot more patience than he had (though he had 4) but I took that as a big compliment and hadn't really even noticed or thought about it when I'm with him. Good stuff everyone! Sound advice. |
Really?
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I think you have hostility problems. I was agreeing with you and now you are attacking me. I know the difference. But to now play Devil's Advocate: do we know the his lineage? Perhaps it was made off the cuff. Online interactions lack any sort of tone.
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I wasn't attacking you I commented on the quote.
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It was noticed, PM'd about, and taken this way by me. Sometimes letting folks say things is better in the long run. Other collectors get to see the way other collectors are. Of course if anything gets too crazy then we deal with it.
And as someone who just sold a decent type collection with lots of rare cards..... Someone will always have a bigger one, or more of one, than I.....so who cares? Be happy we can collect and be on the net and hang with friends on a chat board..... Quote:
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Incredible.... What's the next card to go up in value like the Ruth of the Mantle.... or has everything basically topped out? If you had 10k to spend right now and were for-casting a card that would potentially sky rocket 20-30 years from now what would that be... Just for fun. lol |
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Probably a question for it's own thread, but it's hard to even speculate.
lets start the thread :)
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Interesting posts, folks.
About 15 years ago I got frustrated with the escalating price of participation on the baseball side of the hobby and I more or less quit for other cards. That was stupid and smart all at once. Stupid in the sense that there is a great deal of alternative material out there and there is no reason why money should keep you from pursuing a baseball card collection. If the item you are seeking has soared past your budget, move on to something else. Maybe I can't afford a career-issued Ruth card but maybe I can afford an Exhibit or PC or team issue or premium. Or maybe I have to downgrade my expectations to a lower condition card. Just throwing up my hands in frustration because a RC had soared out of reach, as I did, was not helpful. At the same time, my sabbatical from baseball collecting was also smart in the sense that I found out that I enjoy other forms of card collecting too. When I came back to baseball cards it was with a richer appreciation of the hobby as well as a better understanding of what I enjoy and dislike about it. |
nicely put Yorkie
it's good to hit the pause or refresh button once in a while.....
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Haha, well put Adam the money is passed my budget but only because of leaching succubus whom has no honor, morals, or concern for her son's well being. Otherwise not only would I have some of my more desired cards but I'd have the most desired thing in life (my son). |
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Excellent post, Adam. |
Am I the only won that won Powerball last night?
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The truth of the matter as many have intimated ... Is that almost anyone can afford a period card of just about any player they want... As long as they are willing to gravitate towards more obscure issues in lesser condition.
Almost anyone can afford a shonen, sanella ruth...a t201 cobb...early berk ross/bowman(53-54) mantle. Ultimately many of these cards are more rare than there are more popular mainstream counterparts and could potential he be good investments over the long-haul . |
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I'll see if I echo that sentiment April when mine is due! I'm also anticipating a break from the hobby at this time! |
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MY SON NEVER WAS INTERESTED IN COLLECTING CARDS OF ANY KIND. THAT WAS FINE. HIS PASSION BEGAN AT 5 AS HE STOOD, TRANSFIXED, IN FRONT OF A SAM'S CLUB VIDEO GAME CONSOLE THAT A LINE OF PEOPLE ANXIOUSLY AWAITED TO TRY. MY TINY SON DECIDED TO JOIN THE LINE. HE THOROUGHLY LOVED HIS FIRST CHANCE TO PLAY "SONIC THE HEDGEHOG". IN TIME HIS MOTHER AND I GOT HIM HIS FIRST SEGA GENESIS SYSTEM, AND I USED MY COLLECTING SKILLS TO HELP HIM BUILD A SONIC THE HEDGHOG AND FRIENDS COLLECTION THAT'S NOW HOUSED INTO TWO LARGE DISPLAY CASES. We helped him get to the supermarket in time to get the latest Sonic comic; he now has 100s, and ceased collecting those last year when he grew tired of the current issue that had become four issues due to the variant covers. HE STILL LOVES GAMING, AND ENJOYS SELECTED ANIMES, PLUS WE SHARE A LOVE FOR WATCHING ALL THE BOND MOVIES, 3 STOOGES, LAUREL & HARDY, ABBOTT & COSTELLO, DISNEY'S ZORRO, POIROT, JEREMY BRETT AS SHERLOCK HOLMES, ETC. I SUPPOSE BECAUSE I LET HIM FIND HIS OWN PASSIONS, WE STILL FOUND PLENTY TO SHARE AND ENJOY TOGETHER. WE'RE EXTREMELY CLOSE. HE'S PATIENTLY LISTENED TO ME TALK ABOUT MY FORTHCOMING BOOK ON POST-WAR REGIONALS. HE MARVELS OVER SOME OF MY STORIES ABOUT STAHL-MEYER FRANKS AND POST CEREAL. GETTING BACK TO THE INITIAL MESSAGE, I ALSO WENT LOOKING FOR THE SCARCE, RARE, EXOTIC, AND BEAUTIFULLY EYE-APPEALING CARDS AND COINS THAT WERE SLIGHTLY OFF THE BEATEN PATH. MOST OF MY COLLECTION I HAD ALREADY SOLD A LITTLE LESS THAN 30 YEARS AGO, FOR A FEW REASONS AND KNEW, PAINFULLY, I WOULD NOT GET THEM BACK. STILL, I HELD ON TO SEVERAL CHOICE ITEMS, A REMNANT SO TO SPEAK, AND A FEW YEARS AGO FOUND I ENJOYED WRITING ABOUT THE CARDS AND SPORT COINS. I LOVED RELATING STORIES OF WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO HAVE COLLECTED THEM FROM 1961 TO 1973, WHEN I QUIT COLLECTING MODERN CARDS. I HAD ALWAYS BEEN ENTHRALLED WITH THE SEA STORIES OF OTHERS WHO HAD RAVENOUSLY PURSUED THESE "FREE" PRIZES BACK IN THE DAY, AND DOCUMENTED THEM, AS A GOOD RESEARCHER WHO HAD MINORED IN JOURNALISM WOULD DO. NOWADAYS, WITH MY BUDGET, I DECIDED IF I WANTED A TY, A BABE, A LOU, A MICKEY, OR A ROGER, I WOULD CAREFULLY, PATIENTLY SELECT SOMETHING MODERN THAT I FOUND VERY WELL-DESIGNED AND EYE-APPEALING. I LOVE PERIOD CARDS, BUT IN THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX ONCE AGAIN, I'VE COME UP WITH SOME DUESIES THAT USE A FABULOUS PERIOD PHOTO WITH A CREATIVE DESIGN RENDERED IN GOOD TASTE. LOTS OF HITS AND MISSES TODAY, IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN. AS SOMEONE WHO AT LEAST OWNED A 52 TOPPS MICKEY MANTLE FOR 24 YEARS, I GREATLY APPRECIATED THE CARD. HOWEVER, LIFE HAPPENS AND VALUES MUST BE HONORED TO DO THE RIGHT THING, AND I SUPPOSE TO ALSO AVOID SELF-CONDEMNATION AND SHAME FROM FAMILY AND MYSELF.:o BEST REGARDS, BRIAN POWELL |
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