[Writehooks]

In my 30 years of collecting I've found periodic lulls to be both expected and welcome.

For me, a lull in any one particular area of my collecting invariably triggers a rejuvenated interest in another. Whenever I sense that my cards are becoming too "familiar," for example, I put them away for a couple of months and concentrate on my programs, scorecards and other printed ephemera. When those items begin to grow a little stale, I put them back on the shelf and break out my binders of vintage wirephotos and try to fill some gaps.

During extended dry spells of not buying/trading/selling cards or memorabilia, I like to use the time I might otherwise devote to cards, etc., to catch up on hobby-related reading or research, or to rearrange the display pieces in my basement.

I just wish I was wealthy enough to do this stuff full-time.