Am I the only one???

[conor912]

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.

[Snapolit1]

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.

[autograf]

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.

[Jobu]

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.

[mybuddyinc]

"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,

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 ????

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

[Luke]

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.

[Stampsfan]

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.

[ls7plus]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

id trade away my collection to be 28 again!!!!

Interesting proposition, Pete--I would personally have to take some time to consider that!

All the best,

Larry

[ls7plus]

Originally Posted by tedzan

Save your collection, and forget "28"

The 30's....40's....50's were my best years.


Seriously, though, most of us "dinosaurs" who have tons of cardboard on display in this forum should not be envied by anyone.
When you younger dudes get to be our age, you too will have formidable collections.

Just be thankful that some of us here are willing to share with you our 30 - 40 years of tremendous experiences in this hobby.


T-Rex TED
.

Ted's absolutely right about that. Perseverance does that for you!

Regards,

Larry

[ls7plus]

Originally Posted by tschock

How does that Shaw quote go? "Youth is wasted on the young"?

Also too soon we get old; too late we get smart!

Best to all,

Larry

[ls7plus]

Originally Posted by conor912

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.

Truly a great philosophy, Conor, one embraced by the recent movie, "The Longest Ride," with Scott Eastwood and Alan Alda. Often easier said than done, but truly worth striving for!

May your collecting bring you joy,

Larry

[nsaddict]

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!

[ls7plus]

Originally Posted by Jobu

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.

Lot's of good advice here. Diligence and perseverance pay off, and it doesn't do any good to let bad feelings swallow you up.

Highest regards,

Larry

[xplainer]

Originally Posted by nsaddict

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!

Sorry, but I saw it as a joke. In bad taste, maybe. But don't label the guy a racist bigot on one comment. Just my opinon.

[Jewish-collector]

That comment didn't bother me, but thanks for all the support.

[deltaarnet]

Originally Posted by drcy

Black light identifies alterations in that added material (such as in restoration) will often fluoresce differently under black light. It's very effective for large items such as posters and paintings, but likely less effective for small items like cards because they are small.

It's used to identify modern reprints and forgeries of paper items, because modern paper often fluoresces very brightly due to chemicals added to Post WWII paper. One key is you can identify a modern fake even when you are unfamiliar with the genre (fine art, Civil war memorabilia, silent movie programs), because you can tell the paper is too modern. You may know nothing about WWI history or memorabilia but can identify a modern reprint of a WWI pamphlet or poster with your $9 black light.

Black lights actually test the atomic makeup of the material-- the frequency and intensity of the light given back is determined at the atomic level. It's just that colors and intensity are simple to interpret by anyone. You don't have to be a nuclear physicist to know that modern paper will often fluoresce brightly or that genuine antique vaseline glass is supposed to fluoresce bright yellow green.

Another big thing to look at is gloss. Added materials and reprints will usually have a different gloss and authentic gloss is one of the hardest things to reproduce. Some forgers will try to mask alterations (such as to make rare variations) by 'varnishing' the entire area, but the varnish will make the entire card different in gloss than the other cards in the issue. And if you're adding materials, such as glossing the entire card, you're also going to be simultaneously changing the black light fluorescence.

This is why it's recommended to remove a raw card from a penny sleeve or top loader before purchase. Because even a penny sleeve can hide and alterations that will be noticed when the card is held at a sharp angle to raking light. Holding the card at an angle you will often be able to see any added coloring or materials. You can often see black pen marks on a 1971 Topps upon close inspection, but they may be hidden when in an album or holder.

Major alterations to large items, such as posters and paintings, are usually easy to identify, often including just by the naked eye. Holding an item up to a bright light (the 'see through' test) will reveal many alterations, including added ink or paint. It's a good way to identify reprints, when comparing it to a known genuine card.

Infrared viewers are also used to identify alterations-- infrared is a different frequency of light than ultraviolet (black light), so you get a different viewpoint. But a black light is usually more than enough for collectors and I think much more useful. I don't think anyone on this board needs to go out an get an infrared viewer.

Most 'forensic light' examinations are giving you looks at an item that the naked eye can't see. IR and ultraviolet tests look at an item in lights invisible to human eyes, and microscopes give you enlarged views you can't see with naked eyes. Gloss, which actually is a sophisticated if simple test, is something the naked eye can see, it's just that collectors have to reminded to look at it. Taking a card out of a holder and looking at it at a sharp angle is done with the naked eyes.

Thank you for the information.

[xplainer]

Originally Posted by Jewish-collector

That comment didn't bother me, but thanks for all the support.

Thanks for your comment. I'm sure it wasn't meant as some took it. It was a joke about your username.

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).

[Joshchisox08]

Originally Posted by Stampsfan

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.

My my has this gotten deep haha. I hear you on that post. Nothings better than being with my son (when I have him that is). Nothing can come close to it.

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.

[Jeff_cvc]

Originally Posted by Stetson_1883

You may wanna change your handle buddy.

If this is in reference to a stereotype that all Jewish people have money... Kindly f**k off. That's pretty ignorant, anti-Semitic and plain stupid thing to say. If I am misinterpreting what your intention behind that statement is, I apologize and please fill me in on what I'm missing.

[cammb]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

When outbid I tend to think, thank goodness some idiot outbid me on that and saved me all that money

+1

[Laxcat]

Originally Posted by Jeff_cvc

If this is in reference to a stereotype that all Jewish people have money... Kindly f**k off. That's pretty ignorant, anti-Semitic and plain stupid thing to say. If I am misinterpreting what your intention behind that statement is, I apologize and please fill me in on what I'm missing.

I originally read it another way. After reading again; Yikes. Even if it wasn't meant as it sounds, completely tactless.

[cammb]

Originally Posted by nsaddict

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!

How was that remark racist? Maybe bigoted but not racist. Learn the difference.

[Laxcat]

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.

[cammb]

I wasn't attacking you I commented on the quote.

[Leon]

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.....

Originally Posted by xplainer

Sorry, but I saw it as a joke. In bad taste, maybe. But don't label the guy a racist bigot on one comment. Just my opinon.

[Joshwesley]

Originally Posted by ls7plus

+1 there. Plus, if you're interested in obtaining quite valuable cards, there are basically two ways to do so. You can have more money than you know that to do with and be on "the trailing edge" of the market, so to speak, buying such cards as the '52 Topps Mantle for $400,000 in PSA 8, just because you can, and want the best available, or you can try to be on "the cutting edge," going outside the box, pursuing cards that are rare to extremely rare, yet currently very quiet in the marketplace. You just have to think outside the box, focusing primarily upon rarity, significance and the best condition you can find or afford.

I remember when the 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth came out of the chute in the Copeland auction, circa 1991 (?), and went for $6,000. The majority of us were thinking along the lines of "what in the world is that, and why would anyone pay six grand for one?" The buyer was on the cutting edge, rather than the trailing edge (can you say $694,000 for one graded poor to fair now?), whether he knew it or not. Go back twenty years via a reputable price guide and you will find T 210 Joe Jackson's valued in the low four figure range, rather than six, and E107 Youngs and Wagners similarily priced.

John J. Pittman adopted this as his philosophy in coins. A chemical engineer with Eastman Kodak, he was never able to afford the mega-priced "trophy" coins of his time, so instead focused upon the rare and significant in the highest grade possible in quiet areas of collecting that were within his price range. After five to six decades, he had amassed a collection which brought about $40 million collectively in several auctions following his death.

Best of luck,

Larry

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

[conor912]

Originally Posted by Joshwesley

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

Probably a question for it's own thread, but it's hard to even speculate. I'd say Ruth and Mantle are unquestionably #'s 1 and 2 in terms of popularity. Number three is less clear. A case could be made for Cobb, I suppose. The next one may very well be specific issue-based than player based, but, that said, what the hell do I know?

[MR RAREBACK]

lets start the thread

[Exhibitman]

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.

[1880nonsports]

it's good to hit the pause or refresh button once in a while.....

[Joshchisox08]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

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.

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).

[4815162342]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

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.

Excellent post, Adam.

[The Nasty Nati]

Am I the only won that won Powerball last night?

[ullmandds]

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 .

[aljurgela]

Originally Posted by Stampsfan

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.

You are rich indeed... fantastic perspective! Love this!

[Republicaninmass]

Originally Posted by Joshchisox08

Otherwise not only would I have some of my more desired cards but I'd have the most desired thing in life (my son).

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!

[brian1961]

Originally Posted by Stampsfan

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.

BOB DAVIES--- I LOVED YOUR POST. EXTREMELY MEANINGFUL. REALLY, MOST OF THE POSTS, ASIDE FROM THE POOR "HUMOROUS" COMMENT ABOUT OUR BROTHER'S MONIKER, HAVE BEEN HEARTFELT AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING.

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.


BEST REGARDS, BRIAN POWELL