I’m a collector of things, an element of my personality that I will continue to expand upon in retirement.  It’s a good thing that collectors, like myself, don’t live forever, otherwise there would be no room left to store our possessions.  It will also be difficult for our children to decide what to do with the collections we leave behind.  Will they continue to build on what we started?  Or will they simply box it all up and drop it off at Goodwill?

Businesses like E-Bay have enabled us to buy, sell, and trade items in our collections.  It can also show us value in what we own, maybe even justifying our compulsive natures.  There is, however, still a fine line between hoarding and collecting that makes me think about just how much we want to add to what we already have.  My wife has made sure that all the items in our collections are displayed in a orderly and presentable manner.  We have built custom shelves and bookcases to incorporate them into the décor of our home.

My mother collected thimbles and stamps, while my wife’s mother collected antique crystal.   We’ve since caught the same bug!   I collect baseball cards, coins, stamps, sports memorabilia, cuff-links, and books.  I’ve also made some scrapbooks of photos and mementos from my childhood and career.  She collects cookbooks, shoes, recipes, and Limoges boxes… and a few dogs and cats.

What’s a Limoges box?  It’s a type of small, hinged porcelain trinket box produced by Limoges factories near the city of Limoges, France.  They were first created in the mid-1700’s, and were long narrow containers that stored expensive needles.  They eventually evolved into snuff-boxes, powder boxes, and pillboxes.  Under Louis XIV they were used to hold a lock of a lady’s hair or a small poem.  I personally accept the responsibility for my wife’s interest in Limoges boxes, since I presented her with her first just after we first met.  Following are some excerpts from a contest submission that I once wrote about our obsession:

“Limoges boxes are the perfect gift.   Although I’ve never personally received one, I’ve certainly given many throughout the years.  We’re now surrounded by many pieces, most of which I’ve gifted to my wife. We are Limogesoholics!  I can’t satisfy my need to gift them and she, in turn, is hooked on adding to the priceless collection.  Identifying a favorite is like ranking your children.”

“Each piece is a time capsule of precious memories from our relationship.  My personal touch is to add an excerpt from a poem I have written and sometimes an added surprise. I have always been fascinated with miniatures and secret compartments, so I was naturally attracted to Limoges boxes.  I like to think of myself as a romantic by nature, so they allow me an outlet to express some creativity by selecting the appropriate box for each occasion and writing a befitting rhyme. I was lucky to find someone who appreciates the mystique and craftsmanship in each carefully selected box.”

“March 28th is our Limoges Anniversary, celebrating the very first gift.  On that date we were enjoying a picnic lunch in a hilly, wooded area by a waterfall in when I gave it to her. It was a beach chair with reading glasses on the seat and included a stanza from my poem about travel to an exotic island:

Picture an ideal beach somewhere.

A place to relax without a care.

Where ever you go-I’ll be there,

It starts with just this simple chair.

And start it did! The beginning of our relationship was also the start of a giving tradition. One year for this anniversary we traveled to Limoges, France, stayed in a nearby Bed and Breakfast, toured several of the porcelain manufacturers, and purchased many unique pieces.”

“My favorite Limoges box is a watering can with a bunny looking out over the top and carrots painted around the outside. Of course, there were karats on the inside, as it held the engagement ring and a silly poetic proposal of marriage:

Some Bunny loves you,

I think you know who.

By tending our love garden-it grew,

Into this dream come true.

Will you marry me?

It was a special moment, and that Limoges box will always be a constant reminder of our love for each other. I also surprised her on our wedding day with a bride and groom Limoges that topped our cake.”

“It will be difficult to ever outdo the joy associated with both of these boxes. It won’t, however, deter me from trying. She treasures each and every box, reorganizing them about our home with each holiday or special occasion. They are our entertainment showpiece, a great conversation starter as we recount the when, where, and why associated with each piece. True, the giving is a bit of an obsession, but she also is constantly making suggestions on my next purchase. I always get a big smile as an added bonus with each gift that she receives.”

I just added Moulin Rouge and The Louvre to her collection after once again visiting France. They’re  displayed on the travel shelf.  The Disney character boxes continue to be some of her favorites, and tend to be the most valuable in any collection.

Merci.