It’s been a while– Hello!

Can we talk collections? Perhaps this is a side effect of my graduate studies. Okay, it definitely is—I’m in the very lovely and interesting trenches of a Museum Studies program through the amazing CUNY, made possible by the inimitable New York Historical Society. Without their staff and resources, my program would not exist. All online. All asynchronous. All full and wide, brimming with so many excellent readings. And it’s truly got me thinking about collecting. How it’s like a sixth or seventh sense.

“Undoubtedly, part of the collecting instinct…is that you are prepared to tolerate the physical space these things take up.”—Robert Opie, a consumer historian and collector of British ephemera.

The possessions-in-the-home aspect of collecting is my least favorite part, as I house a heart in my chest that does not enjoy clutter in my space. I am by no means a minimalist, but I get a little anxious if too much stuff ends up in my house. Constantly donating and rethinking things. At the same time, I love the sensory experience, so, it’s a dance I do with myself to balance it all out!

Collections can involve recipes, words, books, spices, ideas, photos, records, and about a zillion other “things.” I am putting out a call to my readers and friends to tell me about your collection here on my blog.

I myself have recently learned that I collect tarot card decks, albeit, at a slow pace. I’m not interested in the quantity, but more the savory practice of becoming acquainted with each deck, its art, and its narrative. The cards absolutely read like a novel. I don’t have a favorite deck, but I do find myself randomly choosing a card from one of the five decks based on my mood that morning. I no longer read tarot  in public settings, rather only for myself or friends at their request. I keep my collections neatly arranged in a basket, covered in fabric, on a counter in my kitchen.

Books–I also find myself choosing a new beautiful picture book whenever I visit a new town or state. I love the art in picture books. See: https://www.amazon.com/Hurry-Mary-Dear-N-Bodecker/dp/0689817703 cannot get enough. I simply want to swim in these pages. Be there with Mary and her annoying husband and nosy cat.

Talk to me about the idea or thing or concept that you collect. Email me at elainaparsons77@gmail.com

Elaina xo