Guest Author: Jacquie D’Allesandro – Is There a Rehab For Collectors?
Posted by Tawny Weber in Guest
Genevieve Ralston, the heroine in my October historical Blaze, TOUCH ME, collects artwork—everything from landscapes to sketches to framed poetry to portrait miniatures adorn the cream silk walls of her 
home. They say write what you know, and well, while I may not possess the laundry/housekeeping chromosome, I definitely have the collecting chromosome. Even as a kid, I always collected stuff. Coins. Rocks. Shells. Records. Stamps. Stuffed animals. And of course, books. I still have mychildhood set of Nancy Drew books (she made me want to be a detective), my Cherry Ames books (she made me want to be a nurse), my Vicki Barr books (she 
made me want to be a flight attendant—do you see a pattern here??!), and my Agatha Christie books (luckily she didn’t make me want to be a murderer 
). I also loved Trixie Belden and the Penny Parrish series. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be my signed first edition of Pat Conroy’s The Prince of Tides—because not only is that my favorite books of all time, but he actually SPOKE to me when he signed the book! Of course, when he spoke to me, I totally forgot how to speak English and said something like, “blah, blah, yup, blah, blah.” ACK! I also have collections of dolls, Lladro (Spanish porcelains), art books, Depression glass, and Princess Diana books and stamps. I’ve heard someone say that if you have three of something, it’s considered a collection. Great. Like I wanted to collect cellulite dimples on my ass. NOT!
So…what are some of your favorite things (besides Blaze books )? What do you collect and why is it important to you? And does anyone know of a rehab facility for collectors—preferably one near a shell-filled beach and lots of antique shops?
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I collect dragons and gargoyles. I don’t know why, actually. I’m not into knights and castles, mythology or history. And yet, if I’m going to have a weakness to buy anything…. it’s dragons. I can’t pass them up.
Julie
Hi, Jacquie!
I love collecting vintage costume jewelry – the blingier, the better! (H)
Hi Jacquie
I collect elephants I have lots of elephant type things candle holders stautes necklaces anything I can get my hands on and of course I collect books I have lots of books and I have autographed books from special authors and they are my prde and joy.
My book order arrived yesterday and Touch Me was in it I can’t wait to read it I have all of your historicals Jacquie and have loved everyone of them.
I say there is nothing wrong with collecting things it is just that you need the room to keep them LOL.
Have Fun
Helen
I collect lighthouse related items also postcards and bookmarks. And of course, books. My kids love it when I move because there are more boxes of books than dishes.
I collect frogs…no not real ones….and also red glass objects. The red glass is easy to explain…I’ve always loved the color red and suddenly I decided to start buying red glass objects for decorations and it just escalated from there. The frog objects are a little harder to explain and the beginning occurred in college and no frogs were not my college mascot.
Hi Jacquie,
I collect coins, stamps, postcards and magnets. I’ve just recently started collecting key chains and make sure my family and friends bring me back one from their vacations.
Besides books I collect cats, have been since I was little. I have variety of things with cats on them from stuffed animals to a cookie jar. I also collect Key chains because it’s easy to get one from trips and have as a memento.
Just finished your book last night. I loved it.
I have alot of books. For awhile I collected Gone With the Wind plates by the Bradford exchanges but after the 2nd series I said enough!
Hey gals!
So glad to know I’m not the only one who collects things! I agree that keychains are fun–my son has a huge collection. I forgot to mention that I also collect Hard Rock Cafe pins (yes, I’m a pinhead!). I put them on my denim HR jacket until no more could fit–the jacket weighs about 20 pounds! I used to love to wear it when I traveled, but I can’t any longer–it would never make it through airport security with all that hardware on it. But I’m still on the lookout for more pins. I even have a page on my website where I’ll trade signed copies of my books for Hard Rock pins!
Julie–love the idea of collecting dragons! They can be both fierce and cute–I bet your collection rocks!
Heather–I’ve seen some of your collection, it’s fab–esp. the Tongues of Flame!
Helen–I love elephants, too, although I’ve never collected them. I’m so glad the book arrived–I hope you enjoy it!
Linda–my mom collects lighthouses and I love helping her add to her collection. Her favorite is the Fire Island lighthouse in NY (we used to go boating there every summer when I was growing up)
Ellen–interesting about the frogs. Of course, who can resist a cute little frog?! Maybe one of those little red guys is waiting for a kiss to turn into a prince, LOL!
Jane–I haven’t added to my stamp collection in at least 10 years, but I’d never part with it. My fave stamps are from the US, Japan, and Canada. I also collected first day covers and plate blocks. Maybe when I retire I’ll have time to devote to it again.
Nicole–I told my cat Kennesaw about your collection and she gave a loud purr–which mean she heartily approves!
Liz–so glad you enjoyed the book! I LOVE Gone With the Wind! I think my favorite line is when the aunt says, “Yankess–in Atlanta! However did they get in?” LOL!!
xox Jacquie
Besides books (and I do own every Blaze book) I collect Snoopy and Peanuts stuff. Books, Stuffed animals, glassware, cards, stickers, keychains, playing cards. games. puzzles. Christmas ornaments, and too much more to list.
Wow, Tammy–you own EVERY Blaze book? That’s amazing! What a collection! Do you collect any other Harlequin series? How about the rest of you who collect books? Is there a certain series or author you collect? I have every JD Robb book and was recently thrilled to get an ARC of the November book, Kindred in Death (which I read and it was FABULOUS!).
Jacquie
Hi Jacquie,
I own a lot of Temptations too. And nearly every Harlequin Duet. I buy books from every Harlequin series, but Blaze is the only one that I own the complete set. I own every Agatha Christie book and nearly every book from Diana Palmer, Karen Robards, Susan Wiggs, Rachel Gibson and Suzanne Brockmann as well. (although lately, I do get more of their books from the library.
Tammy–
I have every Agatha Christie book, too! It was a quest when I was a teenager–I had to have every one. I remember staying up all night and reading Curtain at the airport when we got stuck there overnight when our flight was cancelled. I also have complete sets of Nancy Drew, Cherry Ames, Janet Lambert, Dana Girls, Trixie Belden, Beverly Gray, Vickie Barr, Connie Blair, and Judy Bolton. And don’t get me started on my romances–suffice it to say I have a LOT of books. And I don’t like the library because they want their books back–and I hate giving them back, LOL! I want the books to be MINE! MINE! Bwahahahahaha!
I have a collection of antique wind-up toys from when I was a kid.They have so much character. I know they get dusty, but why keep something in a box when I can look at and enjoy them every day. I love costume jewelry too. I scored once at a garage sale and got hundreds of $$ of old jewelry for $20. My hip 24 year old daughter loves it now. Happy I kept it all
Jenni–I am totally envious of your fab garage sale find!! What a COUP!