Cans, Colors and the Stuff of Collections

Some people collect art. Others practice the art of collection. Or maybe it’s a craft. OK, so maybe it’s just a chore. Whatever you call it, collectors need real discipline and an organizational sense; otherwise, we would call what they do stockpiling, hoarding or simple mess-making.

Collecting is something I longed to do as a child, but I discovered quickly that I had no aptitude for it. First of all, a collection is built around a particular theme, something I understood from visits to homes of other girls. A friend had an impressive collection of horse memorabilia--figurines, photos, drawings and books--which took up an entire wall of her room. A cousin had such devotion to a particular color that she felt compelled to turn her bedroom into a Monument to Purple.

It was obvious I didn’t have the sort of devotion needed to be a collector; though I had plenty of objects--toys, books, animals, dolls--I was too sentimental about all of my stuff to elevate one above the others. And while I had a soft spot in my heart for sky blue, I often found myself drawn to some charming pale pinks. I could even remember a day when I was absolutely certain that chartreuse was the color for me.

Plus, I knew in my heart that I had neither the fortitude, concentration nor linearity of thought needed to become a dedicated collector. I floated in a kid fog with the scattered leavings of tea parties, interrupted games and imaginary places trailing behind me.

Not the makings of a good collection, or so I thought. After reading today’s story by Sondra Farrel Bazrod on Page 40 about unusual collecting societies, I may have changed my mind.

In our midst are people collecting all sorts of stuff--thimbles, hatpins, citrus labels. Even sand.

Imagine that. Sand.

If sand is OK, than dirt should be fine, too, right? How about a dirt collection, including backyard dirt, frontyard dirt, corner-lot dirt and the neighbor’s dirt?

It’s not much, but I feel confident I can do this.

Anyone interested? Let’s form a society. Call me.