Everyone needs a hobby. Some of us have more than one. Among mine are writing and reading, painting badly, and talking to myself. Recently, inspired by an estate sale find, I embarked on a new hobby; although, perhaps it would best be called an eccentric pursuit.
Here’s what prompted my search:
A hardback copy of the first book in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Nothing special, right? In fact, at one time I owned every book in the series; although, some were the paperback editions. I donated that collection to a school library in Champaign, Illinois. A librarian friend had put out a request for Harry Potter books, and I couldn’t let her down.
But when I saw that copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone sitting all by itself on a table at an estate sale it seemed to say, “Take me home.” So, I did. Well, after paying for it. I’m no thief.
On my drive home from the sale I devised a plan to buy all of the books in the series again, but, with certain rules:
1) Buy only hardcover books in good condition.
2) Purchase only one book per location.
3) Buy them in order of publication.
4) Only buy the books from garage or estate sales. I’m still wrangling over whether I should allow thrift store purchases.
Yesterday, I found the second book in the series at a huge estate sale in Tallahassee.
It fit all of my requirements. And even though I could’ve purchased books 3 and 4 at the same venue, I slapped myself on the wrist and carried my book to the cashier.
Now, to me this search sounds perfectly reasonable, but when I tried explaining it to the woman in line to pay behind me, she gave me an odd look and slowly took two steps back. It seems there’s a fine line between eccentric and outright crazy.
Peace, people!
Praying for Eyebrowz 