So many events have transpired in the past few weeks to prompt me to write this article.
Allow me to share with you when I started collecting and why. NOT because of money, not because of glory, not because of notoriety, not because of thinking I would get rich, BUT because of the people who are drawn into this hobby. The people who have hearts as big as all outdoors. The same people who write on a regular basis to share Beanie and personal news.
Have you ever
been at your wits end, thrown up your hands and say I give up?
Have you ever tried so hard to promote something in a positive
light and feel as if you have gone two steps forward only to have
something happen and throw you back again? That's Beanies!
So why do we continue? Why have we allowed this stuffed toy industry
to consume our lives and frustrate us to no end? I'll tell you
why! It's not the Beanies it's the PEOPLE!
Now before all of you go running to reach for a stick to beat your monitor, listen up! For what I'm about to tell you is the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me God!
Let me explain why I chose to continue to collect Beanies and other plush products. I started writing about Beanie Babies in January 1997. My first writings weren't that good…as a matter of fact they stunk. The reason being is I was just learning about the hobby and had no idea about the wonderful people behind it. I had no way of preparing myself for what would happen in years to come nor would I have ever expected it!
When I was first drawn in I never viewed this hobby as a money making one. I viewed it simply as something fun and hoped that it would bring me closer to my children. I often times took offence to others claiming they would get rich on a simple toy! It made me feel as through something pure and innocent was being tarnished.
My opinion
counts so grab those boots as it may get a little deep for some
of you!
As a collector and webmaster I can assure you that there have
been many times when I have come real close to throwing in the
towel. Although my husband and children continue to support me
sometimes it just wasn't enough! I'm a very sensitive person who
loves people and often times find myself wrapped up in their worlds.
I enjoy helping others and have often times spread myself too
thin! BUT I'm not alone. There are many webmasters who are just
as dedicated as I am. We spend many hours posting news to our
sites and trying to educate and protect the collectors. It's not
because we can't sleep or have insomnia, it's because of you the
COLLECTOR.
In my opinion, many secondary dealers have done the same and should
be credited for being honest and offering decent pricing when
it comes to merchandise. NOT all secondary sites fall under this
category and I'm not going to point out the ones that do, that
is simply for you to decide.
Please allow me to share a few examples of how collectors have played such and important role in my life.
My life tragedies
have become their heartaches. When my father became paralyzed
last year after what was suppose to be a simple back operation,
MANY collectors supported me. Too this day some of you still ask
about his health and wellbeing.
~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~**~*~*~*
Most recently,
my daughter Jennifer traveled to Korea, took ill, and had to be
admitted into the hospital. I felt so helpless with her being
so far away BUT you the collector came to my rescue.
A newsletter subscriber named Elizabeth from the UK supported
me, came to the aid of a total stranger, and taught me a lesson
in real friendship. She had written before Jennifer left the states
to give me contact information on someone who may be able to assist
her during her stay in time of need. Once I received word that
Jennifer was ill, I panicked and sent Elizabeth a note asking
for help. I left my phone number in my e-mail message and waited.
NEVER did I expect for her to call me at 4:15 AM to offer support
and tell me she could provide help through the American Embassy
in Seoul, Korea.
Mike was getting
ready for work and overheard my phone conversation. He sat patiently
on the bed and listened. I could tell by his facial expressions
that he was in total disbelief.
When I hung the phone up he looked at me and said, "what
was that all about" As I filled him in on Elizabeth's offer
to help he just kept shaking his head. As he started to walk out
the door he turned to me and said, "I want to make sure I
understand this". Are you telling me a complete stranger
who you have never met and who is a subscriber to your newsletter
is offering to help our daughter in Korea?' I said YES! He said
"Beanies, I don't get it but they sure have a great effect
on people." He then came over and gave me a big hug and said,
"I think for the first time I understand your need to offer
the website and help others as they too help you" That's
when it hit me! It's not the Beanies; it's the collectors who
collect them that drive me to push myself to limits unknown!
I also received
notes from the State Dept and collectors informing me that if
I chose to do so I could get a passport quickly to travel and
attend to Jennifer. Subscribers from Korea offered their help
as well. All of the sudden I no longer felt helpless!
~*~*~*~*~*~**~~*~**~*~*~*~~*~
The next example
of generosity was my birthday. It's a great feeling to have online
support from webmasters who dedicate their sites to Beanies and
not look at each other as competition! They view the person for
what he is she contributes to the hobby and show support in various
ways. For this they all need to be commended.
Collectors acknowledged my birthday in various forms as well.
I received over 600 electronic birthday e-mails and cards. Although
I have read many of them I still have a ways to go before I finish.
Please know that I appreciate every single greeting and treasure
your thoughts of me on my special day.
Much to my
surprise and totally unexpected, I received gifts in the mail
and flowers that have a lingering smell throughout my home. One
subscriber by the name of Linda from the UK sent me a Unity Beanie
Baby. Another subscriber sent me a box of Ms. Clairol; she even
got the color right! LOL.
My point for sharing this is NOT to encourage gifts but simply
to point out that there are a lot of folks that share with me
on a daily basis. They share collectible news and photos to be
shared with others. They share show reports from gift shows, which
we are not allowed to attend. They also share kind words of support
that are far more than I could ask for. Their jokes, rhymes, graphics
and personal notes add a special meaning to my day and therefor
encourage me to work harder on their behalf!
In closing
I would like to offer a motto that has gotten me through life
without questioning motives of others.
Never expect anything and you will never be disappointed.
BUT always be grateful to those who give and give and keep on
giving! Their gifts do not have to be tangible; they simply can
be words with meaning! For it is those people who truly make the
world go round and make a nicer place for all of us to live!
I am proud to be a Beanie collector! I may not always agree with Ty's thinking but I do credit him for spicing up our lives and bringing so many of us together. The rest, as they say, is HISTORY!
God bless,
Ms. Janie