When I decided to jump back into the autograph collecting hobby, I did so because of the great things it brought to my life.  Here are some of those things.

First off, the anticipation of the mail arriving every day.  When I wasn't collecting, the only thing that showed up in the mail that was vaguely interesting, was the odd wedding invitation.  The rest comprised of bills, advertising, more bills and junk mail.  when your a ttm collector, everyday is a mailbox adventure.  As I'd walk through the house, open the door and reach to the box, I'd be thinking "Who am I going to get back today?".  The slight butterflys you get as you reach for the mail, the euphoric feeling when you spot the envelope(s) with that familiar hand writing on your self addressed stamped envelopes (SASE) , the quick glance to the return address or the mail stamp that gives a hint of where it's come form, and the quick but careful opining of the envelope, and the excitement of a great signature, or the dissapointment of a bubbled or smeared sig, or the momentary fury of a failure.  But always, after the excitement, the deep breath that followed always came forth with the thought, "I can't wait for tommorrow's mail.

Secondly, I always enjoy the research aspect of writing letters.  Lately, I've been concentrating on junior and minor league hockey goaltenders, and I'm always entertained by what I learn about their lives and  careers.  For instance, up until yesterday, I had never heard of Trevor Cann, goaltender for the Peterborough Petes.  But after coming across his card in a set I'm working on, I decided to write him a letter.  As a responsible  collector, I feel the need to know some things about him, before asking for his autograph, so I set off to the Internet, and what do I learn?  Well, the kid is having himself a great career, and is poised to be drafted in the early to mid first round, very possibly the first goaltender drafted this year.  He has also represented his country in the under 18 championships, represented the OHL at the Canada-Russia Series, among other things.  I never would have known any of this if not for writing letters.  So now when my friends say, "who's this Trevor Cann kid?"  I'll be able to impress them with my vast knowledge.

Thirdly, I have come to appreciate the great fellow collectors I have met over the years.  While autograph collectors, in general, get a bad name for themselves (and trust me, I know why.  I've seen some of the worst!)  the people I have associated with from the various websites, most notably SportsCollectors.net, are great people.  My Hats of to Mark from Marks signing bonus, Jay from SCN, and the Steeler Chief from Steeler Chief's Locker Room, among others.

Lastly, while I love my collection, and it's always nice that my friends bring over their friends to see the stuff I have, the newest and best part of my collecting is the interest my son is starting to take to it.  While his interest is only in it's infancy, it has begun, and hopefully it will continue to grow, and this is something I will be able to share wiht him for many years to come.