Collecting

I used to collect books. Lots of books. Once a book made its way to my house it never left. But somewhere along the line I realized that many of those books would never be read again (some books just don't call out for a second, third, fourth read). So I began the painful sorting process. First I offered the books to my family and then, if there weren't any takers, I began dropping them off at our local library's used book sale. (Hello to the Friends of the Pottsville Library!). I still have lots - LOTS - of books. But now there is a little room on the shelves. And I don't feel so guilty about buying new books. The used book people are happy. Authors who want me to buy their book are happy. I'm happy. Everyone's happy. Well...not my husband who still thinks there are way to many books.

But I like collecting. So now I collect bookmarks.

Collecting bookmarks is perfect. First, most bookmarks that end up in my collection were free. Authors, bookstores, publishers...everyone related to the publishing industry is eager to give you their bookmark. I couldn't throw them away after they took the time to have them made and gave them to me. The guilt! Then there are the things that aren't bookmarks that I declare to be be bookmarks. Anything flat - or almost flat - will do. Little Women stamps my cousin sent me. Fingerpainting from my son. Postcards from the Philadelphia Flower Show. Business cards with a special panache. Origami. Beads. Ribbons. Yes, paging through my collection can remind me of books and authors I've enjoyed. But it can also remind me of so much more.

Second, although it is an extensive collection - maybe 100 bookmarks - it hardly takes up any room. In fact, everything fits into a 10" x 10" photo album I repurposed into a bookmark holder that sits quietly on my shelf.

Third, it has a purpose. True, not like the purpose a collection of pottery or records or Christmas tree ornaments has but I use them daily. No more sticking a random scrap of paper or discarded envelope in the books I'm reading. I get to pick the perfect bookmark. Sometimes size is the decider. Sometimes the book's genre. Sometimes the time of the year (I have a surprising number of autumn themed bookmarks). And sometimes just because I love that bookmark.

Using a bookmark gives reading an extra special feel. Even if a book has languished on my "reading this one, but took a break" pile, when I take it up again and open it to the spot where my bookmark tells me I left off, I smile. My bookmark was loyally holding my place, trusting that I would be back.

What do you use as a bookmark?