I remember all the booms, pet rocks, beanie babies, cabbage patch kids, G.I. Joe action figures and Star Wars stuff. It goes on. We are a nation of hoarders. If you don’t believe me, explain crypto currency. Nostalgia collections are pretty lasting, cars and motorcycles. Gun nuts I understand, I mean can you really stop at one? Then you have to talk about them, usually at length, well past the point of interest of non-collectors.

I was more interested in memories and experiences. I traveled with the Army and the memories and experiences grew, broadened my horizons. I still travel, trying to experience other cultures and food. Especially the food. It’s kind of hard to carry food back on an airplane though. So, I started collecting money from everywhere I visited. It doesn’t take up a lot of space and when I sort through them, I get to relive where I was.

I have my memorabilia from the Army and police, patches, badges, medals and uniforms, enough to fill footlockers and duffle-bags. Also, artwork from local artists or unique pieces that I could turn into art. Strangely, I don’t keep many photos, no time to stop and pose.