Why do so many of us surround ourselves with personal little treasures? Look around and you’ll probably see a number of little odds and ends on your desk, the bookcase, night stand, or in the kitchen. There are many answers to this…along with many questions. For a number of years there has been a trend toward minimalism which I feel is often sterile, impersonal, and, frankly boring! Maximalism here we come! I’m going to explore this small world by zooming in and looking around the homes of a few family members. Some may say these mini-collections are signs of a mental disorder involving excessive acquisition and inability to discard items. I often wonder if there is a “collector’s gene” passed down through generations. Let the investigation begin.

I can tell right now that these are my people. We often love mementos from our travels and little totems of happiness.

Our daughter Lisa beautifully displays little treasures in her office. She definitely has inherited the “collector’s gene”.

Our daughter Stacy has a refined aesthetic and taste as well.

Baubles from travels to favorite places.

I admit to being a bit of a collector. The grandkids seem to approve.

The words “too much” are not in my lexicon.

Bronze Art Deco sculptures enjoy company.

A little carving from Bali.

I blame my grandmother, mother, and daughter Stacy for getting me totally hooked on crystal specimens. Stacy especially has the bug and it propelled her to develop a beautiful jewelry business a few years ago.

I do admit to being in love with glass.

My mother was the catalyst for a deep appreciation of Asian antiques.

Crystalline wonder.

Time to edit? I really don’t know the word.

Ashanti bronzes from Ghana.

Our daughters do have a gift of display!

Dreams of the Samurai.

The love of ancient Japan.

The maneki-neko, or “beckoning cat”, supposedly brings good luck to the owner. The robot helps a little as well.

I would love to divert the blame to others in the family for the “collector’s bug.” Stacy and Lisa really don’t need any help in this department…but where did they get the collector’s gene?

I would like to officially announce that Marla is at fault! Obviously that idea is going nowhere!

I confess to being at blame!

I am a curious type.

Ah…what have we here?

Marla says I have to stop buying stuff or I’ll have to talk to a therapist. This was my last antique purchase in Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2023! Marla sits on the stairs thinking,…I married a nut case!

Photos: Dick Gentry…Not to be used without permission.