I am a collector by nature.  I never throw anything away.  The first Hot Wheels I ever bought was the Classic Cobra (blue with gray hubs and real riders) for Dennis as a joke because he wanted a '427 Cobra' for a present for some gift giving occasion.  We still have it in mint condition...and it is a lighter shade of blue than the 30th Anniversary Cobra.

The first one I ever bought for myself was the Purple Passion with flames.  Ended up with over 140 of them.  Yep, I was a hoarder.  I like to think I have redeemed myself by giving away my share of cars since my first six months of this addiction.  Several of them were Purple Passions.  Some were TH's and LE's.  Why?  Because of the joy it gives me to see the look on a collectors face when you hand them a TH 63 Split Window in trade for a Funny Car worth $5 when all they collect is 63 Corvettes. It was great to see Barb win the Gold Passion 95 TH at the Christmas Club meeting in 1995. 

It was wonderful to help a friend add the crossed flags card to his collection.  It is great to get a car you are not expecting (Super Comp Dragster [thanks Tony] and then a box with the original 1969 Super Charger Race Set along with other cars [especially the older Avon ones I didn't have], and tons of orange track, from TyRod and his son Tyler for the Museum.  The countless cars I have received form Stoneman, Kman, Mach1, etc.  The Blown Blue Passion and Home Improvement Diorama given to me by Mark Maranta and Tinman respectively.  The empty spaces I've been able to help others fill in their collections and the spaces others have helped me fill. 

Giving N & C all the Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars in their car basket, along with each and every car I own which they are loaning to the Museum.  The fun I have shopping with them to find a new car.  "Hey Gramma, you have this one!"  "Hey Gramma, I have this one."  Giving my parents, Mel, and all my nieces and nephews a car they liked to put up and keep if they chose.  some still have them and some don't.  But if they don't still have them at least they had fun playing with them.

Seeing the look on the faces of people when they see the cars all on display.  Getting Hot Wheels as presents because people are giving me something I like and will cherish.  Having the cars given to me or the Museum signed.  It makes the car a lot more personal and special. 

I collect almost all brands of die cast cars.  I collect all sizes of cars.  I love the baby cars.  They are so cute.  I think there may be only a handful of us out there who actually like them.  All the memorabilia associated with die cast cars - but especially Hot Wheels at this point in time.

What I collect is joy, fun, laughter, friends, memories, etc.  Most of the time I am able to share that with others.  That is what it is all about.  Mosey said it all when he said, "If it ain't fun don't do it."  Its still fun!