THINGS AND TREASURES
February 12, 2001

Things.  There are all kinds of "things" in the world.  Good things, bad things, mediocre things, great things, awesome things, so-so things, cool things, uncool things, etc.  But isn't the rating of these "things" based on how they make us feel?  I think, being as you are probably a collector if you are reading this,  we would all agree Hot Wheels are cool.   Depending on how die-hard a fan you are the other die casts brands may be a little less cool to uncool.  Same with any "thing".
.
When you buy a Hot Wheels car do you buy because you are buying one of everything or just what you like?  What in your mind makes a car cool?  Paint, graphics, wheels, limited edition status, make and model, etc.?  How does your perspective of cool as an adult vary from your perspective of cool as a kid?  Next time you go shopping look at the cars through your six to ten year old eyes.  Are you passing by a car now that you would have loved as a child?  If so why?
.
While I try to buy one of everything for the Museum, I find myself picking out certain cars for different reasons.  They are usually either cool or cute.  Minis, I love the minis.  I'm not even sure why.  My favorites are those that look like a real car, but I do buy the "futuristic" looking ones on occasion.  I wish Mattel would release the line of minis they did years ago in some of their new models.  Think of how many minis you can fit in the space of a 1/64th scale car.  And think of how every time you looked at them, all million of them arranged on a shelf, you would see a car in a new light or notice something you hadn't noticed before.  Rediscovering your treasures.  That's another part of the fun of collecting something.  You never tire of what you collect or of looking at the collection.  It renews itself every time you look at it.
.
Do you get the most out of your collection?  Try looking at it as if for the first time.  And the next time you go shopping buy something for the kid you used to be.     Trish