Why I haven't been around

I have no idea if any of this will help but:

I can’t say I know precisely how you feel, because that’s impossible, but I don’t think you’re alone in feeling like this, over Windstones or anything else. My own interest in things comes and goes; I tend to dive full bore into something and get completely obsessed with it, then six months later I’m looking up and going, “whoa, what just happened?”

If I’m lucky, it’s something cheap or free–last summer, it was HTML programming and graphic arts, both of which cost me nothing, already had everything I needed. But this year, so far, it’s been Windstones…and yes, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “I want it because everyone else is excited about it, not because it’s special to me.” I’ve had to pull back a bit, to reexamine my feelings (and my budget), and to make sure that when I get a piece, it’s because I truly want it, not just because I’m envious of everyone else and their large collections.

Because my health is permanently impaired, there are some hobbies (and a business) I’ve had to give up entirely. And I did exactly what you did, if for slightly different reasons. I boxed it all up and put it where I didn’t see it daily. Some of what’s been put away, like your Windstones, would bring in a fair amount of money. But it can be difficult to part with things you once cared about, especially when you invested a good deal of time or money in them. I thought the time had finally come to let some of my professional camera gear go last fall–I’ll never be able to use it again, and if by some miracle I could, I don’t need the level of gear I own just for hobby photography. I’ve been telling myself for months to just start selling it off, even researched the best way to do it. Not one piece has left this house. So it goes unused and unloved, and I rail at myself for not doing something about it.

The truth is probably that I’m really not ready. If I desperately needed the money, I can guarantee I’d do it, because I’ve done similar before. But right now, the need isn’t dire, and it’s easy for me to shove out of my mind. Given what you said about it being nice in a way to not have money (I get that one too), you may be feeling similarly. I’ve wandered away from the photography forums I used to belong to because I’ve lost interest in what I can no longer do, and that too gives me an excuse not to think about it (plus it keeps me from being tempted by new stuff). Similarly, there are sometimes threads I can’t look at on here, because I find myself caught up in the hype–and I don’t need to be spending on something I can’t afford, like a $1K ebay piece, no matter how beautiful.

In the end, when you are ready, I’d suggest just keeping the pieces you love–if there still are any that you truly would miss having– and selling off the rest to those who would love to have them. And yes, I know how much easier that is said than done! My camera gear is meant to be used. Your Windstones are meant to be loved. And having at least managed to get rid of *some* things (not NEARLY enough), I know there’s a certain satisfaction in reclaiming the space they take up, in knowing they’re going to people who really want them, and in freeing yourself from the burden of having stuff around that depresses you because you no longer want/need/can use it. Plus, of course, money to pay bills is always a good thing.

If the thought of selling everything at once is too daunting, pick your five least favorites and set a goal to get them out in the next month or so. Maybe put one up each week, either here or on ebay or both. Once they’re gone, I guarantee you’ll never miss them, and maybe you’ll be ready to let go of a few more. If not, hey, at least you made a dent in the pile.

And having said that, I’d best put my own money where my mouth is and go sell a lens or two!

Hang in there on the health. Believe me, after four years of disability, I know that apathy all too well. It’s a tough thing to fight, often harder than whatever underlying disease you’re dealing with. There are plenty of days–most of them, in fact–where I work my way through my day 15 minutes at a time, because I know I can do anything for 15 minutes. That may be 15 minutes with a two hour break in between if it’s really a bad day, but I’ll still get 3 or 4 things done that wouldn’t otherwise have happened. Pathetic compared to what my life used to look like…but better than getting nothing done at all. Best wishes–you’re not alone on that score either.

If things change, well, this place will still be here when you want to come back. I have a couple of forums I wander into maybe every six months. People are always happy to see me, and they understand when I disappear again. No one’s going to hold it against you if you choose to come and go; they just worry a little if it’s been a while since they last saw you.

(As an FYI on the PYOs, Susie mentioned in another thread that they’ve been having issues with the current batch of plaster they’re using as part of the casting process, and that’s the main factor as to the lack of PYOs available. That problem could clear soon, or it might be some time yet, they just don’t know.)

I can agree with that. I found myself unemployed and looking for work much longer than I imagined, so any money I got came from hard work doing odd jobs and commissions. What I bought with that money felt good because I knew I worked really hard for it. Of course working full time is also hard work, but I do have savings now that I can buy things, if I justify the cost in my mind.
It can be really easy to get caught up in collecting (not just Windstone, but anything for that matter). I know I have to tell myself to limit things to a small size, because we really can fall out of the hobby just as quickly.

I hope things get better for you as well! =)

Okay Iam sorry to hear you have been ill. I totally understand this since batteling with my own illness for the past 7 years and weighing between 99 and 118 pound to fall back to 99 lbs.An be sick all over again Then my back problems the pain. I have worked less time than I spent sick for the past 6 years and I was a full time grocery stocker. I spent more time with doctors trying to get help for 2 problems and realise one has allot to do with the other. But enought of that. I had lots of medical bills and empty pockets. I love my Windstone and have collected a long time. But the bills each time I got sick pushed me over the edge.

I sold allot of my collection to pay my medical bills. I once sold my Whites and my Emeralds only to have my sick pay come in as the auctions went down. I just wanted to cry. An have done this selling repeatly everytime I was ill. Better I will recollect. But there are things that I can never get back like my Autumn Leaf OW he is my biggest regret.

Take your things that can be replaced should you ever change your mind and sell those. If nothing else it will give you peace of mind. You’d be surprised just how much that means and how much better you will feel.

I have a paint your own up stairs in my attic some where its the bird. I got to hunt it up but I will find it and get your address and send it out. This I hope will take your mind of off things. Also have a Peacock fledgling that need some TLC maybe you can dabble on him too.

You know that we are like a disfunctional family here at times but we all care about our fellow members here and even if you are not collecting anymore we still care about you and want to hear from you. Sending my prayers as well as strength your way. Hope you get it. Evelyn

I know a little how you feel too. Some days I wonder why I don’t sell most of my collection. Then I can never bring myself to part with even one piece…

Sorry your health’s been less than great, I really hope you feel better soon, or at least feel happier. 🙂 You always have us to talk to!

yup, that’d include me…

tdm