To some, a collection might be a nod to the past, for others, a token of an imagined experience. For me, each item tells a story, of someone else’s life, or mine. Over the years, I’ve been dazzled by many objects, beginning at a young age. Teddy bears, dollhouses, bottles, books + ephemera, records, milk glass, and really, any and all things French. More often than not, the vintage items I am drawn to speak to my romantic nature…I’m a sucker for nostalgia. Many of my favorites are from the 1940’s era-more specifically + freakishly, from the year 1948! The polaroid land camera passed down from my grandfather, my Royal typewriter, big band music sheets, and more (including our home). My most recent (and random) obsession is vintage French binoculars, which began with this pair. I stumbled upon these Bobbsey Twins books while pregnant and couldn’t resist including them in Marie + Henry’s room. I plan to add to the collection, and hope they will appreciate them later in life. My wish is that my cherished items will someday become theirs, as with many inherited items. Henry has already laid claim to Teddy, who had been by my side since I was five, and I couldn’t be more melted by it. After all, isn’t that what collecting is all about-preserving old memories, and creating new ones?

What are your most cherished items, and what do you collect? Please share!