What Have Stamps Done For You?

It has given me a hobby that is almost as expensive as my Golf addiction, and just as much fun :) But the best part of it has given my 7 year old Son something fascinating to grow his mind and something we enjoy doing together.

Stamps have given me frustration in not ever knowing enough, or anything at all. But, I would not change the days spent banging my head and attempting to figure out: really? There really are that many different numbers for this one stamp...really? I absolutely love it.

Stamps are constant educators. They keep my mind constantly learning new things about culture, history, science, politics, bravery and heroism, nationalism, agriculture, art, literature, transportation ... of course, you all know the list goes on and on. It's a rare occasion that I don't spend an hour with a collection, a website or publication and DON'T learn something. Sounding like the old crabapple I am, I truly wish there was a way for more young people to become interested in stamps and understanding the joy they can give, the doors they can open.

Well said centerstage98. You have summed up how I feel about collecting. The journey is the thing and the things learned make it all so wonderful. I agree with your wish for young people to get involved. The learning process is so0 easy with the stamps. All you have to do is get involved with your little beauties. You don't even realize that you have learned anything but are surprised when you realize that you have.

The above post do say it all, I have spent money, time, and a lot of days when I only get one (just one stamp cataloged). And in that time I also have learned how stamps are made, the people part of making stamps, the art, the culture, the politics of the ere of the different country. Boy are there a lot of countries out there. And yes, why did they make that many verities of that stamp. But also I have made friends with people I never would have ever come in contact with. You all are as great as the stamps we collect, not only stamps are a great find but you all are too.

What a great topic, and so many thoughtful posts - really glad I found this place.

Stamps are a journey for me. I start out with a well planned route and along the way get distracted or learn something new and end up taking side roads to places I never knew existed.

The stamps I collect are like photographs or postcards of people I met, places visited, plans once made, and things I've learned.

It never ends!