Greetings From Chicago

Hi there

My name is Jacqueline, and I am a novice stamp collector with a small monthly budget. Let me tell you how I first became interested in stamps. Years ago, as a teenager I wondered into a tiny shop on a side street and discovered a treasure trove of stamps and coins being run by a very sweet 80 year old man who only opened two afternoons a week. It was the love of his life and his enthusiasm rubbed off on me and so I started a topical collection of flowers. Nothing of great value, just miniture sheets and mint sets that were pleasing to my eye. Whenever I had a few pounds spare (I'm from England originally) I would visit the old man, and he would make the most lovely cup of tea, and we would spend an afternoon talking of all manner of things.
Eventually I moved away, and the stamp album was stored in another location. A few years after I learned the album had been accidently thown out. In the back of my mind, I wanted to start again, but it wasn't until a few months ago (over 25 years later) that I did something about it. To celebrate I bought the very same stamp that I had first bought all those years ago, a New Zealand minature, and it has re-ignited my enthusiasm all over again.
And now I'm starting a new collection of Machins too! I have just bought the beautiful album pages from Robin Harris at Adminware and I cant wait to get going on those too.

I love reading about stamps on these forums, and I have learned (and am still learning) a huge amount too. I look forward to joining your community.

regards, Jacqueline

Welcome Jacqueline!

Jacqueline! to S.C.F.! I'm glad you started back into it as it's such a rewarding hobby to have! I also just recently started collecting the Machins as well. I think machins are very exciting and there are lots of varieties (although maybe not superficially).

welcome to the forum

Cat Whisperer, back to collecting. Loved your story, invaluable you spent time chatting with the wise old man.

Well Jacqueline, what a delight to have you with us, I have sister Jacqueline and that will make us collecting sisters I am sure. You will certainly find plenty of help, information and friends here at SCF and the best part is we are ALL still learning. WELCOME - jeff

Thank you all for your lovely welcome. I had issues getting in here since yesterday for some reason, but looks like I'm good now. I'm trying to get a scanner on my desk so I can show you some of my fabulous floral stamps. But my head is also filled with setting up my machin collection too. I'm sure I am driving my hubby crazy, but I know you all understand completely :)

Jacque

Welcome Jacqueline

wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it with us. I'll think you'll enjoy our wonderful, friendly forum.

Dianne

Welcome, Jacqueline! That was a great story about your stamp collecting background. What a shame, though, about your original collection. I love the fact that when you started again, you bought your very first stamp a second time! Can't wait to see pictures!

Aimee