"Comment for the woman who collects old cookbooks and can't bear to part with   
   them:   
    Patrice J of Richmond, VA., in Newsletter 956   
      
    Some years ago there used to be a wonderful used book store near the   
    pier in San Clemente, California.  I used to go there often and   
    struck up an acquaintance with the owner, a man in his 60s at that   
    time.  He had some truly rare and wonderful antiquarian books, in   
    addition to the normal stock.   
      
    One day I asked him how he got into the used book business.  He said   
    "I collected books for years, until there was no room in the house   
    for even one more book.  Then my wife said either these books go, or   
    I go.  So I opened this shop.  The first time I sold one of my   
    books, I locked the doors of the shop, hung up the Closed sign, sat   
    down and cried.  After that, it got easier."   
      
    He also said he reserved some volumes that were not for sale, but   
    had grown to enjoy sharing his passion for books with customers who   
    often became friends.   
      
    Best regards, Linda"   
   --   
      
   Robert C found what looks to be a brass charm of an old gumball machine, with   
   a metal detector in the Los Angeles area recently. Does anyone know its   
   history?  To see a picture of this item, please visit:   
   http://on.fb.me/1pnZytM   
   --   
      
   WE NEED YOUR STORY ABOUT COLLECTING. DO YOU HAVE AN INTERESTING STORY TO   
   TELL?  SEND IT TO newsletter@tias.com.   
      
   If you have a story you'd like to share, tell us about it and if you have any   
   photos, we'd love to see them!  Send us an email to newsletter@tias.com so we   
   can share your story with the rest of our readers.   
      
   Thanks to those of you who have been responding! We really enjoy, and   
   appreciate, the feedback!   
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   --- BBBS/Li6 v4.10 Dada-1   
    * Origin: Prism bbs (1:261/38)