Although some people think living in the suburbs is boring, many collectors will tell you otherwise.

They know you don’t need to travel to a flea market in the middle of nowhere, to an antiques barn along a country road, or to a trendy shop in the city center to find new treasures.

Of course, committed collectors like me are always happy to travel to the middle of nowhere, along a country road, and to the city to find another piece for their collections, but they can find tantalizing acquisitions just driving from one ‘burb to another, which is exactly what I did last evening.

After a meal of home-style fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy at a favorite restaurant in Henrietta, my husband and I parted company. I left him behind to enjoy the NHL package at our mid-century Colonial, and I headed west to Greece and The Shops on West Ridge for their annual Night of Lights.

I simply explained that it was meant to be. Earlier in the week, a had run into a colleague–who I never see at work in Brighton–and she spotted me and remembered our extracurricular connection (the Night of Lights shopping), so she reminded me that the big sale was going on.

I had actually forgotten about the big sale, so I was glad to see her.

I usually take the back roads to Greece, so I have the option to stop at the Wal-Mart or the Garden Factory in Gates, which are both temptations.

Staying the course, however, I arrived at The Shops on West Ridge with enough time to spent almost three hours checking out the displays and cabinetry, which I consider among my curating efforts.

That also left enough time to shop and amass a basketful of treasures on the “hold” shelf, and even time to spend in the checkout line chatting with others about their finds.

Good husband that he is, my guy feigned delight at my finding another Halloween decoration, two more bird and three more dog figurines, and a half-dozen more books and pictures–among other things. Just what we need.

I had said when I left the house earlier in the evening that I’d look for something–only one thing–an elusive piece, a true treasure, something that would change my life–and that’s just what I found.

In fact, I found a dozen and a half pieces that will change my life: They will increase the amount of time I spend dusting.

There’s a reason they call ’em dust catchers.

Patti
The Committed Collector

So what’s your downfall? Baseball cards? Jewelry? How about leaving a comment and let us know what treasures you just can’t pass up?

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