Someone very smart said, many years ago, that " a collector will never need a psychiatrist! ". This has rang very true in my life. The passion that is evoked from the collecting of minerals, rare books, barbershop memorabilia, stamps , coins, vintage guitars and on and on, has added a dimension to my life that could not be replaced with anything else. How many of you have risen at 3:00 am and went to your collection to look at a specimen that was recently acquired...that simply could NOT wait for the morning to enjoy ?. I also consider myself very lucky to have been able to make the selling of minerals and books my livelihood......having avoided the drugery of working at something that I was forced to do.....

Joe Freilich
March 2008
New York