Jekyll Island Beach 2012

Jekyll Island Beach 2012

Thursday, November 17, 2011

COLLECTING - PUT THAT BACK!!

The Rogue Speaks:

This has been one wild week so far, and I have barely had time to turn around. Consequently, I realized that I had not prepared my Alphabe-Thursday post for Jenny's blog. I was so exhausted last night, that I slept hard and didn't get up until about a hour ago. I have a couple of meetings today, and so I decided that I would reprint one of my posts from 2010 as my offering this week. If you remember, Ames brought me a couple of packages of cocktail napkins when she came for a visit, and I added them to my obscenely vast collection. So, without further commentary, here is my offering:


I am embarrassed to admit that one of my weaknesses is cocktail napkins. But they can't be just any cocktail napkins--they have to have some silly (or sage) phrase, and/or picture on them. Whenever I go shopping at a certain store in town, I head straight for the napkins. I was in that store today, and found some I thought I could not live without.

That voice! I HATE that voice! It spoils all my fun! You know the one I mean--the one in your head that reminds you that you already have a whole shelf in the kitchen just stacked with an item that you crave, so PUT THAT BACK!

Before I discovered cocktail napkins, my passion was poultry. For a while, everyone was giving me chickens, chicks, roosters, etc., to put in my niche above the cabinets. Then one day I discovered that eventually you have to get the ladder, climb to the top rung, and dust every one of those non-essential items or they begin to look grungy. Dusting high places has never appealed to me, and especially dusting things that are non-essential. Bye-bye, chickens!

Cocktail napkins don't get dusty, because they are wrapped in cellophane, and tucked away on a cabinet shelf. Even after you open them, you can put what you don't use in a zip-lock bag, all ready for the next time. That "next" time has become a problem, because I don't entertain nearly as much as I used to, and I have a cabinet shelf filled with cocktail napkins that will probably not be used in my lifetime.

I thought everyone would just love those cute napkins at parties. But you know what happens? They grab a napkin to put their drinks on, and the cuteness goes unnoticed. I could put out squares of toilet paper instead, and that would work just as well.

The only person who seems to appreciate my napkins is my Best Friend Artist. She always laughs and tells me how cute they are. So, to get around the fact that the last thing I needed to buy today were more cocktail napkins, I bought her a couple of packages for her birthday. Of course, it isn't until May, but I just told that voice to shut up because this was different--it wasn't for me. Don't you think that makes it all right?

Shhhh! Don't tell her what she's getting! I want it to be a surprise!

36 comments:

Karen S. said...

Oh this is so cool on so many levels...I like these kinds of napkins too! It's funny I too have quite the full load at the present moment, and was up early and luckily I had a word but had to just now throw the photos together! I hope you get a chance to slow down and smell the coffee in the air! Have a great day Judie!

Sarah said...

Too bad they're too hard on the tush. The bright side is one day you can sell them as collector's item on eBay.

Diane said...

I used to collect gnomes. I have no idea why either but like you and the roosters, I got sick and tired of dusting them so now they're in a box in my closet. At least cocktail napkins don't take up a lot of room and like you said, they don't need dusting!

To the Toy Box and Beyond said...

I collect owls I have a curio cabinet full of them. I originally bought them to sell on Ebay (at least that is what I tell myself) The other day I was at Goodwill and they had a few owls. I really wanted them but settled with just 3 Hopefully the others will be there when they have the half off color

To the Toy Box and Beyond said...

my owl collection is link 73 on Alphabe Thursday I also posted #65 if you are interested

Steph said...

It's fun to hear your "voice" when you write. I can relate to collecting and then realizing it's stuff you have to dust. I like your idea though. Some of those napkins out there are so clever. I like the one you posted. :)

Pondside said...

Buying something, no matter how it relates to one's own addiction, does not count at all!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

There's nothing like a cocktail napkin dripping in sarcasm. Oh the 'Maxine' of it all!

Unknown said...

Isn't it curious as to how our minds work? At least your collection only takes up one shelf. Have you ever seen one of those "hoarding" shows where "collections" get out of hand? Oh, and I don't think I've ever dusted my collection of antique vases located high up on top of my cabinets. Now I'm going to be bothered by that grunge factor. Thanks a lot Judie!

Lola said...

Can't take my eyes off those pics of Lizzie & Mulligan in the sidebar!Priceless.

Have a lovely weekend,

XOXO Lola:)

Pat said...

Thought I was the only one who enjoyed clever cocktail napkins...though my little stash doesn't come close to yours!!

One of my friends always has the most beautiful napkins - cherries, fall fruit, Christmasy...you name it and we always comment on how wonderful they are!

Cute post and let's hear it for a crazy week all over...what is going on with the world???

Judie said...

Pat, there are horrow stories coming out of the woodwork these days! I am curious to learn about the new issue of the Wood/Wagner saga. Too bad that captain waited 30 years to finally tell the truth.

Leovi said...

When they are so precious they cleaned embarrassed. This is very nice.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I think cute cocktail napkins is not such a bad thing to collect, Judy! Like you said they don't take up much room and are useful.

I always like ones that make me smile or look unusual. I might also begin a collection. :)

EG CameraGirl said...

I love to read about other people's obsessions. Makes me feel less guilty about my own, I think. :))

Ames said...

I have Roosters and I hate cleaning them too! That is why I tell my friends I don't collect anything so please don't even think about buying me another Rooster! I have too many dust catchers already...like lamps and tv remotes etc. but I certainly wouldn't pass by a handmade pine needle basket or a vintage noise maker. You can use those cocktail napkins for everyday. Just like fine crystal....don't wait for a special occasion...use them everyday and make everyday special!~Ames:)

Stacia said...

Buying them as a gift (or a gift for yourself!) is definitely okay. =>

Judie said...

Many years ago, my favorite aunt made me around two dozen cloth napkins. I loved those things, and used them until they were rags! When they started wearing out, I bought more cloth ones to replace the rags, and now I ONLY use cloth napkins for meals. Some of my children picked up on this and now THEY only use cloth napkins as well. So my cocktail napkins are strictly for parties! No exceptions!

anitamombanita said...

Hilarious. I'm always amused (and often fascinated) by the things that people collect. I'm the antithesis of the collector...drives my packrat husband crazy!!!

TJ Lubrano said...

Hello Judie! I used to collect mugs, I still do, but I hardly use the ones I have now and find it a bit of a waste haha. I still buy interesting looking mugs though!!

Oh! Can you please email me with your choice of print? I emailed but maybe the email is wrong? Or maybe you're just busy ^_^. Either way, I want to ship a print to you please!!

Ciao

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Fun to read what you get drawn too :o) and happy that you got your C post...often times, I barely make it each week with my post!

I have to admit for some odd reason, I really, really like unique drinking glasses! (I am running out of room in my designated cabinet! Some fancy and also not so fancy...One of my favorites is the glasses that Pom used to sell their drinks out of...) I also have lots of "little collections" like crystal candlesticks, vintage cameras, vintage alarm clocks, Matroyshka dolls, vintage Japanese wooden nesting dolls/boxes, etc...and...whew! better stop!

Blessings & Aloha!
Thank you dear, dear friend for your sweet visit!

bluzdude said...

The Ex Wife used to decorate in cows. She loved the black and white cow pattern, so we had cow stuff everywhere.

You collect cocktail napkins the way I used to collect CDs... figuring they would come in handy at the fabulous party I was destined to throw one day. I would have every conceivable kind of music a person could want to hear.

Of course, no such party ever happened and my racks were loaded with music I didn't actually like.

Thank goodness for 2nd hand music stores, although I had shit they wouldn't even take. When a place won't even give you a quarter for your CD, you know it's so far out of demand, you might as well use it for a drink coaster.

Hey...

Judie said...

TJ, check your blog. I left you a message about my choice for a print.

Unknown said...

How interesting! I think you're the first person I know that collects cocktail napkins. Most of the time, people just use them and then throw them away. I collect them but only if they are from places that we visit. Nothing witty or fun to look at. Now I'm going to have to be on a lookout for funny cocktail napkins so I can send them to you :)

TJ Lubrano said...

Hello! I got it! I tried emailing again and clicked on the email button on your blogger profile, but I got a error message again. I honestly don't know what's wrong though.

Cupcakes it is! How fun :D Oh! I need your address please. Then I'll mail it to you on Monday. I think I also have yo on FB? Not sure now. I'll check!

Xoxo

The Poet said...

Hello.
lol...what a hilarious post! If you ask me, you can never have too much of a good thing!

I'm so happy to be a part of Alphabe-Thursday. Miss Jenny had the best rambunctious lot!

Thanks for sharing & visiting. I appreciate the comment.

Cry Not For Me

The Poet said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Karen S. said...

Not so sure why my comment didn't post, but this post rocks, as always they do...love how silly and hilarious you can be...and I hope your life settles down some and you have a wonderful Thanksgiving too!..and since I wasn't reading these a year ago...it was brand spanking new for me!

Karen S. said...

Too funny, now when this second comment posts, I do see my original comment...spooky! But that's okay I especially enjoy your music in the background today!

Judie said...

Karen, I'm glad you like my music. The only reason it is still there from a few days ago is that I am having difficulty moving my stuff around on Grooveshark.

Please feel free to make as many comments as you want to. It makes me look far better than I really am.

Splendid Little Stars said...

Why, of course that makes it alright! I laughed out loud at your toilet paper comment.
I LOVE that cocktail napkin!

Jenny said...

I love it! And just think, someday if you move, they'll be light to pack and won't be even breakable!

I've been packing up all kinds of stuff around here, sorting, donating, categorizing and what I've come to know for certain is that I have wayyyyy too much stuff.

This was a cute link! I hope you're feeling a little perkier now!

Hugs and A+

Vicki/Jake said...

WTH! I tried to post on here before I left to Colorado...stinkin blogger hiccups anyway!!! Ok, now I'm back and trying again...Oh, and I love that you collect snarky napkins!

Mari Sterling Wilbur said...

I love that you collect funny/cute cocktail napkins - what a grand idea. Hope you get to use many over the holidays and that they are noticed and appreciated for the clever art that they are! Happy holidays - Mari

Annesphamily said...

I can not begin to tell you what I collect! Some things are hard to change. Christmas, my hubby gets a look in his eyes! He hates when I add to my overstuffed garage filled with holiday everything! Ha Ha Ha! I have dolls and Princess House and tea pots and such! But these cocktail napkins are cool. I always read them when I see them! I think they are neat! Thanks for the share. Anne

Tina said...

What an interesting hobby. I bet its exciting when you find one you really like to add to your collection.