Unlike most toy nerds, my operation occurs mostly in seclusion. Everything I hoard is in storage. I do not have a space dedicated to displaying my collection, not even a shelf. If I did, perhaps I would have a small posse to help out when at the last minute I feel like I need to set up a table somewhere. For the most part it's just me, worrying about some big ticket item walking off while I'm making a trip to the vehicle, though I never seem to have trouble finding help during show hours.
Being that this is a big Star Wars gathering, I might break off one or two as yet to be determined vintage pieces, as well as more of my vintage domestic toy collection in general. When I store these toys, I kind of sneak them away where ever there is room. When my collection is placed all together, it brings to mind all the other uses I could make of the space it's taking up. Then it occurs to me I could be in total denial about my collection, because a large toy collection is really just one more thing to manage, so I kind of put it out of my mind until the niece and nephew need something to do, or there is a blizzard and I haven't admired my M1 Godzilla bust lately, or occasionally when friends are over and good and settled in already. I keep bringing the stuff in, but I don't feel like I have time to be organized, then I realize I have too much stuff. It's a cycle. I think back to the last show and I can honestly say that I knew I would be doing this next one, but still couldn't pull the trigger because I'm not joking about the part that it can be a drag.
My dealer (never liked the term) info indicates they need my tax ID #. My accountant has yet to get back to me, but it's that time of year/ keeping my fingers crossed. Plus, it's supposed to snow, which I love, and this new venue doesn't have windows. NEW VENUE. Yes, I miss the Expo-Mart, but what the local toy community needs is something a little more off-kilter and less dependent on celebrity guests and online retailers, something that celebrates the culture that has grown from over thirty years of regular-ass comic book and sci-fi conventions. Something new.
Until then, we'll settle for old and reliable, as long as it helps me clear out some clutter.
