The mind is funny sometimes (well, mine is, at least), especially when it comes to the world of collectibles. Whether it’s autographs, figures, or whatever, the memories your mind ties to certain experiences or items are extraordinary.
One example: when getting autographs, I like to try and make that moment a little more special than your average convention “pay, sign, shake hands, goodbye” experience. I try to bring a unique photo they wouldn’t normally see or have them write an inscription that’s different from what they usually sign. I even try to have an actual conversation with them. You would be amazed at the response you can get.
A few years ago, my daughter and I met actress Rashida Jones in Dallas. She has been in a ton of things, but being a huge fan of View Askew movies, I brought the DVD cover of the movie she did called Now You Know. She was so amazed to see it that she called her friend over and they started talking about it. Her friend even took a photo of us on her phone, and Ms. Jones wholeheartedly thanked me for bringing it.
Another example is when I met Alice Cooper. Alice was going to be at Texas Frightmare Weekend, and I knew exactly what I wanted him to sign. Since I knew C.J. Graham was going to be there as well, I brought a photo of him and Alice together. Alice did the song "He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask)" for Friday the 13th Part VI, and C.J. played Jason in that movie.
I also wanted a photo from Alice’s performance on The Muppet Show, so I had a 16x20 printed. I got in line and noticed everyone else had the usual stuff: photos of the band, record sleeves, etc. I laid down my photo of him and C.J., and he commented on it. Then, I rolled out The Muppet Show photo. His face just lit up. He started talking about the show and Jim Henson, then he called his manager over to show him. He gave me one of the best inscriptions: “Riley, Welcome to my Muppetmare! Alice Cooper.”
Now, do I have autographs that are less memorable? Sure. But the ones tied to a great experience are a little more special. I can tell the story of how I got them, what happened, and what was said, even years later. It’s usually those little moments that make me a bigger fan of that person than I was before.
Of course, there have been a few experiences that totally negated my fandom—though those are few and far between. Even so, a story is still there.
Sometimes, even a simple souvenir can spark a memory. One of mine is a popcorn bag. What’s so special about a popcorn bag? Well, I got this particular one in May 1997. Those who know me personally know who my favorite actor has always been. In May 1997, The Fifth Element came out co-starring Gary Oldman. My wife and I had been married almost a year, and we went to the movies for my birthday. We shared a small popcorn, and the bag had a picture from the movie on it.
The movie was awesome—the visual effects, the costumes, the story, and most importantly, Gary Oldman. (Can that man have any more range? The guy is just incredible.) About three-quarters of the way through, I looked over and discovered the Mrs. had fallen asleep. She had apparently slept through the majority of the movie unbeknownst to me. I didn't want to disturb her, so I just made sure she was comfortable so she wouldn’t wake up with a crick in her neck.
It didn’t upset me. She knew I really wanted to see the movie and she wanted to be there with me. Even though she was asleep, she was still there. Every time I see that movie or that popcorn bag, that memory pops into my head and makes me love her even more.
I have quite a few collectibles, but those specific ones are the ones I’ll never get rid of because of that connection. They might not be meaningful to others, but they are to me—and that’s what the hobby is about. Do you have any collectibles tied to a favorite memory? I sure hope so, because it’s a great feeling to have.
