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Thursday, December 31, 2020

On the Eve of 2021

Hail to thee, 2020. We've heard you loud and clear. I'm kicking your nefarious butt to the curb before this night is through. 

This year has left me relatively unscathed but I know this isn't true for everyone. I have good friends who've lost family members, and I lost an elderly friend myself three days before Christmas - all to covid.  Although I was laid off in April and May, my employer survived the auto shutdown and finished the year strong. My job is secure. I've certainly missed hanging with friends, especially over the holidays but do OK with 'me' time. Being alone is fairly easy for me though I couldn't do it long term. [I'm a hugger - people and  trees.] 

Even with the additional 'free time', I haven't added more posts here. No surprise as it's taken six years to hit #199 with this one. In all fairness to myself, I did manage 44 posts this year.  I also gave more of my hobby time to Pick Pockets. When I began the PP page more than a year ago, the intent was to spread a little hobby joy and perhaps spark a few trades. Who knew 2020 would be the sheet show it's been?  I've kept up with the page, hoping to make a difference in a few lives. In a year with no retail, perhaps pick pockets has allowed a few of you to build your own packs. 

        2020 gems courtesy of Doug, Buckstore Cards:



Your response to picking has been returned with kindness, with many sending cards from my three want-list tabs and mini-collections. The cards seen throughout this post are all from blogger pals, successfully adding to the joy in my own life. Thank you for this!

        From Chris the Collector - OPC and Sunoco Dutch with a fun Klesko:



I don't expect retail to come roaring back to our shelves anytime soon, if ever. Flippers found they could make some quick and easy money on our little blasters and hanger packs. The only Topps Chrome I ever pick up is through retail so I appreciate the Tigers from Doug, shown above. My collecting has moved towards my bat-themed mini-collections: floaters, racks and multiple bats. I'm also pursuing my own Stadium Club collection filled with favorites from 1991 through today. Cards I'm seeking can be found on my TCDB want list - link found at the top of this page right here.

        A cup of black coffee from Matt:

I've never listed goals here, hobby or otherwise. Goals cause me to look back over the full year and beat myself up for not accomplishing them. I prefer to note my achievements as the year moves along saying to myself "hey there, look what you did!"  

I do have an idea for the blog however, and would love some feedback from you. I'm an avid reader, mostly non-fiction: baseball, history and personal growth.  All are in excellent condition from a non-smoking home. With no room to keep all my beloved books, I've considered adding a book tab.  Books would be available to trade for x-# of cards on my wantlist. As a rule, I don't have the latest hot cards and players so perhaps a book would be considered in lieu of cards. Please share your thoughts in a comment.

        From Kerry Cards on Cards - 2020 Stadium Cub set help, Kaline SP and Pink Velocity Posey:



As for 2021, it deserves a chance. I tend to have an optimistic view of life but keep reality in my back pocket. I'm grounded. My hope for each of you is a year of kindness. Be kind to yourselves. Love yourselves. You are good people. If I didn't think so, we wouldn't be connected. May you and yours be healthy and blessed.  

Thank you for supporting this little blog!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

36 comments:

  1. Happy New Year Julie! Here's to a more prosperous 2021 - or at least a relatively painless '21 lol.

    I just got your latest PWE and they are the final four cards I added to my collection in 2020 :) Looks like I'll have to go hunting for more catchers and Tigers to send your way ;)

    Adding a book nook to your blog would be neat. I'm interested to see how popular it would be since I've got a sports book or two that I can spare. Definitely not doing an official goals/resolutions list but I would like to read more books in 2021 - even if that means taking a break from blogging.

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    1. glad you rec'd the cards! a painless 2021 is definitely welcome! I may add the book tab to see if there are any takers. I have a couple of paper boxes full of books to donate. I tried the Salvation Army but after seeing how they displayed books locally, no way. I don't wanna see my cared for books thrown into a bin for digging. Covid has currently nixed my garage sale ideas too. I also have several monster boxes of cards to move. Marketplace. Craig's List etc, are not options for me.

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  2. Great stuff from the community! Like Chris, I just got your packages and they are the last 2020 additions for me! Hoping to get something out your way soon.

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    1. Cards to end 2020! good way to finish the year! :)

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  3. Somehow I am not at all surprised that you are a hugger. Happy new year and here's to a great 2021!

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    1. yep, I lean toward the affection side but also respect boundaries. Not everyone is a hugger. Have a great new year, Bo!

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  4. Books take up so much space! I need to de-book too.

    Happy New Year!

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    1. I have a book-shelf rule. To add a new book, I must part with one. Not an easy thing either. It means I'd better want that book!

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  5. Happy 2021! Love the Nick-Kaline story!

    I like to read but do so little of the traditional kind anymore and as I wrote recently it takes me years to finish a book. But I'll definitely look around and see if something immediately appeals.

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    1. I can understand how your schedule makes finishing a book difficult. I tend to read a book in 2-3 sittings. I'll probably add a book tab in the near future.

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  6. Happy New Year Jules! May 2021 be great for you (oh, and me too, just sayin I wouldn't want to leave myself out of good wishes).

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    1. Thank you Johnny! :) We could all use the good in 2021!

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  7. You should post them so I can see what books you read.

    I got cards from you. Thanks.

    Happy End of 2020!

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  8. Happy New Year Julie! That Demeter SP card is fantastic! Even if it isn't Kaline... it's a great looking card that's a conversation piece as we say goodbye to Mr. Tiger and a legend.

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    1. Same to you Fuj! I love the Demeter! Great surprise from Kerry! Thanks to Nick V., we know the story behind the card.

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    1. It's one I never thought I'd own. After reading your story, I decided against a purchase. I do like having it in my collection. Greatly appreciate Kerry sending it to me.

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  10. Nice pickups and nice post too! Happy New Year to you!

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    1. thanks for reading, BBC! See you around the blogs in 2021!!!

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  11. I'm sorry to hear about your friend :(

    Also, I'm not much of a hugger, but do like to be hugged, is that unusual?

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    1. Thank you, Jon. She was a great lady. Donna always treated me like part of her family. They are devastated by her loss. She had a small apartment in a nice assisted living center which became a hub of covid activity.

      Not sure if your hug preference is unusual. If you don't turn down the occasional hug, it probably works out fine for the hugger. Sending one your way. ;)

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  12. Book tab?! Yes, please! I'm a little scared to say this, but I'm not sure how 2021 could be much worse than 2020, which is why I'll at least give the new year a fighting chance. (Knock on wood.)

    Happy new year, Julie!

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    1. Yay for books! I've learned to never ask "what's next" or "can it get any worse" because that's just an invitation!
      Have a great 2021, Nick!

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  13. Happy New Year! I like the same types of books, but I tend to use the library rather than buying them although I have accumulated over the years.

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    1. Without the library, I'd need at least four more bookcases! Happy New Year, Daniel!!

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  14. Hope you have a great New Year Julie!

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    1. Thanks! You too! I'm using my new Keurig as I write this. Having a cup for you!

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    1. Hi Pop! Happy New Year! Thanks for stopping by!

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    1. Thanks much Adam! I hope your 2021 is blessed!

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  17. A bit late but Happy New Year Julie. I received your PWE earlier this week and I appreciate it very much. All the best in 2021 and I'm looking forward to catching up.

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    1. Best to you in 2021! Great to see you on the blogs!

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  18. Here's to lots of hot dogs and mustard in 2021, Julie! The pickpocket book idea is an interesting one. (Also, what exactly is that "franks a lot" image? Is it on a t-shirt? Or maybe an advertisement of some kind?)

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    1. "Franks a lot" should be on a Cracked Bat tshirt. It's truly a "hot" one, another image taken from the internet some time ago. Looking forward to grilling season!!

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