May 11, 2014

Never Stop to Think…

Do I Have a Place for This? That’s the title of the most recent book by Mary Randolph Carter, aka Carter. And ever since I saw it was being published this spring, I’ve wanted it.

I first discovered Carter’s books back when she published American Junkin 1994. I was immediately smitten and when she went on to publish Garden Junk, Big City Junk and other similar books, I was totally hooked, and wrote about my infatuation here.

Her newest book Never Stop to Think... Do I Have a Place for This was just released a few days ago, and of course, given the author, and the book’s title, how could I resist?MRC book_edited-1And, of course, I didn’t stop to think whether I had a place for this book. I knew it would go on the shelves with her other books, which I’ve loved so much. In this book, Carter takes a close look at other collectors from around the country to see what and why they collect.

Some of the collectors are friends, and others are family members, but they all have a passion for collecting either a specific item and its variations or a variety of items.

As I’ve leafed through the book, I am struck by the sheer volume and range of collections that are showcased. I discovered several years ago, that I am actually a hunter, not a collector. I love the thrill of the hunt, but I am happy to sell what I’ve found.

Like Carter’s last two books (possibly with the longest titles in history!) For the Love of Old: Living with Chipped, Frayed, Tarnished, Faded, Tattered, Worn and Weathered Things that Bring Comfort, Character and Joy to the Places We Call Home and A Perfectly Kept House is the Sign of A Misspent Life: How to live creatively with collections, clutter, work, kids, pets, art, etc... and stop worrying about everything being perfectly in its place, this book is beautifully photographed and edited. I was particularly charmed by the beautiful hand-cut titles that appeared throughout the book and on its cover. MRC quote

I know that Never Stop to Think… is going to be a favourite for a long time to come!

It really is!

8 comments:

  1. I've never read her stuff, but I can tell we are two peas in a pod!

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  2. I'm a hunter, too. The only things I currently collect are antique children's chairs--American, French, English, etc. Since they take up a lot of space, each one needs to tell a story.
    Have a super week. xoxo
    Mary

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    1. Ohhhh... I went to a sale over the weekend and there was a set of children's cast iron garden furniture. So sweet. Got snapped up in an instant!

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  3. after so many regrets at estate sales I try not to think twice and I just GET IT. (including 2 sets of beautiful leather and marbelized books this weekend and 2 ROUGH chairs and a small loveseat for bobs house - off to buy fabric today at lunch!)
    You can usually sell it on for at least what you bought it for if not a small profit. Or I know the perfect person for it. I may have to revise this at some point (my apt is getting FULL).

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    1. I agree... I saw some amazing candle sconces this weekend, picked them up, put them down and then someone else snatched them! Grrr.

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  4. Oh, thank-you from the heart, Meg Fairfax Fielding. How can two girls with three names love so many things??? What a believer you are to have stayed with me from 1994! Well, the old girl is far from finished! As long as there's stuff to be found I'm out there looking for it!
    Imperfecty yours, Mary Randolph Carter

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  5. Meg Fairfax Fielding, a name as long as mine, but not as long as my book titles, thank you for your tremendous loyalty to the girl who loved too many things--Mary Randolph Carter. Glad you found a place for the new book! This is my second message, because I'm not good at posting these things and wanted to make double sure you know I love Pigtown!
    imperfectly yours, Carter

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