Collecting postage stamps can be a passion for all ages
Most people assume that postage stamp collecting is for older people to do when they retire. Well, in my case and many others this was not so.
I cannot remember why I started to develop an interest in postage stamps but I do remember when it happened.
I was just into my teen years. Something caught my eye and my attention. I got the postage stamp collecting bug.
Of course, at such a young age I started off with very little stock in stamps. I do know that sending and receiving letters was a big thing to me because of the postage stamp that was affixed to the envelopes.
As time progressed, I was able to start buying some postage stamps. At first, I was not really certain where I wanted to go with collecting postage stamps but knew I wanted to do it.
I started with anything I could get my hands onto. Worldwide postage stamps were interesting but I really liked having Canadian postage stamps since I was born and raised here.
Over time and sadly due to the passing of my grandfathers, I will say I inherited both of their collections.
Both of my grandfathers collected without me even knowing, so it was a very pleasant surprise to get their collections. They were not anything that was going to make me rich in money sense but both collections helped bring my own collection up to a new standard.
I still have the original postage stamp collecting book with the postage stamps in it from one of my grandfathers. I have vowed never to dismantle it.
As you age, your interests change. I eventually went from collecting any postage stamps down to three countries that interest me. Of course I had to pick Canada first being a Canadian. Then I went with the next two big ones — U.S. and Great Britain. Everyone that collects for pleasure will develop their own interest. It can also be a subject like cars or trains or something like animals or scenery. I still have all my worldwide postage stamps even though I now specialize.
I have learned so much about the world collecting postage stamps. My geography knowledge has grown. It was always nice to know where the country a stamp came from or belonged to. Secondly, you learn a lot about politics.
Some countries have changed their names or alliances over the years. All these things helped me understand the world I was growing up in early in my life.
I joined a stamp collecting club later in life. I wish I had done this sooner. It is so nice to meet with people with similar interests. As well, you can get almost any question answered about any postage stamp. I thought I knew a lot but have been constantly surprised with new knowledge.
The final word on this is that I collect postage stamps because I enjoy it and it is a very relaxing hobby.