In order to not have to repeat myself too much, please read my previous post - Confessions of a Collector Junkie. 

I was able to purchase some wonderful bears and thoroughly enjoyed myself at this auction.  I wanted to share two lessons I learned from this experience.  As I mentioned in my first post, this collection belonged to a lovely lady who passed away several years ago.  Her collection consisted of over 600 bears of all types and manufacture.  This collection was obviously cherished and lovingly built over quite a period of time.  It was really quite sad to see how these bears were just "disposed" of to the highest bidder for pennies on the dollar.  If this were my treasured collection, I would be turning over in my grave!

I also mentioned earlier that very few of the artist bears sold.  This was quite a surprise to me since I, too, am a bear artist and I know how many hours and how much effort goes into creating them.  Blame it on the economy I guess - or not?  Most all of the Steiff bears in the collection sold - but not the artist bears.  Go figure.

I digress ... back to my lessons.  I learned two things for sure:

1.  If you collect artist bears, buy what you love because it speaks to you and not for any future prospect of increase in value. 

2.  Enjoy every bear in your collection.  Relish each precious little face; don't miss the beauty and wonder of each special creation and the friendship and comfort that each one brings.  The only true value of your collection is the joy it brings to YOU.