Sparkling Connections: The Joy of Glass Collecting with Barbara

Barbara is a woman of boundless enthusiasm and infectious joy, especially when it comes to her love for vintage and antique glass. Her home, a veritable museum of glass treasures, sparkles with collections of books, silhouette art, and most notably, an exquisite array of glass shoes. Among these, her prized pieces include delicate Fenton creations and ornate Victorian shoes, each one a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era.

I first met Barbara through a friend who is a docent at the Historical Glass Museum in Redlands, California. Our shared passion for glass collecting was an instant bond. We can spend hours not just talking about the technical details or the historical significance of each piece, but simply reveling in the sheer beauty of the glass. To us, it is pure eye candy, a visual feast that brings immense pleasure and satisfaction.

Barbara's collection of glass shoes is particularly mesmerizing. She has a keen eye for finding the most unique and beautiful pieces, and her collection is unlike anything I have ever seen. The way each shoe catches the light in just the right way makes her collection a radiant display.

Despite the joy we find in our shared hobby, there is a bittersweet undertone to Barbara's story. While she and I can spend hours marveling at her glass treasures, many people, including dear ones, do not share our enthusiasm. Fortunately for Barbara, her husband Joe is an accompanying hunter, sharing in her delight. But some see her collection as mere trinkets, not appreciating the history, the craftsmanship, or the joy that each piece brings.

Barbara often speaks about her wish for someone in her family to understand and carry on her love for glass collecting. The idea that her beloved collection might be discarded or neglected after she is gone is a painful thought for her. She longs for a kindred spirit within her family, someone who would cherish and preserve her treasures as she does.

Her story strikes a personal chord with me. My own father was a glass collector, and I had always admired his collection from afar. Sadly, I never inherited it, despite my deep desire to care for and exhibit those pieces. I understand Barbara's yearning and the emotional connection she has with her collection.

Barbara and I continue to bond over our shared love for glass, finding solace in each other's company and in the glittering beauty of her collection. We know the value of our treasures, not just in monetary terms, but in the joy they bring us. And while it is disheartening to see others fail to appreciate our passion, we find comfort in knowing that we are not alone.

Barbara's story is a testament to the joy of collecting, the beauty of shared passions, and the hope that our treasures will find a loving caretaker in the future. As for me, I will always remember the sparkle in Barbara's eyes as she shows me her glass shoes, and the deep connection we forge through our mutual love for the delicate art of glass collecting.