*coffee is ready to go, music is on and cards are ready to be shown off. It's time for some cards over coffee*
My passion for writing started out when I was wee little one. Sometimes I wonder if my mother ever found it funny I carried a pen and notepad on my way into the world.
Growing up, there weren't many times where someone didn't see me writing comics, short stories or even a few novel length stories. I loved it. My mind was always racing with new ideas and creativity, I sometimes didn't have enough time to translate it all to paper which is probably why I always carried a notebook to write them on.
So much so, every year for Christmas my parents would buy me a couple of notebooks and pencils so I could pursue my writing.
Fast forward to today, my mind has slowed some when it comes to writing anything outside of my blogging about sport cards. You no longer see me carrying around a notebook or have ideas flowing out of me. I am not sure if that's because I am older or if I set my goals of writing higher putting pressure on myself (I want to publish a book) or if it's because I don't read like I used to. Reading was another passion of mine and writing motivator.
*takes a sip, continues on with the post*
In my youth, when I wasn't holding that notebook, I was holding a book. And nothing intrigued my attention more than horror/supernatural when it came to choosing a book. Well, the authors mattered as well from Stephen King to Bruce Coville (really need to locate the original My Teacher Is An Alien series) to my biggest inspiration in RL Stine.
Which is where Goosebumps came into play in my life.
The first Goosebumps came out in July of 1992 and kicked off the series with Welcome To Deadhouse. That book alone had me hooked on the series and I looked forward to every release. I had to make sure I checked the local bookstore and especially the Scholastic book fairs and book order forms for any new ones.
Some of the Goosebumps books and some characters I enjoyed more than others in the series. Bring on more Slappy and Monster Blood!
Which is why I needed every sequel for the ones I liked more and tried to chase down every book overall. Most of these are the originals I personally bought or were ones given to me as Christmas gifts. You can also tell by lots of wear and tear.
However, as an adult, I found myself reading less and less and now I can say I haven't picked up a book in ten years. I don't have a lot of free time and what free time I do have is spent on here, my card collection and playing Madden. I don't have time to read, not even on the toilet. That time is spent catching up on Twitter (as I picture all of my Twitter followers gagging now).
*takes another sip, tummy is rumbling for a bagel so I will have to make one soon*
When I found out my biggest inspiration for writing was going to be included in my current hobby in 2020 Allen Ginter, I had to make sure I collected him. It was obvious wasn't it?
There was three forms of Allen and Ginter in 2020. Flagship, X and Chrome so there was quite a bit to chase. I even set up a
SPREADSHEET of my chase.
This is my Allen and Ginter Chrome collection. I have everything except the /5 Red Refractor and the Super 1/1. Both of those cards had popped up on eBay and sold. I missed both of them and hopefully will see them re-listed some day.
Base series. Allen Ginter X base (missing 1/1 glossy), Allen Ginter base, Silver Portrait and the relic card.
Mini cards. Ginter X, base, gold, chrome, black. Missing quite a few and already missed out on the Superfractor mini of RL and the Red refractor /5.
And finally....the centerpiece....
RL Stine autograph. My favorite card of the group. There are plenty of other autographs to chase in the sets, but I am happy just to have one thanks to my trading buddy @90sNicheFBCard. Maybe some day I will look at adding some of the others.
Here is the collection all together. As I said, I am not done yet.
They go great with my collection of books and the two movies that came out starring Jack Black. I don't own the TV series on DVD yet, but enjoyed watching it as a kid. Maybe something to own next.
*takes a sip before finishing up today's post*
It's been a joy chasing down these Stine cards and it has inspired me to go back and read a few Goosebumps hoping to bring back that writing passion I once had. I know I am a grown adult reading them (my wife would argue this), but sometimes a little youth can remind and motivate you of your past inspirations and dreams.
*Coffee Card Blogger Out*
Have you ever read Goosebumps? Who is your favorite author? Who is your inspiration?
