Old Habits

Something reminded me of my second serious hobby in childhood - collecting the matchbox covers. The first one was collecting feathers, which died an untimely death after an outbreak of brain fever. My mother, who never appreciated my interest in a non-vegetarian object like a feather, seized the occasion to make me throw the entire collection. I thought it was okay; when things returned to normal I could pick them back. But my mother was cleverer; she made me promise that I would never collect them again. I sigh thinking of those bright and shiny and soft things. .

Anyway, soon I turned to matchbox covers. I don't recollect what really started it but soon I was hooked to it. There were diverse themes and variations and I was fascinated. I learnt the art of scanning the ground I walked on. Of course this too didn't please my mother. I hardly walked straight, it was like I had unearthed a hidden treasure, they were everywhere on the road! And I didn't care if they were dirty, as long as they weren't torn and useless. But unlike before, I welcomed the opportunity to visit a shop, which was a hotspot. I particularly remember going to my aunt's place in Dharwad and the whole new bunch of covers I gathered there. I don't remember doing anything else but I was so happy!

The thing is, I just can't recollect why I abandoned the hobby. When did I move to the cleaner and more common hobby of stamp collection?