I'm not a collector (yet) in the way I think about owning a collection of some random thing. Dan would disagree and point out my collections of stationery, books, and magazines that I shuffle from apartment to apartment with loving care during each move. I'm talking more about an object of some kind that you collect. If I had my way with space, I'd become a collector of vintage typewriters. They're just so amazing. The colors, the keys, the sounds they make when you tap on a key. I even love how you're bound to make a mistake. The imperfections are rather sweet. Just like rubber stamps and their occasional errant ink marks, typewriters help you get over the notion of making something perfect.
I had been dreaming of owning an old school typewriter for years, when this July I stumbled upon one that fit my budget. (Most of the restored typewriters that I've seen cost around $400!) The first time I walked in my favorite Maine antique shop, I found this turquoise beauty in the first row. The price tag: $22. My stomach did a flip, and I'd already resolved to buy the little Hermes Rocket before I even knew if she worked. The woman working there was so sweet, and she brought out a piece of paper for us to test it out. It worked! All my typewriter needed was a new ribbon.
In case you're as smitten with typewriters as me, I thought I'd share my source for where I found my typewriter ribbon. You can find ribbons for any kind of typewriter on this site. Anthony, the owner of Typewriter Collector, is a true collector and built a resource site all about typewriters. I made my order. Two days later, a small parcel arrived with 3 boxes of black typewriter ribbon. I need to pound on the keys of my typewriter, rather than tap, to get a good ink impression. I don't mind. I have to admit, I'm seriously attached to my Rocket. My mind is spinning with ideas of what I want to do now that I'm set with rolls of ribbon.
Do you have a collection of something special? If you'd like to share, do leave a comment. I love hearing about other people's collections.
