A reflection on collecting

Today I revisited my cel books (so glad I did this, it makes viewing much easier) and was looking through my acquisitions from when I first started until now, and considering those that will be arriving soon. When I first started collecting I didn't even intend to collect, I bought 2 cels, 1 from Sailor Moon and another from A Kite. They were meant just be for the novelty and the second I opened the package I was struck. What I held in my hands was a historical piece of animation, something irreplaceable even by today's modernized animation process. I couldn't believe the work and effort that must have been in each piece. So I ocassionally scoured hoping to find some "reasonable" deals as at the time I couldn't fathom why anyone would spend upwards of 50$ on a cel. So I picked another few here and there, when one day it just happened. Id purchased a Serial Experiments Lain cel for 185$. I had a long period of outrage that I'd let myself spend so much. Id more than tripled my past purchases in a second. But what was done was done and I waited patiently for Lain to arrive. Again, I opened the packagae and all my guilt and anger was gone, she was beautiful, she was art, not just plastic. From there my gallery added pieces, most at deals that were easy on my poor wallet. And then sadly being a student happened, I had to give up about 2-4 cels to keep myself in health and be able to afford my new car and the gas to get to school. I didn't think much of it until the cels were gone. It hurt to have to part with them. But I trekked on and my gallery continued to grow. Out of the blue wishlists I'd never even believed were offered to me. It was incredible, and so was the price. I was going to have to jump all the way into the 250$ for a single cel. But I knew I wanted it, I knew it was worth it. It definitely was, I was beyond impressed. I'd then opened the floodgate to all the beautiful art out there and not being as prudent about price (though I still enjoy a good deal :P). Now I find myself shelling out nearly 1K for 2 pieces and not regretting the desicion (oh how I thank kind souls and payment plans!). So now I'm in the crazy and competitive world of cel collecting and looking back appreciating all I've had the chance to own. And those I will have the chance to in the future. I want to make sure every "newbie" out there knows that just because it seems overwhelming that all the good pieces are owned and you don't have a shot, don't fret, there is always something out there that has yet to be bought or even seen. I recently had the joy of finding a secret cove of cels with shots I didn't believe were available, its all just perserverance and a little bit of luck ;) so to all new and old collectors alike happy hunting! I can't wait to see our galleries continue to expand. :]