A curious, inquisitive open mind is a gift and should not be wasted but rather encouraged and groomed. This requires frequent stimulation and opportunities for engagement to achieve its greatest potential. I believe this explains why I am happiest engaging and learning from dealers, restorers, and those with experiences and insights to share. This usually occurs when I am previewing auctions, scouring the tables and display cases in shops antique fairs, shows and searching on line to discover the next " rabbit hole" I want to learn more about.

  One of my early mentors once told me that if I wanted to really learn about something, I should " buy one and then try to sell it". As fate would have it, these were prophetic words of wisdom indeed.