Member Spotlight - MEET Evi Schaap from Illinois.

Hello everyone in Swarovskiland.

I am an old and new member of the Swarovski Fanatics Club. I had been a member when the club first started, but unfortunate circumstances had to keep me away for a long time.

I had always wanted to start a collection of some kind, but just didn't want to have a run of the mill, common one.
I was born in N.Y.C.
Fall, in 1957, I became acquainted with a man from The Netherlands who was to be my pen pal. I started NYU that same year, and after a while of writing, we agreed that we would meet. We did and then during the Christmas vacation I went to visit family in the area close to where my pen pal was living.

THAT WAS THE WINTER.

Seven months later, we were married.

THAT WAS SUMMER.

Isn't that called "short, sweet and to the point"
We live in a small village on a farm. He was in the cattle business. We raised 3 "great" children and now there are 3 "greater" grandkids.
My start of collecting was when my husband went to visit his mother in Holland. Coming home he stopped at the duty free shop and bought me the Swarovski Birdbath (of course my favorite).
I had always admired the beautiful glistening and sparkle of these figurines, each and every time I got to see them but then became pessimistic when I checked the price tags. I was so enthused when my husband gave his gift to me and THAT started my "uncommon" collection. I have never dreamed that a prism can take over your way of living. It never ceases to be sheer pleasure.

Today the children are diversified. My son is also in the cattle business, older daughter is Senior Staff Nurse specialist at a large hospital and #3, works for an airline. Three grandchildren are icing on the cake and bring a twinkle to the eye and a dent in the wallet, since I introduced them to Swarovski. They each have small colloections.

My beloved husband of 48 years died this past year. He was stricken 18 years ago. His first stroke was the most debillitating.
I would buy a piece of Swarovski and then there was a game, that one piece was his and then one piece was mine. You now know whose piece was the windmill. We did manage to travel, but it became very laborous as time went on.

I enjoy being a member of CFC, if only to read what others have to say. I can only learn new and important things.
My collection has gone beyond 500 pieces and I still admire each one as something new and a treasure. When a local furniture company had their annual sale, I bought 2 beautiful all glass "vitrines", and before, I had a large corner glass cabinet. A few of my pieces I have out and I enjoy each and every one. As long as Swarovski goes on, it will help me to go on. Need I say more?
Evi Schaap