Member Spotlight - MEET John (JWH570) from New Zealand.

Hi,
My name is John Hope and I was born and bred in a wee milling town called Tuatapere in the deep South of New Zealand's South Island. Since the age of 5, I have lived in Timaru, and I am now 53.

I am married to my 2nd wife Leeann and this is how I/we started collecting Swarovski.
Our first Xmas together was 1990 and we just happened to walk past a wee Gift Shop in town and I noticed a few Crystal Animals. Leeann liked the look of them so I said to her would you like a couple for Xmas, instant answer was yes, that immediately solved the problem of what to buy her for a present.
The first 2 pieces she chose were the Mini Hen and the 3 piece Mini Chickens set.
What a terrible mistake I made now that I look back over 20 plus years, wish I had chosen a cheaper option!!!!!!! just kidding. This was the beginning of a total love affair with Swarovski Crystal.
After those first few pieces I would buy new one's for Leeann on the normal occasion's of Birthdays, Xmas or whatever "Special Occasions'" Leeann could come up with. Through work I had to learn computer skills at one time so I thought why not buy a computer, biggest mistake I ever made!!!!!!! Discovered online auction sites didn't I? First, our local Trademe and then the dreaded eBay has cost me a bloody fortune since I discovered that. Up until eBay, Leeann and I were very selective what we bought as we had to pay top $ through our local Swarovski shop, but once you see the bargains you get online I buy anything that is cheap and rare. I am allowed the paperweights, Leeann everything else. My addiction is to finding and buying a bargain; Leeann's addiction is to just grab any pieces I buy.
We are close to 1400 pieces now but the size of the collection means nothing, it is the satisfaction and enjoyment out of collecting that counts.
I want to dedicate this Spotlight to my very special only Son Robert, who passed away in 2009.
He was and always will be the love of my life and he is missed so much. I think collecting is now a distraction which keeps me occupied on my days off work more than anything. He was told on Father's Day 2008 he was sick and passed away on Mother's Day 2009. This is Robert's way of saying never forget me, I think, as he always had a special gift with his memory of date's/times etc.
All the best to CFC Members and Pat. This is a great club.
Cheers John