florida trinkets anyone?

so after mentioning my florida childhood, i quickly have to make this other confession about how my time in florida creeps into my life every now and again....this is a terrible, uncontrollable, laughable problem that i have.

i am sure there is a help group for it out in the world...but here it is...no matter how hard i try or how much i try to resist the urge..whenever i am in a vintage store, a thrift shop, a goodwill, an antique store, or the salvation army....god help me if i find some cheesy florida souvenirs, i have to buy it. i mean i actually keep an active eye out for these things.....

to date i have

2 florida silk scarves with the state printed on them and all the cities labeled

1 set of clearwater, florida (hometown) salt and pepper shakers (bought at a yard sale in pine bush, ny)

3 china plates with florida scenes on them, all from different thrift stores ranging from pittsburgh to bordentown, nj

several florida magnets

a florida pot holder, change purse, vintage powder compact, gravy dish.......

anyway, you get the picture. For a long time i thought that this was a sickness that was all my own until i discovered that one of my best friends (also from florida) had this uncontrollable habit too. thank god it is not just me! maybe there are others out there.....

regardless, i guess there are worse habits to have and i know that when i look at these objects it is with a fond memory of a great childhood and a reminder of all the people that are there that still love me.