So, I have this thing for mugs (and cookware, dishware, stemware, flatware ... cutlery). Last fall, I noticed these coffee mugs at the place where I get my hair worked on. To most it looks like a run-of-the mill white mug. But it's not! The well is the perfect size -- it's tall and narrow, but holds just the right amount of coffee. And the handle -- just look at the shape of the handle! You don't see it? Well, I do. But here's the thing: I didn't see them anywhere else. For months I've looked, but have not been able to find anything that comes close to this mug. So last night, after learning my stylist is moving to a new salon, and after realizing I need to take a PAD, I decided to take a picture of them (and take action). The salon owner walked by while I was snapping photos of the mugs, so I explained how perfect I thought they were. She said the previous owner got them from a restaurant that closed. I said, "Aha! I should have known to check with a restaurant supplier." Together, we looked at the mug. I sighed. She ran some numbers. Literally, she started punching buttons on the adding machine behind the counter. We negotiated. After reaching an agreement, she carefully packed my mugs (I bought four of them). The best part of the evening (besides obtaining these wonderful drinking vessels)? Watching other foil-wrapped clients walk up to the coffee station and look, quizically, at the remaining mugs. They tried, but they didn't see it either.

Photo submitted by: Jean Linn Caption that identifies collection: Museum coffee mugs Short (50 words or less) description of why your collection is important to you: [Oh, I collect a lot of things. Including rotary telephones though I haven't had a telephone line in several years. And owl trivets--did i ever post a photo of my owl trivet wall? That was painful to deinstall; i digress. After moving 3 times in the past 9 months and having no idea where I'll be come 2013, I've really started to appreciate the functional collections. They are the only junk that gets unpacked. or not left behind in Buffalo.] 50 words or less: I couldn't live without coffee and I couldn't live without museums. There are about 30 mugs in my collection (and they rotate off and on "exhibit", naturally). Museums are travel throughout time, space, culture... and these mugs are souvenirs from the journeys. Figuratively and literally.