I admit it, I am an unashamed "pin collector". Then again, I am a collector by nature- military miniatures, musical instrument miniatures, patches, books (oh yes, hundreds of masonic books), and so many things I no longer keep track.
But "masonic pins" are the subject of my confession. I love a good pin, medallion, tie chain, bolo, decal, and coin. I should explain however, there is a reason for my pin obsession; different from all of my collections there is a purpose for my pins.
When I go to an event (meeting, conference, retreat, festival, reunion, picnic, whatever), I pick two or three pins according to who I expect my fellow attendees to be and never more than two or three or I defeat my own purpose. What is that purpose? Pins can be a good conversation starter, and they just might grab the eye of a fellow traveler searching a new path on his journey.
It usually starts with the question "can I ask you about that pin?" while pointing at one of the days featured pins. Then a conversation and maybe a new idea for a brother. A new organization, a new degree, or maybe he was just a fellow pin collector, always on the look out for new masonic trinkets. At a minimum, another friendly conversation with a brother.
Yes, I am a pin collector. And I make my pins work for me. And I do love me some masonic bling.
But "masonic pins" are the subject of my confession. I love a good pin, medallion, tie chain, bolo, decal, and coin. I should explain however, there is a reason for my pin obsession; different from all of my collections there is a purpose for my pins.
When I go to an event (meeting, conference, retreat, festival, reunion, picnic, whatever), I pick two or three pins according to who I expect my fellow attendees to be and never more than two or three or I defeat my own purpose. What is that purpose? Pins can be a good conversation starter, and they just might grab the eye of a fellow traveler searching a new path on his journey.
It usually starts with the question "can I ask you about that pin?" while pointing at one of the days featured pins. Then a conversation and maybe a new idea for a brother. A new organization, a new degree, or maybe he was just a fellow pin collector, always on the look out for new masonic trinkets. At a minimum, another friendly conversation with a brother.
Yes, I am a pin collector. And I make my pins work for me. And I do love me some masonic bling.
