All But No. 27

As a young girl, I'd say about 10 years old or so, I was introduced to the world of another girl who I wished I could be. Every night I'd go to bed with a golden colored paperback and I would read more of her adventures, her friends, her life. Oh, to be Trixie Belden for even a day…

She was my hero; I wanted to be her. My sister, Roxie, and I would play that we were Trixie and her best friend Honey Wheeler. We even tried to build our own clubhouse back in the woods. In my mind, I could ride horse just like her. (Just in my mind though because we didn't have any horses.) To this day, when I think about riding, I think about Trixie.

For quite a few years, on every Christmas or birthday list I'd request "Trixie Belden" books. All in all, there were 34 of them and I wanted to read every single one. Over and over.

I may have been a little obsessed.

What am I saying…"may have been"? More like, "still am". You see, every time I go to a thrift store or yard sale, I scan the shelves or tables for that yellow/gold spine. I'd know it anywhere. But, for so long, I've been denied. Yes, I know I could go on ebay and find just what I want, but somehow the thrill of the hunt just isn't the same. So, I have continued my search for those last few elusive titles.

Until yesterday.

Ryan and I were looking for old songbooks at a Goodwill store. As I eyeballed the shelves I kept my radar up for that yellow spine. Then, when I was nearly done, I turned to see what Ryan was holding out to show me.

Then, my gaze went past his treasure right into a bin where, lined up in a row, underneath some scattered children's books was my prize. I felt like I was moving in slow motion as my hand reached out to push the other books aside. What if I am only dreaming? What if those really aren't what I think they are? 

But they were. I wanted to jump up and down, sing a song, dance a jig and say a toast. All at the same time.

Don't worry. I didn't.

I just gathered every last one of those books, put them on my stack and then went for a cart.
These. Books.Were. Mine. After all these years, would I finally be victorious in completing my collection?

Drum roll please.

Sigh. It's almost as good as striking gold. Can you see me smile? I even have extras to share with Adrienne who has also learned to love the books.

Except….

Sigh. I am now the owner of the Trixie Belden series, all except Number 27, "The Mystery of the Ghostly Galleon".

I guess I'll just have to continue my search. Besides, I kinda feel like Trixie looking for clues as I search. I may even stumble across an unsolved mystery. And catch the bad guy. While riding a horse.

Love,
Dianne