On a family vacation to England when I was 11 years old, I was mesmerized by a visit to Windsor Castle where I got to see 'Queen's Mary Dollhouse!' Tiny books with real print; a vacuum cleaner that plugged in, lighted chandeliers, a fully stocked kitchen; I was enchanted. I imagined a tiny royal family who would come out at night when no one was watching -- and I was lost in wonder. I told my parents right there that I would begin my own miniature collection. They took me to a local miniature shop nearby where they let me pick out my first piece. I remember my fascination as I picked up a Victorian sofa covered in soft velvet and touched tiny china plates and opened the working drawers of chests and cabinets; some were quite expensive! After much consideration, I chose a tiny wooden spinning wheel just like the antique one we had in our house! Thus, the start of my collection...