Readers of Curiozity Corner know that Sharon Ray‘s blog leads to news and information about Oz collectibles. Her passion for Oz began with a poignant family venture down the Yellow Brick Road.
“Oz was ingrained in my family before I came along,” she explains. "My older brothers had Oz books and records, which I ‘inherited,’ and I had many of the toys from the 70s and early 80s. My parents took my brothers to the Land of Oz theme park in North Carolina when it first opened. Later my mother became terminally ill and my parents wanted to give me a special memory. While my mother was still able to travel, my parents chose a return trip to the Land of Oz. I’d like to think this love of Oz was her last gift to me.
“Today I am endlessly fascinated with Oz. I'm especially enthralled by Dorothy, Toto, Judy Garland, and Anna Laughlin. There are so many facets to explore―Baum's original books, stage plays from 1902 to Wicked, the MGM film, collectibles. The opportunities for enjoyment and study are infinite.
“My enthusiasm for Oz tends to creep into my everyday life. On the Internet, news, radio, TV, and in books, it seems there's always an Oz reference somewhere. And I'm always looking for new things for my blog. I seem to have a knack for turning up the unusual. I'm really happy when a collector sees something they like on my blog and then they tell me how much they enjoy it when they get it. If I can extend the love of Oz that I feel, that makes me feel very fulfilled.”
