In 2004, as a freelancer for The Spokesman-Review, one of the first columns and blogs I developed was Treasure Hunting. The paper was looking for someone to cover antiques and collectibles and I was looking for a reason to justify all the time (and money) I was spending on those very things. It was a perfect match. I spent the next four years junking, antiquing, writing and blogging about my wonderful finds as well as the treasures S-R readers held dear.

The print name was changed to Treasure Hunt when I was named Home and Garden editor and the column was moved into the weekly HOME section. I stopped actively blogging for Treasure Hunting in 2007 but carried forward the print column until 2008.

That was just a minor detail. I continued to get mail from all over the world as new collectors would stumble onto a great find and then Google it. My old columns and blog posts would pop up and they would write me to share.

And, I never stopped collecting. I don't buy as much as I used to, downsizing to a much smaller house put a stop to that, but I still spend many happy hours at local antique malls, shows and sales. I have a regular thrift store route and often say hello to friends as I see them.

The economic freefall that occured last year changed a lot about the way we were living our lives. Job losses, tight credit and an overall feeling of unease tightened the pursestrings. We were no longer as willing to splurge or take big risks with our money. We pinched pennies and thought twice before making unnecessary purchases. But those of us who can't resist a little treasure hunting - for seaching out those unusual, irreplaceable and one-of-kind finds - nothing much changed.

I missed writing about my finds and yours. So, I'm back. Treasure Hunting is back.

It's spring. The antiques shows are coming. Estate sales are calling. Flea Markets will be just around the corner.

I'll show you mine. You show me yours. Let the fun begin.

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