Geoffrey Russell, Antique Dealer

Written in 2006

My life has been very full with many interesting stories. I have met numerous interesting characters, experienced many unusual events and visited many parts of the world. I have made a fortune...and lost one too. But important of all - my life as an antique dealer has allowed me the privilege of making many dear and life long friends.

Not being someone who take retirement lightly, I though I would start writing down chapters about my life.

Having conquered the initial hurdle, learning how to turn on a computer and use Microsoft Word, I started jotting down my memories.

My son has kindly rewritten, sorted out and re-edited these stories and produced a website complete with pictures. On the site, you can also hear me tell three of the stories by playing the audio files produced by my son-in-law Mike, who has cleverly set them to music. I do hope you enjoy them.

I must now bow down to my final years. I have reached the ripe old age of 86.

My main trouble is that I do not feel that old. I am now occupied with my oil painting now that I have finished this autobiography.

It is wonderful to have the time to read all the books that were denied me in my busy working life. For example, I am starting on Tolstoy’s War & Peace and I have a plan to read an extensive list of books, particularly on ancient history.

I also hope to spend time staying in my apartment in Brittany France, where I am fond of painting the fishermen in the village of Audierne. I am also 'on call' to give lectures on antique weapons, silver and antique porcelain.

My motto during my long life has been and still is 'be as kind as you can and do not be afraid to live your life to the full!'

As for me now, I find that time is quickly passing by. Making money these days is of little importance.

Of course, writing this journal has taken three years of my life. The strange, yet wondrous, result of this undertaking is that I have relived all my experiences once again....and most of the stories I have thoroughly enjoyed revisiting.

I hope you have enjoyed reading the story of my life and I hope that these pages will provide a unique legacy to be read by my children Lyndsay and Peter and my lovely grandchildren, Josh, Josie and Tippi as well as the future generations to come.

I hope, above all, that my readers will realize how fortunate I have been as they enjoy sharing this assortment of moments throughout my wonderful life.