The agony of defeat... -_-

[Aquata]

Hi everyone...

Please forgive me, I gotta post what I call a "mopey" post. Why? Well, because many times when talking about pins we share our triumphs in our collections and sometimes one just wants to share their defeats as well. Sometimes, kind words give us the motivation to get back up from those pin defeats.

Everyone's been there...either you've had that grail pin in your grasp and just barely missed it or you've tried for years with no luck. In my particular case, I've been obsessing over two pins ever since I came to these boards, got more educated as a pin trader and joined PinPics. One of these pins, I've almost written it off as "impossible". I know people say, "Don't say that!" but really, it is almost. It is an LE 20 pin that was apart of a beautiful set that cost $125.00 at the time of purchase on Disney Cruise Lines. I can only imagine what the set is worth now-a-days and so far, I know of no one that has it. I've never even seen a picture of it! :shock: I'm sure it must exist but my point is - I'll most likely never own that ONE pin alone. Okay, before I ramble *too* much... I'll get to the point of this thread...moving on...

The second pin I've been obsessing over is this pin:

Pin#: 35796

Anyone who knows me knows that I ADORE the Little Mermaid (kinda a given when you look at my name, eh? ). Specifically, I adore and collect mermaids/mermaid stuff in general. The Little Mermaid as a film is very dear to me for personal reasons which I won't go into but suffice to say, this film is very, very special to me. I collect only the pins of Ariel in her mermaid form for the most part and for me...this is just that ONE special pin that my heart has wrapped itself around and I've sought out. Well, I've tried trading on PinPics for her repeatedly with no luck. Never seen anyone selling her here. I've been stalking eBay nearly DAILY for her. Sometimes twice daily... but admittedly I do go a day here or there where I get too busy or just flat out forget. Well, as of two days ago she popped up on the bay for the first time in MONTHS. I saw THIS tonight...

......................................

I literally got teary eyed and said to myself, "No...no...really...?...It can't be... no... " in utter disbelief and I just hung my head.
The sting of defeat...
My heart was and still is just a little broken...The ONE day this week that I must have missed checking the bay (and I SWORE I did) she pops up and immediately sells (that doesn't surprise me as she's a beautiful pin). I keep telling myself, "Chin up, it won't be the last chance" and admittedly, I've been very fortunate in my pin collecting this last year so really, I don't want to let myself get TOO worked up but I can't help but feel just... deflated, sad, heartbroken for the moment.

If someone on here got this wonderful pin from that listing, admittedly, that will make me feel a bit better because I have met and know some WONDERFUL Ariel collectors here on the forums and I'd be very, very happy to know that at least this pin is in the hands of someone who loves and collects Ariel/TLM. Plus, I'm sure I'm not the only one seeking this lovely pin. So... in closing, I just had to... gripe a wee bit, mope, call it what you like. Please forgive me I just know that this is the place for all kinds of pin talk and most times I try and keep it cheery but man...I'm just...bummed. SUPER bummed right now. That being said, feel free to share your story of your grail lost/pin heartbreak and we can all sit and give each other pin loss pity hugs (I say this totally playfully as I'm not looking for pity so much as I'm looking for inspiration, motivation and just...knowing that people have been here in this same boat ) :hug: I'm sure some of you even have stories of defeat that wind up having happy endings over time. I'd love to hear them It will really help me pick my mopey butt up off the floor. Thanks for reading/listening

 

[Merryweather]

I am so sorry about this, I completely understand the feeling. I am sending out some trade requests for you.

 

[HiddenMickeys]

Yeah, I feel your pain on this one. I saw the auction, but at the time I thought I was going to have to cough up $250 for the Snow White DP so I couldn't afford. I was pretty gutted too to see it disappear after I figured I wasn't getting the Snow afterall. Like you said though, I hope one of our other Ariel collector friends here managed to snag it. That would be a good consolation I guess :lol:

 

[Aquata]

I am so sorry about this, I completely understand the feeling. I am sending out some trade requests for you.

Aw Merryweather! You don't have to do that, really! I appreciate it and you are very kind for thinking to do that for me. I know my day for this beauty will come I've even begun building my traders up again. I know optimism helps I'm sending you a big thank you e-hug though!

Yeah, I feel your pain on this one. I saw the auction, but at the time I thought I was going to have to cough up $250 for the Snow White DP so I couldn't afford. I was pretty gutted too to see it disappear after I figured I wasn't getting the Snow afterall. Like you said though, I hope one of our other Ariel collector friends here managed to snag it. That would be a good consolation I guess :lol:

Agreed!
I will pull a Darth Vader "Nooooooooooo!" if she turns back up on the bay for a higher price (flipped) but I'm 95% certain that she went to a collector...........I think

 

[HiddenMickeys]

Agreed!
I will pull a Darth Vader "Nooooooooooo!" if she turns back up on the bay for a higher price (flipped) but I'm 95% certain that she went to a collector...........I think

I'm kinda thinking along the same line. Someone who shells out that kind of money that fast is probably going to be a collector. At least that's what I'm thinking/hoping for. Something as beautiful as that one needs to go to a good home hahahaha, I feel like I'm talking about a kitten or something :rofl: I'm such a dork! Oh well. Yes, be optimistic and be ready for the next one, girlie! It's all you!! (I'll get the one after that )

....and hey, what happened to your other gorgeous signature? The new one is good and showcases your two biggies for sure, but wow, that other one you had was absolutely drool worthy!! (I know because I sat and drooled over it every day, hehe)

 

[Stitch2814]

It does suck when you miss out on a pin, I stopped looking for awhile for one of my pins and saw it sold for $30 *facepalm* as I just bought it for $120 as only way Ill get it :/ so it will come around again sooner or later.

 

[starry_solo]

Awww....I saw it yesterday when it was still up I'm pretty sure (during one of my browsing sessions for Ariel pins). I was like, wow, that is a pricey pin!

But I am sure you will find it again, at a cheaper price too!

 

[lost-sun-princess]

Aww, Laney, brutal. I've definitely had this happen to me with one pin in particular -- three times. And each time it stings and I'm disappointed and frustrated, but it builds determination in me to finally conquer it! And when you DO finally have it in your hands, it's that much better because you EARNED it, haha! Don't let it defeat you, all good things to those who wait, right?

... For what it's worth, I still believe that LE 20 edition sizes are a form of cruel and unusual punishment handed down to us by the evil powers that be in Merchandising... <3

I remain ever optimistic for you, doll!!

 

[charlottetowell]

Aww try and stay positive, I know how it feels and it is horrible but just imagine when you do get this pin, and you will, how pleased you will be. We have all been in similar situations with that 1 elusive in, or in my case, many elusive pins lol.......you will get her one day :hug:

 

[jadestarr]

*bigsqueezyluveyngoodvibeoshugs* You will find it!

I've learned sometimes it just isn't your time but I promise it will happen!

Example- I was stuck by a force move (layoffs happened and at least I was so good at my job they just moved me to a different department instead of me being one of the 900 layed off) in a position that was soooooooooooo boring for like a year and a half because of the crappy economy. I literally applied for 87 positions in a 12 month time span. FINALLY I got an interview....made it to the final round (this position was only open for applications for 48 hours and they had 400+ applicants)....only to come in 2nd place I weeped.

2 weeks later I got aother interview and indeed got the new position. The 1st position would have only been a lateral move but this one was a promotion!!!!!!! Your time will come to shine too!

 

[Aquata]

I'm kinda thinking along the same line. Someone who shells out that kind of money that fast is probably going to be a collector. At least that's what I'm thinking/hoping for. Something as beautiful as that one needs to go to a good home

hahahaha, I feel like I'm talking about a kitten or something

I'm such a dork! Oh well. Yes, be optimistic and be ready for the next one, girlie! It's all you!! (I'll get the one after that

)

....and hey, what happened to your other gorgeous signature? The new one is good and showcases your two biggies for sure, but wow, that other one you had was absolutely drool worthy!! (I know because I sat and drooled over it every day, hehe)

No, I feel entirely the same way. Something inside of me just twitches and stings a little when I see a pin that I love and cherish get bought then flipped for a higher price.


Also, should I put it back? I loved it too but the other pins on that signatures are more … "Wants". Like if I get them, cool, if I don't, I understand, except for THIS pin. She was on there but she's literally a grail for me. A "OMG MY SOUL LOVES THIS PIN!" pin. So, I figured that I'd do a smaller siggy to showcase my true grails

It does suck when you miss out on a pin, I stopped looking for awhile for one of my pins and saw it sold for $30 *facepalm* as I just bought it for $120 as only way Ill get it :/ so it will come around again sooner or later.

Oh geeze! I'm sorry to hear what you had to pay and you missed out on a good price for it But hey, at least you got it, right? I've spent a pretty penny on some pins that I later thought to myself "If I had just watched they probably would have come up cheaper" but sometimes paying the extra money is so worth just ending the chase, you know? :\

Awww....I saw it yesterday when it was still up I'm pretty sure (during one of my browsing sessions for Ariel pins). I was like, wow, that is a pricey pin!

But I am sure you will find it again, at a cheaper price too!

Thanks Li! You're such a sweetheart I was…kinda… prepared to drop that amount for her…*sheepish look* I kinda figured that was what she'd go for since she's tough to find and LE 250 and well… it's eBay! :lol: But if I find her and at a cheaper price, I'll count my lucky stars! I sure hope so

Aww, Laney, brutal.

I've definitely had this happen to me with one pin in particular -- three times. And each time it stings and I'm disappointed and frustrated, but it builds determination in me to finally conquer it! And when you DO finally have it in your hands, it's that much better because you EARNED it, haha! Don't let it defeat you, all good things to those who wait, right?

... For what it's worth, I still believe that LE 20 edition sizes are a form of cruel and unusual punishment handed down to us by the evil powers that be in Merchandising... <3


I remain ever optimistic for you, doll!!

Eee J'aimie! *hugs* Thank you! ^_^ But you are right! I woke up this morning, read these posts and thought, "I'm GOING to own that pin one day DARN IT!" It shall be mine! Bwhahaha ! *cough* o_<
And yes, all good things come to those who wait! Agreed! As long as I get her before I die, I'll have no complaints, I'll be happy. If I don't… expect my ghost to haunt the place moping about it like Moaning Myrtle :lol:

Aww try and stay positive, I know how it feels and it is horrible but just imagine when you do get this pin, and you will, how pleased you will be. We have all been in similar situations with that 1 elusive in, or in my case, many elusive pins lol.......you will get her one day

I will and thank you Charlotte I imagine when she lands in my hand that much screaming and "OMG" dancing will ensue Believe me, with the bad comes the good. If I get her, I'll post it here along with my reaction video to make up for my mopey post.

*bigsqueezyluveyngoodvibeoshugs* You will find it!

I've learned sometimes it just isn't your time but I promise it will happen!


Example- I was stuck by a force move (layoffs happened and at least I was so good at my job they just moved me to a different department instead of me being one of the 900 layed off) in a position that was soooooooooooo boring for like a year and a half because of the crappy economy. I literally applied for 87 positions in a 12 month time span. FINALLY I got an interview....made it to the final round (this position was only open for applications for 48 hours and they had 400+ applicants)....only to come in 2nd place

I weeped.


2 weeks later I got aother interview and indeed got the new position. The 1st position would have only been a lateral move but this one was a promotion!!!!!!! Your time will come to shine too!

Thank you so much for sharing that with me I'm happy to hear your story had a happy ending and CONGRATS ON THE NEW POSITION!! *UberOmegsSqueezyhugs* I can imagine you probably walked out of the interview and had to resist the urge to pull a Han Solo and yell "YEE HOO!" :lol: I probably would've! I'll keep on this pin I always say, the only sure fire way to NOT ever get a pin is to give up completely.

 

[berrygood]

wow, did this pin really sell for that price? Its one of my favourites from my collection and I used to wear it all the time, now I'm thinking she better get put away safely in a pretty frame. Aquata just keep positive, the trend for all things princess to be super hot will fade again and hopefully everything will go back to somewhat more sane prices and we can all go back to chuckling at the antics of the Jessica/AIW/Haunted Mansion collectors, oh for the good ol' days

 

[Aquata]

wow, did this pin really sell for that price? Its one of my favourites from my collection and I used to wear it all the time, now I'm thinking she better get put away safely in a pretty frame. Aquata just keep positive, the trend for all things princess to be super hot will fade again and hopefully everything will go back to somewhat more sane prices and we can all go back to chuckling at the antics of the Jessica/AIW/Haunted Mansion collectors, oh for the good ol' days

You have some of the *COOLEST* Ariel pins Berry I swear! I dunno, I'd still wear her if it was me, just wear her for special occasions perhaps? She's such a gorgeous pin and hey, if you had her on a lanyard I know you would make my day simply to allow me to see and touch her in real life hahaha
I am going to keep my chin up for sure! I remember hearing about that. Oh, I long for days in the future where (hopefully!) pin trading is not so crazy and calms down some

 

[disneycrazee]

Stay positive! I just bought a grail off the bay that I was convinced I would never own, with only 1 person trading and it never showing up for sale anywhere. It may take time, but she'll eventually make her way to you!

 

[beeatingu]

This was on my watch list an I was ready to pay. Next ting I know it sold! Waaaaah It serves me right, I tried to talk her down

 

[Mali87]

Don't worry it'll come up for u again hun, maybe the Pin Gods have something better in store for u <3 :hug: I am very curious about that sketch... it originally comes with the pin??

 

[rik1138]

I am very curious about that sketch... it originally comes with the pin??

That's my thinking, isn't that why it might have been worth so much? It came with the original, hand-drawn concept art used to create the pin (signed and dated by the artist 5 years before the pin was even released)... I would think that would be worth more than the pin...

I don't know how often Disney sells the original art for the pins, or what value they are considered to have, but that's something I'd _LOVE_ to have for any of the pins in my collection...

 

[Aquata]

Stay positive! I just bought a grail off the bay that I was convinced I would never own, with only 1 person trading and it never showing up for sale anywhere. It may take time, but she'll eventually make her way to you!

That gives me hope!! Thank you! Hearing stories like this boosts my spirits

This was on my watch list an I was ready to pay. Next ting I know it sold! Waaaaah It serves me right, I tried to talk her down

Yep that's happened to me too! I hope this isn't the going price for this pin now because this one did include the signed artwork as a bonus :\

Don't worry it'll come up for u again hun, maybe the Pin Gods have something better in store for u <3 :hug: I am very curious about that sketch... it originally comes with the pin??

Thanks Mel! And I hope so. All hail the mighty pin gods... :bowdown: Hehehe
You know, I was wondering that too! Like I said to Marissa, I'm also wondering now if the next listing of this pin to hit the bay will be as much and will it include the artwork? I have no idea. Guess we have to wait and see

That's my thinking, isn't that why it might have been worth so much? It came with the original, hand-drawn concept art used to create the pin (signed and dated by the artist 5 years before the pin was even released)... I would think that would be worth more than the pin...

I don't know how often Disney sells the original art for the pins, or what value they are considered to have, but that's something I'd _LOVE_ to have for any of the pins in my collection...

I know PinPics doesn't say anything about the pin coming with it's original artwork... :dunno:
Honestly, I figured due to it's scare appearance on the bay that when this pin DID pop up, it'd already go for an inflated price, it being LE250 and rare and pretty. I think this was actually a justifiable price for the pin AND the signed artwork by the artist. Interested to see what the pin by itself will come up for. I'm wagering now the pin itself may pop up for $250-$300 just because now someone will see this listing, ignore the artwork and use the basis of "This is what the pin sold for last time" :facepalm:

 

[Jrdnsmom]

It will happen just hang on there! it's going to be in your hand someday, your dream will come true, and when it does share with us your super mega happy grail dance because we all want to share in your celebration. Someone is going to see that pin sold for a good chunk of dough and will think to themselves I could use that kind of money and will post thiers too! the time will come and it will be your turn! stay Positive! and lots of luck and pixie dust!

 

[Clara9271]

Oh no :/ I'm really sad to hear this. I know the feeling... I know you will get her one day Maybe even for a better price! you never know

 

[AceOfSpades]

im pretty familiar with that feeling with the enchanted marquee T_T its rarely seen ever, with no one trading on pinpics.. but its on ebay right now but it already hit $400 with days left for the auction :/ i feel its hopeless.

 

[echoharmony]

Awww laney *huggles* I'm so sorry. I've had this experience with numerous pins. I've made trades for and got scammed for the rapunzel designer princess, and the tangled marquee. I've been hunting the Giselle reveal conceal since the series came out. I've been trying to get the ds.com Mulan 10th anniversary pin since it came out. The list goes on and on, my list of pins I feel like I won't ever get. Blahhh. I will send some requests for you!!

 

[Nekov]

I've felt like that many many times! Patience is the key though even though it feels like we'll be waiting for years and it will never show up again, it eventually does!

:hug:

Some day! I really hope you find it again

 

[starry_solo]

Just remember that the agony of defeat will soon become the thrill of victory!!!

 

[starry_solo]

P.S. I sound like an ABC Wide World of Sports commercial/intro....