Like the Velveteen Rabbit, this is one very-loved Raggedy Ann! We gave her to Amy at her first birthday, so she's 32+ years old right now.
I don't remember when she came to live with us...maybe when Amy went off to college and didn't have a place for her in her own house once grown up. So now she lives in safe-keeping at our home in this antique highchair, a reminder of days gone by and lots of lovin'.
There she is when she had her long hair and was itching to be loved to death. Amy, btw, is the one on the right, at her first birthday party in San Diego, CA. See how fresh and perky Miss Raggedy Ann is for her!
Today she's not quite so perky without her pinafore but she smiles just as broadly and loves just as much. Nothing seems to faze her as Life passes her by. It's just her hair, getting thinner and a bit more unruly.
Which is why I write of her today: after a month being overdue (because of two flight changes on our last Germany trip), I'm off now to get my hair cut. Talk about "raggedy!" And reverse Raggedy Ann--needing to go from long to short instead of vice versa. But you get the point.
I feel the same way but I'm not sure if I should wait it out for a while or just go get it cut again...decisions! You know I think I had that same doll - and since only a 2 year gap in age, it could make sense.
ReplyDeleteYou know, it's actually pretty cool that you still have this doll, Mom! There aren't many things that we hold on to for 30+ years. Well, except maybe for "moms". :-)
ReplyDeleteAh, Raggedy Ann, a touch of home and a comfort, security symbol. There's a special value in older things such as this.
ReplyDeleteET: And do you know where YOUR doll is? That's the question :)
ReplyDeleteAmy: I guess I knew it'd come in handy some day! (HA)
Tim: And let's not forget Raggedy Andy, of course! Yes, I love older things and find LOTS of value in them. Thanks for your comment.
This really gives me goosebumps. I love almost anything old -- the imperfections are perfect.
ReplyDeleteWhatever happened to all those photos we browsed for a new bob for you? I forgot about that!
I still have my first Barbie, the first one in fact...Bought for me by my mom in 1959... She would worth many hyndreds of dollars, except that I shaved her head and cut her head. I think I was a bit sadistic when I was young... I used to shave my dolls... Help Mr Freud!
ReplyDeleteRuth: Perfect imperfections! I like that. The bobs? Well, my hair is starting to have a mind of its own, I think. Not sure what's happening to it yet.
ReplyDeleteMP: Maybe someone would want her with her hair cut off--someone who was just like you! So don't throw her away, whatever you do!
Hmmm. I never had a Raggedy Ann, but I remember my anglophone neighbour having one. Maybe it was better that way. I was pretty rough on dolls. I was more likely to be found somewhere up a in tree or something. :-)
ReplyDeleteI never had one either, CS. In fact, I don't remember ever having a doll, period. I must have been up in the trees with you because my best play memories are of climbing trees!
ReplyDeleteRaggedy Ann is so beautiful! Just imagine being loved so well that your hair falls off!! :-)
ReplyDeleteI had a Raggedy Ann AND a Rageddy Andy but sadly I have no idea what happened to them. My mother may still have them for all I know. I do however have some very old toys from my childhood. Maybe I'll do a post on that some time. You've inspired me once again, Ginnie!
Hope your hair cut was a success.
Ha, Christina. Yes, my haircut was a success, as far as I'm concerned. I would love to see your "very old toys" some day.
ReplyDeletebaby Amy looks a LOT like Nicholas!
ReplyDeleteI should hope so, Nate, and I'm sure she'd take that as a compliment :)
ReplyDelete