Hello / Goodbye

Today I have another introduction to my doll family- and a heavier post. I mentioned briefly in my last blog that I was feeling slightly inclined to purchase Tenney for a custom character because I am learning how to play guitar. Well, Tenney (new name to be determined), ended up joining my collection after all, but not for the reasons I had anticipated.

On April 10th, 2017 my adopted grandmother passed away unexpectedly at the age of 88. She was a German immigrant, born in Germany in 1929. She lived in Berlin during WWII and moved to the US following the end of the war to become a nanny. From her I learned a basic grasp of the German language, how to brave the jump from the diving board into the deep end, and the very important lesson of allowing yourself to indulge in a treat once in a while. (Even if that meant sneaking Krispy Kreme donuts from around the corner so your grandchildren didn't notice). She recounted her life history & memories to me, knowing that I adored and desired to know my family's history. 

My grandmother lived in Texas, and from the moment she stepped into my life she was forever 'grandma in Texas.' In fact, her last card to me was signed "Love always, your grandma in Texas." She loved the South- the music, the sunshine, the food... And Tenney reminded me of that. Tenney has come into my life at a time when I needed it the most. She has sat and kept me company while I recall and write down many memories with my grandma. When my family decided to forgo having a funeral or memorial service for her, Tenney was there to hug while I cried out my frustration. 

I lucked out as two of my three grandma's share/d my love of dolls with me. My grandma in Texas is the one who surprised me with Felicity's School Outfit and her Traveling Outfit. She always brought out her tiny replica cast iron stove for me to play with when I stayed overnight and brought Felicity. She encouraged my love of reading and bought me several American Girl books. My collection will always have a tie to her. 

Grief is fickle- it is unkind. I have found myself going from the edge of despair, to deep anger, and elated happiness all within the same day, hours even. I have the guiding hand of my counselor and the unwavering support of my wife. Time will continue to pass without my grandmother and during that time I will work through my grief and hold my memories dear. I am so very fortunate to have called her grandma and be adopted into her family. May she rest in peace. 

It's Spring, Finally.

And I mean it's finally spring. Minnesota is known for it's harsh winters, but even more brutal (at least to me) is the time between February and March. Why? Because it can be 60 degrees and sunny one day and 10 degrees and snowing the next. Those little teasers of spring make it so hard to stay positive! It's finally warming up here now and most of the winter snow is gone. These last couple of months I've still been struggling with low energy and chronic fatigue which has taken a toll on the time I used to spend interacting with my collection. I'm hoping that this beautiful weather will bring a blast of fresh energy with it! For now, here are a couple of updates on my end.

And finally an updated collection photo!

Most of the girls are dressed for spring time, except Felicity who received a surprise gift of the ribbon from her ribbons set that matches her school outfit so she's wearing that. My wife, who continues to be a well of support, bought me the gorgeous trunk the dolls are standing against to store most of them in. This means that I can access a good portion of my dolls and my hairstyling kit from the living room. I cannot begin to describe how nice this is in regards to my CFS. I'm finally spending more time with them! 

I also took Zosia, my #26, to go and get her hearing aids! I've seen them in store and have wanted to have a doll with them for a long time. I was pleasantly surprised to see how nice they sit on the doll and how durable they are. During this time she also received her gardening bench and outfit. Zosia is the gardener in my gang and I have waited and waited and waited to get these sets. Even better? It was on clearance! I was able to buy both items for way less than the gardening bench's original price.

She's an aspiring beekeeper!

My boycott of Tenney & Logan is still ongoing. I find myself weakening in that I'd like to have Tenney & her guitar, but with a completely different story. She may yet find a place with me, rid of her problematic story. We'll see... I've weakened mostly because I'll be taking guitar lessons in the near future, which is something I've always wanted to do. Then on a totally different note I find myself wanted to narrow down my collection to 5 dolls and their collections... Hahaha. I find that this is not only something I struggle with, a lot of collectors go between wanting a bigger collection and a smaller collection. I have to find some way of feeling content in the meantime. 

Lastly, I found someone who was willing to create a version of Caroline's Battle Dress for me! I've loved that dress since I first saw it on the cover of her book and still am amazed that American Girl never made it an official part of her collection. Caroline's time period fascinates me, both the history and the fashion, so I'm always happy to add something for her.

Isn't it wonderful?

That's about it for now! Hope you all are having a wonderful spring!