Mowing. Yesterday, we mowed the corral, the back forty, the upper part of the front lawn, and the secret garden.
For the first time this summer, we’ve had 5 dry days in a row, giving us enough time for the ground to dry out and to mow every part of the property. For most of the summer, we had to mow a bit here, wait a week, then mow another section, etc. We were tired after this mowing extravaganza, but we are so happy to know we do not have to mow anything for a while.
Sad, but true: this is a highlight of our summer. And, as I said the other day, we’re strong!
On Monday a postal delivery van drove up the driveway and a guy emerged holding a box (which looked suspiciously like a doll box.) I hadn’t ordered anything at all, so I had absolutely no idea what this was. It was addressed to me. After examining the box more closely, I saw my friend Doug’s return address. You remember Doug? My friend of more than 50 years from our days at Eastern Michigan University studying drama? He is the one who designed several of the Gene Marshall ensembles. In addition, he’s has designed his own line of dolls – more than one. His most recent line is called the 1470 Collection; porcelain dolls that echo those of the 1920s.
Sure enough, the box said ‘1470 Collection.’
I couldn’t believe he sent me a doll! I was so excited I could hardly stand it!
Here she is. Mary, Silver Siren.
Oh my goodness! I’ve never had a porcelain doll, so the weight of the doll was a surprise. These dolls are inspired by dolls made by Simon and Halbig, and Cuno and Dressel – companies that were designing porcelain dolls between 1912 and 1925 or so. They often had porcelain heads and composition bodies. This girl is entirely porcelain, strung with elastic, with glass eyes and pierced ears. She’s 14½ inches tall, jointed at the neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.
He also included 3 more outfits as well as shoes, and a hat.
Needless to say, I was stunned. The more I look at her, the more beautiful she is. She’s exquisite.
I kept saying to Don that she was heavy and I was going to have to find a stand for her. Then I read her description again yesterday and read “comes with stand.” Duh. I know better! I didn’t even think to look more closely at the box. Sure enough, there was the stand, hidden under some cardboard.
She is now upstairs on my desk.
Doug and I are going to talk on the phone this morning and I can’t wait to hear more about this exquisite line of dolls.
When I thanked him (via email because I didn’t want to call and disturb him late in the day) he simply said “I wanted you to have her.”
I am blessed.
Stay safe.
Happy Wednesday.
Well, that certainly is a lovely gift… she’s beautiful, as are her clothes and accessories! I didn’t realize porcelain dolls were still made, though I’m learning a lot about dolls through you! Happy you have some sunshine!
Thank you so much, Barrie.
Stay safe.
I’ve never had a porcelain doll either. Her outfits are georgous. What a lovely gift!
I feel the change in the air, in the light…fall is right around the corner. I think this is my favorite time of summer. Time to sit on the porch one more time, time to vist the beach, time to get one more ice cream cone, time to build a fire and make s’mores. I’m starting to think about making soup, eating apples, wearing sweaters and sweatshirts. I think fall is my favorite time of year.
Take care
I do, too. Summer is still my favorite time because of the garden, but I must admit that this summer was a pain in the tush, so I am ready for fall.
Stay safe, Marilyn.
Well, she is a beauty for sure.
I was thinking of this the other day in terms of yours/Don’s friends: What happened to the guy-neighbors whose dog you and Don would take care of when the gentlemen would be away? Did they move somewhere else or are they still your neighbors?
I actually got sleep from 3am to 6am on the sofa with the lights on as we continue to suffer aftershocks (more than 30 now; they are still earthquakes; we who are affected are worn out with the stress) from Sunday’s earthquake. It’s the biggest complaint on local social media with people being unable to sleep due to constantly being awakened by noise and movement.
Actually, latest aftershock on geo sites which was more felt than others was at 10:40am PST and the grand total of foreshocks/aftershocks stood at 192 about an hour ago, so no wonder why our brains and bodies are rattled since Sunday. Maybe today will be the day we feel them even less and less! The dog would appreciate it; he’s been clawing at me and running around whining all morning, trying to hide at my feet under this desk; he’s feeling it even more than we are, the poor guy.
Hope everything settles down soon so your pup’s anxiety will dissipate.
Betsy
I hope by today (Thursday) things have calmed down, Vicki. Your poor dog!
Stay safe.
Vicki I was thinking the same thing for a long time
They are the only couple I ever saw visiting
They’re still our neighbors.
So many aftershocks! I can’t imagine how stressful this has been for everyone!
Thinking of you, Vicki.
Stay safe.
what a fun surprise and lovely gift (great work, doug)! and how nice to catch up with a friend.
glad you’ve had some sunshine and can enjoy your freshly-mown lawn … beautiful!
very hot here … to get over 100 degrees today and tomorrow. not into it. acorns have been dropping for a few weeks, maybe a month (that seems early so maybe due to drought?). a few leaves on a few trees and bushes are turning colors other than green. i am ready for cooler weather, but will of course deal with what we get.
hope everyone stays cool and safe.
kathy
Yes, I guess there is some sort of heat dome over much of the country. So sorry, Kathy!
Stay safe.
What a lovely gift to receive
May you have many joyful days with her
Siobhan x
Thank you, Siobhan.
Stay safe.
What a wonderful gift from a friend. And extra outfits too. She is beautiful. I know you’ll be smiling every time you look at her.
I do. She’s not the kind of doll I am normally drawn to, but having received her and studied her – I’ve sort of fallen in love.
Stay safe.
Have fun with your new doll and her clothing. And, more importantly, enjoy your reconnection with Doug.
Thank you, Wendy.
Stay safe.
She is stunning and such an amazing gift. I know you will treasure her. Hugs!
I will. Thank you, Linda.
Stay safe.
Mary is soooo beautiful! And her clothes are fabulous! You are a lucky lady to have such a great friend in Doug. Enjoy!
He’s a great guy, Tana.
Stay safe.
Wow! Simply gorgeous. A little work of art!
She really is!
Thanks, Roxie.
Stay safe.
Doug has given you a beautiful gift, one from the heart. She has a lovely expression and a high-fashion wardrobe. What a lovely surprise! Enjoy your conversation with him. Your proprty looks lovely, all mowed. How large is your property? Larger screen han an acre? You can relax for a few days now. Hugs, Elaine
Just a hair under two acres, Elaine.
Thanks so much.
Stay safe.
She is a stunner. What a gift he has for designing and executing such a beautiful doll. I’m sure she is one lucky one to have found such a good home and someone who would love and appreciate her so much!
What a kind, generous and thoughtful gift. Simply amazing.
He’s a wonderful guy.
Thanks, Jeanie.
Stay safe.
wonderful! I can’t wait to see all her outfits in turn. The grey stockings with this one….
Ceci
I’ll do my best to change her outfits when I can, Ceci.
Thanks so much.
Stay safe.
Your yard looks beautiful!
I have never seen a porcelain doll with joints before. My mom had a porcelain baby doll but the body, arms and legs were cloth and stuffing with the porcelain head, hands and feet attached to them in some way. We were not allowed to touch it! :) The doll is safe in a box at my sister’s house.
The older porcelain dolls often had cloth bodies.
Glad you still have that doll – safely at your sisters.
Stay safe, Betsy.
She is stunning as are her outfits, So glamorous! I don’t know these dolls — time to do some investigating. I have several porcelain dolls. Their weight is very different. Fabulous gift.
Yes, I was sort of thrown by their weight!
Thanks, Lori.
Stay safe.
What a beautiful doll. And what a wonderful friend to gift it to you. The ’20’s is my favorite fashion era. I have pictures of my dad’s mother wearing flapper-type dresses. They come above her knees and her shoes are so beautiful. I even have one of those dresses which is the same shade of gray as your doll’s and is trimmed with a million black jet beads. Wish I knew a good way to display it since it’s now over 100 years old.
Rest up and enjoy how pretty your property looks post-mowing.
Take care,
Kay
I love the 20s! I have an antique dress cut on the bias with jet beads. I wore it in a play when I was skinny!
Stay safe, Kay.
So many people love you Claudia!! What an absolutely beautiful to haul, very special For lots of reasons! Enjoy
I love all of you, Nora!
And to have the chance to renew a long friendship with Doug is a gift!
Stay safe.
It is starting to feel like fall in the mornings and evenings. Maybe those horrible grasshoppers will die, as well as all the bugs and such that ate up all my plants and veggies! Your place looks so lush after all the rain you’ve had. We will start having water restrictions next week. Our river is so low.
Love your porcelain dolls. My friend has 12 she’d like to sell. Another friend once painted and assembled dolls. I love the 1920’s.
My transgender daughter is causing me grief again this week. Sent a scathing letter. I guess two of her grandparents and myself (maybe my husband too, who knows) just aren’t on board. Covid, wanting to belong and feeling lonely, the internet and being sucked in were her biggest issues. No more.
I’m looking for a more meaningful life. These days I paint, like you, Claudia. But I miss my accordion and reading. I smile but I’m sad inside.
I only have one porcelain doll, the one in the photo. I wouldn’t buy one normally, but I’m quite taken with it.
I’m sorry things are tough for you. As someone who has a sister who is estranged from the entire family – by her choice – I mourn that loss. I’ve tried and failed to get her back, as has everyone else in the family. That’s my little sister, who I helped raise, and it breaks my heart.
Stay safe.