Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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.