When I wrote about the studio update the other day, I included a photo of my beloved dolls.
My mom’s Shirley Temple doll on the left, Tressa in the middle, and Emma on the right. I also said that both Tressa and Emma had a story; more specifically, a rescue story. One of you asked me to share those stories. It’s my pleasure.
Tressa’s story: In 2008, my friend Heidi and I were on an antiquing jaunt. Heidi was looking for things for the shop. One of the rooms in her store was called “The Baby Room” and it was filled with all sorts of wonderful vintage toys and books for children. Heidi spotted this doll and grabbed her, thinking she would be perfect to display in the baby room. We both fell in love with her.
When Heidi took her up to the checkout, she was told that the doll had two left feet. What? Sure enough, upon closer examination, we did indeed confirm that she had two left feet. Dolls were often repaired with replacement parts and that’s what happened with her leg. We were told that doll collectors would pass on a doll like this one, that a collector didn’t want a doll with two left feet.
Well, this only made Heidi and I love her more. She was so exquisitely done, her smile was so sweet, her satin dress and bonnet so beautifully made, that we knew she had to go home to Heidi’s shop. She’s a large doll and one can hold her just like a baby. We often did.
There she is, on display in the shop. Every time I worked there, I would pick her up and hold her. I was in love.
At the beginning of 2009, I went to San Diego for a six month long job at the Old Globe/University of San Diego. I never forgot about that sweet doll. Would someone buy her while I was away? When I came home on a break in April, she was still there. I scooped her up and held her. As I was about to go back to San Diego, I realized that I couldn’t let anyone else have her. So I called Heidi and asked her to hang on to her until I returned home in July. She marked her ‘Sold’ and Tressa came to live with me that July.
She’s named Tressa after one of my great-aunts. Meredith suggested it because we’ve always loved that name. It suits her, don’t you think?
Emma’s story: In 2010, Don and I were exploring an antique center (the same one where we found our lamps.) As I turned the corner into the first booth, I saw her. She was tiny. She had a beautiful face. Her dress was lovely, as was her bonnet. She looked lonely in her chair. I picked her up and looked more closely.
There was damage to her legs and some crazing on her limbs. But her socks, her shoes, her dress, her bonnet, her face – they were simply lovely. The damage? Who cares? It just made her more beautiful in my eyes. But, I sadly put her back. I couldn’t afford her.
I went back to that shop two more times over the course of the next few months.
She was still there. In the same place. In the same chair.
No one wanted her.
But, I had to stick to my budget and besides, I was about to go out to San Diego – again – to do some coaching and I would be gone for about 10 weeks.
I went to San Diego. I couldn’t get her out of my mind.
Now, I am not a doll collector. But I did love dolls when I was a little girl. And I had a Tiny Tears doll that I especially loved, given to me in the waning days of my girlhood. My grandmother made all of her clothes. She had a pink corduroy hat and coat. Somehow she was given away by my mother in the course of moving and it broke my heart. I still think of her to this day and wish I could find her.
This little doll reminded me of my lost doll.
I couldn’t bear to think of her sitting there, once loved, now forgotten and lonely. Does that make me a bit loopy? Probably. I can’t help it.
One day while I was sitting in my apartment, I googled the Antique Center and sent an email to the manager. It said: “I saw this doll when I was in your shop – if you turn to the right when you walk in the front door, she is in the first booth. She’s wearing a pink dress and a bonnet and she looks sort of like Tiny Tears. Is she still there?”
The next day I received an answer from the manager, who knew exactly what I was talking about and yes, she was still there.
The price had been reduced.
I called the next day, bought her and asked the manager if he could hang onto her for the next six weeks until I was home again.
He said yes.
And six weeks later, Don and I went to pick her up. She has a home now. And friends to play with – Shirley and Tressa.
I’m a rescuer. All of my dogs have been rescues. So why not these two dolls? They needed a home. They needed to be loved once again. And they are.
Happy Thursday.
Claudia, I Love so much that you Love Dolls. I think it is very charming, and a who wants to lose the little girl that we once were? -Judy A-
I sure don’t, Judy!
Fun history Claudia! I have my Shirley Temple doll from when I was young and she is still in the trunk she came in and is in excellent condition. My Mom made many of the clothes I have for her. I also have my Barbie Doll from somewhat later years…with some awful looking clothes I made for her – lol. Since we have a son and no daughters, I guess I’m holding on to them for a grand-daughter — I couldn’t bear to sell them or donate them.
I had a 12 inch sort of Barbie height Shirley Temple doll – she’s long gone. And I had a Barbie but darned if I know what happened to her. She had a platinum bubble haircut.
You made me cry. I love the biographies of these sweet dolls. Their tiny laws are completely overshadowed by their endearing little faces. I am glad that they both found a home with you in your cottage.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Don’t they have sweet faces? I really love them.
Your dolls are so sweet! I had a Tiny Tears doll that I loved so much and played with her all the time, sadly, I don’t have her anymore. I still have some of the doll clothes that my great-grandmother sewed for me as a Christmas gift one year. I just love the sweet faces of your dolls!
Unfortunately, although I have a lot of my Grandma’s things, I have none of the many, many doll clothes she sewed for my dolls, including my Barbie. Makes me so, so sad.
Claudia I love these special dolls and I adore their names….when we are touched by something we must have, it is because they remind us of a part of our life and they bring us joy. So glad you were able to get both. I have 2 dolls from the 50s I believe that my aunt had for us. One has original clothes and both are rubber. I adore them and would never part with them as my aunt made a nightgown and crocheted a cap for the one. We played with them when we went to visit her. Thanks for bringing back that memory.
You are lucky you have those wonderful treasures, Donna!
What a beautiful post! I love your dolls’ back stories…somethings are just meant to be! ;)
Yes, they are. I figure when a couple of months go by and I’m STILL thinking about them – then they have to come home with me.
You are a rescuer! Your heart leads you to things that touch you and stay in your heart. So love the stories of your dolls!!
hugs, Linda
Yes, I am a rescuer. Is there a 12-step program for that?
Claudia, I love your dolls, I was always the doll lover. I purchase baby dolls for my grand daughters for the thrill of having dolls again. Maybe now that I’m a widow, I can buy myself a few! I can be that eccentric old lady who has “babies”. My mother-in-law was a Tressa, beautiful person in my life. Prayers for you and your parents.
Why not? Go ahead and buy a few, Hedy!
Dear sweet friend,
Your stories brought happy tears to my eyes. I also had a Tiny Tears doll. Sending sunshine from middle TN!
Where are our Tiny Tears dolls, Carol Oh where oh where can they be?
Hi Claudia, I also have my mom’s Shirley Temple doll. She sits in a Lincoln rocker my parents had in their home. The dolls are right where they should be, in a happy home where they are loved! ((hugs))
My mom wanted the kind of Shirley Temple doll that was made by Ideal toys – but my grandmother bought her the Canadian version, which didn’t make my mom very happy! Oh well, I’m sure glad I have her now.
You ARE a rescuer, Claudia – and a darned good storyteller too. Loved these sweet dolly stories, not to mention the exquisite little outfits they’re wearing. Flashback for me – my mom gave away one of my dolls when I was seven. Not her fault – I hadn’t played with her in a while – but I was heartbroken when I couldn’t find her one day and asked my mom. I can still remember the guilty feeling I had. I had been a bad dolly-mommy for neglecting her. Funny, the things we remember from childhood.
I think my mom also gave away my Barbie, her case and all her clothes. Mom did that kind of thing. Someday I’ll tell you the Piano Story – the one where my mom almost gave away my piano!
Loved the stories, thanks for the smiles!
You’re welcome, Kelly!
I love reading your blog everyday and I am so thankful I read this today–I feel the same way about dolls and stuffed animals that have been left behind and unloved! :) Glad to know I’m not crazy…I am a rescuer, too!
Thanks for sharing your lovely home and life.
You are most welcome, Julie!
That was a dolly of a story. The smile doll is a winner. Glad you have her.
Me too, Carol Ann!
Claudia, I love your little dolls. So sweet and loved. My sister has a Toodles doll from her childhood and the sweetest doll she’s had forever that she simply calls “the blue suited doll”. Her rubber skin is rotting, but it doesn’t matter a bit. She is dearly loved. I have a Revlon doll that was specifically given to me as “my last doll”. Then the next year I was given a tiny doll called Littlest Angel. She came with a sewing kit my mom put together for me, so I could learn to sew. I still have her as well, so they are over 50 years old now.
Last summer I went to an estate sale. From across the room I saw the foot of a doll sticking out of a box. She had been thrown in there upside down. I pulled her out and held her up and immediately three other women were at my elbows, itching to get their hands on her. She was beautiful and so big; she was wearing size 2 baby clothes. I wish I could attach a picture of her here. I asked how much she was and the man said, “Oh, five bucks.” I hemmed and hawed as if I was trying to make up my mind and I thought the other women were going to mug me. Finally, I said, “Oh, I guess I’ll take her”. I paid and hugged her and headed for my car and my daughter’s to show her off. I named her Olivia. I had her strapped in the front seat with the seatbelt. My daughter looked at me like I had just entered my senior second childhood. She asked me if I was going to become one of those women who take their doll everywhere and talk to them and put them in shopping carts at the grocery store. I thought for a minute and then said, “Maybe”. LOLOL I love her. I’m going to shop the thrift stores for clothes for her. Loved your post.
My Tiny Tears was given to me as a last doll, Sandra. Good for you for rescuing Olivia! Tressa is pretty big as well – not sure what size clothes she would wear, but I know that when I hold her, it’s like holding a real toddler.
Five bucks was a great deal! She sounds lovely!
Love the stories that go with your dolls..They are very dear..Glad you have them and they, you..
Me too, Missy!
I am a rescuer too Claudia..mostly of old things..and cats..lol..If that makes us loopy then so be it..I prefer to think it shows that we have a kind & caring heart and that’s a good thing..Tressa and Emma are precious dolls who are probably so grateful to be loved again..and there are many days now that I feel like I have two left feet..lol
Oh, me too! Tressa and I have that in common! xo
Love your dolls! I have such a sentimental attachment to dolls. Being the oldest of four girls, my dolls all were worn out by the time they went thru all four of us. I do have a vintage Betsy McCall doll which is what I learned to sew with. I have such fond memories of her!
Judy
We are saving the world, one cast off at a time. This was a beautiful post, so positive and heart-warming. When I think of the things/animals that I have saved I think of that phrase “who was the one saved?”. From the various animals that have held my heart to the bird curio with the broken tail, all have made me happy. I am glad that circumstances brought those dolls into your life. They seem quite happy living with you. :-)
Claudia THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I loved the whole story. Tressa has the cutest chubby legs. Makes me want to hold her and pat her. Does that sound silly? I hope not. And Emma…. awww the boo boo alone was enough to hook me. She really does look like a tiny tears. I so love that anything you collect has such meaning for you.
Sorry so late…. didn’t get online till late today and what a great surprise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs
SueZK
Claudia, love your heart and your soul, a true reflection of the warmth and joy found in your home. I’m just new to this blog but look forward to getting up each morning knowing that something interesting and meaningfully will be waiting for me. Thank you.
Wouldn’t it be fabulous to know the history of these dolls? Where they’ve been, who loved them before you? Sometimes you just gotta follow your heart. And you did just that. Have a fabulous Friday! Tammy
You rescue them, Claudia. And they, in turn, rescue a piece of the little girl that’s still inside you (as she is in each woman).
What a wonderful story for both dolls and one with a happy ending! They are beautiful, and I love the fact that the one baby has two left feet. Made me smile!
I rescue things, too, Claudia. When my mother died, I rescued my father’s eyeglasses and pipe among other things, but I rescue other people’s things that speak to me.
Hope all is well there. I have workmen so my blogging is sporadic. They kept interrupting me yesterday. Hence my tardiness in checking in.
xo
Sheila
Such sweet dollies, Claudia, and lucky to have found such a loving home. I love Emma’s rouged knee. So dear.