Rain, rain, rain – Ida is passing by as she heads toward the Atlantic Ocean, so we’ll be getting about 2 to 3 inches by the time this is over. Right now, it’s a lovely gentle rain; the kind that makes me happy to relax, turn on the lights, and stay inside.
Happy September. I’ll admit it, I’m ready for fall. August was pretty much unbearable around my neck of the woods. Don’t let the door slam behind you, August.
I thought I’d share the photo of the Blythe doll I purchased, as some of you had questions about Blythes. If you’re new to them – as I am – seeing one that hasn’t been customized can be surprising, even spooky. But with the artists who do custom dolls; taking a basic doll and working on the skin, the nose, lips, hand painting the face, as well as adding a different wig – the transformation is striking. A basic Blythe doll has very shiny “skin” and the eyes are usually creepy. Anyway, because I’m curious and love to do research, I’ve learned a fair amount about the subject. Blythes, by the way, were originally made by Kenner, an American company, but that was only for a few years. Eventually, they stopped production and a Japanese company took control.
Here’s my girl:
She has freckles.
Photos: CandyFlossByRose
Interestingly, I never liked those paintings of kids with big eyes by Margaret Keane, though my best friend grew up with them and loves them to this day. But, somehow, I’m into these. There are so many people designing adorable clothes for them. You could easily go a little nuts, or as someone I follow who has been very helpful with information says: “You’ve gone down the rabbit hole.”
I realize they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, but at the age of 68, I am fascinated by them. Who knew? And I’ve found several ‘older’ women who love them and even customize them.
I’ve got an idea what her name will be, but I’ll wait until I see her in person. The lady in England who customized her also made the outfit. The dolls come in a couple of different sizes but the most popular version is just under 12 inches high.
She’s currently at Heathrow, awaiting her trip across the ocean.
I can’t wait to dress her in different outfits!
68 going on 8. I’m okay with that.
Stay safe.
Happy Wednesday.
Shanna says
Oh, she’s a cutie!
Claudia says
She is, isn’t she?
Have you left for Florida yet, Shanna?
Stay safe.
Shanna says
No, we’ll be here for a couple more weeks.
Claudia says
xo
Mary says
I’d never heard of these dolls, but this one is quite lovely. And I just learned you and I are the same age. Hope you’re doing better than I have been, I’ve been battling breast cancer since April, but I’m very near the end of it with great doctors and treatment plans.
Claudia says
Mary, I am so sorry to hear you’ve been going through this. Prayers for a complete recovery. It sounds like you’re almost on the other side of treatment. Much love.
Stay safe!
kathy in iowa says
sorry you’ve had to go through that, mary. praying for your comfort and full recovery!
kathy in iowa
Marilyn Schmuker says
She’s so cute! Love the freckles. You will have fun with her.
Happy first unofficial day of fall!
Claudia says
Same to you, Marilyn!
Stay safe!
Donnamae says
Oh Claudia…she’s a real doll! Sorry….just had to do that. The freckles are everything! ;)
Claudia says
I know! Aren’t the freckles wonderful!
Thanks so much, Donnamae!
Stay safe.
jeanie says
As soon as I saw it, I thought “Keane.” Did you ever see the movie about them? FAscinating.
Claudia says
I hope you don’t think Keane for too long. Those paintings were creepy. This doll is beautiful.
No, I’ve not seen the movie but I know the whole story, which was well publicized at the time.
Stay safe, Jeanie!
Linda MacKean says
Oh my she is cute! I’m trying to resist! We had horrible wind and rain from Ida yesterday. Sun is out today but it did drop the temperature so that’s a good thing!
Claudia says
So much rain here today, Linda. I suspect we’ll get 4 or 5 inches before this is over!
I’m glad you like her!
Stay safe.
Chris K in WI says
Keane came to mind for me, too. I did NOT like those paintings, and the story behind them is so creepy. I am glad you love the doll. When one looks at her for a bit, the eyes are not as “bad” as the Keane eyes were…to me. I imagine the freckles soften the look even more. She will love being amongst your treasures at MHC!! Lucky little doll.
We are enjoying a pretty perfect day here. Blue sky, lots of sun, and temps in the mid 70’s w no humidity issues. Daughter took the day off and she and hubs left to go kayaking a bit ago. I hope this weather is headed right your way! Take care.
Claudia says
I just looked at the Keane paintings again today and they aren’t even comparable. The Keane eye are huge and dark and even malevolent. These eyes are large, but they’re bright and sweet. And since I didn’t grow up looking at those paintings, they really aren’t in my consciousness, thank goodness.
We are having a not so good day here. We’ve already had over two inches of rain and might have 5 at the end of this. Endless!
Thanks, Chris.
Stay safe.
Debbie in Oregon says
LOVE her little shoes!
Claudia says
Me, too!
Thanks, Debbie.
Stay safe.
kathy in iowa says
hej.
i haven’t been writing lately because work is awful. really, really bad. will leave it at that because i am blessed to have a job … and what’s happening in afghanistan, at the border, with covid, etc. is far worse. i’ve missed everyone here and hope you all are well and happy.
claudia, i hope little z and everyone else is healthy and stays that way, too.
and many congratulations on your upcoming film work … so happy for you!!
will keep praying and checking in, chat more in the future. xo
kathy in iowa
Claudia says
I’m sorry to hear this, Kathy. Take care of yourself, my friend,
Stay safe.