Throughout my years as a collector, writing, blogging, communicating with fellow bloggers, and others who share or understand my passion for Black dolls, I have formed lasting friendships and been part of enriching doll networks and groups of like-minded people.
I am taking the time now to thank those who have been part of one or more of my circle of doll-friends many of whom have sent unexpected gifts my way this year.
First of all, I want to thank all the dedicated readers/followers of this blog. I greatly appreciate those who share their input through comments and also those who are not as vocal but continue to read my posts and often contact me directly.
In no certain order, and I hope I do not omit anyone, below are some of the doll gifts I have received this year from those in my close circle of doll friends and from acquaintances.
Circa 1960s church fan features a praying girl with a doll. |
Cloth doll plastic bag holder and Santa door ornament |
Ms. Harper was a long-time member of my Yahoo Group! WeLoveBlackDolls. She is now a member of my private Facebook group. This week I received an unexpected package that contained a 24-inch cloth doll that serves as a plastic bag holder. The package from Ms. Harper also included an African American Santa door ornament. Both, shown above, are so delightful and warmly received. Thank you, again, Ms. Harper for thinking of me!
Senegalese boy, Issa Pouye, by Mme. Fabinta Lo |
1960s Dress Me-type doll and So In Style Grace with Courtney Goes to the Salon |
Paper doll and cutout books published by LaVerne Hall |
I placed an order for a sock doll and a clothespin doll from LaVerne Hall, who sent along several of her published paper dolls and additional doll artist-related literature. Thank you again, LaVerne for your generous gifts. A blog post featuring my sock doll and clothespin doll by Laverne is forthcoming.
SIS Baby Phat Kara and Prom Grace |
This year I received dolls and other items from Kimberley Wallace, founder and moderator of the So In Style Fan Club. These were sent after my participation in fan club events. Two of the dolls received, Grace and Kara, are shown above.
1996 Clueless doll fashion and Lucky Locket Kiddles boxed paper doll set (1968). |
Ms. S. has been a blessing to me for the years I have known her. I have received several items from her throughout the years. This year I received a Clueless doll fashion and Lovely Locket Kiddles boxed paper doll set, which are shown above. Both remain very much appreciated.
Earlier this year, email correspondent turned doll-friend, and fellow collector, Ms. Gauley, had items made for two of my Ideal Crissy grow-hair family dolls. A replacement headband was made for Tressy and a pair of too-cute overalls with matching blouse and shoulder bag were made for Cinnamon. Thank you, again, Ms. Gauley!
Circa 1940s Black Americana tea bell mammy and circa 1950s beaded Zulu doll |
Shindana's Kimmie dressed as a bride |
Shindana's Kimmie, circa 1968, dressed as a bride, was a gift from fellow black-doll enthusiast, Linda Hayes, as a thank you for posting some of her dolls for sale on this blog over a several-week period. Kimmie is a welcome addition to my Shindana doll collection. Thank you again, Linda!
Cutie Pops Candi (stock photo from Amazon.com) |
Fellow collector and doll friend, Cheryl Bruce sent Cutie Pops Candi by Jada Toys to me as part of a Pay it Forward Facebook challenge I participated in this year. In January, Cheryl posted the challenge details as a status update. Essentially, the first five people to respond in a comment that they were "in" would receive a surprise from her sometime during the year. The surprise could be something purchased, something homegrown, a book, or something the recipient would like. I was one of the five people to comment. In turn, I had to post the Pay if Forward challenge details as a Facebook status update and likewise send surprises to the first five people to post a comment that they were also willing to participate. Cutie Pops was my surprise from Cheryl and was she ever a surprise. Before receiving the doll I had no prior knowledge of her existence. Thank you again, Cheryl!
Queens of Africa Nneka, a gift from Mr. Taofick Okoya, founder of the Queens of Africa dolls |
Again, I hope I have not missed naming anyone who gave dolls and doll-related items to me this year. To each and every one of you, I extend a huge heartfelt thanks.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. -- James 1:17
dbg
You have a lot of very generous friends! All of these gifts are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIndeed I do. I consider them all a blessing and hope I have been a blessing to them as well.
Deletedbg
I KNOW that you have been a blessing to them, without a doubt!
DeleteThank you, Roxanne! I truly hope so. That would mean I am fulfilling my purpose "to help others." (This was revealed to me, circa 1973/'74 when in a confused, wondering about my life state, I asked God, to tell me why I am here. I heard these words as though you spoke them to me, "To help others." I learned that I have to put limits on that "help," because people will abuse and use you, if you allow it. And I think allowing yourself to be used is just as bad as being a user.
Deletedbg
Beautiful gifts and well deserved.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Ebonyblu!
Deletedbg
Aqui 2 videos que a senhora vai gostar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UoTwIxJtK4
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_nNqLRDMLo
Thank you again Nicholas for the doll-related video links!
Deletedbg
OMG...I have that tea bell and never knew what it was suppose to be. I just happened to spot it sitting on a shelf at an estate sale. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHi Betty,
DeleteThe clothing acts as a great disguise. Here's a link to an unclothed one where you can see that the handle serves as the face and body.
dbg
Beautiful gifts! Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Night Owl!
DeleteMerry Christmas to you and your family.
dbg
Tem um site que você pode ficar sabendo das novidades sobre bonecas barbies playlines brancas,negras,asiáticas e morenas http://mattelken.blogspot.com.br/
ReplyDeleteNicholas,
DeleteI have added the URL of your blog to my reading list for news "about dolls barbies playlines white, black, Asian and brunettes."
dbg
The bounty you receive is a measure of the grace you share with everyone around you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the very nice complimrpent, Paulette!
Deletedbg
Yeah, what Limbe Dolls said! You are getting what you give out.
ReplyDelete