Current Mood : Still Weird. Big Surprise.

Current Image Notes : Darci catalog I found online. Cool !

I'm still in a bit of a weird mood, due to yesterday's thoughts. It's the first day of Spring, I should be springing about. But I'm kind of down a bit. Plus Beloved Hubby has a tummy bug that's knockin' him to his knees, and his sole employee is making problems for him. (sigh)

I'm a bit upset at myself, because Dearest Son's Spring Break is nearly over, and my lofty ambitions - the duck pond, the library, some math and reading reviews, the park - didn't even come close to realization. Again. Mostly, he got to sleep in, play Wii, run around outside when the weather was nice, watch his movies, and chase the cat. If you ask him, it was a great break, he mostly did what he wanted when he wanted to, but I feel like I cheated both of us by scanning patterns.

Oddly, I didn't scan anything today - busy day. Beloved's sick, and Dearest leaves for his grandparents' tonight, but he'll be back tomorrow morning. I was kind of hoping for a bit more time at tomorrow's ‘Garage Sale' (heh - it's the Flea Market, same people, same stuff, same place), but at least I'll have some of the morning to m'self. I'm kind of looking forward to getting back on schedule, since I haven't done squat with the unstructured days this week !

Worked a bit on the Skipper case project - the case lot arrived today, and I'm happy. I now have nine on display, but one will go bye-bye when I get the Midge #2 one. Beloved thinks I need to start a second row, but unless I make some amazing finds, I like it the way it is. The Skipper case is in great condition for its age, but the design is off just a bit from the lines. Some of ‘em are simply that way. It's funny to me, because most Barbie cases have a metal latch at the top, and the older it is, the more likely it's rusted. This Skipper one has the latch in the front middle, and it's shiny and new-looking.

The more I study Barbie cases, the more I find this to be true. What makes the latch placement determine rust ? Or is it simply that sticky little fingers make it more likely to rust, when the latch and handle are so close together ? Or did the Skipper cases just see less use ? In any case, Skipper now has two dresses, a skirt, pajamas, and a cape. Along with a sandwich-size baggie of small props, including a Littlest Pet Shop cat, with dishes. Hope she likes it.

Hit the thrift stores, had one small find. A really worn SuperStar Barbie, hair thin even under the tight braid, but she was wearing the overdress to Darci's Lifestyle Fashions ‘Garden Party', and it was in good shape, so I snagged her. SSB has already been redressed and prepared for donation, but the dress fits Leia, and I'm happy. It's transparent, but the original came with a peach tube under-dress, and I can easily recreate that. Nice white sash belt, and maybe some me-made white sandals, and Leia's ready for spring.

Remember Darci ? Kenner's last try at fashion dolls ? Here's a site with great info, including what 'Garden Party' is supposed to look like ->

http://www.darcidoll.com/index.html

Posted by dorriebelle at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Monday, 2 May 2011 2:47 PM CDT

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Current Mood : Kinda weird

Current Image Notes : Production cel (complete with scratches) from Raggedy Ann and Andy : A Musica Adventure. I don't own this cel, but at least I own a copy of an image of it. :)

Was a bad girl today. Finally did the grocery shopping...and I picked up the Disney Princess wastebasket. Last one they had, too. I feel so silly for spending $6. on a trash can, but it's very pretty, and fits in that now-green drawer set perfectly ! I love it. I had a tin ‘space' one when I was a kid - this one's tin, too, and it kind of takes me back a bit.

Also got Dearest Son's Easter basket stuff. Mal-Wart had tin buckets with various kid-friendly graphics - Cars, Spiderman, Transformers, High School Musical, SpongeBob, Disney Princesses, and even Tinker Bell ! I thought about buying a DPrincess pail for lab trash, but it's really rather small. And if I'm gonna shell $4. for a pail I don't really like, I might as well spend the extra $2. to get what I want ! 

Dearest, of course, got the Cars one, with Lightning and Tow Mater on it. He has a chocolate rabbit, Bubble Tape, and eighteen spaceship-shaped filled eggs waiting for him Sunday morning. Not bad for $11. The pre-made ones at that price point (well, actually $15.) are pretty crappy. A super-cheap, essentially useless basket with a gaudy plastic toy and about 50c worth of small candies. It'd be fine if you bought it at a gas station and were in desperate need (of an Easter basket, for some reason), but otherwise, sooo not worth it. One year, his grandparents gave him so much candy, it filled a beach sand pail, and we were still eating it in August.

Got the next pattern scanned - Simplicity 7737 - and it took maybe an hour. It's amazing how many patterns that are thirty-plus years old and have never been cut out. I can't wait to try it out...but I have two other patterns and a pattern magazine to scan first.

I'm in kind of another memory-flood mood right now, though. Found that the full feature-length production of Raggedy Ann and Andy : A Musical Adventure is on Google Video. This is basically the movie that set off my whole obsession with animation. When I first saw it, at a children's matinee I more or less got dropped off at, I was twelve and thought it a bit too kiddy and bizarre for me, although some sequences were undeniably charming. Some of the rotating perspective shots still make me mildly ill, though. It was actually a ‘Making Of' short feature on cable or TV a year or so later, showing the computer-guided rudimentary animation, that really ignited my imagination. While watching the movie has stirred some memories, I'd pay to see that ‘Making of' again ! It made me really want to understand how animation worked, and, lacking any real art skills, try to figure out how I could be a part of it.

Well, not all dreams work out. There's no way I could be all I dreamt of as a kid - there just aren't that many calls out for roller-skating voice actresses and worked in radio (at least I got to do that !) over at Lucasfilm. The one person I knew in animation - a guy who translated anime, some sub, some dub - didn't think enough of my voice to even give me a business card. So I let that one die. Most of the ‘prequel' films killed the Lucasfilm one, and I'm still not sure if I can skate anymore. My body was fine with it, when I tried last year, but my mind was screaming in fear. I'm not really sure what I dream of anymore, or if we still have them when we're pushin' our 40s towards the top of the hill.

Sorry. Don't mean to be in such a weird mood. Just some things I have to work out. I'm sure I'll either get over it or will have forgotten it all tomorrow !

The movie, in its entirety : http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6706642381871663196

Posted by dorriebelle at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Monday, 2 May 2011 2:47 PM CDT

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Current Moood : Lightly frustrated at self. 

Got the second pattern scanned - it's bits and pieces, with only three complete patterns out of the six shown. Actually, I only have two complete patterns - Views A and D are the same outfit ! But, hey, what can you expect when you get six 40+ year old patterns for 50c ?

Evidently, it wasn't enough scanning for me, because almost before I knew it, I'd gathered all the magazine patterns I had and scanned them, too. Not sure if I'll ever use them, but I like to have all my stuff together anyway. Then I scanned the front and back of the envelopes for the three other patterns I hope to scan this week. I have no idea why I'm suddenly so scanner-happy, but I'm gonna go with it. I normally hate scanning.

Got Skipper ready - that's her photo up there - and began to work on some clothes. Made her one of those ruffled elastic dresses that doubles as a skirt, and printed a couple of the few patterns I have for her. The case shipped today, so I should have it in time, and Beloved Hubby says he'll make sure it gets there. I have no idea where his friend lives !

Not a lot else going on. PILs picked up a lot of their stuff this evening, and Pine-Sol cleaned their former room. Whole house smells like a bacon breakfast in a pine forest. Man, I can always find something to whine about, can't I ?

Posted by dorriebelle at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Monday, 2 May 2011 2:46 PM CDT

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Current Mood : Spring Break Sleepy

Hope you didn't get pinched for not wearing your green today ! Although, when I was a kid, you got your feet stomped on - harder for teachers to track and prove.

Friend of Beloved Hubby's is having a rough time, so I'm doing what little I can. His friend has a three-year-old daughter enamored of all things Barbie. Since I have a spare case - yeah, I bought a cheap lot of ‘em off eBay, and they should be in later this week -  I'm gonna take some time this week and fill it up, with a Skipper, some clothes and shoes and props, maybe a few print-out coloring pages, as an Easter Bunny surprise. Why Skipper ? Because her father asked me where he might could find one, since they don't make them anymore. Not to mention that the case is an old ‘Skipper' one...

So Dearest Son - he's on Spring Break this week - and I headed up to the junk shop where I bought the Growing Up Skipper a few weeks ago. They had a couple of Malibus at the time, hopefully, they still did. Plus, I'm always looking for a reason to sift through a couple boxes of dolls !

The Malibus were gone, but I found one Teen Skipper. The one with the big anime eyes and a small bust, about ten inches high, not the current Skipper that's old enough to drive. She most resembles ‘Beauty Pageant Skipper', based on some quick research. Scored two outfits, too. Only one problem. I didn't notice her missing left toes until I started to clean her.

Not sure what to do now. I hate giving a doll that I know isn't quite right, but I have no idea where I'll find another Skipper-size doll between now and Saturday. I'd give her GUS, but I'm not sure a three-year-old is ready for that pop-out bustline. My only other small doll is either a Tyco Ariel or a gymnast Stacie with a broken arm. One of the Dollar General stores near me had a new-line Stacie, so I may see if she's still there. I'd love to get her the Mary Poppins "Jane", but $25. for her and Todd as "Michael" is a bit more than I can swing right now.

For now, I've got water boiling for a hair makeover - her bangs are sticking straight out ! - and I've sanded her left foot with an emery board, just a bit so it's not quite so noticeable. She'll have to do unless I find something between now and Saturday. I'll be able to make her a dress or three, maybe some simple shirts and pants, if I'm quick about it.

Also found some more lace, similar to what I used in the lace overlay dress project, but in more of a cream color, and a half-used package of snap fasteners. Lucky for me, they used the big ones and left me the perfect-for-doll-clothes small ones. Dearest found a classic Chrysler toy car, so he was happy.

Got the Advance B pattern scanned - what a job ! Took four hours, but I was cleaning the images and everything as I went. I also scanned the directions, because I don't ever wanna take this out of the envelope again. The envelope is really fragile, and crumbles and flakes at a touch. The pattern, however, was strong and in great shape, complete, with only the cape and part of the shirtwaist dress cut out. I hated to cut a pattern that's been whole since 1961, but it was the only way to get it all scanned, and I cut as little as possible. Tomorrow's scanning won't take near as long - half the pattern's missing, and I don't have to scan directions. Need the time to sew !

Ironing really does help straighten a pattern when you're scanning or cutting out people-size ones. Helps those sharp corners that always crinkle and fold behave. Manda, if you iron yours, use a low setting - my iron is usually on ‘1', or ‘2', if necessary. I haven't scorched one yet, but I'm always nervous around irons anyway. If one's plugged in, I'm normally making sure it won't hurt anyone or damage anything until I can put it away.

PS - Sorry I've been gone so long - it's been insane around here ! I've been writing right on, but haven't had time to post anything, or take photos, until today !

PPS to Michelle - Thanks for the Tag ! I need to go back and leave a comment - she's coooool ! My hair looks like that today, LOL.

Posted by dorriebelle at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Monday, 2 May 2011 2:46 PM CDT

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Current Mood : Sleepily lazy 

Beloved Hubby had to work today, so it was just me and Dearest Son rattlin' around the house. Spent most of my day futzing in the Lab. Been thinking of replacing the trash can in there. It's a standard kitchen size, which is kind of silly, since most of the Lab trash is cut threads. Found a ‘tower' - an 11-inch wide set of drawers in a narrow column, for $19. A deluxe version that looks nicer is $25. Figured I'd use the top shelf for trash, and I'd have more storage space, always at a premium in the Lab.

Beloved and I were at that store yesterday, but wouldn't you know it - all of the $19. towers were sold ! They'd had about twelve of ‘em Tuesday. Oh, well, I was just lookin' anyway...but at the end of the aisle, there was a black drawer set, not nearly as tall, and a bit wider. Instead of a bunch of small drawers, it had two big ones, and an open top. Possibly the top drawer was missing ? For whatever reason, its $9.95 price was marked down to $2. Oh, yeah, that's mine ! This'd work great !

Got it home, and we had eight other things to do. So today, I prepped it for a transformation ! Wiped the dust off with paint thinner. I still had at least a third of a can of that green Fusion I used on the Barbie grill, and wouldn't a green set look so much better than a black one ?  About a half hour later, I had it cleaned, painted, and dried in the sun. Used up the can to the point where it was spraying only propellant without paint, but even that went on a place I can't see. Perfect ! I just love it. And, ya wanna know a secret ? When there's some more cash (and less guilt over all I've already spent !), I'll probably get a pretty little trash can. Heck, I may go get the Disney Princess one, if I get really whimsical ! Right now, there's a former planter basket in there, lined with a grocery bag, in case I need it...

Already have the drawers filled up - hey, you know me, you'd worry if I had an empty shelf or drawer sitting around here - and it's within an arm's reach of my sadly neglected sewing machine. Got the flannel for my pajamas and possibly a doll quilt or two washed and dried out on the line under beautifully sunny skies while Dearest stomped around in a bike helmet, snow boots, and ‘laser' gun, my little clone soldier from the future.

Came back in, made dividers for the patterns I have in one drawer - Crafts, Me, The Guys, Ideas - from some of the colored paper flyers Dearest brings home every week from school. There were at least eight, inviting us to various church-sponsored Easter egg hunts, this week alone. It'd take about four drawers to hold all the doll patterns, so I moved only the ones that would fit. Which was everything that wasn't dolls ! The rest of the colored paper was cut up for scratch note paper. I like to use up everything that comes my way...

Continued to putter around the Lab while Dearest defended our future after lunch. Sorted some doll clothes, and found a dress I'd made years ago, a first draft of a simple shift for Mia and the little Disney Princesses. Neckline was too tight on them, as were the armholes, and since I'd made three more that worked from the same fabric, there wasn't much need to keep this one. The big trash can was relocated to the doorway, so I was about to dump it when the Raggedy Ann I bought for Baby Chrissy yesterday caught my eye. I still need to make her an apron...

Hmm. Wonder if she could wear this shift ? Soft body dolls are harder to measure but more flexible with fit, especially in things like armholes...Neck was tight on her, too, but not much, so I could fix that. Took the simple round neckline down about a quarter inch, and now we had a good fit. So now, Raggedy Ann has a summer dress to wear while I wash her original one. It even looks good with her pantaloons ! She looks so sweet in Chrissy's arms. You get that photo tomorrow !

Chez Insanity - where even the dolls have dolls...and I make clothes for ‘em all !

I then went back to sorting doll patterns. I have so many, I've been storing them any which way. Since there was a bit of extra room now, I got them all sorted, and pulled the ones I haven't scanned yet. Yikes. Five of ‘em. Four Barbie, one Cabbage Patch (for Dottie and Timey). Figured that, if I finished cleaning, I'd have the space for the ironing board - I always iron patterns before I scan ‘em. In the pattern exchange group, I always got complements for that.

So I got the Advance B pattern I found at the thrift store last week ironed and ready to scan tomorrow. I really should do it today, since it's sitting out, but I'm not in much of a mood to. I kinda wanna laze around for the rest of the day, until Beloved comes home. Maybe see if YouTube.com has any more Urusei Yatsura episodes !

Hope your weekend was good !

Posted by dorriebelle at 10:36 PM CDT

Updated: Monday, 2 May 2011 2:45 PM CDT

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Current Mood : Crabby. If my irritation would become a pearl, I'd be in good shape.

Current Image Notes : This was Gia, a redressed Kelly friend I found at the flea market today. She's from a Kelly Club 5 Ballet set, so she's maybe two or three years old at the most. Since I've about given up on finding a Dancerina I can afford (even the arms-falling-off ones are $40. plus shipping !), I think I'll play with this little one for a bit. Wonder if I can sew a tutu that smallsmall...and if she minds me calling her Rina...

Don't mind me, I'm irked. I've spent tons of money on me, and you'd think I'd be happy, but today's flea market has me in a mood. Y'know how there's nothing for weeks and then, blam !, every seller has something intriguing ? And, of course, this is the week ya have no money ?

Soon as I walked in, I knew it'd be like that. Because the first thing I saw was ‘Barbie's Dream House' - the very first one ! It was torn and waterlogged, and there was no room to open it, much less see how bad the damage was. Of course, the seller wanted $30. for it...which would be reasonable for a decent shape one. Too bad I couldn't see if it was in good shape or not, and the seller wasn't encouraging exploration. It's not like I had $30. on me anyway...

Then I found a ‘Solo In The Spotlight' double Barbie case. Not one I really want - I'd much rather have want that Midge #2 case ! - but it was loaded with mostly 80s stuff. And possibly the swing from Miss Barbie. Recognized the fabric, but that same stuff was used on a full line of Mattel doll furniture. Of course, it was in pieces, and the poor guy selling it had no idea if it was complete. I could probably put it together, but...again, $30., and no way to tell if it's worth it or not.

From there, you'd thing things would get better - I mean, why am I whining ? I've only seen the Dream House in books and eBay, same for the ‘Solo' case. I didn't think anybody had anything like that even for sale around here ! So when I found a generic doll case (not one made for a specific doll) with various bits and pieces of 80s stuff and Mommy-made clothes, I thought it had possibilities. Sure, the case was torn on one side, and wasn't one I really wanted, but it should be fairly cheap, right ?

Nope. Seller's convinced it's a vinyl-covered cardboard treasure chest, and wants $15. for it. $10. if it's emptied. Um, that case wasn't $10. brand new, it's not that old if it mentions Jem on the lid, and it's pretty worn. So I walked away from that one, too. Guess that nice one I got last month for 50c really spoiled me.

Decided to hit a yard sale on the way home. The lamp I was assured worked doesn't, not without a $3. specialty bulb, and the globe I got Dearest Son has a dent I hadn't noticed. So I just didn't have very good luck today. Or, looking at it another way, I had astounding luck. It just wasn't anything I could use today. I don't know why I'm so grouchy, though. I've been in a better mood when I didn't buy anything there !

I did snag a few treasures. Two Barbie-sized Coke bottles (20c), a small Raggedy Ann for my Baby Chrissy (missing an apron, but I can make that) for a buck, the little ballerina in today's photo ($1.), and, for Dearest Son, a copy of Stuart Little (50c), a small ‘soccer player' Stuart stuffed toy ($1.), and an Anakin Skywalker action figure ($1.). So I need to knock the crab I'm feeling back to the beach already !

Upshot is, all the sellers say they'll be back next week. Well, who knows what'll happen between here and now. I told Beloved Hubby, and he said he'd make sure I'd have cash for it, whatever I wanted. He's so sweet ! But I've been really spending lately, I need to put the brakes on. And sew something !

Posted by dorriebelle at 9:47 PM CDT

Updated: Monday, 2 May 2011 2:45 PM CDT

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Current Mood : Sunny

Ya'll are sooo gonna laugh at me. Had a ton of errands to run, but there were yard sales to hit when they were done. And guess what I found ? Yup. Another Cinderella and another Ariel ‘toddler' doll ! It was tempting to bring this ‘new' Ariel home, since mine has wrecked hair, but I'd worry that ‘my' Ariel wouldn't find a good home. So I left her for someone else to love and brought home Cinderella. I have one again !

And it'd be silly to anyone but us, but I *like* this Cia (yup, she has a new name already) better. You probably remember, I had a Cinderella before, but donated her. I just never connected, ya know ? But I did with Cia. As is with others I've found used, packaging threads still dangled from her costume. Also very familiar was her tangled hair that was still in the factory set, down to the blue headband sewn into her head.

I always hate it when doll manufacturers do that. On the ‘Before Once Upon A Time' dolls, the ribbon is invariably pulling at the thread, and once the threads are cut, the ribbon is too short to go around the doll's head. They improved that by using elastic at the back on Aurora's - it was still sewn to her head, though -  so I'll do the same to Cia's.

Her dress is in good shape, and I think I have two of those, now. Guess I'd best make her some shoes - I think I only have three or four pair that fit these dolls, and I have four of them again. It was fun to pop the clear rubber band holding her hair in a tight ponytail, brush it all the way down, and curl it around my fingers. Then put it back up - she really does look better that way - but not so tightly this time.

While in the area, I also hit the thrift store that I donate to. It was so weird to see former possessions sitting on their shelves, with prices attached. They had a few snack-baggies of Barbie props on the counter - scored three, picked out what I wanted, then stuffed the rest back into their baggies. I usually grab doll food, silverware, shoes, and sunglasses when I find ‘em, but don't need a ton of plastic purses, and some of the more...um, ‘daring' shoes. I've never understood the ‘platform and high heels' look. It's always clunky. A smooth pump or mule is always more elegant, in my opinion !

Picked up my prescriptions (Yaay ! I get to live for another month !) and poked around Fabrics, like an idiot. Found a 10c quarter-yard of faux-patchwork print flannel, that I may turn into a fake quilt for one of the dolls. Also found flannel with large white, purple, lavender, and pink five-point stars for just a buck a yard. Bought enough to make pajamas for me ! I love my satiny pajamas, but they're not particularly warm. So I'm gonna make a snuggly set...just as the weather begins to get warmer. I'm always a season or two behind.

Posted by dorriebelle at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Monday, 2 May 2011 2:45 PM CDT

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Current Mood : Drowsy 

Today I mostly stayed home and puttered, doing laundry and dishes and such. Played a little, and planned a bit. Velvet got outside and hasn't come home yet, so I'm a bit worried. PILs said they'd be here to pick up some of their stuff - their bed and TV and fridge are still here - but they never showed. At least I got the decks cleared for tomorrow. It's supposed to be a nice day, and I have lots to do.

So much I should be doing, even now, but all I wanna do is sleep !

Posted by dorriebelle at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Monday, 2 May 2011 2:45 PM CDT

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Current Mood : Analysis mode

Current Image Notes : Here's a yard sale '78 Leia, sporting a porcelain doll wig, in front of a magnetic paper doll backdrop. Or, as I like to think of it, 'Leia's security double enjoys a day at Aldera Palace, Alderaan'.

Not much going on today. While sorting and reorganizing things, I discovered that I had plenty of reroot doll hair for the projects I'm forever planning. So I didn't need those Dollar Tree kid wigs I'd bought. Plus, on hearing that they're not colorfast, I was kind of nervous about using them. So I took ‘em back. Sad, that I return things to a store where everything only cost a buck anyway, but I do it about once or twice a year. Got Beloved Hubby and Dearest Son some t-shirts in exchange, though.

Still, it's pretty cheap of me, but nothing new.  I once demonstrated the ability to repair an unsprung clothespin using just one hand. Darn clothespins cost 2c each, brand-new. I'm so cheap about stuff like that, yet to spendthrift in other ways....

Like today. I'd heard on a doll page that ‘pivotal' (i.e., bend-wrist) and other Fashion Fever dolls were on sale at Target for $6.77 instead of the usual $9.99. So I trekked over to our local one. Found one I sort-of liked, and searched for a second...because the new ones have a black shoe attached to the packaging, and I wanted a pair of ‘em.

I actually carried these two dolls around before I realized that, while the bend-wrist feature was nice, I didn't really like either doll, or her ping-pong paddle hands, or even the clothes, and had little chance of body-matching them to a head I did like. I kinda prefer keeping original head with original body when I can. When I put ‘Joy' on a good  late 70s Ballerina Barbie body to match her pretty BB head, the difference between head/body original to mostly fitting head/belly button body was astounding. So I only head-swap when the original body is wrecked or not right when I get it.

Eventually I clued in that I was, in essence, paying $13.54 (plus tax) for a pair of unremarkable slingback pumps that I probably already had a few dozen times over. So the dolls went back, and after a thorough shop, found a set of magnetic paper dolls with neat backdrops. $13.48. A much better deal ! The dolls are on our fridge, and I hope to use the backdrops soon. The magnetic case went to Dearest Son, who loves his Magnetix toys, and is old enough to not eat ‘em. We told him not to, and why, just in case. I think I got a better deal on the paper dolls than the Fashion Fever ones.

Posted by dorriebelle at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Monday, 2 May 2011 2:44 PM CDT

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Current Mood : Slightly unsettled (memory flood)

Read a too-brief article in The Sun, a British tabloid that never backs down from its sacred mission - bustin' butt to cover the full spectrum of hard-hitting, but ultimately meaningless, investigative journalism. Its crack reporters revealed that the toy most adults want to play with again is the Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle.

I remember it. Most boys I knew had one - a figure that attached to a motorcycle was loaded onto a friction ramp base. Some generated launch via a crank, others a t-strip ripper. Knuckles were scraped and skinned either way. Once revved up, the cycle roared off, to smash into the trash, a neighbor's cat, their best friend's Evel, or down a deep crevasse conveniently located in most towns. Beloved Hubby had the t-strip version. And he speaks of it in fond tones, so it was amazingly easy to get him to tell me his memories and stories of the one he had as a boy. Turns out, Evel had several different suit colors, and the crank launcher was also sold in many color variations. And there was a near-Barbie-wide line of accessories for everyone's favorite late 70s daredevil. Huh. Here's the article - > http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article899521.ece  

Barbie's not on this list. I wasn't surprised. Most anyone who wants to still play with Barbie can do so, anytime. Vintage abounds on websites worldwide, new dolls and accessories are available nearly everywhere, and a few dozen doll message boards reinforce that playing isn't bad, no matter your age. But, as it turns out, there is a new release EK Stunt Cycle, it retails for about $35., made from original Ideal molds. Several other things on the list - Baby Alive, Cabbage Patch Kids, and BMX bikes - are still available, too. Sure, they're not quite the same as what sold ‘way back when' (wasn't most of this stuff from the 80s ?), but there's places to obtain old toys in this brave new electronic world. I have to wonder who these journalists talked to - besides the other folks in the newsroom.

The article left me slightly confused, which is not an unusual occurance between Sun stories and readers. But ultimately happy that play is encouraged, as is reminiscing. The Fark.com discussion included a link to scanned Christmas catalogs of years past. Not sure if you're familiar, but if you wanna buy some holiday ‘wish list' memories, old Sears and JC Penney catalogs tend to run $20. to $50. on eBay. The late 50s ones are selling well, but more recently, if the year might show Star Wars toys, it's higher than the year prior. Catalogs from the 30s don't bring much interest, but don't we all wanna see the toys we yearned for back when Santa was gonna reward our best intentions !

I spent quite some time on the site. http://www.flickr.com/photos/wishbook/collections/72157600003636126/ . Looked at a lot of Malibu Barbies, some Fisher Price Creative Coasters, and some *really* vintage Raggedy Anns. Today's Timey Tell image, of course, was lifted from there. And I'll say it now : Timey had *pink* shoes, made of the same color plastic - if not the same exact plastic - as her props. Not those red things there. Hmpft. It was amazing to see the variety of items that existed back when there were more than just two toy companies. I leafed through one early 80s book idly, long past the dolls and skates and art sets...and saw the typewriters.

That's when I just had to sit back and let the memory tide crest. Back in my personal day, I was convinced I'd be a writer. I'd have a beach house, where I'd be inspired every day by the ever-changing yet eternally constant view. Oddly, I hadn't envisioned a husband or family, just this solitary house with me and a largish grey cat. After all, I'd been told often enough that I shouldn't marry or anything. Already I began to believe that love was something that'd happen to everyone else, but for some reason, it wasn't allowed for me. I didn't know what I'd write, either, but it'd be published and lauded and make me enough to live on and feed the cat and the mortgage. Well, I was twelve...

That year, in anticipation and preparation for my future life, I asked for a desk for my birthday. That Christmas, I asked for a typewriter. Because all writers use typewriters, and my handwriting was illegible, according to the Parentals. In my mind, a typewriter was big, grey, metal, and made tick-tick noises, especially if you pressed one key a bit too hard. You'd get a page filled with hundreds of ‘d' repeats in seconds. Never mind that I had no idea what ‘touch' had to do with ‘typing', or that I had no experience with typing other than several ‘d' pages. And the occasional play with the big antique one we had, for some reason. I think it was more for décor than functionality. It, too, required strong fingers.

What I got was a child's plastic play typewriter. When a key was slammed - really, you darn near needed a hammer for it - a piece of fishing line smacked the key onto the paper. If you studied the resulting blurred shape a bit, it might be the letter you just jammed your finger for. Um, what was I gonna do with this ? Because I didn't want the Parentals to think they'd wasted money (goss, the lectures I got on that !) on my whims, I dutifully pecked at it, but between its uselessness and my total lack of typing skills, it soon ended up in a desk drawer, when I thought the lecture period had safely passed. Probably around March.

A few months later, someone gave us a portable turquoise Smith-Corona. I was overjoyed, but my happiness soon faded. Y'see, I had no idea those big office typewriters were electric. And this one was about as hard to use as the kiddie one, and I didn't get to take typing class until my senior year of high school. At least the S-C worked and didn't have faces grinning at me while I pounded at it, so I hunt-pecked on cheap corrasable bond when I finished a story I didn't plan on rewriting anymore.

Abruptly, the memories broke and receded. I was free again, and it was almost time to wait for the bus. But I wasn't completely clear yet. While my life isn't near what I thought it'd be, it's better than I imagined. After three near-drownings in my life, it's probably best that I'm more than a day trip in any direction from an ocean. And knowing who I am and being fine with it is worth far more than an empty house. I never figured out what to write, and probably never will.

If I ever do, you'll be the first to hear about it !

Posted by dorriebelle at 12:01 AM CDT

Updated: Monday, 2 May 2011 2:44 PM CDT

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