Doll Therapy

                                                      Happy Halloween    I really enjoy this time of year. I love horror and the suspense.This year because of the pandemic, the CDC recommended Trunk or Treat. Because of the risk of COVID 19, many people opted to go all the way out with their yard decor to provide a social distancing way to still enjoy the holiday. Check out the awesome videos from Facebook below.    We did not decorate or participate in any Halloween events but we did make a few purchases to prepare for next year and expand out horror doll collection. We also indulge in a sweet,scary movie called SPELL which starred one of my favorite actors Omari Hardwick.  Check out our new Sinister doll by SPIRIT of HALLOWEEN STORE . I purchased for 50% off! So the doll was only $20 bucks and she is mucho scary! I haven't named her yet.                                                           The doll is about 35 in tall w red hair and removable clothing " She looks gre

Here we are still battling COVID 19 in July of 2020. Just as I suspected,our country is now feeling the spread of the virus and its aftermath. Numbers continue to rise and more children are now being diagnosed with the deadly virus.  The Pandemic has forced many of us to reconnect with our hobbies and simple things that bring us joy. I have many hobbies such as doll collecting, and  I also love old school hip hop. Since the pandemic, I have allowed myself to indulge in what I call petty doll collecting (inexpensive and fun) purchases.  It started in May when I saw Biggie and then someone showed me a preorder for Salt & Pepa . It was really a done deal simply because I love the culture so much. Here is a nice flashback of some of their greatest hits. FYI I also have Ice Cube but i gave him to my son as a gift.       1,2,3 Kick It!  Not only was their music enjoyed by the hip hop community but, they also easily appealed to the GOGO music fans of DC.  Salt arrived

Like most true doll collectors, I am very picky about what goes into my collection. I am a historian and storyteller at heart, I am always looking for new information about history and cultures to share with my readers. In this case the information is not new, just new to me.  My fascination with the Mardi Gras Indians began about five years ago when I discovered a lady who happens to be a doll artist, but more importantly she is part of the Mardi Gras Injun masking culture. In my quest to acquire one of her dolls, I discovered her beautiful culture. She was not only a doll artist but a Big Queen  of  Creole Wild West.  Creole Wild West is the name of her Mardi Gras Injun tribe and one of the oldest documented tribes in Mardi Gras culture.  There are at least two dozen tribes. I am yet to see a list of these tribes, but then again maybe I'm not meant to. We first dove into the culture on a trip to NO about five years ago when we visited the BackStreet Museum .   To learn abo

                                                                                                                                                                        It's not every day that one gets to see a cannon fired. Not once, but three times. I can tell you it is extremely noisy. I had a chance to attend  The Voices of South Texas Historical Event in Corpus Christi, Texas. There were military reenactors from every war ever fought in the U.S., food, information booths and plenty of history buffs. This was the perfect opportunity to do a photo-shoot with my Madame Alexander Buffalo Soldier. He is limited edition, a low number, and was gifted to my son. I had a great time photographing him.  What do you notice in this photo that is not correct. Look closely                             If you would like more info about the Buffalo Soldier, Click her  Buffalo Soldier Museum Do you have a Buffalo Soldier? If so what number and when and where did you get him?

              This year I spent Juneteenth weekend at the African American Museum working. This did not stop me from celebrating and doing a photoshoot with my favorite doll, Addy. The month of June was very busy. I did countless tours at the museum specifically because it was Juneteenth. It is always nice to see so many young people learning about an important part of American History. The Carver Museum in Austin, Tx is the only museum in the country that has an exhibit dedicated to Juneteenth year-round.    Just in case some of you are not familiar with the holiday here is a culturally competent overview of  June 19th better known as Juneteenth. The History of Juneteenth What did you do for Juneteenth?

Using Dolls to Inspire  Healthy Living Now is the time to get those seeds in the ground! For many, Feb and March are the planting seasons.  Spring and Summer will be here soon and  if  you sow now you can reap the benefits later. There is nothing like fresh fruit and vegetables. For some great gardening tips check out Central Texas Gardener's website here . Your Zone determines your planting time. Also check out OG new doll of color that loves to garden. Our Generation Malia Our Generation Doll Set is Affordable and Educational The doll comes with two sets of shoes and knee pads an apron, seed packets garden stakes and  tools It also includes a bucket and vegetables The doll is a wonderful way to teach about healthy living, farming and clean eating.           The doll sells for about $40 dollars at Target and is possible. She is also able to wear American Girl doll clothes. Here hair is thick and curly and she comes with a chapter book. She is my