Doll Therapy

 As we get ready to say goodbye to 2017, we should spend sometime reflecting on life and setting new goals for 2018. This year was a great year for me spiritually, personally, career wise and of course I acquired some wonderful dolls.  With the year winding down.. I spent some time purchasing some must haves for my collection and thought Id share my top 5 doll purchases of 2017!!! #5  Tales from the Hood OOAK Zombie Dolls  Please check out my September Blog on how I acquired these awesome handmade dolls! I purchased them for $100. Not bad! #4  Antique Reproduction Jumena Doll  I acquired this beauty for less than $50 via Ebay..  I found out about her historical significance by attending the online  Antique Doll Show Hosted by Ruby Lane Dolls in November of 2017 Isn't she gorgeous? She stands about 20 inches tall.  I learned a lot about these very sought after dolls from the Ruby Lane Doll Show. I was even given...

 When was the last time you went into an AG store? Did you notice anyone missing? Maybe not... yet . For the past two years, there have been very strong talk  about Addy retiring.. Some of the claims even coming from those who work for AG. Those of us who love Addy have been living on pins and needles for the past two years.. watching her slowly disappear from the catalog and wondering are they telling us the truth. A petition was even created and signed by many of us who feel Addy's story is a necessary part of American History. Well about a month ago. I was able to get some inside information about Addy and if and when she is retiring ..  and of course I feel I should share it with you all...   Well the key word is retire. Everytime I call  AG and ask them if Addy is going to be retired, they tell me NO. That appeases  me for a little bit then a few months later we hear another rumor.   This is what I learned.... American Girl does not ty...

  This morning marks a significant day for me as a professional doll collector. I think I just acquired the most  unique doll in my collection. I noticed the dolls about a month ago while researching voodoo dolls on Ebay. Since learning I am a descendant from the Benin and Togo area of Africa I have  been researching about their religion and trying to understand it more. I have also learned that my line of work has exposed me to homes where families may openly practice Voodoo or Santeria..  Much to my surprise, I came across this very creepy yet, familiar looking doll set. At first I could not put my finger on it but, after reading the caption .. I quickly remember  this 90s Horror flick that eventually became a  Urban Hit and today.. considered a horror classic.. produced by non other than Spike Lee the 90s horror flick TALES FROM THE HOOD... WAS A CREEPY RENDITION OF TALES FROM THE CREEP..  And Me, Yes Me,  I  have just acquired this aw...

  On a chilly  Tuesday morning at 3 am,  our family gased up our SUV and headed towards Louisiana  from Houston, TX. Addy accompanied me for what would be her first official road trip and the beginning of new adventures for her and I. Back home, or shall I say in cyberspace awaited about 80 adult collectors who where eager to see where Addy was headed. After 8 hours of swamps and bridges high enough to make you think you where flying, we arrived safely in NOLA. Our first destination being the Everygreen Plantation in NOLA. Recognized as  the most intact slave plantation in the south and the site where many scenes from the movie Django where filmed. We where more than excited to arrive. Its important to note that, everyone in the car was either a  fan of  the movie or a die hard history buff .We anticipated this would be a very fun road trip. We arrived in NOLA about 9 am.. Traveled about ten minutes out from the plantation and found a small Cajun rest...

At the time I started this post It was summer and weather was perfect. Since then I have been very busy but, wanted to share and document Addy's visit.   Nothing is more relaxing than finding a space that you enjoy and taking time to just relax. For me being around water does just that. I also enjoy photographing my dolls. Addy is a perfect model and the photos always seem to be effortless. Here she is at her first summer photo shoot at  Emerald Beach. For exclusive pictures of her photoshoot click here . Emerald Beach is located in Corpus Christi, Texas . She is modeling Julies swimsuit in a bright yellow. You can tell Addy really had a great time reflecting and relaxing. Do you have a special place or hobby that helps you relax? A short weekend trip can do wonders. During our short weekend trip to Corpus we  enjoyed the peacefulness of the beach, and the people of Corpus. In the past two weeks Corpus Christi was hit very hard by Hurricane Harvey . There are large cle...

  A day at Zilker Botanical Garden with Kendall and my dear friend who worked as my photo assistant.. before she took over the photo shoot! We started at her beautiful house that is full of ethnic and cultural artifacts from all over the world. Then we headed out for a hike with our cameras and Kendall. Zilker Botanical Garden is full of Asian inspired gardens and a beautiful Zen Garden. My friend  who came to walk was soon bitten by the doll bug and was very active in getting the perfect shot. She did great until she got a little to bold towards the end and Kendall collapsed head first in a murky mini tank full of minnows and algae. After gasping, and my heart palpitating I regrouped and we headed out. This park is located within Zilker Park in Austin Tx! Today was beautiful and the garden was full! I think we got a lot of great photos take a look and tell me which is your favorite shot!

  After a long hot photoshoot with Kendall from AG, I did a hand wash on her clothing and a bubble bath on her body! I used a  gentle shampoo and conditioner. NOTE:  I didn't dare take her hair down. Afterwards, she was sent outside to dry flat on a fluffy towel!  I used Purex Brand wash booster to make her dolly clothing smell super sweet and fresh! I will be doing a light iron on her tee and skirt!  Many collectors spend lots of money on additional outfits for their dolls and would also like to keep the original clothing nice and free from odor. You can do this by caring for the doll and their clothing on a routine basis. Its important to always note care instructions and be aware of the types of laundry powder you are using on the clothing. You do not want to  pick a detergent that has a bleach or is so harsh it would fade the clothing.  Pick one day out the month to do doll laundry. It can b...