Sunday, December 27, 2009

A Labor of Love



It wasn't too long ago that I posted this photo of
Raggedy Ann and Andy from the Vermont Country Store...
an early shopping through the catalogs
looking at the *old fashioned toys*.

Did you have an Ann or Andy when you were growing up?
I didn't.
But I do now!




Just look at her!
Isn't she beautiful?
My sista made her for me -- with her own two hands
and a little help from her sewing machine.
This doll is almost as tall as I am (5' is stretching it).



I love you.
I love you, too!



And, the doll comes with memories.
Memories of this little girl,
one Halloween
when her Mom made her a Raggedy Ann costume.




Hard to be believed --
that cute little girl is all grown up.
This beautiful young woman
celebrated her 23rd birthday this year.


Memories
Labor of Love

How do I say Thank You?
How about -- I love you, too.


14 comments:

Janet said...

No, I never had a Raggedy Ann doll but I don't think it's ever too late! Your sister did a great job.

Sherry said...

Beautiful memories, beautiful family, beautiful photographs...Beautiful Raggedy Ann!! Your sister is incredibly talented!!!

I can't remember if I had a Raggedy Ann and there's no one left to ask who would remember...but I have a strong feeling that I did have one...

Barb said...

What a wonderful, nostalgic gift, Snap. A real Labor of Love. Who doesn't love Raggedy Ann?

Carole said...

What beautiful work.

No, I never had one growing up, but when I was in my 20s hubby gave me a little one in a blue/print dress. I cried. lol

Crafty Christina said...

What a beautiful gift!! Aren't homemade gifts especially made for you just the best ones?

The Bodhi Chicklet said...

Wow. A life size doll is amazing. You have a great sister - a keeper!

Wildflowerhouse said...

What a wonderful gift and sister. Yes I had a Ann and Andy and loved them to pieces! Sharon

Betsy Banks Adams said...

What a neat gift, Snap.... Ones 'made from the heart' are the best gifts of all. I didn't have a Raggedy Ann doll either. BUT--I LOVE LOVE LOVE yours... Congrats!!!

Hugs,
Betsy

Unknown said...

Snap,
Your sister really did an amazing job with her. I love raggedy ann too. I still get a thrill when I see one.

I stopped by to say Happy New Year to you and your family.

Karen

Maria-Thérèse ~ www.afiori.com said...

I think she's cute and a little bit scary (the nose). I've never seen one of those dolls but I do remember having a very tall ragdoll when I was little. Can't have been adult size though but probably my size back then.

A Palmer said...

Oh, Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy were two of my most favorite toys when I was growing up. In fact the author/artist, Johnny Gruelle was responsible for my desire to become an artist someday and I did. His illustration is phenomenal. Remember the Painted Dragon and the Magical Wishing Pebble, popovers and Raggedy Ann's heart sewn into her soft body? Good times. Thanks for the reminder. Lucky you - they look like the originals.

LissaL said...

Beautiful post. Brings back memories of my own days with Raggedy Ann. Happy New Year my friend:)

Kathie Brown said...

I love Raggedy Ann! I have a homemade one also that my mom made for me when I was a teenager. I still have it and I just showed it to my granddaughter the other day!

Nonnie said...

I did not have either Raggedy Ann or Andy as a child. But one year my husband bought me both as a surprise for Christmas. He had bought it from a shop called Mr. McGregor's Garden. Then another Christmas, he discovered that his sister was making larger Raggedy Anns (not a huge as yours!) and asked her to make one for me. I only learned about his request years after he'd died. He was one sweetheart to indulge me in that way.