Every Picture Tells a Story...

There are SO many photo challenges to play.  How I wish I had the time to do them all.  Perhaps, one day, the weather will get nice and my "to do" list will have dwindled to just an item or two...and then, WATCH OUT!

:)

In the meantime, Monica has started something interesting that involves both photos and a bit of personal sharing.  I like this concept.  I know sometimes, I tend to rely on the photos and skip the actual "blogging" part.

In this challenge, the emphasis is not so much on the art of photography as using a photograph to illustrate something you'd like to share about who you are.  Very creative twist Monica.  I really hope I can stay with you on this.

This weeks prompt...

I collect ________________ (dust bunnies, spoons, dogs, rings, etc).  Share a photo of what you collect and tell us how or when you got started with the collection.  Is there something you are looking to add to the collection? 

I collect dolls!

Sample selection of Kat's doll collection.

Not just any dolls, and the story will illustrate why.

My mother's mother collected dolls from around the world.  Whenever she or a friend would travel abroad, a new foreign doll was added to the collection.  Very few were kept on year round display.  Instead, she used them as her Christmas ornaments.  Every year, we would go out to her house to help her unpack the dolls and decorate the tree.  It was decorated exclusively in dolls and crystal icicles.  Of course we all had our favorites and tickled us pink as we delicately removed from their protective wrapping and found "just the right spot" on the tree. It was something we always looked forward to, and once the tree was done we would sit and watch it rotate and continue to admire new additions to the collection and old favorites.

I grew up in a very small town and my grandmother was one of the "grande dames" of the community.  All her friends stopped by during the holidays to enjoy her tree and her hospitality.  There was often a little write up and photo in the newspaper showing a local girl scout troop or women's group visiting to see her tree and the dolls in native costume.

The Christmas after she passed away, the dolls were put on display at the local library.  When they were returned to us, they were divided evenly between my sisters and myself.  We put out all the dolls and took turns choosing.  There was a little negotiation over one or two, but we were all very happy with the subset that we inherited and we had a wonderful time sharing memories as we made our selections.

I don't have a Christmas tree.  If I did I would have certainly continued this tradition.  Unfortunately, most of these dolls have been stored for most of the time I have owned them.  I always have a half dozen or so placed around my house, but I have never gotten the appropriate piece of furniture to display them all together.  But, I do get them out about once a year and enjoy them with my girls.

The collection is not limited to the pieces I inherited.  I have added to it when I have traveled and Aaron has brought a couple home from places he has visited.  More often, I come across an old interesting doll at an antique store or flea market.  If it is in good condition and reasonably priced, I'll usually snatch it up.  I have acquired some of my current favorites this way.

Now, I am keeping my eye out for art dolls in addition to antique foreign dolls.  I usually just admire them as they are often very expensive.  Once I can properly display the collection, I will probably branch out and pursue art dolls. One of these days....

Please visit the other participants of Monica's challenge via her entry here.