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Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Why I Moved to the Country: Reason #42

 I found this tile while thrifting last week,
and the memories came flooding back.

Holly Hobbie

As a kid, I adored Holly Hobbie. I think I still do. I vaguely remember having a few Holly Hobbie items, not least of which was my Holly Hobbie doll. I used to keep her safe, from the witch who lived under my bed, by keeping her securely under the covers throughout the night. She went with me everywhere, including my first sleepover away from home at Brownie camp. I was Homesick. Homesick with a capital H, Homesick. 

An older girl, whom I did not know very well asked if she could see her. Within a few minutes she had ripped the bonnet off her head. I was devastated. So devastated that I had a hard time ever sleeping at that camp again. Ask my stalker mom, she had to come and 'rescue' a teary eyed girl on more than one occasion. Over time, I ended up losing the bonnet and for all eternity she has worn a cap, not unlike this...
When I brought the tile home and propped it on my desk, it dawned on me. This is where it all began. This is why I have always wanted to live in the country. My first doll was a country girl. I couldn't have helped myself even if I wanted to. The wheels were set in motion, a long, long time ago. Okay, well, maybe just a long time ago. No sense going crazy about being old. 

For many years, she has been hiding safely in a box of my baby clothes. I think it's time she and I joined forces once again. I'll be sure to introduce you, when we do.




 Be well friends,

12 comments:

Osage Bluff Quilter said...

I had tons of Holly Hobbie stuff. Including on my bedroom door, two big panels that I embroidered. I will have to see if I still have that pattern.

Unknown said...

I didn't have a Holly Hobby, but I remember all the stuff. I think I may have had the wallpaper. I'll have to ask my sister. My mom used to sew us bonnets for trips to Pioneer Village in Toronto. Our friends thought that was so cool.

Deb said...

I love HH too. My daughter had the doll and my Mum embroidered two pictures for me years and years ago.

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

I remember Holly Hobby, too! Wow, so many girlie memories....

I would like to say a thing or two to the mean girl who ripped off her hat. Grrr...

I didn't do sleepovers until..well.. about collage I guess! I had a huge fear about being away from home. Still do, actually!

I will ask my Mom if she knows what happened to mine!

Andrea, I do believe we are kindred spirits!

Love that tile!
xo, misha

Anke said...

Wow, these Holly Hobby items were very popular while I was growing up in Germany. I don't remember if we called them Holly Hobby, but I had quite a few items with her on it. I even had some sheets! You brought back a lot of nice memories with this post, and I might just have to go through my moms attic when we go to Germany next time. Maybe she still has some of the stuff tucked away...

Laura at By the Bushel said...

I had a 1776/1976 Betsy Ross hat, that showed up EVERYWHERE. I enjoyed Holly Hobbie too, but never had a doll! How sweet, really precious.

Debbie said...

Oh how I loved Holly Hobbie.

Jackie said...

Andrea, this post brought back so many memories for me. I had a Holly Hobby doll and I think I had some bedroom items too...maybe a bedspread...and I had a Holly Hobby dress and Bonnet...my Mom must have made that for me. I loved H.H.! How neat that you still have yours.

Jackie

Cheryl said...

I didn't have a doll but Mom made me a dress quite much like Holly wore!

Unknown said...

Oh, yes! I remember Holly Hobby well. I was not a doll girl (I had mini John Deer Tractors - seriously), but I did have a couple of things with her on them. And I did feel a certain affinity with Holly Hobby. Good memories!

Laurie at Turner Farm said...

Oh the memories. I too had Holly Hobbie, how I loved her. Thanks for sharing!

Elle Bee said...

Holly Hobbie! I remember her! But I was more into Strawberry Shortcake. (That explains why I eat so much cake). Your story made my heart ache. I don't know why, but it always kills me when children see their special things get broken by another uncaring child!