Some experiences of childhood never go away.
One of my own has to do with a "boudoir" doll that used to sit against pillows on my aunt's bed.
We were not allowed to touch the doll but, oh boy, I certainly used to look at her, during every visit to my aunt's house.
Fast forward many, many decades. Auntie is in the other realm of life.
Her boudoir doll came to me and I named her "Ruby."
Unfortunately, the years had not been kind to her and she had turned completely shabby.
Her hair was ragged and worn so she got a new hairdo from a wig that was hanging around.
Her dress was actually falling apart.
Then, a few years ago, my husband's sister, a talented seamstress, came to Massachusetts from Florida to visit us.
She went to a local fabric goods store, bought the most gorgeous light green fabric, and spent an entire day of her visit sewing a new outfit for Ruby.
My sister-in-law, too, has since died, but her handiwork on Ruby continues to warm my heart every time I see the doll.
Boudoir dolls, for those who are unfamiliar with them, were definitely not made for children.
They graced either the beds or sofas of grown up ladies from the 1920s through 1940s.
Ruby is no beauty queen but the sweet memories she evokes make her worth, to me anyway, a million bucks.
HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF BOUDOIR DOLLS?
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