September 7 was Raggedy Ann's birthday. AwtemNymf organized a blog birthday party to celebrate. I'm not clear on just how old she is; but I know that, like myself, she's no spring chicken (Ann, not AwtemNymf). I missed the actual birthday with my photo because we were celebrating another personality around here--Raggedy Vann.
I'm not a Raggedy Ann collector. In fact, I only have two of these sweet dolls--the ones above. I made this Ann and this Andy for my daughter Andy when she was six years old. They're showing a little age, but they're still a treasured part of the flotsam around here. If you want to see some more Raggedy Ann's, click on the link above for the birthday party.
Last night, as I was inspired by the president's speech, I vowed to get myself in gear this morning and get some sewing done. "Now is the season for action!" This morning, I woke up with a stuffy head, sore throat, coughing, sneezing--the works. But I'm not going to let that deter me. Even if I sew only a few seams, sew I will.
And I'm working on a plan for cleaning out my office, which, along with the sewing room, has borne the brunt of my house neglect during the past few months. Whatever needed pushed out of the way or hidden seems to have landed in one of these rooms. Phillip, Gene, Paul, Jesse, Hunter, and Alex have all agreed to move this awful old ugly office furniture out to make room for some prettier stuff. I don't have the prettier stuff yet, but I anticipate some fun yard sale/thrift store treasure hunts to find it.
Every time I think I'm coming out of the fog of grief, it waylays me again. Yesterday was a disastrous day. I should have stayed in bed. It seems as if a fog of sadness was following me everywhere I went--sort of like Pigpen's cloud of dirt in the "Peanuts" comics. But then Andy came over after work. I made angel hair pasta with sauteed tomatoes, and we watched the president's speech, and I felt much better. Today I feel pretty good except for the cold or whatever it is. But the cloud of dirt is gone.
Here are some detail shots from the Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy above.
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On 09/10/2009, Courtney Short-Prudhomme said ...
what a handsome fella.. It must be hard but Im keeping you in my prayers.. hopefully a little creation will get your mind off of the cloud of dirt..
On 09/10/2009, Lavender Dreams said ...
What a great post! Your Annies are precious and your memories are priceless! Enjoy your day!
On 09/10/2009, Debra Spincic said ...
I think you should rename your dolls-Raggedy Vann and Raggedy Susan. If you look at the picture, you can see how much Raggedy Vann is looking at Raggedy Susan with love in his eyes and she is just being so coquettish with her head dipped down a little hiding behind that lock of hair. Oh, what pictures tell us! and just a gentle touch of the hand. . . .
(and just think of all the other poses those darlings could get into . . .) Girls are never too old for playing dolls!
On 09/10/2009, AwtemNymf said ...
Your Annies are so sweet! Even with age- they're adorable- and handmade! The bestest :O)
Thanks for sharing and joining in on the celebration for Annies Birthday!
Hugs to you! I love Raggedy Vann! CUTE!!!
HUGS!!!
On 09/10/2009, Beverly said ...
Susan, this many sound strange since we really only know each other on-line, but I feel so proud of you.
On 09/10/2009, Alison Gibbs said ...
Susan you are doing so well. Thhat fog will come every now and then but you will clear it and shine on through. Time will help
Alison
On 09/10/2009, Connie W said ...
Although you don't know it, you are an inspiration to me, in several ways. I admire that you can blog your journey as you find your way through the fog that surrounds you. Hugs.
On 09/10/2009, Sandi said ...
Susan, I made an Ann and Andy set just like those back in 1974. They were a gift for my daughter for Christmas. I was scrambling to finish the stitches on them as we headed home to Iowa. Thought she was asleep in the back seat of the car when up she popped and said "oh, what's that your sewing, mommy?" Funny, funny. I hid them and at four years old she didn't yet make the connection that her Santa gift was in my lap several days before Christmas! Did you receive the e-mail I sent yesterday? I almost didn't send the poem but then I did. Hope it did not add to your sadness. Stay in touch with all your bloggy friends and those nearby and it will all help when you are in the fog.
On 09/10/2009, Candace said ...
Susan, I just came over from Sharon's blog and have read what you've gone through. My heart goes out to you on the loss of your precious Vann. Having married late in life to the love of my life, I cannot now or ever imagine life without him - and I feel your pain. Know that he is resting in peace with you forever in his heart. I love that you're celebrating his life through your blog - it will help you so much - humor, tears, lethargy are all a part of the grieving process. You'll get through it - and it appears you have so many friends to help you along the way. My very best to you!
On 09/10/2009, Sandi Ramirez said ...
What a nice looking Raggedy you have there and the dolls are cute too :)
On 09/10/2009, Julia Wood said ...
Today I mailed the prize you won on my blog. I waited a bit to mail it, hoping it might now serve as little pick-me-up. Hope you enjoy it!
On 09/10/2009, Di said ...
Susan, my deepest sympathies for your loss. I have read your blog for quite a while, but I'm one of those who don't know what to say.
But, I do know grief and please, please make sure you eat everyday and try and take a walk - if just up to the corner - and if you feel like going further, then go.
I'm glad to hear you have people around you, that is good and you always have all of us ... out here.
On 09/10/2009, Kai said ...
You are truly an inspiration and a dear friend. I keep asking myself how I ever got along before I knew you. But I think we ALWAYS knew each other in some sense, you know? I love your Raggedies, your photos of Vann (at all ages) and your posts so filled with truth and love. You are an amazing person, Susan. I think I'M becoming a better human being just because of you. And don't forget - you are ALLOWED to fall apart a little when you need to. Let yourself feel whatever it is you ARE feeling at any given moment. I just love you!
On 09/10/2009, Kelee Katillac said ...
Hi Susan!
I was soooooo inspired by the speech too!
Your stitching is darling.
One day at a time..... grief is good and part of your process ...it will transmute to beauty one day.
love, kelee
On 09/11/2009, mandy Storey said ...
Hi Susan, Mandy here...I want to thank-you that in your greif you reached out to me....that makes you one special lady....I have to say though it is good to know I'm not going crazy.....after reading your post on the 6th..I know what you mean as I am feeling some of those feelings as well...Today I had to go to our business and all I was good for was crying...one way to lose customers I think so I had better pull myself together....Do we still wear our wedding rings...I can't take mine of just yet and I am also wearing Gregs as a thumb ring!!!!!!I will be back to visit you again....
Blessings and hugs Mandy
On 09/11/2009, *karendianne. said ...
Ahh, some clean out. Oh lordy bee, I know this needs to happen here. I enjoyed reading how Andy came by. Reminds me how we are all in this together - continually. Constantly, steadfast and with vigilance.
On 09/11/2009, Barbara Anne said ...
Hi Susan,
Oh,you've reminded me that I used to tease my parents that I would no doubt have some mental block or huge problems in life because I never had a Raggedy Ann, so my mother made me one for my 16th birthday! She sits in a child's rocker that was my mother's and I'm glad to report the mental issues were kept at bay (tho some might debate that!!).
Huge hugs to you, dear. Grief is like that, sneaking up in a Hallmark commercial when you least expect it or following you as you described. Hope the sniffles are gone and the grief lessens for a while. Keep the kleenex handy for either need.
Wish I could come along on your shopping treks for the office furniture that speaks to you. What fun! Happy hunting!
More hugs!
On 09/11/2009, Gayle said ...
I sure see a lot of love in those eyes...he looks so kind.
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