Wednesday, November 1

The Toys are Having their (own) picnic!


Sorry for this rather creepy toy doll. Does it spook you at all? Perhaps old dolls in general or those that "talk" or even mannequins possibly frighten you? If so, you just might suffer from Pediophobia, an actual disorder that, while it can be easily cured, is commonly left untreated since those afflicted consider it unique and silly themselves. Yet, they are gripped with fear enough that it secretly can keep them from visiting even a sibling, say, in fear of seeing a nephew's or niece's dolls, let alone going into a clothing store! It can be more debilitating than you might imagine.

This particularly unfortunate doll is inspired by one my daughter had for many, many years, named "Annie," after her "Grannie Annie," all the way in England who she only met twice very briefly. We didn't have much money as a family on one income and I think had found this at a thrift shop or yard sale or something. Nevertheless, Rachel adored it, carrying it around with her wherever she went. Eventually, it started literally falling apart, its stuffing coming out, an arm that would fall off and either an eye that would roll back or the others' eyelid usually half way shut. To make matters more traumatic, the poor thing's head kept falling off and even with multiple attempts of sewing it back on, it never lasted!

I'm not sure whatever happened to poor old Annie, but it certainly showed us all early on that Rachel was made for unconditional love and nurture and has found her calling as a mom in her own right, taking care of twins and a brave husband who himself is a an injured (triple amputee) Marine veteran. Like him, she takes it all in her stride and never ceases to amaze us just how incredible she is at making everything whole. Her love knows no bounds and, of course, we love her no end! So proud of her. :D

So, what doll did you bring to our picnic this week? Time for show and tell...

SHARE:

16 comments

  1. Rachel is indeed a strong woman all the best to her. Your doll is so appropriate for the season and very dark and scary! Nice work, congrats on finishing the popular inktober.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, thank you and as it is, dark is not my forte. Glad the season is over. lol.

      Delete
  2. Wow Michael, that really is a 'frightful dolly'! But truth be known, we girls did often love our favorite one literally to bits! Often they were bald, eyeless, scratched and scarred. Your sweet daughter is certainly an amazing woman, I can imagine the pride you all feel for her. . . . . . . and I thank your son-in-law again for his service and the
    incredible gift he gave to his country by serving to keep our freedom safe.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Michael! :) I LOVE your scribble....my jack in the box will be right at home with your scary doll! It's funny because I think back on lots of toys out there that I see as pretty frightening looking right now, like that monkey with the cymbals, why make the eyes so darn wide and spooky??? But that's what I like! For me it's ventriloquist dummies that scare the bleep out of me! Are they real? Are they not? Why are they looking at me like that? And so forth lol...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. you, Rain, have Pupaphobia then-- a fear of puppets! :) And yes that monkey with cymbals is so darn creepy.

      Delete
  4. Your story is inspiring and your daughter and her family to be admired. We both looked back to our children as we were reminded of who they were and how their toys were so special to them. Micheal, I can't imagine you being old enough to have a grown daughter with a family and thank you to her husband for his service and my heart breaks that he paid such a price. That your daughter has such a loving heart is a reflection on you as a parent ... you and your family are very special and, in the world we live in today, you give me hope.

    Andrea @ From the Sol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think we def did well with raising the kids and am glad for that. Thank you so much. :)

      Delete
  5. Okay, I'm back to comment after I had to post and run earlier.

    Firstly, fantastic sketch! Your doll is very scary indeed...I think she definitely beats my Bess doll in the scary department. haha Bess has one eye that rolls back and doesn't quite sit right in her head, poor dear. Now, I must admit that I get a little freaked out when I see those old antique dolls displayed on shelves in old movies...others I've seen have had holes in their porcelain faces, hair unkempt with parts missing...so creepy! Did you ever watch the Annabelle movie about an antique doll that ends up being possessed? I haven't yet but plan to.

    Your Rachel is an amazing woman as is her brave husband. Life is what you choose to make of it especially when hit times of crisis and it is obvious that their love and determination have seen them through some tough times. They are both an inspiration to others.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha, that's so funny, Serena, as you are totally spot on. It IS indeed even worse than Bess and I wasn't intending to make it like that. Lol. Too funny.

      No, never watched "Annabelle" and in fact never watch horror in general as I am way too easily scared, don;t want the ensuing nightmare, etc. Ha.

      Yes, I think that inspiration model keeps them going at times.

      Thank you so much.

      Delete
  6. I think some dolls bear the scares of being loved to death and yours surely looks well-loved. I had four younger siblings - two of them brothers, and there was no love in what they did to our dolls. No wonder neither of them became hairdressers or make-up artists! Your daughter does indeed sound like a very strong and caring woman. Kudos to her and to her brave husband for showing such strength in the face of challenge.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I will admit the doll startled me at first sight. But obviously she's just a toy that received Much attention! I was at a museum in Oklahoma earlier this year where one area was completely lined with all kinds of dolls. It didn't bother me, but I can see where it might some people. I just kept hoping to see dolls similar to ones I enjoyed as a child.

    Thank you for sharing about your Rachel. You have every right to be proud of her!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. No more scary for a while now. :)

      Delete
  8. very creep looking doll, has a bit of a frankienstien's monster look going on with the neck stitches :)
    im not scared of dolls, but wouldn't really have one either, give me a cute plushie instead :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. What an incredible piece. Love. Total caring. Reminds me of The Velveteen Rabbit. You could write a story about this doll.
    Blessings
    Janis

    ReplyDelete