I really don't feel like being serious tonight - just got through watching Sybil and that will put a downer on any day. So, let's talk about dolls !

When I was little, my mom had a part-time job while Gary and I were in school. Her purpose was to get out of the house that she felt cloistered in, and she would do various little jobs around town. Every payday, she would cash her little check, load Gary and me into the car, and off we'd go to San Antonio. My mom knew one way in to Sears on Military Drive, and one way home. We never ventured off that road, and never went anywhere else, except to the bowling alley down the road. At Sears, I would get a new doll and a bag of malted milk balls from the candy counter. Gary would get candy and then we'd go bowling. I'd play with my doll while he and mom bowled.
Needless to say, after just a little while, I'd have quite a collection of dolls. Gary, being the great big brother that he was, did his best to destroy them, but I got them faster than he could plan their demise.

Now, I know I had favorite dolls, but to pick one would be very hard. I don't even consider Barbies in that group; they were a world of their own. But if I had to choose, I'd pick Tiny Tears. A lovely little baby face, made of hard plastic, but sweet to behold. You'd fill her "tummy" with water in her bottle, and then when you'd squeeze her, the tears would flow. Looking back, it was kind of odd to set your baby up to cry, but I'm sure there's nothing psychological in that - it was just fun. I played hours and hours with Tiny (she never had a real name that I can remember!) and have her to this day. She gave me lots of practice for holding Dana and Erin, and for that, I'm thankful!

Do you recall a favorite doll of your own?