Today was my mother’s birthday and although she passed away in 2004, I think of her every day and especially on important days like birthdays. 🙂
My Mother gave me critical and important lessons in abundance. I think now of the great love she had for her family and the many lessons of character-building importance that she gave me over my formulative years. Some were delightful to receive and some were painful to receive but I have to say that all were necessary and important lessons for me. Thank you Mom! ❤
One hobby that my mother embraced was collecting dolls and she loved her dolls! Her doll collecting really “took off” after she retired from working at Union Carbide for nearly 40 years. When ebay first began, we would get on her computer together and look at dolls and dream and sometimes buy one. This is such a fond memory for me today. 🙂
I learned about Sasha dolls after Mom passed and I am certain she would be thrilled to know that I am a doll collector today and that the love of dolls, which she instilled in me, is still there–alive and well. Thank you Mom! ❤
In honor of my Mom, I am posting photos of the beautiful Gertie wearing two different outfits and both were made by Helena of Dolliepatch. I hope you enjoy this post of Gertie revisted. 🙂
Gertie’s dress by Dolliepatch is made of silk and her leather shoes are by Sashapotamus. 🙂
Most of you remember that Gertie was lovingly repainted by the talented artist, Janet Myhill-Dabbs. ❤
A peek at the pretty undergarments. 😉
A full view of Gertie. ❤
A closer view for you to see. 🙂
I was so fond of this style of dress for Gertie that I thought to buy a lighter, more summery version of a studio dress from Dolliepatch. 🙂
Gertie wearing her new dress. Her leather slip on shoes were made by Janet and were on another doll that my dear husband, upon a close inspection of the new repainted dolls, affectionally named “Smootch”. So, our sweet Smootch loaned her shoes to Gertie. 🙂
Gertie up close. Notice the pretty tatted or crocheted collar. It is detachable and buttons in the back. 🙂
It rained so much over the weekend that these photos were taken indoors by necessity and so are not nearly as clear. Please excuse the strays hairs. 😦
A different view of Gertie. 🙂
Gertie holding her precious baby given to her by her twin sister Edith who lives with Janet. ❤
Gertie sends her love to her sister, Edith. ❤
This photo is very special because one of the gifts my Mom gave to me was the love of reading. We come from a very long line of avid readers. Little Women is one of my favorite all-time books! Gertie loves to read and to be read to by me. 🙂
A tiny peek at the undergarments. 😉 They are a beautiful pale aqua color. 🙂
Gertie reminded me that we took photos of when her gift arrived from Janet and Edith. So, here are the photos! 🙂
Edith and Janet wrapped the gift with love. ❤
A baby, oh thank you Edith and Janet! ❤
Sweet baby up close. 🙂
A wave goodbye to you all on this lovely July 6th day. Have a beautiful and a peaceful week to come. ❤ xxx
Sasha Shangri-La 
What a lovely post Ginger, your mum would have loved it….and I’m sure she’d also be delighted that you inherited her love of dolly collecting, amongst other things. We learn so much from our parents that even when they are no longer physically around, they are still there within us…..and have shaped what we are. 🙂 I feel the same about my dad who died in 1995, I can hardly believe that it is 20 years, time passes so incredibly quickly, but like you I still think of him a lot and especially when those particular special dates come around.
Thank you for sharing Gertie with us, she’s a lovely girl, Janet did a super job on her….and her dresses are just perfect for her too 🙂
Big hugs Sharon xxx
Hi Sharon and thank you so much for your lovely note. This is my “hankie” day and your kind words ring true in my heart and have left me with a big smile. As always, your big hugs help me smile too! 🙂
You are most welcome for the Gertie photos. I am really star-struck with this beautiful girl. Yes, Janet hit a major grand slam, bases loaded, home run with Gertie’s repainting. Have a very wonderful day my friend! ❤ xxx
A lovely post Ginger and thank you for sharing your memories of your mum. I love your girl Gertie, I think she is my favourite of Janet’s repaints. It is wonderful what our mothers teach us as we grow, not only the lessons we need for life but also the joys that can be found in things such as reading and collecting.
My mother was a great reader , something that she passed on to me , a love of reading and also she loved her garden, a love I learned with out realising It.
Gertie looks lovely in both her dresses and her baby from her sister is so sweet and so nice of her twin to send.
It’s lovely that you could share your love of dolls with your mum and therefore remember her when you enjoy your own collection :)xxx
Hi Dee and thank you for your very kind comments. Gertie is my favorite of Janet’s repaintings too. I love dressing her in pretty clothing. I thought you must be a reader too because most people that write, love to read and you are a great writer! 🙂
My love of gardening was learned from my Grandmother, Adeline, though I have not spent much time in the garden this year. I hope to catch up soon. I am happy you enjoyed this post and it has been a great day remembering my Mom and our love of dolls and sharing this joy with friends. ❤ xxx
Darling little Gertie you are so beautiful in your gorgeous new dresses, Edith would be so envious so I haven’t told her! I am sure your lovely mom has told you all about her own mom and her love of dolls and books, both the most perfect pastimes to pass along. Edith is so happy that you love your little present from her, she is giving her own rag baby an extra big hug that she hopes will reach you too. xx oo xx
Hi Auntie Janet! Thank you so much for writing to me and please give my love to Edith. I do love my rag baby very much. Thank you for making it and slipping it into the box! I keep the baby with me always. Sending hugs to you and dear Edith. ❤ xxx
How lovely for us to catch some more photos of the gorgeous Gertie (and in her two new lovely dresses) helping you to remember and celebrate your late mother’s birthday with your love of dolls.
My late mother wasn’t a doll collector and neither was I until recently, both being bought up during the War I and II years when toys on the whole were scarce…. but I did inherit her skills of making the most and best of what we had and how to take extra care of everything that we were lucky enough to own plus her love of gardening, putting together interior home designs with what we had, present wrapping and entertaining….(though unfortunately not her superb ability to cook with basically having no interest in food as such.)
We all here too, remember with love and respect these important ex family dates.
Thank you Kendal and I am happy you enjoyed the Gertie photos in her new outfits. I think it is so nice that we remember our mothers and important people in our lives as we were growing up. My mother did not cook very much but my grandmother cooked wonderfully well. I was more of the baker in the family and my grandmother loved the times when I would bake breads and rolls and cakes and such. She would stay in the kitchen with me while I would knead the bread, punch it down and wait for it to rise again. We would slice a piece of warm bread right out of the oven and enjoy it with fresh butter. Wonderful memories. ❤
I cook pretty well but my dear husband took the main cooking role years ago because he would always be home from work before me and he would cook and I would clean up. It seemed to work well especially when we were raising children and it was more efficient to do so.
I enjoyed reading about your mother's talents and gifts. It is good to remember the blessings we have received from the special people in our lives. Thank you for writing. ❤ xxx