When my oldest daughter was a baby, our first American Girl
Doll catalog arrived. Back then they were Pleasant Company. The dolls and their
stories sprung from a vision of Rowland Pleasant. As soon as I saw that catalog, which at the time only
showcased five dolls, I wanted to be Rowland Pleasant.
Since I was a child I have miniaturized life through the
creation of dolls, their clothes and accessories. Her vision sparkled with
charm and a freshness that I imagined captured what a real doll should be. They looked like dolls that would be
treasured and passed down to daughters and granddaughters. Of course, I bought
one for my daughter, well before she was close to the suggested age.
By the time my youngest was old enough for one of these
dolls, I no longer felt this way. Although
I am still charmed by the miniaturization of life that bubbles out of
American Girl catalogs, the dolls and their accessories are everywhere--boxes and boxes of them in playrooms, basements and yard sales.
Not all girls play with dolls. But those who do, I am fairly
certain, want a doll that has an essence that speaks to them and provokes
their imagination. A doll that is somewhat unique. She has enough, but, not everything. Dolls whose sweet classic (yet simple) features
will span decades and will always evoke the cherished feeling of childhood
play.
I will never be Rowland Pleasant.
I will never be Rowland Pleasant.
However, I am hoping my dolls and their wardrobes will spark such feelings.
