Our "Elf on the shelf" Lola returned again this Christmas season! We LOVE Lola. I can say "We" with confidence as my children, my husband and even my friends are following her! My family walks into the kitchen each morning (We have an open kitchen/living room /dining room) and search for Lola. You know - like "where's Waldo".
It has become such a fun adventure for me, helping Lola our elf with her creative adventures each day. Today as I'm "playing" with Lola it occurred to me, I really didn't play with dolls when I was a little girl. But there was one doll that I recall and loved dearly.
Mrs. Beasley.
Years ago, I looked in antique stores and even on e-bay in search of a similar Mrs. Beasley to the one I had as a child. As I looked at the photos of her, and even as I found this photo today, I wondered WHY would this doll stand out? What was so wonderful about this doll, and really, it's an old lady in the form of a doll, she's not really even a "baby doll".
I sifted through thoughts and wondered. I concluded perhaps I didn't fall in love with Mrs. Beasley - but what Mrs. Beasley represented. She was from the TV program Family Affair. It was a dysfunctional family that found a foundation in just loving one another. Orphans who came to know what family was really all about. Mrs. Beasley was a character that represented security and love for little Buffy on the program. I suspect in all of my dysfunction perhaps Mrs. Beasley and Buffy both brought into my life some kind of representation of "normal" ~ of life not being like everyone else and that being okay. Hummm Maybe?
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalms 139:14
So as I walk about this morning with Lola as I prepare for another fun adventure, it makes me wonder what doll will stand out to my daughter when she's an adult. She has an American Girl Doll who she adores! She loves to take care of her, do her hair, dress her....I suspect she'll always hold a soft spot with my mini me. I hope that the memories are happy and that the doll represents a positive, encouraging and loving time in her life.