I’ve recently been on vacation to my
hometown. Little did I know that my holiday would turn into a
sentimental journey to the places and times I strongly associate with
dolls. Three charming ladies accompanied me on my journey to the past –
the Midnight Princess 1997, Happy Holidays 1990 and Royal Romance 1992
and although I didn’t take any doll with me, I happily acquired the
three Barbies while I was away. I consider my vacation very successful
in every way, dollywise as well – the first two dolls had been high on
my wishlist. The third one was purchased simply because I couldn’t
resist, I mean, who would?
There’s a charming little park in my
hometown. When passing its gates one can see an ancient tree that, to my
mom’s horror, I used to climb frequently when I was little. On the
right there’s a large pond with a fountain at its center. The waters of
the pond reflect an 18th century manor. There used to be a
preschool there that I would go to as a little girl. The manor is quite
impressive, however, it sadly turns into disrepair now that it’s no
longer accommodated or used in any way.
I grew melancholy upon the sight of the
slowly dilapidating manor, however it brought some happy memories as
well. I remember bringing my very first Barbie to the kindergarten. At
that time, owning a genuine Barbie was a privilege in my country and
every little girl dreamt of having one or at least a clone that would
substitute the luxurious Mattel doll. My first Barbie doll was the
gorgeous Super Star 1988.
I was fully aware how lucky I was to own
her and with that in mind I did my best to take a good care of her, as
far as a child of 5 or 6 can. The doll had to endure a lot, I would
bring her to preschool in my Little Mermaid themed backpack where she
bumped her head on numerous object of its most indispensable equipment,
such as a Barbie brush, crayons, sticks and stones, and a lunchbox with a
sandwich that I would never ever eat.
My Super Star would climb the ancient
tree with me and she would participate in bike races round the mansion.
The doll was my faithful companion in so many play activities for years.
Later other Barbies would join her, such as the United Colors of
Benetton, Sun Sensation and Cool Looks. An unidentified Pocahontas and a
winter-themed Steffi Love also had their episode, but Super Star was
always special and my all-time favorite.
As I grew older, I owned my dolls rather
than played with them (an early collecting tendency?) until I finally
decided it was time for me to grow up. I was a teenager after all. So I
reluctantly handed my dolls over to my little sisters (much younger than
me) who weren’t quite so gentle with them as I was. I’ll omit the most
painful details, but let’s just say my sisters were curious little girls
and decided to fully investigate the leg bending mechanism… Oh well, it
wasn’t their fault, they were brought up in different times and reality
when Barbie dolls were more widely accessible and not so much objects
of luxury anymore. Since my sisters were so destructible, at least I
didn’t have any scruples and I would often and without any inhibitions
check their Bratz dolls … for any damages, of course.
I wish I brought my new Super Star with
me. She’d look spectacular in the shades of the tree and with the
mansion in the background. I will one day, but until I do, the three
beautiful ladies will take her place in front of the camera looking all
glamorous and magnificent.
So many years have passed since I last
brought a Barbie doll to the park. I no longer play with them strictly
speaking, but my dolls give me every bit as much joy as they used to,
back in the past.
