The other night, my dear friend Christina (who, like Tara, I met in grade seven - in fact I met them on the very same day) hosted a clothing swap. You know those clothes that you have that you still love but know you'll never wear again? Maybe you've outgrown them, physically or aesthetically, or maybe you're in the mood for something new but you don't want to spend a bunch of money. Well, if you get a roomful of people together who have roughly the same taste in clothing, this can be a great alternative to shopping. Personally, I loathe shopping: all the traipsing about from shop to shop exhausts me and the brightly lit change rooms seem as though they must have been invented by someone who truly hates women and wants us to feel bad about ourselves. But at Christina's, we had food and wine and music, and tried the clothes on in her non-threatening, lamp-lit bedroom. How civilized! I snagged some new-old sweaters, some very fly sunglasses, and this super-cute purse:
But would you believe when I say that my new prized possession was this Dolly Parton mug? Who would give this away?
Some people, upon hearing of my love for Dolly, accuse me of being ironic. Not so! I know her appearance over the last few decades has made her rife for caricature, but I genuinely love a lot of her music and she's a very charming person. I once saw her interviewed and when asked if she supported gay marriage she said, "Of course - I don't see why y'all shouldn't suffer as much of the rest of us." Love her.
photo credit: Marie O'Connell
Though mostly known for her own music, Dolly has written over 3,000 songs, most of which have been performed by other musicians. If you, like me, felt somewhat assaulted by the high production value of Whitney Houston's ubiquitous version of I Will Always Love You back in the 90s (thought I admit the high note was impressive) you might like Dolly's original and much subtler version, which is so sweet it chokes me up. (And check out Porter Wagoner's crazily awesome hair & jacket combo at the beginning!
Finally, just a few quick things: I've decided to start posting replies to comments directly in the comments section rather than sending them by email. I do try to respond to all comments, but I don't always manage to. I thought this way, when people ask questions, the answers could be there for all to see, and I can also respond to a few comments at once rather than each one individually, in case there are common threads. But I do read each and every comment and I appreciate them all.
Also, the dolls for my next shop update are nearly all finished! The update will take place Wednesday, January 27th at 2:00 pm Eastern time and will include 15 new dolls. I'll post the official banner announcement this weekend, and photos/ descriptions of all dolls over the next few days. Also, if you would like to receive an email reminder on the day of the update itself, you can always sign up for my newsletter; the badge is in the upper right-hand corner of this blog, just under the banner.
Tata for now dears!
oooh i'm so excited for the shop update, that day and time is marked in my calendar!!!
the three in the last photo are looking lovely!
Posted by: Annina | January 22, 2010 at 02:09 PM
thank you so much for reaquainting me with dolly and feeling the love. I absolutely adore that song but only sung from her. I have got tears streaming down my face. I grew up with dolly in the background, her being one of mums favourites. And this song reminds me of my mother who died 8 years ago and I feel these words are coming from her. So very emotional indeed.
I'm off to buy her album now(so I can have a great howl) and just maybe... might join up to her fan club;0)
can't wait for the new update!
Posted by: sweet emmelie | January 22, 2010 at 02:59 PM
Sarah:
You made me smile today. Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton were all around my house while I was growing up. My parents were from the American South and I cut my teeth on good old fashion country music. Not too many folks nowadays even know who Porter Wagoner is.
Thanks for the great memories!
Kim
Gerushia's New World
Posted by: Kim | January 22, 2010 at 03:34 PM
Ooh the update takes place just a couple days before my birthday! :-) How cute is that terrified looking little doll peeping into the corner of the picture there!!
Congratulations on finishing all the new dolls, 15, wow, what an achievment!
Posted by: monika viktoria | January 22, 2010 at 04:14 PM
Thank you Emmelie, Kim, Annina Monika for all your kind comments! Im so glad to hear all the Dolly Parton love - I think she is underappreciated by many people. And I feel like I read somewhere that she wrote that song about Porter - is that right?
shop: blackeyedsuzie.etsy.com blog: blackeyedsuzie.typepad.com
Posted by: Black-Eyed Suzie | January 22, 2010 at 04:58 PM
I love Dolly and alot of music has been done by an eclectic range of artists...Oh you have been busy sweetie..I love those dolls shown...Have a grand happy weekend.
Love the clothes swap idea also.
xoxoxox
Posted by: Sonia | January 22, 2010 at 08:27 PM
Yes - like the White Stripes version on Jolene. I love it but I still prefer Dollys!
x.s.
shop: blackeyedsuzie.etsy.com blog: blackeyedsuzie.typepad.com
Posted by: Black-Eyed Suzie | January 22, 2010 at 08:45 PM
What a great idea, unfortunately most of my friends are in the 70's range LOL, I'm not, that what happens when you retire young. I hate to shop too, I prefer to sew, and I miss all the cast offs I use to get from my brothers, whatever, your new dolls look fab can't wait to see them
your fairy friend
Karey
huge dolly fan!!!!!
Posted by: Kaerie Faerie | January 22, 2010 at 09:21 PM
I love your dolly parton mug! Can't wait to see your dolls...hope you are having a great weekend xx
Posted by: Alex Mason | January 23, 2010 at 07:30 PM