India

I can't remember what year it was.  I was in college at the time, but which year?  The years blend.  Whenever it was, our family decided to have a "homemade" Christmas.  I don't know whose idea it was originally, but my money is on Marianne.  She's often the idea girl.

Now this sort of thing worked well in our family because of my parents' skills.  My dad made me a silver necklace and my mom sewed me a beautiful dress.  I think I wrote something for each of my siblings which strikes me as sort of a lame present.  (Sorry everyone!)  I can't remember what all my siblings gave me, but yesterday I was straightening up and my eyes landed on the gift Olivia gave me.

I named her India.  She has absolutely nothing to do with the country India, I just liked the name.  Her face is a little dirty (despite my best efforts, she was seriously loved by all of my children as toddlers) but she's still perfect.  I love the happy doll.  To me she represents a little sister (a talented little sister) who loves me.  I love the mix of patterns.  I love the colors.  There's nothing quite like arranging the skirts of a rag doll your sister made for you.  I don't know, it just raises the spirits.