Announcing Our 2023 Jonathan Green Kathe Kruse Event

We are excited to invite you to the upcoming UFDC doll convention in August 2023! As one of the premier events in the doll-collecting community, this convention is a must-attend for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

As an event sponsor of the convention, we are especially excited to announce that we will host a special lunch in honor of our dear friend and fellow doll enthusiast, Jonathan Green. We would be honored if you would join us for this special occasion and celebrate the life and legacy of one of our community's most beloved members. Please listen to what I have to say in this new YouTube video.

This lunch will surely be a highlight of the convention, featuring a program by me (Rachel Hoffman) about Kathe Kruse through the lens of Jonathan Green, delicious food, lively conversation, and plenty of dolls to admire and cherish. We are going "all out" for our beloved friend with an extra doll manufactured by our shop (in addition to the event Kathe Kruse doll), custom-created centerpieces, paper dolls, gifts, and a Jonathan Green special exhibit.

It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with other collectors, share stories and tips, and expand your knowledge of the fascinating world of doll collecting. We hope to see you.

So mark your calendars and plan to attend the UFDC doll convention in August 2023. We can't wait to see you there and share this special experience together.

VINTAGE BARBIE HAUL AND CATCHING UP ABOUT LIFE

Hi Dear Friends,

A lot had happened in the last couple of weeks. The biggest thing is that I have been grieving the loss of my dear friend, Jonathan Green. In addition, Holland Diane has been sick, and we have been trying to hang in there. Part of getting back into life for me is creating videos because we love sharing and having you in our shop. Join me for a chat about life, and join Christopher for a vintage Barbie doll and clothing unboxing. It is outstanding just how much Christopher knows about vintage Barbie. He did not see these items before filming this video! This is a fun video to have on in the background if you are working on something. Pull up a chair and come hang out!

Holiday Chat

Hi Sweet One,

It’s already Christmas Week, and we have a beautiful video coming for you that is a tour of our Christmas Display for 2022. Before we filmed, I had some thoughts on navigating the sometimes challenging feelings around the Holidays that I want to share with you. Pull up a chair and join me if you like. I would love to see you.

XOXO,

Rachel

Here's the Thing About Loving Someone

Two years ago today, Derek was grilling dinner out on our patio, and I got the call that my Momma had passed away at 5:53 PM.

I remember several things about that night, and one of them is Derek holding me tight as I took the call and then called Dad next door.

I called Dad this morning, and he joined us on our walk in the Hot Rod. You should have seen him strolling her around, showing her off like his little Ferrari with his wrench jingling out of the front of his overalls pocket.

As silly as it may seem, I giggle when I see that wrench in his pocket every time. And I know that wrench would drive my Mom crazy, especially eating out.

Here's the thing about loving someone - we get to miss them. We miss the memories we had, the memories we could have had. Time doesn't heal all wounds, but it makes the stories more special and the memories that much more alive.

It makes me weep to know that she will never know Holland Diane, show her around her doll shop and hold her sweet little hand, but I also know she knows her, and on the best days, I see little flickers of my Mom right in her face.

It's the best.

Mom lived her life caring for her family and chasing after dolls. She was loving, brave, and kind, and she was mine.

She'd be proud of us.

She was the best mother, and I am so thankful that she is the beginning of my story.