I have chosen to depict Raggedy Ann as a symbol of love, understanding and sharing of the joys and responsibilities of life. Raggedy Ann was a soft doll, stuffed with cotton, yet able to rally her fellow dolls into action, when necessary to get a job done, such as rescuing the family dog from danger. She taught tolerance and understanding of dolls who were "different" and she thoroughly enjoyed adventuring into the deep, deep woods. Her smile was constant throughout all her various adventures and misadventures.
Over the last dozen years, my husband and I have sought out Raggedy Ann dolls at yard sales, flea markets, antique malls, thrift shops and toy stores. Old ones are cleaned up, clothing and wigs repaired, new aprons made, and every one made to be happy and content. Some we keep in our collection and some we sell. Many are donated to children and residents of hospitals and nursing homes. We love the ever-present smiles on theses floppy wonderful friends.
I am sure that having these faces smiling at us every day has contributed to our happiness in these later years and has certainly impressed upon me the importance of sharing not only a smile, but my life experience with others, so we may all learn a little more about how we live and organize our approach to life.
AH
Chicago, IL