A Post for the Child Within

I can't speak for the young girls of today by any means. It's my understanding that by seven or eight, girls think Barbie dolls are for babies. They would rather worship the latest vocal artist by mimicking their wardrobe down to the exposing of a recently healed from birth belly button. This post is not for you. Let me show my age by saying "in my day" girls didn't grow up so fast. At six years old, I still enjoyed Sesame Street. I will even admit to you, my dear reader, that I enjoyed creating drama between my Barbie dolls until I was twelve. This would be considered "babyish" by today's standards. Now having a four year old daughter, we spend our time together playing Barbies. (Bratz dolls have way too much attitude to be allowed in my house.) I think back to the 80s and remember dolls and furniture I had then. I even would look on eBay sometimes and drool over what was once considered so unattainable. Women sellers even market their used product in such a way that they know women like me still want them. So, I will understand if you do not share in my excitement of what transpired over this weekend. I found a much coveted 1979 Barbie dream house. No Barbie "dream house" since has come close to this particular one for me. I would see these on eBay and they could go up to $200. No thank you. So a minute from my house at a garage sale, I spot one. I approach the purveyor of goods.

Trying not to show too much emotion, I say,"Is that a Barbie dream house?"

"I don't know," is her lackluster reply.

"How much is it?" I say as I'm expecting the worst.

"Five bucks."

It's in excellent condition but empty. I decide to push my luck, " Do you have any furniture that goes with it?"

"Oh I didn't think to get it out, hold on."

She proceeds to bring out a large bag of Barbie furniture in good condition, including a set from the 1979 edition. I call my mom afterwards like I won the lottery. I never call my mom unless it's to keep up on her health. She is very happy for me but declines to come over and play. After all, you can recreate the past, but you can't reinvent it.