I love Joan Walsh Anglund. My mom started collecting them for me because she loved the artwork & because she thought I looked like Joan Walsh Anglund's characters - chubby cheeks & big eyes. I got the opportunity to meet her at one of her book signings & was lucky enough to have her sketch a portrait of me as a character, with every detail of my outfit. (cardigan, pixie collar on my smock dress, necklace & hair parted down the middle pinned back with 2 barrettes - my standard hairstyle in the early '80's.)
I have been in love with her artwork ever since I was a little girl. And now over 20 years later, I can still say I love each & every one of her illustrations. Her artwork is just TIMELESS. It's so cheery, colorful & focuses on life's simple pleasures, family & friendships. This past weekend I went to St.Louis again & while I was at my parents' house, I dragged some of my childhood boxes out of the closets. I was so excited to see all this stuff after being boxed up for so many years. As you can see, my collection is pretty extensive... and yet there's more. (Books & ornaments that aren't shown here) You can see a little piece of paper above... this is from elementary school when I got to proudly display my collection in the glass cabinet in the library. I can't WAIT to display some of this stuff in Libby's room. Some of the stuff is brand new...
I had a different tote bag that I used in Kindergarten! It was yellow oilcloth with a JWA illustration on it. So this one got preserved & now Libby can use it! And I love this gazebo... and will just HAVE to have a little tea party with Libby & her friends so I can use this.
Libby even gets a brand new puzzle (I think I had 2... that's how 1 stayed unopened) ... she might be getting it for Christmas. Who'd ever think I could regift a gift for my own daughter. :) But look who is the star of the show. A cute little redhead. PERFECT for my little redhead ballerina girl (with her own chubby cheeks & big eyes).
P.S. Ha Ha - just looked at my old calendar from 1989 (above in photo, standing up with yellow border) & KARAH you got home from vacation 19 years ago TODAY 8/13. Not sure where you were, but I marked "Karah home". Sounds like I was pretty excited my BFF was back. :) Not much has changed! Life is still better when you're around!
6 comments:
LOVE it... did you bring ME any goodies?
Rachel..that stuff is sooo neat! I love it all! It's so special after all those years!
ps. so cute you marked my return from vacay on your calendar.
i am blessed that we live in the same city again. who would have ever thought? it's the wheel of life..bringing us back together at the perfect time in our lives! love you!
That was my FAVE puzzle. Maybe I will put it together with Libby someday : )
i have to admit..i have never heard of Joan Walsh Anglund. But the items are beautiful and i love her drawing of you! you should frame it. it's always such a good feeling to look back at items that brough such joy to your childhood.
I remember Joan Walsh Anglund saying she would only draw a picture in two books which she did. Then, she looked at you standing there and said, "Oh, she is exactly what I draw." And, she drew you.
That was my favorite puzzle too!
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