Wednesday, January 6, 2010

The sad, but strangely uplifting tale of Lucia




Lucia was a treasured cloth doll handed down through generations of the Appleby family. In 1924 she became the beloved possession of nine-year-old Poppy Appleby, who kept her in a metal trunk with her best treasures.
In December, 1925, the Appleby home was destroyed by fire that started when a coal fell out of the parlour fire and quickly spread. Poppy and her Aunt Matilda were the only survivors..........apart from Poppy's trunk of treasures which miraculously came through the fire reasonably unscathed.

Poppy and her Aunt Matilda (who was a wonderful seamstress) set up a new home in a small cottage not far from their old home and traumatic scars notwithstanding, managed to live a long and happy life together. Poppy always had Lucia, smoke-damaged as she was, to remind her of her family and the terrible night she lost them. Under Aunt Matilda's instruction, ten-year-old Poppy made new clothes for her doll to replace the ones ruined by smoke and her face and limbs were gently cleaned to remove as much of the discolouration as possible. Nothing could be done, however to remove the stains from Lucia's cloth body.
(Of course, this story is pure fabrication, but I had to think of some explanation for the stains on this doll's body! I was attempting to add just a little staining using walnut ink, but it just came out of the spray bottle way too fast. Ya gotta laugh!)

16 comments:

Robin's Egg Bleu said...

Personally, I love the stains! She seems more 'real' somehow without the pristine white cloth body.

Unknown said...

I was believing the story...lol...I was thinking wow that is the prettiest antique doll Ive ever seen...hmmm no wonder she was so pretty Susan....

Dixie Redmond said...

She's beautiful, Susie. You keep doing that!

Sue said...

LOL...here I was feeling so sad/happy as I was reading your story about Lucia. Hee - you sneak!

The 'stains' give her character and make her so unique, love her!

Unknown said...

Oh YOU! I'm sitting tears running down my face...oooohhhhh noooooooo poor baby, goodness Susie! that's not funny....roflmbo! Lucia looks great!
hugz
Pam

Hardin County Keepsakes said...

Susie,
Another beauty.
You inspire me to get back to painting my dolls.
I got to see one of your dolls in person on a visit to Sherry Goshon.I so admire your dolls.Each one is a pleasure to see.
Judy J

White´n´Cream Dolls said...

Oooh Susie, what another beauty. I love her ageing.

Lombardbears said...

Gorgeous looking doll!!

bensonbear said...

Hmmmmmm had me going there for a sec, Sis. BTW you notice it's almost time for your 200th folloower give away (hint hint!)

The Creative Bohemian said...

Sue,

I think that is a very clever story to explain your doll's condition. How creative to give her a story.

Thanks for sharing it,
Diane

mivionnet said...

has been wonderful!
Her dress is fantastic, but I love especially his cap. It is precious to her pretty face! congratulations!

FairiesNest said...

You completely had me! I'm a sucker for a doll story. :)And she's lovely in spite...maybe because of...her stains.

Anonymous said...

Beatiful!!!

Rebecca said...

I agree with Robin, I love the stains! My favorite, (till the next one!)

Bonnie Lee Fontaine said...

I was sold! I kept going back and forth while I read the story:"she made her....oh, no, she didn't, it's real!....no, she made her, but..." Excellent!! Couldn't have asked for better results. This is how legends are born. Starts with a little lie, and turns into an heirloom...lol.

Ayala Art said...

I completely fell for it LOL
Lovely story, thank heavens it was ink ;o)

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...