Happy 50th, Barbie!

Barbie® Turns 50 Today! Which, of course, qualifies her as an official WOOFer! And do we ever have a special treat for her...and you. A visit with Rhonda Dossett, one of our colleagues at Echelon Press. From her home in Oklahoma, she shares this beautiful Barbie story:

In 1963, my grandmother gave me one of the first Barbies. That doll shared much of my life – I actually still have her. Her blonde ponytail is a little thin in places, but her blue eye shadow looks as fresh as it did way back then.

In the photo accompanying this blog, it was December of 1964. I was in my grandmother's kitchen, celebrating my sixth birthday with my daily playmates:

1) My younger brother is there. He was the poor soul who was usually consigned to minor roles in our make-believe games in exchange for his inclusion in our adventures. His mouth is open in protest about something. (That was usual too);
2) My best friend, Tammy, who had come to the party accompanied by her Barbie, (note the doll nearest the cake) is on my left. Tammy was probably waiting for me to direct the action (I was bossy even then);
3) I'm in the center – and you'll note that my Barbie attended too (see the doll in lower right corner). My grandmother made my dress, my Barbie's dress, and Tammy's Barbie's dress. We loved those Barbie dolls with a passion.

I still have my Barbie dolls and most of her elaborate ball gowns. I also have Tammy's doll.

Back in the Stone Ages, kids in Oklahoma had to be 6-years-old by the end of September or they had to wait until the next fall to start first grade. With a December birthday, I can't tell you how much I yearned to start first grade early. Tammy too, although she was even younger. I remember us commiserating in our misery – the unfairness of it all.

Kindergarten wasn't available, so we spent our time as kids used to do – long days playing outside in all but the worst weather. Our Barbies went with us – and yeah, my brother did too. We were free to roam our territory – about two blocks square with impunity. If we strayed, my grandmother knew before we got home. She had spies everywhere. (My mother had a job that year; my father was recovering from back surgery; and my grandmother was responsible for us during the day.)

Tammy lived just down the road, only a large pasture separating my grandparents' house from hers. She was the baby of her family – the last child of parents who were nearly the same age as my grandparents. Yes, she was spoiled. But she was also joyful. She was a happy soul. She sang all the time.

She also had leukemia.

When Tammy died the following summer her mother gave me Tammy's Barbie. I didn't really understand death then. I didn't understand she wasn't coming back or where she went. But I didn't want the doll to be lonely.

The next fall I started first grade. I took both Barbies with me.

-- Rhonda Dossett
Copyright 2009

The Southern Half of Evelyn David
Murder Off the Books & Murder Takes the Cake (May 2009)
evelyndavid.com
thestilettogang.blogspot.com

Evelyn David is the pseudonym for Marian Edelman Borden and Rhonda Dossett. While many fans who attend mystery conventions have chatted with both halves of Evelyn David, Marian and Rhonda have yet to meet in person. For more details on this unusual partnership, visit their website at http://www.evelyndavid.com. In addition to Murder Off the Books and Murder Takes the Cake, both from Echelon Press, Evelyn David is the author of several short stories including Riley Come Home in the Missing anthology from Echelon Press.

For another perspective check out author, Amy Goldman Koss in the LA Times. My Barbie