paper doll painter and old rocks

I'm calling it a "continuation of their birthday celebrations" - something I'm starting to get a reputation for, I'm sure.

If not for my trip yesterday to the Jepson, I might yet be putting off their gifts a little longer...

but I had wandered into the gift shop and found a few items that were perfect for them, as well as for others with upcoming other birthdays, so...

right place, right time.

This paper doll, for example, with some rather interesting stickers, is just the thing for my great-niece in Louisville.

"Dearest Ally,
Happy 12th birthday!
I remembered that you dressed as Bob Ross for Halloween and thought you would enjoy this paper doll of him.
I've also enclosed a post I wrote about him last year!
with much love,
G'Aunt Tina"

I even had an envelope with a window in it, so Bob's face could look out at her!

I think she and her folks - and her Grandma, my outlaw Bunny - will get a kick out of it!

Plus, my gift is sure to stand out - get the pun?! - when it arrives!

Now, for my niece in Alabama, the one and only niece that shares my birthday, I'm starting her off with two pairs of socks from the museum, in bright colors and with fun designs - oooh la la!

Maybe she has a sock drawer like I do, right?

I also sent her a copy of the fun post about "Bobby's Socks", the many, many, lone ones with mates lost in the laundry.

I think she'll find it very funny... and she may even do her own experiment this summer!

 

She's also getting something near and dear to my heart, something Mama had kept as an inside joke between us.

I had developed a habit of collecting shells from beaches I visited - Cocoa Beach, Daytona, New Smyrna - while I was stationed in Orlando for CTM school.

Naturally, when I was up in Illinois, I wanted to do the same... but that beach had no shells.

That didn't stop me!

In the lid, Mama had written:

"From Lake Michigan
Summer 1977
Tina picked up
on shore when she
was stationed at
Great Lakes"

 

I had stumbled upon the box when I'd moved into the Ocean Room and set them aside for the little girl who wanted to be a scientist.

The time had arrived to share these beauties with her!

 

"Dearest Aubree,
I hope you continue to Have a doggone great birthday!!!
Happy 9th, my dear, future, petrologist!
These rocks were collected by me while I was stationed in Great Lakes, IL, for training in electronics.
I had my 19th birthday while there.
I don't know what types of rocks these are, or even how old they may be...
but I know they are at least 43 years old!
with much love,
Aunt Tina"

 

Now, off to get these into the mail before another day passes!

(smile!)