Annie Figtree

Annie Figtree is a very special fixture in my life, and one that I feel is worth sharing here.  The best way to tell you about Annie is simply to share the two-page letter that I wrote about Annie when I got her as a birthday gift, on January 7th, 1995 from my dear friend, Kathy.  This letter has been tucked into the back of Annie’s pants all these years.  Annie and I won’t forget our story, but sometimes it’s fun to share … so I’m sharing it now with YOU.  (This is a good time to pause and read the letter. 😊)

I don’t know who the creator of Annie was, but I sure wish I did.  I’d love to tell that artist how much I love Annie ... how she has been a constant witness to my life for the past 30 years ... how she accompanies me (and my cat, Greyson) as we travel on twice-yearly excursions to meet up with Kathy at places like Savannah, Georgia ... Charleston, South Carolina and Chattanooga, Tennessee.  Annie has a special place in both our hearts ... and on these trips, she has a special place on the front seat in my car.

 Annie Figtree is a folk art doll that Kathy purchased at The Hen Nest in Seminole, FL.  The Hen Nest was originally an old barn and a house that the owner, Charlotte Doster turned into an antique and arts and crafts business.  I still miss The Hen Nest and those long, sweet leisurely afternoons of slowly pondering through each room.  It was a place that felt like home, rejuvenated the spirit and filled one with the anticipation of new possibilities.  The folk art and collectables found there was second to none.

I hope by now that you’ve read the two page letter that Annie faithfully keeps for moments just such as this.

Isn’t life funny.  Who knew that 30 years after Annie Figtree came into my life, I’d be creating dolls myself.  I can only hope that one of my dolls will touch the heart of someone as deeply as Annie Figtree has touched mine. As I stated in my letter over 30 years ago, she is absolutely “PERFECT to grow old with”.