The first entry in any blog sets the tone for the blog. It can turn away readers, so I confess I compulsively rearranged my Alice in Wonderland collection before beginning this article. This entry serves as a public service announcement for fellow addicts, and for those of you we annoy (such as my dear husband, who I trust will not be reading this).

When placing an order, a collector will do the basic research for a doll that fits into her budget and collection. An addict will spend hours online searching for the absolute lowest price (to maximize her budget) and may revamp the checkbook to read “household expenses” to occasionally hide a purchase.

A collector may become impatient while waiting for a pre-order. An addict will stalk the UPS man and the postal carrier. Also, when a doll is delivered, even if an addict is ill (for example, suffering from a migraine headache with vomiting), she will miraculously recover, to the amazement of her family.

During a move, a collector packs his dolls carefully and may carry them himself, so as to assure their safe delivery. An addict will not only move them herself, but she will unpack the dolls and set them up before unpacking the kitchen, the bathroom, her children’s bedrooms, and her own clothing.

Dear Reader, are you a collector or an addict? Either one, I welcome your comments–unless you’re married to me. I look forward to sharing my addiction with you.