Recently, I received an email from renowned doll artist, Patricia Coleman-Cobb announcing a group of 13, one-of-a-kind, “Girls in White Dresses” dolls. The email, which was read at 4 a.m., included the headshot of one of the dolls, which had already been sold, as well as a link to Coleman-Cobb’s website .  I hurriedly followed the link and viewed each doll individually.  Next, I wrote down the names of the ones that interested me:  Butterfly, Aretha, Coretta, Ivy (in no certain interest-me order).  I studied their images for several minutes, viewing them over and over again in an attempt to narrow down which one I would add to my collection.  The clock was ticking… I knew that several others received this announcement and I had to make a decision soon.  I drew an arrow to connect  Aretha and Ivy’s handwritten names, which must mean (thinking back) that I needed to re-view their images.  After I decided on the one that most affected me in the “must have” manner, I hurriedly crafted an email to the artist:

Hi Pat,

Thank you for notifying me of your little girls.  I would like to purchase Butterfly!  Please let me know how to proceed…

While I awaited her reply, I began my workday, trying desperately not to think about Butterfly!  Ivy was also heavily on my mind.  I re-viewed her picture a couple of times with the decision that if Butterfly was not available, Ivy would be my second choice.

Pat replied,

Hi Debbie,

So good to hear from you, it has been a while!  I hope that all is well and your day is getting off to a good start, and that the book [sales] are going well.   I can’t believe the response for these pieces.  I just put them up late last night after midnight, and 4 were spoken for by 8 this morning! .  Luckily, each one’s personality spoke to a different person.  You are 1st in line for “Butterfly”, so I have put your name on her!   She is so sweet and “sassy”.   If you would like me to give you a call for your info, just forward your info.  Otherwise, you can all me today at my home studio at …. and she will be on her way.

Again thank you so much, and I am sure that you will love her!

Pat

I released a deep sigh and simultaneously thought, “She’s mine!”  Less than a week later, Butterfly arrived!  What a delightful doll with a personality that exudes self-confidence.  No one can tell her that she can’t carry a hallelujah tune, even if she can’t really sing.  I just love this little girl and I’m so happy that I am always early to bed, early to rise.  Otherwise, I would have missed the joy that owning Butterfly brings.

Oh… after I purchased my doll, I notified other collectors about the remaining dolls here.