Hollywood Dolls

For a doll collector, a new year means new dolls to look forward to -- with great trepidation and excitement. For one, it will mean a chunk of ones' budget going to the new collection. Second, the thrill and ooh's and ahh's upon seeing new ideas, new creativity. For me, it means a new Scarlett. God knows only a few of the GWTW dresses have been done so the journey is still long and hopefully easy on the pocket (dresses and dolls separate, please Mr. Tonner).  There are rumors of a new Basic Scarlett. A new factory paint? New hair color? New hairstyle? Part of the excitement is being in the dark. In a few weeks time, we will all be led out of darkness -- the internet will be ablaze with press releases of these dolls,  forums will be adding pages with the discussion on what collectors like, don't like, and savings will be withdrawn. I don't want to be overwhelmed but I know I will, after all dolls are our escape,  our meditation our little joys that make the everyday headlines bearable. So, Mr. Tonner what's next?

Thank God for Alana Bennett!
It was her who first gave me my Franklin Mint Scarlett dressed in the Barbeque dress. Immediately I was smitten by the doll and this paved the way for more Franklin Mint Scarlett purchases.
It was Alana too who made it possible for me to have the white gown inspired by Bette Davis "Jezebel". Wasn't it a journey of back and forth deciding just how much tulle went into that gown.
It was Alana too who created the Charleston Lace Ballgown inspired by the miniseries "Scarlett". She even gave me a beaded purse, gloves and completed it even more with pantalets, hooped skirt and lace shawl.
And recently, Alana went more than just sewing and did embroidery work on a 2-piece bustle gown.
For all these dreams that have come true, Alana, I thank you.

It is hard being far away from the the source of all doll dreams for me.
It is a struggle just yearning to touch the most expensive dolls and gowns in websites here and there.
It can also cause you many a guilty-days just purchasing one and waiting 3 weeks for a doll and gown to arrive.

But Alana Bennett surely made some of those dreams come true for me. Cheesy this may be, but it comes with the deepest and sincerest gratitude from the bottom of my and my Scarlett dolls' hearts.

Happy birthday Alana!!! I wish you all the best in life! And in the same way you make doll dreams come true, I wish that all of yours come true as well. = )