Let's Play...Let's Pretend...

Hello....Boy...oh...Boy....Life comes to a screeching halt when you land in the middle of the January calendar page. After the frenetic holidays...it is a welcome change. Since things are quiet here in FunTown...I thought."Why not share my inspirations with you?" I have given you little peeks along the way...so here is yet another peek. First...let me introduce you to "Whistling Dixie" the owner of "Whistling Dixie's Toy Shop" here in town. I might also add that she is a character of distinction in the book that I am working on. She is so warm, caring and patient with the children... as she lives in the land of make believe...No... really...she owns a house on "Make Believe Lane."

I found this charming little sticker book while shopping with my good friend Pat Murphy. We both get into mischief when we go antiquing. Anyway...back  to the point...This book was compiled in 1939...the golden years of children's books, as far as I am concerned.

Since it is so enchanting I am going to share the following pages with you.

For those of you that are familiar with my work you will see how images like this inspire my toys...and those of you who don't know me...now you know also...

Are you smiling?...

Sadly, this is the last page.

Here is another book I found at that same store. It was printed by the Volland Company...the same toy company that made the first Raggedy Ann's and Andy's...in 1924. It is printed on linen. A treasure, for sure.

This one of the pages. Very clever indeed.

Have silly "picture book" fun on this Mid-January day,   Jody, the little girl who never grew up