Trina's Raggedy of the Month!
I'm really not one to play favorites, but if I had to select one of my dolls as a personal favorite, it would have to be this one. I received this dear handmade Raggedy Ann in 1975 as a fifth birthday present from my parents. She has been my constant companion ever since. I have never moved to a new place without her.She's been there for me through thick and thin, with a constant smile of her face, assuring me that everything will be all right.

When I was about 10 years old, I went to a flea market and found a button with a Raggedy Ann picture inside of it. I decided that this was the "Raggedy doll of the Month" badge, and that I would rotate it throughout my collection every month. Well, wouldn't you know it: "Raggie" was the first recipient, and has been the bearer of the badge ever since. We now refer to her as the "Raggie of the Century".She stands about 18" tall, and was made by a friend of my mother's.

Sometime around her 15th birthday, I surprised her by giving her a facelift. By that time, most of the threads that made up her nose and smile had worn away. Too many kisses, and trips through the washing machine in her early years. The material that made up her stockings were also thin and worn, and in desperate need of repair. I brought her to a trusted friend, who very carefully performed the deed. She came out of it looking good as new: her smile brighter than ever.

Raggie accompanied my sister and I to our first Raggedy Ann Festival in 1993. Although we had a bit of a rocky start, (she slipped out of my bag in the parking lot of our apartment complex, landing face down on the asphalt) I'm sure it was one of the most exciting weekends of her life. I carried a small tote bag with me all weekend, with Raggie peeking out the top. It was the first time in years that I had brought her out with me in a public place, and I know it made her very happy. She still smiles when she thinks about it today.

Previous Raggedys of the Months from Trina's collection!

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