Well yesterday, you all gave me such great advice! I truly love all of your thoughts and advice and the two cents people chip in. I often feel like I am very blessed to have a wee corner where I can chatter and natter and get some help, and give some help and share some laughs and joy and sadness and I cannot thank you all enough!!
But today, today is inpsired by Miss A Bigger Closet, she of the willowy figure and lovely heart, who thank goodness is back blogging more regularly (and we all love that!!!)
Her most recent blog has the most delightful train featured in it. You can see it and read about her new fancy pants here. Doesn't she look swell in those pants?
But more importantly: I WANT A TRAIN!!!
Yes, you heard me correctly. I am a nearly 50 year old woman and I WANT A TRAIN!!!!
I have always wanted a train. And while I love ABC's little train, in my heart of hearts, I would want a train that would run along the walls just like you know who's:
Okay - let's take a moment, shall we? This is the face of a good man. I could weep.
****** (emblematic of moment of silence and that theme song!)
Okay, I am all good now.
Wouldn't you love a trolley that you could watch run along your walls?
Or maybe, you would like to have a whole train village:
What fun we would have! I would put a Starbucks in the centre of town, a J Crew, a Kate Spade, a high end wine shoppe (this is my little town after all!), a really good shoe shoppe, a few great restaurants, probably the Waldorf Astoria, maybe a castle or two, an organic farm on the outskirts of town, a REALLY big book shoppe (but not a chain, a book shoppe run by a man who looks remarkably like Hugh Grant in Notting Hill and who sells a lot of good literature, home decor and cookery books, some magazines and always has a sympathetic ear..), I would have a Brora so I could try on the sweaters for size and for those of you who like some fine scottish woollens (and who doesn't?? Well I am not sure about the sheep..). Probably a small intimate club that will be known as "the" spot to launch a new album and test materials and where Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen will come by well, just because. Oh I may have an opera house and for sure a good movie theatre. I am going to need a lot of train track!
So this also got me thinking about toys. So today is a trip down memory lane where you can share your favourite Christmas toy memories.
Since I never got a train set, I will go first with some of my faves:
1) the 1970 Barbie camper.
OMG! I wanted this!!! I begged! Look at the pop out side! The colour (is it any wonder I am the way I am now????), the little camp stool. This was the same Christmas my brother got a Big Jim. There were rumours about Barbie and Big Jim in the camper, but they are just that and have never been substantiated. When santa left this for me under the tree i was in heaven!! My best friend Lisa also got one that Christmas and there were a lot of camping trips! And Barbie could carry a lot of shoes in that sucker! Tabs - you must click on the site as there is a whole video on the Malibu Barbie camper - I always think of you as our Malibu Tabitha! I bet you could put that awesome frondy wallpaper inside!
2) An air hockey game
Okay, it is Christmas, 1974. I have asked for an air hockey game. Don't ask why, just go with it! I am 11 years old. I go downstairs and there is a big pile of gifts from Santa on the left side of the tree (my sister's side - she was a lefty - go figure). There was a big pile of presents in the middle in front of the tree (my brother). On my side, the right side, there was about 4 things. I gulped. I tried to smile (God - who am I kidding, I was probably hyperventilating by then!) and I oohed and aahed over my books, my stocking, the few other small toysthat were there and I tried to admire my brother and sister's loot. And I tried to figure out what the hell happened. And then my dad (yes, think Darren McGavin in A Christmas Story) said "Wendy, I saw something behind the dining room door." and there it was:
You know, I only played with that toy for a couple of years, but I have never forgotten that moment! And I have done it a few times with my kids as well and you know, I think I might do it again this Christmas...And yes, I sure know I had great parents.
There are lots more great toys I remember and many happy Christmases, but now it is your turn: what were your favourite Christmas toys growing up and if you could, what toy (and I do mean a toy! No Jimmy Choos or Mustangs!) would you love to get under the tree this year?
Anyone want to come live in my town with me?
Have a wonderful day out there!!!
But today, today is inpsired by Miss A Bigger Closet, she of the willowy figure and lovely heart, who thank goodness is back blogging more regularly (and we all love that!!!)
Her most recent blog has the most delightful train featured in it. You can see it and read about her new fancy pants here. Doesn't she look swell in those pants?
But more importantly: I WANT A TRAIN!!!
Yes, you heard me correctly. I am a nearly 50 year old woman and I WANT A TRAIN!!!!
I have always wanted a train. And while I love ABC's little train, in my heart of hearts, I would want a train that would run along the walls just like you know who's:
Okay - let's take a moment, shall we? This is the face of a good man. I could weep.
****** (emblematic of moment of silence and that theme song!)
Okay, I am all good now.
Wouldn't you love a trolley that you could watch run along your walls?
Or maybe, you would like to have a whole train village:
What fun we would have! I would put a Starbucks in the centre of town, a J Crew, a Kate Spade, a high end wine shoppe (this is my little town after all!), a really good shoe shoppe, a few great restaurants, probably the Waldorf Astoria, maybe a castle or two, an organic farm on the outskirts of town, a REALLY big book shoppe (but not a chain, a book shoppe run by a man who looks remarkably like Hugh Grant in Notting Hill and who sells a lot of good literature, home decor and cookery books, some magazines and always has a sympathetic ear..), I would have a Brora so I could try on the sweaters for size and for those of you who like some fine scottish woollens (and who doesn't?? Well I am not sure about the sheep..). Probably a small intimate club that will be known as "the" spot to launch a new album and test materials and where Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen will come by well, just because. Oh I may have an opera house and for sure a good movie theatre. I am going to need a lot of train track!
So this also got me thinking about toys. So today is a trip down memory lane where you can share your favourite Christmas toy memories.
Since I never got a train set, I will go first with some of my faves:
1) the 1970 Barbie camper.
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| source: here |
OMG! I wanted this!!! I begged! Look at the pop out side! The colour (is it any wonder I am the way I am now????), the little camp stool. This was the same Christmas my brother got a Big Jim. There were rumours about Barbie and Big Jim in the camper, but they are just that and have never been substantiated. When santa left this for me under the tree i was in heaven!! My best friend Lisa also got one that Christmas and there were a lot of camping trips! And Barbie could carry a lot of shoes in that sucker! Tabs - you must click on the site as there is a whole video on the Malibu Barbie camper - I always think of you as our Malibu Tabitha! I bet you could put that awesome frondy wallpaper inside!
2) An air hockey game
Okay, it is Christmas, 1974. I have asked for an air hockey game. Don't ask why, just go with it! I am 11 years old. I go downstairs and there is a big pile of gifts from Santa on the left side of the tree (my sister's side - she was a lefty - go figure). There was a big pile of presents in the middle in front of the tree (my brother). On my side, the right side, there was about 4 things. I gulped. I tried to smile (God - who am I kidding, I was probably hyperventilating by then!) and I oohed and aahed over my books, my stocking, the few other small toysthat were there and I tried to admire my brother and sister's loot. And I tried to figure out what the hell happened. And then my dad (yes, think Darren McGavin in A Christmas Story) said "Wendy, I saw something behind the dining room door." and there it was:
You know, I only played with that toy for a couple of years, but I have never forgotten that moment! And I have done it a few times with my kids as well and you know, I think I might do it again this Christmas...And yes, I sure know I had great parents.
There are lots more great toys I remember and many happy Christmases, but now it is your turn: what were your favourite Christmas toys growing up and if you could, what toy (and I do mean a toy! No Jimmy Choos or Mustangs!) would you love to get under the tree this year?
Anyone want to come live in my town with me?
Have a wonderful day out there!!!
OUR TOWN I've already moved. And if you'll let me sign a lease, I'll open a very un-Martha cheese or bake shop (with gelato on the side and English ice cream scoop plates in summer). Failing that can I make cocktails in the bar-club before Bruce takes the stage? Or run the farmers' market.
ReplyDeleteMalibu Tabitha - perfect.
And I know you know, but yes, you were adored and had adorable parents :-) We know where the sense of humour comes from (along with the colour craving.)
Oh and we need a proper cinema too!
DeleteHA! How about the fromagerie-patisserie-cinema? You can be world weary, but a good time all at once!!
DeleteWhen I am feeling to stuffed or cultured I'll be at the dive bar (but there will always be champagne in the back.)
DeleteI was certain Tabs would want the dive bar but she has virtuously chosen a spinning studio.
DeleteSomeone has to open a jewellry store.
And BTW, this Brigadoon can magically move wherever it wants to, but it is always near enough to a place where a lot of folks will just instinctively show up and give us their money.
Can't wait to hear what others want to build/have!
Oh count me in Wendy and could we please have a fish and chip store. Also a great yarn shop and I'll give knitting lessons to the gang if you can get me out of Brora.
ReplyDeleteOkay, Marsha, but just so we agree - can we ensure that the yarn also serves tea (and maybe cocoa and marshmallow?) The town is certainly shaping up - we may need to two trains to serve us!
DeleteMy brothers cut the hair of the blond doll I had but my favorite is the toy stuffed giraffe I had when I was about 2.
ReplyDeleteThe organic farm got me ... I will pack up now if you'll include a sushi bar and gelato shop, wait GetFresh has that covered. Oh and a good BBQ place and fantastic Chinese food. Notice a theme of my wants here. And a spa for wonderful facials and massages?
I used to teach cooking with organics, I can do that again if anyone is interested. I'll be signing up for the knitting lessons with Marsha ...
YOu got it Tiffany Rose! I am anxious to see how crazy we can make all of your chef's jacket and your overalls for the farm!
DeleteOh wait - I forget - we must also have a winery!
Oh and ps: I have always wanted a stuffed giraffe, too. I have some serious issues. BTW - Nigel has already claimed one of the castles. And I have added a Seine-like river and a lovely clean lake nearby where all the kids go to fish and swim!
DeleteWMM, I'd love that camper and I would put the frondy wallpaper in it! Ok I'd love a spinning studio- it's like dancing on a bike, it's great fun.
ReplyDeleteJust been in a lift with Cate Blanchett - I went all fan girl on her. I feel like a little fat smout now, she is an ethereal goddess.
OMG!!!!!! DO you think if i post about George or Prince William I can conjure them up for you, too? Lucky girl! BTW - how tall is Cate in real life?
DeleteOkay - you have the spinning studio. How disciplined you are to give us exercise - well done! I imagine Dani will lead brisk walks around the lake.
Our town is certainly shaping up!
Tabs, if you were a smout I was a stump in my moment with Cate, even in heels. And I can't believe you integrated a healthy spin studio first off either. (I was sure in our town you could eat/ drink what you wanted an never gain an ounce.) I have done one spin class in my life and I thought I was going to hurl or pass out. My face was so red (tomato head) at the end from trying to keep up with fit Toronto, I never went back. Trust me, there was no "dancing" involved.
DeleteI've never lost as much as a pound through excercise but we will have fun and healthy hearts!
DeleteTabitha may be banished to the organic fan! Is that a new kind of dominatrix Tabs - 50 shades of spin class???? :-)
DeleteOh, there's lots of heavy cream and I'm sure there's also a shed at the farm, so she'll be okay until she comes to her senses. Maybe a cute Kid Rock type in overalls will mosey on over...with some Starbucks beans for her.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteShe was about twice the height of me and all long limbs.
ReplyDeleteI knew it.. sigh..
DeleteI wanted and got a Baby Talk doll when I was 6 years old. My parents probably had to sell an organ to buy one, it was the "hot" toy for girls the year I got it. Well, the darned thing was terrifying--I was NOT used to the idea that the doll would respond, and I didn't like it's voice or that it blinked whenever it felt like it (my other dolls had blinky eyes but the kind that closed when you laid them down). After finding the off switch, I liked her a lot better.
ReplyDeleteThis year my daughter (age 5) like Lalaloopsy dolls, Disney princesses, and My Little Ponies...and fortunately for me I like all of these things and would want them under my tree!
WMM, we bought her the cutest little Lalaloopsy train set that is currently chugging away under our tree, with the little animals in it. Bright colors and ruffles and buttons galore! http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12319201
Oh danielle - I may ask santa for one!!! I am afraid of talking dolls, so I understand! Oh I love Disney princesses! And I can't believe My little ponies are still big - how wonderful!
DeleteYes WMM, my besties three-year-old daughter is fixated on a My Little Pony wedding castle from Santa. (Safely hidden in their basement for now.)
DeleteI love trains too. We contemplated running train around the walls, but never got around to it. I've seen some amazing model trains & villages at museum and such. My favorites are the ones with the amusement parks and ski slopes, can we have a roller coaster or something fun like that in your train town?
ReplyDeleteI always loved the Fisher Price toys and I had that camper which was one of my favorites. I was never a fan of Barbie stuff, I was too much of a tomboy. I always liked my brothers' Hot Wheels cars.
Two things - you are right cate - we need lots of amusement!
DeleteSecond - I loved my brother's hot wheels and GI Joes, too! That's why it is such fun when families have boys and girls!
Oh gosh that reminds me, more than their GI Joe, I loved their Evil Knievel with the motorcycle and you could rev it up and make it jump things! We loved that toy, so entertaining.
DeleteOh I loved Evel! Remember when he jumped the canyon??
DeleteOf course! Please WMM can we have a canyon in your town?!
DeleteWell cate I think we should! And maybe the niagra falls for a tightrope walker!
DeleteThanks for the lovely blog mention too. :) I have to say we're having a lot of fun with the train set this season. We actually just found it again after thinking it got lost in our move across the country almost 3 years ago.
ReplyDeleteYour village plans (along with everyone's suggestions) sound just perfect and so I've decided to convince Mr. ABC that we will have to lay down enough track to go visit you all there! :)
My most memorable childhood gift/toys were a 2 level doll house that came with furniture and a family (at the time it was bigger than mine, on both counts), and a mini stove and play dishes. For all the good the stove did though, since I still can't cook worth a fig!
What a fun post WMM! Thanks for sharing your holiday gift memories.
Oh I love dollhouses! I will have to have a good toy store in our town!
DeleteLay that track down!
Did I mention we are all perfectly healthy and fit in our town? Well we are!
OK, I will grow the organic food at the cute little farm at the edge of town where you buy your eggs.
ReplyDeleteDollhouses-- yes.
I wanted a steam shovel at age 5; in that era, my parents did not worry about my "orientation" or actual sex.
Oh lane, one of my all time favourite books is Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel!
DeleteOMG, I had that Barbie camper and it was my favorite toy. In fact I only remember playing with this toy and the pool. Funny thing is my daughter is into Barbies and I tried to find one but the current day version is cheap (and pink. Why every single girl's toy has to be pink?) I am sure my parents still have mine, I should ask them to look for it and send it from Santa.
ReplyDeleteEma! That is so fun! I wish I still had mine! An Italian Malibu camper!
DeleteI worked with a fellow who had a train running around the top of his cubicle walls and over the "door". Not just for Christmas mind you, it was there year round. Well, until some tall, careless co-worker forgot to duck and there was this massive train wreck. Fortunately no one was hurt, unless you count feelings.
ReplyDeleteMy brother had two trains, HO and N scale. I loved playing trains with him but he would never let me wear the engineer's cap, I only made it up the ranks to conductor.
We had a lot of Fisher Price Little People and I got the castle complete with knights and horses in full regalia as well as various royal subjects, king, queen, prince, princess and a dragon. It was a lot of fun.
We had that castle too! I loved that.
DeleteI love the story about you coworker! I remember that castle too! I never had any fisher price and I was quite sad about that...
DeleteYes I do want to come live in your town!
ReplyDeleteI loved my Barbies and most especially their clothes. My mother used to sew the most beautiful things for them and give them to me at Christmas: a red velvet dress trimmed in fur was a favourite and I "lost" it and was very sad. Years later, in fact at the baby shower back in my hometown when I was pregnant with my son, my best friend from childhood returned the dress to me, she had STOLEN it and kept it (and her guilt) all those years! Can you believe it!
Funny the things my mother sews for me have always been precious, she was not demonstrative but rather a removed parent and eventually left the family, I think she communicates her affection for me through her sewing, even now she gives me aprons at Christmas that she has made and as you know they are prized items in my life!
Dani - what a great story! My mother wasn't a sew-er (I didn't want to write sewer!) but liked to knit and I benefitted from that!
DeleteI love the story about your friend! Isn't that funny? YOu never know what people will covet of your life, do you?
Glad you are moving to town. I think we are all going to have a great time!
No post for me today - had a toot last night, but I am having a virtual drink with you later today!
Count me in, WMM! I definitely want to come live in your town!
ReplyDeleteWe have a train that goes around the Christmas tree and my boys absolutely love it. My late father-in-law used to have a very large micro-train set complete with towns, roads, etc, and it was incredibly enjoyable just to sit and watch it. I should ask my MIL if she still has it, and if she'll pass it on to us. :)
As a girl I loved my Barbies, their clothes, the Barbie townhouse, Corvette, etc. You name it, and I probably had it at one point or another. My mother and grandmother would make clothes for them, and I still have some of the outfits, along with several of my Barbies, as well. I also enjoyed getting a new baby doll almost every year, along with new clothes and accessories for them, as well as new clothes for myself, too (big surprise there, eh?).
We have had many of the Little People figures and sets over the past 14 years in our house, since all of my boys have enjoyed playing with them. Now they are all about Legos and video games, so I'm either stepping on a Lego at any time of the day or night, or telling them to put up a game controller before it gets broken. :)
FFM - I am not surprised that like Dani, you loved your Barbies and their clothes! I was less concerned about clothes than developing elaborate storylines that would require several playdates to resolve. I was very influenced by Jo March!
DeleteI remember the lego phase very well! And they hurt when you step on them!!!
I don't recall ever getting toys for Christmas... just clothes! Hmmmmmmm... now it all makes sense. ;)
ReplyDeleteReally, if I could have one toy that I still remember from my childhood would be my doll Lia. I don't recall what happened to her.
rose! We need to get you some toys! And we need to find Lia!
DeleteThat wee train town sounds the sort of place I would love to live. You should have gone into town planning
ReplyDeleteha! I think I should have!
DeleteBarbie Dream House, circa 1986
ReplyDeleteOh! Good choice! I bet that was awesome! I never had a Barbie house and I was all the worse for it!
Delete