American Girl

When I was a little girl, I wanted a Kirsten Larson doll from the American Girl Company so bad I would have committed petty theft just to get my hands on one. Every month the catalog would come in the mail, and I would pore over every square inch, dreaming of the day when Kirsten (along with all her clothes and accessories) would be mine. I loved Kirsten because she had blond hair and blue eyes just like me. She was a pioneer from Sweden, and had to endure many of the hardships that my pioneer ancestors went through. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong time period.

Of course any of you who have ever purchased (or attempted to purchase) these beautiful dolls know that they are ridiculously overpriced. My parents could never afford one, and so with heavy heart my childhood slipped past me without my precious doll. I did read all of the books however, and in many ways I believe it compensated for the loss. My parents even named my little sister (Kiersten) after my Kirsten books! Now that I'm older, wiser, have money, etc. I finally have my beloved doll and can afford to keep her in style! So what would a trip to Chicago be without stopping at the famous American Girl Store? My mother-in-law suggested it, and even bought my doll an outfit (thanks mom!). The boys were good sports about the whole thing, and followed me around as I shopped and squealed with delight. It was a really fun experience.

Interestingly, a week or so later as Mike and I were touring the Field Museum (also in Chicago), we found an art exhibit about women from around the world. They had a whole display of Sweden, and portrayed pictures of girls dressed for St. Lucia's Day (a holiday that is featured in the book Kirsten's Surprise). I was amazed at how accurately the book had portrayed the holiday, complete with white gown, red sash, candle wreath and traditional Swedish Lussekatt (a bun made with saffron). It was a lot of fun schooling Mike since I already knew so much about it! I guess I will always be an American Girl at heart.