There are two groups of people: those who are unaware of dollies in their lives, and those who revolve their lives around dollies. I fall into the latter group (obviously). This entry is a special dedication of love to a very important doll in my life. Dolls are not just toys. They are not meant to be memories for just children. Dolls, especially Blythe dolls, are landmarks in a person's life. They give meaning to many of us, and they bring more memories and happiness to me than I ever thought was possible. Every Blythe has a story, and this happens to be Plum's story.
For those of you who are unaware of what a doll collector's life is like, here is a story that will explain a lot-- a lot of answers may finally be revealed about the mysterious life of a Blythe collector!
The beginning.
I first started collecting and truly falling in love with Blythe dolls in 2004. My main goal, like a lot of people who reside over at the TIB forum, was to own a Kenner Blythe one day. I thought that their rareness was attractive and couldn't help but drool over photos that other people took of their 1970 vintage dolls. I then started to notice another Blythe doll mold, the BL mold. BL Blythes were the second types of Blythes ever to be released. After the 1970 girls failed, there was little hope for Blythe dolls. Well, Gina Garan, the famous Blythe photographer, shed new light on the dolly and fashion scene in Japan, and before anyone else could take in what was happening, BL Blythes were released, and Kozy Kape (Plum's Blythe type) was released. Kozy was the first BL that I fell for. I liked her simplicity, and the fact that her baby face was so sweet really melted my heart. I knew I would have to have her one day. BL Blythes have become extremely rare, sometimes even more rare than Kenners, and this is one reason that I find them so much more loveable than Kenner dolls. Because Kozys were quite pricey at the time (or so I thought), I had to put off my want for one for a few years. I took in many other girls to my Blythe family, and I loved them all very much. I still, however, yearned for something more, a Blythe that I could fall in love with, one that I would want to take with me everywhere. Kozy, you were meant to be.
The search.
Finally, in 2005, I realized that Kozy was the Blythe for me. Even though I knew I had my first ball-jointed doll (Swiss) on her way to me, Kozy was still in the back of my mind. I started looking for a Kozy on Ebay and in the TIB Buy and Sell section in about September that year. Kozys were then starting to get extremely rare and even more expensive than a few months previous to the start of my search. I began to panic. In December, I posted a "Want to Buy" (WTB) thread in the Buy and Sell section, and after posting, I realized that there were three other people looking for a Kozy at the exact same time. My heart sank, because I knew how desperate we all were, especially with the holidays approaching so quickly.
One night (in January, 2006), I received an email from a fellow TIB member regarding a Kozy she was putting up for sale. She said that she had remembered my thread and asked if I would like to put an offer in for her Kozy. This girl's Kozy was so beautiful, and I instantly knew I had to have her. Well, I immediately replied to her email with a rather high offer. Soon afterwards, I received a response with some very sad news. Just five minutes before I responded, another person put a high offer in, and the girl promised the other person the Kozy. I think I started to cry that night. It's hard when I have my heart set on something with so much excitement and passion. I felt like an evil trick had been played on me.
A new hope.
About a week later, I was online at about 2 a.m. when I noticed a thread that was selling a Bohemian Beat Blythe. I had always thought about taking one into my doll family, and with the disappointment over the Kozy, I thought I'd see if the seller would have a fair price for the BB. I messaged the seller and received a response a few minutes later. Then a feeling sunk in, a very familiar feeling: regret. In the past, I had rebounded off of a Blythe disappointment and bought a girl I was only semi-in love with, and I really didn't want to experience that regret again. (I ended up selling my rebound girl.) After I read the seller's very nice message, I told her that I really shouldn't buy her beautiful girl, because my heart was really set on getting a Kozy. After exchanging a few messages with her (because she really wanted to sell her BB to me after I kept giving her polite "no's"), she sent me a message that took my breath away.
Do u really want a kozy???
I got 2 kozy blythes...
mind me asking how much is your best offer for 98 percent an excellent condition girl (only that she got 3 pin prick at her fore head, under bangs, and cannot even show in pictures, and come with everything?"
I was speechless. After months (years?) of waiting for an opportunity to own my very own Kozy, she tells me this at the brink of exhaustion. I started to panic. What if this was some sort of joke? What if another person would snatch her up like the last time? I messaged her back with lightning-Blythe speed and told her that, yes, I was interested. She then responded with a message that scared the hell out of me. Someone else was interested in her Kozy. I had no idea how this was possible, since she hadn't even advertised that the doll was for sale in the first place. The seller then told me that we could each make one "bid" towards the Kozy, and whoever gave the bigger bid would be the "winner." (I figure that this was a smart ploy to make me bid higher. I still think that to this day.) I didn't care though; I had to win that Kozy. I gave my bid of $440 and eagerly awaited a reply. Sure enough, she responded and told me that I had been the higher bidder. It was that night (January 9th) that I won my favorite Blythe.
(Since I bought Plum, the prices for Kozy have skyrocketed. I thought $440 had been a lot at the time, but now sellers are demanding $600 as the starting prices alone. Eventually, I think BL girl prices will surpass the costs of Kenner Blythes.)
The waiting and receiving.
I waited for Plum for over two weeks. Because I had been so excited to win my Kozy, I forgot to get the good, fast shipping. When ordering dolls from foreign countries, it's always best to opt for the best shipping possible, just to assure safe and fast travel. I waited at the door for the mailman every day. Eventually, I had to go back to campus since classes were starting up again. Then, one day, I came home to find that my mom wasn't there, but a little slip with my name on it was. I was stupid that day and I didn't check to see who it was from because I was so tired from the ride back to my house. After 5 o'clock, I casually looked at the slip, and I realized that, yes, the mailman had tried to deliver my Kozy, but she was now at the post, waiting to be picked up! I tore my hair out, tee hee.
Since the post office wasn't open after that time, I had to wait 'til the next morning to get my sweetie. Beth drove me to the post, and there it was, a package, quite bent and torn, waiting for me to rip open.
My little Plum had arrived. I knew that I wanted to name a Blythe Plum, and I figured that Kozy would be the girl to win the name. Sure enough, I opened my package up and fell in love with the little sweetheart inside. The super round face and her big, boggled eyes just said "Plum" to me. The waiting and the worrying had vanished, and my Plum was finally with me. To this day, I have never fallen so in love with a Blythe, and I've never seen anyone else take in a Blythe with so much... need and want. Plum is the ultimate Blythe to me, and she always will be.
Plum's first birthday.
Plum had come all the way from Thailand to be with me. Who knows where she had been before her home in Thailand! She's not only my little traveler, but she's my geek at heart. Out of all my girls, her personality is the most diverse and creative, the weirdest and funniest, the cutest, and the best. I know a lot of people can't play favorites with Blythes, but I'm not afraid to admit that this love of my life is my favorite, my Plum.
Her first birthday was on January 28th, 2007. We celebrated the day in a very relaxed fashion. I gave her the one present that had arrived-- a strawberry coat and bag set made by Berni at the TIB forum. I took photos of her with red ribbons in her hair, and we had a blast. Shawn was over that day, too, and he was able to shower Plum with even more love. (We consider Plum our little girl. Shawn is crazy for her and runs to her defense whenever Beth makes fun of her or tries to kidnap her. He even buys her presents for special occasions.)
A few days later, Shawn dropped off the last two presents that I had bought for Plum: a knit hat by moondancer at TIB, and a beautiful pink vinyl carrying case made by chloellaboo at TIB. All of her presents fit together so perfectly! The case comes in handy for when I transport Plum back and forth from the apartment and my house. It's something I've been looking for a carrying case like this one for a long time. There was even a berry theme-- the strawberries (on her coat and bag) and cherries (on the case). And I swear, the hat was made for the outfit. Plum's birthday has pretty much lasted the entire week. With her backstory in mind and the adorable presents she's received, I would say that Plum has had the perfect first birthday.
Happy berfday, Plum. I love you.
[this is good] Happy Birthday, Plum!
I can't believe how touching that was, Lauren. I think you expresses some of the joy of being a collector, but particularly the joy of being a Blythe collector. I loved hearing her story.
Plum is so sweet and deserves all those lovely presents!
This is very timely for me, when I just today put up wanted notices for Kozy. I think it's going to be hard to find my Kozy, but your story of finding Plum gives me hope!
Posted by: *** | February 02, 2007 at 05:00 PM
Many Happy Returns to Plum!
That's so awesome, Lauren. I'm happy that you have your dream girl. Me, I never got into Blythes. I went straight from Pullips to BJDs.
But I remember when I first fell in love with muh boy Grif. I'm sure it isn't quite the same, but I know how people are over their dream dollies, about the years of patient saving and stalking of DoA and Y!J. It's a special delight, searching for that perfect doll. And an even specialer delight when you find them.
Posted by: Liz | February 02, 2007 at 05:18 PM
[esto es genial] You shed a lot of light on something that I just never understood before.
Posted by: Kittybomber | February 02, 2007 at 05:23 PM
'...whenever Beth makes fun of her or tries to kidnap her.'
I resent this, Laur. I really do.
Posted by: Beth | February 02, 2007 at 05:24 PM
[c’est top] Awww Happy Birthday, Plum!
I remember back in March of last year when you messaged me on TIB during my own Kozy search. I thought that was just so incredibly nice. Plum has always been one of my favorite Kozy sweethearts and she was the one that really kickstarted my search for my own girl. Haley will have been with me for a year next month and I can't even imagine not having her in my life. She's not just a doll...she's my travel buddy...she's a friend that cheers me up when I have had a really bad day. I am kind of getting choked up talking about it. Ok now I feel like a weird-o. The point is...there is just something so special about Kozys that most other dollies just don't have. (Don't get me wrong...I love all my Bs, but Haley just has a little something extra...)
Plum's birthday presents are lovely! Please give her a hug from Haley and me. :-)
Posted by: Salt | February 02, 2007 at 05:47 PM
[this is good] Happy Birthday Plum!
I loved reading this. Blythe folk really are some of the best people around.
I fear you may have set me off looking for a Kozy. Iggy could do with another BL around the place...
Posted by: glitterbat | February 02, 2007 at 06:47 PM
[this is good] Your dolls are so pretty and she shares a birfday with a specail man! lol
Posted by: Virtuous Woman | February 02, 2007 at 07:21 PM
this was a very nice story. i'll be hones, i've never really understood the expensive doll society. my mom has a collection of porcelain dolls that live in a glass cabinet. it makes me sad because you can't touch them. it's very cute that you have so much fin with your doll and she is well loved.
thanks for sharing :) i enjoy lurking on your vox.
Posted by: vampiress | February 02, 2007 at 07:30 PM
[this is good] Happy Birthday Plum! Lauren this was such a sweet story, when I saw the sneak peek, i knew it was going to be. Thanks for sharing. ;)
Posted by: gollykim | February 02, 2007 at 08:20 PM
[this is good] awww! happy birthday to you, plum! she is precious! i've been bitten by the blythe bug - thanks to celena! ;) i can hardly wait to receive my prima, ebony!
Posted by: kara | February 02, 2007 at 09:48 PM
[this is good] Aw, I feel that way about Templeton. Thinking about her almost brings tears to my eyes...
Posted by: st_catherine | February 02, 2007 at 09:59 PM
Thank you so much, everyone. Plum had (and is still having) a great birthday.
Jess- I hope you do decide to get a Kozy. You know, I've talked about BL's with several people before, and everyone agrees that there's something very special about them that separates them from the rest of Blythes. Say hi to Iggy for me. ^^
Kittybomber- I'm glad I could help out with helping you understand Blythes more. They are special dollies that mean a lot to me. I wouldn't be the same person without them.
Kim- Haha, I thought that sneak peek would be fun. ^_~
Kara- Thank you, sweets! Oh, Celena's girls are lovely. The funny thing is that I introduced Blythes to Celena, and here she's helped bring them into your life. Now that's a good chain if you ask me. Tee hee.
st_catherine- I know what you mean. It's really great to know that there are so many other Blythes being loved like Plum.
Beth- Go to ----. Ahem. That means "goody, goody gumdrops" for anyone else that sees that. But Beth, you know what I mean. >_<
Posted by: Lauren | February 02, 2007 at 11:15 PM
Thankies, Alex! I remember seeing that you had posted a want ad for a Kozy. Oh man, I really hope that someone answers that soon. I can't wait to see a Kozy in your family, hon. You'll just melt. Plum sends all her love and she also sends you luck. I know you'll find your girl. The perfect one is just waiting to be sent to you. ^_____^
*huggies*
Oh, and I'm going to message you soon about something. You just made my day!
Posted by: Lauren | February 02, 2007 at 11:19 PM
Oh, Pullips and BJD's are just as special as Blythes, so I know you know how I feel about Plum, tee hee. I have Hue (a Noir) and Swiss (my Dollmore Lilis Liv), and I love them both so much. You are so right in what you said about DoA and YJ. That's exactly what I do for Blythes (and sometimes Pullips and BJD's). The fun and frustrating thing about being a doll collector is that all the dolls, clothing and accessories that we "need" are not always accessible. We really have to dig deep online, unless we live somewhere like Asia. There are stores that actually sell the dolls we love there. *sigh* Knowing that makes me want to take a long trip to Japan really soon.
Posted by: Lauren | February 02, 2007 at 11:23 PM
I remember you talking about Haley in some TIB threads, and I also remember thinking that I knew exactly how you felt. I'm so happy that Plum could help kickstart your love for Kozy. I hope she gets to do that for other people to-- before Kozy's prices goes over the top. Then again, I think it already has. You're right. I think your Haley has a little something extra, too. I always, always look forward to seeing your posts of her, Lauren. ^___^
Posted by: Lauren | February 02, 2007 at 11:25 PM
Ah, it's fun to meet a lurker-- hello there. ^_^ I hope you come by more! Anyway... I think a lot of hobbies that people have are difficult for others to understand. I try to ease my love for my dolls onto the Vox community a little at a time, because I know that all the photographs and rants about dolls can be a little overwhelming sometimes. At least you kind of understand with your mom being a doll collector.
Loving dolls for me is only natural. My mom was also a doll collector in her earlier years. She took in and sold thousands of dolls and made some good money doing so (although, she wasn't in the business for the money at all). I think hobbies are sometimes in the blood. ^__^
Posted by: Lauren | February 02, 2007 at 11:28 PM
[this is good] Thanks for shedding light onto this whole Blythe thing,even though I think these dolls are very pretty I could never own one.
It is due to my own irrational fear that my doll might want to wake up and move around *shudder*
I collect ugly dolls and other stuffed toys instead hahaha.
Did you see the blythe collection at San Diego Comic Con? Pretty cool imo.
Posted by: Tofu_killer | February 03, 2007 at 01:21 AM
That's adorable. You're adorable. hahaa And Plum is too! :D
Posted by: Brandy | February 03, 2007 at 02:20 AM
[esto es genial] Awww... Happy birthday, Plum!
Posted by: Miss A | February 03, 2007 at 03:23 AM
Tofu killer- I'm glad I could help out. Haha, a few of my friends have that exact same fear that you do, and I suppose I can understand. I used to be afraid of some of the antique dolls that my grandma had at her house, just because they were so lifelike. My fear was also due to a movie I watched about dolls trying to hurt a mom and her little girl. I grew out of that though, because I realized I loved dolls too much. ^_^ I heard about the Blythe collection at Comic Con. *sigh* I don't think I've seen photos of the even though! I'll try to hunt some down...
Brandy- Hahaha. Thankies, sweets. ^_~
Miss A- She says, "Why thanku, Miss A." Tee hee.
Posted by: Lauren | February 03, 2007 at 12:21 PM
Posted by: madtwinsis | February 03, 2007 at 01:25 PM
[this is good]
Happy Birthday Plum! You are a very lucky gerl :)
Lauren, what you have written is truly touching and totally expresses what a lot of us dolly people feel. I have had dolls (barbies and such) all my life but the only doll that has truly captured my heart is my SME Memphis. The day she arrived her box was sitting on our front porch and I literally jumped out of the truck before my husband had even parked to go to her. I bought her because she was the most inexpensive Blythe at the time but the moment I opened that box I was smitten. She is my favourite and I am not bashful about admiting it! She is my constant companion and if I had gotten her first, I may have been content to never purchase another Blythe.
It is so sweet that Shawn bought Plum presents. It is always so nice to have the people in our lives see that our gerls are as special as we do :)
Posted by: Polka Dot Rabbit | February 03, 2007 at 02:20 PM
I love stories like this. Thank so much for posting it!
Posted by: Rachelp | February 03, 2007 at 06:51 PM
[c’est top] Happy belated b-day to Plum! This was such a great story to read; it made me think of Kozys all day. I must find a way to get one!
Posted by: jenny | February 03, 2007 at 08:54 PM
[this is good] I love hearing about your dollies!!! It really is heart warming!! Happy Birthday Plum!
Posted by: Tracy | February 03, 2007 at 10:21 PM
That was a really nice story. I'm happy you got your dream Blythe. She's a beauty and her outfit looks great on her.
Posted by: Eliah Holiday | February 04, 2007 at 12:50 AM
Thank you for sharing that story. I am one of those who find dolls really special too-you may have noticed! I love to see and hear about everyone's dolls. You always do a great job with these things.
Posted by: Pixie Wildflower | February 04, 2007 at 06:56 AM
[this is good] I'm glad to know that your Plum is from my country... The postcode 80000 is from the province name "Nakorn Si Thammarat". Which that pretty far from Bangkok. I think your Plum had been travel a lot and I don't think your Plum is acutally has thai nationality..because I rarely seen the dools like that selling here ... even i want one (anyway i don't know much about that). Your story is so touching Lauren...I love it.... Thanks for sharing sweet ^_^ and HAPPY BIRTH DAY PLUM
Posted by: NOOS | February 04, 2007 at 07:39 AM
Thankies for the birthday wishes for Plum. ^__^ She's feeling a bit spoiled lately, haha, but she's not using the attention to her advantage (too much). I'm happy that everyone liked her story. I have to admit-- a lot of doll stories are like this, which makes owning a Blythe, Pullip or BJD all the more meaningful. <3
Posted by: Lauren | February 04, 2007 at 02:49 PM
Oh yeah, thanks for pointing out that Plum is from your country. I don't know why I didn't put those two together. ^^ I'd love to visit Thailand someday. I even heard that it's one of the well-loved and most wanted vacation spots for this year, which I thought was pretty cool. I've heard of Blythe lovers finding Blythes in Thailand, believe it or not. I know that the seller I bought Plum from wasn't the original owner, but because I don't know everything about Plum's past, I consider Thailand her homeland. She was there for a while before she lived with me, so it's the best I can do, tee hee. I like knowing that she's from a beautiful place like Thailand. <3 And I'm glad you liked my story! I enjoyed sharing it with you and everyone else.
Posted by: Lauren | February 04, 2007 at 02:53 PM
[this is good] You know, someday I'd really love to see a photo of your entire doll collection. Not only would it be great to see their diversity and similarities, but I'm curious to know where (and how) they all live in your home!
Great story!
Posted by: semblance | February 04, 2007 at 04:47 PM
Posted by: NOOS | February 05, 2007 at 01:45 AM
semblance- You know, I think one or two of my friends have asked me to take a photo of my entire Blythe collection, but I've never considered taking a photo of my entire doll collection. Wow, I would love to do that! It's hard enough taking one of a few of my Blythes, because they're all so diverse, and I'm never quite satisfied with how the end results look. I'd really like to give the big group shot a go though. I'll keep you posted! Thankies for the idea. ^_^
NOOS- No, I believe (and I could be wrong on this) that she was actually the second owner of Plum, which makes me Plum's third (and final) mommy. You're right-- the story is very mysterious! I wish I knew more of her background, but I suppose that mystery is part of the Blythe baggage that I just have to accept. ^^; I'd love to bring her to Thailand, hopefully within the next few years!
Posted by: Lauren | February 05, 2007 at 02:05 PM
happy belated birthday, plum!
oh, what a great read that was, lauren! i knew some of plum's story, but not all of it. i honestly got choked up reading this post. you expressed so perfectly the heart-felt love blythe collectors have for their girls. in this case, the girl. it really is a beautiful thing.
funny thing is i feel like a distant aunt to plum. seeing photos of her tug at my heart every single time and no other dolly (but my own) affects me like that. she is such a sweetheart and is very lucky to have found finally found her mother. there's no doubt you were meant to find each other. what a beautiful story ... *hug*
Posted by: Celena | February 05, 2007 at 07:28 PM
Awww. :)
I have, somewhere, a Rosie Red. I was surprised at the prices she was going for the last time I looked, because I paid around $100 total (including shipping from Japan) when she was new. When I moved 3 years ago, I had really bad movers who packed everything haphazardly... I haven't unpacked all my boxes, and they aren't labelled, so I have no idea where my Rosie Red might be. Although her box was mint, I'm prepared for it to be crushed when I find it (given the way other boxes have turned out), but I'm not prepared for my doll to be ruined. I'll be extremely upset.
I used to have a Kenner Blythe but I sold her to a Japanese collector in 2003 (I really needed money for something). It seemed to be true dollie love - Yoshiko had already made her a "welcome home" outfit when I shipped her out & sent me photos. I had paid $50 for her and sold her for around $1200. I forget which original Blythe she was - the platinum blonde. Possibly Medieval Mood, but I just don't remember. =/ When I first got her, I carried her around everywhere, but I hadn't been doing much with her in a while and I thought she'd be better off in the home of someone who really wanted to play with her, esp since I was perfectly happy with Rosie Red.
Posted by: verbminx | February 07, 2007 at 12:12 AM
Rosey Red is such a wonderful Blythe. I had the pleasure of "taking care of" one a little while ago. My sister briefly adopted a RR from a friend of mine, but she didn't bond with her (-__-) so she decided to sell the dolly. I was the one to put the RR up for adoption, and while doing so, I really felt like bonded with her. The bright red lips were such a beautiful touch with her look. <3
I understand not bonding with a dolly, even if it was a Kenner. You're so amazingly lucky that you were given the opportunity to own one, even if you didn't bond with her as much as you would have liked. *sigh* You made quite the profit with her, too! It all seems to have worked out. ^_^ Yay.
You really should find your Rosey and give her some love. BL girls are so special, and more and more people are realizing that every day. In fact, the prices with them are shooting up every year! A lot of them now go for somewhere between $300 and $430, which is a big difference compared to her release prices. I think the release of the Encore kind of hindered her rising price, but I'm sure it will shoot up again soon. You have a very lovely girl with you. Please share photos of her when you find her. ^______^
Posted by: Lauren | February 08, 2007 at 12:55 AM
[this is good] this post is great! plum was actually the first blythe doll i ever encountered. i was searching (google) for pics of tokidoki bags (trying to decide on one to buy, i eventually settled on an inferno) when your blog popped up in the results. i saw your tokidoki bag and was looking through the pics for different views, when plum appeared. i have never really been into dolls but you are right, plum is special. a couple of months later i bought my first blythe (an ADG) and i have just purchased my second (and the one i really wanted to begin with) a gentle river. thanks for expanding my horizons, plum! (:
Posted by: Kat | August 23, 2007 at 10:21 PM
Plum and I are so happy we could help spread the Blythe love. I love that you started collecting Blythes after finding my blog. Yay!
Isn't it cool how a random search on Google can produce such great repercussions? Who knew you would find a new hobby (or obsession)? ^__~
I'm so excited for you to get your Gentle River. I think she is absolutely gorgeous-- both the stock doll and the stock outfit. *swoon* Congrats on both your girls, Kat. ^^
Posted by: Lauren | August 23, 2007 at 10:28 PM
Just a note to let you know that IMO you and Plum should recieve a special recognition and a badge from Blythe!
How many people don't you have hooked to Blythe already? (me included ^__^)
Your pictures of Plumb, Lamb & Pigeon are just too adorable to be ignored ^__^
<<<hugs>>>
Posted by: madtwinsis | August 24, 2007 at 04:05 AM
[this is good] Bravo, this brilliant idea is necessary just by the way
Posted by: Quintin Lehmann | May 01, 2010 at 09:08 AM