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an Ohio souvenir plate

an Ohio souvenir plate

Lore

Generation Girl Barbie
Barbie's Generation Girl collection was first released in 1998, right around the peak of my Barbie-playing years. It's my #1 favorite Barbie collection. This doll, Tori, was my childhood inspiration and fashion icon. I also had Barbie and Nichelle from the collection - both gorgeous, accomplished, creative divas. I took this photo of my Tori doll before finally donating her to the thrift store. [Back]

Duck Paperclip and Stamp
I stole this paperclip from my grandma's house as a child. The stamp, I peeled from an old letter I received in 2000. [Back]

Fortune Cookie Message
I've had this message since high school. At one point, it was taped to my notebook. A girl named Sarah sarcastically asked if I needed inspiration or something. Yes, Sarah, I did. [Back]

Girl Scout Patch
My friend earned this Girl Scout patch for seeing her own shadow as a child. It's been a prized possesion since she gifted it to me. I, too, have seen my own shadow. [Back]

Ken
This was the only Ken doll I had as a kid. I don't know why this dork is wearing a suit. [Back]

Mickey Mouse
For some reason, my sister and I were terrified of Fantasia as kids. Still, she owned this Sorcerer Mickey toy. Somehow I ended up with it in adulthood. I kept it in a glass cloche for a long time (in case it was haunted) before finally returning it to its rightful owner on Thanksgiving 2025. [Back]

Miss Priss
This Miss Priss cookie jar is one of my prized possessions. As I mention here, I found her on the shelf at my favorite thrift store. She's the best thing I've ever thrifted. [Back]

Ohio Plate
I was born in Ohio, left as a child, and spent many years going back to visit. While I have not returned since 2012, that place is woven (for better or worse) into the fabric of my being. Ohio looms prominent in my mind; it follows that it makes an appearance or two on this website. [Back]

Teddy
This is just a Barbie teddy bear I played with as a kid. It's part of my office gallery wall now. [Back]

Wooden Train
For about five minutes, my brother collected model trains. His explanation for why this was a fantastic idea? "It's a long-term investment with playing involved." (A line which is still regularly quoted by me to this day.)
I'm here to report it was not a long-term investment. But I have no doubt there was playing involved.
I got my brother this tiny wooden train to commemorate his hilarious five-minute hobby. [Back]

U R A STAR
This sticker comes from an old set of (I believe) Lisa Frank stickers that a friend gave me. They're too delightful to stick anywhere except the internet. [Back]

YES! Art
This lovely piece of art was made by a student I used to tutor. She was wonderful. I made it into a magnet for my fridge. [Back]