Throwback Thursday: Betsy McCall Paper Dolls

Do you remember Betsy McCall paper dolls?   When I was growing up, McCall's magazine featured a paper doll page in every issue.  The paper doll was Betsy McCall, a little girl who had everyday experiences like Girl Scouts, painting, making Valentines, decorating for Christmas, and more.  Betsy had a little Dachshund dog named Nosy.  As a lifelong "dachshund person," of course I love the Nosy paper dolls most of all.

I used to cut these paper dolls out and play with them.  Since they were on magazine paper (thin), I sometimes mounted them on cardboard. 

I purchased a few McCall's magazines not long ago, and plan to frame the paper doll pages for my study.  

Do you remember Betsy McCall paper dolls?   Did you play with any other paper dolls as a child?   I would love to hear from you in the comments, below. 

Wordless Wednesday: I'm Not Lion ... You're My Valentine

Almost wordless:  vintage Valentine from my shop.

Giveaway: Vintage Valentine (Ends Fri. 1/23)

I have always loved Valentines.  As a little girl, I remember Valentine boxes in school and little envelopes with colorful cards from friends.  I also remember being fascinated by beautiful older Valentines at antique stores.

When I first opened an eBay store, it was all vintage children's books, which I love.  Eventually I added in vintage holiday cards (especially Valentine's Day, Christmas, and Easter).  I really enjoy working with vintage holiday cards at Birdhouse Books.  Buyers love them because they are fun to frame, great for unique crafts, and a sweet, unique gift tucked into a greeting card.  I offer combined shipping for all my vintage cards, and have a huge assortment:  Vintage Valentines at Birdhouse Books.

I am hosting a vintage Valentine giveaway ending Friday, January 23.  Entry is easy with the Rafflecopter form below.

The prize is one vintage Valentine of your choice valued under $10. I will notify the winner on January 23 by email.  The winner will have 48 hours to respond to email.  

You will see all the cute Valentines under $10 at Birdhouse Books by clicking here.

Entry is easy with the Rafflecopter form below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Music Monday - "Mr. Blue Sky" by Electric Light Orchestra (1977)

Because it's a drizzly January day, "Mr. Blue Sky" seems like a perfect Music Monday song.  "Mr. Blue Sky" was a 1977 rock song by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO).  It was written by ELO and has an almost orchestral feel.  It has always reminded me of the Beatles, especially their bigger songs like "A Day in the Life."  I have loved this song since first listen.  The 2012 animated music video is fun too;  look for the singing chorus of flowers near the end of the song.

Downton Abbey - Season 5, Episode 2

What Happened (A Very Short Summary)

Mary, assisted by Anna, plans an assignation with Tony Gillingham.  Charles Blake realizes Mary has chosen Gillingham and comes to Downton so they can talk.  (Picture of Mary and Charles, above.)   Edith steps in as a sort of godmother to Baby Marigold, so she can stay in her life.  Isobel and the Dowager Countess visit with Lord Merton.  A policeman comes to the Abbey with news that there was a witness in Mr. Green's mysterious death. 

Character Of the Week

Lady Mary boldly moves forward in her plans to have a tryst with Lord Gillingham, checking into a Liverpool hotel on her own and meeting him in an adjoining room.  She plans birth control (with Anna's help) and moves forward in secret, trying to plan her own future and happiness.  This is the most determined we have seen her to move forward since Matthew's death. 

Most Striking Visual

The wireless comes to Downton Abbey.  Not surprisingly, Rose advocates the wireless radio, while Robert and Carson oppose the idea.  The family and staff are amazed by the wireless - progress before their eyes.  Daisy comments:  "Why is it called a wireless when there are so many wires?"

"Oh My" Moment

It was truly surprising to hear that there was a witness in Mr. Green's murder.  Mrs. Hughes looks shocked - and troubled - by the news, since she suspects that Mr. Bates had something to do with the murder.

3 Day After Downton Thoughts

1. Maybe if Thomas found love, he would be a nicer person.  I actually felt for him in this episode, as he seemed very lonely.

2. I do not think Mary should have asked Anna to pick up the birth control, when Anna was clearly uncomfortable doing so.

3. Although I have liked Tony so far, I did not like his thoughts to Mary on how to lie successfully.   Now I am wondering if he should be trusted.

What I Hope Will Happen Next (All Speculation - No Spoilers!)

The trailer for next week's show teases the appearance of a man from the Dowager Countess's past (!!).  Mary is moving forward - hopefully toward happiness.  I hope that things move smoothly for Edith with baby Marigold, but Drew's wife does not seem as amenable to the plans as her husband.   And what of the new arrival, Simon Bricker?  He seems interested in flirting with Cora.

What did you think of tonight's episode?  What did you consider the "oh my" moment?  And what would you like to see happen next?