Escapism

I don't believe Integrity Toys could have chosen a more appropriate name for a doll.  "Escapism" definitely sums up the appeal of doll collecting to me personally.

After finding problems with three of the first items I opened from the convention, I decided I had better check over my "loot".   I discovered that some of the dolls I thought were my favorites, had moved lower in the ranking.  Some of the dolls that I had considered selling were suddenly in my "staying pile".

My biggest surprise is Escapism Elise Jolie.  At the W Club Luncheon, all attendees were given an opportunity to purchase this centerpiece doll.  I passed on both my husband's and my own purchases.  Two of our table companions were very excited to receive our purchase opportunity.  I guess I was feeling like that old Pepto Bismol commercial.  I had over-indulged in dolls and was beginning to feel sick - "I can't believe I bought the whole thing!"

After the luncheon, my husband and I went for a walk along the lake and took some much needed rest from all things dolls. On the way back to our room, I casually steered my husband by the salesroom.  It turned out that they were selling leftover Elise and Victoire dolls from the luncheon.   My dear, sweet husband rationalized, "You really like the dress.  You can always sell the doll nude and get your money back.  Go ahead and get her.  It's just one more doll."

This doll's beauty is difficult to capture in photos.  For some reason, her eye shadow looks very purple in many of the pictures I've seen posted of her.  It is much more smokier in person.

I really loved this dress.  It is sheer (so sheer, in fact, that you can tell she is wearing black panties!).  I changed her panties for modesty sake to a beige tone.

I believe the gown on Escapism truly captures what I think of when I hear the word "Tropicalia" - flowing, sheer fabrics - caught in the warm tropic breeze.  It just makes me want to turn on a fan and put her in front of an island backdrop.

The jewelry she came with is high quality, as are her shoes.

Unfortunately, there were problems with her hair rooting.  Three plugs actually came out when I was gently combing it.  I was alarmed by this.  I couldn't find where they were missing, but in a doll whose hair is already on the thin side, it is not comforting to find actual plugs in the brush after the first brushing.  I wasn't sure I liked how the front of the hair was styled.  I put a little braid on each side.

Escapism.  The reason I collect dolls.  The reason I write a blog.  The reason I visit dolls boards.  My time away from the cares and troubles of the world outside.  In my humble opinion, the best doll of the whole convention.  I can't wait to redress her.

The Mist

I read the book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan with my gifted third graders.  If you are unfamiliar with this series (there has been a rather bad movie made from the first book), it is about Greek mythology in modern times. 

But how does this relate to a doll blog?  Well, the author knew that he was writing for students of the technology age, children who are not easily fooled.  How can you explain weird mythological occurences happening in a world where everything must have a reasonable explanation?  He came up with "mist".  As it turns out, "mist" surrounds regular humans and blinds us to things extraordinary.  It helps our minds make sense of things that are not rational.

It is my personal belief that "mist" surrounds the collecting community - no more so than at conventions.  Collectors become dewey eyed and giddy with excitement.  They are so overwhelmed and caught up in the moment, the surrounding mist keeps them from readily seeing problems or mistakes.

The mist wasn't strong enough on Saturday night in my hotel room.  As soon as I got back, I checked my dolls from the banquet.  Both my Imogen dolls had one eye bigger than the other.  I wanted to go down to the sales room and try to trade them out but the crowd was incredible, I was tired, and I needed rest. 

The first one was more obvious than the second.  (The glare from the light didn't help matters any!)  A new owner is enjoying this doll now.  Most of the photographs I have seen of Imogen show similar issues.  I am very surprised more hasn't been said about that.  Maybe the mist is working.

Unfortunately, once I know there is a problem I can't get past it.  The second doll had a problem with its right iris.  I was fortunate that my table hostess was Veronica Hage.  When I asked her about it, she said that she had the same problem and was planning to correct it.  I had her correct mine as well.

Now, she is perfect.  She is one of the most sensual dolls I believe IT has ever produced.  She is my favorite NuFace girl ever.

While she was working on Imogen, I turned my attention to another favorite, Hot Dots Poppy.  My previous post was all about this doll.  Once placed on a Dynamite Girl body, I found her irrestible.

I decided to continue playing with my Color Infusion ensembles.  Here is Model A wearing Ensemble 2. I had two of this ensemble.  I had one for sale and a potential buyer asked me to photograph a doll wearing this outfit. 

Here is a warning:  If you unzip the military vest on Ensemble 2, make sure you are very careful.  The bottom of the zipper frayed off the first time I unzipped mine.  I can no longer get it to re-zip and have notifed IT Patient Care. 

I knew that the male Ensemble 5 was destined for my DG Cruz who I call "Lambert" after Adam Lambert.  He looks perfect in it.

Since everyone was experiencing Eugenia-mani, I thought I would take her out next.  Imagine my surprise when I found that her right eye was missing its eyelash.  It must have come off when wet because there appears to be spots around the eye.  Her hairline is also rooted with a "skipped" stitch over the left eye.

This makes me very sad because she has extraordinary hair and faceup otherwise.  I now have claim #2 in Patient Care.
I guess the "mist" has lifted.