Rescuing Andy

Max & Linnea

Although hard work delivers its own merits, it's even more rewarding when it results in re-discovering "hidden treasures." Last weekend while cleaning the basement, I found Max (from author/illustrator Rosemary Wells delightful series ), Linnea (from the book Linnea in Monet's Garden), and my childhood toy Raggedy Andy.

Poor Andy was more raggedy than usual...that's what fifty years will do to you, as I can attest to. So I did what I usually do when not knowing what to do; I asked my friends for advice. Lynette suggested that I soak Andy in Woolite and Oxyclean overnight. The woman is a genius. As you can see above, Max and Linnea look sparkling new. While Andy isn't quite as sparkling (or nearly as young), he looks as though he's sipped quite a bit from the fountain of youthful toys.

He still has some drying to do and is relaxing outdoors today. It appears as though he's taking a nap while he continues to convalesce. In reality, after I rinsed the suds from the back of his little red head, I flipped him over and gasped...his eyes had fallen off. One was still in the sink. I knew the other was somewhere on its way to the garbage disposal. I must admit here that I have an unnatural fear of plunging my hand into the garbage disposal. I know that the chances of the device turning itself on are astronomical...but then, most unnatural fears defy logic. I could have cut another eye from felt but I really really wanted the original. So I took the plunge.

Not often, but at times, my lack of attention to detail can be a happy accident. As I began to feel around in the drain, I felt mushy nasty stuff that had not yet been devoured by the disposal. I began to pull the contents out and discovered the not-so-green strawberry tops that I had removed early (not earlier today, mind you). And there among the disgusting colorless discarded strawberries and leafy tops was the missing eye!

I plucked the heart from Andy's chest so that it too would not slip to the now clean drain. When all is dry and reassembled, I will post another photo for the sake of posterity.

Again, thanks Lynette for your suggestion. Memories, toys, a little soap and (most of all) the help of friends is the stuffing life is made of...and if you don't believe me, just ask Andy.

Comments

[Paris Parfait]

I love that you still have these treasures, in such good condition! Email me when you have a chance - want to come to Jordan next spring??!! xo

[Lynette Spruiell]

WOW!!! You have certainly gone through a lot to preserve your little friend! I understand...it is important to me to keep tangible reminders of bygone days. The older I get, the more this seems to be. The touch of a yellowed page, the squeeze of an old muslin doll, tracing a china cup with one's finger...all can elicit emotions and memories of loved ones (and things) that we cherish.

One one my greatest pleasures is to rescue old things and make them useful or pertinent again. You have illustrated that so well! I am very much looking forward to the next photo of the rejuvenated Andy in all his glory!

Genius? Nah...
Hopeless romantic? Certainly! But really, if you want to thank someone, thank Woolite!