Little Things That Changed My Life

By Diane Slagle, photos by Reina Lopez

It was Christmas, 1949.  My sister and I had just lost our Mom, and we were sad and isolated on a farm far out of town.

By a chance, we were invited to a lovely ladies’ house for Christmas Eve. This family lived in a beautiful Victorian farmhouse in the middle of an orange grove. We arrived and walked into the kitchen. It was warm and smelled of roasting turkey,

On a table sat a fabulous DOLLHOUSE. It was all decorated for the holidays. I couldn’t believe my eyes.  Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined anything so wonderful.  Frozen in time, this house was full of joy and doll people having a very special Christmas. What a treasure to behold! At that moment something beautiful and happy came into my life when I needed it most. Little did I know how it would change my life.

Dinner was ready and we were invited into the dining room. Lo and behold, there was a table fit for a king. Beautiful china and a Santa and sleigh in the middle of the table. I am sure the food was fabulous, but I don’t remember it — just the smell of wonderful food and fir boughs in beautiful arrangements.

After dinner we were escorted into the living room that was filled with beautiful antiques. But, the tree took center stage as the most wonderful thing imaginable. What a gift I got that Christmas.

At nine years old, I knew that I had a dream — my first dollhouse. I managed to find an old bookcase and converted it. I made furniture and added doll people, It was not the greatest, but it was a start. I saw it as a perfect home full of love and joy. I could make it any way, just what I wanted.

From there the years rolled by.  I upgraded, one by one, until today I have collected something like eight antique dollhouses.  Most are from Germany, from about the 1800s.

The dollhouses still bring me so much pleasure, and I know they have influenced others along the way. I share them as much as I can.

When we visited here at the Manor looking for a place to retire, as soon as I saw the dollhouse near the Bistro, I knew we had found a home. It was like a full circle. That dollhouse let me know I was where I should be.

What a wonderful gift those dear ladies gave me. I still think of them and am so grateful, and thank them for their kindness.

I hope I can pass it on.