I’ve always had dolls of some kind or another: Penny Brite and all her accessories and costumes; Chatty Cathy; that BIG one who would walk with you if you held her hand just *so* and lots of souvenir dolls from many countries gifted to me by family and friends.
The collectible- souvenir - dolls stayed as I grew up and the others (except one Penny Brite) went away. Till one day someone broke in and took them all, along with a bunch of other small, easy to grab items. I was heartbroken. They weren’t “valuable” but they were my memories.

Looking to restart my doll collection, I looked at the Barbies and bought a replica of the first Barbie in the b/w striped bathing suit. I sewed a couple of dresses and some separates, but it was challenging! So tiny! Then I found out that most of what you bought was supposed to be kept in the box! What?! Nope, not for me.

My friend told me about a new doll named “Jean” - or so I thought. I searched online but didn’t find anything until I saw *Gene* at a collectors’ show and that was it - I ordered Monaco the next day, with some clothes to change her and proceeded to look for my tribe which I found in the SF Gene Club (thank you Gael) and that’s how Gene started and is still in my life. The best bonus is the many friends I’ve made along the way at conventions, clubs and gatherings who are so special and still in my life. A better legacy I could not imagine from such a beautiful creation.
Thank you Mel!