happy birthday

...to Barbie

The ever popular Barbie doll turned 50 today. She was introduced at a toy fair on March 9, 1959 as a teenage model by Mattel. The picture here is what the Barbie of 1959 looked like. Since then, Barbie has changed her look to fit the times. She has taken on countless roles that vary anywhere from an astronaut and doctor to a ballet dancer and lifeguard. She has been the subject of many controversies and lawsuits over the years, but has withstood them all and has remained a beloved childhood doll to most young girls.

I was one of those girls. I loved playing with Barbie, Ken, and all their friends for many years during my childhood. I had cases that doubled as housing structures. I had furniture and accessories. And clothes... boy, did I have quite the assortment of clothes. I never tired of creating my Barbie world, complete with complex relationships, ever-changing scenarios, and of course, constant wardrobe changes; role playing at it's finest.

Sadly, my sister and I gave away our Barbies once we felt like we outgrew them, not even imagining that they might one day become collector's items. I wish I had held on to a couple of them for the sake of nostalgia. I've heard that some stores are selling a replica of the original Barbie at the original selling price - $3.00. I may have to pick one up... for nostalgia's sake.