It is never easy to write about oneself, but you might like to know a bit about the person behind this website- About ME!  And why this site is called Bonnie's Cats Meow! 

Boudoir dolls-

I am a long time collector of these fascinating and unusual dolls. My Mother gave me her old boudoir doll when I was 11 years old. It was so different from the child dolls of the time ,that I was not crazy about! I did not like to play with dolls when I was a child. The doll was a grown up lady from the past - a Standard W-K-S INC. doll with real eyelashes! and heavy painted makeup! She had a pink satin ,lace trimmed gown, a cute hat, painted fingernails and high heeled shoes!  That started my love of these  interesting dolls and my collecting boudoir dolls. I have this doll still, and she is in lovely condition- after I replaced her mohair wig and the tattered lace on her dress! Boudoir doll collecting has taught me to sew, repair and even make dolls as well as write about them!

As my collection grew, I wanted to share my enthusiasm and information about my dolls with other collectors. I started writing about my dolls and had my articles published in Doll World magazine in the early 1990's. I wrote 2 articles on boudoir dolls and 2 on Vogue Jill- (my dolls made the COVER on a Jill article!) and one on Mego Star Trek Action figures!  I became an advisor on Boudoir dolls, and Vogue Jill, for Schroeder's Antique Guide in 1998 and advise for them still.

Seven articles on my boudoir dolls have been published by Antique Doll Collector Magazine. Back issues are available. Collecting is a learning process, I think!  

I went to one Modern Doll Convention when we moved to Texas from Vermont, and decided to show some of my dolls. I was amazed and pleased that so many won prizes! My Lenci Fadette smoker got a blue ribbon and a nude Lenci that I designed and made a costume for, also won first prize! 

I was a member of UFDC and presented many programs for various doll clubs, on boudoir dolls, often at our home which we call Meow Manor! My collection is now huge and takes up 3 Rooms in our old house. Luckily my Husband appreciates my dolls too and is supportive of my collecting habits! I do sell dolls from my collection ,now and then, but each doll is special, even the more common ones ,and I love them all. I used to sell on e-bay, many of you might know me from there! When I want to feel really good , I read my feedbacks!  I belong to a few boudoir doll chat sites too! 

I have made several Cubeb type jointed smoking boudoir dolls. These Art Dolls have been featured in juried gallery shows. Sadly the company that made the slip is no longer in business and I can make no more of these. I did sell a few of these special dolls I call, Cats Meow Originals, but now regret parting with any of them.

Hobbies Etc-

I was very happily married to my dearest friend and love of my life! He passed away on 15 June 2007 C.E. of lung cancer. We would have celebrated our 30th Anniversary 7 July 2007.  I have many interests and hobbies. We were very active in the Antique Car hobby, but that seems to be a thing of the past now. I sold my 1939 Packard and the 1922 Studebaker The happy memories of car Clubs and tours in New England remain ,even if the cars are gone.

I love Cats and have seven right now. Siamese and strays, that adopted us! They are such good company and I have never been without a cat! It would take me a lot of typing to tell you about each of my special cats!

I am president of our garden club and love Roses and herbs and water gardening. My Husband dug me a 25'X19' pond and it is full of beautiful gold fish and water lillies!

Wizard Wands and Staffs-

My passion is Renaissance and Fantasy Faire's!  Dress up and make believe, a chance to be my true self!

I am Queen of the Realm of Glenlivet on  Http://www.RenaissanceFestival.com   This is a site dedicated to lovers of all things Renaissance. It is like an online fair with wonderful, like minded folks and lots of fun and information! I am a lady wizard, who became a Queen- but have an "evil Twin" who is a pirate!  I even had an online coronation! Huzzah!  I decided my character needed a wizard staff and did not like any I found elsewhere, so started making my own staff, then one for my Husband, and then wands too. It is great fun and very creative. I am pleased that Authentic Wardrobe, garb vendors at Scarborough Faire, and Texas Renaissance Festival will carry my wands and staffs! I love working with wood and Crystals!  All are made with love and lots of magick!

I studied Art at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts- Boston. Sculpture was my major. Teaching was my minor.

I had a small Art Gallery/ Antique shop in Newburyport Mass. I love antiques and anything old- Old houses, old clothing, old everything! After moving around for a while and a divorce and re-marriage ,we settled in Vermont where I had another Antique shop.  The Cats Meow Antiques- Art Deco, vintage clothing, and unusual items from the 1920 to the 1950's. My shop was open for ten years before our move to Texas, where we live now. Much of my old shop stock is in boxes in the attic, waiting to be sold.  The shop is also a thing of the past. The knowledge and collecting goes on forever, though.

I hope you enjoy my Website!

Bonnie