Hi Dawn, I was just going to write and ask you where in Colorado you are, but then I looked at the address and realised you must be in town! I am in Ft. Collins too! There is another gal on the Candichat list that just lurks who is here as well. E-mail me sometime, and maybe we can all get together. I have been collecting Candi's from the beginning. I remember seeing my first one, and preordering almost immediately, then waiting forever to actually get her. I have almost more Candis than Barbies these days. I am like Elizabeth in that I customize Babs, and revere my Candis. LOL

Welcome to the list. It is so great to see all these new members. Especially for us oldtimers who have been here since the beginning. I am so tickled that Candi is back. I was trying to fill in her blank with the Alyssas, but I am so glad I can wholeheartedly buy Candis again.

Sincerely, Kathy M.

At 05:32 PM 1/3/02 -0700, you wrote:

Hello everyone,

I just joined CandiChat before the holidays. My name is Dawn Bastian, and I live in Colorado. I finally acquired my first Candi doll, the "Holiday Toast" Danish, and I really love her. The silk dupioni (my favorite fabric) dress is lovely and the accessories are great. I couldn't resist getting another Candi right away, so I've ordered the "Waltz at the Waldorf" Candi from the New York Collection, as well as the "Winter Mist" and "Gold Rush" fashions.

I first discovered Candi when I saw ads in a magazine (Barbie Bazaar, I think) years ago, when she was produced by Hamilton. I was very intrigued and wanted to buy one, but I just never got around to it--probably because there were no collectible dolls shops or shows in the area I lived at that time. Then the ads disappeared and I found out later the dolls had too. I was very disappointed, so I'm thrilled now that Integrity Toys and Jason Wu have partnered to bring her back to us!

I also collect Takara Jenny and friends, which I love, but I also appreciate the more mature look of Candi. I also have a handful of Genes, two Tylers, several Alexes, and two Eves. As you can see, fashion dolls are my favorites.

I look forward to seeing what new dolls will be coming out this year, and to reading your posts to this list.

Dawn

Kathy Mroczko Frivolities Antiques Ft. Collins, CO mroczko@verinet.com