Courtesy photo Natalie Johnson with her Barbie collection, which includes 63 Barbies, plus eight Ken dolls. After a recent hunt for Barbie finds at the World's Longest Yard Sale, she met new friends who put her in a garage sale book and sent her an antique Barbie case, seen above at left.

Girl finds Barbie, friends and a spot in book on garage sale trek

Wendy’s word

Nothing is too small if it’s important to you. The other night my daughter and I were about to have our nightly quiet time when we realized the book we used was missing. It was really quite odd, as it is always in the same place. It was also a bit upsetting because it contained a cherished note from my grandmother to my daughter.

We went ahead and read from another book, saying a simple prayer before bed that we would find our favorite devotional book. I walked downstairs after tucking her into bed and continued looking. My husband asked what I was looking for, and I explained. He disappeared and returned with the book, having mistakenly picked it up when getting another book for our daughter earlier in the day. I was overjoyed that our prayer had been heard and answered.

God is so good, in the big and in the small. Don’t ever doubt that our requests go unheard or unanswered. Lift your sweet prayers today.

Now let’s see what the “chatter” is ...

A treasured collection

When 11-year-old Natalie Johnson of Hartselle started her trek on the World’s Longest Yard Sale with her grandparents, Joe and Virginia Jackson, she found more than she expected. What began with a historic find of Barbie’s original black-and-white striped one-piece bathing suit ended with a Barbie enthusiast as a new friend.

Friends Beverly Saponaro and Bruce Littlefield traveled all the way from New York for the sale, and as fate would have it, ran into Johnson at two different points on their journey.

“I was so excited for you when you found that bathing suit. I have not forgotten the look on your face,” said Saponaro in a recent note to Johnson.

With 63 Barbies, plus eight Ken dolls, Johnson said her interest was sparked when she saw an Oprah Winfrey special on Barbie’s 35th anniversary. Her collection has a bit of everything including nine Barbie cases, the Romantic Bride Barbie, the Purple Passion Barbie, and the 2000 Holiday Barbie, just to name a few, all still in their original boxes. Of course, all the dolls have Barbie brand shampoo and bubble bath!

Johnson is quick to point out, however, that her most prized piece is the Barbie watch and box she received from her grandmother, Sue Johnson, on her 11th birthday. The delicate, gold watch features a golden Barbie face and is adorned with commemorative Barbie charms, one in a limited-edition set of three.

Seeking additions to her beloved collection, Johnson is always eager to set out on a new sale adventure. “The thrill is in the hunt,” said her grandmother Jackson. Any reward to her for a job well done includes a yard or garage sale trip to see what she can find.

Little did Johnson realize that Saponaro would not forget her when she got home. It was not too long after the sale ended that a package, addressed to Natalie, aka “My Little Barbie Girl,” arrived and contained much more than just a note. Also included was an autographed copy of Littlefield’s latest book, “Garage Sale America,” and an antique Barbie case that belonged to Saponaro when she was a little girl. Her note explained, “I have kept my Barbie case all these years in hopes of giving it to my daughter one day. I was never able to have children so I would like for you to have it.”

A perfect keepsake is the inscription in the book’s front, which reads, “Natalie, Your smile brings joy to this book. So happy to know you. May your life be filled with treasure. Bruce Littlefield.” Much to her surprise, she also saw a picture of herself with her Barbie “find” on page 81. Now that’s something for a little girl’s hope chest!

Little ones today grow up fast, so it is touching to see a young girl who is also still young at heart. It was a pleasure sharing this “Barbie” of a story, and I am ready to become a sale “junkie” myself. You never know what treasures are there for the taking. Happy shopping!

To look at Littlefield’s book, including stories, photos and tips, check the Web site at www.garagesaleamerica.com.

AAUW

Why not enjoy a salad supper? The American Association of University Women will host a salad supper on Thursday for prospective members.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. with appetizers at the Decatur home of Diane Belsky.

Entertainment will be provided by the Decatur Youth Symphony chamber group.

Cathy Hansberry and Marsha McGrath are co-presidents of this year’s group, which supports equity for women through advocacy, education and research. AAUW is now collecting books for its annual book sale, which supports a Calhoun Community College scholarship for a female student. Look for more information on the sale as it draws near.

The group, which meets monthly, also has a book group and a gourmet supper club. Those interested in attending Thursday night should call Belsky at 351-1577. Members should each bring a salad and the recipe to share.

La Petit Salon

La Petit Salon No. 840, Department of North Alabama 824, met recently with Chapeau Peggy Chapman presiding.

A certificate for outstanding leadership was awarded to the Salon at the Department Convention in Huntsville.

Community service efforts continue, as partners begin collecting gifts for the annual bags sent to the Children’s Hospital in Denver.

The 840 pledge was recited, reminding all partners of the obligation to aid in the prevention of respiratory disease in children.

That’s all for now. It’s been great “chattin” with ya!

Let me know what is going on in your little corner of the world. If it’s special to you and features any of the great people who live in our community, then it will make a great Chatterbox item. Just e-mail me at ddchatterbox@yahoo.com, or call me at 350-5730. I look forward to hearing from you.

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