As I've mentioned before, I was an Avon Lady in college, and if memory serves, I joined just so that I could get a discount on the Scarlett O'Hara figurine they had just come out with. I got my makeup at cost, and I believe I had only one regular customer, a secretary in the Fine Arts Department at West Georgia College, so my commissions fluctuated based on how much Kay needed that month. I haven't had an Avon Lady in my neighborhood in years, but I still have great fondness for the Avon brand, so it was no surprise that I bought those two old Avon figurines at a yard sale earlier this month, one of them featuring bunnies at teatime. Imagine my surprise when this matching figurine landed in my mailbox last week!
Margie in California had emailed to say that she was sending me something, and I had no idea what it was, but I am always touched that some of you readers have become such kind correspondents over the years, so I knew I would enjoy whatever it was. And it was this charming figurine with a bunny Avon Lady at tea! I mean, how truly perfect!
I love that the base says, "Which shade do you prefer?" Do you remember those tiny little lipstick tubes Avon had? (Do they still?) I loved those things and sometimes ordered them just for myself, so this was a fun memory courtesy of the new figurine. But what made this gift even more special was that this figurine had belonged to Margie's mother, who once worked as a … (can you guess?).
Avon Lady! Margie sent me this photo of her late mother, Carol (born at Christmas, thus the name), and I love everything about it. Her lovely mother, the professional attire (I want those shoes!), her well-stocked Avon Lady bag, and of course the faux fireplace (those are highly collectible now!) and the vintage Santa décor in the background. To say that I am touched by the gift of this figurine is an understatement. Margie believes this was some sort of award that was only available to Avon Ladies, which makes it even more special. Next Easter, you can probably expect a whole vignette centered around this darling Avon Lady and her friend!
And I think I'll name the friend Margie.
That figurine is darling, and special on many levels!
ReplyDeleteCute figurine. My first real makeup was Avon. A lady from church sold it. I loved those little lipstick tubes. They were handy to carry in a small purse. My Avon lady would sell them if we asked. I have no idea if they are still being made.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful story….i love that figurine, so sweet…and I love LOVE the photo of Carol!
ReplyDeleteMargie is a lovely friend but of course, you are also! Happy day. Virginia
That is such a cute figurine and such a sweet story about how you came to receive it!
ReplyDeleteMy mom sold Avon, too. She used to take us with her when she made deliveries. I remember her Avon bag was red leather and those cute sample lipstick cases were brass. Good memories. Hugs, Elaine (in Toronto)
ReplyDeleteWhat fun to see this and remember those days! Loved many Avon products! Still keep up with a few though it's impossible to have a local rep anymore
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