Tea With Judi Ward
Phoenix, Az
May 2000

by Trish Haskey

     The Judi Ward get-together tea here in Phoenix was held on May 13,2000.  Fifteen excited ladies met at the Teeter House Tearoom in historic Heritage Square to welcome Judi and see her beautiful dolls "in person." Teeter House was built in 1899, and is beautifully restored. The tea served was delicious and included traditional tea sandwiches, fresh fruit, and divine desserts. Most of us opted for the iced tea. Even in May, the temperatures in Phoenix are quite warm (hot, if you ask me!).

     The dolls held court in the shaded courtyard, where they attracted much attention from folks passing by. After the tea, Judi gave a demonstration of her jointing method, and also showed how to attach a head so that it would swivel.

     A pin doll exchange was also on the program. This used a method that I learned when attending a Native American pipe ceremony. I do not know if it is traditional to the culture, or if it was simply a method favored by the organizers, but it is fast, fun, and efficient. All place the pin dolls (or whatever is being exchanged) in individual bags, which they hold as they stand in a circle. When a facilitator says "begin" all pass the bags clockwise. Keep passing the bags until the facilitator decides to say "stop." Each person should have a bag that is not their own. A quick check will determine this. If, by chance, they DO have their own, a few more moments of passing will take care of that. Music or chanting can help set a nice rhythm for the bag passing. At the end of passing, I was delighted to see that I was in possession of the pin Judi had made, one of her wonderful "hand" pins, in shades of turquoise blue... <GBG>

     A visit to the Arizona Doll & Toy Museum rounded out the afternoon's fun. This charming building was built in '1901, and holds a wonderful selection of antique dolls. Dollhouses included a charming milliner's shop, complete with upstairs "living quarters". One of the staff informed me that the dollhouse was originally displayed at Knott's Berry Farm in its early days.

     A good time was had by all, and we hope to make the get-together an annual event.

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