DECEMBER 18, 1998 GAY PEOPLe's ChronICLE 13
All I want for Christmas
Continued from page 11
hanging off a rhinoceros, that is.
Seeing Billy, I recalled how my interest in dolls as a little boy caused something of a stir in the ol' homestead. One year, at age four, I even had the moxie to ask for a talking Raggedy Andy (the Furby/Tickle Me Elmo Cabbage Patch Doll of that era). I got it, I believe, because it was a "boy" doll and somewhat educational. When his string was pulled, Andy talked of sharing toys and being honest.
Looking at the catalog for Billy, I wondered how many other gay men also wanted dolls as children. When my sisters outgrew their Barbies (three) and Kens (two), I made the quintet mine, quietly playing with them when I felt I would not be found out. I often was, though.
One of my favorite things was to put a dress on one of the Kens and send him out on a date with the other. I thought the combination of his short hair, flat chest and a frilly party frock was funny, but somehow okay. Why should Barbie get all the nice things?
Since I also played in the dirt with my
trucks and green plastic soldiers with equal ardor, I think my parents looked the other way when it came to my quality time with Barbie. But, still, one day the dolls were gone, and I knew it was better not to ask where to. I understood that my doll-playing days were deemed officially over.
Now I want a Billy doll.
For a brief moment I thought what a chuckle it would be to send a differently outfitted Billy to each of my nephews and nieces. But I remembered his anatomically correct part. Wouldn't be prudent. Then I thought of being a gender warrior and sending girls' toys to the boys, and boys' toys to the girls. Wouldn't that cause a ruckus?
In the end I will probably take the path of least resistance and buy gift certificates to Toys R Us. That doesn't make me the most creative of uncles, but I will get to make a onestop visit to the toy store. Meanwhile, the kids will get what they really want, and it gives me time to figure out which Billy I want to ask Santa for. Right now I am leaning toward a Cowboy Billy. ✓
Bob Findle is a freelance writer living in San Diego, California.
Holiday Special 20% Off
OODBYE UNDESIRED HAIR!
...
thanks to PhotoDerm HR®
... a "beyond-laser"
technology ... that removes undesired hair
anywhere on your body with a flash!
Can't Stay Awake?
It's because you're too damn boring!
Get down to curio
-gogo and purchase
some instant style. Our gifts and accessories will make you the king of hip. You may be loser, but a
ave to show
Cool Kirsch
es fuh junk
stylish jarishings daring deligine
heart baubles and all 100% Caffeine Free!
gogo
W Lottles Ave • Columbus
from the Coffee Table)
614-280-0780
Aquatic Accents
Give the Gift of Relaxation This Holiday
25% OFF when you mention this ad!
Fresh Water and Salt Water
Aquarium Set-up and Maintenance
Pond Service and Enhancement
expires Jan. 31, 1999
Tracy Manning
Phone (440) 949-8230 ▼ Pager (216) 413-4281
Happy Holidays from the staff of Nicholas Jewelers
CUSTOM
Mention This Ad For 10% Off Your Holiday Purchase!
At Cedar & Green
2161 S. Green Road in University Heights
(216) 381-3075
Nicholas & Gary Grunwald
RC
PRIDE CARD DISCOUNT
PICTURE FRAMING
Proprietors
el taller
picture framing
For those wonderful and personal gifts PHOTO FRAMES, MIRRORS, FINE ART PRINTS, EASELS, POSTERS, SMALL PRINTS & ACCESSORIES
18501 detroit ave. lakewood, ohio 44107
216 228-7817 www.el-taller.com
Womet
static about the gentle way Art from unwanted areas
Men
...
aterdelighted to get rid of hat on their tears, and neck
So call Aesthetic Skin Care Center today to schedule your private consultation and learn wha PhotoDermHR can do for you ...ther step into the PhotoDerm light!
Aesthetic Shoe Care Cen
"A Medical Facility
14100 Car Rd 216-381300
For the person you care about,
a holiday gift certificate from
Richard Stevens,
a full-service salon.
B
RICHARD STEVENS
Cosmetics, Treatments, and Accessories 6261 Mayfield Rd. Mayfield Heights 440-442-4022
Image Enhancement
Cleveland, OH. 888-222-0030
Chhanks Scoll
∙SALONS & SPA·
Gift Certificates make a unique gift for that someone special.
BIG BIG RIG &
Week-Before-Christmas Sale!
Zelda's
Teas & Treasures
Zelda's has a unique collection of Imported specialty teas and wonderful gifts for tea drinkers. Pottery, glassware, candles, gift packages and many other collectibles.
We can ship your gift anywhere in the world!
1116 Clifton Blvd Cleveland • Cleveland • 216-281-6061