Cindy Combs
Last updated 04/06/97
Cindy's New Email
Cindy's Story!
And I've been in heaven ever since I discovered your Lady Head Vase page. I live in a computer-free home and am computer illiterate but am visiting my family who are Internet Nuts. I've heard many people rave about Internet so I took the plunge, had my sister search for Head Vase Info and there you were! "Stairway to Heaven" was the piece de resistance. Consider me among the converted.
I bought my first Head Vase about 10 years ago - found it tucked away in a Junk Store in Medicine Hat, Alberta and immediately fell in love with the upswept hair, pearl earrings and necklace. Since then I've picked up others in Lethbridge, Alberta, Victoria, B.C., Ottawa, Ontario and Vermont.... For a long time I didn't know the history of the Head Vase and I couldn't find anyone to tell me about them but, on a visit to the States, I discovered Katherine Cole's book. I had no idea that they were so prolific!
My collection numbers only 20, 3 of which are the "Betty Grable" types. But my favorites remain the ladies adorned in pearl earrings and necklaces and I have scouts on the lookout for me all across Canada. I have the little lady that you show in your collection (next to the one you got on your 7th anniversary). She has the original dusty, but lovely yellow and orange plastic flowers in her hat. I also have a bride, a graduate in cap and gown and a Christmas one. Now if I just had a job where I made more money!!!!
I live in Montreal, Quebec where Head Vases seem few and far between. Those I have seen have been over the moon in price. So I consider myself somewhat frustrated in the collecting department. I spend a lot of time worshipping from afar.
Have you seen "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar"? I go into throws of ecstasy every time I watch it because at one point the sheriff goes into an antique store looking for info on the 3 "ladies" and part of the window display is several head vases. I like to freeze frame there and drool.
Also (from the "Do you Know Department"), Kathy Najimi (Spelling? Right last name?) who was the large, happy nun in "Sister Act" is a collector. Several years ago People magazine did an article on her and showed her standing in front of a large cabinet full of Head Vases. She's my hero!
But enough! I can't handle the excitement! It's more than a poor girl can take! I will be at this number until the end of March and would be happy to chat with you if you are so inclined.
I am the only one I know in my sphere of life who collects Head Vases so it is FANTASTIC to touch base with others of you out there! We have just been hooked up to Internet at work so I will make sure that I get an address the moment I walk in the door! Their problem will then become trying to kick me off the computer!
I feel a new lease on life! Is there a Lady Head Vase anthem? A secret sign for collectors? I feel like I'm embarking on a new path in my life!
- Cindy Combs
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