ON THE COVER ones you can buy at a store like Dollar Tree , also make it harder to resell Barbies , she said .
“ I ’ m sure that will change ,” she said . “ Barbie will be back , but that ’ s how it is right now .”
When Smith is not repairing dolls , she can often be found at the gym , where she works out several days a week , doing both cardio and strength training . A former registered nurse , she also is part of the Red Hat Club , a group of women over the age of 50 who get together to eat , volunteer and learn more about the community .
Smith said she thinks it ’ s important to keep busy – body , mind and spirit .
“ Working with the dolls helps my brain and it helps me to use my creative side ,” she said . “ I have a little arthritis , but I keep plugging away , mind over matter . Staying busy helps to keep you younger , especially as you are starting to age .”
Smith lost an adult son and his fiancé in a car accident years ago . She has a zest for life , but also recognizes that life can be unspeakably difficult .
“ Working on dolls is one way that I can keep depression away ,” she said . “ The room I have my dolls in does not have a window in it . I think it ’ s just a perfect room to go and close the door and no one comes in . I can just lose myself for a while in my quiet little haven . If life gets too hectic , I can go upstairs and the world will go away for just a little while . I am glad to have that escape .” T www . meridianstar . com
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