Matryoshka Hippo

It has been a while, but I am delighted to share another "First" today! Last weekend, after spending another wonderful day in New York, I saw this table set up on the side walk. Very close to the famous toy store FAO Schwarz and Apple HQ, on 5th Avenue. A man was selling Matryoshka dolls (also known as Russian nesting dolls). I could not believe my eyes. In the middle of a row of babushkas, cats and snowmen... I saw a hippo! At first I was excited, but then I was a bit taken aback, because the hippo looks so angry. I told my daughter I was not sure... Her reply: "But it is a hippo mommy!" And she was right. I never saw one before. I just checked on line, only to find images of a few. They all have the grumpy look in common. So, my mission now is to find another set... of cute and happy looking, smiling hippos!

De Rosa

Until a few years ago, I never thought about the possibility of having to become "more selective" when it comes to hippos. They were not easy to find. Finding one, once in a while, and getting a few, thanks to serious efforts of friends and family, my collection was growing very slowly. This was of course, before internet, and before getting to know the International Hippopotamus Society. Now my collection is growing at a somewhat alarming rate... making me run out of space, and making future moves more challenging. As I love ceramics very much, I am thinking about steering my collection more in that direction.  But then I see my glass ones and my hand carved wooden ones, making me change my mind quickly, about finding those a new home. Obviously, I am not yet ready. I know this sweet looking mini hippo (Riconada De Rosa, Montevideo, Uruguay) will be in my collection forever. Ceramic and bling? Not much can top that!  

Anama

It crossed my mind to name my newest addition (Red Mega Hippo) to my bloat: Annemarijn, after the designer, creator, and owner of www.anama.nl. Having looked at its cute face for a while, I thought Anama fitted better. While looking for anything hippo in The Netherlands on line, I found a picture of this red hippo first, then found the designer's website, and only then noticed the company's logo being a hippo! How could I not support this company?

 

 

 

 

 

My daughter's first comment: "Aww, how cute... but mom, you said that you are not collecting hippo plushies anymore?" "Well sweetie, this is NOT a plushie, this is an accessory for your home, made by a famous Dutch Designer." She gave me "the look".... in this case it meant: "keep talking and fooling yourself, I am not buying it". The funny thing is that she loves sitting next to it on the sofa, playing with its head, prompting me to remind her to be careful with my "home accessory" :-). Also the cats love to cuddle up next to Anama.

 

 

According to a statement on her website, her products are designed with the purpose of creating a smile on people's faces.  Dear Annemarijn, just to let you know: Mission Accomplished!