Written by Years ago, there was a time when all I needed in the world to feel comfortable was the company of a certain little monkey. For our prompt of “dolls” today, we have what I realize now is a disturbingly accurate portrayal of my friend Zip. This was the only doll I ever really had and its plastic face would go from cute to creepy depending on the lighting in the room. The doll is actually based on the character of a real life chimp named Zippy that appeared on the Howdy Doody show. This show aired before I was born but several mentions in televisions and movies during the 70’s, along with a nostalgic and hyper-idealized view of 1950’s brought it back into vogue. Zippy had a girlfriend named Tippy, a similar doll with blond hair that was absolutely terrifying to look at. I just had Zippy, which I think might have simply been found at a garage sale. But, I was small and eager to read, so I just called him Zip because I was so proud to be able to pronounce the name on his yellow t-shirt. We quickly became fast and inseparable friends.
I remember taking Zip along with me on various adventures, which was pretty much any trip I took in the car with mom. He was huggable, but you had to be wary of the big plastic shoes as I would sometimes swing him about with joy only to be clubbed in the face with them. But I loved that he could sit beside me everywhere I went. He had a permanent grin on his overly molded face, and his half-opened mouth allowed me to jam his fingers inside as though he were eating. His little hat actually came off, which created a constant game of hide and seek that my poor mother had to play far too often. I think, though, I never managed to lose the hat, but it was fun to take on an off. Of course, I took his hat off when we went to a restaurant as it’s just good manners. I remember so many time from those early years, because it’s far easier to recollect memories when enjoyed with friends. And Zip was simply the most awesome little friend in the world.
With a bond so great, one would think it might never end, but like many friendships, time can cause people to grow apart. In my case, I was simply growing up and having a doll around all the time meant that I wasn’t being a “big boy.” So one day, though I can’t quite recall when, Zip was put on a shelf and no longer joined me on my adventures. I remember passing him in my room and for the briefest of moments thinking back to all of our time together. And though I was growing far too old to be carrying a doll about, each night for years after that, before I went to bed I would quietly say, “Goodnight, Zip.” A small gesture for an old pal that brought me so much joy. More years passed and I grew up even more and at some point Zip just disappeared. I’m not even sure now what happened to him. Perhaps he was placed in one of our own garage sales and went to live with another little boy somewhere. I’d like to think that’s what happened at least. But no matter how many years go by, I’ve never forgotten him. That’s the beauty of friendship, and why I’ll always have fond memories of that time long ago, back when my best friend was a monkey.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Nickel Azo Yellow, Quinacridone Red, Terra Cotta, and Cobalt Blue. Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with sepia ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book. Want to purchase a print of this doodlewash? Send me a note with a link to this post, and I’ll add it to my shop! |
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I’ve always found monkeys scary – stuffed or not! Needless to say, I did have a rubber-faced one as a child. I think they was an epidemic of them in the ’50’s. But it was my old teddy, who was given to me when I was 6 months old, who was my tried and true firend. Love your painting!
Thanks, Sandra! 😃💕Seriously, they were truly frightening to me as an adult! LOL But I just had to paint him. My first teddy is still at the top of the list though – https://doodlewash.com/charlies-cabinet-of-curiosities/
A very sweet story of childhood, Charlie, and an adorable Doodlewash of your friend. At some point, we all give up those childhood things and retain only the memories. That’s the true mark of becoming adults.
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕It’s definitely the true mark, but I try to cling to everything from back then. In many ways I think I was smarter. 😉
A heartwarming story about a special monkey friend! Very nice painting, too.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 So happy you enjoyed this!
Really story is closed my heart. Couse. long back .ma brought for me.but you know he is still i have a goldan monkey.
U r is so cute.love it . Charlie loved sweet memories.
Thanks
Aww that’s wonderful! So happy this brought back good memories, Snehlata! 😃💕
Sweet story. You know, you could have Zip II just to hang around the house looking cute. https://www.ebay.com/i/232721352472?chn=ps&ul_ref=https%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frover%252F1%252F711-117182-37290-0%252F2%253Fmpre%253Dhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.ebay.com%25252Fi%25252F232721352472%25253Fchn%25253Dps%2526itemid%253D232721352472%2526targetid%253D413719161356%2526device%253Dt%2526adtype%253Dpla%2526googleloc%253D9018863%2526poi%253D%2526campaignid%253D1057493165%2526adgroupid%253D54502406080%2526rlsatarget%253Dpla-413719161356%2526abcId%253D1133846%2526merchantid%253D6296724%2526gclid%253DCj0KCQjw2pXXBRD5ARIsAIYoEbctlwkr0EBJPnrZ7_l3emkJyQ14v9UQ-DFHkhaYjrJpz0-TBlu6sSMaAmooEALw_wcB%2526srcrot%253D711-117182-37290-0%2526rvr_id%253D1515274053793%2526rvr_ts%253D148bbbab1630a860e7d0a532fffd59ae
I got a replacement Liddle Kiddle doll because mine was lost in a cross state move when I was 10. It was very satisfying.
Aww that’s awesome! But woah has little Zip increased in price!! LOL 😳 I might have to just settle for my doodlewash and the good memories. hehe 😉
Zip has kept me company this early a.m.
What a charmer he is!
Aww thanks so much, Sarah! 😃💕 I was afraid he would come across too creepy! But he was a grand friend indeed!
Lovely memories and Zip the monkey…
Thanks so much, Pamela! 😃💕
Such a cute monkey.
Aww thanks, June! 😃💕 He was a great pal!
This is so cute! My best friend was a plush dog, and today it´s a real one 😊🐶❤️ Thanks for this little story that made me smile, Charlie! 💕
Thanks so much, Ann! 😃💕 hehe… those childhood friends were the best weren’t they?! Love that time!