The Best Laid Plans...

Yes, indeed. The best laid plans don't always get you laid the way you planned. Love that quote. Can't remember the lady's name who said it. But that seems to be the way life goes. Anyhoo...

October, my favorite month is well underway. My creativity is inching along. Last week was spent going back and forth to my mom's. She fell again, and I went with her to her doctor. A few X-rays later and nothing is broken. Thanks goodness. I made a big pot of veggie soup for her so she wouldn't have to stand a cook. Went and picked up some breakfast things for her to eat when she gets up. Yep, she wasn't eating in the morning while she took her medication. Which made her dizzy and why she fell. Ugh! Two doctors got on her case. Thank you doctors. Did six loads of her laundry and we continued to clear out stuff in the house. Two more trash bags.

Today I'm feeling pretty good. Got my exercise in and even went for a walk. A little farther than the previous walk. It was a beautiful morning, a small wind, brisk temps, the sun shining, just great. I will have to pull out my gloves for the next walk. I got in and did a small drawing for National Octopus Day. October 8th, get it?

I also was able to finally, finally finish a doll. My first Frida Kahlo doll. I couldn't believe it. It's been so long since I completed a project.

And I started some larger hexies to mend my favorite pair of pants that I've had for 20 years. I love those pants and they don't make them like that anymore. I was going to just patch them but I don't like store bought patches, they don't always stay put. Then I saw on Facebook where they were talking about mending items of clothing. So that's what I will do. Mend my pants and stitch on lots of hexies to make my pants fancy. Maybe I'll get another couple of years wear out of them.

I'll be making some green ones today. The pants are a khaki green color. That's my update. Yes, still a little behind but I'm feeling so much better and I'm going to just ride with it.

Wow!

It's been kind of crazy the past couple of days. Still putting in more hours on the other job and got to see two of my nieces. I actually took care of them when they were young. One is moving to Seattle, today, but I got to see the both of them. It was fun.

I also got my next weekly spread for my Bullet Journal and started to fill in some of the pages with drawings.

Still working on finishing some dolls and ornaments for the show and I will work on two new designs tonight. I have tomorrow off so I will be in the creative dungeon sewing all day.

September Already!

Wow! That got here fast. But it is what it is. I had a nice weekend. I was able to spend Sunday with family and it wasn't for a funeral. We laughed, discussed the world, and had lots to eat. I have discovered that there are a few family members who are not the outdoorsy type. It was hilarious and a wee bit sad at the same time but I now know who not to take on wood type excursions. Screams about bees, mosquitoes, moths, dragonflies, and spiders were interesting. And then when the two black squirrels were... doing... something with a lot of noise, that just freaked out two of my relatives. One squirrel chased the other into our yard. The squirrel that came into our yard, froze when it saw us and tried to hide in the grass. He didn't move for about a minute, then hightailed it to some bushes. It was kind of scary and amusing. The screaming from the humans. Anyway, it was fun being outside enjoying company and good eats.

I also had yesterday off. I enjoyed that day too. Totally relaxed and watched some Netflix. I also started getting my bullet journal together for this new month. And I worked on my project list for the rest of the year. Daunting? Sure. But I wouldn't be me if I didn't have some kind of creative challenge. So today it's back to business and new pics of work in progress and finished pieces coming soon.

I'm so glad the seasons are gearing up for a change. I'm not really a summer person, even though I was born in a summer month. I love the fall and it's change of colors and the crispness in the air. How the sun dips down in the sky as if things are about to go to sleep. I don't know if I'll make it to a cider mill this year but I will try. There's nothing like fresh apple cider and doughnuts. Yum! So have a wonderful day folks. September is revving up.

May

It's May. A new month. Going into the second quarter of the year. It's finally spring around here. Things are blooming and turning green. The birdsong is quite different and I'm enjoying the frog and toad orchestra at night. I'm hoping that I can keep my windows open for a bit before they are closed and the AC is turned on.

Lots of things going on. Sent payment for the next doll show and got my hotel room booked, continued to purge my things from my mother's house and found a baby shoe. Can't believe I actually wore this. There's still a lot to do, go through, toss, and pack up if I want to keep it. I'm so grateful that my mother is not emotionally attached to anything. Hoarders is always in the back of my mind. But I can say that I made a dent. On the upper level of the house.

 New dolls on the horizon and other artwork. The Christmas gift list is going well and I'm trying to think of things to do my birthday week. Another big bill will be paid off next month. I got a new top pattern to make me some summer things to wear. At some point I will have to think about my Halloween costume. Yikes!

A friend was at a huge garage sale and picked up this coffin shaped wicker basket and two skeletons. Decorations for this coming Halloween or will I be able to do something new with them? Maybe the basket.

I had planned on catching up on things this week but I got more hours. It's the week before Mother's Day, the second busiest week of the year right behind Christmas week. So we'll see what I can accomplish in the next couple of days.

A Tribute

No one said life would be dull. Or how many things would get thrown at you while you're trying to find your place in the world. Just when I thought things had settled down just a bit, again, a canon ball got hurled through one of my sails. I was awakened early this morning by a phone call from my cousin. Her mother had just passed away. I couldn't make out the story because I was struggling with remaining cobwebs of a dream and she was crying. At first I didn't cry because I knew my aunt was no longer in pain. That she was tired and she finally made her exit. I hung up because my cousin's brother had arrived, wherever they were. And then I started to cry.

My Aunt Beverly wasn't my favorite aunt. But in our own little way we had some special moments. I was one of her flower girls when she remarried many moons ago. I loved her house and the smell of it. I could make her laugh with my stories. She liked, appreciated, and encouraged my art endeavors. I could talk to her about many things and she listened. We would go on walks to the neighborhood store and get the best corned beef sandwiches. When I was younger she would pay me to drive her places. She made the best macaroni and cheese. From scratch, what some are now calling custard style. You know how when you have a get-together and people bring a dish? You wanted Bev to bring the mac 'n cheese.

Aunt Beverly was a talker. Non-stop. She would have been a great hostage negotiator because she would just talk the individual down. Into submission. Talking about them and why they're doing what they're doing, then talking about her odd family, then the weather, and then the state of the world. Not being able to get a word in, they would pay the cops to take them away. As a child I saw her in action, there was no winning an argument with her. She'd wear you down and you'd just throw your hands up and walk away. And she did that by never really raising her voice. She was firm and steady, but not loud. Then I'd always see a smile or a smirk on her face after the disagreement, she'd roll her eyes and be on to the next thing. Talent, sheer talent.

We all thought Aunt Beverly would outlast us all even though she had smoked a lot. Giving it up years ago. She had tuberculosis as a child, later having a lung removed; two marriages and two divorces; two children and two grandchildren; survived breast cancer, she suffered a heart attack and two strokes. The last stroke was the one that wore her tiny body out. I was going to stay with her for a few days out of the week this spring but now that won't happen. I am glad she was able to stay in her home until the end.

Aunt Beverly was my last living aunt on my mother's side. One of a set of twins, her twin Beryl was my third favorite aunt; out of a total of 14 children. My mom's sisters were amazing to me. One, Ruth, passed before I was born so I didn't get a chance to meet her. But the ones who were in my life were funny, caring, hardworking, adventurous, talented, and a little bit left and right of center. They were wonderfully unique. I am so honored to have had them in my life. Mildred, Bernice, Bobbie, Margaret, Ozetta, and Beryl.

Aunt Beverly is with them now and Granny. Talking and laughing and drinking. I know she has her beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other. Aunt Bev, I will miss you and always remember you.

Cheers!

An Apron

My mother wants two aprons and I got the first one done. I was a simple one and I'm glad I did it because it's easing me back into sewing for myself. I couldn't believe some of the things, small things I forgot to do or look for. But, it's a start. One of those things is to make sure fabric is out of the way that you don't want stitched. Yes, that still happens to me. Next, if you're working with directional fabric, make sure it's cut the right way. I'm sure that will happen again, cutting directional fabric the wrong way. But she'll love. And the most important thing. Thank goodness for seam rippers. I need to buy a few more. You can never have enough of those or pincushions. Or fabric scissors. The ones only for fabric and if anyone else touches them you will put them in thumb screws. Off to the next thing.

Still Around

"Keep moving. Keep moving."
                         - Gimli

Yes, it's been that type of year. Keep moving. Never give up. Never surrender type of thing. Either extreme highs or very deep lows. I haven't given up though. Not after I needed a new starter on my truck or my laptop crashed or my vacuum in my studio broke. Yes, there's carpet in the studio. After dusting myself off and the power wash to get the grim, I got back up again. Slowly but surely I'm getting back on track. I finished up the last three of my first batch of mug rugs.

I got more Blythe dresses worked on and had a full work table. I got snaps on and will now add trim to finish them up.

And I met some cousins for lunch at Penny Path Crepe Shop. It was great catching up on just about everything and discussed the state of the planet we live on. Had so much fun and the food was good.

My writing is getting back into being a habit again too. Been working on expanding a fantasy story and working to finish the rough drafts of three short stories. Still working on the sketchbooks too. I've got a lot to do in them to get three filled by the end of the year.

The Battle Continues

This past weekend wasn't a good one at all. Along with the crazy weather, I just couldn't get anything done. I did work on bat ornaments but that was it. No writing, no artwork, no dolls, no quilting... Zippo. I don't know if it's because things are going in a different direction or if I just needed to rest. Or because of all the rotten news I've been getting. The wife of my last uncle was buried this past week; my mom's last good neighbor passed away (she and her husband were the first people my mom and I met when we moved into our house, they were great neighbors); and my last aunt is in the hospital. My mom came from a large family. She is number thirteen of fourteen. The last girl in the family. I guess it hit me. They're gone.

I grew up in a wonder and wacky and talented extended family. Now that I look back, I am so grateful for having been a part of that. That huge thing. From the problems, hang ups, marriages good and bad, being there for each other, getting together for birthdays or just whatever. How we would all get together when someone visited from out-of-state. The cookouts, relatives playing live music, the laughing, and dancing and storytelling. The hugs. The life lessons. The encouragements they gave to me as a child.

I truly miss that.

Are they watching me? Rooting for me to keep going? Are they together making music, laughing, and dancing? Waiting for the time when we're all together again?

Maybe I should get back to writing my memories of them down. The stories that they've told me. Before I forget. I guess this past weekend was for me to take time to stop, remember, and thank them. It's not time for me to give up just yet. They wouldn't want that.

This Month

June is flying by so fast!

What the heck! And I've been slack in posting. Will be working on that. So, for my birthday celebration month, I went to the Winston-Salem Ham (operator) Fest. One of these days I will practice and get my license. That was Saturday. On Sunday I went to see my friend's daughters (my play nieces) at their end of year recital. I was impressed with all the dancers. The studio even takes special needs kids which is great. The older kids, 18 years old, did special dances because they were aging out. The studio takes ages 3 to 18. The tinies were cute but I really like the mid-ages from about 6 - 10. They hadn't been jaded yet and danced because they didn't have a care in the world. They weren't thinking about how big or small they were. No hangups yet and they were great. I had fun and when the 18 year olds were doing their favorite time during their stint, there were many wet eyes in the audience.

I will go onto a local art museum's site to see what's on. That along with a movie or two is on my birthday list. A day trip to the mountains would be nice too.

New Project Done

Okay, remember when I told you of all the projects I wanted to get to because they're just sitting around? Well, I finally made my flannel pajama pants. The fabric was for a quilt but didn't get used and I really liked it and didn't want to get rid of it. So I bought a pattern for pajama pants and finally made them. One thing off my list and one piece of folded fabric out of my studio. And they are quite comfy.

And Zanna is a week old. Yep, we celebrated.

Birth Coaching in a Nutshell

I just want to say that watching a child come into this world is an amazing thing. This is not for the faint of heart and swear words will be abbreviated. If you don't have a sense of humor and are too PC, stop reading. I had been on call for about a week when Amanda started leaking. Sometimes a woman's water really breaks, and sometimes it doesn't. The latter was one of those times.

Amanda went into the hospital on a Wednesday, so I picked up Maya and dad Dennis and we made our way to the hospital. From Dennis' place the GPS took us on a different route to the birthing center. It was getting dark and we were going through a not-so-great area. You could feel the tension in the car grow. Maya and I both noticed the rundown homes, idling cars by the curb, furniture on the curb. I was praying that my very old vehicle would not die on us. A vehicle with a black woman, a white woman, and a white guy. The next comment will set the tone for the rest of the hospital stay. I said, "We're in a dodgy neighborhood with a lot of shiny rims." There was a pause. I could hear the gears in Dennis' head turning and him wondering if he should laugh. Then Maya burst out laughing and then Dennis. We laughed the rest of the ten minutes to the center.

Now don't go getting your undies in a bunch. I'm originally from Detroit and there were some parts of it I didn't want to be in in the broad daylight.

We're still laughing when we check in at the desk, just about crying. We had our own personal bags, bags of juice and food for Amanda. People looked at us and thought we were staying for a week. We make it to Amanda's room and she's crying because they couldn't find a vein to start an IV. We were looking for that nurse. She settled down as soon as she saw us in a good mood. That night in the hospital was rough. Dennis had the sofa, I had a chair and Maya had a chair but ended up on the floor. And it was freezing in the room, something to do with putting the mom-to-be on ice. The next morning she hadn't dilated anymore and her doctor suggested to induce. The good thing was that she could get started on a low dosage and then have it go up. Amanda still didn't want an epidural, wanting the experience to be as natural as possible. Of course that first night the trio that was late to the party were cutting up something fierce and we were the loudest ones in the wing. There was an information board on the wall for the name of the patient, nurses, any special diet needs and questions. So Dennis wrote under diet, bacon and under questions, Who let the dogs out? We all laughed at that and in a very serious tone he said, "No, really... who let them out? No one knows for sure." The nurses wanted to be in our room and we also had fun teasing them. Thank goodness, most of them had a sense of humor and knew how to give it back. Amanda's team of nurses all rocked.

The next day and first part of labor went quite well. When the contractions were getting closer, Amanda would breathe, stand, walk, squat, sit on an egg ball, bend down on the floor, and do a position on the bed with her butt in the air. That one was most comfortable for her. Maya and I encouraged her and reassured her that she was doing well. Amanda's doctor showed up again and told her that she had to leave early because of a death in the family and that another doctor would be taking over the delivery and that she wanted Amanda well underway because the next doc was old school and wouldn't be too privy to a more natural birth. So the inducing drug was upped. The doc said that once Amanda started yelling and thinking about clipping her husband, that's when she would really be in hard labor. That's when things got interesting.

The contractions got a bit more intense and Amanda was really starting to feel it. She wanted to push but it wasn't time to push. The baby wasn't engaged just yet. Again, we were telling her what a great job she was doing and helping her breathe through her contractions. She had on an external monitor to get the baby's heartbeat and see what her contractions were like. And then we saw it on the monitor when the real, good contractions started. One huge spike on the monitor. Amanda still wanted to push and we told her she couldn't. She told Maya that she didn't like her. And Maya said that it was okay and we both said that we loved her. That's when she said it was okay for Dennis to get clipped. He responded as to why he had to get clipped and she yelled, "You're the one who's gonna get clipped because I'm the one having the baby and I'm not going to get my tubes tied after all of this!" Then he said, "Okay then, I guess I'll be the one to get clipped."

Amanda had gone to the bathroom and on her way out the doc came in and Amanda lost it. The doc helped her gain control and got her back in bed. The head nurse at the time told the doc about the clipping conversation and the doc said, "Yes!" Once again, the doc told Amanda that she had to leave and Amanda said, "No, you can't leave." Up until that time Amanda was being a trooper and the monitor kept dislodging because of the position that was most comfortable for Amanda wasn't suited for it. So the doc decided to put in an internal monitor on the baby's head. The baby's head! Yeah, I watched. That was pretty fascinating. I even asked the doc about it. That's when we really got the baby's heartbeat and the contractions. Contractions that finally started coming in consistent waves. I should've gotten a pic of it because that was kind of cool too. And that's when Pulp Fiction met Deadwood.

Here are some of the things Amanda said during the three hours of hard labor. She was given a pain medication so she could rest between mega contractions and we knew one was coming because she started swearing.
"I made a mistake." We told her that she didn't.
"I don't want to do this." Well, it was a bit late for that one.
"I don't want her in me."
"Get her the f*** out of me!"
"Cut her out!"
"Oh sh**, hell no!"
"F*** this!"
We continued to work with her breathing and Maya told Dennis to stand by her, hold onto her arm and tell her she's doing a great job. Dennis: You're doing a great job honey.
And in her most sweet angelic voice with a golden aura around her head she said, "Thank you." She did that several times.
Now Maya and I just looked at each other and wondered where our love was because the next contraction Amanda started swearing at us again. Little 5 feet 1 inch Amanda. I never thought I'd hear her swear like two drunken sailors on shore leave. It gets better.

In between those massive contractions shes rests but when one came around, look out.
"F*** hell no!"
Along with more of wanting the baby out, why was she doing this, she made a mistake. The coup de grace was... drum roll please...
"Oh f*** hell, m*****f***** G**d*** Je***Chr***!"

My eyebrows were singed off. That was totally EPIC!

There were a couple of times Dennis had to leave for air but he was right back at Amanda's side, telling her she was doing a great job. Maya and I wanted Dennis to concentrate on being husband and dad and not having him to worry about telling her to push. Having her hate him because of the work she had to do. Then it was time to really push. And we could see the wire to the internal monitor sliding out bit by bit. I saw the baby's head crown and continue to come out. Amazing! The new doc finally came in, poked around and asked for her chair. They gave her her chair on wheels. She poked around again. Amanda screamed and the doc asked for a mask. Another nurse came in and asked Amanda if a newbie nurse could watch the delivery and Amanda said, "I wouldn't have known if you hadn't said anything." Which was a yes. Watching the newbie's face was classic in itself. She was in her early twenties and probably won't be having any kids any time soon.

Amanda pushed for the third time with new doc and Zanna Joy flew out like the squid baby in Men In Black. 
The doc caught her and her chair had rolled back several inches. Totally amazing! What a catch! Then Zanna cried. That was the most beautiful sound. I started crying, Maya was crying, Dennis was crying and cut the cord. I almost hugged the newbie. It was just great! I saw the placenta and it looked like liver. I will cherish that time for the rest of my life. She's a beautiful baby, with dimples to die for. I get a baby fix one more time. I am so grateful that Amanda and Dennis let me be a part of that. My new family.

And she did it all without an epidural. The nurses were all impressed. It took a couple of hours to clean up and check the baby and clean up Amanda. When she was allowed to go to the bathroom, we told her some of the things she said. Do you know what she said? "Oh, no... I would never say anything like that." We all laughed. Boy do we have stories to tell. Thanksgiving will never be the same.

One Picture Post

I have a darn good reason for missing the last three faces of my 29 Faces challenge. I'm an auntie!!!! Amanda started leaking on Wednesday and went into the hospital. Thursday night, I got a squishy. Zanna Joy made her debut to the world. My eyeballs are still sandy and my brain still fuzzy after having only six hours of sleep in 48 hours. I did manage to get 14 in since last night. Very soon I will post about those days. It was exciting, funny, intense, and I'm glad I got a chance to see it.

                                                             Please welcome!

                                Zanna Joy

                          And Aunt Wendy

Lent

Oh my! I heard that people are giving things up for Lent. I tried it a couple of times in the past- sometimes it failed, sometimes I succeeded. Now, I don't have much I want to give up but I saw a friend's post that she was going to be extra creative for 40 days. That, I liked a lot. So that's what I'm going to do. I will be extra creative and attempt to get 40 doll heads done by Easter. Yes... it's EPIC! Ha! But I'm a nut. Walnut this time.

And it's going to be interesting because of commissions and I'm co-birth labour partner to a friend who's due in a couple of weeks. Yay! I'm gonna be an auntie.

I will also take one hour a day to work on unfinished projects. I can find an hour.

You'll never guess what this is going to be.

Here is another one of my 29 Faces. I finally broke out the brand new Sennelier pastels that I've had for over 10 years.

I'm Still Here

I just don't know where to begin. I do hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I did. I enjoyed good food, conversation, a couple of practical jokes, lights at Tanglewood Park, an after dinner Starbucks run, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on the tube, the Purina Dog Show, part of a football game, and a couple of episodes of Shaun the Sheep. It was my first gluten free dinner and it was very tasty. I did re injure my thumb. The pain shot all the way up to my shoulder. It's at about 80% and continues to ache and not want to do what it's supposed to do. But I have got to get busy for the two craft shows I have next month. So I will suck it up and get back to work. I'll keep icing and heating it but it's getting to be a bit annoying.

I was able to make it to the NC Renaissance Festival. Maya, Amanda, and I are trying to make this our tradition. Still didn't dress up but there's always next year. It was the last day of the festival and oh so cold. It was really nice being able to see the village without a sea of heads and bodies. I would love to see the place at first snow. That would be so awesome! I did get to see some men in kilts.

Next year... next year.

I'm way behind on my NaNo this year. I won't hit my 50k words but that's okay. I am going to continue to get in 1000 words a day, edit one page of Map Hunter so I can get it out there, and continue to finish up my screenplays. I also have to work on a commission. Here's the first pic.

I have re purposed a cereal box. These two will become masks. Day of the Dead Masks. I do hope you come back to check out their progress.

Yes, these are styrofoam eggs. They will be turned into ornaments. Alien heads. That's all I'll say right now. Take care all.

Works in progress

I have a craft fair coming up in three weeks. I'm making easy things and things that aren't very expensive. It's summer time and people are on vacation. I get that. Enjoy the family and kids. I was about to lose my mind about what to make and Maya suggested I turn my angels into faeries. Now why didn't I think of that? I'll keep the angels for the winter holiday. I will make a few more voodoo doll pins, fish ornaments, some alien plushies, and a couple of hand puppets.

I'm back to having fun after a small disappointment yesterday when some kid's camp classes were canceled because of lack of interest. It was a small blow but I rallied back and told myself to keep going. I didn't break down and fall into a pit of despair like I could've done, I made faerie skirts, and cut out my next Regency project.

I will have 20 of these little ladies.

I'm making a mock up of my short stay. A friend was kind enough to let me use her pattern. Unfortunately, she's smaller than I am, so I've altered it a bit. Yeah, it's larger. I want to make sure it will fit before I make it out of the good fabric. This should be fun.

Life happens and I told myself that I will make dolls. Halloween is coming up and I have to keep going. Then later this morning I got a call from another place where I can teach classes. These would be scheduled for the fall but the kids will be back in school and gifts will need to be made. Handmade holiday gifts can be awesome. As a matter-of-fact, I should start my own. A friend has also told me that she is expecting. I get to make a baby quilt, and toys, and dolls, and bears, and stuff.

I like how I have this 'not giving up' attitude. That's not what the next 10 years are going to be about. I'm a creative crazy person and that's cool! Have a wonderful Independence Day all.

It's My Birthday!

50 years ago, on a Thursday, I was born. I was going to sleep in this morning but got up early for my birthday. I didn't know how I felt. I said my thanks and that I was grateful for being here, right now. Grateful for all that I've accomplished, for all that I've yet to do, see, and people to meet.

I got in the shower and cried. I don't know if they were tears of joy or sadness. Joy because I've made it this far? Sadness because... I didn't know. I told myself that I would only think of what I have, not what I don't have. So the sadness of anything negative I would have mentioned turned into one of 'goodbye' to the past 50 years. With all of the hurts, slights, disappointments, lost love, and missed opportunities. It's time to say goodbye. I have to let you go.

I have my memories of extreme happy and frightening times. Memories of loved ones who encouraged me 100%. Ancestors who lived, loved, and died so that I could be here. Today. I will not let them down. Nor will I let myself down.

I have accomplished a lot in 50 years. I have touched many lives, more than I can remember, in positive ways or even with just a smile, a pat on the back, a hug, or words of encouragement. My artwork has graced many homes and publications. Pieces are in shops and galleries and I've even had a one woman show. A first of many more to come. I'm certain of it. I have earned two degrees. A Bachelor of Fine Arts, in art, specializing in watercolor painting. A Master of Arts in theater, specializing in costume design. Yes, there are things I've wanted to do and didn't get to. But one thing I've held on to was that I've always wanted to be involved in movies and have just touched the tip of that iceberg. 100 of my dolls and parts of dolls are the main focus of an independent film in pre-production. I guess that's what holding on to a dream means.

When I was a kid, way before I really knew that there was a real world out there, I never thought I would move away from home. That I would always stay in my birth city. My grandma would take me out west to visit relatives on Ye Olde Greyhound. My first adventures. I have traveled to several other states since then. On my bucket list - see some National Parks. I now live in the south.

Things changed when I got my passport. I am so grateful that my first time out was a wonderful one. New Zealand. If I could have found out how to stay, I would have.  Probably would've worked on those Hobbit movies. I'm going back. Next up, England for some Shakespeare, followed by Canada. Some people may not think of Canada as another country. But it is. And growing up in Michigan, I felt it as a sister country. I could see it across the river. Buildings even. New Brunswick made it to my list. After that, Japan. I'm going back there too. The first place I felt culture shock, for a brief moment.

It was summer time, festival season was in full form. I just love a country that celebrates just about everything. I was in Tokyo, they had closed the main thoroughfare, and there was a sea of light skinned, dark haired people. At that moment, I was the Connecticut Yankee. I was literally the chocolate chip in the rice pudding. With all of those people about it got quiet, the air stilled, and things moved in slow motion. Then this energy wave came and passed through me. A slight breeze touched my face. Maybe angel wings? The sound came back and I was at peace. I was in another homeland. Every place I've been to so far, I've felt that it was home or that I'd been there before. Past lives or accumulated memories?

There are people who will never leave their neighborhood. People who will never have the feeling of wonder, joy, awe, and satisfaction of being a traveler. Smiles are the same all over. I want to see more. I'm so grateful that I've been able to jump a couple of ponds. To see what I can see.

Friends have become family. Being my mom's only child, I grew up with lots of cousins, aunts, and uncles. Many of them are gone now but I continue to get new family. They listen to me, laugh with me, share with me. They have encouraged me and pushed me out of several boxes. They've come in all shapes, sizes, sexes, and colors. Some have touched me briefly. A few have been there since I was a little kid. Some I've only met recently and they assure me they are in it for the long haul. I love you all.

I feel like a Phoenix. I'm ready to take off and fly. I'm ready for the second part of my life. What will the next decade bring? I don't know. But I'm ready to make things happen. Create new things. Travel to new places and not-so-new places. Make more friends. Live, laugh, and love more. Especially love more. Love me more and cut myself some slack. This has been a good life. I'm ready to script the next 50 years. Whether it unfolds that way or not, it's all good. The morning tears were for saying goodbye to the past. Hello to the future.

50 years ago on a Thursday morning I was born.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Wow! Christmas.

For all who celebrate it, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. I did. It's been many years since I had a Christmas. My friends decorated my apartment, I got a couple of gifts even, and I was invited to a Christmas dinner. After dinner I learned how to play Canasta. I hadn't planned on going anywhere for Christmas but it was nice to get out of the house.

I had a lot of fun. Being with really cool people, being loved, and returning it. I can't wait 'til next year.

Here's the wreath Maya made me. I made the skull ornament.

Here's my door with all my holiday cards received through the mail. I think I will have to get one of those brown twig type wreaths so I can decorate it for each holiday and season.

More Works in Progress

I was trying to do better with posting here on my blog but other things have taken priority. Like finishing items for my upcoming, first one woman show. It isn't like a doll or craft show, which is what I have to continue to tell myself because I was driving myself crazy. I don't need a hundred pieces because I won't be manning a table. My artwork will be on display the whole month of October. I'm working on not making myself nuts with worry about this. It's supposed to be fun. I'm working on getting back to it being fun.

Enter the mom unit. She asked me about the artwork I'd been working on, once I told her that sent her into a tizzy. She said to just concentrate on finishing the dolls that are in process and almost done. That if I have time, then I can do the other things I wanted to have in the show. It made sense. Why didn't I think of it? Another brain is always good to have around. In a skull.

Anyway, I'm back on track. I will have my witch doll pins ready, another Ghostie Girl, four Moli Dolls (they're the new ones with the stripe legs) and one more head on a stick (candle holder). That still sounds like a lot but when I focus, it'll get done. Thanks mom.

Here are some Moli Dolls and the arms that needed to be attached. They now are and I've chosen black, lime green and red tulle for their skirts.

The one in the pantaloons is a Ghostie Girl.

This pumpkin trio is going to be a wall hanging. Whether I get it done for the show or not is another story but I will get it done.

This one is my bouquet of skulls.

This is my garden of skulls. Two of the worms may have hats on. I do think on a large scale.

I also have to continue to pat myself on the back for all of my accomplishments. I've worked very hard to get to this point in having a one woman show in my career. I've been able to work on new designs and try new techniques. It's all good. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day? I will post pics of finished dollies as soon as I can.

I'd like to welcome Tiffany O'Brien to the party. Didn't see a link but thanks Tiffany for joining.

My Family

I'm back from Michigan. Fran's funeral was nice. She touched many lives in a number of positive ways and my brother did a fine job. I'm so proud of him and his family. My nieces and nephew.

The baby is three months old and just adorable. Loved kissing her cheeks and she's so happy.

Here's my mom and baby.

My brother Damon and his wife Sangria. A very tall Maia, Damon Jr, and Jordyn. I'm so proud of everyone.

I also got to see others I haven't seen in ages. Was able to have dinner with a friend from high school and one from university.

I ate so much and had wonderful drinks. Of course the Margarita and Bombay Gimlet. Then I had this dessert called a Spumoni with 3 different ice creams (vanilla, chocolate, pistachio), pistachios, pecans, dried cherries, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream. I now have to lose 15 pounds instead of 10.

I'm still beat from the trip and will have to get over that soon. Way too much creative stuff to do and I'm getting excited again. I will have to take a day or so to go ahead and design things, then I can get started.