A Very Good Year

Despite sounding like the title of a futuristic, dystopian film, 2010 has been quite lovely so far.  And while I'm  generally both superstitious and circumspect, and don't like to tempt the gods by being too optimistic, I'm throwing caution to the wind and putting forth this brazenly happy list:

Three Reasons Why I Love 2010 so Far                                                                                                       

1.  I am literally one day away from finishing the first draft of my first novel.  It's been six years (off and on) so this is huge for me.  I still have a thorough rewrite on the horizon, but a complete draft feels very significant; it's like having a whole skeleton. Blood and guts to follow...

2.  My dolls now have transportation...

...in the form of this most-excellent Penny-Farthingale bike made for by Mr. L.,once again earning his title. It has a little leather seat and real pedals that go all the way around.

3.  I'm taking a course called Sexuality in 18th Century British Literature.  I've always been interested in the Restoration and court life, and as so many 18th C. writers were connected to the monarchy - and rather pervy - there promises to be some juicy stuff.

I hope all you all lovely holidays.  We had a very nice time in Maine, and Mr. L's mom had decorated the house so beautifully.  Instead of erecting a traditional Christmas tree, she decorated her Gardenia tree and the whole place felt warm and cheerful.

 

There were also all kinds of  sweet, tiny objects around the house, including these darling animals, which were about the size of a quarter:

We took along our little black friend because of his recent feline asthma diagnosis and he fared very well; he spent the entire eight hour drive quite sitting quite calmly  on my lap (each way) but looked up and let out an irate  miaow  every few minutes just to be sure I knew that he did not approve of the whole situation. I told him I completely understood.  We were back in time for new year's eve when we cleaned the whole apartment (I even reorganized my linen closet)  and drank champagne, which made it so much more fun than usual (hence an hour of my life devoted to tidy linens!)

Finally, in case I don't already prattle on enough, there's a little interview about me on Paul Grimsley's InToViews website, which you can find here.  Now I must return to my latest batch of girls, but first I wish you all health and happiness in the new year!!

Comments

[Kaerie Faerie]

Happy New Year Sarah, just a quick note, it is freezing in Florida, and the heat in my studio is not good, actually the heat is 3 hoodies and a pair of ugg boots. I know I shouldn't complain with all you Northerns having it so much worse, Thanks for sharing your wonderful dolls, I'll be blogging my doll house renovations tomorrow. Luanne needs a great place to live
It is going to be a fabulous year
Karey

[Steff]

Happy New Year! That bicycle is positively lovely. Will you be sharing your novel with us?

[ashley]

I loved the interview. I found it very inspiring. I'm excited to hear you are also doing dolls based off your favorite musician ladies too. I've got to keep my eye out for one of them. Since one is going to be based off one of my favorite artist. Yay!

Also, I love your new photo under the "about." I don't know if was on purpose. But I have a favorite picture of Jim Henson sitting with Kermit the Frog like your picture.

[Jackie Jackie]

I love that picture of Alice. It's so cute, like you caught her in the act of cycling away and she's wondering why you're staring. And I love that bike!

[monika viktoria]

Dearest Sarah,

merry 2010!! I too have suddenly felt with positivity and eagerness for this year! I'm in love with this year so far! Last year and I did not agree with one another... but 2010 and I have been getting on splendidly!

I liked, nay, really enjoyed reading the interview... and am absolutely besides myself at the prospect of a Neko Case doll. I'm falling to pieces! Many of my drawings titles have been inspired by her lyrics. Oh goodness gracious!

I too am intrigued about what your novel is about... are we allowed any... hints? I love reading your dolls descriptions, so I'm *so* curious if it's in a similar vein..

Ps. jeans and tee's? :-o I thought surely, at least...some lace? Shredded chiffon? cuffs? vintage booties??? :-P I dress like your dolls, the hell with comfort! lol :-)

[Brianne]

Wow, that bike is amazing!

Congrats on the novel! That is so exciting!

[charis]

Happy New Year sarah! Love the penny farthing bicycle, that is amazing xx

[Prudence]

Lovely post. Happy new year!!! xox

[Alex Mason]

I love the penny farthing! How is your course going? Its sounds more intersting than the literature course i did :) Good luck with your novel xx

[sylvie]

Your work is just fabulous...

[Pamela]

So many wonderful things going for you right now! Congratulations on the book and well, the bike is too too much!!
Loving your happiness.
Pamela

[karenleigh]

Oh my gosh, LOVE that Penny Farthing!!!

[monika viktoria]

lovely sarah,

I'm so glad the parcel arrived finally, I was beginning to get a little nervous!
I really hope the information will be usefull to you, I'm practically ready to put a downpayment on whatever it might be you're planning to create!! :-P

[Tamara]

wonderful ..... simply wonderful!

[Kristyn Cooper]

So whimsical! I can not wait to see the rest!!

[Teresa in California]

Hi, Sarah
Congratulations on finishing your first draft of your novel. Gawd, it is so hard to get published...I have three novels in the works...my brother viewed the first draft of my first novel last year (he is a private editor) and I changed things around a bit and felt I needed to add an antagonist in the way of a meddling mother. Now all I need to do is retype it. My brother's book is a fantasy about a dragon and will be published in a year by Scholastic...in the mean time he is a 'starving artist' and yes...I promise I will send you a signed copy from him when it is published.
I love the bicycle for the doll...it looks smashing!
Cheers!