Here and There

Sometimes I feel like posting but then realize that I don't have an idea in my head!  Bad news for someone whose living is dependent upon ideas, but I'm sure something will come to me soon enough.  So forgive me if this post is a bit rambly and unfocused - it will be just be one of those "what I'm up to" posts, which I guess is what this blog is all about really.

I have several new dollies on the go, in various states of completion and undress.  Some have legs but no  clothes, some of dresses but no arms; all are feeling the chill of baldness.

Those with dresses are being quite cruel to the ones still nude; they've taken to sitting on their very own shelf, sneering and making all manner of insensitive remarks about how even old burlap bags would be easier on the eyes than the sight of those naked, knobbly knees.  Girls can be so horrible.

But then of course, the problem with hierarchies is no matter who you mistreat to get a leg up, there's always someone else's boot heel above you. My china dolls, all decked out in their finery and full heads of hair think these little bald upstarts are no better than they should be.  

 

They sit on the shelves above and scoff, "We could step on you and make another just like you".  I plead for peace but it's every doll for herself.  I've caught them kicking one another in ankles, but least I don't have to worry about too much hair-pulling. 

 

Whew - so much drama.  Before I break up any more squabbles, I'd like to give a shout out to my friend Kiki, who has just opened her very own Etsy shop.  Kiki gives new life to old things by repainting,  decorating and personalizing them.  Behold this lovely little cabinet - doesn't it look like the perfect place to lock up a bunch of brawling dollies?

 

Lastly, on a sad note, I'm praying for all the people of Haiti; Montreal has the largest Haitian population outside Haiti, so I'm also thinking of all those here who are grieving.  If there are any Canadians reading, here is a web page outlining the government's pledge to match all donations made by Canadians to registered humanitarian charities; this way, in donating whatever amount you can, it's really as if you're giving double the amount.   I'm planning to dedicate the proceeds of a sale from my next update to Doctors Without Borders, and I'll be sure to announce which doll it will be ahead of time.

Comments

[Kaerie Faerie]

I love your new dolls, funny, how we all work as artists, my dolls are always bald too, until the end, hair gets in the way and the outfit always comes first LOL
We are all feeling sad here in Florida for our island friends, we will keep praying and donating to help, earthquakes and hurricanes something we all learn to live with, in the
tropics, mother nature isn't always kind!
Karey

[Teresa in California]

You are amazing...to have so many dollies in the works. I take my hat off to you, so to speak, for donating the proceeds of one of your dollies to Doctors Without Borders, when that takes place. Those poor, miserable souls in Haiti. It is a thousand times worse than 911 was with loss of life.
Cheers to you!

[Marlya]

Very sweet, love the pictures (and stories) of your half completed dolls.

The situation in Haiti is tragic. These people will need support for many, many years to come

[Alex Mason]

I love your dollies!!. It is so awful for the people of Haiti...I just saw on the news a little girl rescued after being trapped for 72 hours, a little miracle xx

[Sarah]

Sometimes there is nothing particularly exciting yet still the need to speak is there and that is the great thing about a blog because you can and it is appreciate3d by someone! I love your photos this time as they are diffferent to normal and show something different-more of your process which is always interesting. I love to hear about the rivalry between different dolly factions! I was glad you were at the ado meeting earlier as it gave me more confidence. I don't feel I contribute much there although I would like to. I just have such limited time. Anyway, nice to see you there! Haiti is the terrible thing of this week and many more. I wish these disasters did not happen every year. It is hard to know how to react but help is the first priority.
Sarah :)

[monika viktoria]

I love these posts best of yours. Is that even english? :-P

My my my, haven't you been a busy little lady?
Liking the new darlings, and aren't they a colourful mob! Looks like they're gearing up to head out for a fancy Day picnic.. cucumber sandwiches all around ladies!

Philomena and Cecily are very good, they never fight, thank heavens!! Cecily is definately the slightly spoint younger sister, while quiet Philomena is the charming modest older sister.. well.. modest-ish.

[Sonia Rodriguez]

I really enjoyed this post, and hair pulling dolls.

xpoxoxoxo

[Annina]

yay it's lovely to see the in progress girls, i hope one of these ladies can join my household once you release them to the world, and hopefully she can settle in with the dolls already living here!
really lovely photos and looking forward to the next update! :)

[Brianne]

Can't wait to see the finished batch of dolls!

That is wonderful that you are donating some of your proceeds :)

[Kristyn Cooper]

The news of the earthquake was so terrible. These sorts of natural disasters always leave me feeling like a total ingrate for complaining about the weather here in NB....bring on the Canadian winter, I will gladly take it! I am happy to hear that our government plans to match donations.

Just wanted to quickly add that I love seeing your work in progress! I always enjoy going back to the little bald faces and trying to match them up with the finished girls to see if my favorites were the ones I was attracted to from the beginning. Right now I feel particularly connected to the beauty with the dark eyes and burgundy dress. I'm sure she will be a brunette! Can't wait to hear her story.
Kristyn

[Yoli]

Here in Florida we have a lot of our Haitian brothers and sisters. In the emergency room of the hospital I work at alone we have had five patients come in. In with a story sadder than the human heart can hold. I hope this catastrophe can bring people closer together. I also align myself with Doctor's without Borders in the donation department. They are reputable and have a long standing history.

Love seeing your work in progress and the adorable story you have weaved. You need to post more girl, this blog is one of your biggest advertisements!

[Ereisa]

Boy can I relate to the unfocused, rambling blog posts although when it happens to me I end up saying very little. You end up STILL writing a great post!

Can't wait to see the finished dolls but I love seeing them in progress!

[Tamara]

How lovely to see the 'girls in progress' - each with her own beauty already shining through, and all appearing so innocent.

Yet that delicious bit of naughtiness, is what makes them so appealing!

And to you, once again.... so beautiful, thank you for sharing, ... and caring. (re Haiti) we must always count our blessings.

any more news on your book?

[Black-Eyed Suzie]

Alex, Was it Winnie? I saw that too - it was heartbreaking. Im planning on naming a doll after her...

x.s.

shop: blackeyedsuzie.etsy.com blog: blackeyedsuzie.typepad.com

[Black-Eyed Suzie]

Thanks so
much Tamara! My book is still very much a draft; I now have to begin the
long, probably somewhat painful process of editing. Im dreading it
but I know its necessary!

shop: blackeyedsuzie.etsy.com blog: blackeyedsuzie.typepad.com

[Melanie]

What a to do, but the little baldies look like they could handle themselves, especially the minx in ultramarine!