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Posts tagged ‘dolls’

What!

bird house 7.11.17

Part of the bird house had paint on it, but the rest was devoid of any colour.  Instead, Rosie saw colour everywhere else. Splashes of vibrant colour was all over the papers, strewn on the floor.

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She tried to imagine what had taken place, but besides knowing that the girls had been going to paint the birdhouse, she really had no idea, what had transpired during the time she had been in the other room preparing the evening meal.

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Closing her eyes she tried to remember which of the girls had suggested the project. Leonie’s face popped into view, her face and hands splattered with paint.  ChenMay had been with her, of course now she remembered, they were going to try to paint the bird house like the abstract painting they had seen at the gallery.

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She opened her eyes to see the girls all looking at her expectantly .. they were waiting with great anticipation for her to say something.  She didn’t know what to say, she was speechless.  “hello” she said, “what happened here”

They all began talking at once, “one at a time please” she suggested.  Then one by one, they began their tale of the painted bird house.  They had all wanted to paint the birdhouse, but they couldn’t agree just how to go about it, so, they decided that they should each demonstrate their ideas on paper.  They had so much fun with the paint when it dripped, splashed and swirled that they had gotten carried away.

One thing they agreed on, was that it was fun to paint each in her own way, and that being happy was what counted.  They were sorry the bird house didn’t get painted, but they could try again tomorrow…. and please  ..Rosie … they ran out of paint, could they have more?

PL Precept #2  To live is to express One’s self

Oyashikiri

 

acrylic paint, Artists Loft

12×12  American Craft paper – MayBerry

Rosie ,Leonie,and ChenMay are doll characters from previous blogs

Lo Mein Monday

charm in Sharon SpringsRemember this picture, it was taken when we were traveling in NY State, I was so taken with the charm found in the small towns and villages.  This gentle façade brings to mind another period in time.  When I was in San Francisco I was drawn to the “Victorian ladies” that SF is known for.  Architecture that is visually poetic in its appearance.

I noted in the last year or so that my delight in finding a book that I really would enjoy and maintain the desire to stay with the writer, till the book’s end had all but disappeared from my “leisure” pleasures.  So, I didn’t read, I busied myself with other hobbies, and “passions”.

I’m not big on most television programs.. tending to watch a select few from time to time.  I like being entertained if I am going to sit down and watch something, I want it to be interesting, and provide “food for fodder”  while having a storyline that provides a balance of entertainment and drama … without the need to bombard me with sexual innuendos, connotations or half naked persons, oh and let’s not forget the bloody killings,  senseless murders and vicious attacks on an other  human being or beings.

Looking through row upon row of books to stage a photo scene with the dolls, I found copies of the Nancy Drew mysteries, and Hardy Boys.  What I was looking for were the books put out by the American Girl division of Mattel* for the American Girl dolls.  At first they were simply cute, adorable dolls, with clothes.  The more I found out about the company, the more interested I became in their purpose.  The marketing has been well researched and developed.

As an adult looking at this “doll culture” it has been a fun educational project, that I didn’t go looking for, but discovered it by accident, have found a “passion”.  I’m reading about the lives of young girls from very different backgrounds, who grew up in different eras.  Each doll has his/her own storyline.  The owner of the doll can learn about the doll’s cultural background, and what it was like to grow up in America during the various years she is purported to have been growing up in.

To quote from the book jacket of the book I am reading now, in the Beforever series, A growing Suspicion, A Rebecca Mystery American Girl celebrates a girl’s inner star  The Rebecca Doll is 1914…. I chose this book because it is a mystery that takes place in and around a Japanese Garden, (growing up with chopsticks, I hadn’t thought about what they look like to others, who see them for the first time, our foods are different in how they are served, and how to some, having to use a knife and fork is challenging =^_^=)

I am so enjoying it.  There are no murders, no vicious attacks, no sex, and it is written in a way that my imagination takes over, and I  am with the girls, as they learn about Japanese gardening, life, and friendships.

You can discover more about American Girl products, stories and games by visiting americangirl.com/play  If you are in Canada, you can find information on the Indigo.ca site.  Look up  Pleasant T Rowland the woman who dared to dream and then make them come to life.

For Canadians, YES there is a Canadian doll, the MapleLea doll, unfortunately she is not found in stores, the company based in Ontario, decided to sell only online.  This way, enabling them to concentrate on the quality of the doll and her clothes.  Again, the main dolls, come from different provinces, and thus you learn about growing up in Canada, what it is like in the different Provinces.

Whatever way you are celebrating this long week-end, Canada Day in Canada and Independence day in the United States., be happy, enjoy each and every moment of your day.  It only comes by once.

Oyashikiri

 

 

 

  • Mattel acquired Pleasant Company in 1999
  • for some reason Josefina Montoya 1824 us not sold up here.  Anyone out there, have her? Her pet goat is Sombrita…

let’s rumble

ohhhh, you’ve heard the news.. We have a new way to get around, Canada Day is going to be a lot of fun.  There will be so much to do.  We can gather all our friends, maybe play a game or two.

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The girls set out to find their friends, so that they could travel all together.

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Ohhh dear, I think that we are not all going to get in the car.  that’s OK, we’ll draw straws to see who gets to ride in the car, and who takes the bus.

China June 28.17

Hey guys I’m not able to go today, I still have to clean my room, but, I’ll be thinking of you,  Take pictures, let me see the fun.

ready to rumble, June 30 2017

Ohhhhhhh the car is ready to ride, but somehow, I can’t see how I’ll get too many of my friends inside.  Dad may have to use the truck. or not =^_^= (he just took time to put my car together)

Veronique,Blackie and my doll

Ohhhhh non, dit Veronique je suis seule, but my friends they are many…  it will never do, we will need to find another way to get downtown.  Ginger’s generous offer to drive, was well intended, but, it will be best for us to go by bus.  Travel is free today.  Some times our friends, mean well, but the situation calls for another  way to resolve the challenge at hand.  Be grateful, show appreciation and explain why you are deciding another course of action.  L’amour et la gentillesse (love and kindness) always work in keeping harmony amongst friends.

party time,getting ready

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Told of the situation, they looked from one another, and began to giggle…all saw the impossibility of riding in the car..    Ahhhhhhhhhhh.. was all they could say between the chortling and giggling… ohhhhhhh c’est drole ahhhhhhhhhh

Let’s rumble they cheered, and headed for the bus stop, giggling all the way.

PL Precept # 4  Being annoyed limits your expression

Have fun in all you do, be flexible, there is always a way…

 

 

NB* my first attempt to join in Stream of Consciousness Saturday #SOCS

Dolls and life

3 friends, Vanilla,ChenMay,Kit

Once upon a time.  Remember the stories we were read when we were children. I don’t recall too many of them now, but I do seem to recall they all had happy endings.  Lately I’ve been introduced to the new dolls that are on the market, perhaps I shouldn’t say new, because they have been around, they are “new” to me.

It has been a delight to discover that there are many different cultures represented in the choices, however one does have to search them out.  I found one  the other day that had been discarded, she was no longer “perfect”

Someone, had given her a very bad haircut, and she had lost patches of her hair.  It was a sad face that looked back at me when I found her in the store.  She came home for a spa day, the next day I took her in and the kind lady pierced her ears for me.  I had thought to take her to the doll club meeting earlier this week.  She was very happy with her new look, unfortunately it didn’t work out that she was able to accompany me to the meeting, but I have promised her an outing soon.,

sitting pretty with her doggie 6.11.17At the doll club meeting, I learned a lot about some of the work that is being done with dolls, especially in health care.  Dolls are brought in to visit Alzheimer patients, with heart warming results.  There was also talk about organizing a tea party for young girls and boys, who would like to  revisit a social custom that many no longer share or participate in.

I myself learned that my new “young lady” was the right “doll” to introduce to others, the fact that we all go through different “phases” in our lives, and sometimes, we are left with visible signs of our “trauma”.. that doesn’t change who we are, we are still beautiful in our own unique way. And more often than naught, we are a better, and stronger person for the  challenges we faced and overcame.

I see dolls in a totally different way now as an adult.  I am amazed at how dolls have changed (varieties) over the years, yet, now as always, they still infect us with a love that transcends age.

Share a hug today.  Reintroduce a doll into your life =^_^=

Oyashikiri

 

PL Precept #15   All is a mirror….

chop suey Friday 5.26.17

 

Happiness after a hard-fought game.  Sorry Ottawa, but, Yay Penguins. Sid you are the best!  born in Halifax, Canada, he is an amazing player, all round professional who earns the accolades he gets.

Jenna May, Sienna and Margaret May 25.17Somewhere along the way, I became a den mother to three dolls.  I wouldn’t swear to it, but I think Tanya* had something to do with it. I went from finding a doll that kinda reached out to me, to have two more who like being dressed and combed.  Do you think this has anything to do with as a parent I was a Mother to a very talented young boy, who grew up to be a gem of a son.

I was part of a group of artistic souls who made one of a kind dolls.  We scoffed at the ladies who played dress up with  the young dolls as shown above.  Preferring our out of the box, one of a kind creations.  One should never say never, we simply do not know what lies ahead for us.  Or how we end up somewhere we had no idea that it was a direction we were going.

The small cloth doll you see, in the middle is one I made when I was sewing and felting,I was trying to combine the fibre for felting with scrap material I had.  My own version of a rag doll.

pasta salmon dinner

 

Salmon pasta salad made with fresh vegetables. Red sockeye salmon, tad mayo, and dash of Himalayan salt.   Tempting me to go have my dinner.

Happy week-end to everyone, a long week-end to my American friends, and a busy walk/run week-end here in Ottawa, lots of events going on…

Oyashikiri – Blessings !

vintage ? old? new?

vintage 4.17.17First, let me begin by telling you I do not collect dolls.  I have over the years belonged to the CDAA (Canadian Doll Artist Association) a club that no longer exists.  We were doll artists from all over the world who had an interest in one of a kind dolls.  Certainly not the kind of doll pictured above.

I met a lady in a shop, who over time, we developed more than a hi, good day, how are you relationship.  I found out she is an avid doll collector, not the one of a kind type of dolls but in particular ones from a Canadian company, that have a certain look to them, and a wardrobe.  Like myself, she is a crafter, and artist, with her hand in many different project. We are many such “creatures” on the planet, and we thrive on the exchange of ideas and the inspiration we get from one another.

It is in appreciating the differences in the people we meet that we ourselves grow.  I truly believe that.  Seeing their “vision” and “creativity” inspires me to look at the objects that come into my sphere of “seeking” when I’m out on a “treasure hunt”

The doll above, I’ve seen over the years in fancy boxes in shops that sell to the doll collectors, and have passed them without a second glance.  Today I saw this young lady with her beautiful hair rather messed, and untidy, hanging all over the place, her shift which once had been clean and starched, was now faded, dusty and had a staining (that brown coat of “age”) that made her look shabby.  To add insult to her condition, where other dolls were priced at a respectable price, she had been marked at a ridiculously low price.  The colour of her outfit doesn’t really show properly, but the dress at one time looks like it was a pastel Easter green.  Her crochet vest was perhaps an off white or linen colour.  Her mother would have been proud, her undergarments were still white.

Yes, I brought her home, used a crochet piece I had to put her hair up so that I could get her clothes off,  I’ve soaked the grime out.. and will give her a cleaning when I have time to get back to her,  Why did I do that.  I have no idea. I know I will not be starting a home for wayward dolls.  At the time it seemed the right thing to do.

We all get old.  Some more gracefully than others.  The kindness we show to others, and the reason for our actions at times is not clear to us right away.   But I know for a fact, that goodness, begets positive.  When we live with a desire to live our lives with pure intentions, life is good.  There is always a reason for our actions.  When you believe this, the moments of awareness become more frequent.

Today was Monday, tomorrow is Tuesday, how wonderful is that!  Sleep with dreams of soft pastel wonders, and tomorrow wake to a day filled with vibrant colour.

water colour 4.13.17

A recent expression.. I was experimenting with my new watercolours on canvas and tissue.  Life is good, share your happiness with others.

PL Precept #19 Begin once you Perceive

PL Precept #16  All things Progress and Develop

Oyashikiri

if the shoe fits

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Like what is that!  That is a picture of my fossil purse, (texture)  I bought this one a couple of years ago while wandering downtown in a high-end shopping outlet that draws  tourists.  It was a purchase that I made in one of my “gotta have” moments.  No real reason or rhyme, I just really  took to the bag.  It wasn’t even a style that went with “my lifestyle” or manner of dress.  I just liked it.. it was one of the moments where you see something and .. you don’t think of the price, or what you’ll do with, how you’ll incorporate into your wardrobe.. you just buy it and bring it home.

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These are pictures of clocks I found but resisted.  I stood there and considered them, appreciated them, but didn’t get to the stage where I REALLY wanted them.. so I took their pictures instead.

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Now what does that tell you, have I changed my shopping M.O.  noooo, just found an easier way to enjoy some of the treasures I find, and not end up with a lot of clutter, “just because”

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I also discovered Jo-Annes, I knew the one store, but had not experienced the store in a bigger city centre… had a great time.. here I did come out with a rather full bag of goodies. The fact that I was unable to use my  lap top for most of my time away, contributed a lot to the items I was gathering since they are tools of the trade, that fuel my creativity in a manner that will bring in extra pennies. =^_^=

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I found these interesting, who and how can anyone wear such high heels.  Gone are those days for me, I did find the decoration down the back of the heel fun, so they made the photo capture, and so did this little doll.   cute as a button, but certainly not something i was going to come home with.

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Now this cheerful little fellow, he was cute too.  Since I have a friend who delights in rooting for the Flyers, I only thought it fitting to perhaps, send some Penguin cheer his way, for those of you reading this, Flyers and Penguins are hockey teams.  I think the Penguins are doing well???  obiously they are a happy lot. IMG_1255

I can see all my friends out there, chuckling over my time away with that knowing.. there she goes again, shopping… Ha.. on you.  I wasn’t shopping I was on a photo excursion.  Let me look, I’ll show you a picture that had nothing to do with being in a treasure shop.


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This was a charming church we found on our way from Syracuse to Watertown, It appealed to me enough that we circled around and parked so I could catch it for you.  You were on my mind all the time.. always, I was looking for subjects that could or might interest you. (really)  nooo you did not see the sign on the ground, besides the shop was closed.

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Really we had a great time and weather, except for when we tried to see the falls, in Niagara Falls, both Canadian side and American,  There we encountered rain mist,fog,clouds,etc. so thick that we saw absolutely nothing of the falls themselves.

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.. I missed reading your posts, following along on your adventures, discovering new far away places, that those of you who are travelling keep us  waiting for the next chapter and verse with delightful captures. I obviously have more pictures, but there is lots of time ahead.  For now just wanted to say I’m back.  Oh and quickly, I discovered on the Canadian side, another one of those designer outlet malls, and… err… I now own another purse like the one I started this blog with.. only in blue.  I was over the moon.. really.. Canadian funds even!!!!

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Can a Puffin count for a penguin?

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The only vintage cars I found this time, were models, good ones, but not good enough to bring back with me.

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I have totally left the building, when I find myself again, I’ll be back..

Meanwhile..  Happy Monday everyone!

Namaste      –      Oyashikiri

PS I am unable at this time to find another file of pictures.. you have been spared.

Smile and be happy !

Kokeshi

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I am small, I am mighty

I am cute, and I shine brightly

carry me around

my size is round 

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I smile and sometimes nod

always positive of course

for I was made with  love

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my style, is ageless

I am a Kokeshi doll

my goal is to bring  joy to one and all

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sometimes I come in pairs

like you I like to share

if you’ve enjoyed my visit

please, pass me on

so my smiles and well wishes can be shared.

Namaste   –   Oyashikiri

*tudojuntoemisturadopaty.blogspot.com

**minercia.deviantart.com

***Pinterest

nb** there are many styles of Kokeshi dolls, you can spend endless hours researching and looking them up.  They have been around for years and years.   I’m not sure which I prefer most, the vintage, antique ones, or the more modern,   Enjoy.

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Look for Ways to Make Others as Well as Yourself Happy

Look for Ways to Make Others as Well as Yourself Happy

As an artist I used to participate in challenges and rounds where artists from all over the world would make and exchange ATC (Artist Trading Cards) or small one of a kind dolls. We would do our piece and send it to a “host” who would then in turn send them out to the various participants. You never knew what you would get till you received the small packet in the mail. It was always such a treat, the anticipation grew with each passing day. Sadly over time, many of us moved on, our teaching, classes, family etc. gave us little time to set aside time for one more “project”.

However for me, making of these ATCs and “little dolls: has remained part of my life, I find them a relaxation and rather meditative to do, AND I love the sharing of them, sending them off to someone who least expects getting a treat in the mail.

Sharing our love of life with others is a joy that no one can take away. Love given “just because” is a wonderful gift. Saying I love you, I remember you my friend, you are special, feels awesome. I know when I receive such a gift I am very happy, it brighten’s my whole day.

Today one picks up the phone and calls, or texts, and that is OK, but when I receive a treat in the mail, I know that person took the time to put that little work of art together. Gave them quality time doing something they loved, and they honored me by sharing with me. What a blessing.

Take time today to let someone know you care.

Have a grand day everyone! Love is being sent your way.

Blessings.

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