It's alway's been hard for me to stay inside when the weather is so beautiful. My kids are glad we have taken to kayaking and surfing, lacrosse games on the beach, crab races, and swimming in the sea on the rocky coast of Maine. The day starts very early at 5 am when I steel away an hour or so to beachcomb. I call this my Zen walk. I zig-zag close to the water's edge very slowly while searching for shell fragments to make into doll buttons. I even find a complete sand dollar or two. The first 30 minutes or so I just breathe and walk and scavenge. The tide sneaks up on me and I realize the beach cottage is now a mile away. As I turn, I tuck my treasures into my sweatshirt pocket and run home. One hour, a wonderful summer memory. I have breakfast to make for nine. I'm the only good cook on the island. The day's a waiting.....
My last doll, Consider never got to hold her special accessory. It's still waiting for the final paint effects. It's a hermit crab. I promise to post soon. I'm still contemplating making portrait dolls, and after watching my little darlings on the beach, I may just start with my kids, and nieces and nephews. There are five of them, and I plan on making 5 dolls all at once this time around. It may take me until Christmas....but that's my goal.
I've purchased a few antique quilts, and they are my favorite accessories to photograph with dolls. I've also had doll chair buying frenzy. The chairs make lovely still life objects scattered around the house. My camera is still packed away and I'm on #10 load of laundry. My sewing studio is packed with summer birthday and baby gifts and unfinished mending. My finished dolls are patiently waiting for me to liven up the place with music, sewing machine hums, and self-talk. I'm getting closer. I actually walked into the room yesterday to unload my empty duffle bags. It's a start.
