It has been a trippy kind of spring-time day ~ the type where, if you were 4 or 5, you might skip around with your dolly and smile constantly, making up little music to float upon the wind.
Although the weather changed until it became almost a fall day in the evening. It seems that wherever I am, the weather is a new and surprising thing, however much it is following the same patterns it has in the past.
I ordered a doll today, a sweet little handmade 12 inch from my favorite Etsy store,
German Dolls by Ulla Seckler. Around this time of year, I can't help but think of the 'what might have beens' and the 'if onlys.' These thoughts turn me to dolls, and dress-up.
I polished up a little cradle I bought right before Christmas from the Goodwill. I just can't seem to resist little dolly things. I pondered the type fabric necessary for the bed, and I ended up waiting to do anything, just because doing something wouldn't necessarily have led to productivity.
The cradle needs a pillow, and blanket.
Dear me, I thought I would have grown beyond the dolly stage, but oddly enough thinking of the dolls, and whom to give them to, is comforting in a satisfying way. I fantasized a bit about what it would be like to sit at the feet of Ulla, way up in the Rockies, and be under her tutelage for making dolls. I would enjoy hearing her stories of how she learned to make the dolls, and for whom she has made them in her own family. I would gladly prick my fingers. I would bring along my Bernina.
My Mommy made me a doll when I was little. I do believe it was a lean year, that year. I remember thinking, young as I was, that I wished it were a lean year every year. She made me a doll, with dresses, and refinished an old buggy with green and white fabric. She took some of the leftover fabric from making the buggy, and fashioned a coat and shoes for the doll.
Such riches! Sadly, I no longer have the buggy, but the happy memories remain of trundling the my baby around, with my dog, around the yard and through the barn. Hmmm, perhaps this is why the buggy did not survive.
She made my little brother a stick horse.
I don't know why they considered that a lean year.....perhaps because they couldn't get us the latest and greatest. For me it was one of the most exciting Christmases of my life.
I remember another doll, my grandmother crocheted a combination doll holder and doll blanket for me.
This incredibly desirable purse which turns into a cradle reminded me of her gift. I initially found this purse on Etsy, but after a quick Google was able to locate a pattern.
I have a few little girls in my life, nieces all and children of cousins, so the making and giving of dolly things must continue.
Making is satisfying, but giving has always returned ten-fold.
It seems that things I have given away are now more truly mine than they were before. If I had kept them, they would not be mine, but once they were given, it was as if I received them twice. It seems that which is given from the heart is always a bit painful, as part of you travels with the gift, but in the giving the part of you which is torn away allows you to grow and possess more surely the thing which you gave.
To myself, I would say, don't crush the gift by grasping, by holding it tightly, but with open hands enjoy until it is meant to fly away ~ to be passed on ~ to be re-cherished with another.
As you love, they love, and the gift continues to give life to everyone it touches.
Whole Wheat bread made with freshly ground Wheat Montana grain is the absolute epitome of wonderful.
Another day, another load.
Mom of two boys. Yes, they're like this pretty much all the time. Good thing I had a few brothers.
I heart spiders. I blame it on the KJV: "a spider taketh hold with her hands and is in king's palaces." I fancy myself like the spider, taking hold with my hands and making a king's palace with what I have.
click on the 'more' twice to turn loose a fly. Hilarious.
And I have the best recipe too ~ you can't beat freshly ground cornmeal. Yum yum yum.
Should say "am learning" for me. Good reminder of the goal, though.
