Sunday with Charlotte . . .

Three Sisters . . .

 Shabby Charlotte dolls . . . Three Sisters

Dona Mae, Sue Ann, & Helen Lee

Dona Mae

 Dona Mae is a special little doll . . . who doesn’t realize just how special she is.  She is the most comfortable around the people she knows, but she likes to make new friends and isn’t afraid to try new things.  She likes birds, raggedy dolls, vanilla cappuccinos, watching old movies, and listening to music.  If the right song comes on - you will notice her feet begin to move . . . she just can’t help it.  She likes to make things – especially when she is making a gift for someone or making something for her home.  She surrounds herself with the things she loves and feels sentimental about.  Her keepsakes remind her of the people she loves and the good times she had with them.

Dona Mae realizes the importance of a kind word, a hug, and a prayer . . . someone who loves her very much has tucked a special paper crane in her bag to thank her for teaching her the importance of those things also.

 Helen Lee

Helen Lee is a fun loving little doll and a little on the quiet side.  She likes to go shopping, sew, and have coffee with her friends.  And if you spot a good yard sale – she loves to stop and take a look around . . . you never know what treasure she may find.  If you find yourself sitting at her kitchen table you may find yourself sipping a glass of wine and reminiscing about old times or crafting something fun.  She likes to collect things – especially chicken and rooster things.  Helen Lee hates to have her picture taken, but loves to keep pictures of everyone else . . . she is a keeper of memories and carries a little locket in her bag to hold all the memories she has of the people she loves.  Sometimes she worries a little too much – so the locket also holds a special hug just in case she needs it.  She cares about the people she loves very much - so someone who loves her very much has tucked a special paper crane in her bag to remind her that she is thought of often and loved always!

 Sue Ann

 Sue Ann is little doll with a big heart.  She has a creative streak that can turn something ordinary into something unique.  She likes chips and salsa, cold beer, and every so often a good cup of coffee.  She loves to use her scissors to give a good haircut . . . I think she has always known that it’s not just about the haircut, but also about making people feel good.  She likes to have fun and be around people, but she is just as happy spending time by herself in her little craft nook with a can full of buttons and a spool of wire. 

Sue Ann goes out of her way to help the people she cares about.  There is a special paper crane in her bag to remind her just how much she is loved and appreciated. 

Her faith has gotten her through some tough times.  The little cross she wears around her neck is to remind her of that faith . . . and that God is always with her.

I will be sending these dolls off this week to three very special woman . . . my mom and my two aunts.  I can't even begin to put into words how much the three of them mean to me and the influence they have had on me - not only while I was growing up, but also as an adult.  The dolls were actually somewhat hard for me to make . . . I wanted them to be as special as the women that I was making them for.  It always seems to be a little bit harder for me to make something for someone I really care about. 

There have been times when I would watch them and feel cheated that I never had a sister . . . put the three of them together and there was fun, laughs, hard work, amazing talent, and an energy I can't explain.  They are similar . . . yet each so very different and unique. 

(Aunt Hess . . . you will probably see this post before you get your doll.  I wanted to surprise you, but I just was too anxious to post about them.)  

"How do people make it through life without a sister?"  

~ Sara Corpening

fun stuff from yesterday . . .

 I found this guy on my sunflowers yesterday.  I didn't have as many sunflowers this year and my giant ones didn't do well at all.  I had quite a few coming up and when Richard weeded . . . he didn't realize what they were and pulled quite a few of them out.  He apologized more than once . . . since he knows how much I like them - but stuff happens.  I did get a few of these smaller ones . . . they may not be as grand as the giant sunflowers - but happy and pretty just the same.  At least the grasshopper seems to them.  

 I also have come to like marigolds . . . which I'm sure is because I like and am fascinated by Day of the Dead traditions.  Marigolds are used in Day of the Dead altars.  They are a symbol of death and are referred to as the "flower of the dead."  In Spanish they are known as cempazuchitl, cempasuchil, or zempasuchitl.  

 A peace sign tissue box . . . of course I had to get it.  

 Taking time to relax over dinner . . . and folding some paper cranes.  I have to say the best thing about this picture is that guy in the background.

Here's to the small stuff that make my days a little happier!

today . . .

Outside my window . . . the sun is coming up – just about ready to shine through the window

I am thinking . . . that with the amount of work I have today – the day should fly by.   

I am thankful for . . . all my kids!

From the kitchen . . . oatmeal and coffee 

I am wearing . . . a black wrap dress

I am creating . . . having fun with my art journal these days

I am going . . . to have a great day!

I am reading . . . The Happiness Project - by Gretchin Rubin

I am hoping . . .  to get some good news today!

I am hearing . . . the AC just kicked on . . . it’s going to be another hot day.

Around the office . . . quiet (I’m here early – so all alone) – and tons of work to do.  I love the start of a new school year!

One of my favorite things . . . origami paper

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . just making the most of each day!

From my picture journal . . .

Charlotte's rubber stamps . . . .

. . . and inky fingers.  She is very much into stamping and drawing these days.

At least I made him laugh!

snail mail . . . and Charlotte on a Tuesday

I haven't posted this past week or so.  I guess I have been life getting in the way . . . and sometimes that is a good thing.  I am still doing my 365 day mail challenge . . . and have been getting letters and packages back.  I find myself looking forward to getting the mail each day like I did years ago . . . a silly little thing, but fun just the same.  

Sweet & Silly Charlotte

Charlotte . . .

I can't help but smile when I look at her!

Today . . .

Outside my window . . . cloudy and overcast

I am thinking . . . actually – trying not to . . . I think too much.    
I am thankful for . . . Charlotte – she can always make me smile!
From the kitchen . . . cereal toast and coffee

I am wearing . . . Adidas shorts and tank top

I am creating . . . still working on some dolls

I am going . . . to mail a letter this week that I should have written years ago! 

I am reading . . . The Iowa Baseball Confederacy - by W.P. Kinsella.

I am hoping . . .  to finish my dolls by tomorrow.

I am hearing . . . not much - the house is really quiet.

Around the house . . . laundry and books

One of my favorite things . . . staying up late

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . just taking this week as it comes.

From my picture journal . . .

summer reading . . . summer fun

 Iowa and baseball . . . how could I not get this book.  I also bought Shoeless Joe to read next.  What's summer with some baseball books . . .