Miscellany

This past month, I finally finished my second story - then voluntarily ended my own writing career (at least for now.) I didn't think I'd miss it at all, but I kind of do. At least I miss having that continuous project that kept my mind semi-active and interested.

I was wandering around at odds with myself the other day, wondering what to do next, when my daughter suggested going to the nearby Barnes & Noble.

I jumped at the suggestion, because it's such a great place to look for new inspirations.
We spent a pleasant few hours wandering and perusing before she had to get home to go to work.

I came home with a fun magazine, a book of fairy tales, and a little fairy painting kit.

I've been wanting to start painting again, but it's been so long that there's that fear that I won't be able to do it anymore. (I haven't touched a paintbrush since my last baby was born.....18 years ago!)

I used to love to paint faces, and would often use photos in the doll magazines to practice techniques, and to challenge myself.
The Haute Doll magazine I got will be just the place to start trying that again (I hope.)

When I look at dolls, for some reason I always shy away from the perfect-every-hair-in-place type, and am drawn to the one that is a little different - quirky, sad, awkward - the one that needs LOVE.
These are some that I found;

Dale Zentner


I love how her dolls have such unusual faces. Their emotions seem to change depending on how the head is tilted. I also love the frizzy hair, and the fun girly fashions. Very fairly-like, don't you think?
Val Zeitler is another brilliant doll designer - she's cornered the market on quirky!
This one is from her "Attic Treasures" collection:

She also has a line called "Bitten." (Beautiful victims of Vampire bites.)

Then there's Evangeline...

Ok, maybe she's a little odd - even slightly creepy... (her best friend is a bat)

...but come on - you gotta love the shoes!



Speaking of Priceless Faces, this one is precious too...
(And I want to capture it as soon as I'm practiced up.)

(My youngest gran - this is her "not having fun, I want to go home now" face.)

We're going to attempt to go camping this week - wish us luck!
.