The Hittyville Gazette

Our Literary Cat

2012-02-26T12:55:00.000-05:00

I found some treasures at Books in Stock in Wooster yesterday. Malley is checking out my little stack of books and I am sure approves of my choices!

Too Busy to Blog

2012-02-26T12:52:00.000-05:00

I woke up today and realized I hadn't blogged for a couple of days. I have been working on projects and letting my elbow heal. I also tweet a bit on Twitter which is connected to my Facebook, so feel like that is a kind of journaling.

I have been spending most of my time in the studio...

Joe and I found the coolest wooden houses for Beadle Bay!

Joe is almost done with the Milk House!

Sneak peek at one tiny part of the assemblage project I am working on.

It has been nice visiting with my guinea pigs for hours on end. My current project space is right next to them.

I am thankful EVERY single day for my studios!!!

Daily Doodles

2012-02-26T12:43:00.000-05:00

The Outside World

2012-02-23T15:07:00.000-05:00

I have been pretty much housebound since my fall, with the exception of going out to dinner. My elbow continues to heal, but I still can't put my hair in a ponytail. I wondered if I had enough mobility in my injured arm to drive my car.

I decided to take a little test ride.

I had no trouble using the steering wheel...at all...so proceeded to take a very short drive to "my bridge". I love this view of Jerome Creek. It has sort of replaced looking at Porter Creek from the Elliott Homestead and is much closer!

Back home...

The weather was so nice and mild, I decided to spend some time being one with nature.

Crocus time!

It felt so good to sit by the water and just be.

For me...it's all about the simple joys of everyday living.

A Happy Discovery

2012-02-23T14:54:00.000-05:00

I was curious to see if Amazon had any Happy Hollister books on their Kindle apps.

They did and I downloaded one to my iPad to have for comfort reading!

I have most of the books in the series but thought it would be fun to have the Hollister Family with me on my iPad.

I love technology...a blending of the past and present!

A Treasure Box

2012-02-23T14:49:00.000-05:00

Last night I couldn't sleep and for some reason started thinking about my first "Village" pictures and notes which were tucked away in a box I made YEARS ago!

First thing this morning I searched for the box and found it...

I remember doodling these pictures at a teachers meeting at least 35 years ago.

Now to find the calendar pages I made based on these notes!

Around the Studio

2012-02-23T14:44:00.000-05:00

I decided to finish the last two Daisy projects before I start on the Teardrop Camper. I am in a theme mode...

I am painting background boards for Beadle Bay.

I am so glad I didn't fall on my left arm!

Daily Doodle

2012-02-23T14:41:00.000-05:00

Feeling Oh So Much Better

2012-02-22T15:37:00.000-05:00

Just so you know...the woman leaping for joy is not me. But the happiness that woman must be feeling reflects my sentiments exactly!

By the end of the day yesterday, my whole body was sore and my elbow was still not moving very freely.

And then...

This morning I woke up feeling 100% better! My arm is much more mobile and my body appears to be bouncing back in a surprisingly short period of time.

I am more grateful than you can ever imagine!

Thank you so much to Joe for staying home with me yesterday and to Brooke for doing my hair and helping me with my clothes and anything else I needed.

Thank you to Noah for calling me often to make sure I was staying out of trouble!

I love my family...

Happy Birthday, Brother John

2012-02-22T15:27:00.001-05:00

My brother turns 58 today! I love this picture of John and Mom on my grandfather's farm in Germany way back in 1959.

Why does it feel like only yesterday?

I hope you have a wonderful birthday, dear Johnny...

Across the Way

2012-02-22T15:22:00.000-05:00

It looks like someone was trying to clean up the area where the little barn burned down a few months ago.

This was not a good day for any kind of burning...too windy. The firemen got the small grass fire under control in no time at all.

Around the Studio

2012-02-22T15:16:00.002-05:00

I was so happy to be able to finish my little house today!

Beadle Bay's first house...

Daily Doodle

2012-02-22T15:14:00.000-05:00

How Did That Happen?

2012-02-21T13:59:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I was getting ready to meet Joe for lunch up in Cleveland and do some craft shopping for Beadle Bay.

I somehow slipped on my dining room floor...I had on socks...and FELL!!!

Thank goodness my ponytail cushioned my head hitting the floor. My glasses came off and I just laid on the floor totally dumbfounded that I fell.

I got up, seemed to be okay, and then noticed my elbow felt weird. I put ice on it and called Joe to tell him I didn't think I would make it to lunch and proceeded to tell him about my fall.

Joe left work and came home to see for himself what condition I was in. I love that man! I was already envisioning all kinds of horrible scenerios and was starting to scare myself. Having a vivid imagination is a double edged sword. Joe inspected my elbow and told me it looked like a bad sprain. He was certain I hadn't dislocated it. I spent most of yesterday in moderate pain, but the ice and Advil did the job.

I actually slept through the night and woke up hungry...I didn't eat at all yesterday. My elbow is TONS better, but I know it will take a bit of time to completely heal.

The moral of this story is...WATCH YOUR STEP!

Tropical Sisters

2012-02-21T13:46:00.000-05:00

My sister, Missy, and her family are enjoying a week on a beach in Florida and my sister, Cassi, is loving her cruise with her husband.

They all deserve to have the best of times...

Around the Studio

2012-02-21T13:40:00.001-05:00

I finished Daisy Does Dressing Up and love the ribbon I found to frame the picture!

My Beadle Girl is "helping" me make her house.

Beadle Bay has taken over my imagination!

The Hittyville Township Addition

2012-02-21T13:37:00.000-05:00

Joe bought more lumber and is now working on the beam pockets to support the beams.

Go Joe!

Daily Doodles

2012-02-21T13:34:00.000-05:00

Tremont

2012-02-19T13:55:00.000-05:00

Amy is visiting friends and family in Minnesota, so Joe, Steve and I kept Noah company Saturday night and enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Tree House in Tremont.

We couldn't resist picking out a dessert at the cupcake shop after dinner.

I am not a big fan of sweets...BUT...the mini New York style cheesecake was out of this world!

It was so good seeing Noah...and Steve, too.

We missed you, Amy, but are glad you were able to get away for a few days for a fun visit.

Builder Joe

2012-02-19T13:48:00.000-05:00

Joe was up bright and early marking the posts for the beams. He is grateful for this "warm" winter.

Thank you, Joe!

The Best Gift

2012-02-19T13:46:00.000-05:00

Shirley and Lou are two wonderful ladies I met at Lyn-Way. They have become good friends and we have enjoyed many great conversations.

The ladies know how much I love my doll house world and offered to make me this plastic canvas house...

I was absolutely overwhelmed when they presented me with this little treasure yesterday!

I LOVE IT!!! Thank you so much, Lou and Shirley...

The ladies are still working on the furniture. Shirley wants to add a patio for the overflow of furniture.

I am blessed to know such kind-hearted women.

Recuperating Nicely

2012-02-19T13:40:00.001-05:00

My friend, Deb, is pain-free and on the mend! The stress fracture in her knee is healing, but Deb still needs to take it easy for at least another month.

We miss seeing her on a regular basis and can't wait until she returns to her normal schedule.

Looking good, dear friend!

Around the Studio

2012-02-19T13:36:00.000-05:00

I needed to set up another table for my Beadle work.

This poor sweetheart is headless because Daisy got hold of the first head and Gypsy jumped on my arm when I was drawing the face on the second head!

Now that all my supplies are up "high", I should be able to complete my Beadle Friend!

The Secret World of Arrietty

2012-02-19T13:32:00.000-05:00

Joe and I both loved this film! It was truly magical...

I ordered all the books I could find related to the movie. The studio guide is a masterpiece!

The graphic novels have to be read from right to left...totally Japanese!

Looking through the picture book is like watching the movie all over again...

The doll house is beautiful!

Oh, to be a Borrower and travel the world in a teapot!

I can't wait to own the dvd and visit with Arrietty whenever I wish...

Facebook AND Twitter

2012-02-19T13:25:00.000-05:00

I am finished with my "sabbatical" from social networking. I have missed it and want to stay connected with friends and family!

I actually love "tweeting"...It's short and sweet and I am following some interesting people!

Daily Doodles

2012-02-19T13:21:00.000-05:00

2012-02-16T16:52:00.000-05:00

Joe finished with his jury duty responsibilities quite early today and suggested a road trip!

Off we went...

We enjoyed a delicious lunch in North Olmsted...by the Great Northern Mall.

I found some amazing craft supplies at this store!

I needed some more wooden beads for my Beadle Girls...

I have been missing Huntington Beach and Lake Erie...so that was our next stop.

So many happy memories...

Last week I told Joe I was imagining myself in the Pavilion where I had my 5th birthday party.

I was so excited to revisit this special place.

I felt at peace.

Icy rocks...

One of my sisters is on a cruise exploring many beaches and my youngest sister is heading to Florida to spend a week on the beach.

Not wanting to feel left out, I embraced MY moment on Huntington Beach!

Beautiful...year round.

Someone had some fun creating a rock house!

Two ducks...

They reminded me of Joe and myself...There were just the four of us on the beach/in the water today.

It was a lovely visit!

My Oma and Opa's home is barely recognizable...

The only thing familiar about my Grandma's old street was the sign. Her cottage is long gone.

My elementary school looks exactly the same!

We drove by our old family homestead on Osborn Road.

The new owners have done a wonderful job remodeling the house...MANY changes.

The wishing well made me smile.

FOND memories!

The waterfall looked the same, too.

The entire property has been fenced in. That seemed strange.

Somewhere in that forest is a box I buried years ago with little treasures.

Be still, my heart.

It was the best of days...remembering happy times and feeling blessed for where I am today.

The Circle of Life

2012-02-16T16:26:00.000-05:00

Last night Joe, Brooke and I watched a man propose to his sweetheart at Lyn-Way. The little diner style restaurant is where the couple had their first date.

She said yes.

And then...

We visited the funeral home to pay our respects to our friend's mother-in-law who lived to the ripe old age of 90.

It was an evening to reflect upon.

Twice the Joy

2012-02-16T16:20:00.000-05:00

Rosie is so excited! I brought her two little friends from McDonalds.

Betty thinks Rosie's bunny and puppy are so cute!

Betty asks Rosie which little friend she likes the best.

Betty thinks the bunny is almost as cute as her own REAL bunny!

Rosie is the nicest of big sisters. She gladly gave her bunny to Betty.

It really is more fun to give than receive...most of the time!

Couldn't Resist

2012-02-16T16:13:00.000-05:00

Friends of Beadle Bay

2012-02-16T16:12:00.000-05:00

I love my Beadle Girls and have decided to make many more and have them live in a magical land!

Beadle Bay...Here I come!

Daily Doodles

2012-02-16T16:10:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T14:19:00.000-05:00

On this day of celebrating love, I remember...

In the early years, it would warm my heart to see my parents embrace. My dad would always hug my mom when he came home from work...without fail.

My German grandparents were not physically demonstrative, but the love was evident in the care Oma took in planning and preparing meals Opa liked. Opa was a man of few words and although I never heard him thank my grandmother, it was obvious he appreciated her hard work.

They were married for many, many years!

And now...

My Valentine continues to make all my dreams come true, building me castles and being the best friend a person could hope for!

Happy Valentine's Day!

From My Special Valentine

2012-02-14T13:44:00.000-05:00

Brooke gave me the most beautiful of Precious Moments figurines...a little girl holding Tinker Bell!

~Thank you and Happy Valentine's Day to my thoughtful daughter~

Finish Three...Start One

2012-02-14T13:40:00.000-05:00

My awesome Amanda Loverseed stitchery kit came in the mail all the way from England via New Hampshire.

I can't wait to get started!

But wait...

I have so many projects going on. I decided to finish up at least three of them before I start the teardrop camper kit.

I finished painting the tree trunks for Gracie Rose's Animal Park.

I should be able to complete Daisy Does Dressing Up in a jiffy...

Edward and Annabel need some serious work!

A little bit later...

All done!

Back to Daisy...

Daily Doodles

2012-02-14T13:31:00.000-05:00

Plan B

2012-02-12T15:04:00.001-05:00

The dogs got some new treats today and we hoped they would share.

I don't think the word "share" is in Tib's vocabulary.

Daisy found something more exciting to do than chew a dumb "fake" bone! She is stalking poor Rosie.

The last time I looked, Daisy and Rosie were still in a stare-off!

Around the Studio

2012-02-12T14:39:00.000-05:00

Joe is almost ready to put the shingles on the Milk House roof!

Four Hands Are Sometimes Better Than Two

2012-02-12T14:31:00.002-05:00

Becassine loves her job, but would like to have a bit more to do. Eloise suggests she contact Bettina Button at The Hittyville Bakery and ask her if she needs some help.

Becassine thinks that is a wonderful idea and will call Bettina right away and offer to bake some of her goodies for the bakery.

At The Hittyville Bakery...

Bettina needs to drive over to the Grandparents' Homestead to pick up some baked goods. She didn't have the heart to tell Becassine she really doesn't need anyone else baking for the bakery. Bettina will have to think of a way to tell her the baking she does is more than sufficient!

At the Grandparents' Homestead...

Becassine is sorry Bettina doesn't have time to sample her breads and rolls.

Becassine waves goodbye to Bettina and hopes the customers enjoy her baking!

Bettina has to admit the breads smell REALLY good!

Back at the bakery...

Bettina wonders if anyone will buy Becassine's breads.

Just a bit later...

Bettina is happy to see her cousin, Amelia Thimble.

Amelia would like a loaf of the new bread Bettina is selling. She has heard it is a big improvement over the original recipe.

Bettina cannot believe her ears! She admits to her cousin she did not even taste the breads and rolls and was surprised they sold out in just a few minutes. She also admitted Becassine baked the goodies and they DID smell heavenly!

At closing time...

Bettina Button must apologize to Becassine for not being more gracious about her baked goods. Actually, it would be nice to have a partner in the bakery. Bettina has had little time for anything but baking...and you know what they say...

"All work and no play makes for a very dull little ball-jointed doll!"

A Wintry Day

2012-02-12T14:05:00.001-05:00

Joe and I headed to a lumber yard in Shelby to find "lam" boards for our addition.

I sat back in Joe's big truck...Bessie...and enjoyed the view.

Joe couldn't find just the right board.

After searching a bit, Joe found the what he wanted and had the 38 foot board cut in two.

Mission accomplished!

For those interested, a "lam" board is actually pieces of plywood glued together and is stronger than real wood! It is an important beam because it will hold the rafters.

Daily Doodles

2012-02-12T13:54:00.000-05:00

Lunch With Deb

2012-02-10T14:04:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Deb and I enjoyed a nice long lunch at Lyn-Way. Deb has a stress fracture in her knee and will be in a leg brace for at least two months! No driving and she HAS to use a walker...

Needless to say, this is a BIG change in Deb's very busy life. She works two jobs and is always on the go.

I must say, I am quite impressed with Deb's patience and positive attitude.

And now she does has time for lunch!

Keep up the good work, my friend.

The Secret World of Arrietty

2012-02-10T13:53:00.000-05:00

I LOVE the Borrowers...in fact...they live in Hittyville! I had no idea there was another movie coming out about our dear little Arrietty until Noah sent me a link on Facebook.

This Japanese film is being distributed by Disney and opens in select theaters next week. I HAVE to see it!!!

I found Arrietty "borrowing" some stones...I didn't even get to ask her what she was going to use them for...and proceeded to tell her all about the movie.

My Arrietty had heard there was ANOTHER film being made about her family and didn't seem to care too much about it.

She was too eager to get back to "borrowing".

I will still ask Arrietty if she wants to go to the movie with us...along with her parents.

Taking a Little Break...Sort Of

2012-02-10T13:43:00.002-05:00

When I was just a baby, I contracted polio in an orange grove in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The virus affected my right shoulder and upper arm. I have had just 20% usage of my muscles in that area for my entire life and have managed quite well with the help of family, friends, and co-workers.

As time has gone on, the muscles surrounding the stricken area have tired from "helping" and I now have occasional bouts with post-polio syndrome.

My lower arm swells and becomes very weak. This always happens after I have overworked my arm and I must apologize to my trusty limb because it is totally my fault! Too many Lego projects, too much stitching, and too much lifting....

So...I put myself on "craft rest". I cannot even tell you how difficult that is...until I count my blessings and know it could be SO much worse.

Believe me, I have found PLENTY to do!!!

I went back on Facebook...

Downloaded a cool computer game...

Downloaded Fairy Farm on my iPad...

Downloaded this awesome book about the inspiration for 50 "Great Works of Literature" on my iPad...

I discovered I can download ALL my beloved Betsy-Tacy books on my Kindle app on my iPad! That way, I can read a chapter here and there...whenever the mood strikes. I have read the series at least 20 times and there are certain "comfort chapters" I love to read over and over again.

The illustrations are even larger than in the books!

I have decided to finally read the books of Jane Austen!

Joe could have said these very words from Austen's Mr. Bennet regarding me!

Now to make sure I don't overwork my eyes...

Daily Doodles

2012-02-10T13:24:00.000-05:00

Surprise!

2012-02-08T14:20:00.000-05:00

Eloise misses Becassine's French breads and rolls. Breakfast is just not the same without her freshly baked treats.

Eloise will try and email Becassine for the recipes. She has been unable to reach her sorely missed friend for the past week.

A bit later at The Hittyville Railway Station...

Pierre is so excited! He called Becassine last week and asked her if she would be willing to come to Hittyville and take care of Eloise and himself indefinitely and hopefully, forever.

Becassine said YES!

Pierre thanks Becassine with his whole heart. Now life will be back to "normal".

Meanwhile...

Becassine has missed Pierre and Eloise too! Her home is with them. She is also excited to see the whole Merry Family.

Back at the Grandparents' Homestead...

Eloise wonders why Becassine hasn't answered any of her emails or phone calls.

And then...

Eloise cannot believe her eyes!

Her beloved Becassine has come "home"!

Eloise thinks she is the luckiest woman in the world to have Pierre for a husband. She can't thank him enough for bringing Becassine to Hittyville!

The next morning...

Eloise's heart is filled with joy! Becassine has baked her French specialties...

It is difficult to decide who is happier...Eloise or Becassine.

Pierre is certain HE is the happiest member of this family. If Eloise is happy, EVERYONE is happy!

~It was the best of days~

The Blossoms Come to Hittyville

2012-02-08T13:58:00.002-05:00

The Blossom Family is reunited and ready to start their new life in Hittyville!

Bill and Cherry Blossom are thrilled to be living so close to family.

Ben and Beau are ready to play in the tree house...

Hope, Sophie, and Faith can't wait to have adventures with their cousins.

Let the fun begin!

Daily Doodle

2012-02-08T13:51:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Hittyville, Hitty Abigail

2012-02-07T15:03:00.001-05:00

Hitty Abigail arrived in Hittyville late yesterday and was thrilled with her homestead!

Our new friend needs some pots and pans.

Hitty Abigail has never seen such a beautiful living room...and to think...it is all hers!

Hitty Willow stopped by for a cup of tea and is so happy her cousin will now be a neighbor.

Hitty Abigail loves everything about Hittyville, especially Duchess and her puppy, Princess!

~Life is beyond good~

Measuring...Accurately

2012-02-07T14:55:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, after work, Joe took his laser light and measured all the posts so he can put the next set of boards EXACTLY in their proper place!

Thank you, Joe...

Around the Studio

2012-02-07T14:52:00.001-05:00

I finally started painting Elliott the Gnome!

Rosie insisted we begin HER special Lego project...

Daily Doodle

2012-02-07T14:47:00.000-05:00

The Happiest of Surprises

2012-02-06T15:11:00.000-05:00

I was overwhelmed by the beautiful YELLOW roses my daughter had delivered to our home today!

My daughter's thoughtful nature never ceases to amaze me!

Thank YOU, sweet Brooke.

I love you beyond words...

Shopping for Hitty Abigail

2012-02-06T15:06:00.000-05:00

On this beautiful morning, I headed to Mansfield to get some things for Hitty Abigail's homestead.

Later...

The front yard is finished...

The top floors are being "saved" for my monthly club gifts! That will be such fun...

The kitchen is coming along.

I hope Hitty Abigail has some pictures to hang...

I really like the pond area! Hitty Abigail is going to love her pups, Duchess and Princess.

~I love playing with my dolls~

What Joe Did

2012-02-06T14:59:00.000-05:00

Late last night...under the flood lights...Joe finished putting up all FIVE of the posts!

Thank you for all your hard work over the weekend, dear Joe!

Daily Doodle

2012-02-06T14:57:00.002-05:00

Planting Posts

2012-02-05T16:08:00.001-05:00

Once again, Joe was up before me and had already moved all the posts.

After breakfast and grocery shopping, Joe worked on his plumb line...exact measurements are essential!

Up she goes!

I love the cute little level...

Bracing the posts...

Two posts up...three to go!

Mixing cement...

In she goes...

Now to let the cement set up...

I tried to tell Joe he should call it a day...After all, isn't Sunday supposed to be a day of SOME rest? He wouldn't hear of it...when my husband gets going on a project, it is nearly impossible to stop him!

Thank you, Joe!

The Missing Piece of Eloise's Puzzle

2012-02-05T15:49:00.000-05:00

Edna has just baked a delicious batch of cookies for the Merry Family and wonders if Bella and her mother-in-law would like a freshly brewed cup of coffee.

Eloise tells Bella how lucky she is to have someone help her with all the household responsibilites!

Bella couldn't agree more! Edna takes care of all the grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, and some of the cleaning. Her husband, Charles, makes sure the property and boats are in tip-top shape.

With all the help, Thomas can work away on his books and Bella can create her paper dolls.

The Merry Family is indeed blessed to have such a wonderful couple help take care of them!

Eloise totally understands.

Later...

Eloise has spent all afternoon cleaning the apartment.

Oh no! It is almost time for dinner and Eloise hasn't even started to prepare the meal.

After a quick dinner of omelets which Pierre made...

Eloise is very sad! She misses Becassine, who took care of her family and made sure their home was cleaned and was the absolute best cook in all of France. Becassine was more than "help"...she was part of their family and Eloise misses her with her whole heart!

Eloise wishes she would have asked Becassine to join them in Hittyville. She just knew that was too much to expect and wouldn't have dreamed of making Becassine feel obligated to come all the way to America.

Pierre consoles his distraught wife and reassures her all will be well.

They will find someone to help them with the household responsibilities because the Monet Museum and Gardens will be starting construction very soon and both of them will be extremely busy!

To be continued...

I Have Lived Through 27.3% of the U.S. Presidents

2012-02-05T15:25:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, I started thinking about all the presidents who have served our country during my lifetime.

I am 61 years old so back to 1950 we go...

Harry S. Truman

1945-1953

Dwight D. Eisenhower

1953-1961

John F. Kennedy

1961-1963

Lyndon B. Johnson

1963-1969

Richard M. Nixon

1969-1974

Gerald R. Ford

1974-1977

Jimmy Carter

1977-1981

Ronald Reagan

1981-1989

George H. W. Bush

1989-1993

Bill Clinton

1993-2001

George W. Bush

2001-2009

Barack Obama

2009-Present

I have so many memories of ALL of the presidents, with the exception of Truman. When Kennedy was president, I vowed I would someday become a Senator...or First Lady.

That didn't happen, of course, but it has been interesting following the careers of the many who have served in public office...

I am a bit of a political junkie.

Daily Doodle

2012-02-05T15:06:00.002-05:00

An Unexpected Change in the Weather Doesn't Stop Joe

2012-02-04T15:28:00.002-05:00

I slept in this morning and was SHOCKED to see snow. It was not in the forecast and Joe had reserved the digger for the posts today.

Where WAS Joe? I hoped he would cancel the digger and start the work on a nicer day.

Joe had just pulled in the driveway. He had gotten up bright and early and had already been to town to pick up the digger! That Joe...NOTHING stops him!

I asked him if the snow was going to be a problem and he just smiled and said no.

The first hole...

Digging nice and easy...well kind of.

What a guy!

The Peanut Gallery...

Why is Joe on his tractor?

The digger is stuck! Joe was worried about the tree roots from the Grandmother Chinese Elm.

Joe's plan worked! He is so smart! The problem was a big piece of shale, not a root.

Joe returned the digger, we had lunch, and...

Time to clean up...

Thank you, dear Joe!

Joe also put up a fence to keep the dogs out of the construction site.

The Hittyville Township Project has officially started!!!

Living in the Present

2012-02-04T15:02:00.000-05:00

Rosie and Granny were enjoying a quiet morning reading together.

All of a sudden, Rosie remembered something she wanted to check out.

Granny asked her granddaughter what in the world she was looking at on her head.

Rosie told Granny she was trying to see the empty paint pots at the end of her hairs. She explained Vicki had told her when the pots are empty, your hair turns white or grey.

Rosie loves her red hair and doesn't want it to turn white or grey...EVER!

Granny reassured her sweet Rosie her paint pots wouldn't be empty for MANY years...and when they were...she would be ready for a change.

One day at a time, Rosie, one day at a time...

Hitty Abigail's Ivy Homestead

2012-02-04T14:49:00.000-05:00

I found the perfect homestead for Hitty Abigail! It was sitting vacant in Hittyville Village...

Hitty Abigail will be living on my desk. I have much to do before she arrives next week!

Daily Doodle

2012-02-04T14:44:00.000-05:00

Odds N Ends Friday

2012-02-03T15:53:00.000-05:00

I opened my closet to find something to wear and thought...Today is the day! I went through ALL of my clothes...including those in my drawers...and ended up with a huge pile of things I never wear, especially now that I am no longer teaching. I said goodbye to all my "teacher" clothes and didn't shed a tear. They did serve me well, though!

Off to Goodwill...

I worked a bit on my felt canvas piece which I started ages ago!

I successfully changed the yellow cartridge on my laser printer! It's the first time I have done that and all went well, thank goodness.

And then...

I downloaded the NCIS theme song as my latest ringtone on my phone! Can you tell I LOVE that show? I can't believe I never watched it before...

Joe's ringtone is the theme song from Star Trek...The Next Generation!

Daily Doodle

2012-02-03T15:36:00.000-05:00

Let the Building Begin

2012-02-02T15:56:00.000-05:00

Look what Joe brought home!

These posts will hold up the roof. How I love the look, smell, and feel of lumber!

Joe is the strongest man I know!

The posts go up on Saturday!

Of course, our new room will have a view of this magnificent land!

Thank you, Joe...

Loving the Oldies

2012-02-02T15:51:00.000-05:00

Today I heard a song I LOVE from a FEW years ago and decided to download it onto my iPod.

And then...I remembered another one!

I have played "Too Many Walls" about 50 times since I downloaded it!

"Brandy" is one of my all time favorite story songs. I can't believe I hadn't downloaded it before!

Music makes my soul dance...

A Little Bit of Paris in Hittyville

2012-02-02T15:43:00.000-05:00

It is a beautiful Thursday in Hittyville. Thomas is telling his wife all about his Time Travel adventure.

Poppy is wondering if Calico will pose for a portrait...

Gracie Rose is enjoying a morning on the beach with her pups.

Gemma is playing with her doll, Paulette. Daisy is reading about winter fun. There hasn't been much snow this winter!

Simon and Harry are getting ready to build their super secret project for their mom.

Beatrix wonders who is behind the curtain.

Simon tells his little sister she cannot look behind the curtain because he is working on a surprise.

Beatrix is mad! She wants to know what the surprise is and she wants to know now!

Beatrix pleads with her parents to make Simon let her see the surprise.

Bella explains to her angry daughter surprises can be fun and she will have to wait until Simon is ready to show her what it is.

Beatrix promises Baby she will never keep a surprise from her!

Meanwhile...

The boys get to work.

Later...

Simon and Harry have built their mother the Eiffel Tower to look at, especially when she gets homesick for her childhood home.

Just a bit later...

The boys tell their mother on the count of 3, she may turn around and look at HER surprise.

1, 2, 3...

Bella cannot believe her eyes!

The boys can't tell if their mom is laughing or crying over their gift. They guess she must be very happy because she won't stop hugging them!

That evening...

Beatrix has never seen her mother so full of joy and happiness.

Beatrix has decided surprises can be a wonderful thing and that is exactly what she is telling Baby at this very moment.

It was a day filled with love.

Daily Doodle

2012-02-02T15:20:00.000-05:00

Thomas Travels Through Time

2012-02-01T14:04:00.000-05:00

Thomas is beyond excited! Penelope the Time Traveler has invited him to travel to Philadelphia to visit her good friend, Ben Franklin!

Ben Franklin is one of Thomas' historical heroes and can't wait to meet him!

A bit later...

Penelope has set the Time Travel Mobile for Philadelphia, 1776.

Thomas and Penelope take off!

A few minutes later...or so it seemed...

Thomas cannot believe his eyes!

They are definitely in Philadelphia and it is definitely a different time period!

Penelope asks the lady where she might find Benjamin Franklin on this fine day. The pretty lady responds she thinks he is at the park...waiting for rain.

At the park...

Penelope explains Ben likes to fly his kite and conduct electricity through a key during thunderstorms...It is one of his many experiments...but it is definitely not raining.

Ben Franklin is happy to see his dear friend, Penelope, but is very upset it refuses to rain. Ben is leaving in just a couple of hours for France where he will be serving as an ambassador of sorts and wanted to "play" for a bit before he left.

Ben welcomes Thomas to Philadelphia and is so sorry he has to rush off and finish packing for his long journey across the Atlantic Ocean. He invites Thomas to visit him in Paris very soon.

Ben agrees to help Thomas with his research for his next book.

Penelope gives her "Uncle" Ben...as she calls him...a kiss on the cheek and tells him she will visit with him again soon.

Thomas waves goodbye to his new and extremely interesting friend.

Back in Hittyville...

Thomas cannot thank Penelope enough for the remarkable adventure. He always believed friends could travel through time...

Penelope explains to Thomas that time travel is like magic. It only works for those who believe!

Back at the Merry Homestead...

Thomas is writing all about his fantastic journey before he forgets a single detail.

Ben Franklin is known for his quotes and he left Thomas with this one today...

" We do not stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."

It was the BEST of days.

Feeling Better

2012-02-01T13:31:00.000-05:00

Brooke is feeling much better and would like to thank everyone for their get well wishes.

They certainly helped!

Rosie Visits Brooke's School

2012-02-01T13:29:00.000-05:00

Hello! I am Rosie and this is my very first adventure outside of Hittyville. My mom, Virginia Apple, told Vicki I could travel to Brooke's school with them as long as I was home for dinner.

This is me meeting Brooke's MATHBOTS. Vicki made them for her classroom. Brooke teaches high school math! She has been sick with the flu and wanted to get her room back in order since she has missed a few days of school.

Brooke has tons of fun games in her classroom!

What am I supposed to do with this?

Oh boy, maybe I can put our Hittyville Gazette up on the screen for Brooke's students tomorrow!

Access denied??? I wonder why...

I never knew there were so many awesome math storybooks! I hope Vicki or Brooke will read me one before we leave.

I am so excited! Brooke gave me my very own math book. I love math because I love puzzles and solving problems.

Thank you to Brooke and Vicki for taking me on this amazing adventure! I hope there will be many more...

Rosie Visits the Beauty Shoppe

2012-02-01T13:18:00.000-05:00

Hello! I am Rosie and I am going to share an adventure with you today.

A few days ago, Brooke got very dizzy while getting her nails done. Brooke was actually coming down with the flu. We had to come back today to get her nails finished. Brooke wanted her mom, Vicki, there and Vicki said she was "wing mom" for the day...I am glad I got to come along! Of course, Vicki asked MY mom if it was okay and I am so glad Mom said yes!

The hair stylist, Shelly, told us the Beauty Shoppe was having a jewelry party. Everything was too big for me. I really liked the different colors of nail polish on the top shelf. It reminded me of all of Vicki's paints!

I sure am glad I don't have to bother with putting stuff on my hair.

Vicki told me Shelly paints her hair every so often with these brushes. I guess the paint pots at at the end of each hair run out of paint after a while and then the hair turns white or grey. I hope that doesn't happen to me!

I think this hair dryer would feel very nice on a cold day! I can imagine it warming my whole cotton stuffed body...

I had a very nice time visiting the Beauty Shoppe and when I asked Shelly if I needed a hair trim, she told me I was just perfect the way I was!

It was a wonderful visit.

Let the Project Begin!

2012-02-01T13:03:00.000-05:00

Joe met with the zoning man and we have our permit to build Hittyville Township!

Cement and wood!!!

I am SO excited...

Daily Doodles

2012-02-01T13:00:00.000-05:00

My Poor Little Brooke

2012-01-30T13:52:00.000-05:00

No matter how old my children are, when they are sick, they are still my "babies".

Brooke has a case of the flu and has been going between her bed and our couch all day long. When I look at her, I don't see the young woman she has become...I see the child I tended to many years ago.

I think that comforts both of us.

My Friend Rosie

2012-01-30T13:48:00.000-05:00

Rosie has found the drawing I did of her...

I hope she likes it!

She does! Rosie wants me to write stories about her adventures and illustrate them. I think she wants to be the next Raggedy Ann!

Around the Studio

2012-01-30T13:44:00.000-05:00

Gracie Rose's trees are waiting to be "trimmed" and painted.

My Daisy tapestry sets arrived all the way from Great Britain!

My next Window Art board is waiting to be painted...

Lots to do!

The Best Book and Television Series

2012-01-30T13:42:00.000-05:00

This book is so interesting and explains the "real" background of Downton Abbey!

I LOVE the television production...

Daily Doodle

2012-01-30T13:39:00.000-05:00

My Favorite Things Part II

2012-01-29T15:47:00.000-05:00

It's all done!

My Favorite Things Part I has been waiting...

Bottom clips are in place...

Top clips are almost in place!

Thank you, Joe...

Now I can sing the WHOLE song while looking at the pictures!

Hmm...That might be just the place for the next Window Art...right under the kitchen window!

Is that you I hear groaning, Joe?

Hittyville Township

2012-01-29T15:40:00.001-05:00

Joe is starting to put the stakes in for our addition!

Wow!

I am so excited!

Thank you once again, Joe, for making my dreams come true...

Around the Studio

2012-01-29T15:37:00.000-05:00

One of my goals for today is to learn how to draw Rosie's hair! I'm getting there...

I am cutting up all my calendars from last year. I use the mini pictures on the back for my Hittyville homesteads.

I spent some time cleaning off my desk...I have something planned for that space and more on that later!

Always something to do...

Joe's Mug Shot

2012-01-29T15:33:00.001-05:00

Joe totally staged this picture with the grocery pick-up card from Buehler's!

Daily Doodle

2012-01-29T15:31:00.000-05:00

My Spinning Mind

2012-01-28T16:32:00.000-05:00

My creative energy has never been stronger. As soon as I am finished with one project, ten more ideas pop into my head.

I am so blessed to be home to devote myself to my art twenty-four hours a day! Well, subtract some hours for eating, sleeping, and spending time with my family and pets!

This time in my life was well worth waiting for! I have enjoyed all the chapters of my life...well, almost...but this time is very special indeed!

Around Hittyville

2012-01-28T16:25:00.000-05:00

Johanna has just taken a ride through the Gnome Forest. She is telling Uncle Niklas how wonderful it will be to use ALL of the forest very soon! The Gremlins have agreed to move far away from Hittyville and give back the forest they unlawfully took from the Gnomes and Animal Friends.

Virginia is thrilled to have Granny Apple living here in Hittyville. It is such fun planning meals together!

Simon is going to build this awesome Eiffel Tower for his mother and Harry has offered to help.

Thomas has finally met Penelope the Time Traveler and is overwhelmed by her ability to REALLY travel through time. He believes this young lady is the only Time Traveler on Earth! Penelope has kindly agreed to take Thomas on trips with her so he can do research for his Time Travel series.

Thomas will have the honor of being the only other Friend on Earth to know how to operate the Time Travel Mobile.

Sheriff Andy has invited Nancy Drew to his home for a romantic dinner. He has turned down the lights and is playing soft music in anticipation of Nancy accepting his marriage proposal which was given on Christmas Day.

Andy is certain the love of his life will say yes.

Nancy has never been so nervous! She has foiled bank robberies, chased down Pirates and found missing Friends and treasures...So why is she so afraid of telling Sheriff Andy she CANNOT marry him?

It's because she can't bear to break his very kind heart.

To be continued...

Around the Studio

2012-01-28T16:06:00.001-05:00

I started work on Gracie Rose's Animal Park...

Heartlake City has a heart-shaped lake!

The Lego Friends didn't waste any time taking advantage of this beautiful day...

Google Earth...Hittyville Style!

I found these amazing art kits from The Metropolitan Museum of Art for just $1.80 each at Barnes and Noble! I wonder who will help me with these projects...

I guess Rosie will!

I am about ready to start work on my Mouse Tails...What is Rosie doing with the Mice?

I think I may have that Special Friend after all!

Joe is getting the window "frame" ready for my art piece.

Joe had some leftover shingles from the last dollhouse project and just enough to cover the Milk House!

Now Joe is doing some touch-ups on the Milk House because he altered the kit a bit to make it more authentic!

Thank you, Joe!!!

If It's Saturday...

2012-01-28T15:52:00.000-05:00

Brooke spent her entire Saturday doing schoolwork. I have NEVER seen such a dedicated teacher...EVER!

Protector

2012-01-28T15:49:00.001-05:00

We got Nutmeg and Tuppence a new living space and as you can see, Tuppence is totally protecting his friend, Nutmeg.

Geez...I am NOT the paparazzi!

Daily Doodle

2012-01-28T15:46:00.000-05:00

The Tailor Family

2012-01-27T14:41:00.000-05:00

I couldn't sleep the other night because I heard mice...in my head! A story unfolded and wouldn't leave me alone. I am glad it persisted because it is a delightful little story which I am getting ready to write.

It is about a mouse family much like the one above whose job it is to take care of a family...a human family.

To definitely be continued...

Goodbye and Hello

2012-01-27T14:35:00.000-05:00

The Merrys have left my imagination and are living happily in Hittyville enjoying the most wonderful of adventures.

A new family moved in shortly after the Merry Dolls arrived. Meet the Andersons. They live on an island in the Pacific in a glorious tree house!

Luc is a brilliant astronomer.

Jane is a talented zoologist...

Lucy is the luckiest little girl in the world to be living in such a paradise!

The Andersons have just introduced themselves to me, so I will keep you posted...

Around the Studio

2012-01-27T14:19:00.000-05:00

The Milk House is "coming together"!

Rosie and I can't wait to get started on this mini version of the City.

This should be fun!

Daily Doodle

2012-01-27T14:16:00.000-05:00

All My Dolls are Special

2012-01-26T12:54:00.000-05:00

Today the rest of the Apple Family arrived in Hittyville as well as the Blossom Twins and their big sister, Sophie.

I had been planning on having several "special" dolls in Hittyville and it dawned on me ALL my dolls are special and we tell their stories together quite nicely.

So...Polly has returned to the Gray Family, Sophie is part of the Blossom Family, and Hitty Abigail will decide where she belongs when she gets here!

That feels much better...

The Next WIndow Art

2012-01-26T12:48:00.000-05:00

Nine window panes? I am definitely going to make this the Merry Family Window Art project!

Daily Doodle

2012-01-26T12:47:00.000-05:00

Lunch With Lori

2012-01-25T10:59:00.001-05:00

I hadn't seen Lori in a couple of months and was looking forward to our lunch date. Yesterday, we spent a couple of hours at Lyn-Way catching up on each other's news. We discussed how life really is like an adventure book with so many chapters. We shared how much we miss our parents who have left this world and how that experience has affected both of us in ways we never imagined.

Lori's children will all be in college within a couple of years and we talked about how fast the child raising time flies by.

We came to the conclusion life is fluid and we need to adhere to the philosophy...adjust or perish!

I do believe we were created with a limited earthly lifespan for a reason and it is our purpose to embrace each and every season of that life, wherever it may take us. Some days it is easier than others, but that is our God-given mission...That is the one thing I am certain of.

I love you, Lori...