Paper Dolls

This is a collection of paper doll costumes from my mom and a few from her mother.  They have pieces missing; some are torn. A few are taped together.  The times I was allowed to get them out to play with, were epic memories.  Only mom knew which broken head went to what body, and which doll the clothes went on. Grandma would draw clothes and cut out pretty models from Sear's catalogues to add to the menagerie. Those did not survive.

The paper is velvety soft from age and use. They are getting fragile - acid free didn't exist yet.  I don't get them out to look at very much, but when I do, the texture of the memories come back.  I imagined

how the cloth felt and what sound it would make as it swished around the elegant and shapely legs of one wearing it. Starched cotton, slick silk, elegant fur, shiny satin ~ all had distinct sensory input far  beyond the mere one dimensional printed paper.

As a simple country girl, the elegance and grandeur of the clothes fascinated me.  This was a different world than mine. Trying to imagine where these costumes were worn was as impossible as wondering what happened after a kiss.

Was the lace possibly from Belgium or France?  Handmade needle lace from an old woman by the light of a candle.  The velvet trim seemed softer than the fur on my kitten's belly.

It was enticing to wonder what underclothes might be worn underneath all these layers. What accessories would match?  Jewelry? Hair styles. The coats with muffs still attached were special treasures. A girl with her delicate hands in a muff would certainly have a beaux, or several. It was the highest pinnacle of sophisticated romance.

Imagination is still free.  Memories last forever. Playing can't be replaced with anything else.

More Paper Dolls

Three's Not a Crowd

Remember that old song, "Torn Between Two Lovers"? I have two lovers. It isn't a hard thing to confess. I'm not ashamed of this, embarrassed or torn. Neither am I breaking any rules.  

They both waited for me to realize how much I loved them. Both chose me for bride. They made me the girl in the story, lavish me with goodwill and see me as the apple of their eye.

I will never have to be a widow, as I will be able to live with both of them forever.

They offer comfort and security. One of them is able to disappoint me and fail me at times, the other one never will - he is incapable. He's lover number one, which doesn't faze number two!

They both offer me their strength. I believe and trust them both with my life. Not only are they good friends, but they make great fathers for our children. Involved, engaged, and connected.

It is unbelievable, but in this love triangle we have going, no one is jealous or threatened. We are all secure, knowing there is more than enough love to wrap around the bundle that is us. That old saying that a cord of three strands is not easily broken, fits perfectly.

I have to mention this; the man at the top of our little love triangle is the son of a king. Royalty. It wasn't common knowledge when he was born to a poor unknown village girl. We can't keep quiet about it.

He has many names, but we call him Emmanuel.

Gold Star

I'm attracted 
to the plain and
simple. 


Rusty iron. 
Well oiled
iron.  






Tools old and new to use or decorate with. 

Except during the Holidays.

Bright, shiny sparkles add dimension. The more the merrier. 

Star with a Tail

This is a crystal star, a gift from my grandmother, prompted by mom.

I always think of that carol, Do you see what I see, a star, a star, shining in the night......with a tail as big as a kite.

The 'tail' is artistic liberty. It's my star and I'll give it a tail if I want.

Thanks grandma, you would approve. I miss you.

Evergreen Tangled Bangles

Dangling 
bangles
make our

home 
sparkle,
reflecting

light and  

prisms of
love.

Movie and Songs

Winter Snow and In The Bleak Midwinter are the musical offerings today, with a repeat suggestion of Winter Song.  My new favorite Christmas movie is How About You. Enjoy.

Snowman

Handmade

gifts from

friends are

the best.

Even when

the stick arms get broke and need


replaced. They are reminders of

the long history of loving each other.

Paper Stars

Stars make me wonder. They make

me fall in love over and over again

with the Star Breather who had one

shining brightly, marking the spot

where he was born. That star made

many people wonder then,

and still does today. Wonder and

belief make good companions.

Paper Chain

Paper chains are symbolic for me.

Making them is fun. Cheap, colorful fun.

The continuous connection, along with the ability to easily add or take away from the original is what appeals.

One person or many people can work on it. All it takes

is one link to bring the separate sections together.

I like to name that one link, love. One link has the ability to make us one. So simple. So profound.