The Road Back

It is a slow road I am traveling right now, but it is a good one and the days are cherished. They are busy and full. I have been wrapping myself up in family as one would wrap up in an old quilt that Grandma made. I have been reflecting on so much that has been my life here in Granville and especially these wee friends I adore creating.

I remember the day I came racing in to share my great epiphany in knowing just what I wanted to focus on as an artist. "A doll maker!", I told my father. He instantly put on his best, "You can't be serious" look. He reminded me that I did not know how to sew and I had such a wonderful training; a dream come true at Lake Placid's School of Art. In all these years since, he's still not understood, or seen that special moment when a doll's spirit connects with who they are meant to belong to. No, he hasn't understood at all. Not the kitchen table covered with fabric and doll parts in nearly every room, but he's proud of my choice and the places that my wee friends have taken me. Mostly he is proud that I have always followed my heart, no matter what anyone thinks.

Planting My Garden

Life is a garden~ we sow seeds, give plenty of water and sunshine, hoping to reap a great harvest. It takes constant work and loving care ...and we do it all without a second thought. After one harvest, we prepare for another, and another.

I am not able to tend to the garden at the Comforte Cottage this year, but I am tending my life garden. Getting ready for life and changes ahead. I may not be able to do all that I'd like right now, but I'm doing what I need and keeping all that I can normal. I think of how many times my Mom and Dad moved all of us here and there from one military base to another. You pack things wrapping them in memories of the past, knowing that they will be a part of your future as they are unwrapped again. There is a scale in front of you as excitement and sorrow are placed gently on opposite plates. Sometimes it dips over too much on one side, but in the end its quite balanced.

I've moved forward on what this Goode Wife needs to do for the next six months and even farther ahead. My heart still holds pumpkins and witches tight...not to mention a skeleton or two. I do miss working on my little friends as much as I'd like, but they never complain and patiently wait for me. I enjoy life's unseen gifts and take the chances that I may not have done in the past. Like new seeds, they grow as I nourish them and anticipate their bloom in the months ahead.

The Gift

It's official, Molly has been with us for a year now, and boy does she make our lives complete here! Molly is a Sato (Puerto Rican Stray) and makes her home here with two other local rescues, Murphy and Rylie. Right now, Miss Molly is in her glory, searching out all the wild strawberries on the lawn. She has become my constant companion and so meant to be here! My days are very full right now and even though I can't create as much as I'd like, I am drawing and writing notes so that when the time comes and I am not so needed, I can continue doing what I love, full force. I want to thank everyone for all of their well wishes and warm emails. I miss all of you!

Looking Ahead

Stacey's Grande Adventure has begun~ there has been gardening time, family time and yes, creative time. It is still very much The Busy House with a constant liveliness to it. Raven's Haven has been very busy as well as the paperwork dealings for my parents. I've been enjoying connections with colleagues and customers that have become the dearest of friends. There is a gift within each of these hearts; the gift of who they are, all wrapped uniquely as their own spirits. There are events to plan for and ideas to be shared... you see, it's time again to write a business plan.I am an Artist that also has an Art Business. That can be difficult, not because I am doing what I was meant to and what I love. Rather because to succeed, I need to balance with what you enjoy and love and not be selfish with the gift I was given. My business plan involves much more than the business of dolls or patterns. It is the spirit that each wee friend I make wraps around, as well as all of you. Without any of you, I could not be all that I am, all that I do.


I'm not sure where this economy is going but that is why a 6 month business plan in good times and bad is a necessity. I will be moving downstate which will afford me the chance for different shows, but I will also continue some up here. I'm even thinking of expanding my show venues if I can. I will be scouting out some of these local events. The beauty of living here right on the border is that I have the best of both worlds with shows and have plenty to choose from in New York and Vermont. Here is where I can enlist some help from many of you as well. So many of you visit my blog and live nearby. Where would all of you like to see the Good Wife? I will be scoping out LARAC this weekend to start. What are some of your Good Wife favorites? Skeletons, witches? The new Homestead series? More St. Jigs? Let me know~ a wonderful chance for goode friends here to share ideas and events!

Taking Some Time Off

As much as I would like to keep my life simplified, it's going to be awhile. There is a lot going on here at The Busy House and it will continue through most of the summer. I've decided, with great reluctance of course, to take a little time off from my online selling with the exception of patterns. I'm hoping that this will afford me time for many things, but the priority being my family. There are changes ahead for all of us here and in it all, I will be moving...closer to the city.. a Burbs girl. This will be a slow process and will take most of the Summer, but it is a very goode thing and I'm looking forward to it.

I will also be working on orders for stores and some more commercial ventures. (The dolls above are at Waterside Antiques~ Ginny is so much fun, I've enjoyed her from those early Brimfield days!) I'm hoping to sneak out some patterns for all of you too. I will let you know how all of this goes of course. This Summer is Stacey's Grande Adventure!

I Just Can't Help It

Conflict rules quite a bit as I work on my friends. Sometimes it really hits at the very end as I'm putting the finishing touches on everyone and giving them their soul... their eyes. Whimsy quite often rushes out in the form of bead eyes in a flounder like fashion. I can't help it. I try to paint a little eye on, or perhaps a more serious button, even the vintage glass ones from old shoes. The pattern pieces even have the nice little eyes drawn on. I can't tell you quite how it happens, but one moment I'm talking to my little friend and telling them that they are almost ready to view the world, before the world views them. Somehow two eyes end up on the same plane and there is life. I suppose though in all honesty, two eyes are better to view the world, even if you are at permanent profile stance. Pictured are my Lemon Poppyseed offerings...Okay, I did manage one normal friend.