The Power of Forgiveness

Several years ago, Pam (of Soft in the Head) and I met and became fast friends. We enjoyed each other very much....but we were younger then, both artists shaky and insecure with our individual gift. There was a rift because of it and it was huge; both spirits badly bruised.

It has taken several years and my Father's ill health that began our healing and new journey ahead. My Father was sooo very pleased that Pam and I had put the past behind and started going forward, doing what we did best with each other... being friends. Today, the door flew open and a voice exclaimed... "The bitch is back!" We have both changed in appearance a bit and are quite different than the two friends of long ago. Time has been our gift.. we both recognize the special part that makes each of us unique in what we do and who we are. We both have worked hard and earned our style of creativity over the years. We babbled on enjoying the funny stories of our adventures that both have held so dear in our hearts. Pam's friend, Rennie is wonderful and holds the title of Official BFF! There wasn't near enough time, but there IS next time and we do look forward to giggles and adventures shared. The really cool thing is that we are enjoy not just the friendship with each other, but in our mutual friends. I hope that Pam and Rennie's trip is just the beginning of all of us coming together. Safe journey you two!

Joys

In the next couple days, our family will be sending my Dad along to his next journey. It's not goodbye for us...if you knew my Dad, you know that he will be beside and letting us know it. As we gather there are many, many stories shared. It seems that everyone has a funny story to that starts as, "I remember the time when Jack....". The above picture is the last time photos were taken with him, along with son, Steve...retired from the Air Force. Steve is now considered to be a "Dirt Bag" with his haircut and received quite a bit of ribbing. I am packing a bag of Cheerios to send with my Dad. Not as a snack as one would imagine, but for the Gin Rummy games to be played with John C. who was notorious for eating them. There are still many tears and much laughter to be had, especially in the next few days. It is a new journey for us all.

The Next Journey

It is with great sadness that I share with you the passing of my Father this morning. In talking with family today, I told them that he did it all....he had an amazing life. He served in every branch of the Armed Forces, fought in 2 wars. Not only did he serve his country, but he served his community as a Sheriff and a Volunteer Fireman. He traveled the world, jumped from airplanes and gave his children an amazing childhood...perhaps different to many, but amazing none the less. He wanted a degree from college and earned one. My Father and I both earned our degree together making for a wonderful and memorable time (I had double duty rewriting all of his Term Papers too!). We were brought up Military style and with Military values. We rebelled of course, but to no avail. He could be the grumpiest guy but he was always on your side. A couple of months ago, when he was home from the hospital, he had a chance to read this blog. He sat and talked with me on how very proud he was of my writing and what I have shared with everyone. I will miss our talks but I know he'll still be listening to me.

August

August here is usually hot and muggy, but this year has been cool and rainy. The back deck for my parents is nearly complete and looks over a tiny gazebo and a grape arbor, that is on a growing rampage with all this rain. The two little tumbleweeds can't wait to go out and play around on the deck and tease when someone walks by the back door.

I am looking forward to completing my move downstate. Held up right now as my brothers are in charge of this part. I told them that I needed to settle in by September first, so now the heat is on them to pull things together for their parents.Okay Kevin and Steve... the world is watching!

This is such an exciting adventure for me. One of Tim's sisters asked if I would be working or anything outside of the home to get to know this new area. It is great food for thought as is the opportunity to continue my education as there are quite a few colleges to choose from there. I may be leaving my beloved little village, but the world is my oyster on this new adventure. I don't know exactly what I want to do, but I do know that my art will continue and perhaps the opportunity to share and give back to my new community. I'm so excited!

The Climb

Gosh, the past two months have vanished in a blink of an eye and here I am wondering just where time went to. We just received word that my Father will be back in Granville and in rehab very soon. Well, geez, you say.... where was he? He has been in the hospital since June 10th. It was a dash for me back and forth to the hospital any chance I could for 3 weeks. As a Caretaker for my Mom, you can imagine how difficult it can be to get away, but I was able to visit him between tests, surgery, biopsies and even more tests. Every June for the past twenty years I have visited the LARAC Arts and Crafts Festival any chance I could. I kept faith that if it was possible I would go. This year it was by glimpses driving by on my way back and forth to the hospital. The hospital transferred him to Mount Sinai, NYC so that his transplant team could check his liver. Right before he was scheduled to go, he fell and broke his hip very badly. He was not strong enough to go through a hip replacement but they were able to put a plate in and after he was stabilized, sent him downstate. He was scheduled to return about a week ago but suffered a heart attack. He now needs valve surgery but has to regain strength first and will be coming back here for that. He is, without a doubt the biggest fighter I know and my hero. On days that he has struggled and been so far away, we have all been cheering him on and telling him to keep the faith. This whole year has been an uphill climb for him and he has amazed all that know him with his fight and will to live.

It has been little steps for me in getting back into my Folk Art groove online. Behind the scenes though I have been fast at work filling patterns orders that come in nearly every day. I've finished some commercial contracts and awaiting final decisions on a magazine and illustration contract. There is more work available than there is me at the moment, but certainly no complaints, just very thankful to have such opportunities!

Above is one of my side profile witches. I've done a new one every year for four years now and love it. She's just "Goody" right now but by mid August, when I return to my online venues, her spirit will clearly show through and she will whisper her name to me. Somethings never change.

All Goode Things Come in Time

I have started back to work on my beloved friends this past week and loving it. I am still in transition and stalled with the move, but I am cocooned in the bliss that is creating and loving everything all over again. I am working ahead of the season, but as long as I can fit a pumpkin or witch in, I'm happy and don't mind the snowmen as much. There are still never enough hours to balance what everyone needs and work full time, but I will gladly take what time I can get with my wee friends! The phone has been ringing with customers and orders, it was as if nothing ever stopped for me. I know that this is still a very close family time, but it doesn't mean that this Good Wife is slowing down down or hanging it up... no, no way! This Good Wife has plenty of goode creating ahead!

Step by Step

The fourth was a working day for me, but we did get to make it a bit special. Ours has always been a family of Service. My Dad and brother served in the military over twenty years each and have fought to keep us free. My father went on to serve his community as a Sheriff for another twenty years. My Mom and I worked retail in our communities and spent many a holiday outside of the home and volunteered our time and hands to help earn money for our community. Phone calls keep us all connected these days, with so many miles between us. Both brothers have been able to visit over the past two months and that was certainly our time to enjoy family coming together. My Father is far away from us right now, but he is on the road to recovery. Slow, but progressive. Yesterday was nice and quiet with a little barbecue dinner for Tim, my Mom and I. We watched part of the John Adams series to set the mood.

Today shines bright and the cobalt sky is a treasure, after so many rainy days of late. There is a gentle breeze, nice and cool with no sticky humidity. The guide that I set forth for this Good Wife a couple weeks ago is certainly on it's course. Yesterday I received word that my work has been accepted by a company that was just a hopeful wisp weeks ago. Now, I will need commercial samples very soon. I have a list to go by and drawings today that will turn into sewing today or tomorrow. There are also store orders to complete along with pattern orders to fill. I am so blessed that in such delicate times, my little friends will continue to bring smiles near and far.

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.

We Are Pooped!

OK, it's official, we had a great holiday and we are all very tired out. It started Friday night for us as my youngest brother surprised us with a visit. It has been three years and I'm sure that he didn't expect that his nieces would be pretty close to looking him in the eye! He was able to spend quality time with all of us. He helped bring my Father home for 2 visits. I cooked us all a big Sunday dinner making my Grandmother's Spaghetti Sauce. It is such a treat now, not only because it feeds an army, but because of the diabetic/renal/heart diet in this house.

On Memorial Day, we sprung Dad loose for the parade and ceremonies at the Village Park. I'm awaiting the pictures to share of 2 generations of Veterans side by side. Father and Son; four wars between them (2 each). I'm very proud of them both, very thankful to have them because we grew up knowing the price, knowing that Freedom isn't free. My brother is at his home tonight and we are here, thankful of precious time shared. Memories made. A good tired.

Full Circle

These dolls have been my passion since I walked into Netty's home to draw for her twelve years ago now. I know with certainty that I am doing what I was meant to do. I'm just needed more in the other areas of life, which has now become more hectic than I'd like. I was able to grab hold of enough time to make three offerings for TDIPT. We were asked to do at least one offering as an Americana theme and I was off without another thought as to what I would do.

I have been wanting to do Abe for quite awhile. His face pattern has been sitting near my sewing machine since early December and with a few adjustments he was perfect for today. I will be off this afternoon to visit with my Dad and show him Abe. You see, not far from here is Robert Todd Lincoln's home, Hildene. It is a beautiful estate and it holds special meaning to my father. His Grandparents worked the land for Mr. Lincoln many years ago when Mr. Lincoln was alive. My father's mother, Jennie sat on Mr. Lincoln's lap when she a small child (not something that he did often, as my Grandmother described him to my father as "grumpy"). She would go on in later years and describe the kitchen area (a servant's entrance) to my father who passed it along to me. Several years ago, I was invited by the Hildene Staff to bring some of my work for a holiday show. I brought my father along and we were treated to a private tour of the home. Imagine our smiles as we walked into the kitchen and my father retold his mother's very accurate description!

Watching the Green Take Hold

Spring has taken a firm footing here and the Mountains are green again. It is a special time of year, when the early greens of Spring are so intense in color and flowers give the final touch. This past weekend, our Lilacs, Crab apple and Apple trees all took bloom. Mother's Day weekend was spent cooking up special dishes (we have them rarely now because of diet restrictions) and at the local Hot House for perennials to add to the garden. I will be moving some around and thinning them out this week. I did have a surprise to see that our Jack in the Pulpit has multiplied! I hope to transplant one to the front Fern Garden in hopes to give my Fairy friends a bit of joy.


There is so much to do everyday, thankfully I have help every day with my Mom and twice a week with the house cleaning basics. Now I also have the blessing of Respite Services just for me! As a new bride, I volunteered for Respite work to give families with challenged children a chance to have some time for themselves, knowing their loved one was being looked after. Now it has come full circle and I can't tell you how thankful I am. My Father is working hard to get well and I know that this takes away some of his worries too.


I've had many orders to pack and will still have some to do this week, but as I finish them I will be fast at work on several projects. I have some store orders and commercial work due soon and also I am working on a new website for my patterns. This one will be easier for me to update and I will be working on my free patterns as downloads. All goode things and even a few more to share in the days ahead. Enjoy these days of green, they pass so quickly.

A Friend's Dream

Take a little ride To Amelia's Cupboard by clicking on her banner. It is a dream journey of my friend Lucy (a single Mom of 4)and she's just starting to grow. Lucy has her own pattern line and is adding other designers and supplies. There is free shipping on orders of $50.00 or more, and she has the nicest wool! Congrats Lucy! I hope that you do well~~~

Full Speed Ahead !

Just where does the time go these days? It seems like it was just a few days ago when I made my last post. In the days since, my father has been back to the hospital, started rehab and is back in the hospital once again. I feel badly for him, he just can't seem to get ahead. I'm here holding down the fort, and find that the little blocks of time when I can work on new designs, treasured times. My art helps to balance my crazy life right now. I try to get to my emails every day and at least get my orders. Thankfully, Tim has been helping with them on weekends when he is here. It is a time for our family right now. I do try to post a little something on Twitter at least once a day and let you know what I'm doing creatively during those early hours in the morning before the Aides get here or the phone starts ringing.

Above are my Poppyseeds offerings. I had a great time with both. I love the simple sweetness of the Early Homestead Crow and Delores.... well, what can you say about her? She's a blend of my Gram and Aunt Julia and has Jessie's outlook on life with those wonderful "Delores" glasses. Even on the busiest of days, I do make time to feed my soul and let my heart smile. Busy with the important things in life is truly goode.

Meet My New Friend

My days are very full here at The Busy House, and generally, I like it that way. Spring is beginning to bud here and that means a wonderful time for my allergies. It seems like it is the most beautiful of days that they love to trap me. And so, the past week has been...the dance. Medicine or no? Would I like to breathe from my nose or my mouth? and how about a tickling cough to top things off? And so, I have been in battle, and thankful when Tim can come for a few days and help me pack orders. I'm terribly behind in sending out orders and hope that this weekend will find me caught up(crossing fingers).

The good news is that my Dad has made it home after a 2 week stay in the hospital. We are all hopeful that this will end a continual infection that seems to hide itself quite well. The bad news is...I'm terribly behind. I only have 2 offerings for TDIPT today. Whatchagonnado? Well, as I can, I'm going to offer Boo Kitty as a pattern very soon. I hope to take the next two weeks and put together a couple of my friends here that you have been asking for as patterns. Keep fingers crossed and hope the allergy monsters steer clear of me.

A Goode Easter To You

Both girls are home now and enjoyed coloring Easter Eggs with "The Big Kid", Tim. We all shared giggles as we wrote names and little messages on these little works of oval art. Molly kept close vigil, hoping that someone would give in with "The Really Cracked Ones" and share with her. Poor girl....


Tim is here and we will be enjoying a small but close family dinner. It will just be Tim, my Mom,the girls and I. My Dad is still in the hospital.He hopes to come home Monday, but I think it may be to early. They haven't found a source of infection, but stronger antibiotics are working and he can now eat. I haven't been able to visit with my sinus infection, so I'm really unsure about it all. They seem to send him home to early.


There are changes ahead for me, some easy, some more difficult. All in my art world will still remain, for that is a part of my very soul. My personal life will have changes and as I am ready I will share along the way. It is simply my time to grow and change. I have taught my children, to look to life's changes as an adventure and surely there will be one. For right now though I am at work making some new friends and patterns for you to enjoy. A goode Easter to you and yours, may you make goode memories and look towards the adventures ahead.