A Long Step

I imagine being able to document my processes more efficiently. For personal inspiration as well as global.
All I can do is try again. It's a good thing to keep trying. I can already envision what I want. This is good.
I regard my birthday as a personal New Year. It's a good point from which to start anew in whatever direction I wish.
It's been quite a while since I put my ducks in order. Here I go, trying again.
The difference this year, I am far more content than previous years. Minor alterations can and will be made, but I am largely happy.
The reoccurring theme this year, I must work harder. Smarter. By letting go of some comforting crutches I will make this step up. I feel better when I accomplish my goals. I feel enlivened and energized by creating. I am happy to be alive. I've made one more trip round the sun with many more to come.

"It takes a long time to grow young." -Pablo Picasso

"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."

-Abraham Lincoln

Storytelling

my hand drafted pattern book  a.k.a 'the spellbook'

......storytelling......
It happens to be one of my favorite things to do....

Manda tells stories here.....

You can follow along at the link above.

Been stitching for days. I'll share the finished doll soon enough.

Sunday Swapmeet Treasure

Carbon paper, floral/insect design book, maze book,
Book of Psalms circa 1899, metal H2O bottle 

2 yards floral fabric, blonde wig

Umm, i love the new wig!

Total spent $6 = happy day

progress

 enjoy!

Finishing Up

I worked straight through the 98 degree weather yesterday, with only a 10 degree difference between the studio and outside. Oh, the life of non-AC.

Pillows. I finally finished two hand embroidered pillows that have been sitting for approx. 3 months already. Which is amazing, because usually things sit for 6 months to a year before i pick up and finish.
My secret? Vitamins. I've been very regimented about taking them the last couple of days to avoid feeling the monthly 'ick'. It works. That and total hydration, I drank at least 2 pints of water yesterday.
And. it occurred to me while dozing off at 1:30am, I haven't been eating sweets for at least a week. That totally helps the body not feel sluggish. I'm not trying to digest a thousand little sugar particles.
Oh, but a slice of cheesecake sounds wonderful right about now. Breakfast of champions. Damn, i have no cheesecake.
But i do have photos! Delicious.

Summer ToDo

Things on my mind

• summer to-do
• new project to start
• unfinished newness
• my hair color
• cacti
• how to stop thinking about _______
• riding the bike
• dedication

This is all. But something is coming.

I've been Rollin'

Hello again friends! October is coming to a close...and i was busy! The profits this month were not high, but a good start to an even crazier holiday season. Here are three new dolls that are about to make an appearance in the shop. I am lagging, i know.

And just for surprise sake, these images are of the insides of the dolls, so you only get a sneek peek!

I started making something new! My own underwear!

If you can't tell, i love that red wool plaid i got. Check out my other blog senoritasoto.blogspot.com for all the tresures i find!

Current portraits. No more blond. I've crossed over to the dark side.

Where have i been....

a custom tie for a special birthday

the inside of the tie

another work in progress....

the current studio stash photo

Mammal chupie all tuckered out

and yes, i'm still alive!

more coming soon

xoxo

manda