I'm looking for your input...what are your thoughts?

Here we are already in the last week of June, and unfortunately no dolls have gone out. My situation is this...In real life, I'm a bus driver. No, that's not the situation, I love my occupation! My difficulty lies in the summer, I don't get a pay check, so needless to say, every dollar that comes in is a precious and limited commodity. This leads me to my dilemma of ...no postage. I just can't take out of my own pocket at this time. Now, that being said, and going on the assumption that the rest of us are not independently wealthy, here's my idea for postage. I have a booth at a farmer's market, I sell my gourds there. What would you think of my making up a little ditty about our project and then placing a few of the dolls in a basket, that you have donated to go to shelter's, to be put up for sale. The money then, that was raised by these purchases could then go towards postage and packaging. I know that these dolls were made with the intent of being in the specific hands of those abused, that is why I am asking for your input. You did not make these lovelies with the intent of them being sold. My next farmer's market is July 10th, I'd really like to promote and generate funds in this way, but not without the support of the group. Please let me know your feelings on this solution.
Thanks again for all your support and hard work.
Smiles to All,
Brenda

Farmer's Market...

I had a booth in Culver, IN today. What a wonderful little market. I had some of my little comfort dolls, as well as my gourd work. It was so wonderful to be able to talk one on one to people who asked about the dolls, and the project. I'm making new business cards for next week so that I can spread the word through this little community which stretches far beyond it's city limits. What a great opportunity to spread word about our project.
Smiles to All,
Brenda

New Visitors....

Two little ladies stopped by for a brief stay. These lovelies were created by Patti Koosed. Thanks Patti! A couple of quick call-outs for Patti, you can find more of her creations at http://www.pchickki.etsy.com/ and www.treasurebarnblog.blogspot.com . I do LOVE opening up the packages that end up on my door stoop. It's always such a sense of Christmas when you were a kid, full of curiosity, and anticipation. And let me assure you, there is never a disappointing moment when I unwrap the little beauties!! Your love and generosity always come through.

Thanks again for sharing all your hope with the rest of us, and then sending on to very courageous women, who have found that the world can love, and that pain does not equal love.

Smiles to All,

Brenda

Some of your work!!!

Like I said previously...hoarder. What this last bit has taught me is that I'm going to be changing how I post your work. I feel like I'm somewhat short changing you as I end up mixing your work and loosing track of who makes what and where it goes....

That being said, I will be posting pics with artists names when you dolls make it to my doorstep, and then, take a photo of the dozen that I send out as a group. This picture will not include your name, you know which ones you made, but it will include WHERE the dolls will be going. I think this set-up will insure that everyone gets credit (I know that is not why you are doing this...but I'm a lover of "gold stars") AND alleviates some of the stress of keeping everything straight for me.

Thanks for your continued support.

Smiles to All,

Brenda

Good Morning, Good Morning, Good Morning!

Oh my goodness, it's been too long since I've been here. It's so nice to be back. First off, a flood of dolls have been making it to my door step from EVERYWHERE!!! France, I can't believe that, Indianapolis....and as far west as Washington. This is just thrilling!
I will tell you that over the past month I have been a bit of a doll hoarder. Why? you ask...is it laziness...or is it pure promotional genius? (I'd love to say the latter, but I think it hits somewhere in the middle) Remember, I had posted about being contacted from a mag in Australia. Well, I wanted as many artists to be represented in that as I could. So....Hoarder. I took individual shots of your work, and then I took some shots with all the little lovelies in a giant basket. So, hopefully when the article is published, it will give a great overview of all the wonderful talent and generosity that is given by all of you.
So, now, time to package all of these sweethearts up and send them on their way.
Once again, thanks to everyone for your generosity of time, love and talent....it speaks volumes!!
Smiles to All,
Brenda

Happy Thursday

What a wonderfu week this has been. I had on CDP artist complete two more dolls, she wrote me saying that the experience is being very cathartic for her. She would be sitting at her machine, pleased with her doll, and then in the next moment, crying, because of the simple "need" for that doll. It can be sad, if we choose to take that look at it. It can also be extremely powerful. The more women are able to find the courage to walk away from their abusive situation, the more inspiration it gives to others.
I also recieved a package from another doll artist, 12 wonderful little dolls. Enclosed was a beautiful Arizona landscape card with thankful words for me.
This project is giving me so much. So much, what? Well, I think words of encouragement. I didn't realize how much encouragement can help. (I didn't think I needed any, and maybe I didn't need them) Just a pleasure to receive, kind of like that front parking spot when you really don't feel like walking, an unexpected gift.
Smiles to everyone,
Brenda

Beautiful Spring Thursday!

Can you believe it is already MAY! It's hard to fathom that there are only 18 more...eww...maybe 17 more schooldays left in this school year. Incredible.I'm thoroughly loving this years spring, I think my magnolia tree has been blooming for the past 3 weeks, I kid you not. (there are still buds and blossoms on)
We are so much like the springtime too, full of hope of the newness of the life to come throughout the year. I can say that today. I'm optimistic today. I generally am, don't get me wrong I have plenty of pity party days too, although, they have no real justification.
How far I've come in growing, very far. Right now at 46, I can say I'm thrilled to have grown the way I have. Does that mean that I'm grateful for verbal abuse that I have taken in the past, well...I'm grateful that I have learned and grown from it. I don't know who coined the phrase "sticks and stone can break my bones, but words can never hurt me" "but I'm going chime in right now and say he was either the most mentally strong person in the world, or lived in a world of painful denial....cause OUCH!!! Words do hurt. There are no two ways about that. However, there is a choice to be made, we can change that soundtrack any time we want. Can it be difficult? You bet, but we can do it. I know, because I have. Do I still have to do a little "re-grooving" so that that needle doesn't slip back and play that old tune? You bet. It can be done. (Now, I realize that I've dated myself with the "record" analogy...for you youngins' out there, it was how we listened to music, it involved a record, a record player, and often a penny taped to the arm of the needle to keep it from skipping).....(sorry, I digress...but what fun it is!!)
Remember to pat yourself on the back, and while you are doing that, reach around with the other arm and give yourself a hug. You deserve it!
Smiles to All,
Brenda