...look who came knocking...

I love it when I read the return address and it says "B. Torres"...why?  because I KNOW there are going to be some fantastic little creatures inside the box. (one might say...hmmm. that might be setting yourself up for a bit of a let down there Brenda..) Oh no, I opened that box up and sure enough, the happiest little creatures shined up right at me! Beverly, the creator of these little gems, is of Heartland Creations. Thanks Beverly!!

Also, dozen numero dos has arrived from the SewNews.com. Comfort Doll pattern I loved these little gals! Not only did Beverly H. (really, what are the odds that packages from 2 Beverly's would arrive on the same day?) give each one of these beauties their own little bag, she gave them all signature hair styles!!! LOVE IT! That is what makes this so much fun. NEVER think that there is just one way to do this project. This is just as much for allowing your creative spirit out as is helping out a worthy cause. The wonderful thing is this: by allowing yourself to have fun, to show your creativity, by taking that little risk... all of that comes through in your doll. By taking that care it is  then  passed right on to the woman receiving it!
Smiles to All,
Brenda

...I think it may get CRAZY around here

...ok first things first.

Nancy C. last month sent in some fantastic dolls, which she was given the old "type" kudo's, but nothing does justice to any ones work like a photo...and since I found my cable, I'm now once again able to provide the visual!!
I love all the different faces, fabrics, and embellishments. Thanks Nancy!

hhhmmmm...goody box

Next, I'm extremely proud to announce our first delivery of Comfort Dolls from the SewNews.com article. Ms. Lotus Moon's, from Boulder CO, package awaited me as I got in from a dental appointment. (I smiled but couldn't really feel it because I had a front cavity filled and I was numb) (47 and STILL cavities...arghhh) ok got off track...but Ms. Moon did not!! 12 wonderful new dolls! In case you missed my last post, SewNews.com has made our Comfort Doll Project their charity of 2012.

they look just like in the article!!

Now, with that being said...I think it is time to make a goal. My hope for 2012 is that we are able to send out 12,000 Comfort Dolls this year. Unfortunately, that number doesn't even come close to the number needed for the courageous women who are taking the first steps to a better life. The care every one of us takes in making our dolls to send forward to their new homes sooo reads through when you look at them. So, when you read my goal, remember that by taking the loving care and time with how ever many you chose to make, let that care shine through. We'll hit our number, just through pure care and love. One doll at a time.
Smiles to All,
Brenda

...sew news.com...featuring our project with their doll template..

I am always amazed at how much we all can achieve. It seems like  I don't really do that much, I know this, because i know I could do more. But, I'm going to put that aside. What each and every one of does, helps! That is the bottom line.  In one of the recent posts, pchickki used the word "ashamed"...that kinda hit me. Why?!? Because I feel the same way. I feel that I should be doing more, I can be doing more, why am I not doing more?...those damn "shoulds" they are bothersome as they don't account for the actual "what's" that we ARE doing...my goal...put shame aside, it's completely unproductive and an undermining little (cover your ears) prick (there, yes,  I said it) That is how strongly I feel about shame, it's cunning and conniving...best just to steer clear.

So, here we are in a new year and SewNews.com has added us as their project. Lucy Blaire has created her own pattern to share with her readers in hopes to encourage more dolls to be donated. She has developed a wonderful, simple pattern to follow. Every month she will be highlighting our project this year in hopes to raise more awareness. GIANT THANK YOUS! to Lucy and SewNews.com
I wish everyone a wonderful new year.
With warm Smiles to All,
Brenda

... welcome to my new visitors!!

I hope everyone is finding their holidays pleasant. They can be a bit of a burden sometimes which...isn't that just the most ridiculous thing?? Ohhh the irony! I received a wonderful greeting earlier this month from some lovely new dolls. A giant thank you goes out to Nancy in Florida!!! She sent in the most beautifully done dolls. You are saying..."Brenda, that's FANTASTIC, let's see"...I know, I wish i could share, BUT, I can't find my cord again for the camera. (alas, a common foible of mine) As soon as I find it, or, break down and purchase a new one, I will upload the pics that I have taken to share.
In the meantime, Happy upcoming year. I wish everyone the best that life has to bring....don't forget that can sometimes be wrapped in struggle...it's worth the unwrapping!!
Smiles to All,
Brenda

...the Australian Connection...

I received a letter today from Elizabeth in Australia.  Stop..backup... On Sunday we, Elizabeth and  I were contacted via e-mail by Jeannie Ward who works for a women's shelter in Sydney, she really loved our project and what we are accomplishing. On Oct. 9th, they are having a  "Community Cares Day" to help raise awareness of domestic/family violence and related issues. She invited us to be involved in some way.

OK...fast forward to today...
Elizabeth, our Australian CDP sponsor received her first doll donation in the mail! She is hoping that Jeannie will be able to display these with flyers for the  "Community Cares Day".  The timing could not have been any better.
It never ceases to amaze me how the powers that be deliver.
Now here is the photo Elizabeth included

These wonderful dolls are from a  well known Australian doll designer,  Delys Brady, who has donated part of her collection.  A lovely lady and a lovely gesture!
 Once again, thank you one and all for your participation and support for our project. It is because of every individual that our group is  such a success.
Smiles to All,
Brenda

...mystery solved

the unknown Artist is Lynette Cahill fromTucson, AZ. This is a direct quote from Lynette: 

 

"   I primarily make quilts and use the surface design techniques I have learned in the dolls.  Besides going to a good cause, the dolls give me the opportunity to finish something on a lot less time than a quilt and they are a good avenue for my slightly skewed sense of humor."

 

Lynette's sense of humor comes through and they are just wonderful. !! Thanks for solving the mystery

Happy Days to All,

Smiles,

Brenda

good morning...donations given their due....

good morning to everyone! First off, this summer I received many wonderful donations that were not given note. So, here it is!!

a giant box full of comfort dolls from Colleen Cheshire...the box literally overfloweth, 126 comfort dolls to be exact!

Kudos our wonderful French Connection Jill McNeilly of bois-fleurie.blogspot.com. Thank you so much for such a wonderful donation. Your faces are just fantastic!
CA Haskell from Texas sent these wonderful gems! I so love that everyone is so different and so uniques with their dolls!

Next up...ugh...I don't know who these are from, I misplaced the card...BUT...I absolutely love these!!! all the wonderful different face beads and designs you incorporate are just a hoot!! Please, set me straight so that I may give you the artist a name.


If I have somehow missed someone, please let me know. The summer without internet was just enough of a snafu to throw-off this already off -kiltered blogger!

Smiles to All,
Brenda