Ask and it shall be given ye, seek and ye shall find...

The 4th or 74th dozen has been sent to the Crisis Center in Ottumwa Iowa

The 5th or 75th dozen are making their way to the Elizabeth Stone House in Jamaica Plain, Mass

the 6th or 76th to Bethany House in Somerset, KY.

And you out 7th or 77th dozen, enjoy your stay with your new families in Marion Illinois from the Women's Center, Inc.

and finally our 8th or 78th dozen are flying out to Salem Oregon to the wonderfully courageous women at the Mid Valley Shelter.
Once again, I am just in awe of the universe and it's ability to deliver. (not to mention all of you). It is just so much fun going to the Post Office with such wonderful mail. Once again, thanks to all.

Smiles,

Brenda

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