2011

The new year has begun somewhat with a whimper. I don't mean that to sound like it's been a bad start, because it really hasn't. But there isn't much to report. Maybe that's for the best... the last couple of years have had more than their share of drama.

I don't make New Year's Resolutions, per se, although my decision to start back on the Weight Watchers plan, and in fact to take better overall care of myself (physically, mentally, and spiritually) happens to be nicely coinciding with the beginning of 2011.

So, may it be a year of health, happiness, and whimsy. Never underestimate the power of whimsy!

Musings

Is it healthy to have moods go up and down with such unpredictability? Maybe it's just the way people are. Maybe I'm more normal than I give myself credit for.

Music helps. One of the greatest gifts that God has given me is a love and appreciation for music that is so strong, I can actually physically FEEL it. The right song can lift me outside of myself, take me out of all the crap, and give me a feeling of power and rightness that I cannot achieve in any other way.

Dolls help. It is extremely satisfying to look at a doll and know his or her name, story, and personality.

And more than anything, faith helps. When all else fails, I know God is watching and has a plan. I just need to listen so He can share it with me.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

I don't know if I can afford to stay in this apartment. I hope I can, at least for awhile. With everything else that is going on, moving would be the thing to drive me completely around the bend.

But no matter what, things are better. And they will continue to get better. I'm so much more blessed than I ever realized.

Creativity

There is something very satisfying about the creative process. It's even more satisfying when you genuinely love the product you've turned out. While I could sit and pick apart the minor details and mistakes, I find it much nicer to just enjoy having a new doll in my collection that nobody else has. Behold the before, Raspberry Tart with an extra dress from Strawberry Shortcake:



And the finished product, Raisin Cane:



I'm so pleased with how this project went, she is going to be first in a series.

It's Saturday Night

I'm alive. I exist. I don't think I can say I live.

Evolution

How do you juggle a professional relationship with a friendship when the same two people are involved? How do you approach a friend who says they value your relationship, but appears completely incapable of (at best) or disinterested in(at worst) doing their share of the work. (We all know that any relationship takes work.) How do you separate the crap from the valuable? How does someone who was once very sure of who they were figure it out when they realize they no longer have any idea? How do you develop faith in yourself? How do you know where to start with the million ideas in front of you, each with its own appeal, pros, and cons?

Epiphany, of sorts

Maybe I'm looking for solutions to problems that aren't really problems. Maybe I'm trying to fix things that aren't broken. Maybe I'm okay the way I am, complete with uncertainties and fears.