In which I give in to resolutions

Melinda here again. I promise to let Hitty Flo have her blog back soon, but this is New Year's Eve and I am compelled to write. First, I have to introduce that lovely doll in my photo. She is Anna Lu, by Annette Himstedt and was my birthday and Christmas gift. She is very likely the last Himstedt doll I will get and I think she is beautiful!

Anyway, I usually resist the whole resolution thing because it brings out the perfectionist in me and the uncomfortable feeling that I will fail. However, this year is different. Even though I still prefer to look at each day as a chance for new beginnings, I am willing to state for the record that there are some things on my mind that I plan to accomplish this year. First, I will continue exercising. No need to dwell on that one - it just has to be an ongoing part of my life. Second, I will SEW! I already have discussed that in previous blogs and am very happy to be getting back to sewing as a creative endeavor. And third, I plan to find a place to volunteer in my community. It's time for that. I've been doing things for my friends in Africa and will continue, but I've been itching to do something locally and I have something in mind. I'll let you know how that goes (with Hitty Flo's permission, of course!)

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!

just because

From Melinda:

I took this picture of a Christmas ornament from my childhood that I call The Little Lady Mouse. Right now she is sitting outside of Miss Hickory's cabin and I think they have become friends. I have decided not to return this sweet mouse to the ornament box, but instead to let her stay out and enjoy life as a little mouse friend to Miss Hickory. She reminds me of my mother, who I always miss even more at Christmas, and Miss Hickory could use a friend. Couldn't we all?

One Hundred Dolly Things Challenge

From Melinda:

I have just reread a wonderful children's book called "The Hundred Dresses" by Eleanor Estes. This story is sad and inspiring at the same time, at least to me. I think many of my friends would relate to the little girl in the story who doesn't fit in and is teased by others and who uses her creativity in a special way. I don't want to give away the story, so I won't say any more. However, some of my friends have decided to do a creative challenge of making one hundred dresses for their dolls, or one hundred mini quilts, or something similar. Since I am still trying to get back into sewing and knitting, I have decided to commit to making one hundred "things" for my dolls. That will allow the part of me that can't seem to make more than one of anything a chance to switch between sewing, knitting, quilting and maybe other types of crafts that will always be for the doll companions that live here and perhaps as gifts for some of their friends.

In which we are photographed

Hitty Flo here! I want to share something very special. We have a nice set of photos the hang on the wall right above our house. Our person's husband had the idea and bought the frame. I am so happy that he likes our photos so much! The four photos are different places we have visited and include France, 2 different parts of California, and the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

In which Our Person writes

Hitty Flo is doing a wonderful job on the blog here, but I would like to have a chance to say something once in a while. I have decided to post photos of a couple of quilts that I have made for our house. We recently painted the walls inside, and it's fun to decide what to hang where in terms of pictures and quilts.

The first quilt is a pattern I fell in love with when I saw it on the front of a quilt magazine. It hangs in our bedroom on a wall that is moss green, so not as dark as in the photo. (The colors in the closeup are more correct.) The "bird quilt" was a present to my husband who is a bird watcher and has scenes and birds from our area. It hangs in our dining room.

I am thinking about my next quilt project(s) which will be something for our entryway which has a 2 story high ceiling and lots of light. This will be a long term project!

Cheers! Melinda

In which the Big Girls Dress in Red

Some of the big girls gathered together for a photo since they were all dressed in red. We are all relaxing after such a busy week and are enjoying the many leftovers we have to eat. We hope you are enjoying your holidays!

Christmas Eve

We have been so very busy here! Our person has decorated every room of the house. Even the little bathroom has a small Christmas tree in it. Last night she hosted a caroling party and we got to hear all of our favorite Christmas Carols when the people warmed up and then they went outside to sing for the neighbors. I did not go along, but heard that it was quite a success, with the exception of one little toddler boy who cried.

Our own Hitty house has a Christmas tree and Hitty Benita and Hitty Isabella have just finished baking pies for tomorrow's feast.




Miss Hickory is in the Christmas spirit with her cabin nicely decorated and a little lady mouse sitting outside by the big tree.


The vintage dollys remember many a Christmas past when they were the special gift for some little girl. They have the prize spot - sitting under the big tree in the living room. Little Bunny is sitting on a sled, while the twins Teeny and Tiny look on.



The big girls have their own tree and are hoping Santa will come with many presents. Our newest companion, Cookie, does not have a Christmas dress since our person has been too busy to finish it. Cookie really does not mind, though, as she feels lucky to be with a family for Christmas instead of in a box in a doll factory.


Little Moni is just too cute to leave out. She is one of the Himstedt dolls I have mentioned before. We thought she looked especially cute clutching her angel dolly.


MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! with love from Hitty Flo and her family