It's been awhile..... I'm sorry to be so silent for so long..... Last year was tough. Life definitely got in the way of doll play....
In addition to caring for a family member with dementia, there were other family members with major health issues. And of course, it was my shoulder everyone turned to..... A rental property owned by my dad that had been vacant for a number of years...it was me who had to finally get it ready to put it up for sale. As if all of this wasn't enough...that most contentious and unescapable presidential election season in the US zapped what little creative juices I had left, leaving me completely uninspired and dry...
I was able to eke out a couple Dolly Red Carpet fashion reports last year. But the various fashion weeks have been a bust. Most of the masters of fashion have left this earth or retired, leaving in their wake, designers trying to show what terrific "artists" they are without creating any real stylish clothes. One has the feeling that the world is in turmoil from a radically changing ideology to ridiculous costumes passed off as fashion. In any case, it's been challenging, and my girls have been grumbling all year long!!!
On the other hand, they were ecstatic that only three new faces arrived on our doorstep:
The newest girl to arrive, say hello to Gwen (named after Gwen Stefani). She's Integrity Toys' Baby Blue Imogen Lennox
Gina (named after Gina Lollobrigida). She's Integrity Toys' Holiday Spot Dania.
Colleen (named after 1960's super model, Colleen Corby). She's Après Ski Poppy Parker.
I was not tempted by any more than these three beauties. First of all, I've been collecting now for over 12 years so I'm looking for something different from the girls I have already and...as everything else in fashion....aesthetics have changed and I'm not always attracted by the new faces proposed by IT.
I probably should not count the past year towards this year's anniversary. I was tempted not to acknowledge year #12. Last year, there were only four posts. I haven't been on Instagram either, though from time to time, I do put a little something up on our Facebook page (new doll arrivals, Dolly Advent Calendar).
I cannot predict what 2025 will bring. Here in the US, things have gotten off to a bad start (terrorist attack in New Orleans, fires in Los Angeles, plane crashs and toxic politics). HOWEVER...I was finally able to muster up some creative juices and put together not only this post but the one which follows immediately after!
If you're reading this, it means you still care about us and I appreciate that. Please know that I am eternally grateful for your friendship. We're still around....it's just that it's taking me a little longer to get things together and come back to play...
With love from me and the girls..
April
Hello April, I am so happy to read you. We were all impatiently waiting for a new publication. Thank you for sharing. We are all busy with life events and we also have to take care of our loved ones. But thank you for taking your precious time to let us know. It is sincerely appreciated. (Shasarignis)
ReplyDeleteHello April and happy blogoversary! Sorry to hear about your relative with dementia. It looks like it's been a rough year for some of us, and the blogosphere lately feels like a desert. I miss the good old days. A few days ago I was recalling the #dollchat combos we had on the platform formerly known as Twitter. I've recently moved to Bluesky where I'm trying to see if I can find some fellow doll collectors over there, and maybe reconnect with people I used to interact with on other platforms, but so far I haven't been very successful.
ReplyDeleteHope everything will eventually go back to normal, and we'll be able to enjoy some dolly-time.