Explore Photos

Explore Photos, originally uploaded by confections.

Here is a poster of my photos that have made it to the Explore page on flickr over the course of the two-and-a-half years I've been a member.

Click on the photo to see it completely at original size.

Happy to See the Sun...

Happy to See the Sun..., originally uploaded by confections.

...after all the rain this week. Clementine Louisa took a trip with us to Los Angeles in all the downpour. The sun did come out on our second day there, and she had to get a new pair of shades.

Prima Dolly Aubrena, Now Called Clementine Louisa

Aubrena, originally uploaded by confections.

I have found a name for my new 12" Blythe doll. Her original name as she came from Takara Tomy is Prima Dolly Aubrena, but I have christened her "Clementine Louisa", taking my inspiration from my family tree. She is sweet!

My Funny Valentine: Blythe Prima Dolly Aubrena

My Funny Valentine: Blythe Prima Dolly Aubrena, originally uploaded by confections.

My brand-new Blythe Prima Dolly Aubrena arrived on Tuesday. She is my first Neo Blythe by Takara Tomy; I have two Petite Blythes: Miss Sally Rice and Lily Wild.

I've been having lots of fun dressing her up and thinking about new outfits that I can sew and knit and crochet for her.

Flower Girl Nancy Ann Doll

Flower Girl Nancy Ann Doll, originally uploaded by confections.

This sweet little flower girl doll is from the Nancy Ann series and belongs to my friend Marie Rose. She and my sister and I met up last weekend with our Blythes and Nancy Anns.

The miniature houses in the background were handmade by my sister. She painted them with watercolors and put mylar in the windows. They are a perfect complement to the dolls.

My new twelve-inch Blythe (Prima Dolly Aubrena) arrived on Tuesday. I have taken a few photos and will post them shortly--I'm still pondering her new name....

Cape Cod, Massachusetts, circa 1940

 

Here is an extended family photo of my mother (at about age fourteen and third person from the right) and her siblings and spouses, her nephew, her father, and a friend of the family. The photo was taken by my Aunt Grace on Cape Cod circa 1940. My grandfather (whom I never knew) is sporting shades in the photo and looks for all the world like Van Morrison, the bard of Belfast.

My Grandparents' Wedding, 1914

 

My paternal grandfather was born on this day in 1885. As I have been pursuing genealogy earnestly over the last few years, I have filled in many blanks in my Ahnentafel; however, many are still awaiting discovery on my grandfather's father's side. Most of the oldtimers who might have had answers for me are long gone, including my own father.

My grandparents married in January 1914 and saw their 50th wedding anniversary plus two. The witnesses pictured here are my grandfather's sister and my grandmother's brother.

One of my cousins generously shared a copy of their wedding certificate with me. It is in German--the small community where my grandparents were born was settled by German/Alsatian immigrants. I have a prayer book in German that had belonged to my grandfather's maternal aunt, from whom I got my middle name of Ann.

I'm already looking forward to the release of the 1940 census, which will happen in 2012. Many more answers will unfold for the genealogical community when that treasure trove is made public.

Petite Blythe Collage

My first Petite Blythes arrived on my doorstep yesterday afternoon: introducing Miss Sally Rice and Lily Wild. I ordered these two from Mimi Woo and they were shipped quite quickly. My standard size Blythes are on their way: Lounging Lovely and Prima Dolly Aubrena.

After a brief photo shoot, I whisked Sally and Lily away with me while I ran some errands. They waited patiently in the car while I went to tap dance class and were very excited to meet my sister at one of our favorite restaurants. I can hardly wait for their big sisters to join us on our future excursions.

Evidence of My Current Blythe Obsession

Blythe Poster, originally uploaded by confections.

I don't even have my new Blythe dolls in my possession yet--they're winging their way as I write--but I have met my friend's new Blythe named Daisy and photographed her (see previous post).

I took one of the photos and made an Obamicon poster with it. It's not a "Wanted" poster, but then again, maybe it is....

Blythe

Daisy Resting Her Head on a Pillow, originally uploaded by confections.

My good friend Marie Rose of kittykatdance has lately become enamored of Blythe dolls and I have followed suit.

My brand-new ones have not arrived yet, but my sister and I and Marie had a gathering on Saturday to celebrate her birthday and to meet her new doll, Cousin Olivia.

She has been renamed Daisy and is sporting one of many custom dresses that Marie makes so beautifully, with meticulous attention to detail.

Meet Daisy!