Happy New Year 2023

Here is to hoping that this New Year holds lots of good times, events, and pleasant surprises! I have been gathering things together to renew and change the last name on my passport. The last of the name change tasks that I need to complete after

marrying in 2021.

Which as with most tasks with the government involved is a process. All this so I can be all set for going to London during the spring.  I found the application form online and picked up an official copy of my marriage license from the courthouse. Figured out the fee I need to pay, and will need to include the old passport with the application to be mailed in. Just need to get my new passport picture taken and gather everything and mail it. So good things are ahead in 2023 for certain.

Looking back 2022 had a certain share of struggles, challenges, and grief. Most were overcome but some still linger to be tackled another day. Therapy always helps, still working through it. As today is the birthday of my sibling who passed away, I have been thinking of her consistently this Holiday season. From past experience, the first holiday season without family members is always the toughest. Christmas makes me think of Mom a lot too, this was really her domestic time to shine each year. She did work hard to make sure the kids had a decent Christmas, despite her own mental health challenges.

As far as a year in review of my art projects,  I did make 8 dolls and spun lots of yarn for an upcoming weaving project for Tudor Clothing. This is not my normal output of projects per year, it's closer to 20 items. Although I am proud of the quality of each item, I did finish this year. So that is also to be taken into consideration since two deaths in my immediate childhood family occurred this year. I have been fighting a lack of motivation this year, although I did reorganize many belongings due to inheritance. Also found great glass doll cases to assist in keeping my dolls in good shape for the long term.  A purge of items still needs to occur. 

 Some good art projects to start in 2023 always help. So I assembled the dolls that were in my sewing bag, so they are ready to be dressed, am still working on planning the outfits. The porcelain feet I ordered to go with these dolls were far too large. Opted to have a cone bottom for these dolls; which is all stuffing fabric and a wooden disc bottom to maintain weight and flatten bottom to hold back the stuffing. These ladies are set for steady tabletop companionship, just need to sort out the clothes and accessories.

Ended up with some interesting holiday gifts from family and friends. Cat-themed blank book, coin purse, stuffed cat friend, along with a blue and yellow woven scarf with bees on it, a graphic novel, Russian crystal tea glasses, a floral patterned folding large shopping bag, and bookmarks. For my gifts I found three dolls by Kathy Redmond; Catherine of Aragon, Young Elizabeth I, and Catherine De Medici. Handpainted porcelain dressed dolls, all the accessories are carved and gold leafed. These dolls tend to be pricey but found good deals on these three. I have four more but they are not in a good price range and I need to pay down some bills first. Will consider them more seriously after my trip later in 2023. 

Also procured a Brenda Price doll that is a Welsh Haberdashery peddler, so waiting for this to come in the mail to be with the Breacon Spinner on the shelf in the living room. Looks good together in my opinion.

Here is to 2023 and the promise of better times,

Maureen