Soft in the Head

Trying Something New and Fun.....
I don't know about the rest of you out there in "Artist Land" but I truly have a tough time trying anything I am not familiar with, you know something new? While paperclay is nothing new, me using it is. I am also a very proud and shy, yes shy, person about asking how to do something. I got burned once, quite severely, asking for help with a project from another artist so I shy away from classes by other artists and asking to many questions. I am very fortunate though to belong to an amazing group of women, "THE PFATTIES" that think nothing about reaching out their long arm of experience and helping the less knowledgeable, like me! I have learned so much from these women about art and life in the art world....NEVER SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF and BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!

I guess I am rambling on about this because of my latest creation "Greta the Crow". I can't tell you how excited I am about how she turned out...simply amazing, well for me amazing, lol! I seriously think she is one of my favorite creations. I am also excited to announce that she sold to a wonderful friend and artist! THANK YOU NANCY! Having Nancy purchase Greta was such a compliment to me especially as I travel down this scary and unknown road of the world of paperclay! I think all artist type people should travel outside their comfort zone and enrich themselves with the new and undiscovered! You NEVER know what might come forth from your mind to your hands. Heck any of us could be the next Michaelangelo! Okay that's pushing the envelope a might but ya never know! Well I do know a few words of Italian so I'm at least headed in the right direction...

>The PFATT Marketplace is Having " JINGLE TIME JULY"

It's Christmas in July at the PFATT Marketplace! Come on over everyone and celebrate with a bit of Christmas cheer. Enter for the giveaways!

"Soft in the Head" will introduce you to Jingles the singing and dancing mouse, Lucious and Glory, two mice with the Christmas Spirit and Greta a very unusual crow. Grab your beverage of choice and get comfortable and start shopping. PFATT is even a nice place to just visit and relax.

check it out on the 10th on: PFATT MARKETPLACE

Meet Mrs. Hutchins
When Mrs. Hutchins made her appearance a few months back as a finished character she was VERY popular. I thought at that time she would make a great new addition to the Halloween line of "Soft in the Head" patterns....soooo here she is.

Next is Mrs. Potts a mouse with a curious need to serve tea so when visiting be sure to bring a crumpet or two to share. She too was a finished character some months back and was very popular with so many that I thought that she should be expanded and shared as a new "Soft in the Head" pattern.

Each pattern sells for $10.00 and this includes shipping. To order just email me at: softinthehead@gmail.com Please remember these patterns are copyright protected. Seems silly that I need to remind some people of that huh?

My Little Brother.....
Often we hear amazing stories about miracles and blessings that happen to people, but we never think that it could happen to us. We might wish it would but deep down I think we believe miracles are left to others. Well I have to share a miracle and a blessing that did happen to my family...not my immediate family but to my brother. Some of you already know but I'm going to share with everyone now.
Twenty years ago my brother lost his daughter. It was a messy divorce and some sneaky manipulations were involved so that his ex wife could run off with his little girl. I think it broke my brothers spirit when this happened. He dutifully paid his child support every month through the courts but never had any idea where his daughter was. About a month ago my brother received a phone call from a young woman...his daughter! She was living in Alaska and with the advice of her best friend went searching for her father. My brother got to spend Father's Day with his daughter, a daughter that he hadn't seen in 20 years! Miracles and dreams do happen. My brother has spent all those years hoping and praying that his little girl would return and she did. I even got to talk to my neice while she was visiting my brother, what a thrill. I am a firm believer that we don't re-visit the past when starting out new. You take each new day and make a memory and let that day become your yesterday and your past. I thank the" powers that be" for re-uniting Stephanie with her dad, my brother Mark! Blessed Be!

We Should All Work Together!
Like anything in life finding a good balance with your business is essential. Sometimes if we reach out to a fellow artist or business person and we find that we just might have something the other person needs or wants and so begins the bartering system. We also are able to find those that have unusual and wonderful items of interest that can be shared with others. The reason for my weekly posts about my friends and fellow artists is to get the word out there about what they have and the quality of the items.

This week I would like to introduce everyone to someone that I truly admire: Sandy Wood from "Sam I Am Creations". Sandy is a miracle worker when it comes to graphics. If there is ever anything you might need for your blogs, webs, anything, she's the one to contact . She is a designer extraordinaire. Sandy has designed all my banners for my blogs and selling sites. She does all the artwork for the PFATT Marketplace and the ads that PFATT have in certain magazines and on Ebay. For some wonderful eye candy check out Sandy at: www.samiamcreations.com

Next I would like to introduce Gina Cooper of "Cat Nap Inn". She sells all kinds of wonderful items we can use to spruce up our homes, whether it be for comfort or to smell really good Gina's got it. I met Gina on my travels out west. She presented me with the most awesome "hip bag". The work on this bag was genius and will last me for many years. Heck she even embroidered my name in it. Check out her incredible pillows, very nice, at: The Catnap Inn

The next individual is an old friend. Though we have never met in person we have always had a special bond...Michelle Sylvia of "The Blackberry Briar". She and I go way back to the time she lived in New Hampshire and me in Vermont. Michelle was one of my very first pattern customers. I have so much respect and love for Michelle. She is a true and caring person and an amazing artist. Michelle also has her own line of incredible soy candles. Now I have not purchased one for myself but I can tell you that the hub-bub on the internet is that they are the BEST! There is no finer tribute than the word from other artists about the quality of work and the word about Michelle's soy candles is nothing short of "AMAZING"!!!! Check them out at: The Blackberry Briar

These are wonderful and incredible artists....visit them and do some shopping. You will not be disappointed. Hmmmm I wonder who I will feature next week???? So many and so little time, lol!

It's Christmas In July On TDIPT!!!
" Midnight Ride" with St. Jack
It may be Christmas in July on TDIPT but it's October at my house! I thought I would combine the two seasons....I mean it worked for Tim Burton! I did manage to get a bit more into the Christmas spirit with "Miss Cimblecorn" the church music director. She is busy preparing all her little charges for the Christmas pageant.

I was very lucky while visiting a second hand store not to far from me here in Virginia and got this amazing vintage child's shoe. It was just calling out for Little Hedgewick the Mouse Witch. I could see her sitting patiently with her broom and "WAH LA" here she is! I love my little mice...they always have such a personality and no two ever look alike!

This will be my last month on TDIPT! It is beginning to get crazy here with magazine deadlines, custom orders and designing some new patterns. I really needed to eliminate some of my stress so I can enjoy my life and still make a living. I want to take some time to visit friends this year and I have my shows to prepare for. I will still continue to be on PFATT Marketplace and Simply Primitives and now Ebay. Visit me and please if you have any questions just let me know....

Meet Lady McCath..a Spirited Feline!
After a year of being away I am headed back to ebay. Since being asked to be a part of the EHAG (Eclectic Halloween Artist Group) I figured it was time. I'm hoping that I will be able to maintain it and keep it fresh often. I do love Halloween and this will be a great way to keep the ol' Halloween imagination alive and going strong. Hope you will take some time and visit the "Soft in the Head" characters that I will be introducing on ebay.

My first new character is "Lady Mac Cath"....she is lost feline soul who has gone to the darkside. She roams the halls of her ancient and decaying castle looking for her next victim, while quoting Shakespeare the entire tyme. You will see her lighting the way with her melted candle and carrying a snack. I do love cats and Lady Mac Cath was an adventure to make......Wish me luck!

With Cuteness!
Everyday I praise the "powers that be" for the internet. I'm able to watch my grandkids grow and see my own children flourish....where ever they may be this month!

This picture is of Ethan, my little namesake. No my name isn't really Ethan but Ethan does share my middle name of Kay (very Nordic of his parents). From the time he was born he was very secure and happy being #2 son and having BIG brother Jude being the out going "Alpha" child. Let me tell you though this #2 son is leaving his mark, whether it be strawberries on the back of a chair or bananas on the ceiling he is a force to be reckoned with! Smooches to my little buddy....oh darn I just smudged my computer screen....that's not good! Where's the screen cleaner?
Jude, Popcorn and Transformers....... Jude and Daddy are taking in the Saturday matinee of Transformers....I remember when Saturdays were all about those awesome, adventure type movies. I was no different than my grandson Jude when it came to "MY" big bag of popcorn and some M&M's and then I would snuggle back in my chair and prepare myself for the ride of a lifetime. I so wish I was there to watch Jude's eyes get big and watch him shovel popcorn into his wide open mouth as though he is in a daze...Some things never change as the years go on....Make a memory Jude!

I've noticed that this quality of speaking my mind and being so incredibly honest carries with it such a burden. A burden that at times makes me feel like a real "PUNKIN' HEAD" a head filled only with mush and seeds and not an ounce of "common sense".......My kids use to laugh at some of the things that would come out of this mouth of mine...sometimes blaming it on to much medication or a bit of the bubbly. Neither, of course was true, well I don't think it was true! Now I am worried! Could I be one of these women that is souring with age? Am I becoming a "curmudgeon"? Oh No not a "CURMUDGEON"! That would be the kiss on death!...I just had a flash of me sitting alone, old and gray with a toothless snarl and complaining about the weather....OH MY!!!!!! I still have time to change, I hope. No more soap boxes for this girl, well at least for a while. I am going to hang up my cape and focus on the task a hand.....my business and hope that no more crusades cross over into the" Land of Soft". But...to all you gossip mongers, imagination stealers, and all around bad hair people, know this....I am out there and I am watching.

*****************************************Found this and Love It!***************************************

I HAVE A MOUSE STALKER!!!!!!
This business comes with a lot of senseless hull-a-baloo and greed. A person (me for instance) can spend sometimes days trying to figure out a design and/or vignette and "POOF" just like that someone comes to your blog and takes it away and calls it theirs! You know I hate the word "copy", it's such an overly used word and so many people out in the art world sling it around like a Frisbee on Saturdays at the park. I kinda like using imitate, duplicate, resemble or my old time fav reproduce! I am being hit pretty hard right now with this ridiculous act by someone that seems to like visiting my blog sometimes 10-12 times a day. They REALLY like my mice pictures and proceed to check every single one of them out. Well needless to say I had to check this person out and "Low and Behold" they are selling patterns. Now not just any pattern mind you but they are selling "MOUSE" patterns and oddly enough the mice look just like a pattern that I started selling in 2006....Wow isn't that something? Why is this necessary? Does an individual really get gratification from creating something from another persons imagination. Personally I think the gratification should come from knowing you did it on your own. All ARTISTS can stand back and know they created what they have with bits and pieces of themselves inside their work, this is why stealing any part of it is criminal.....To my mouse stalker....just know I'm watching and I do have an attorney in the family. I'm a generous soul by nature and I will let some things slide once and then my darkside starts to get antsy.....

Who Would Have Thunk!!!!
So many things have happened to me along this very unexpected journey that I have been taking for the past 15 years but none has been as exciting and yet as nerve racking as joining the "Ghoultide Gathering" gang. I will be in the company of artists that I, personally, have held near and dear to my heart. To be able to meet your idols is one thing but for them to feel your work warrants being alongside theirs is surreal! I am so honored and yet I can't seem to find a way to keep these old fat knees of mine from knocking together at the approaching date.

Scott Smith of "Rucus Studios" designed this beautiful ad. I have been told this is the Halloween Event of the year....so if any of you can make it do it, you won't be disappointed and you will get to meet the artists behind all this incredible talent in person! Be sure to check out the ad in the " Somerset Holiday & Celebration" magazine and if you present the ad you will receive a discount on your admission. If you look close at this ad you might see this humble little pumpkin guy, you know the one down on the left corner....yep that's the one! He's mine! I'm not proud or anything am I????

Sticking Together In Tough Times......
I may live in a store but I do most of my shopping online. Many of my friends on my favorite list sell more than just dolls or characters...they sell "ART" and the items needed to make the art!. What I am going to do is start to profile some of my favorite people and what they have in order to share with everyone that visits here. Some of these artist sell some quality materials and need to have the word spread far and wide about it.....So here I am yelling far and since I am already wide I will fore-go that...

First I would like to introduce you to Ann of "Crowing About Primitives" ....Not only is Ann an accomplished doll designer and shop owner but this woman sells the BEST DARN SHEEP WOOL I have ever used. I'm sure I could get a mountain of testimonies re: her wool but just know that I am a customer for life with Ann. Her wool makes my characters look good and there is nothing that says Santa like a nice, rich full beard...right?

There is another very special friend that deals with wool as well but hers is already made into fabric.....Meet Alice of: "Folk Art Primitives". This woman dyes her own wool and it is spectacular. I first met Alice at the "From Our Hands" Show in Columbus, Ohio and have been a fan ever since. If you need wool fabric in a special color....just ask Alice!

Next is a wonderful friend and PFATT sister, Lori Davis. Lori is a fantastic artist, her small and detailed portraits of her characters are simply amazing. Lori sells her paintings on ebay through her wonderful "Village Gift Shoppe" where you can find incredible treasures and smells and also her artwork. I bought some fantastic bottle brush trees from Lori last year and the room sprays are "deeeee licious"! Hmmmmmm, I love anything with the smell of cinnamon!

I hope to continue this tribute and description of our fellow artists out there that are trying to get by in this present economic upheaval. We need to stick together and pass the buck, so to say, with each other. Even in your gift giving "REMEMBER" nothing says love more than something "HANDMADE"!

"Hope"
is the thing with feathers..










"Hope" is the thing with feathers --
That perches in the soul --
And sings the tune without the words --
And never stops -- at all --

And sweetest -- in the Gale -- is heard --
And sore must be the storm --
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm --

I've heard it in the chillest land --
And on the strangest Sea --
Yet, never, in Extremity,
It asked a crumb -- of Me. Emily Dickinson

This poem comes to mind more so now than ever before. Everyday it seems I am coming in touch with more sadness regarding friends and family. I know the "circle of life" can be a cruel and unyielding task master and we have no control over time "BUT"! When young life is cut short or those close to you are dealt a bleak and desperate hand of fate, what can you say? You say have HOPE... How many times a day do we say "I hope"? Often we are so consumed by the onslaught of our own lives that we get lost and forget that our world is not entirely about us...I know I'm guilty.

In one day I had a friend lose their father, a loved one take a turn for the worse with cancer and a friend lose her home, but did one of these brave souls lose "hope"? Never! It is what makes each one of us strong and able to survive life.... Take a minute out of your busy day and just throw some "hope" out there, cause I know no matter which direction it flies someone will catch it!

I love when PFATT Marketplace does their annual "Halloween in June" cuz I get to go a bit bonkers! The new characters I have being introduced this month are some of my favorites ever! They were a bit time consuming and at times a bit stubborn in their construction but alas here they are.....Hope you will giggle and chuckle as much as I did while looking at them!

The first on the list is "MR. JACK O' LANTERN" (SOLD)....He is this first of his type, that is a guy with a "lantern" for a body. Not just any lantern mind you but one that is old and rusty. Next I would like to introduce another of my frog witches meet "HOPSEBAH THE SWAMP WITCH" (SOLD). I love making the frog witches it has been one of my most popular designs. I have sold over 400 of the "Frogette" pattern which is a small version of the frog witch . The expressions they have are always good for a giggle.

The last member of the PFATT cast is "NICODEMUS THE WIZARD" (SOLD) another of my Halloween Ravens. This is another group of characters that I thoroughly enjoy, my ravens. From the beginning with Ulysses to now the ravens have always been special to me. Nicodemus is no exception. He has a wise and all knowing look about him as he calls to the cosmos for guidance. I hope these new Halloween characters will spark some chuckles and good feelings your way. I know they did for me. Take some time and go enjoy all the Halloween Magic that PFATT Marketplace has this month, you won't be disappointed, I know I never am!

Hubby and I were doing some spring cleaning this last weekend and I dropped off some office furniture at Goodwill. As we were driving away I could see a sad look on the desk chair as if he was about to sob for being left alone at Goodwill. Now I know you are all thinking what a "NUT" I must be to imagine such a thing....well folks I refer to this as the "GROWING UP DISNEY" syndrome. Being a product of the 50's I saw many inanimate objects come to life through Disney. It has become, I guess, an obsession of mine to see the same in everyday objects. Did you know my car has a name and a personality? I also say excuse me to the furniture when I clumsily bump into it....It's that "growing up Disney" thing! I can put faces on just about anything and imagine the sofa and recliner having a tete a tete at night while we sleep. I know the diningroom chairs "shuffle off to Buffalo" often when the sun goes down, they leave the worst scuff marks! Oh I know you're all smirking and thinking the men in little white coats are parked outside my door, but it's true, I see life in everything. My world is alive with color, laughter and an occasional scuff mark....try seeing it yourself! You will watch life with a whole new perspective!

I Think He Made A Wrong Turn!
Our son David is at E3 in Los Angeles for the next ten days. He is working and will soon be returning to Shanghai. I miss him so much but alas with the economy being what it is and having the impact it has had on Dan and I, I'm afraid we are not able to go see him. It has been a very long time, years since I have hugged my son. It's an ache that just increases with time. Thank God for the internet! I did talk to him last night and he will be spending quality tyme with his sister and family. He can't wait to torment his nephews!

The Smallest Gesture Can Have a Vast Impact!
I always thought of myself as just your "run of the mill" individual....nothing really special. When I was a kid I use to find myself sitting on top of this hill in the middle of a huge cornfield fantasizing about being a hero. Of course my idea of a hero was someone that rescued all the passengers from a downed aircraft or a family from a burning house, yadda yadda yadda.....All of it was just what it was "fantasies". As I grew older I found that the simplest gesture of kindness could have the biggest impact.

Sometimes we find ourselves over thinking on what it would take to make a difference. In all actuality it is a rather simple task. Sometimes all it consists of is donating a dollar to a charity, making a sandwich for someone who is hungry or just giving a hug to someone having a bad day. Everything has consequence and everything has purpose.

When I was visiting my mom back last February I learned quite a lot about how much power I actually had in making a difference in someones life. I didn't need a downed plane or a burning house...all I needed was a heart. As I moved mom into her new home, a retirement center, I got a good dose of what loneliness looks like. Not my mom but by the other residents there. These were people with long histories and an ample supply of stories to tell. They had had families and buried spouses. They had lived through wars, economic disasters, prejudices and so many changes that they were like walking history books each with a different cover! You want to make a difference and have some fun doing it....find some seniors and ask them about their lives and take some cookies when you do it! Growing old doesn't have to be scary, growing old should be an adventure and the young should embrace that adventure and hold on tight cause it could be quite a ride. I have already started preparing my grandkids for their ride on the "Grandma Express"!

The PFATTies Had A Swap!


Susan of “SuzieQ” sent me this amazing swap from our PFATT Group. I am speechless and incredibly excited! The picture does not do this little guy justice. He is simply AMAZING! Thank you Susan!

Such Cuteness!
This is our only granddaughter Miss Abby. I haven't held this little bundle of mischief and cuteness since she was about 18 months old and she is now four and getting ready for school this Fall. I love being a grandparent but it just tugs at the Ol' heart to never be physically a part of their little lives. Abby and her two brothers Rohan and Eli are very much missed by their Grandy and Grandpa. The way the economy is right now chances of me ever making it to Australia is getting further from reality but I still have hope! Thank God for the internet!

What Is It????
As I get ready for the "County Fair" theme on TDIPT I'm beginning to have doubts that I know what the "blue blazes" I'm trying to do here....I love paper clay but I have NEVER had a class or any training working with it and I think it shows. This guy was suppose to be an Uncle Sam for TDIPT which is on the 1st but now he is morphing into, I think, a pumpkinhead. It's funny when you start a project, with a character in mind, how that character just seems to vanish and this hidden character seems to emerge with their own personal agenda that you have no control over! I know I'm in that "Halloween" zone but does EVERYTHING have to be a pumpkin or witch? I guess I will have to see what happens as TDIPT gets here and hopefully this little guy gets finished. Here's to figuring "the world of paper clay" out and having a new character that might just dance his way into someone's heart...........

I know I have posted about my work load of recent and well folks it was brought to my attention that maybe this "Ol'Girl" might be exaggerating a bit....I WISH!!!!! I snapped this shot this morning before packing up another group to be shipped. These little characters were the "fruits of my labor" for the past four days and I have yet another group in the beginning stages. It is a lousy picture cause my "workspace" aka "my studio" (I wish I had a studio) faces out a very old rustic 16 pane door so the back light made this cumbersome and difficult and I wasn't about to show the blog world the rest of my work area cause it is a bloody nightmare of chaos and clutter...the way I like it! It is not often I feel the need to validate my integrity and often I just ignore the rants and tantrums of others but this time it hit a nerve....maybe cause I NEED SLEEP! I want to especially thank all my wonderful customers that have been patient and understanding while they wait for their orders. Life has a way of interrupting the best of intentions....Okay enough said and I am going back to my "Studio" LOL!

BIG WAXY GOODNESS!!!
Remember the good old days when you could change your whole face with a pair of wax lips and the best part is they were only a penny....1 cent!!!! I use to walk up to the corner market where you could find rows of penny candy and 5 cent candy bars. I mean a WHOLE candy bar for just a nickel! How sweet was that?
I started my collection of wax lips and other "mouth pieces" when I was about eight years old. My brother and I found these unexpected delights one Halloween and thought they were "WAY COOL"! My brother being older and more sophisticated stuck to the ones with teeth or the moustache, but not me...I wanted RED and LOUD! If I could get into someones face with a BIG pair of juicy looking lips I was all for it and if they had teeth even better. My mom use to get so angry with me when I would have a wad of chewy red wax rolling around in my mouth giving my jaws some exercise. You think gum was bad, this stuff was really ugly to watch a young kid chew. I use to stash my chewed up wads of delight in the cubby holes of my headboard every night before I would slide between the sheets. Of course my mom would find these mangled deformed wads of goodness while cleaning and just go ballistic....now this wasn't quite as bad as finding the 6 or 7 glasses of milk I had stashed in my walk-in closet that had stayed hidden for about a week or so (I hated milk)...Now That's A Whole Other Story!

Our Daughter.........
To our oldest and very accomplished child we wish a very "Happy Birthday". May your life continue to be one of magic and happiness and surrounded with love. Where ever you go inspiration and joy are always close companions. You are a devoted wife and mother and a friend to many. You excel and believe in yourself! You teach and care from your heart and your students and patients love you, we love you! So have a wonderful day you deserve it!

BOO !Check out "The Spirit of Amelia" and my other characters this month on "Simply Primitives".....

WHY NOT??????
I can remember back in the 60's, while I was visiting my "uber" conservative grandmother, always arguing with her and asking why she wouldn't allow me to watch "Star Trek" on television. She just didn't get it and felt that if it was something that she didn't get then it had to be bad for a 16 year old girl. How could something that enters your mind and travels to destinations never before traveled be a bad thing? It could only expand my mind and imagination, I think this is what scared her...not to mention the short, short skirts! Besides it crossed barriers that, to many, seemed unattainable but Star Trek made them seem possible! It opened our cumbersome and somewhat closed minds to wondrous possibilities and doing it with creativity and excitement. Yep I'm a Trekkie and proud of it! I married a Trekkie and raised three little Trekkies, and the "Trekkie" soul continues!
If you have not seen the new "Star Trek" movie DO IT!!!! This was my Mother's Day treat from my husband and for two hours I went on the ride of a lifetime. They have captured the essence of the original and given it even more life. This is without a doubt one of my "FAVS" of the year! I want to go back and see it again and believe me I haven't wanted to do that since "Star Wars". You will love the new cast. They have managed to hold onto the character of their counterparts and yet develop that character into someone even more memorable and unique. Thank you Gene and Majel Roddenberry for giving us imagination and hope through your excellent gift of storytelling. "Beam Me Up Scotty" I exclaim as I flip open my cell phone....heh heh

**************************************************************************************** Hemlock the Raven

Here's a thought....if ya know that "Mother's Day" is right around the corner shouldn't a person who is in the business to sell be making something that would be a great gift for mom? You'd think they would. All I want to do is Halloween! I'm beginning to think that if you cut me I am going to bleed orange blood with black sparklies! I have noticed my laugh is beginning to have a cackle tone and that I have a jar full of mini-Hershey bars sitting by the door. Boy was the UPS guy grinning with surprise when he walked away with a handful. Can Halloween get here soon enough...I think not! So to alleviate some of this "trick or treat" obsession I have decided to just dive in head first and create Halloween before you start seeing this crazy woman knocking on doors wearing a mask!

Here's to "Halloween Wishes and Trick or Treat Smiles"!!!!!

This is my little grandson Ethan burying his head into a good bit of cheer....wonder what is really in that tankard???? I too have those days where I feel the necessity to bury my head in a good libation. In fact I believe I did that exact same thing just yesterday.....! "Bottoms Up" my little guy! Jude is watching somethng very intently while munching away... I can't get enough of Ethan and his brother Jude when they are dressed for action at the Renissance Faire.

Ahhh yes it is the beginning of many beginnings at the "House of Soft". It is the first of the month which is the beginning of my selling venues and to start them off is "TDIPT". TDIPT is celebrating "Made in America" for the month of May. Makes me want to light off some fireworks while I scroll through all the great talent on this site. I have my humble little "Americana" character Samuel making his debut.

As many of you know I have been a bit under the weather for some time now. I guess I wore myself out during my travels to the west coast and in doing so I haven't been able to shake this annoying cold. Now I am adding the constant dose of allergies to the mix and needless to say...ARGH! I'm miserable! But through all of this I was able to start a new Halloween line of characters that actually have my toes a twittering. My new line is called the "Boogity Buddies" a spirited group of characters I hope everyone will get a kick out off. Malcolm is the first and being introduced on TDIPT this month. He is quite a "spectre"! I have so many ideas dancing around in my foggy and snuffed up head that I am having a tough time not diving into all of it at once!

I am in the process of starting a new blog that will nurture that "Halloween" side of my personality. I will have stories, events and characters all pertaining to my deep love for that particular tyme of year. It is a work in progress right now but I am hoping soon it will be tweaked enough to share with everyone. Be on the lookout for Soft in the Head Hauntings soon....Hope everyone will have a "sneeze" free day and go enjoy some TDIPT time, just click on the tab at the top of my blog....

A fellow Virginian and a customer, Randa Eanes, has just opened a wonderful new shop "chock full" of primitive and whimsical creations. I need to go out and see it once I kick this horrid cold that keeps hanging on. To see someone utilizing a piece of Virginia history like this 1939 Old Mill is a sight to see. I think prim and rustic will be right at home here. Here's the ph # for directions: 540-309-oo37....so if you live or will be visiting Virginia I think this will be worth a stop! Good Luck Randa!

Every once in awhile I feel just like "Alice" chasing that proverbial white rabbit. I wake up in the morning with all the best intentions of having a productive day and I end up with a mountain of unfinished business! It never fails, all my best intentions always seem to sprout wings and take flight right out the window....WHY ME? I am an intelligent, somewhat organized woman. I've done the lists, memos to self and even taped off my keyboard so not to get caught up on the internet....why can't I finish what I have planned for the day.

I day-dream! Yep, I am admitting to this most common malady of ALL artists! The simplest of sights will send my mind somersaulting into a kaleidoscope of ideas and stories. Just as one character starts to take life on paper my hand starts to jerk and start on another. After a mountain of white paper begins to grow in the corner of my workroom I realize that I didn't finish the dishes or finish printing out my orders. The order for Mrs. P is still undressed while Mr. C's character still needs his legs and the day is half over! There are seriously days I feel like I am chasing that little white fur-ball down the hole into oblivion! ARGH!!!!! Some seem to think it is my approaching old age! WELL! Whose old? Isn't old just a three letter word or in some cases a four (olde).....Do I need a twelve step program for day-dreaming? Now I am doing it again, here I sit writing when I should be dressing Mrs. P's character and helping Mr. C's to walk....and cleaning up the white paper mountain in my corner! I'm thinking "paper plates" are good, as I listen to my printer humming along and spitting out my orders!

HEY JUDE.......
Every once in awhile I come across a picture that just over flows with cuteness and this is one of them. This is our grandson Jude when he was a street urchin at the Ren Faire in Northern California. His parents have always been active in the Ren Faires , in fact that is where they met. His Dad, Phil, is headlining right now at the Southern California Faire. Our daughter, Casey, has her hands full with Jude and his brother Ethan plus now we have another grandchild on the way....Never thought I would be any good at this grandparent thing and you know "I LIKE IT"!

www.simplyprimitives.com/artisans/softinthehead.html

It seems my creativity mojo got up and left the building and this old "Softee" was left with not one creative spark between my ears.....oh woe with me! When I came close to committing chocolate cake suicide I heard my email sing "You Got Mail"....there was a message from the gang over in PODDS-ville begging for something fun to do like maybe a CIRCUS! Ta-Da! Idea! The wheels started humming in the ol' rumpus room of creativity, fondly known as the workroom, workspace, the mess, or the office....that's scary! After two days of sweat and laughter Good Ol' "Flatfoot the Clown" was born! Guess there will be a circus going to PODDS-ville after all!

As I continued to putter more PODDS came to life....Meet my newest little mini-PODD characters "Little Miss" the Ladybug and Tad "The Little Frog Prince"....Mini PODDS have become VERY popular. The "Soft in the Head" gang has decided that they like the idea of a resident circus, sounds like I am in trouble! Have a spare moment check out PODDS-ville: www.softinthehead-poddsville.blogspot.com

Meet "Jane".....This is a special order that I have been working on for my very dear customer Joyce. She has collected a few cats of mine along the way and a "TON" of mice, but she has always wanted a springy "Tuxedo" cat. Well here she is Joyce and I hope you like her. I must admit I have taken quite a fancy to her myself!

I can't believe all the mistakes I made in my PFATT Marketplace stories/descriptions! One thing is for sure "NEVER TYPE WHEN YOU ARE TIRED"....ARGH!!!!! I really am a literate person, well at least I think I am.....though there are days that I find myself mumbling and only speaking with grunts and moans....some call that "coffee deficiency!"

I am in such a mood! I have "Halloween" on the brain. I start to design a bunny and it's wearing a witch hat...anything and everything turns into a Halloween wannabe! I find myself looking only at orange and black fabric or wondering where I can use that spider, wrap some cheesecloth or add a broom. We have barely gotten out of winter and I am ready for Fall. I want pumpkin soup, pie, cookies and bread. I'm dreaming of tootsie rolls and popcorn balls. Is there a twelve step program for Halloween addicts??? I am beginning to think my only solution is to start doing Halloween characters. Thank the "Powers that Be" that I am a member of "EHAG" a wonderful eclectic group of ebay Halloween artists. It has forced me to make that leap back to ebay after being away for some time. Okay Everyone! I am on a mission....look out Halloween here I come. I am going to embrace my "Trick or Treat" personality and dive into my Halloween cauldron of ideas while wearing my Harry Potter "Sorting Hat"! I'm ready!..

After fighting tornado's, thunder showers, high winds, fog and delayed flights I am finally home. A trip that should have only taken 8 hours turned into a 16 hour fiasco with an end result of "no luggage"! I have no idea where my luggage is and only hope it shows up soon. I had to cut my trip short for personal reasons and it was a tough decision to do so. I missed seeing Christy from "CC Whimsies" and Christine LeFever and spending extra time with Mom.

I was able though, to visit and make many new friends along my journey. Mom is quite content and happy in her new home with many new experiences just waiting for her to tap into. I hung hummingbird feeders outside her window and never realized the amount of excitement and pure joy they would receive from her. She spent hours watching for and enjoying those little "dive bombers" as they flew in and lapped up the liquid confection. Mom's window become "Kay T.V." (mom's name is Kay)...LOL! I only wish that many of the residents of her retirement center could have the same experience. So much loneliness lies behind those walls....very sad.

While I was in Washington state I got to meet and greet Gina and Kimmy. Many of you know Gina Cooper from "Cat Nap Inn Primitives". What a great experience that was! We had a blast! Gina and Kimmy presented me with hand made bags which are absolutely wonderful. Gina gave me a hip bag with a wonderful painting of a "Mocha Meow Cat" on the front and Kimmy's was made from quaint red french ribbons, beautiful. I stole the pic of Gina's bag from her blog but alas my luggage has not shown up so Kimmy's pic will come later. Also in my travels of Washington I met an incredible artist, David Bruce. His creations, "Acorn Cottage", are part of the Halloween and Vine extravaganza that is held in Petaluma, Ca. every year and the sister show to "Ghoultide Gatherings". What a pleasure meeting him was. I am also now a proud owner of one of his creations, signed by him. I will post a pic as soon as it arrives (had to ship it). In preparation for my debut at the "Ghoultide Gatherings" show in October, I went vintage fabric and weird do-dad shopping in and around Seattle. Since this use to be my old stomping grounds I knew of places I wanted to visit and shop. I can't believe the exciting pieces and cuts of fabric I have to work with. You are going to see a bit of a different side to "Soft in the Head" this Halloween. My mind is spinning with ideas and new characters. Gotta love HALLOWEEN!

Well it is time.....I am heading home! My trip was cut a few days short do to complications with flights being canceled. Mom sure isn't happy and neither am I. We had plans to have some quality time for the next few days and I wanted to visit with Christy Meyers of "CC Whimsies" and Christine LeFever. Very sad about the change of events.....hubby is thrilled though! This trip has been an emotional roller coaster on so many levels. I have pictures of new friends and stories to tell which I will post when I get home. I feel such comfort in knowing my mom is happy in her new place and will continue to thrive. My brother is relieved as much as I am with this move and will help cut his personal stress in half. He has been doing such an amazing job with everything. I had so much fun visiting my old stomping grounds in Washington State and made a ton of new memories that will be fun to reconnect with often.
I have a ton of work waiting for me at home and I am so excited about starting in on my Halloween characters for "Ghoultide Gatherings". Fabric shopping in Seattle was a blast and I found some real treasures to use for my new characters residing in my mind. I created my first Halloween Raven for the new Raven line I am excited about. "Nightshade is having her debut on TDIPT this month. I am thrilled that I was able to take this time to re-group and re-energize. Thank you Rennie for everything! You have been my "creative strength" so many times with your encouragement and excitement. Look out Virginia here I come!

It's another birthday for our wandering son David. He is now 34 and STILL in China. We miss him terribly. He has taken a new job as a producer for yet another game company and will be over-seeing projects in China, Eurpoe and "yes" the U.S.!!!! He is still a rock star and playing his music, which is always paramount in his life. We miss our time with him....life always seems a bit funnier and exciting with David in the room! Happy Birthday my son!