Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Constance and the Old School House...

One of the loveliest drives to the beach here is to head North West through Fillmore and Santa Paula to get to Ventura, Carpinteria, then Santa Barbara. It was a two lane road...(now four in places) that takes you along the orchards. Ahhh, the orange trees. I love seeing them perfectly lined up for miles and miles. The smell of the oranges mixed with the salt from the water smells like home to me. There is an old red school house that we used to stop at as children with our folks. You couldn't go inside, at least not that I remember, but you could play on the swings, the monkey bars and the terrific long slide out in the school yard. So many loving memories I remember with my siblings. So, please make the acquaintance of Constance, who just instantly reminded me of this memory as soon as I was done making her. It's strange when this happens, isn't it? Maybe she looks like she could have been a teacher in that old school house long ago. Maybe it was the combination of the orange and cream that took me back to those orange trees. Either way, I enjoy the memory and I think her name suits her well...it means "loyal one".
A little quote hidden under her skirt for a measure of sweet sentiment.
Her dress looks quite aged and I enjoy her look of quiet compassion and understanding.
Do you remember the feeling of being in a swing? For those of us with small children we may know it all too well but for others...it's probably been a while. Yet, if you got up, went to a park and sat in a swing today I wonder how you'd feel. It's strangely liberating to do something so childlike.

Thanks for your kind messages dear readers...I hope you have a blessed week!
p.s. Constance will be up on ebay on Sunday
xxx

16 comments:

  1. I love your new doll, she's so pretty and happy looking!

    As for going on a kids swing I did this on holiday with the kids this year and nearly got my rear end stuck...oops reminds me I must start that diet lol!!

    Micki x

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  2. Julie she is wonderful!!! You reminded me of when I was a little girl in Granada Hills and would wake up every Spring to the smell of orange blossoms. Granada Hills was surrounded by orange groves and ranches back then. Orange Kist had a plant on San Fernando Mission road back then and when they processed the oranges, well I wish you could have smelled the aroma, I loved it! Orange trees and eucalyptus are prominent in my memories of growing up in the San Fernando Valley way back then! Thanks for the memory Julie!

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  3. Julie...she is incredibly adorable and wonderful! I get so excited to come to your blog to see your new creations. :)

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  4. I love it and the hidden quote is a great touch.

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  5. hi julie thanks for your comment i have resisted throwing the camera out of the window another unique doll i love her

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  6. Constance is lovely; I esp love her skirt and sweet quote. I do remember swinging; when I was a girl i'd go as high as i could...and then jump. Can't do the jumping part, but i still sneak onto the swings at the playground once in a while.

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  7. Fabulous Julie, she's suits her name so well.

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  8. so lovely, the quote is great too - we swing a lot :D

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  9. I love her! I must get one of your dolls soon!

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  10. She's lovely and I love the old look to her, you are so clever!! I love coming to visit your work is just so different to anything else I've seen!

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  11. Your new doll is amazing! I love her face and the crackle.
    I have found over the years that most swings are made for small rears but I love them just the same:)
    Tracy

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  12. There's a swing in the park where I walk and I love to stop and give it a go every time! Constance is lovely...such a sweet and calm expression.

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  13. Your dolls they are just sooooo beautiful. Such a fabulously unique style but soooo wonderfully different.

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  14. What another beautiful doll! They are all just so lovely. They look lovely all together on your new banner. So sweet and innocent. :) Theresa

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  15. I absolutely love your dolls! What a talent you have. You may be interested to see this site www.themagpieandthewardrobe.co.uk They have some lovely dolls on here that are a work of art like yours! Have a great day! xxx

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  16. Hi Julie, thank you for dropping by and leaving a comment on my blog and for taking a peek at my dolls on Etsy!
    Your dolls, paintings and family are just beautiful.
    And thank you too for the orange grove and sea salt, I can just imagine the smell!!

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