I didn’t get to my oil painting yesterday because I cleaned a lot in the morning, then my sister called and we had a long conversation, and then, right at the end of the call, our mail, delivered by Lori, arrived with a quick honk of the horn. That’s always a sign that Lori has a package for us.

I knew what it was.

This girl:

Note: She was wearing her original outfit, which consists of a white blouse and blue overalls and a fun hat, when she arrived. I, of course, immediately had to dress her in another outfit that I had ordered. It was made by the woman who customized this doll and was included in the package. I ordered the tights from another seller, and I can’t stand it, they’re so cute.

Her name is Sophie. She’s just under 12 inches in length.

She looks a bit uncertain about her new home.

Blythes have an eye mechanism that is controlled by a cord in the back – one pull downward and the eyes shut, then you hear a click, and when the eyes open, they’re in another color and position. I had to google how to do this. It’s pretty neat. So, the eyes can look to the right, to the left, and look forward. Four different colored eyes.

The woman who customized this did a lovely job. If you’re at all interested, google Blythe dolls and see what a regular off-the-shelf Blythe doll looks like. A wee bit scary. Hats off to all those who do the amazing work of transforming these dolls.

Sitting on my right.

Surveying the room and wondering why there is so much pottery everywhere.

The seller included a set of hands – you can change out the hand positions. And two outfits, which she generously threw in for free.

This sweet dress.

And this.

I’ve ordered a few items of clothing for Sophie, all of which are shipping from other countries, so I’ll share them with you at another time. Suffice to say, the clothing that various creatives make for these dolls is charming and fun. (I can’t imagine making doll clothes, though my grandmother did – and beautifully.)

I think Sophie will eventually need a pal. I don’t want her to be lonely.

If you saw my post on IG Stories, this is what I said:

“I look at it this way: we all have our ways of retreating from this sometimes unbearable world. I don’t smoke. I don’t drink. I don’t do drugs. I don’t eat sugar. I’m on a diet.

So – dollhouses, miniatures, reading, oil painting, gardening, and dolls are my escape.”

And there you have it!

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.