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You are here: Home / life / Escape

Escape

October 1, 2025 at 9:02 am by Claudia

Yes, I know…it’s the Landoudou dolls again. But, truly, all I have been doing for the past two days is reading and tweaking Gilly’s face up. On Monday, I hauled out my supplies once more because I decided to even out the blush on her cheeks. Then, I donned my protective gear and took her outside in order to spray another coat of Mr. Super Clear. It’s very toxic, so you have to wear a thing that goes over the head, covers the nose and has filters that keep out the spray and fumes. This charming ensemble also consists of a pair of goggles. The spray sets and protects the face up.

The girls are perched on the packaging for the dolls. I filmed a video yesterday for YouTube and the only way I could secure them while filming was to place them on the round containers.

I have to say that I’m really proud of myself. I dared to try to paint a doll face, something I never thought I’d do. And, though they’re not perfect, they’re pretty darn good. My need for creative expression is satisfied and I save money, in the bargain.

Now that I can no longer work in the gardens, my escape from the daily sh*tshow is working on the dolls, reading, reading, and more reading, and the occasional stab at mowing. Otherwise, I would lose my mind. Fantasy is a lot better than reality and I desperately want my ‘senior’ years to be as peaceful as possible. Sometimes, Don will declare a “no news day,” and I will do my best to not tell him what’s going on. We all do what we can to take care of ourselves.

My book was due yesterday and my guess is that it will end up being 2 or 3 days late. We don’t get fines anymore but I know someone is waiting for the book, just as I was waiting, so I will do my best to finish as soon as possible. And it’s October, which means that Louise Penny’s newest is coming out at the end of the month! A reason to celebrate, and boy, do we need things to celebrate.

We’re rewatching the series Alias. It holds up surprisingly well. The cast is excellent and I’m struck again by what a fine actress Jennifer Garner is. I know and have worked with Victor Garber. In fact, just a few years before he was cast in Alias, I was coaching him in Macbeth. And Ron Rifkin – such a fine actor – is perfectly evil as Sloane.

Okay. Back to my book.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Filed Under: life 14 Comments

Comments

  1. Darlene says

    October 1, 2025 at 9:59 am

    Good Morning! Yesterday was the 1 year anniversary of my 30 year old daughter’s breast cancer diagnosis. She was 30 weeks pregnant at the time with a 1 and 3 year old at home! It was horrible. She’s been through hell this year but hopefully coming out on the other side.

    The political news seems unimportant after the experiences of the past year.

    We are having the absolute best fall weather. I’m enjoying every day of it!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      October 1, 2025 at 10:03 am

      Your poor daughter! What a terrifying experience to go through. I’m sure the support she got from her family helped her get through this year. Prayers for her complete recovery, and for your entire family, Darlene.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  2. kathy in iowa says

    October 1, 2025 at 10:11 am

    didn’t notice a reason for a touch-up. great job for gilly! glad you take those warnings (about sealant sprays, etc) seriously!

    glad you have the books and girls, a bit of mowing and, of course, don. :)

    agree … we definitely need to take care of ourselves and help others! for me, i’ve been making time to knit (simple hats with chunky yarn). my sister and i have also watched a few movies lately … “notting hill”, “about a boy”, “sleepless in seattle” … happy endings only, nothing scary or tense. and walks to start each day.

    hope you, don and everyone else have a great day. stay safe.

    kathy

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      October 1, 2025 at 11:17 am

      Thanks so much, Kathy.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  3. Nora D Mills says

    October 1, 2025 at 10:15 am

    Pleasant, simple distractions are essential. We can only endure so much. Dolls, books, art!! I tried a face up once. Fun but takes lots of skills. Good on you.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      October 1, 2025 at 11:17 am

      Thank you, Nora!

      Stay safe.

      Reply
      • Irene dykstra says

        October 3, 2025 at 2:15 am

        You’ve done a really darn good job of the dolls’ faces.
        Leaves are starting to drop here. I still have beets, a few onions, a couple zuuchinis and potatoes in the garden. I got some outside work done. Oh, and those darn grapes too. I dont know how i got through the summer weather with that infection.
        I cleaned dad’s condo today. He was a bit cranky. Oh, well, he’s old so he can be.

        Reply
        • Claudia says

          October 3, 2025 at 8:44 am

          Glad you seem to be feeling better, Irene.

          Stay safe.

          Reply
  4. jeanie says

    October 2, 2025 at 8:05 am

    I hear you on reading and being inside. I’ve been so frustrated since my foot injury (MRI this weekend). The weather has been gorgeous and I’d love to be out putting the garden to bed, clipping and trimming and weeding (did I say “love to?” I meant “need to.”) Not an option. I decided I wanted to go by myself to the grocery the other day and it was the stupidest thing I ever did. I wasn’t sure I’d get out. So, it’s books, blog, sit-down tidying tasks (like my desk), and Britbox. Like you, I’m steering relatively clear of news. Oh, and Rick’s mom is coming for three days. Well, these days I know several people with issues FAR, far worse than mine and that puts it all into perspective.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      October 3, 2025 at 8:42 am

      I’m so sorry about your foot injury, Jeanie. Best to admit you need to stay off it and hang around the house.

      Yes, perspective is a must. We, too, know so many people who are dealing with a lot at the moment.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  5. Siobhan says

    October 2, 2025 at 10:29 am

    I always read but seldom comment these days . Life as a widow ( 2.5 years now ) is not a life I want to lead . And the news everyday makes me want to weep

    Sorry that this rare comment is so negative
    Siobhan

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      October 3, 2025 at 8:43 am

      I’m so very sorry, Siobhan. Don’t feel the need to apologize. I appreciate your honesty.

      Please take care.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  6. Elaine (in Toronto) says

    October 2, 2025 at 11:20 pm

    Love your cute Landoudou dolls. Just wondering, do they wear the same size clothes as Blythe dolls? I love their sweet faces. Hugs, Elaine

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      October 3, 2025 at 8:44 am

      Yes. I use an Obitsu 22 body. Half my Blythes are on OB 22 bodies.

      Stay safe, Elaine.

      Reply
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I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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