Early morning fog. I rose early to a lovely foggy view and the sound of birdsong.
But it’s sunny now and the high for the day (so Don tells me) will be 70 degrees. I have some work to do outdoors so this makes me very happy.
I received a package in the mail yesterday. It took a long time to get here as it was sent from Kharkiv, Ukraine. Holding that box (stamped with the name of the postal service in Ukraine) in my hands was very moving. Somehow, with all the daily horrors, the postal service keeps running. I’m saving the box.
A Blythe customizer who lives in Ukraine was selling some things because, understandably, income is desperately needed. I wanted to help out. I’ve hit a pause on buying Blythe things as money is also very tight for us, but I’d sure love to buy one little thing from every Blythe lover/creator in Ukraine. A bit at a time. Anyway, I purchased this on March 24th and it arrived yesterday.
It’s a 1:6 scale chair. This is the scale used for Blythes and Barbies and, I suppose, other dolls that I know nothing about, as I work in 1:12 scale with my miniatures. I wanted to buy a chair for the girls to pose in, so when Sana posted this chair for sale, I snapped it up.
Someone seems to be enjoying it. And yes, of course I chose Madeleine for this photo op – she’s color coordinated.
Thank you, my friend from Ukraine. Praying for you and for everyone in your country.
I’m currently compiling a list of all makers/customizers in Ukraine and I will eventually post it on my Blythe IG account. I think it’s imperative that we support them in any way we can. One woman, who makes clothes for Blythes, had to flee to Germany. Surely she needs income. She’s lost her home.
Also, in case you’re interested, I did a quick little video tour of the interior of the English Cottage. It’s on my regular IG account. The house is nearly finished, just a few tweaks here and there.
Stay safe.
Happy Thursday.
Petra says
Hi Claudia: quick question. How do you pay for your Ukrainian purchases now? Does PayPal still work there?
And further: I’m not on IG, nor do I intend to — but I would like to see the English Cottage tour. Can you link to a site which works?
Claudia says
Yes, PayPal still works there.
I can only link to my IG account. That’s where the video is uploaded.
Thanks, Petra.
I’ll probably do another one when it’s all finished.
Stay safe.
jeanie says
The chair looks so beautifully made. I agree about supporting Ukrainian artists from the country on Etsy or elsewhere. Blythe is perfect for you because it serves you both well!
Claudia says
Exactly! My means are very modest, but if I can help in some way, I will.
Stay safe, Jeanie.
Julie says
I loved you IG tour of the dollhouse. Absolutely lovely.
Claudia says
Thank you, Julie! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Stay safe.
Linda says
We have been giving to World Vision since the beginning of our marriage(39 years) This organization helps the people of Ukraine. We just schedule it with our monthly bills. It is heartbreaking , the pain and struggles they are going through. I have nothing to complain about.
Claudia says
Exactly. Neither do I.
Stay safe, Linda.
Deborah Johnson says
I love how she is color coordinated! That is so kind that you bought from
somebody in Ukraine. I can hardly even watch the news coverage from there
lately. It just gets worse and worse. Stuff like that really bothers me though.
I think I saw you had impatients (sp?) for some of your pots. One of my
favorite flowers but it is getting too hot for them in AZ. Can’t wait to see
your porch and your yard. Nothing soothes like nature. Take care!
stacy watson says
I have been buying dolls and their clothes from Ukraine also. So many have had to flee. Love your chair if you’d like to share the artist🥰
Claudia says
It was part of her personal collection, so I don’t have any information as to the artist.
Stay safe, Stacy.
Claudia says
Impatiens work on the porch because it is shady. I don’t know if they’d work anywhere else on the property.
Stay safe, Deb.
kathy in iowa says
what a great (beautiful) way to start your day!
the chair is great, too.
and nice of you to support someone from ukraine.
thanks, in advance, for the dollhouse tour. will watch it in a few minutes.
tomorrow is my last day of work (said knowing i can change my mind … but not expecting to do so). it feels surreal to me right now … like ‘how can i be old enough to retire when i feel 18 on the inside?’ versus ‘i am ready to retire for being emotionally and physically exhausted’. weird … but i’ll get over it. :)
hope you and everyone else had a day as nice as yours started.
stay safe!
kathy
Claudia says
Happy Last Day of Work, Kathy! Whoo hoo!
Your thoughts about retirement are the same as mine and, most likely, everyone around our age. I feel young inside, but my mirror tells me a different story. Don and I were just talking about that the other day.
Stay safe, my friend.
Vicki says
Loved, loved, loved the tour of English Cottage! It’s perfect.
Claudia says
Thank you so much, Vicki!
Stay safe.
Linda Piazza says
Lovely sofa! That’s a wonderful way to contribute directly to individual Ukrainians.
Claudia says
Every little bit helps, right?
Thanks so much, Linda.
Stay safe.