Too little sleep last night. Drat. It’s my own fault, I got riled up about something and then I couldn’t relax enough to let sleep take over. Lesson learned. Again! Maybe I’ll tell you about it later it in the post.
Since I’m not using my vintage Shiny Brites this year, I thought I wouldn’t see any. But look what’s happening in the dollhouse! Apparently the tree is still being decorated. With Shiny Brites.
I found these in a wonderful Etsy shop. Actually, I saw them last year, didn’t get them, and regretted it. Aren’t they adorable?
I added a few things to the order.
The owner is reading my favorite book – To Kill a Mockingbird.
And a volume of another favorite – Anne of Green Gables – is on a table in the living room.
What to put on the walls? I started with this botanical chart:
Here’s a view of the living room:
Oh, that new camera! She’s proving herself more than adept at getting shots of the dollhouse. Her big challenge will be the dollhouse kitchen, which is rather like a dark tunnel.
By the way, the books, Shiny Brites and chart came from L. Delaney’s Etsy Shop. It’s chock full of goodies and, boy, did she ship things quickly! Thanks, Lauren!
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I’m currently troubled by something, sparked by some dialogue on a favorite blog. It’s always bothered me. We all have had occasion to feel unhappy with someone we love, right? If you have children, I’m sure that there were times you said something to them like, “I love you always, but I don’t always like your actions.” You express that the love is constant but, nevertheless, there are times that you are unhappy or ashamed by something that child has done. This happens in all relationships, whether with friends, or a spouse, or even yourself. By expressing that unhappiness, you hope that in the future, a change will be made. Two different things: the constancy of love (never questioned) yet, an unhappiness with an action taken. Right? We’ve all been there.
So why is it that when someone expresses an unhappiness with something in our country, whether it is a policy or lack of a policy, a perceived reprehensible action, or any one of a number of things, that certain people cry “Unpatriotic!”? Or “How dare you say anything against America!” I don’t get it. I never have. Why is there this knee-jerk reaction to that?
This is, and always has been, a country of protesters. It was founded by protesters. Thank goodness. That’s how we grow. Just like we have to take a good look at ourselves and our children as responsible humans, we have to look at our country the same way and work to change those things that don’t work. We have to be willing to take a stand and fight for what is right. And sometimes that involves feeling unhappiness or shame over our country’s actions. If we hadn’t felt passionately that what was happening in Vietnam was wrong, that our policies were wrong, that war would still be going on. If we hadn’t felt shame that someone like Joseph McCarthy could, in this country of ours, gain the power to blacklist a whole group of people and ruin their lives, it would never have been stopped. And if we hadn’t felt shame over something that was legal in our country, slavery would never have been abolished. Women and African Americans would never have gained the right to vote.
As citizens of this country, we are supposed to question and, if necessary, work for change. We are supposed to be active and hold those in office accountable. We are not supposed to sit back and blindly wave the flag no matter what. That doesn’t mean that we don’t love our country. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it means we love our country so much that we are willing to fight to make it better. To fight for our fellow citizens. To fight for what is right.
I certainly love myself but have, at times, been deeply ashamed of something I’ve done. Why is that any different than expressing unhappiness about, for example, the proliferation of assault weapons in this country and the fact that the issue has been ignored by our elected officials until now? I don’t see that as unpatriotic. I see it as the best of patriotic. I see it as exactly what our forefathers would have done. And did. They weren’t afraid to speak out. And they certainly weren’t afraid to criticize when it was appropriate. They knew it was their right. They knew it was their duty. If you love your country, then it is imperative to do everything you can to help it grow. And that means speaking out and, sometimes, being ashamed. The love remains constant. But work needs to be done.
Just my thoughts about something that kept me awake last night.
Happy Thursday.
HOOORAY !Well said, we can Love anything really our Church, School ,Country, and there will always be people doing things we don’t Love…… that doesn’t mean the institution isn’t worthy of our Love AND support! it is an on going Process. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
Thanks, Judy.
P.S. Oh Yeah Love the dollhouse!
I agree. If it was a drunk bus driver that killed 20 kids no one would say lets not talk about this now. There has to be a way for the people who don’t own a gun and don’t want to own one to walk around this world safely. I know no gun laws would have stopped him from getting the guns that were in his home and using them but I don’t think he would have gotten them illegally. he wasn’t communicating with the people in his life I don’t see him negotiating to buy a gun. Mental health has to be in the conversation as well, the affect of movies and video games, nothing should be off the table. I think we need to talk about this till we can’t talk any more, till there is nothing left to say.
I agree, Cori. Thank you.
Claudia: Well said! You expressed something that has been keeping me awake and in tears of late too.
Cori: Also, well said! i have been trying to say this very thing to people in my life and I have been in some really tiring debates. I said the same: at this point *nothing* should not be on the table.
Claudia, I’m sorry that kept you up at night as especially you and i both know that cries like that won’t silence protesters! Or more precisely, won’t silence you or I. Your dollhouse is extra-ordinarily pretty :)
Thank you, Leanne. You are absolutely right – they won’t silence us! Our voices are meant to be used and heard.
Claudia,
I’m glad that this whole situation has sparked a national conversation about the laws and policies in government. One of the things that I love about this country is the freedom to speak out and challenge our nation’s policies. You are right. Speaking and voicing our opinions is patriotic. We fought for the freedom of speech, the freedom to vote, the freedom to abolish slavery and the freedom to protest. If we sit back and blindly accept everything that our government officials push through, we are going backwards. My motto is always question, always spark debate and be willing to listen to all sides. This is what makes us grow as humans and this makes us grow as a nation. I love the way you so passionately voice your views.
Also, love, love, love the dollhouse. It makes me want one! Your pictures are even more fabulous with the new camera. I’m sure you will figure out how to get a great shot of the kitchen. I love all the little details of the dollhouse, the shutter leaning on the wall and the book on the coffee table. It must be so much fun playing with that house of yours!
It is fun!
And thank you for your support, Sandy. Always question. Never just blindly accept. Great words to live by.
Claudia, I agree wholeheartedly. I think that part of the problem is the direction of historical education has taken. Here in Texas, the school books focus primarily on Texas history with American history on the side. This is all subject to whoever writes and edits the contents of that school book. In other words, I think we have gotten away from our country’s history so much, that a large portion of our population really doesn’t understand the nuts and bolts of our country, unless they choose to explore it further. I myself started my geneology search this year and I have been humbled by my personal forefathers. The conditions they endured, their personal creeds that brought them here, the wars they fought and their part in making this country a place where those who followed them could enjoy the freedom we take for granted today. Geneology has really opened my eyes to our country’s history in a personal way and how much we as a people have lost our way from the path our forefathers’ forged. It definitely wasn’t a “it’s all about me” attitude back in those days.
I enjoy your dollhouse pics so much and in fact that is what drew me to your blog! My Mother built a wonderful dollhouse from scratch and hopefully I’ll inherit it one day!
That is such a good point, Brenda. So many people have no real grasp of our nation’s history.
Brenda, I too have been researching my family history, for a dozen years or so. Our countries history is so much richer and broader than we learned about in school books. My ggg grandmother had to buy back her own household and personal items from her husbands estate sale. What an eye opener.
Cheryl
I may just be looking for a dollhouse…
Brenda
Look on Craigs List. That’s where I found mine – for $30! You’d have such fun!
I am mourning the loss of my doll house!! I was putting it up in the garage to make some room at one time when I needed it, and it dropped down to the garage floor and broke beyond repair. I am on the hunt for another one. My Dad made me this, and I am sick every time I think of it as gone.
Congrats on the new camera! She’s a beaut!!!!
xo Kris
Oh Kris, I am so, so sorry! That must have been devastating for you. Sending you hugs!
Gosh, it’s bad enough to lose sleep, but that’s a lot of heavy issues to be brewing in your head at night!!! I agree with you wholeheartedly, when we try to say what’s on our minds…sometimes we are labelled a loud mouth or a trouble maker. Yet when something makes the country react and people cry for change, where are they at election time? In Canada we have such a low percentage of voters that actually we get out of their homes to vote and then they are the ones that complain the most. Here they have taken God, discipline and pretty much anything that would teach our children right from wrong.
I have to stop or I will have trouble sleeping…..lol.
I do love your little home, and the shiny brights!!! Your new camera is working out fantastic!
Hugs,
Mags
xxx
Good points, Mags. Thank you for weighing in!
Oops, I meant to say they have taken everything out of our schools here.
Hugs,
Mags
xx
Well, I think that your dollhouse is adorable. Shiny Brites on that little tree? Darling! Who knew they had such a thing?
As for your piece on our country and patriotism…good job- You are very well spoken and did it without bashing those that feel the way they feel. It is troubling that there is NOT more of an uprising to start the process to safety for all humans. xo Diana
I agree with that, Diana! Very troubling.
I think you are aware of my political leanings because of emails between us, but I too often temper my thoughts on my blog so that I am not faced with the wrath of some bloggers. I do not care if someone disagrees with my viewpoint, that is all well and good, and I always welcome discussion. It is the method people choose to disagree that I find disturbing. If our politicians cannot speak rationally and truthfully and with an open mind than it is not surprising that the internet would be a haystack of rude, yelling, close minded fools.
I wish I still had the gumption to face these idiots in blogland, but like other choices in my world I have had to “let go” of some things in order to have peace in my daily life… I don’t like that I have made this choice… I would still like to “fight the good fight” but if merely discussing the legality of pinterest or the lack of importance of follower numbers netted me such venom, imagine if I spoke of pro -choice, or assault weapons or my support of Obama….Maybe as I wind down the blog I’ll let it all rip and face the wrath of those who cannot discuss but rant, those who will hate instead of love, and those who are close minded instead of open to self education and new ideas. Just not today. I have enough sleep issues…
so I tip my hat to your discussions and appreciate the dialogue…. I must tell you that Tto kill a mockingbird is DD”S favorite and she collects every different published version that she can find… perhaps I should add a miniature one?
You have definitely seen the negative side of blogging, Z. So has this blogger that I referred to. I myself have seen it from time to time. It’s a tricky balance – deciding what to write about and what not to write about. I don’t blame you one bit for seeking peace in your life.
I, too, have several editions of TKAM – and my prize possession is an autographed copy. I think DD needs a mini version for sure!
I couldn’t agree more with all you have said here, Claudia! I also know how it can keep you from sleeping after
reading something like the blog you mentioned or listening to a “talking head” spouting off on TV. On another note, I love those little details in your dollhouse. The little box of ornaments and the book are the kind of details that are just so delightful when you look at a pretty little house like yours.
Thanks, Gina. I am in love with that little box of Shiny Brites!
Well said..glad you are enjoying your camera..Love the wall hanging in the doll house..
It’s awfully cool!
The dollhouse is an absolute treasure! Just so charming!!!
Onward………… in the late 60’s and early 70’s I was a college student. My Dad was a WWII vet. I was protesting the war. He was indignant when a flag was burned, and just with the general disregard for the establishment in those times. I would argue with him that he had fought so we HAD those freedoms. You can’t say you are fighting for our freedoms and then decide WHICH freedoms you actually meant. We can’t pick and choose which freedoms are worthy of the fight and which are not. We are allowed to say what we think. We are allowed to disagree with each other. People who wear their *Patriotism* are an interesting lot. I personally think being patriotic is when I think, when I read, when I discuss, and when I try to understand the issues at hand. Some people think waving a flag and singing “I’m Proud to be an American” shows the only TRUE patriots among us. When my 2 kids went to college I told them their job was to study, to learn, and to question everything. Protesting is one of the greatest freedoms we have. Unfortunately, some people seem to think questioning ANYTHING is disrespectful and suspect. It is so very, very sad.
I totally agree. Singing God Bless America or I’m Proud to be an American means nothing in the end. It’s just so much hype. Living your patriotism by working hard for what’s right is much more powerful. I was a protestor in the 60s and 70s and remain one today.
Claudia, I totally agree with you; “Singing God Bless America or I’m Proud to be an American means nothing in the end. It’s just so much hype. Living your patriotism by working hard for what’s right is much more powerful.”, which is why I am responding to your post. If what started this firestorm (on the aforementioned blog) is the horrible loss of so many innocent lives (and I certainly hope that is what it was about and not a push for a certain agenda), then why are we not upset at the cause of the greatest loss of innocent lives in this country everyday; abortion. There have been millions of children lost in our country by abortion and there is not an outcry for a ban on this legalized murder. We do not even extend the rights to unborn children that we extend to dogs (kill a pregnant dog’s puppies on purpose and there will certainly be an outcry!), instead we call it pro-choice or a mother’s right over her body. When the least of these is marginalized, it weakens the very fabric of our society and unfortunately this is what we are witnessing. Please do not think we will stop these atrocities with legislation; morality can not be legislated. People have to be shown that every human being deserves life whether they are in the womb, on the playground or 99 years old. We are not the ones who should decide who lives and who dies, ever! I grieve for those parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brother, sisters, cousins, friends and communities that lost these precious children and educators, just as I grieve for all of the wonderful babies and future adults our country and world has lost through the legalized murder of the unborn.
I’m sure you will continue to fight for those issues you believe in and I certainly respect that.
To R. Schmidt, That sounds just like an AGENDA to me?
I totally agree with you, Chris k in Wisconsin. I often wonder where are all the Viet Nam war protestors that I grew up with. People were so passionate about our country, about the environment, about the world. I feel our society has become more “me” oriented than it used to be. There is more fear, even fear of our neighbors. I think we need to come together, put down the guns, and talk. Without fear there is no need for guns.
It’s good that people are passionate on both sides of any issue. If it is all one way, we will be living in a dictatorship.
Balance is important, so people need to be free to voice their opinions. When we stop questioning things we will be led, like sheep, by the more powerful among us. When we stop questioning government, and blindly follow, we will end up powerless. The writers of our Constitution, brilliantly put in checks and balances, and that is why America has been such a strong, compassionate, and free nation.
While we might disagree with other opinions, we need to be respectful and expect respect in return.
Good points all, Nancy. Thank you. In its worst incarnation, blindly following ends in something like Nazi Germany.
Hi Claudia – First off – love your dollhouse – want to move in right now. It’s decorated better than my house is!
Second – I understand your troubled feelings and totally agree that speaking up and protesting should not be viewed as unpatriotic. The world’s view of the US is not as good as it was. The gun violence is probably one of the biggest issues. America is supposed to the place where dreams can come true, not where children are senselessly murdered. There has been a picture making the rounds in Canada – three semi-automatic weapons and a Kinder surprise egg. The egg is banned in the US because the small toys inside may be harmful to children but the guns aren’t??? You can buy guns here to but not as easily as you can buy candy.
I’ve watched impassioned people speaking on your news channels asking why other “civilized” countries have gun-related statistics under 100 annually and the US has them in the thousands. I hear a lot of people argue that guns don’t kill people, people kill people. We all have people in our society who have problems that might lead them to take lives but if they don’t have the means at their disposal to do so, maybe it never gets past the thought stage.
I wonder if it has anything to do with the tolerance of differences. We were taught in school that the US is a cultural “melting pot” where new immigrants are expected to become American and melt into society and become assimilated. In Canada, we have a cultural “mosaic” where new immigrants are encouraged to keep their culture and share it so the country can become more diverse. I see changes here where some people, especially after 9/11, are embracing a melting pot view but I think society (everywhere) needs to respect and embrace differences and avoid alienating segments of society.
I really have no answers, just a lot of questions and feel as confused and bewildered as everyone else is. Something needs to be done and done quickly. I agree with your President and maybe his committee needs to look at what is working in other countries.
I am always in awe of Canada, Julie -from health care to guns and to tolerance for other cultures. I know it’s not perfect and that there are problems in every country, but we could and should learn something from Canada, My Canadian relatives are lucky, indeed.
Thanks Claudia but we do have our problems. Fourteen women shot by a madman at Ecole Polytechnique in the 80’s which did finally result in new police procedures and stricter gun control. Things that were credited with resulting in one death at Dawson College, instead of many more. But gun control in this country has been eroded with scrapping the long gun registry. Hopefully this trend with be reversed by this horrible tragedy in the US. I think we all need to look to each other for support and work together in order to have success in keeping citizens safe.
I hope it is reversed, Julie. And the difference is that when something horrific happened in the 80s, something was done about it.
Dollhouse is so cute! Love the decor! And…I have always told my kids that I will always love them, but I may not like everything they do. We are a country based on protesting….that is what democracy looks like. I can see why that kept you up last night…sometimes I think my head might explode! We are living in a difficult time, and none of us has the correct solution. But we need to keep talking…we’ve got some great conversations going on in this country right now that are long overdue. So keep on talking Claudia! ;)
Thank you for the vote of confidence, Donnamae. I need it!
Thanks for your thoughts and comments Claudia. I have come to a point in my life where I question everything. Long held beliefs that no long serve the purpose or make any sense when I think about them. Religion, politics, laws, relationships, ways of living, etc need to be rethought if they are no longer viable or productive. I no longer embrace religion or political parties. We hold on to beliefs like a security blanket. We don’t have to think if we let others think for us. And then if a lot of peple are comfortable with a belief, we become a tribe and there is perceived security within the tribe. The Buddha said “Question everything. Even my teachings.” We need to evolve and question laws that were made 200 years ago. We must remember that women just got the right to vote 100 years ago. If women had not come around to questioning that crazy omission, where would we be?
Love your blog and social sense, Claudia.
It’s so healthy to question things, Jude. Thank you!
You write such powerful dialogue Claudia. Please keep expressing your views as so many of us are
listening. Oh by the way, Orillia is only 30 minutes away from me.
Thank you, Lea!
Any yay! for Orillia!!
Claudia, first let me say how much I enjoy your blog. I just posted on “that other blog” about the issue of gun control. I’m just an old hippie who has seen too much violence in life, too many senseless killings.
Keep writing about your dollhouse, it eases troubled minds.
Thank you, Sondra! I saw your comments and appreciate them. I’m an old hippie, as well!!
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Of course, I completely agree with you, Claudia. The art of civil discourse seems to have been lost in this country. I don’t understand how someone can question someone else’s patriotism just because they have different views on issues. The right to disagree is a major part of what has always made this country great. I was around to protest the Vietnam War, and I don’t believe there was nearly the amount of vitriol that is being spewed out today. I am sorry about what happened on the other blog. I read many of the comments, but apparently missed that one. It’s time for these senseless killings to end.
Laura
The specific word ‘unpatriotic’ wasn’t used, Laura, but that was definitely what was being said by a few. It’s all fear, of that I’m sure.
I’ll say it again…thank you! I so enjoy your blog and how it is presented. I too was disturbed by the comments on Brenda’s blog as i so enjoy her as well. I am almost 42 years old and I was raised deep in the south. I married and Air Force guy at the age of 21 and left home. I’ve lived in the west, the midwest and the south. I am now back in the south praying that it is only temporary.
Everything has changed for me over the last few years. I too question everything…religion, politics,….anything. I’ve grown so much and I wouldn’t change it for anything in this world. It saddens me so much to see the lack of willingness to change in Americans. Of course I too believe that those that disagree are usually the ones screaming the loudest so it seems there are more of them maybe? I guess we just all need to scream louder!
I hope you as well as Brenda will both continue to express and voice yourselves on your blogs. Change is good and America as well as Americans need a LOT of change on a lot of issues.
Thank you and have a blessed day!
I have questioned so many things as I headed toward middle-age and beyond. It’s important to question. Thank you for the vote of support, Belinda.
First off the dollhouse is so darn cute and charming and I swear looks like a real house. As for the blog issues. Pooey on them. I say it is your blog, say what you want. That is our right for all the damn work we put into these things. If I don’t agree with something I just wait for the next post. Why make it something so big right?
I agree, Elaine.
I am loving your excitement of your new camera and your doll house collections. That doll house looks like your cottage for sure. Love the shiny brites.
I know exactly what you are talking about. It pulled my chain yesterday – the comments. I posted four different opinions that my family has. My husband and I do not agree on guns and politics, but I still love him and it’s okay.
There are no instant fixes to our problem. But we have to have hope.
I know this holiday will be a little hard on you. But keep up that sweet spirit.
I posted that I thought that Scout would be okay at the vets.Well, changed my mind. My friend was gone for a week and picked up her dogs yesterday. One was not in good shape. It was the vet kennel. I think you should take him with you or find someone sweet that could stay at your house. That’s what we have been doing. Costs alot but they are worth it.
((((((HUGS))))) Have a peaceful holiday.
No dog sitters available, Debby. It’s Christmas time and the week between Christmas and New Year’s is booked. She’ll be fine. Our vet staff is extraordinarily kind and attentive.
I read this at 6:30 PST this morning Claudia, I guess you had only just posted it as there weren’t any comments yet. I sit with my morning tea, have the morning news on and check in on blogs on my iPad when I get up. I wanted to jump up and give you a standing ovation. :) I’m so glad to have found you and your blog, so comforting and enjoyable to find someone of a like mind set.
Your post is so eloquent and gracious and I am completely with you. I believe it’s our duty as citizens to stand up and voice our opinions and to engage in protest and dissent if needed. We must be informed, engaged and active participants in our country, not sit back and let others do the work for us. To me that is patriotism, to work for your country to be the best it can possibly be, for all of its people.
To suggest that anyone who wishes a ban on assault weapons is unpatriotic, is mind boggling claptrap. So misguided. Thankfully most people believe in and long for the ban of assault weapons.
I am fascinated and shocked by knee jerk intractable people – how did they become so rigid and so often, mean-spirited?
I love your dollhouse! I wish I had room for one, I’ve always wanted one. That Shiny Brite box is the cutest!
Happy almost holidays to you!
Ah, Sally, thank you. I was called “un-gracious” on that other blog. And what I said there was pretty much what I said here. So go figure! Anyway, your thoughts mean so much to me and I thank you, my friend.
No one said (on that other blog), “anyone who wishes a ban on assault weapons is unpatriotic”, or suggested it, what they said was: “Stating you are not proud to be an American degrades the memory of all of the great Americans that came before you and gave you the freedoms you enjoy today.” It is not the ban on assault weapons that caused the questioning of the bloggers patriotism, rather it was her quoting an Australian reader and then proceeding to state, “Today I do not feel proud to be an American.” In my opinion, that does not sound very patriotic. Banning assault rifles, or any other gun, will not stop these kinds of tragedies. These tragedies will only be stopped when we rediscover the value of human life. Life that starts in the womb, continues on the playground and ends by a natural death.
I appreciate your feelings. I have certainly read them on the other blog. We will have to agree to disagree and leave it at that. Everything that can be said at this time has been said. Thank you.
Also Claudia, I noticed in the above comments you have only responded to bloggers agreeing with your opinion. May I respectfully suggest you consider making your blog private; you could then screen all who read it and accept as readers only those that support your opinions.
Let me be clear here. I respond to everyone. If I missed an earlier response to a previously written comment, it is because I didn’t see it. If you left one, because this surely must be what you’re referring to, I’m sorry I inadvertently missed it. I don’t need or require your suggestions about my blog. It’s my blog. Thank you.
So sorry. I posted that comment earlier and noticed you had responded to quite a few others, but not mine and I assumed you were purposefully not responding. I guess I should have waited three more minutes.
Claudia, I don’t often post a comment here, although I subscribe to your blog. I want to thank you, first for your eloquent post earlier this week on the matter of guns, and now for your support of the other blogger, also on my reader. I read through the comments and was astounded at the vitriolic language used by some. I’m glad you deflected some of that from her.
As a Canadian, I wonder at the disconnect between people’s rational minds and their emotions. Statistics are so clear. Logic is clear. But it seems that people will believe what they want to believe, not what is logical. And some sort of support can be found for almost any point of view.
Your dollhouse is darling – what a fun project. Merry Christmas to you, Claudia. Wishing you much joy even though you will be apart from your beloved.
Thank you very much, Lorrie. I must say your kind words mean so much to me and are so appreciated. Interestingly, some of those same people who left those comments seem to have no sense that they are objectionable. I felt I had to step in and say something.
Statistics and logic seem to have no hold on some. It leaves one feeling bewildered because how can you have a rational discussion when that is the case?
Thank you for the dollhouse love. It will keep me busy off and on for the next 2 months!
Merry Christmas to you, Lorrie!
Wondering if you could use earrings on the dollhouse tree??? Peace …
Probably, Lynn! But they’d have to be tiny.
Claudia, You can probably well imagine where I stand on gun control after losing my beloved Uncle last week in a senseless homicide. For my family, nothing will ever be the same again. For the families in Connecticut, nothing will ever be the same. It is time for change in this country, but change won’t happen unless we speak out–in public forums and more private places like our blogs. If someone disagrees with you–they can simply stop reading your blog. That’s the beauty of America–we still have the freedom of choice. And we have the freedom to work for change when it is necessary.
You ‘had me’ at the Anne of Green Gables miniature book, my friend!! Your dollhouse is so beautiful and must bring you great pleasure. xxoo, Martha
I absolutely know where you stand, Martha, and have been thinking of you and your family so much this week. I won’t stop speaking out on those issues I believe in. I try not to do it too much, but sometimes, it must be written. There is no choice.
Oh, isn’t that Anne of Green Gables the most adorable thing?
xo
As an ‘international’ reader it certainly isn’t my place to comment on American patriotism but I couldn’t pass on making a comment on how cute the dollhouse is looking for Christmas, the new purchases are great. I don’t know that brand of decoration, I’m guessing they’re a well known vintage US brand and so something quite special. Thanks too for the link to the seller, I’m going to take a look.
I also want to wish you a Happy Christmas and a New Year full of all that you wish for ! xx
Thank you, Norma! Shiny Brites are indeed a well known vintage brand of ornaments. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, my friend.
AMEN. AMEN, AMEN Claudia for an EXCELLENT, well written and thought out blog today. I am in COMPLETE agreement!!!
And I agree with Barb, 100% Love your blog but then you know that already.
another right on target post. You’ve written my feelings and I’m so glad you have. Thank you. Something struck me especially …. “I certainly love myself, …. have been deeply ashamed of something I’ve done.” This will keep me thinking for a good while!
Best,
Karen
That little box of Shiny Brites is the cutest thing ever! The best Christmas present I ever got was a Marx metal dollhouse back in the mid 60’s. Oh how I loved it. As to the rest of your post, all I can say is my thoughts exactly. I just wish I could express myself so eloquently on subjects I feel so passionate about.
Trudy, what is the agenda? Are we not discussing the loss of innocent lives? I am just comparing the loss of millions of unborn lives (through legalized murder) to the lives so senselessly taken in Connecticut. There is a very real parallel here, even if you refuse to see it. Obviously, you and I do not agree on the legalization of the murder of unborn children. Until people realize the value of all human life, both the born and unborn, up until the point of a natural death, we will continue to see the breakdown of our country.
R Schmidt, Obviously you do not agree with MANY people on this blog so why don’t you just leave? Why must you continue to comment. Claudia has even said that the two of you must agree to disagree yet you keep coming at others. Please just leave the blog and go somewhere else.
I apologize Claudiia for my lack of “nice” in this comment. I’m just so tired and exhausted from these comments.
I saw the argument and, being Canadian, didn’t feel I should comment. However, trends in you country quickly spread to mine. Also, I’ve lost a nephew to a senseless act of gun violence several years ago. Children in our family are not given toy guns to play with now and we restrict their access to violent films/TV/video games. No one, in my immediate family owns a weapon now. I had two rifles that I surrendered to be destroyed by the police. My views are based on personal experience, as will the views of all those who lost loved ones last week. It is simple to me. If that boy had not been able to pick up those deadly weapons in his own home, how many people would be alive today?
Everytime you post pics of your doll house I am tempted to explore getting one myself.
STOP IT, ha ha ha ha!
Anyway I know what kept you up / I read some of that blog and had a comment or two early on and you know that I have similar views to yours.
So I wanted to cheer you up ! Guess what! Local newspaper ran a story showing the near empty shelves at the local gun store ( and it is a big store ) and mostly all of the assault rifles were sold out. WOW, all in the last week. See how fast you can get an assault rifle in Pennsylvania ? I am so comforted knowing that all of those assault rifles are out there aren’t you
Shudder….
( and please no one take offence. I think anyone should be allowed to have a simple handgun or a deer rifle. These semi automatics and assault rifles are another story and what amazes me is that in order to hunt deer in my state you must take a hunter safety course. So naturally I think gun owners should have to take courses and be screened somewhat…that is my version of gun control / just sayin’ )
Your dollhouse looks so good this holiday season. I love the new additions.
On the recurring issue of gun control, I feel as though we have been listening to the same arguments, possible solutions and blustery proponents and opponents for years. The same dialog ensues each time a tragedy happens and no viable solutions arise. No one really knows what will work so no actions are taken. You never know until you try. Too bad we cannot rely on most of our elected government officials to actually govern. I loath political platforms.
Platforms of our elected officials when nothing gets accomplished that is.
Claudia, as a dollhouse lover myself, I have to say your detail and scale is just perfect. Not easy. I was surprised to see the price on dollhouse light fixtures – they cost as much as the fixtures we were buying for our human-scaled houses!
And, nice camera work! Have a peaceful Christmas.
The dollhouse gets more adorable each time I see it, Claudia. All those little touches make it so warm and cozy. And the little Christmas Tree is so sweet. As for the right to protest, and learning how to be civil in debate, I love this quote by Voltaire: “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.” xxx