I’m writing this post on Sunday as sort of a Sunday/Monday post as I will be on the road tomorrow morning.
First of all, I want to apologize for including my thoughts on commenting in yesterday’s post. Those thoughts haven’t changed, but including them in the post was probably too controlling. I struggle with this at times. It is my blog, and I do have to have some rules. But, as an adult child of an alcoholic, I have issues with control and I think you saw that yesterday. This might well be a passive-aggressive apology, because the issue I mentioned does irritate me. However, I don’t want to be harsh or too controlling, either. So, please accept my apology.
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Instead of preparing for my trip, I spent yesterday afternoon on this:
Do you remember this jewelry holder that I found at an antique shop? (Only $20!) It’s been at least a year since I found it, maybe longer. I immediately thought it could be a doll clothes wardrobe. I used it as a photo prop for a while, but I did nothing other than that.
Then I saw some wardrobes on my Blythe feed and decided to finally do something. I had to add a “pole” for the clothes. The dowels I had on hand were much too thick for the hangers, so I went with a wooden skewer is usually used for shish kebob. I have a big pack of them, but I never use them for food. I cut it to fit the opening and then painted it green. I was going to try to build something to keep the pole in place, but I quickly realized my ideas were not going to work. Yesterday, I decided to look through a toolbox to see if there was something I could use. Sure enough, I found a couple of hex nuts that were the right size. So I glued them in place and inserted the pole and it worked!
I have to find a better drawer pull. Right now, I’m using push pins.
This drawer holds t-shirts.
And the bottom drawer holds extra shoes.
Of course, I still have lots clothes in the red suitcase, but this is awfully cute!
Okay, my friends. I’m off to the store to pick up some things I need for the trip, then to the gas station to fill up the car and check the air in my tires. I’m driving home on Wednesday. There may or may not be a post. It will depend on how much time I have before I hit the road.
Stay safe.
Happy Sunday/Monday.
I just read your blog from yesterday and feel you have every right to establish guidelines for commenting. As you said, it IS your blog. So no apology necessary as far as I’m concerned.
Yesterday was a whirlwind of snow blowing out from under about 10 inches of snow, accessing the damage of all that heavy wet stuff and attending a memorial service for a relative to died in early December. So many couldn’t attend because of the snow but it was good to see relatives we haven’t seen for years in some cases and who managed to fly in on Thursday to beat the blizzard.
Today it’s 26 below wind chill and the sun in shining (to add insult to injury) on those heavy snow-covered branches dragging on the ground. Dean is wondering about ordering a small power saw for when he has to deal with all the injured and downed trees including the arborvitae now laying on our firepit and Adirondack chairs. I’ll only brave the extreme cold once today in a little while when I take a pan of birdseed and peanuts out to the birds and squirrels. All my feeders are caked with frozen snow. Looked ahead and they are predicting 40 degrees and rain by the 23rd! Sure hope some of his snow is melted by then.
Safe travels this week.
Kay
I forgot to comment on your clever doll storage. Using a pretty jewelry case was brilliant! It’s pretty full and those girls or yours may be asking for additional storage before you know it.
I’m betting they will!
xoxo
Thank you for your kind words, Kay.
You are really getting slammed by the winter weather and frigid temperatures! I’m sure the birds and squirrels are thanking you for providing much needed food right now.
Stay safe.
Claudia, safe travels. Put some emergency stuff in your car. flashlight, phone charger, snacks….I even have extra blanket and some flairs. I tell you this because I was stuck on route 84 for nearly an hour till the state police came and got a tow truck. For some reason I went into panic mode as the trucks zoomed past me. I was hungry and cold and having those items would have helped. The sun is out now but the wind is so cold……going to the store….wearing my mask to get a few things and then home to make my vegetarian chilli. I love the transformation of that little wooden wardrobe. I had one similar to yours…..I kept some jewelry in it….way back in the 70’s. Long gone. Thanks for sharing. Have a great trip. Tell us all about it when you can.
By the way…..Don has a great head of hair. You both do. Must be the country life.
Fondly,
Maria
I have a phone charger and I have a blanket and I have flairs that mom mom bought for me years ago.
Thanks for caring, Maria.
Stay safe.
Your apology was brave and honest. We all have knee-jerk reactions to things. As a writer, I’ve done the same and have been sorry later that I didn’t give it more time before I put those words in print. You have every right to your thoughts and emotions, just as your readers do.
You give a lot of yourself on your blog and you give a lot to us. Most of your readers are simply grateful for that! Thank you, Claudia.
Thank you, Jenny. I stand by my words about blog etiquette. But I do regret sharing them.
Stay safe.
My opinion as one of your readers is that you should have no regrets, Claudia. It’s your blog. It’s a great blog. You’re allowed to ‘structure’ it as you wish.
I just took a closer look at the little chest….the shoes in the drawer….the little hangers……..LOVE it all. You have a knack…..or gift for the miniature. As a little girl, I played with my dolls and doll house and my mother would draw me paper dolls and outfits for them. Thanks for bringing back those magic memories.
You are most welcome, Maria.
Thank you for your kind words.
claudia, i appreciate your follow-up, but see no reason for you to apologize. it’s your blog and in life (including that on the internet) boundaries are a good thing. also, you were taking care of your thoughts and feelings … a very good thing. plus you have a right to ask for what you want/need (we all do) so i am glad you spoke up yesterday. hope you can let go of that regret.
the jewelry box-turned-blythe-wardrobe is brilliant! and it is very sweet … i love the paint work (colors and style) and thought you’d done it.
safe travels to and from the job. hope you take winter gear like boots, also a phone charger and extra food, water, blankets, etc. you know what to do. travel safe.
and thanks for squeezing in a post today!
stay warm and safe in every way, everyone!
xo,
kathy
Thank you for understanding, Kathy.
I didn’t paint it, sadly! It came that way.
I always have a phone charger with me. I don’t think there will be as much snow as predicted, but I have a blanket and water, and food that I’ll take for the three days I’m away.
Stay safe.
OK Claudia, this is too cute for words. And I love how they all fit! The drawers are perfect! Well done!
And no apology needed.
Thank you for your kind words, Jeanie.
It’s very cute. Don was quite taken with the clothes hanging in the wardrobe.
Stay safe.
Hi Claudia, loved your surprise blog this morning. I struggle with how to store my Blythe doll wardrobe and you have found the perfect solution. Loved the two drawers for tees and shoes. I want to order some hangers. Could you please tell me what size you would recommend? I ordered some on-line but they were way too small. Safe travels tomorrow and back home again on Wednesday. You’ll have a busy three days. Enjoy the journey. Hugs, Elaine
Thank you, Elaine. It’s awfully fun, this little cabinet.
I use a combination of hangers that have been given to me. One was one of the goodies given to us at Wonderland of Play. The rest are from all of the Christmas sweater ornaments. They may be a big too big, but they work just fine.
Stay safe.
Thanks, Claudia. I’ll use that as my guide to hanger size when I order some. Stay safe. Stay well. Hugs, Elaine
Safe travels, Claudia!
Thank you, Ellen!
Stay safe.
Adorable little wardrobe. I was carried back 60+ years to a beloved aunt painting a human sized wardrobe of similar design; hers was red with I think pink and blue and green flowers? I admired it tremendously!
Ceci
Please be safe, Claudia.
I adore that jewelry box morphed into a Blythe wardrobe. Clever! I’m storing my American Girl clothes in plastic shoe boxes but want something more stylish. Your Blythe wardrobe has inspired me.
A bit late, but just want to say you don’t have to apologize for anything! This is your space and you get to make the rules. Also, I love the wardrobe! I think I want to be a Blythe doll and live at your house. :) Be careful traveling. Sounds like a whole lot of undetermined weather forecasters for the next few days.
The wardrobe is a great way to repurpose it.
I didn’t comment on your last post but I did read it. I agree with others who’ve commented that there is no need for an apology.
I hope you have an uneventful and safe trip, and while I know you are working I hope you have a little fun too.
Take care
Oh, look, is this the cutest, with the dolls’ teeny little clothes both hanging and folded; what a perfect closet for the Blythes’ wardrobe. It’s fun to see the clothes all together.
I’ll expect to see your post on Friday, not Weds; you might be too tired from the road!
Do you get the AARP magazine? I get mine as a paper mag, snail-mail delivery. Thought of Don as there’s such a good interview with Ringo Starr; I don’t know if I ever knew that he and Paul McCartney remain quite close. I just enjoyed reading the article so much; some Beatles tidbits.
Ah, that wardrobe is so cute!!! Love it! Safe travels!
Dawn P. Albany, GA
I’m late to the conversation…but I just wanted to reiterate that it is your blog. You set the conversation, the tone, and your respect always shows through. If someone can’t see that…that is their problem. The internet is a strange place, and that’s why I hesitate to comment about it…but, your blog has always been a safe place. You should be proud of that.
Such a cute wardrobe you fashioned there. The girls must be delighted.
You certainly got plenty of advice already, so I won’t add anything except to say….Safe Travels!! ;)
Good morning Claudia. I’m in agreement with the other ladies commenting here….it’s your blog. You have every right to speak up without worry. For me though, I’m looking around at every one else commenting on the blog and like in my high school class, hoping it was one of them and I wasn’t the culprit. Hahaha. I’m not knowledgeable about blog etiquette and it’s good to learn. You are fun to follow.
The closet is adorable. I like how you rummaged around looking for the right solution to the rod. I have a few jewelry chests that I adore but they no longer serve their original purpose. You have jump started my brain into finding a new purpose for them. Thank you!
Each time I see an actor with an accent I think about your skills and how necessary your position is to a show. One of the first movies I became aware of accents was Fargo. I was stunned. Do people really talk like that? I mimicked that accent over and over, never getting it right, but what fun! From then on I have listened very carefully to how actors speak. I just watched Renfeld and laughed my head off at Nicholas Cage. It was a joy to hear his take on Count Dracula. So fun!
I hope you have a safe and successful trip. Have a lovely day!
Make sure that you have large LED fully charged flashlight. We bought a few on Amazon. In a pinch, they actually charged our cell phones. They also light up our entire backyard. Had to use it in the blizzard to scare a voracious raccon out of yard. Michigan got slammed with thundersnow, Yes THUNDERSNOW, lightning and heavy snowfall. Now zero degree temperatures. You may be a safe driver but not everyone is. Stupid speeders in blizzard conditions have caused horrible accidents on our freeways this winter. Stay safe, have a good time and find some joy in this trip.
Perfect little wardrobe closet for the girls! I use an old doll dresser for some of my jewelry.
Safe travels!
I remember when you got that little jewelry chest, Claudia. I wondered how you were going to fashion it. BRAVO!!! What a great job. Those little dresses hanging there, and the sweet drawers of T-shirts and shoes….. wow!!!
You know how much I love your blog! I look forward to reading your posts. It is YOUR blog and that is why we love it!
I am watching MSNBC and the results from Iowa. As inevitable as it is, I still am a bit in shock when I hear the idiot’s supporters explaining what a Messiah he is and how he needs another term to fix the world, My breath catches and my stomach gets that familiar pang. ugh. Can’t believe we are going to have to go thru this again, my friend.
On a “funner note” we had the wee one today and we made cupcakes with frosting. Oh, we had such a good time! She stuck with it from beginning to end. And then we each ate one. They were quite good!!!! When she was getting ready to go home we talked about our favorite part of today and all 3 of us agreed it was making cupcakes!! Fun at G & G’s house!
Safe travels for your trip. Tell Don I think he should write the book. Take care.
Hi. Wonder why I’m always the last post. Do I live so far away. We were in the deep freeze with wind chills of -42 C on the weekend. That’s not good for ducks as I always say.
Your post was fine, I didn’t think anything of it.
Don’s hair is cool and he’s a good sport to let you snap a pic and post it.
Love the Beatles tee.
Love what you did with your little Blythe wardrobe – so creative!