Well, here it is, Internet-Land, we’ve made it through 2016. Another year has passed, and we look forward to a new beginning. As I was transferring some data from my old planner to  my new one, I found a page on which I had written out some goals for 2016. I was so pleased to find that I had actually accomplished all four of them. (Remember ~ I never make big, unrealistic resolutions.) First on the list was to design a set of fairy paper dolls. Not only did I complete the printed set, but have had so much fun adding to it with exclusive dolls and outfits just for you, my internet friends! Secondly, was to select items from that set to make into real doll clothing. This one wasn’t as abundant, but I did make one into an outfit, and it has sold. (I still have four more to make of that design, as it is a limited edition of five.) Thirdly, was to choose a name and logo for my very own “brand.” I am still pleased with my choice of “Missy’s Imaginings,” and still love my hydrangea design. One of the highlights for this year was finding the beautiful hydrangea fabric for my doll show table skirting. Lastly, was to start up a website or blog. Happily, this turned out to be a two-in-one project. I am tickled that not only did I start this project, but have faithfully posted almost every week. This is my 40th blog post for 2016!

Sometimes it’s easy to get discouraged when looking over a year and seeing all the negatives that may have presented themselves. As we come to the close of 2016, take some time to look at the positive things you’ve experienced. Maybe you took a vacation. Maybe you met a friend. Maybe you changed a job. Maybe you had a really fun day with your children or grandchildren … or great grandchildren. Maybe you added to a collection. Maybe you found a super good recipe. It could be anything ~ big or small. Just think of all the good things that came your way this year. Then think, “How can I make more of that good stuff come my way this year? How can I direct more good stuff towards those I love?” Tonight as we count down the minutes to 2017, let your sights be set on those things that are good, lovely, true, pure, and virtuous. You CAN direct your path for 2017 ~ Wishing you a Very Merry New Year!

Maggie’s additional New Year’s outfit can be found at

http://www.facebook.com/missysimaginings

Greetings & salutations, Internet-Land! I hope your Christmas was great, and I wish you all the best for a very Happy New Year. To help myself celebrate the coming new year, I have acquired one of my all time favorites ~ Beautiful but Deadly Parnilla by Wilde Imagination. She’s stunning! I was a little sad to find that her waist was very loose & floppy (but NOT broken like my September Mourn). I looked up some ideas on possible ways to steady her lower waist joint. The best one (to my mind) was to shim her by inserting some layered clear adhesive tape to the lower front & back torso, thus making her joint more snug. I did not, however, like the idea of adding adhesive to my doll. Once the tape wore out, how would I get the old sticky stuff (which always looks dirty when old) off the body? After considering this, I came up with my happy alternative. Instead of tape, I got some clear thick vinyl! I cut a small piece and was able to gently wedge it into the joint back just above her bum. Voila! It worked like a charm. Now you can see that I can hold her almost horizontal, and she still stays straight! If and when I ever need to replace it, I will simply remove the old one & slip in a new piece ~ NO sticky mess. And that’s not all! This weekend (hopefully tomorrow for New Year’s Eve) I will be posting another holiday set of gowns for Maggie here and on my facebook page. Stay tuned! Until then, here are some pics of “Steadying Parnilla.”

Ho-ho-ho, Internet-Land! It’s Christmas Eve ALREADY! I will confess, this year it has come MUCH too fast. I am in no way ready for the holiday. With long working hours, I have not had time to prepare and must now brave the stores on Christmas Eve day. I am determined, however, to make it into a glorious adventure! I think I know what I want to do, and it will not involve any “you waited too long, so now they’re all gone” items. I will not be in a hurry, so can take my time this late morning and early afternoon to just enjoy the journey. Then tonight, I will pop in one in of our classic Christmas flicks, make a couple pies, wrap some gifts, and thoroughly enjoy the evening.

So, to all of you out there who may be facing the same dilemma ~ here it is ~ embrace your day. Don’t make yourself miserable wishing it is something other than what it is. Do what you can with what you have, and let your own situation be enough. If this year is one of those times when you think there just “isn’t anything to give,” think again. You have lots of value in yourself! Literally, take out some sheets of paper and write your loved ones a letter, telling them how much they mean to you and why. Fill your note with love and thankfulness, making your words into a gift that will be treasured always. One of my most precious possessions is the last birthday card my dad sent to me before he passed away. It’s not the card itself, but the fact that he picked it out with his crazy sense of humor and sent it to me.

This Christmas, know that you are special; you are important; and God absolutely LOVES YOU! You are valuable to Him and to others. This Christmas, just share yourself!

Another gown awaits on my facebook page as well! Happy, Happy Christmas!

http://www.facebook.com/missysimaginings

Hello, hello, Internet-Land! So, as promised, here is my weekend post. It’s been a reeeeeally long couple weeks ~ 55 hours each ~ sewing away on industrial sewing machines and driving on the ice and snow. Wow. I can’t believe I did that ….

But, none the less, here is a new paper dolly to keep you company. I’d like to introduce you to Maggie! Here is her lovely Christmas gown, and her other Christmas outfit can be found on my facebook page. Enjoy!

http://www.facebook.com/missysimaginings

Hello, Internet-Land! WOW!!! What a whirlwind month this is turning out to be. As I said on my facebook page, my hours at work are ever increasing, so I totally missed last weekend’s post. The company where I work is just swamped with business right now, and as my new supervisor said today, “It’s a good problem to have.” I remember the times in my younger days when lots of people were out of work and really struggling, so am very thankful for a good job with lots of work for down the road. At the same time, I have been using most spare time to REST! Know, however, that you are NOT forgotten, and tonight I wanted to post a fun Christmas color sheet to brighten your night. As always, just “save as” or “copy & paste” to print & enjoy! 🙂

OK ~ so, I love the month of December. Not only is it time to enjoy all the wonderful Christmas events that seem to fill up every weekend of the month, but for me at least, it’s always been the month that gives a sense of “closure” to the year. I’ve never been big on “New Year’s Resolutions,” because I would always seem to grasp too widely for things I will never really accomplish. I mean, if it’s good and do-able, I’ll just try to work it in as I strive for general improvement in life. The closure, on the other hand, has been useful to me in the “moving forward” process. I recall one year when my family went through FOUR funerals all within one week in November. I know it was not an astronomical upheaval; it was just a very difficult time. The Lord got us through it all, but boy, was I glad when that year was finally over! Crossing off the last day of December on the calendar was strangely “cleansing” for me. It was done ~ time to move away from grief and forward with TONS of loving, happy memories. I also love the thought of possible SNOW! Now, where you are this may not be a big deal, or you may even cringe at the very idea, but I love snow. It makes everything look clean … at least for the first day or two. It’s a pain for driving, but extra time, lots of care, and studded snow tires all help in that aspect. I even love the sound of the car mushing through the snow and slush on the road.

With that idea (along with the weather forecast for next week’s possible flurries), I present my first December craft! Here is Mr. Snowman! Simply download by “right click” & “save as” to your favorite app for printing. These are formatted to 8.5×11 size paper, and I will be posting Mrs. Snowman to my facebook page. Enjoy and Happy December!

http://www.facebook.com/missysimaginings