Thanksgiving

Isnt she adorable? You gotta love a beautiful Barbie - especially one carrying a turkey ! She's the Holiday Hostess Barbie #4 and for a Barbie collector like me, she's one to put on the "indulgence" list.

 

 

But thanksgiving itself....you know, we don't actually have the celebration here in Australia, however I would love it if we did. Taking a moment to be grateful for all that we have can only bring a country, a community, a family, an individual joy in the long run.....

 

I have had a trying year (who hasn't!) with surgery, relationship dramas, children's physical and emotional bumps and bruises, but in August I empowered myself by choosing to find something to celebrate in each day. I began by taking a photograph of the something and posted it on facebook every day for about a month....this in turn moved into more private realms as I noted the little things that bought me joy. May I just say, it altered my brain patterns for the better, and as the conclusion of 2013 draws near I can honestly say I am thinking more lovingly, more freely and more joyfully than back when I started the gratitude journey. I am no longer as weighted down with concerns about what people think of me (ego), as I choose to celebrate the 'me' alive in each moment. Have been reading a lot of Erkhardt Tole, Deepak Chopra and Louise Hay which has also contributed to my new 'present in the moment' living - I highly recommend their works.

 

So, as I sit and ponder what I am grateful for this thanksgiving 2014, I really think my truth is that I am grateful for the spiritual journey of gratitude itself .... it is helping me overcome episodes of 'lowness', making me care for myself better (self compassion is a wonderful thing!) and helping me leave behind the curse of 'wanting' that coloured my life in the past. I have discovered there is so much wonder in this moment, I squander it by chasing more, more, more all the time.

 

My wish for each of you this thanksgiving is that you will discover the magic in the moment you are in - the people in your lives, the food on your table, the creative endeavours you are undertaking, the snuggly-ness of winter or the sunshine of summer wherever you are in the world.....enjoy the moment!

A little secret.....

Can I share a little secret with you? I LOVE Barbie Dolls......OK that may not come as such a surprise, but I thought I would share my love of pop culture and this classic mid century doll with you......

 

Firstly, if anyone can tell me the name of the Barbie pictured above and where I might get hold of her I will be eternally in your debt. Also, I am so curious to know what other dolls appear in this picture and of course to see the overall image itself............

 

Below is a photograph of my collection of dolls as it stands right now.....I have many plans to continue to add to this, so I guess one of the best investments I could make would be to obtain a cabinet to house them all in - I am running out of room in my walk in robe - and they are so beautiful they should be on display !!!!

My collection at the moment......

 

 

Coming additions (I hope ! But over many years of course, not all at once !)..........

 

 

 

I loved Barbies as a child and spent hours making them beautiful clothes to wear (now I just make the clothes for myself instead), but my adult love for the dolls can be attributed to a birthday gift from my friends Lisa, Catherine and Mel about 3 years ago, when I received the anniversary 1959 doll.....look at what you have started girls !! With much gratitude I blame you three for the rekindling of my Barbie love !!!!

 

My Betty Draper Barbie Dress...

 I have been working on this little project for quite some time now and am thrilled with how it has turned out !! Formally this dress had sleeves, a matching belt and made me look super matronly in 1950's style. But after a little Mad Men and Barbie Doll inspiration, I decided to try to similarly replicate Betty Drapers Barbie Doll Dress with the matronly dress as a base. I removed the sleeves and created a silk cumber bun - and look at the difference !! So happy !!!!