Piper Stewart's Blog, page 2

Alice.

My daughter recently read Alice in Wonderland, one of my longtime favorites. It got me thinking of course about making a doll.

I have been working on a new body style to become the staple of my female dolls. Something curvy, busty, and that begs to be held. Alice has become just that.

I am really pleased with what she has become so far, even my hubby is impressed. She is still a work in progress, but so far she is emerging nicely, gathering her personality along the way.

And anytime my daughter “begs for one for her birthday” I know I’m onto something.   To be continued, once we find wonderland…

Oregon

I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching lately. Maybe it’s that time of year, or maybe it’s the roadtrips I’ve been taking.

I don’t know, but I love nothing more than journaling it all as I go and sorting it out later. This last vacation was particularly poignant because of the destination and company.

Gotta love powerball. Don’t care what the statistics say….

Travelled to the Northwest with my bestie (seen above) who is also my baby sis. Our Parents, respective kiddos and devoted Hubbies came along to enjoy the fun as well.

But somewhere along the miles, the journey became more of a fairy tale…

 revealing the beauty of nature and a completely different feel to the whole trip.

 Nothing like slowing down time for a walk on the beach with my kiddos. Looking for shells or tidepools. Singing to mermaids or chasing seagulls.

Somehow I can simply breathe better here. It melts my stresses away…

Besides, it’s not every day that you can share a shipwreck with your dad.  Those moments are nothing short of magical. Too few and far between.

And lets not forget about two little girls, who have been here many times, eager to share those amazing memories with their children firsthand, but don’t get as many chances to gather in a chair and giggle together like they once did…

(Thanks Matt Bellassai)

And to answer the call of the Ocean.

So glad we did.

Halloween Fun!

There is no question that Halloween and Christmas are my favorite holidays. I’ve realized the crafting is by far more inspiring to me. There are new additions to my décor, and as always, works in progress. I haven’t yet given this one a body, because I am in love with her haunting my entryway with her simple shroud. I think she makes more of a statement just the way she is.

I did however add a friend… just for some evil plotting and the like.

And am busy with more of my “Vlademere” dolls, who swept me off my feet last year with his charm…

But one of my favorites has to be the witches three…

Double, double toil and trouble;Fire burn and cauldron bubble. Eye of Newt and toe of frog, wool of bat and tongue of dog.

In the cauldron boil and bake.

For a charm of powerful trouble, like a hell-broth boil and bubble.

HAPPY HAUNTING…

Must be fall…

The kids have gone back to school, we have a new pupper-dawg addition to our family,

and the weather is finally cooling down. Leaves are falling already, and I’m getting bitten by the Halloween bug.

I found myself working on a new pattern last week, wanting a witches face, but as she took shape in my hands, I could see the Evil Queen from Snow White. So far, she’s a very ominous face lurking in the corner, but I am absolutely delighted with her. Already don’t want to finish her, because that’s when they find new homes. Also, she may end up huge, so she might be sticking around! Happy, happy, joy, joy!

Mermaid magic…

Decided to take the afternoon off. I’ve been beckoned by the call of the siren of the sea.

She has been waiting for me to complete her for quite a while now. So, today I worked on her face.

She needs a bit more embellishing, but she is coming along beautifully…

Don’t you think?

St Paul de Vence

This place is amazing.

It quite literally feels like being inside an Escher picture…

There are staircases everywhere

That lead to…

And another…that takes me…

here.

and here…

and here.

It is breathtaking by day…

 and the art is astounding.

There is a rich history…

And who could miss the view…

Certainly not me. I love every second.

The South of France.

Possibly my favorite place on Earth. Thus far. It is where my soul comes alive. The smell of jasmine and lavender in the air calls to me.

The beauty of this area is astounding to me. From the garden I could see the Mediterranean before me, and The Alps behind me.

Once again, spoiled by my lodgings for the week, and beyond fortunate to call them family. To treat us to such an adventure. St. Paul de Vence. Simply amazing…

Step one, Paris

What’s not to love about Paris…

This trip we spent far more time off of the Metro, and loads of time on foot, exploring. It was so much fun to breathe in the city, marveling at architecture. Seeing and being seen.

Stopping at Museums to see works of art only before seen in books

Enjoying a picnic on the Seine with my handsome hubby. Nothing makes me happier than slowing down with a splash of wine and a little cheese to drink in the moment, feel the sun on my shoulders and appreciate the little pleasures in life.

Feeling spoiled at the views from the apartment…

And the up close and personal pulse from the Champs-elysees…Such fun nightlife. So much to get lost in, while finding that part of you waking up…

 

 

 

Jetlag…

I admire people who travel for a living. I can only imagine the green-smoothies and voodoo magic they must conjure to ward off jetlag. I am almost a week home, and still feel as though the ground is rocking. I’m saving a fortune on wine, as I have felt drunk & dizzy for a week.

I am sooo grateful for my own bed, my own pillow and to finally be getting back into a regular sleep schedule that somewhat mirrors my kids. Not that getting up for the day at 3 am wasn’t super productive. It was more the dragging, yawning, desperate need for a coffee from 3 pm on, and bribing the hell outta the kids to go to bed at 9, so I could do the same.

So, hats off to you travelers, I aim to join you once in a great while!

Piper is going to Paris!

The countdown has begun. I am officially in packing mode! So much to do here before I go, I am quite literally driving myself insane with to-do lists. I am so overdue for a vacation, but the “excitement” part hasn’t kicked in yet. Does anyone else ever feel that way? I’m almost apprehensive….

Maybe when I am waiting for liftoff…

This trip will be a long one, first a couple of days in Paris,

then a week in Provence

(my favorite) and then a relaxing weekend in Venice. As I type this, I can feel the smile taking over my face, there has just been so much planning and doing, and talking that I am ready for a verre de vin rouge!

I am taking time away from my computer, and even my phone. I want to take a million pictures and truly BE in the moments, so that I have loads to pull from in my writing, and infinite choices to post on here.

Wish me Bon Voyage!