Tag: dolls

Hump Day Happy

Ken is a shoe whore. There are more, but they’re on dolls. Apparently, shoes make him happy. If you’d like something to be happy about, please comment with a page number between 1 and 611, and another number between 1 and 25, and I’ll find something in the happiness book for you. It’s not quite the same thrill as a new pair of shoes, but it could be just what you need to prompt a happy memory, give you an idea for a story, poem, or blog entry, or just make you scratch your head in wonder at the foolishness of it all. I say we can never have too much happiness and foolishness.

LJ Runway Monday: Hard Wear (PR 7:7)


On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were asked to create an unconventional look using materials they could get from a trip to the hardware store. They also had to create an accessory to go with it. I went to Houston’s fantastic Southland Hardware. This is one of my favorite places–since it’s in a neighborhood full of old homes, we can always count on them to stock things for our eighty-year-old house–or know where we can get what we need.

Southland also provides little bags of popcorn free to their customers, and since Tim and his boss were with me for part of my shopping trip, I helped The Big H discover the delights of my favorite snack.

Then I picked up a few things:


Dry wall repair kit, skid-proof shelf liner, silver chain, furniture repair kit, paint cones.

I wasn’t too worried about coming up with a design. After all, I’ve used unconventional materials before, and Summer has always…

Oh, yeah. Summer. I heard from her and she said she’s so busy she’s barely keeping afloat these days. Translation:

Does anyone remember the second season of Charlie’s Angels? The first episode, when we find out Jill Munroe won’t be returning? Jill Munroe, who was played by the late Farrah Fawcett? The same Farrah Fawcett who was WRONGLY NOT INCLUDED in the tribute section of Sunday night’s Oscars?

But I digress. As the second season begins, although Jill will no longer be helping the other angels, she’s sent someone in her place: younger sister Kris Munroe, played by Cheryl Ladd.

No, Cheryl Ladd isn’t this week’s model. Ready to find out who is?

Then please click here.

Button Sunday–I mean Monday

New computer–all my button photos are on the other computer, so here’s a very delayed button for you:

It’s very strange to be relearning Mac. Back in [year redacted], my first PCs in the workplace and home were Macs. Then Faux Mac, a/k/a Windows, came along and I lied–yes, LIED–and said I knew Windows so I could get temp jobs. Windows was, after all, just Mac Lite, and former employers, SUCK IT, because I excelled at all my Windows applications thanks to Mac’s brilliant software and set-up.

But, oh, the bad habits I’ve learned over the years. The first thing I had to do was set up my mouse to right click because I’m lost without it. I need to relearn some key commands.

If you’ve been wondering why I’m not online, it’s because I have this new toy to explore and learn. A very expensive toy, but since I had to destroy my zero credit debt for a new washing machine (old one died after eighteen years) and a new refrigerator for Tim’s apartment (his was our old one and is dying after fifteen years), I figured I might as well replace my desktop, which has been threatening to die for several months now. (Occasionally, guests at The Compound ask, “What is that NOISE?” and I have to tell them it’s the sound of the last stages of life of a computer two rooms away. A computer that has years and years of photos stored on it, which are fortunately now backed up to an external hard drive–and some of them will eventually end up on the Mac–including those button photos.)

Remember that Margot had to go to the vet because of a hurt paw? She CHEWED half the pad off a toe on another paw, so Tom rushed her to the vet Saturday morning before they closed. Result:

I haven’t let anyone tell her this is the Cone of Shame, but she’s still disgruntled–and her attitude isn’t helped at all by daily foot soaks and ointment applications.

I have a ton of photos I’ve taken over the last few days and some stuff to write about, including cowboys and art and dolls and friends. But for right now, since Project Runway was a rerun and I didn’t have to sew a design this week, I’ll leave you with a doll photo that’s part of a household reorganization and storage project I’ve undertaken involving my doll collection–and a definite fashion statement.


A 1991 MC Hammer doll by Mattel; New Kids on the Block Joe doll, Hasbro, 1990;
1984 Michael Jackson doll from Mjj Productions of Ljn Toys, Ltd.
Can’t touch this!

LJ Runway Monday: A Little Bit of Fashion (PR 7:6)


On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were asked to create a look for children. My child model is a friend of Kelly, Barbie’s preschool-age sister, and is named, coincidentally, Becky.

Of course, as is usual with Project Runway, the day after getting their challenge, the designers were presented with a twist. They were also expected to create a companion piece for their models.

Models… No one who knows Summer thinks she wouldn’t be where the action is. Yep:


Vancouver! Before you start wondering why Summer’s with a different guy every week, I should tell you that this Olympic medalist is only a close friend.

Fortunately, the beautiful Gina was available to walk with little Becky down the runway. How do they look?

Please click here to see.

LJ Runway Monday: Run for Cover (PR 7:5)


On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were asked to create a look for a very special client: PR’s own Heidi Klum! Even better, Heidi would wear the winning design on the April cover of Marie Claire magazine.

When I heard about this wonderful opportunity, I knew exactly who I wanted to dress for the runway. So I was almost sad to hear from Summer. What if she wanted to be my model for this challenge? Turns out she was just e-mailing to say hello and send a photo that was taken as she was leaving for her Valentine’s Day weekend getaway.

So who would be wearing my design on the runway?

Please click here to see.

LJ Runway Monday: Design Your Heart Out (PR 7:4)


On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers had to create their looks in partnership with Campbell Soup’s campaign to raise awareness and funds for the American Heart Association’s “Go Red For Women” movement. Their models this week were heart disease survivors, whose stories the designers found inspirational. The women would be wearing their dresses to a gala event to benefit heart health. The designs also became part of Campbell’s “AdDress Your Heart” campaign, which has enlisted top fashion designers for the last four years to create the red dresses that are now symbols of women’s heart health.

I was unable to find any of the Campbell Soup fabric that the designers were encouraged to incorporate into their designs, but I did use elements of Campbell Soup’s logo.

According to Summer’s agent, she was already booked for a photo shoot for another client. Translation:

No problem; I actually didn’t want Summer for this design. Instead, I chose Tanya as my model. Tanya is named for a woman who I still think of as my little sister. Although her primary health problem isn’t her heart, she has struggled with a life-threatening, chronic illness from a very young age. Her refusal to let health issues daunt her, along with her humor and common-sense approach to life, taught me lessons as a teenager that I still use every day. My design is a tribute to her and to all strong women who deal with health challenges.

And how does that design look? Please click here to see.

Hump Day Happy–Bridge Edition


Seriously? If these dolls are the true 2010 Harley couple, I could probably resist the Barbie, but I MUST HAVE KEN. I think they’re using the Twilight Edward face mold for this doll. Minus the sparkle on the paint job, of course. Team Ken!

For those who want to see how Meesh is meeting the weekly Project Runway challenges with style–and deriving one of her looks from one of my past designs!–you can see her high-end and affordable fashions right here. Tres chic!

Finally, what kind of person would get up in the morning, build a bridge, and risk the well-being of a unicorn named Charlie for YOUR happiness? Me, that’s what kind. Please comment with a page number between between 1 and 611, and another number between 1 and 25, and a trio of unicorns will float through these pages to find you some happiness.


It’s a bridge, Charlie!
A bridge that Becky constructed from toothpicks and burlap string!
She’s an engineer, Charlie! A civil engineer made of hope and wonder!

(Note: I realize Charlie’s in a perilous position due to the length of the bridge.
That’s because between these books is not the bridge’s real destination.
And also, everybody’s a critic.)