Model Horse Gift Exchange

     I haven't signed up for the model horse gift exchange in many years. This year I decided to join, even though I probably shouldn't have for financial reasons. But I managed not to totally overdo my spending, partially because the unpainted resin that was part of the gift was already in my collection. After that I just tried not to go too overboard. I mostly succeeded. 

     Through USPS delays and me forgetting to give my new (over 2 years old, but "new") address to the coordinator, my gift ended up at my old house. But a quick visit solved that problem. When I finally had time to open the package I found 2 beautifully wrapped gifts. 

          There was actually quite a lot of stuff in those "two" gifts! One was the anxiety bookshelf and the other was a box of treats; a Barnes and Noble gift card, a bag of extra books, and a miniature art cart. I have almost bought a cart like that several times over the years. 

       I have also strongly considered buying an anxiety bookshelf many times over the years. I did put that on my wish list specifically. A variety of companies make them, I didn't really expect to get one, especially not from the original company. But I did, it's pink, and as soon as I took it out of the box I shook the crap out of it. That was really fun!

 

     Then I put all the books neatly on the shelves. It wasn't this neat when I got it, which is no surprise when the package had been in the mail. It was pretty much just as fun to put the books on the shelf as it was to shake it up and make the mess. 

      So let's talk about making messes and being destructive. It's fun. It's therapeutic at times. Which is actually the idea behind an anxiety bookshelf. To be able to break things or cause chaos without getting in trouble is just super fun. If you have never been to a rage room (where you go in and break stuff) you should find one and try it out. Some things are not actually that fun to break, like flat screen TVs or old desk phones. But wine bottles especially are exceptionally fun to break. I think the best part of the rage rooms, after being able to break stuff, is not having to clean up. That part is awesome. 

       Part of the joy of the anxiety bookshelf is being able to clean it up. Yesterday, I had all the books on the shelf and it looked so neat and nice. I love books and I love miniatures, so it's nice even just as a decoration. Then I had the idea that I wanted to sort the books by color. So I shook up the shelf again (still fun) and then sorted the books. Could I have done an even better job sorting the colors? Of course, but I wanted to enjoy the process, not become super particular about it. I am glad I did this, it amused me, but I actually think I like it when the books are just on the shelf not in a particular way. Which just means I get to shake up the shelf and do it again some time soon. Maybe tomorrow. 

     Thank you Christina Harrington for a really cool bunch of gifts! And thank you to everyone who continues to read my blog even when almost none of it seems to be about dolls or model horses. I do still make dolls and still think about model horse things, like Breyerfest. I am planning an extra long trip next year so Travis and I can get to the Kentucky renaissance festival the weekend before Breyerfest. Anyone who wants to come with us is welcome. We are likely going on July 5th. We're also, hopefully, finally going to get to Mammoth Cave. I am sure I will have room in the car if someone wants to take that trip with us too. Potentially Monday the 7th or Tuesday the 8th, I haven't decided quite that far in advance for that trip. I hope everyone has a great New Year's Eve, no matter what you choose to do. Stay safe and I'll see you next year!