Western Side Saddle

      My custom order books are closed, at least for now, but one of the last orders I got was for this western side saddle doll. I was asked to make a western side saddle doll similar to the last western pleasure doll I made. This doll, who is still available. I had enough of the design fabric left to make that happen, so I made the doll. 

     She is not identical to the other doll, no doll is actually identical, but her outfit has a similar feel to it. And I really like how she came out. I also like that I have a western side saddle to put her on! Joan Yount made my western side saddle. 

        It's been a bit weird to tell people who contact me that my order books are closed. They were open for 16 years. But it is nice to know I don't have to make things for a particular time. And I can just make whatever pops into my head. Which is fun. If I don't have a lot of time to work on dolls, which happens a lot these days, I don't have to feel rushed. It's a good feeling.

    This winter has been incredibly mild. We have had a few really cold days, but we also have had many days that are above freezing, or even in the 40s and 50s. Which might be normal for some places, but is very abnormal for Massachusetts. We also have had a lot of rain and very little snow. Until last night. We got an actual winter storm last night. It dumped at least 7 inches of snow, which is not nearly the most we have gotten all at once around here, but is the most we have gotten all at once this winter. And this storm isn't actually done. It is supposed to snow for most of the day today as well, with a 2 hour break for more rain. Awesome. They called a snow day, which is good, but I have to go to the doctor later. I already don't want to go. 

    Last week was February vacation and I got things done that I have had not put off for a while. I did a few larger cleaning projects, though I really wish I had talked myself into a few more. I read books, that had no pictures, and it was nice. I wish I had been able to make time for more reading. I worked on some dolls a bit and I worked on a lot of new jewelry. It was a nice break. We went back to school for one day and now we are off today. We'll see if I can go tomorrow or not. It all depends on whether or not the roads are cleared for tomorrow. If they have to delay school I have to call out. There is no point in going in for an hour, to have to leave to get home for Travis (if school is delayed, Sunshine Village will be closed, and Ethan can't call out of work). So we'll see. 

     Today I want to extend the vacation feeling. I have plans to finish a book that I am nearly done with. I have a necklace design in my head that I want to get out. I have dolls in the works that I can work on. Hopefully I can get a lot done today. Even with having to leave to go to the doctor. And then there are just 3 more days until the weekend. And we are one day closer to Spring. Even if it doesn't look like it.