Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Well, Hello 2013!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I still can't believe 2012 is gone.  Even though it came and went pretty quickly, it was quite memorable and full of great highs and a few really low lows.  First and foremost, I guess it's great we are all still here considering the Mayan calendar prediction.  I remember being told by my then, holistic doctor, that all he had to do was get me to 2012.  That was two years ago.  So here we are.  Now what???  Let's take a look at 2012.

HIGHLIGHTS of 2012
1)  Wedding of Roderick Taylor and Danielle Harper.
The biggest event in Morristown in 2012 was the wedding of Roderick Taylor and Danielle Harper.  Not only was it an incredible event here in Morristown, but the excitement spanned the globe as many of you dressed and photographed your dolls for the big event, and posted your pictures to my Facebook fan page.  This wonderful mayhem was all started with a post by Muff, entitled Wedding Attire.
 
The happy couple got married May 2012.
 
Their families were united in holy matrimony.

2) Article on VansDollTreasures in the FDQ (Fashion Doll Quarterly) Magazine.
Thanks to Debbie B. Garrett of Black Doll Collecting, writing an article on VansDollTreasures, and her tireless diligence to get it published, VansDollTreasures appeared in the Autumn 2012 issue.  This was a dream come true.  It felt surreal to see my doll families featured.  This, and the incredible emails I received from the young and older girls enjoying the stories, gave me an incredible boost to keep it all going.   

FDQ 2012 Digital Bundle- All four issues!
Image property of Fashion Doll Quarterly

I don't know for sure that the letters and emails from Debbie (Black Doll Collecting), and my Twitter assault and direct messages to Target really brought about the quick price reduction from $24.99 to $11.99, but I have to believe that our efforts and the calls and emails from others made the difference.

New So In Style Dolls

4) Joining the local Woodworking Guild. 
Thanks to my dear blogger friend, Grandmommy, from Big and Little Creations, who told me about the guilds, I spent the year learning all about woodworking.  My goal was to make nice wooden furniture for the 1/6 scale dolls.  Due to time constraints, that didn't really happen this year.  Hopefully next year.  I did, however, make some beautiful wooden and ceramic pens.  It was never my intention to sell them, but I started getting orders the minute people saw them.  I'm not one to turn down a business opportunity, so I filled pen orders and there's now a waiting list.  I've already built the new website for them, and as soon as I make more stock, I will turn the website on.  



5) New Characters!
I have a ton of new characters that moved to Morristown this year.  I have a few favorites that I would like to highlight.


 Mike Jordan, Adele's husband


Freeman Taylor, Rod and Tony's long lost dad.


Kyori


Jay Chou, Kyori's boyfriend


Max

6) Furniture
I made and sold quite a few pieces this year.  I saw my custom orders increase ten-fold.  That was exciting.  You've probably noticed, I haven't had many sofas or chairs in the store lately.  Not having the time to create new designs is partially to blame.  But then when I look back at my furniture pictures, I get the urge to continue making them, even if they are the same design.  We will see what happens.
My favorite sofa from 2012

My favorite chair of 2012

7) Doll Food
I got much better with my polymer food creations this year.  There is a chance I will focus more on food than furniture in 2013. 





8) Stories and Videos
I continued the stories and videos this year.  I did many more photostories than videos.  It was a way to introduce a lot of the other dolls that are hanging out here in Morristown.  I thought for a minute I would not do the videos anymore, but receiving too many, "when is the next video coming out?", helped me decide to continue making them.  Now when I shoot the photostories, I do so knowing some of them will turn into videos later.  Now I am able to make the videos more efficiently.  As an example to this, below is the Thanksgiving video I posted over a week ago.  It is comprised of two separate photostories.

9) Personal Life
This year I suffered a great loss when my dog, Teddy, passed away.  He and I were together for 19 years!!!  Amazing that he lived that long.  I always said he was the dog with nine lives.  I miss him terribly.   

A few weeks after Teddy passed, I met the most caring person, man or woman, that I've ever met.  His name is Calvin and we've been dating ever since.  It takes a special person to take on the trials and tribulations of a chronically ill person.  He has done so with open arms and more love and attention than I ever thought was possible.

Me and Calvin at a black and white birthday party in August.

And...I met my newest step granddaughter.  What a sweetheart she is.

10) My Health Update - Last, but not least
For those who don't know, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma July 2009.  In September of this year, I got word that my cancer treatment was no longer working.  Talk about scary.  My doctor had been trying to get me to move to a new treatment all year.  I was reluctant for many reasons.  I no longer had an option.  I had to change, or else.  I am happy to report the new treatment is working wonderfully.  My numbers are the best they've been since I was diagnosed.  As with every high I've experienced this year, there has been a low.  This new treatment sent me straight into menopause.  And it was really bad!  For me the menopause has been just as bad as the cancer.  I was ready to pull my hair out.  I am now taking herbs to help alleviate my symptoms.  I can go from 98 deg to 150 deg and back down to 30 deg all within 5 minutes.  This can happen consistently for several hours at a time.  Sheer madness, I tell you.  I did take prescription drugs for about a week.  Then I read the potential side effects and stopped immediately.  I also have to take antiviral drugs to prevent shingles.  Another potential side effect of my new treatment.  I hear that shingles is very painful, so I try to remember to take my meds, twice a day.  I can't lie, I'm not the best at taking pills.  Again, I'm happy to be here and happy my new treatment is working.

I did experience one more incredible blow this past Friday.  My dearest friend, Vern, who I've played racquetball with for 11 yrs, just lost his battle with prostate cancer.  It was a hard blow because not only was he an awesome person, he was my cancer buddy for the past three years.  He always called and we would give progress reports and words of encouragement.  He was doing great and playing racquetball up until two months ago.  It's so hard to believe he is gone.  I'm happy he is in a better place and no longer experiencing any pain.

RESOLUTIONS
I'm not one to make resolutions, but there will be a few changes as I move into 2013.  For the past 3 years, I wouldn't make any long term plans.  I've been in limbo, to say the least.  2013 will not be a life of limbo.  I will not spend it "waiting for Godot."  The first step is getting a new dog!  His name is Bruce.  He is 7yrs old and he is currently my youngest stepdaughter's dog.  She wanted to find him a new home and she knows how great I am with dogs.  He lives in the Buffalo area and I hope to go get him within the next two months.

Thanks to each and everyone of you, who followed, and commented on my blog.  I really consider my blogging community, family.  Don't know where I would be if you guys weren't out there.  See you in 2013!

2012 Stats  - These stats are to help me keep up with my progress from year to year.  They won't mean much to you guys.
293 Blog Posts
304 Blog Followers
26 New Videos
1469 Total Subscribers
3.2 million Total video views

57 comments:

  1. This has to be your greatest post ever! I feel like I know you better and I have to say, I am rooting for you to be healthy and happy in 2013. And oodles of best wishes for happy bonding with Bruce.

    What a wonderful look back at your dolls. You’ve been incredibly creative - Rod and Danielle’s wedding was a highlight in my doll world. Rowena and Buffy still chat about their attendance. (p.s. May I snag one of your wedding photos for Buffy’s apartment, please?)

    Have to also comment on how much I love your handmade awesomeness! You are one to watch and be inspired by. Everything you do is brilliant and I love it all.

    Best wishes for a healthful, happy, energetic and fun filled new year.

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    1. Roville - Thanks! Once upon a time I used to be shy. Now I'm an open book. We were so happy Rowena could make the wedding. You are welcome to grab a wedding photo. Here is a link to the post with all the photos. http://vansdolltreasures.blogspot.com/2012/05/shantavia-was-hard-at-work-taking.html
      I'm sure with your photoshop skills, you can make them look a lot better than I did. LOL.
      I'm so happy to have found your blog this year. I'm been a fan of your website for many years. Your dios and stories are some of the best out there! Looking forward to seeing more incredibleness from you in 2013.

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  2. I love you girl and sooooo proud to be able to call you FRIEND!!! You are wonderful Vanessa! Congrats on finding...a good man!
    Have you ever heard the phrase...everything she touch turns to gold! Ditto!

    Warmest Regards,
    Loretta

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    1. Loretta - Awwww! You're such a sweetie pie. I'm honored to call you and James, my friends. The power of the internet is amazing!

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  3. 2012 was an eventful year for you. Thanks for the recap and for the shout outs.

    I am sorry for the losses you experiences in 2013. I hope 2013 is positive in every way for you.

    I look forward to reading your stories and viewing your videos, seeing the new furniture and food you've made, and visiting your pen store. (Her pens are beautiful... I know, I own one!)

    Thanks for all you do!

    Stay blessed and healthy!

    dbg

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    1. DBG - Very eventful. That may be why it seems like it flew by. I do hope 2013 goes by a lot slower. This train is moving way too fast. Thanks to you and your mom for helping me get through the year. Having little pockets of support has been wonderful.

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  4. Hi Van so glad to hear your doing better. You are an inspiration,I love your work. God bless you.Your in my prayers and Happy New Year















































    yea

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    1. Beverly - Thanks for being out there and thanks for your prayers. It means more than you know. Happy New Year!

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    2. Beverly - Your message has a lot of blank spaces. Any chance of you editing them out? Thanks.

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  5. I'm glad you have Calvin and glad Teddy sent him so his momma wasn't so lonely. So sorry about your friend passing, how awful! Glad the new treatment is working and menopause does suck. The only plus in my case, was it raised my body temperature permanently and the cold doesn't bother me anymore! I can go out in 20 degree weather without bundling up like nanook of the north when I'm shoveling the snow! Have a great new year, Van

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    1. pattidolls - I do believe Teddy steered Calvin my way. Teddy comes to visit me in my dreams. His tail is always wagging 100 miles an hour, so I know he's happy. Isn't menopause one of the great marvels of the world? I'm always asking myself, how is this possible? I always took the workings of the body for granted. Never really questioning how it all works. It's a good thing the doc didn't clue me in. I probably would have opted for the 'or else'. LOLOL. Happy New Year. Thanks for being out there.

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  6. Such a long post ! it's true life's train is going so fast. Your dog Teddy looks so cute. For sure he is in dog's paradise, playing with his friends. I understand so much your sadness. My dog is nearly 9 years old and I can't imagine how I would feel if I lost her. It's such a good thing that you are going to adopt Bruce. I'm happy that your new drug is working well on you. Sides effects of early menopause are terrible. I passed througth that experience at 42 years old...I'm sorry for the loss of your friend.
    Thanks to give us your doll's world. You have talent. You do so mervellous things with your hands and your heart.Happy new year Vanessa. God bless you and keep going on my friend !

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    1. Claude - Long post for a short year. I am sure Teddy is making people smile, wherever he is. I will post pictures of Bruce when I get him. It has been a real pleasure meeting you this year. Knowing you is probably the closest I will get to my Paris trip. I am looking forward to seeing more of your doll creations in 2013. Happy New Year!

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  7. I think 2012 was an eventful year for all of us! Despite all the troubles, there were still some slamming highlights (Rod & Danielle's wedding was one of them for me too). Also, just to let you know since this is the new year, your blog was one of the things that inspired me to blog! Your an inspiration, and don't you forget that! ;)

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    1. Verona - You have been one of my most avid commenters this year. Thanks so much for being there! I am very happy that my blog was inspirational in you starting yours. I have enjoyed reading your doll stories and hope to see more in 2013.

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  8. Why you gotta make me cry at the end of every year, huh? I'm feeling so emotional right now, lol! You've had such an eventful year and as always, I'm glad and appreciative that you choose to share it with us. As we used to say way, way back in the day, "Keep on keepin' on, sister."

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    1. Muff - I can always count on you to remind me of some old school saying. You have kept me in stitches all year long. Thanks for that! You are so creative and inspirational. Hope to see many more projects from you in 2013. I should have put 'make mini books' on my resolution list. I need to get those done! Happy New Year.

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  9. I'm so happy that your reatment is working so good! I know I don't know you and I'm just random person from internet, but still, is so big relief to hear you're better! Hope you will be totaly healthy in a few years!

    Both, Calvin and you look so cute together! You're really beautiful woman!

    I hope to read your stories for a dozen of years :)

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    1. jewel snake - Of course you know me! You are part of my blogging family. You have been there with me all year long. I consider you one of my little blogger sisters. Thanks for being there. Happy New Year and I will see you in 2013 with lots more stories for you to read.

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  10. You're such an incredible person and so full inspiration, I can't say it enough. I can tell you that I don't know where I would be had I not found your blog a couple years back. I don't get to comment as often as I like because reading your stories/posts is something I make sure I do right before I go to bed and most of the time, it's with one eye open. I've gone back and read some of my late night comments and almost fell over from the misspellings, LOL. I'm like, these people are gonna think I'm drunk or something but I'm usually halfway sleep. :)

    Anyway, I'm soooooo happy to hear the new treatment is working...and to hear your numbers are even better than when you were diagnosed is awesome! I'm sorry you're dealing with the big M, I know that can not be easy. I'm pretty sure I'm perimenopausal but I haven't experienced anything to the level you're speaking of. I'm glad you're taking herbs to help, I think they can work really well.

    I agree with everyone, this was a nice recap of your year. You've accomplished so many things, again, it's really inspiring. It's not a surprise to me that you've met a great guy...you're a great lady. :)

    I also wanted to send my condolences for loosing your friend. I know it's tough to think about, and as you said, he's in a better place...but I'm glad you're surrounded by people (including us) who love and care about you to help you get through the tougher times.

    Happy New Year!!!

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    1. Tracy - Thanks for your wonderful comments. You were my biggest cheerleader when I started. Your comments always made me feel like a movie producer. Even though life has sent you in another direction at the moment, you will always be my special blogging sister. We all know you are still out there and one day we will see your dolls and their frantic lives once again. LOL!

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  11. Hi Vanessa! I just want to say that like Muff this post made me very emotional. You're such an inspiration to me. Sometimes I think that going into my dolly world is the only thing that keeps me sane. Funny thing is that when I started buying and playing with dolls again, all my friends thought I was insane. You along with other bloggers and flicker friends made me feel comfortable and reaasured me that loving dolls was a perfectly reasonable adult hobby. Now my family and friends support my hobby. I even showed them a few of your blog posts during Christmas and they were amazed at the detail of your stories! Anyway, I just wanted you to know that I think you a very strong, creative, inspirational person, and I'm so glad I found your blog. Happy New Year!

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    1. veda - I'm so glad you didn't let the people around you deter you from your joy of dolls. The joy of dolls can be infectious and I'm glad your family is now supportive. Keep doing you and having fun. I'm looking forward to seeing more from you in 2013. Happy New Year.

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  12. Happy New Year! I know how you fell about your dog because my Grandmas dogs, Hillary and Tristen, died a few years ago and I lost both grandparents to cancer.2013 is definitely a year for new beginnings and new reselutions. Thanks for always making my day better with your blog posts.

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    1. sisilovessinging - Hello friend! I think of you as one of my little sisters, too. If I'm not mistaken, you found me first on YouTube, then joined us here on the blogs. I'm so sorry for your losses. I'm sending a big hug your way. I look forward to seeing you as Morristown continues it's journey.

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  13. This is such a beautiful post Vanessa. I am so excited that your new treatment is working and that you gave in and decided to go with it. I am also excited about your finding a great guy that seems to adore you....how can he not, you are so precious. : ). You will make a great Mommy for Bruce and please do share pics of hIm when you get him.

    I'm really sorry to hear about your friend passing. Heaven has gained another angel.

    You have inspired so many of us with your dioramas and photo stories. A couple of people up top mentioned that you started it for them. You were my inspiration as well. I always read your post last...yes, I save the best for last : )

    I wish you great health and many many blessings all year long.

    Love you girl!

    P.S. I am your menopausal sister...so I know "exactly" what you are talking about. Lol! It is awful! Lol!

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    1. Georgia Girl - I remember when you couldn't even figure out how to leave a comment on the blogs, and now look at you. Doing great dios and stories and shooting videos. You go! I love that someone I've known for many years in the real world is now in my blogging world. You have a lot to offer the dolly blogging world. I hope to see a lot more of your blog this year.

      As for the menopause...what the */%@!? Who the heck came up with that one? I need to do some research to find out where that name came from, too. Men-o-pause. Of course the men all pause. Don't get close to me, or I will break out in a sweat. Poor Calvin. First cancer, now menopause. He truly deserves a medal.

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  14. You have the grace of a princess and the strenght of a warrior knight and I am happy to have met you and your blog, it was wonderful for me to discover that there were other people who collect dolls and they used their dolls to tell, I tried to do this, make visual my stories, drawing comics but everyone always told me that I had no talent and let it go and I was depressed, all of you have opened the door to a new world to me. You are the best friends I ever had and now I feel less alone.
    Thank you!
    Happy New Year Vanessa, I wish you all the best :)

    *HUGS*

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    1. Sergio - Now you are making me emotional! Stop that. LOL. People who try to tear down others, are just not happy with themselves. Never listen when people tell you you can't do something. Just always DO YOU. We are happy you are part of our family. Happy New Year!

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  15. Ok Vanessa...you took me up then down then up again in just the time it took me to read this post.
    The end is I am so glad you are around. I think God let you stay here just so you and I can play dolls some more. teehee
    The very best of everything and more for 2013. I declare it the best year yet full of prosperity and love! :0D
    Oh yeah...hi Calvin {{wavin}}

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    1. Grandmommy - Did you feel like you were on a roller coaster ride? I sure did. All year long. Thanks for being there and praying for me this year. I know how difficult I can be at times, but getting your emails always brightened my day. Calvin is waving back. He reads my blog every day. So get your miniature house ready. We are going to do this!

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  16. oh yea, I want to mention Vanessa also got me off the ground. My blog, I told her about but didnt join the guild until she inspired me, so much personally and hobbywise was sustained because of our friendship.
    Thanks Vanessa

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  17. Thanks for the update Vanessa. I think I did pretty good keeping up this year so that I didn't miss anything blog related. Sorry to hear about your friend Vern, I miss Teddy for you, hate to hear all that about menopause - that SUCKS! You look great! And it's nice to finally meet Calvin! I read this from my phone e-mail earlier which doesn't show photos. I did say to myself that better be a real photo of Vanessa - not the doll and a new Calvin doll. ;-) All the food looks delicious. I think I said it before that I don't like chocolate icing but you sure make me want to have some. I'm going to click on the video. I remember the photo stories but I don't think I saw a video.

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    1. Kenya - I am patting you on the back. You did great following the blog considering you are a doll person. And if Christopher has anything to do with it, you never will be a doll person. LOL. Men-all-pause is not bad for everyone. Thank goodness. My mom doesn't even remember having it. I don't think mine would have been this bad, if it had just took it's natural course. This is my first time posting the video here. Happy New Year. I'm looking forward to your posts again this year.

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  18. Hello from Spain: I'm glad to read that your personal life is very full. I'm glad that your health is better. Also your blog is a success and you create the best blog I read. I have a daily dependence into your blog ... With your posts you inspired me to create my blog. I feel like a'' friend''. I really like the summary of your year. I'm sure that in 2013 we will continue to enjoy this hobby. Keep in touch

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    1. Marta - You have dazzled us with your Barbie rooms all year long. I have to give you the award for the "most commented on" blog ever. When you see a blog get over 80 comments on a regular basis, you know there's some magic there. Keep up the good work. I'm looking forward to seeing more this year, friend.

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  19. Vanessa,
    What a year it's been for you! I'm so very glad your treatments are working for you, and that your numbers are great. I'm very grateful to FDQ for "introducing" your world to me because until I read the article, I didn't know about your doll treasures...or your doll world...or your blog. I agree that menopause sucks! Been there, done that. Egad! Remember the herb black cohosh. It helped me when I was going through all that. As others have said, you are an inspiration. And I, too, will be starting a blog sometime this year. I'm so sorry about your friend and your dog, Teddy. I know losses are difficult, but I'm glad you found a loving and supportive companion in Calvin. I hope and pray that 2013 is a very healthy, happy, joyful and prosperous year for you. I look forward to meeting you in person very soon! :-)

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    1. Cindi - I didn't know you found me from FDQ. That's awesome! Thanks for being there. Black cohosh is the herb I am taking. It seems to be helping, but I just want to be back to normal. Sometimes I feel like I am running a race with hurdles. I would never have chosen hurdle jumping as a track runner. But here I am. I guess it's better than reaching the finish line. LOL! Forgive my sick humor. We will definitely meet soon. We should do lunch one Friday in Gainesville.

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  20. Well Vanessa, for sure 2012 has been a year full of important events (dolly and real, good and not so), but what I would remark about everything you wrote is your energy and will to go on with your life no matter how hard it gets. I'm so glad your new treatment is working (despite all those disgusting secondary effects), you knew new people and you're going to get another pet! As always, thank you for all the effort you put in every dio and story you share with us. Happy 2013 to you too!

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    1. Rossetti - It's really been nice having you along on this blogging journey. You, too, have been an avid follower. I really enjoyed your blog this year. You have a nice way of making your girls look fabulous. I'm anxious to see your next fashion creations. Happy New Year.

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  21. Beautiful, thanks for sharing. I am soo glad you have such a good support system and are feeling better. As soon as I am, I have some projects of my own to do. Thanks for the inspiration to do them. I have almost given up on my dolls a few times this year but your blog let's me know I am not alone in my doll habit!

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    1. mrscarissa - Thanks. Please don't give up on your dolls. Your dios and families are so beautiful. As you can see, with all the dolly people out here, you will never be alone in this habit. Happy New Year.

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  22. Hi Vanessa,

    I am so glad to hear that your new treatment is working. To me you are the ambassador of love. It is so beautiful to me that your stories all show the day to day love among family and friends. I am especially moved to see this representation of black families because most of the time mainstream media presents our families as wildly dysfunctional.

    Your wedding videos truly were the big event of 2012 and I believe that along with a nudge from Teddy, they brought true love into your life in the person of Calvin. How wonderful that you have found such a caring companion! Please tell him that all of us thank him for treasuring you.

    In this aspect as in many others you are an inspiration. Instead of closing love out thinking that no one could love a chronically ill person, you have attracted someone who can see and appreciate all the wonderful gifts you have to offer. Maybe I should do a series of wedding videos so I can open my heart to a prince too :-)!

    Very best wishes for 2013

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    1. limbe dolls - Where are my tissues? (sniffle, sniffle) What a touching comment. From the very beginning it was important for me to show loving Black families, because you are right, the media rarely portrays that. I also wanted to show there are good Black fathers out there. Amazingly enough, a number of the stories I did seemed to come true to life. I was in awe several times this year as things unfolded. So my advice is, do that wedding series! I never imagined I would have another person in my life because most people ran once they found out the news. And to meet one so caring! Unimaginable. So there have been a few bright spots that have made this journey so enjoyable. Thanks for providing us such wonderful knowledge through your blog. You seem to have found your blog calling by portraying the beauty of the dolls that are often times overlooked. I'm excited to see what you bring to us this year. Happy New Year.

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  23. Glad to hear that you are improving! Yet, I am sorry to hear about your losses in the past year, but I wish that 2013 will only be better for you. I have enjoyed viewing your beautiful pictures and creations and look forward to seeing much more from you! :)

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    1. In a Dolly's World - Thanks! I, too, have enjoyed your beautiful little ones in their fabulous outfits. I can't wait to see what you bring to us in 2013.

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  24. Wow! You have had a busy year! It good to know you are doing well. I will have to check out all your new videos. Keep up the good work! Happy New Year!

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    1. Ms. Leo - I think we all had a busy year. You disappeared for awhile, and I'm happy to see you return. Happy New Year. Will this be the year you transform some of your Barbie homes? It will be the year that I try to use mine at least a few times.

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  25. It's been great to follow your blog this past year and I'm looking forward to keeping up with your families' stories this year. I too will be praying your health continues to improve with this new treatment and that the menopause symptoms settle down quickly (it's amazing how they vary so much from woman to woman). It's lovely so see pictures of you and Calvin looking so happy and I pray that continues. Also looking forward to seeing your new dog.

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    1. Carrickters - It's been wonderful having you as part of the family this year. It's great having a different perspective from 'down under'. I appreciate the prayers and well wishes. This year I will make some lemon curd and maybe some scones. I have to lose about 10 lbs first. Happy New Year.

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  26. Happy new year, Vanessa! Glad that your new treatment has taken well and that you have new loved ones in your life - Calvin, Bruce, and your newest step granddaughter. (Sorry to hear about your lost loved ones.)

    Thanks for being so inspiring and so generous. I have loved viewing your videos and photo stories and updates. Thanks for making me laugh and making me appreciate determination.

    Here's to 2013 and many years to follow!

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    1. D7ana - Happy New Year! The years are flying. So happy to call you a dear blogging friend. Looking forward to spending more time with you in 2013.

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  27. I don't comment here very much, but I just wanted to say that I look forward to your blog in my inbox. Congratulations on all of your victories! My heart goes out to you on your health, but I'm glad to heart your new treatment is working.

    I hope to begin some stop-motion animation with my own dolls this year, and you have been a big inspiration. Thank you!

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