A Tiny Bear

Cheerio!

Here is the little brown bear I made for my cousin A. You can tell how quickly I finished and photographed it by the number of cat hairs on its face...

I had offered to make A. something, and "a normal-looking brown bear with a strawberry on top, like the plush bunny you made [for Etsy]" was her request.

Ostensibly it was because she really liked the giant brown bear I got from dear Raccoon, but I'm guessing it's also because, when all three of my younger cousins visited years ago, I made a tiny bear for, and only for, her brother J. (What can I say? He's my favourite).

She did mention several times that he has kept his bear to this day.

It makes me feel all warm inside to know that, even if I've only sold one item on Etsy so far, there's at least one person (hopefully two now) in the world who is treasuring something I made.

The bunny I made for Raccoon hopes she's appreciated, too

So I'll try to ignore the fact that there are many, many more things I've made for family and friends without receiving a "Thanks" or even "I got it". Such as this big plush strawberry:

Give it back if you don't like it! I actually really want it!

I'm Back!

Me at Buckingham Palace!

Well, I'm back from London after what felt like months but was just under two weeks. I never knew time could feel slow and drawn out even when you're happy.

I suppose it's because we had so much to see and so much walking to do in so little time. Also, while my sleeping/waking hours are pretty messed up, I somehow adapted immediately to London time upon arrival.

Every day I'd wake up around 6 am despite being barely able to get up at 1 pm at home. Raccoon and I would then leave the hotel at 7 or so, and be thoroughly occupied until we collapse 14 to 16 hours later. Reading about each object in London's magnificent museums. Running down each lane in London's enormous parks. Visiting as many abbeys, castles, and old shops as possible.

At the Museum of Natural History

So although I was exhausted the entire trip and sick as soon as we returned, it has been a valuable experience overall, and no less wonderful as the other vacations I've gone on and returned from fully recharged.

I did feel inspired enough to sew a little felt bear mascot for my cousin in just two sittings, though. (She left a week after I got back, having stayed for the past two months.) I'll post some pictures as soon as I get them from her camera.

P.S. London is truly a big city (even if I got to see the beautiful English countryside as well) -- something I am apparently not used to at all. The busiest parts of downtown Vancouver feel laid-back and half-deserted compared to London!

Before heading up to Beatrix Potter's house

Caek!!! And Lolita Luggage

Felt cake slice with cream, chocolate, and fruit toppings

I surprised myself with a burst of energy last night and this morning, resulting in this (finally completed) sweet slice of fake cake. Click on the picture to see more photos of it in my Etsy store!

I've also started packing for our London trip after borrowing a suitcase from my cousin, who borrowed it from our aunt. It's navy blue with a giant plaid-wearing teddy bear on it. Very old-school England. :P

Anyway, it feels as if I've finished packing, because the case is full, but I still need to fit shoes in there somehow. It's not my fault, though -- I may not fold everything perfectly (neater folds = sharper creases that need to be properly ironed out, I say), but at least it all MAKES SENSE in there. Probably. I like to think I have a knack for packing.

No, the culprit is the outfits. Specifically 7 poofy, frilly lolita dresses and the underclothes/socks/headgear that necessarily go with them. Thaaat's right. So what if Londoners think I'm some kind of crazy Asian tourist? I'm doing at least 7 of our 9 days in lolita!

Of course it's all well and good if I don't care about looking silly, but it's not going to work out unless I figure out how to fit the shoes in. And my handbags. And the parasol(s). Raccoon's luggage is full, too, so he's no help.

How do other lolitas "travel light" while staying true to the style?

*And I'm only classical/casual -- how do over-the-top, cupcake-poof sweet lolitas manage?

London

Anglerfish dog monster filler photo

My heart goes out to all those affected by the recent riots in London. I admit the news has been particularly troubling because I will be there in three more days.