December 9,2018

We are well underway in our 2018 Christmas season. This year we have pared way down from our production values of the past. We are making about half of what we have made in the past. It is a much more sane way to do things! No more 14 hour days! Looking forward to a blessed Christmas season with family. Rita and I send our very best to you and your family Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

been waaaay too long!

New Years Day 2017! Happy New Years! This year begins a new avenue for our Little Darlins Nursery business to enter. In the past, our main focus was making "custom" reborn dolls. This means you would choose hair and eye color, clothing, etc. Now we hope to offer some "ready-made" dolls. Which means we make the doll at our own discretion, and you simply purchase it. Instead of waiting about forty-five days, it would be delivered in three to four days. We will still offer the custom, but this is a new way we can reach our customers. It will be interesting to see what becomes of it! Happy New Year everybody! David

Mason, a Christmas joy!

On Saturday my sister Linda Sue took Rita and I to our annual Christmas pageant. It is always a wonderful break from the craziness of making dolls just before Christmas (even elves need a break!). The beginning features some wonderful Christmas choral selections performed by different chorales my the Citrus Hill college. Its my favorite part. Absolutely love it. But! I got to meet Mason. A five-year-old bundle of Down's syndrome enthusiasm and hope. Mason was antsy as all five-year-olds are, anxious to see Santa. Mommy dutifully laid out the program for Mason so he could understand that he had to wait. First the singing, then the intermission and a snack, and then Santa! Mason was, at first, a little overwhelmed but so excited at the same time. Mason did pretty well waiting. He played with the seat and played musical laps with Mom and Dad. Things went as Mom had said. Singing. Intermission. Snack. Its time! The lights dimmed. The music brought the few stragglers to their seats. The music came to a crescendo! The curtain rose! SANTA!!!!!! I must tell you, this old mad relived his joy of Christmas in that very moment. Little Mason, held in Daddy's lap, had a look of joy, excitement, and absolute bliss, and clapped like no one ever has. That very moment, will live inside me forever. Mason was ensconced from then on in Daddy's lap and love, and paid rapt attention to the entire program. Finally, he got to go up on stage to meet Santa and get his candy cane treat. My absolute joy was watching him. In one moment, I got to relive the anticipation of Santa, the Christmas joy of Christmases past, the joy of being a Daddy and giving that to my children, and I felt a part of it all. Isn't that what we all want? To be a part of it all. I loved it so very, very, much. Thank you sis. Thank you Mason. David

The move...

It has been way too long since I last posted to my blog! Since my last post we have painted the office and installed new carpeting. AND NOW! Our doll making production area is moved out of the dining room where it has resided for six years, and is fully ensconced in the office. Rita finally has her own computer. All the doll clothes are hung up in a closet instead of on a table or hanging on a drying rack. We are next to the printer/copier. All my fabrics and patterns are in sight so I can plan my next outfit and know what supplies I need. We have a much cleaner, neater environment. And if it does get messy, we can shut the door! We have a dining room! We can actually eat there. And invite people over without having to rush around and make room. There are still a few little kinks to work out, but it is good. Rita and I both are looking forward to the Christmas rush with a little more hope in our hearts. We have made plans about decorating for Chistmas. It won't be at the last minute, rushing around with loads of stress. Hope is in the air. Orders are coming in. We prayed long and hard that the Good Lord would bless our efforts. We prayed He would help us move into the office. He did. Now we pray he bless our little dolls that they will be a blessing to their new mommies. Thank you Jesus. Just plain, thank you. My cup overflows. David

Rudeness is as rudeness does.....

Yesterday Rita and I did our monthly shopping at Wal-Mart. We bought about four hundred dollars worth. Being frugal, we do the price comparisons that Wal-Mart offers. On their ads, they allow you to price match any competitors ads. That means we can get their meats, produce, dairy items all at sale prices in one store! Doing this comes at a price though. It takes a lot of time to ring up our order. We explain to people behind us that it takes a while and they may want to get into a different line. I figure, its their choice. To me, doing this just makes sense. If I can get quality items for much less money in one place, then we will have more money in my pocket when we are done. Rita and I work hard for our money. We worry about our business. We weather through the lean times. We work our "tooshies" off in the fat times. But it is our money. We earned it. So when we are in line, and we explain to you that it will take some time to ring up our order, believe it. Yesterday, an older "gentleman" became very frustrated. He started yelling at the cashier. She was new, it wasn't her fault. Then the worst part happened. He became racist. Our clerk was Hispanic, new to her job, and a bit frustrated. She was doing her absolute best to follow the rules and ring things up right. She had to ask for clarification on a few items. It just takes time. When our rude "gentleman" started speaking VERY loudly, I told him he wasn't helping and asked him to calm it down a bit. He was rather chagrined. A bit later, he said in a very loud voice "she doesn't even speak English!" I responded very firmly that she spoke very good English and stared him in the eye. He knew I wouldn't budge. He walked away spouting his invective at anyone that was in earshot. Disgusting. At least he went away. The clerk was rattled and stressed out. There is no excuse for behaving badly. He had the choice. He was told it would take a while. But he didn't get what he wanted. He wanted it now. And he didn't get it. Luckily, the clerk had more class in her little toe than this man had in his entire life. She was tired, frustrated, and rattled. She thanked us for being patient, and we apologized for that man. At least she didn't have to ring him up. I seriously doubt that man felt even the slightest bit guilty for how he behaved. Rudeness. No excuses. None. David

To paraphrase....

Yesterday is a memory. Tomorrow is but a dream. But today, THIS day, is full of possibilities. Its a new day, make it yours! David

On this Labor Day

I enjoy the end of summer, the chance to celebrate the end of one season and the beginning of another. On this Labor Day, I must work some. Yesterday was a day off. Really. We took a day off. We talked, read some scripture, enjoyed one another's company, ate, and ate some more. I truly love spending time with my sweetheart. Everyday. The blessings just keep piling on. Being with Rita, makes me want to be a better man. Sometimes I feel like I don't deserve her. It is so darned easy to become complacent. Doing the same thing, day in, day out, makes me feel like I am living life by rote. But, now and then, Rita does or says something that makes me laugh, or puts me in awe, and I am reminded that I messed up my last relationship and don't want to do it again. I have been given the ultimate second chance in life. I need to make sure Rita knows how much I love her. Everyday. David As always, your thoughts and comments are always welcome.

Change for the sake of change

Last night Leslie and Stuart put the finishing touches on the office.  All the little details are done.  It is so nice.  Clean.  I can't wait for the flooring to go in.
I can actually see what it will look like.  How it will all go together. 
Until now, every year we have had to pack up the business in a mad rush at the last minute in order to have company over for Christmas.  We get most of the decorations up, but the business was done on the dining room table.
I must tell you, each time packed things up, and then unpacked them after the holidays, there would be something positive that came out of it.  Maybe a new way to organize things.  New ways to store our stuff.  It was a way to re-examine what it is we do.
Moving into the office is the ultimate in change.  It will be a little hard to get used to.  But having what I need, when I need it, at my fingertips, will streamline things greatly.
Being able to see what we need to order easily, will take some of the stress off.  We always worry that something important has not been ordered.
Having worked at Stater Bros. Markets for thirty-five years, I found that the quarterly inventories were a great source of change.  We would find ways to get rid of slow moving product.  The back room would be much better organized.  It helped us to be prepared for the next holiday.
Change, just for the sake of change.  It helps us to stay fresh.  It helps us to think clearer.  Maybe its as simple as reorganizing the Tupperware cupboard.  Or taking a fresh look at the "junk drawer."
The Good Lord has it right.  Morning turns into daylight into evening and night.  Every day.  Seasons change.  Its all good.  David


As always, your thoughts and comments are welcome.

A time for change

Recently I heard a news commentator speak of the "end of summer" looming right around the corner.  End of summer?  Already? 
While we have had some pretty strong heat waves here in So Cal, for the most part, our summer mornings on the porch have been wonderful.  A great way to start the day.
I remember as a child, dreading the end of August.  Ugh.  We had the Norco Valley Fair to look forward to, but the last day of the fair with the parade and all, heralded in the end of summer.  Often, the very next day would be the first day of school.
Given the choice, I would much rather have spent my day riding my Schwinn bicycle, exploring the river bottom, swimming at the city swimming pool, and wrestling with my buddies.
School.  I had to get up early, get dressed, take the bus, and face a new teacher.  They had expectations.  I had to perform.
Lets see.  Summer playtime or homework?  The choice for me was clear. 
Accepting that change in season, that drastic change in lifestyle, was not something I wanted.  To accept life's changes is something I had to learn as I matured. 
To accept the changes, embrace them, in His time, was not fun as a child, but I certainly see His wisdom now.  Those changes come with benefits I could not see then.
Now, I look forward to cooler mornings, to some rainfall.  I look forward to changes in our business (yes, things are changing!).   I look forward to the sun going down earlier.  I look forward to hearing the coyotes bringing out their new batch of babies and serenading us with their song.  I look forward to the different style of cooking!  Less barbeque (sad), more roasts and soups and turkey and stuffing.  Yes, its right around the corner.  Yum.
So, being able to accept changes in life, whether its the weather, old age, business, food, grandkids, its all so very wonderful in His time.  I have learned to love it.  Can't wait for tomorrow.  David


As always, your comments and thoughts are always welcome. 

Looking forward!

Its all in His time.  Always.
Rita and I made plans after the first of this year to move our workshop out of the dining room and into the office.  It sounded like a good plan.  Kind of excited.
Over and over the Lord said, "wait.
Health issues.
Money problems.
Business issues.
Truck broke down.
We tackled each one, one at a time.  Slowly but surely we stayed the course.
FINALLY!  The office is coming to fruition.  Eight months later.  We are blessed to have Leslie helping us.  The room is pretty much emptied of all our stuff.  Lots of stuff.
We have the paint, rollers, tape, etc.  The walls are washed down.  The computer is moved.  The planets are aligned.  All systems are go.  Unless He says wait again.  Then we stay faithful.  I have learned so much about His time.  If I do things in His time, it all works out for the best.
I love it.  David

A deeper understanding of my faith

What a difference a little time makes!  Two months ago, the truck broke down.  No money to fix it.  No credit card to rely upon.  Just a truck that won't start. 
Rita and I have a number of people in our lives that love us.  First is my big sister.  She helped us by using her AAA card to get the truck towed to Perris Auto Repair.  They couldn't figure it out, but $500 later found the culprit, a wire had been chewed by a rat.  They repaired that and got the A/C running.  Phew!  We worked hard for the money, but we did it.
We thought we had it made.  But no!  A few days later it quit while I was driving us home from a doctors appointment.  Dead.  The motor turned over, but it would not start up.
Big sister to the rescue again.  We get it down to the shop, only to find out the fuel pump was shot.  Eight hundred sixty dollars, and three weeks later, we had it back.
But during this period of nearly two months, I learned of kindness shown by friends, of our own resilience, and my faith had grown. 
Not just Susie helping us by getting the truck towed and taking us shopping, paying the house payment, etc.  But my brother Mike and his wife Linda, inviting us out for dinner.  We were scraping together every penny to fix the truck, and they took us out to dinner.  Man did we need it.
Then there is my buddy Larry.  Drove all the way up here, took me back, let me use the car, and I did a months worth of shopping.  I bought him breakfast.  He ended up doing that twice for us.  I am grateful.
Then there was Stuart and Leslie, picking up prescriptions, taking me shopping twice and just being nice about it. 
Finally there was our neighbor Brenda.  Brenda has no vehicle of her own, but she lent her ear, and gave us her friendship.  She cared.  I am humbled.
My Lord has taught me some incredible lessons.  That we have friends that love us.  A friend in need...
When this time of "trouble" started, I was stressed out.  Big time.  I prayed.  But I was stressed.  Truck.  Bills.  The business.  How is this affecting my Rita?  Etc.  You get the idea. 
The most important lesson of all, Susie helped me to see.  By the time this was all over, my faith had grown.  I was less stressed because I was much more able to put it into God's hands.  I needed to go through all this to gain more trust in Him.  All things in His time.  David

On my knees in gratitude.....

Yesterday, things really came together for us.  Two dolls sold, we have enough to fix the truck, and a couple of bucks to buy supplies.  Maybe even save a bit to save.
It has been a rough couple of months with the truck down.  But it taught me a few things.  Prayer, specific prayer, and looking to see if we are within God's will, makes the difference.  We will succeed if we ask for what we want, as long as we are within His will.  It may seem tough to do.
Often, people run into problems and assume God will fix it.  But you have to do something.  Not just hope.  I believe that when faced with a problem, you need to pray.  Pray solemnly, fervently, and specifically. 
Kind of like talking to your boss.  State the problem.  Clearly so you understand it as well.  State your options.  Ask for his guidance.  Be open to other solutions you may not have thought of or don't want.  Be open to his input.
Then old adage, "do something, even if it is wrong, do something" comes to mind.  Try to solve it yourself.  As you go, you will see whether it was the right thing to do.  He may be teaching you the value of hard work.  He may be teaching about making decisions.  He may be teaching you about His will (was your solution choice within His will?).  The worst one, He may be teaching you patience.
He may be saying "not yet".  
To boil it down, prayer, problem stated, considering His will, and action will solve most problems.  Sometimes He wants you to rely upon other people for help.  This may be an opportunity for you to express gratitude.  It may be an opportunity to sow a seed or two. 
Give Him a shot.  The answer is there if you are open.  David

My Rita

Seven years ago today, I married the love of my life.  My wife.  My girl.  My "go-to" when things are down.  My shoulder to cry on.  My help-mate.  The truest friend I have ever had.
She loves me in spite of my faults and I love her the same. Actually we love one another because of those faults.  We are who we are, accepted, loved, and a little bit wacky.
Every day our sense of humor shines through.  Even the tough times.  And these are tough times. 
This day, this special day, I want so badly to take you out on the town, do something special to commemorate our anniversary.  Dinner, talk, and canoodling.  Holding hands. 
Alas, we can't do that today.  No money, vehicle is in the shop, and there is work to do.  We will enjoy this day nevertheless.  We will have a nice dinner, we will talk, and we will canoodle!
I am with you nearly twenty-four/seven.  Yet it never gets old.  Every day is an adventure.  I love seeing the gears turn in your head as you try to figure things out.  Inventive ways to save money,  Crazy ways to work our business.  You help me to figure out the bills. 
Most importantly, when its important, you listen.  You really listen.  With you, I am valued.  I hope I do the same for you.  Sometimes I think I can never measure up. 
How did I get this woman in my life?  God must really love me.  I am blessed beyond measure.
Happy anniversary sweetheart.  I love you.  David

What about you?

From time to time people read my blog.  There it is.  My blog.  Just the nature of it is narcissistic.  I write about what I want.  All about me, my troubles, my successes, etc.
What about you?  Who are you?  What about your trials and tribulations?
I am curious.  I can learn from friends and family, and even complete strangers. 
The world is full of everyday stories.  Everyday people going through their everyday lives.  Dealing with life.  What about you?
What are your failures that you would be willing to share?  Not that this is a Dear Abby column, but we can learn from one another. 
I am interested.  I would love to hear from you.  Please, take the time.  It would make this old man's day.  And it can be anonymous.  David

Reslilience is difficult!

This morning I awoke at three a.m.   Thinking about the business.  Thinking about money.  How will we do it?  Yesterday Rita and I put in a long day trying to make something happen so we can fix the truck.  Humph.
I went back to sleep, thankfully.  I awoke at six a.m. ready to tackle whatever comes our way. 
The old adage, "God helps those that help themselves" comes to mind.  If we don't put forth the effort, we won't be rewarded. 
Today, I will put up more listings on eBay.  I will build another doll or two.  Hopefully get them listed as well.
Unfortunately, I am not in control of our customers purse strings!  I can take good pictures, I can list at a good price, but will it be enough?  Only god knows.  That's the hard part. 
Let thy will be done.  I want it to be my will  so badly.  But I must submit it to him.  It will be in His time, His way, the way He wants it.  It is so very hard to submit.  But, I must. 
I have to let go of my pride.  My ego wants to be able to say, "I did it", but it won't happen without His say so. 
So, God.  Your will be done.   I know your will is in my best interest.  I know you are helping me to be perfect.  I fall so short.  I look forward to your lessons, to your teachings, to the opportunities you present me.  I am grateful.  With your help, with your guidance, with your blessings, we can do anything!  David


As always, your thoughts and comments are always welcome. 

Steadfastness? How about resilience?

Its been ten days since I last posted on this blog.  Rita and I had the truck in the shop after a long period of saving up enough money to get it fixed.
We were able to afford to fix the problem and get the fan motor on the A/C working!  Hooray!  Just in time for summer.  It felt good.
When faced with a tough problem, I try to look back to see what I had learned.  Friends and family.  Persistence.  But most of all, steadfastness.  Being steadfast in our faith in the Lord, in our business, and in one another.  It got us through.
We started to make plans to redo the office into a doll production area.  Paint, flooring, lighting, and maybe some curtains.  Looking forward.
But it was not to be.  Coming home from the doctor's office the truck just plain quit.  102 degree heat.  Once again, Susie to the rescue.  We are so blessed to have her in our lives.  Thanks again, again, again, sis!
So, we are home, the truck is in the shop, and we are scrambling to figure out how to get the truck fixed.  The fuel pump is shot.  $850 minimum.  Hooboy. 
Steadfastness got us through before.  It will again.  But I think He is teaching me a bit of resilience this time as well. 
We get down, we fight our way back up.
We can earn our truck back.
And I will appreciate that truck even more. 
The day will come when we have to get a new vehicle.  But for now, I am grateful, and doing my best to be steadfast and resilient!
This isn't anything compared to Job.  I've got it easy compared to him.  David


As always, your comments and thoughts are welcome.

Car troubles! UGH!

About seven weeks ago, I went out to start my truck.  Nothing.  Without going into details, truck busted.  No drive today.  Stay home.  Dang.
My wonderful sister Susie drove all the way to my house to take me to the bank and store to get some supplies.  Thanks sis!
As Rita and I don't get out much, it hasn't been a MAJOR problem for us.  We have had to rely upon Susie, my buddy Larry once, and Stewart and Leslie a couple of times.
Luckily, we don't get out much.  Maybe twice a month to pay bills and get odds and ends.
In saving up enough money to get the truck fixed, I have learned a few things.  First, how wonderful it is to have my sister and friends that are willing to help us.  I am doing all I can to not wear out that friendship. 
Second, my brother Mike and his wife Linda have stepped up to the plate and taken Rita and I out to dinner, and we are expected at their house for dinner this Saturday.  Linda is even going to pick us up and bring us back!  It will be nice to get out.
The care and concern from everyone has been just awesome.  That word gets overused, but I am in awe they are so good to us.  I would do the same for them.  But it feels good.
This morning we have the truck towed to the shop.  On a prayer.  Hopefully it won't cost too much.  If it does, it will have to be towed back until we have the money to pay for the repairs.  Oh, how I hope we can get it fixed.

Father, guide them as they diagnose the problems.  Help them to keep the costs down.  And help us to deal with the answer.  Whether it gets fixed, or we have to wait, give us strength and confidence that we will persevere.  Thank you so much for our family and friends.  We are blessed.  Amen.


Have a great day all!  Lets face this day with optimism and hope!  David

Today is the day!

This morning my sister, Susie, and I will travel to my Aunt's church.  I will be giving a talk on reborn dolls to the senior group.  I can't wait!
I am curious who will be there.  It looks to be a very hot day, so who knows will show up.  But we will enjoy lunch, talk about dolls, and enjoy each others company.
I am certain there are some great stories in that bunch.  I will do my best to help them to open up and share their experiences.  We shall see.
When I asked my friends on facebook for their experiences a high school friend, Cynthia Beebe, shared hers.  For a couple of years she had begged repeatedly for a "Chatty Cathy" doll.  Finally she received one on Christmas morning.  That day her parents piled up all the kids and took them to her grandparents house in Adelanto, quite a drive with all those kids.
They visited with grandparents, played in the yard, ate dinner, and came home.  As they were getting close to home Cynthia realized she had left her new doll at grandma's house.  Daddy would not turn around to go get her doll.  Cynthia was crushed.
Luckily, Grandma found her doll and saved it for her, but it was several months before they returned.
A sad story for a child, but it emphasizes how important dolls can be for a small girl.
I hope we can get a few stories from the seniors.  I am sure there are some.
Do you have a story about a childhood doll?  Or maybe about your own child's doll?  I would love to hear from you.  Feel free to leave a comment.  David

The doll connection

To many people, the revelations I put forth today will be a "duh" moment.  It will be patently obvious to you.  But I ask you to consider the "why" as you read this blog today.
Rita and I make dolls.  Absolutely beautiful dolls.  I am proud of that. 
I have known all my life that girls play with dolls.  I was a typical boy.  Cars and trucks, Lincoln logs, baseball, wrestling in the front yard with friends, camping, you know, guy stuff.  Dolls never interested me.  Its one of those things that make little boys curious about girls.  They are weird.  Playing "dress up."  Talking.  We guys don't talk so much. 
As a parent, seeing my daughters play with dolls, I saw how much joy they got from them.  Not just dressing them, feeding them, putting them in bed, etc. etc.   But they would talk to them.  They would name them.  It was God's practice for them when they would nurture and love their own baby.  Like I said, duh.  No kidding.
I have known all these things intrinsically but it has crystallized in my head.  We men are the hunters, protectors, providers.  We have to learn these things that seem to come so naturally to girls.
When I saw my sister Susie, pick up one of our dolls for the first time, She instantly cradled it in her arms, patted its back, and said "Ahhhhh....."   It was then I began to get the connection. 
The Good Lord sure does know what he is doing.  Women are DESIGNED for babies.  Duh.  Not only to make them, but to love them, care for them, nurture them.  God spends girls childhoods gearing them up for that moment. 
Dolls become a part of a girls memories of childhood.  A part of their innocence.  A memory of fun times they had with other girls. 
Not trying to be sexist here.  But, thankfully, women are different from men.  We all bring different things to the parent table.  Women bring those things that provide for the human race.  Love, caring, nurturing, in short, humanity. 
I am glad I am a man.  But I am grateful for what women bring to this world.  And not just babies.  David


As always, your comments are welcome.  :-)

Gratitude

Today, this morning, I am grateful.  For my wonderful wife that gets my goofy sense of humor.  For my brother and sister, that love me and care about me.  For my children, that I worry about and miss.  For my neighbor Brenda, with all her wackiness.  She has a tough time of it in life.  Makes my troubles seem paltry. 
For my home, my truck that doesn't run, for my freezer that iced up and almost lost all the meat, for the front light that blew off and broke the glass. 
I am grateful.  These are all things that can and will be fixed.  We will persevere.  Its just stuff. 
I have love, I have peace.  I love others.  My life has meaning.  Thanks Jesus.  David