Ever since the September Santa dolls show, I’ve been spending time with my daughter and her family just outside of Boston.  Being Grandma for a few weeks is a fantastic experience… and I’m so proud of these guys and gals.

But, I couldn’t be this close to New York City without hopping on a train and spending a few days at my old stomping grounds in the garment district.  If it weren’t for those wonderful past years of meeting and working with so many talented fashion people… I’m not exactly certain that my creative juices could flow as easily as they do when I’m closed off from the rest of the world while working in my craft room.

This says it all - elegant!

I have a great friend who lives  here and it’s been great seeing her and her husband again. But, now it’s time to head back to Boston and some more baby sitting. Love it!

Come Again Lucky Seven...

The October Santa doll show is three days after I return to Hawaii, so I won’t have a lot of time to regroup.

Fortunately, there are no more Christmas Santa dolls to make for this year.

I’m fortunate to have visited France several times and I remember how unpredictable the service was during the month of August.  Many of the places we were interested in visiting were shut down because August is vacation time for the labor class, which seems to include just about everybody.  I really love France… and the French people… but you gotta admit one whole month without working is pretty nifty.

So… not to be outdone, I take off the month of January.  Well, actually not the whole month, but most of it. The Christmas season is over by then… most people have blown their holiday budgets… and I’m pretty sick of seeing Santa Dolls.

Whatever inventory hasn’t been sold by January is usually stored away for another day.  Which means it’s my turn to relax and try to catch up on the world around me.  But, if truth be told… my mind is already thinking about my next travel schedule and the next new line of dolls.

Every year without exception I go to Japan.  Sometimes my sister Elena goes with me since she also finds great items for her own business.

And besides, it’s a treat to travel with her and enjoy each others company.

But, most of the time I travel alone and try to meet up with a friend from Colorado who used to live in Japan and loves being there probably more than I do.

There is so much to see and do… and so many different flea markets to meander through while losing all track of time.

My first trips included several overnights outside of Tokyo, but now I find it’s just as productive – and less stressful – to camp out at a good hotel in Tokyo and take the train for multiple day trips to the outskirts.  Thank God for the rail pass system and bullet trains.