First attempt at a doll.

This is my first attempt at making a proper doll using a pattern I got from a Japanese craft book. It was easy for me though in theory, it should be easy - cut, sew, stuff and sew some more. But as you can see from the crooked bits here and there, I still can improve on it. And as I was sewing, I was just thinking that it would be so cool, if we had a group of crafters (experts and novices) who are game to use the one same pattern, and then modify from the basic pattern to come up with similar yet different dolls. Like instead of having long hair, you can modify it etc. Cuz with one basic pattern, I am sure we can get like different dolls. And we can put the pictures up and have some kind of gallery to enjoy the different dolls. That would be neat. In the meantime, I have some ideas that I want to do to modify from the basic pattern :o) Yay, distractions from work!!

Happy Birthday to me!

Am getting older but I guess it's okay. Can't possibly keep staying young forever and I guess I am okay with being 34. Am 34 but I sure don't feel like I am 34 though am not sure what 34 exactly feels like. What I like about being 34 (or in the 30s) is that you don't feel the need to party each weekend. Hey, I mean we CAN still do that when we choose to. But somehow, I prefer going for dinner and have drinks after in places where I can talk to people and actually have conversations instead of trying to talk above the loud music and where conversations are kept to a minimum.

At this age, it feels perfectly okay to want to spend some time with myself and think about where life is taking me or where I am heading to. I have never craved to go to a deserted island to spend some time doing reading or just pure nothing. I have always enjoyed going to the city and be in the midst of the hussle and bustle of things where I am always doing something or the other even when on a holiday. But I think now I would like a balance of both. Some time to do the museums, shops etc as well as some time spend sitting somewhere sipping my Coke (am not a coffee person) and watching the world go by and not worry about going to 20 museums in one day.

I gave myself a birthday treat some days ago. Told the salesgirl at Taka to go ahead and pick one kokeshi doll for me, not tell me which one I am getting and while I paid for the bill, she can wrap it up for me. And it's a perfect lesson at self-control cuz I was dying to know which one I got. And I opened it up and in there is a sweet doll waiting for me.

And a confession, I didn't just stop at one kokeshi doll. I also got a couple set some days later. I slept on it and thought about it long and hard and I decided to go for it. It's such a cute couple and that made it hard to resist.

Other than me spoiling myself, I also got some spoiling from Slawek who sent me two sets of flowers. Yes, am truly spoiled I admit. Last night he sent me this huge arrangement with lovely sunflowers. Poor delivery man was huffing and puffing cuz he had to climb up four flights of stairs. And this morning, the same delivery man came by and dropped off another set of flowers. Yes, it's from Slawek again. Did tell him off for spending so much money on the flowers but that was done after thanking him of course. A married friend told me to enjoy it cuz the men somehow seem to forget such things once they are married *grins*

Had a good day today and it's a no work weekend I hope! Will try and catch up next week!

Maneki Neko

Yes, my fascination for things Japanese continues. For a long time, I have seen different versions of the Maneki Neko like the one you see above. And it never really caught my attention. I mean cats are the cutest but some versions of the Maneki Neko was kinda..err..not so cute.

But recently, while picking out some kokeshi dolls, I stumbled across one adorable one at Takashimaya. And by the time I left, I was happily carrying three different ones cuz they are so cute.

First, a little about Maneki Neko. I got this from a website which had some information about Maneki Neko. It is a cat figurine. However, it is not just any kind of cat figurine. The one which sits and has it's front paw raised as if it is calling for someone is the only one that can be called a " Maneki neko".It just sits in your house or in your store. But it does bring the luck, the fortune and the customers into your store. It does invite the happiness to your home!It works as a kind of lucky charm ( something like a St. Christopher's charm) in Japan. And it seems that the colour also makes a difference so if you're keen, pop over to that website for a quick read.

Back to my fortune cats. The first one that I fell in love with had both paws beckoning and I asked the salesperson who thankfully knew her stuff.

If the cat has the RIGHT paw beckoning, that is suppose to bring in money.

And if the cat has the LEFT paw beckoning, that is suppose to bring in customers into your store (which should bring in more money yes?).

And if the cat has BOTH paws up, it's suppose to bring in both. But the one that I first saw had both paws up but the wordings on the tummy says that it's for DREAMS TO COME TRUE. Well, had to take her word for it since I can't make out what the words mean.

Am pleased with my cats and will be keeping a look out for such cute ones from now on. Oh yes...I see a new collection in the making *grins* HELP!!!