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Thursday, April 15, 2021

Amazing April!

It's hard to believe that I'm working on my third dollhouse roof in 2021 - the one on Tasha's kitchen. And it's still only April!!! For someone who puts a good deal of effort into avoiding mini roofing, it's surprising! And because roofs tend to take me a long time (and because poor Russ hurt his back last week requiring lots of attention), I don't have anything interesting or substantive to share about Tasha's Kitchen this week. Instead, I thought we could all take a look back over the last six years of blogging to see what other projects have captivated me in Amazing April. 


It stirs up so much gratitude to reminisce about where all of the ideas and inspirations have taken me throughout the years. When I started this journey to chronicle my creativity, it was in March of 2015. I began by sharing the potting shed that I was building to give to my Aunt Jackie for her 70th birthday taking place in June that year. It was such a labor of love, and included so much creative fun! The best part was that she loved it, and was so touched to be thought of that way. I finished it about halfway through April, and posted 24 times that month! 

See Auntie Jackie's Potting Shed Posts Here They go in order from newest to oldest by clicking back through the Older Posts link at the end of the comments.



In the second half of that April, I was working on making a kitchen for the Real Good Toys Barn kitbash. I used the parts from a Realife Miniatures kitchen kit, reworking and customizing the cabinets and appliances. That was challenging, and a lot of fun!

See all of the April 2015 posts here.

And of course, the best thing that happened in April of 2015 was that my beloved, sweet, incredibly loving and heart stealing Rusty came into our lives! It was a total surprise! What an incredible blessing he is to me and Russ (and Woodson) every single day!


The following year, in April of 2016, I found myself working on a project that I called the Shabby Chic Soap Shop. It was a Greenleaf Sugarplum Cottage kit and I continued my education in bashing on it.



We were also working on creating a more functional craft room for me. Formerly known as the dining room, we actually only ate in there a couple times a year. Now, it gets used nearly every single day and being in there makes me so happy! In spite of painting it four times, I still haven't achieved the blue/green color I am longing for in my mind. Maybe I'll try again next April!


See all the April 2016 posts here.



April of 2017 had me building the Real Good Toys New Orleans dollhouse kit. I took my bashing to a whole new level with this kit, adding height to walls and having to figure out how to make angles for a mansard roof. I found myself way out of my comfort zone and skill level, and it took until July of 2019, with lots of mental breaks, to call it "finished".  I learned a lot, risked a lot, but absolutely love this dollhouse!


See all the April 2017 posts here.



April of 2018 was such a creative time for me! I was just beginning to bash the Storybook Cottage dollhouse, my favorite build, so far. The ideas for creating more space, quirky features and solving problems seemed to pour out of my veins! What a magical time!


I am honored to have had the Storybook Cottage project's potting bench chosen for the cover of American Miniaturist (AM215), and also to have had other exterior aspects featured in this month's issue. I hate to admit it, but this dollhouse still needs a couple rooms to be finished inside. Once Tasha's Kitchen project is done, I am leaning toward doing just that.

See all the April 2018 posts here.


In April of 2019 I had found my inspiration again to continue the work on the New Orleans dollhouse. This time, on the upstairs hallway, bathroom, closet and bedroom. It's so comforting to know that even after you've lost enthusiasm for a project for a time, you can find it again and finish it!


You can see all the posts from April 2019 here.



April 2020 was a challenging time for so many of us. The idea that we had to stop doing so many of the things we'd always taken for granted was a huge adjustment. For me, the hardest sacrifice was giving up time with family. I felt so fortunate that Tasha and I got to be with my mom in Arizona for her 70th birthday in February. Just two weeks after we got back home, the lockdown began. She was on my mind daily, and with Mother's Day approaching, I wanted to make her a little project that included some of the things she loves in her new retired life.

You can read about Mom's Mother's Day project starting here.



I was also working on Pound Cake, the bakery project's exterior. True to my usual M.O., my enthusiasm for this project has waned and I await it's return. Someday, it's going to be awesome, and I have faith that I'll become enamored with it once again!!!

I used to fear April's arrival, standing by the narrative that only bad stuff happened in this month. I pointed to things like the historical births of many of the world's monsters, anniversaries of many disasters and massacres, the assassinations and deaths of some of the world's most incredible leaders, and of course, our dreaded tax returns were due. But now, in my broader wisdom, I see that was just a story I told myself. April, like any other month., is full of life, whatever label we assign to it. Looking back at the incredible blessings that occur in this month gives me a new perspective. April is Amazing, and our stories are just what we choose to believe about them. Thoughts really do become things... Now I'm choosing the good ones.

Thanks for walking down memory lane with me!

xo xo,

Jodi

38 comments:

  1. Me ha encantado el paseo por los recuerdos de tu maravilloso trabajo! Eres una increíble trabajadora, tantos buenos proyectos llevados a cabo y alguno sin terminar, que volverá a "llamarte" en algún momento!
    Espero que Russ se encuentre restablecido de su accidente de espalda, dale un abrazo reconfortante de mi parte.
    Seguro que abril será un mes a tener en cuenta, sabiendo que maravillosas cosas pasan en éste mes, como la primavera "brotando" a cada paso que damos, es un buen mes, te lo aseguro.
    Besos.

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    1. Thank you Pilar! Russ is feeling better - a few visits to the chiropractor and massage therapist have done him good! Now if only I can convince him that he is 55 and not 20, and that he needs to be gentler on himself lol!

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  2. Great post Jodi, and your closing comments are thought-provoking. The last 12 months have been a real journey for me too and it’s always great to hear another perspective. There is a lot that’s bad in the world, but there are also lots of little successes, things of beauty, resilience, courage, strength, love, happiness and, most important of all, puppies out there. We just have to find them. I never finish stuff, but I enjoy the process, and when something works, it is so satisfying to step back and look at what you just created. You have an excellent back catalog of projects and you will find the motivation to finish your projects. And there is always April 2022, or April 2023 or any other month in any other year. X

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    1. Thank you Shannon! I am learning that thought work is such an important part of how we view our world. It's difficult to break free from habitual thinking, but so worth the effort. I hope you continue to win the daily mental battles, as well! Always attaching a positive finish to the end of our thoughts is a great step toward changing them. You saying "I never finish stuff, but I enjoy the process." is perfect!!! Wearing a lab coat instead of a judges robe is a great method, too! Whatever we accomplish in 22, 23, and so on just has to be fun!

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  3. You have quite an impressive body of work. I think the New Orleans is my favorite, but I also lean towards the Storybook cottage because I think that's when really began follow you. I have been so inspired by your work and all that have taught us and helped us to take our work to the next level. More importantly is your encouragement and you willingness to help everyone get their best work. I hope Russ is on the mend. Back injuries are the worst. Thank you taking us on a April tour; it was great fun.

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    1. Thank you, Ann! I secretly worry that one day minis will have to stop for me again, like it did for nine years when the kids and my job needed all of my energy. But looking back at the projects I have been blessed to have worked on reminds me how generous life can be and the abundance we have when we focus on the positive. The cherry on top is getting to share it with kindred souls like you and inspiring so much in each other!

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  4. Oh no! Poor Russ. I hope he feels better soon. It has been fun to see your April work. It is interesting that you alternate from colorful to monochromatic to colorful. I didn’t really appreciate April until I moved to the Northwest. After the cold and gray, the daffodils have bloomed, the trees are in full flower and the weather is getting more pleasant. What is not to like?

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    1. Thanks Sherrill! I am glad to report that with a couple chiropractor visits and massage therapy Russ is feeling much better! And because windows are taking 12 days to come in during Covid, he won't have to work again until next Wednesday! Lots of recuperation and rest time!
      I didn't notice the alternating palettes, either! Very interesting!
      Our weather this week has been amazing! 79 degrees for the weekend, too! Yippee!

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  5. Ha sido un placer viajar por todas tus maravillosas creaciones, a cual más bonita.
    Con tantos proyectos en tu cabeza, es normal que algunos queden relegados, pero seguro que pronto los terminarás.
    Espero que Russ se recupere muy pronto.
    Feliz fín de semana

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    1. ¡Gracias Eloisa! Parece que no puedo dominar mi pasión por los nuevos proyectos, así que cuando me acerco al final de uno, ¡estoy soñando con el siguiente! A veces, solo mirar los elementos que he guardado o revisar una carpeta de ideas revitaliza mi entusiasmo, pero la disciplina por sí sola nunca funciona conmigo, ¡jajaja!

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  6. Sorry to read that Russ hurt his back last week, I hope he will get well soon.
    It's so nice to see again lots of your projects over the last six years. All of them: the potting shed, the kitbash of the kitchen, how sweet puppy Rusty was back then, and so on. After naming the project of Pound Cake "the cherry on the cake", dear Jodi, it was a feast for the eyes to see back again all those projects you did, thank you so much for sharing all of the links and the photos.
    So great to see over the years you also got a work room of yourself, it must be so nice to work in it, and leave the work in there over the night without cleaning uo the mess because dinner will be served on the same table ;O).
    Thank you for giving us the opportunity to walk on your memory lane!
    Stay safe, take care, dear Jodi, and although it sometimes can be difficult, stay positive!
    Hugs, Ilona

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    1. Thanks Ilona! Russ is feeling better, I am happy to report! Now if I can just make him remember that he is not 22 anymore, lol!
      I am glad you came with me on my walk down memory lane - it's good to look back and count our blessings and to see what a little creativity and desire can achieve!
      I am so grateful to not have to clean up my work space in order to eat dinner! It is so nice to leave a project for work and chores and then to be able to come right back and pick up where I left off! We keep talking about downsizing, until we look at Russ' garage and my work space. I guess we could always sleep on the sofa, lol!
      Stay safe and looking forward, too, Ilona! There is so much good stuff in store for all of us!

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  7. It will be a pleasure revisiting your posts again, especially the ones previous to my become a follower of your blog.
    I wish Ross a quick recovery. I know how painful a hurt back can be.
    Hugs,
    Drora

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    1. Thank you, Drora! I like to look back at the beginning of everyone's blogs, too! You learn so much and are inspired by the creativity that keeps us all dreaming!
      Russ is much better, thank goodness! Reminding him to take it easy and to take his medicine is my number one focus!

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  8. He vuelto para continuar viendo tus recuerdos de los trabajos , había puesto comentario y no lo veo así que te lo digo de nuevo. Tus trabajos son un deleite para la vista y una fuente inspiración ; gracias por todos ellos. Espero que Russ se recupere pronto , cuídaros. Besos

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    1. ¡Gracias por hacer un esfuerzo adicional para volver y dejar sus comentarios alentadores, Rosa María! ¡Mis comentarios también a veces simplemente desaparecen misteriosamente! ¡Me alegra que me echaras un vistazo a los proyectos pasados!

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  9. Oh Jodi, what a wonderful post! I so enjoyed walking down memory lane with you and all of your projects are so incredible it's very hard to pick a favourite! No - wait a minute - I do have a favourite! Rusty!!! That is the most adorable baby picture I've seen in a while. No wonder he stole your heart so quickly and completely.

    I'm glad to hear Russ is feeling better. I know what you mean. My DH, Bruce, keeps going like the Eveready Bunny despite the fact that he has diabetes, heart problems, acute rheumatoid arthritis and leukemia - and he'll be 72 on his next birthday! Other than the amount of weight he's lost, you'd never know he was sick the way he just goes and goes and goes. I'm very happy he is able to do that. Big hugs to you and remember - May is coming and it is the best month because all the best people have birthdays in May!!! Tee hee hee. - Marilyn D.

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    1. Thanks Marilyn! I think he's my favorite, too! And if the picture doesn't steal your heart, spending just 5 minutes with him and his happy, genial and loving way will!

      I am glad to hear that Bruce is doing so well in spite of the medical challenges that have stacked up on him! What a trooper! Getting the men to rest before they get to the injured or exhausted point is the challenge!

      And May is a wonderful month! That is the month we finally begin to see a little more sunshine, and generally can leave the back sliding door open because the temperature is so lovely! I hope you are planning something fun and special for your birthday!

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  10. ¡Menuda colección de trabajos! ¡Son todos magníficos!. Hay veces que cuando ves una exposición es fácil elegir lo que más te gusta, pero en tu caso resulta muy complicado. Felicidades por tu talento.
    Deseo una rápida recuperación a Russ .

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    1. ¡Gracias Isabel! ¡Es difícil elegir un favorito, especialmente cuando cada uno de ellos comenzó con una idea que me hizo sentir tanta pasión y emoción! ¡Es una bendición poder explorar este pasatiempo increíble de tantas maneras!

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  11. Thanks Jodi for the walk down memory lane. Your work is so fantastic and such a joy to see.

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    1. Thanks Maureen! I am so glad you are here! Getting to share our ideas and progress makes this an extra special hobby to explore!

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  12. What wonderful memories you now have of April. For me it's a lead into a cold winter, but I am always reminded by my lovely blogger friends that it's also spring somewhere in the world and that makes me think of April in Paris and when I think of Paris something inside me comes alive. So now you have given me something else to look forward to ... the Pound Cake! I love that name for a bakery how inspiring!! I do hope you finish it Jodi, I'm sure in your hands it will be beautiful.
    Big hugs,
    X

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    1. Oh X! For you April is like our October! I always find my mind kicking and screaming into fall, and lamenting that spring and summer seem to fly by so quickly. I generally sooth myself by starting to cook and bake the fall favorites to give me something to enjoy about the season - even if it's by my mouth and tummy, lol! I hope you find a creative distraction to carry you through the transition! April in Paris sounds like an enchanting thing to dream of and look forward to again once Covid has gotten under control.
      I am determined to finish Pound Cake one day - just as soon as I get the itch to explore making all the baked goods in miniature. The cake kits last year did not come out so well, and that was more disheartening that I want to admit!

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  13. Dear Jodi, reviewing your (April) projects just emphasizes what an amazing creator you are! The details are exquisite, the techniques are professional and the results are always stunning, enchanting and saturated with details! I love to see what you are making, no matter what or when! I started my blog in April of 2010 and haven't the stamina to do another re-cap of all my yet to be finished projects! LOL! (But April makes me think of it!!) I hope Russ recovers soon and is not in too much discomfort! Stay well, and keep making your awesome creations! You are an inspiration!!! :):)

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    1. Thank you Betsy! I would love to see a recap post of your amazing ideas from the past 11 years! Your ideas and ingenuity are the source for countless inspirations, and there are so many new mini folks flocking to the hobby! Think of it as a PSA!!!
      Russ is better - I actually got him to rest in his easy chair on Sunday. Now if we could figure out ways (other than the hundred we are trying) to get him better sleep, I think we could get him closer to "recovered". Getting old is not for sissies, lol!

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  14. What a wonderful post! ;O) Yes, I kept up again with this habit... and believe it or not but I've enjoyed this trip down memory lane very much. It was so lovely to be reminded of all these awesome, beautiful projects and to remember how you built them. And not to forget to notice how much your kit bashing talent developed from year to year! *LOL* Although your projects are different at first sight there's a typical Jodi-touch in all of them and it's always amazing to see that you're talented for all aspects of the building process. Whether it's the exterior or the interior, may it be the garden or a detail in the kitchen... you always have that special touch to make it special and beautiful.

    I'm glad having read in your answers to comments that Russ is feeling better, still, my best wishes to him for his recovery. And I liked what you said about not dreading April anymore, well, we need the dark to appreciate the light, don't we.

    Oh, and not to forget - thanks for adding the photo from 2015 of your most precious miniature... what a cutie. And now I leave for now and will envy you for a long time for this huge, impressive craft room... *sigh* ;O)

    Hugs
    Birgit

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    1. Thanks for reminiscing with me, Birgit! It is fun to see how our skills and methods evolve over the years, but even more rewarding when we know it has helped a fellow creator to evolve more quickly to reach their dreams! Ours is one of the easiest mediums with which to explore all the aspects of our natural world and those we can dream up. Garden today, water tomorrow, brand new or decaying. It's all so fun and each and every idea must be explored else we burst!

      It is so good to see Russ feeling better! A few more chiropractor and massage therapy visits are needed, and he needs to keep riding his stationary bike, taking walks and doing yoga videos, but hopefully he's on the mend. At 56 he needs to be telling the young bucks to do the heavy lifting, but he is stubborn and less patient than is good for him, lol!

      I am so grateful to have been able to commandeer our dining room and dedicate it for crafts! It is much less effort to enjoy your hobby when it does not have to compete for space with your everyday living activities. If given the choice for a room with a sofa and a TV or a craft room, I would choose the craft room every time!

      Rusty sends his love! 💗

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  15. This was so much fun! I love seeing all the different builds and all the good things that come with April. It's impossible to pick a favorite!

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    1. Thanks Sheila! I love them all, too, and would be hard pressed if I had to choose some to give up. I still enjoy them all so much and so often!

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  16. He disfrutado de nuevo con todas tus escenas.
    Son maravillosas y como todos los años tienen un mes de abril seguro que habrá nuevas escenas para deleite de nuestros ojos.
    Un saludo

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    1. ¡Gracias Marian! También espero con ansias los próximos seis años, ¡y es emocionante pensar en todos los proyectos que disfrutaré y compartiré durante ese tiempo! ¡Gracias por mirar atrás conmigo!

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  17. They are all so beautiful I cant decide which I like the best! Each one inspires me to add more details to my own work! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks Grandmommy! I hope you do get to enjoy working on your projects! So good for the soul!

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  18. My sympathies to Russ, I hope he's feeling better. And sympathy for you too, the job of a nurse is never easy.
    Ha ha, maybe it's a good thing to just hop from rooftop to rooftop and get them all finished at once.
    Great idea to do a blog retrospective! I realize that I must have followed your blog from 2017 because I don't recognize the earlier builds. Now I have something new to go and browse through, thank you!
    I'm lucky not to have an unlucky month, although I am always berating myself for being a little bit superstitious about the number 13...
    April is already nearly over and you've had a good one, not counting Russ' misfortune. I hope the last week of the month bring you only joy!

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    1. Thanks Megan! Russ is doing much better! He even mowed the yards yesterday!

      Rooftop hopping is a good organizational strategy, I just don't have the attention span or discipline to make my hobby into my job, lol! I need a whip cracker here to make me finish!!! Are you available? :O)

      I hope you enjoy going back to have a look at my "early work"! While I cringe at some of the choices and methods, I also remember how much fun it was when the only goal was to explore with no critical eye.

      When I was a teenager I used to look forward to buying the little monthly horoscope scrolls they sold at the convenience stores. They would tell you your lucky days and numbers for the month and which days to just stay in bed. It was easy to become superstitious! I was also weary of the number 13 back then, but now understand in numerology it is a 4 and means stability. That's a much better way to think about it! :O)

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  19. Russ is adorable and I'm glad he feels better.
    Wonderful memories in this post. Your creations are incredible.

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