MEET LLOYD!

I've taken almost 2 weeks off from blogging.  During that time, I've been spending a lot of time in my gardens, enjoying the beautiful weather we've been having.  Spring is finally here!  

Also, during that time, I've been thinking.  Thinking about your wonderful comments and emails.  Thinking about things to make and then, of course, wanting to share them with YOU!  So, I guess I'm going to keep at it but just restrain myself a little more - maybe not posting quite as often.  You all assured me - that's okay!  And so today, I'm coming back with a fun project to share with you.

Do you remember Lloyd?  He is a character from Miss Gillyflower's Adventures.  If you've been following my blog for awhile, you'll remember reading about that - part of my goal list.

His tag describes everything you need to know about him.

Well, meet Lloyd.

In the flesh.

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He looks pretty serious, but he really did love posing for the camera.

Even showed a little attitude!  He's proud of the fact that he is "baby friendly".  All soft and washable, and nary a button to be found!

He specifically wanted a close-up of his bow-tie!  Why a bow-tie, you ask?  I asked Lloyd that very same question.  His answer?

"It's Sunday!  So, of course I'm wearing my bow-tie!"

So that's Lloyd.  Kind, gentle, helpful, all-around good guy, Lloyd.  

And, one of Miss Gillyflower's dearest friends.  Lloyd is now in the arms of a sweet little one year old named Luke.  

Want a Lloyd of your very own?  

He has arrived in my Etsy Shop, Gillyflower Cottage.

She just may be the next character to "come to life"!

Now, every good and true story begins with four very special words . . .

That is the first sentence in the story of Miss Gillyflower.  Who is Miss Gillyflower?  She is the main character in a children's storybook I'm working on.

My departure from the classroom has taken place and people still keep asking me, "Are you sad?" or "Do you have any regrets?"  Well,  I don't have even one little regret - only excitement!  In the classroom, we are always talking to the kids about setting goals.  Set your sights on what you want to accomplish, figure out a plan for how you're going to do that, and then GO FOR IT!  Well, I've set four long-term goals for myself.

They are:

The Adventures of Miss Gillyflower
(a children's book I have written and am working on illustrating)

Lots of time with paints, brushes, and canvases
to fill up my Etsy shop.

"Dear Gilly"

Dresses for little girls with a tie-in to
Miss Gillyflower in a very fun way!

And -
last but not least -

When fall comes, and school bells start to ring . . .
cello lessons for moi!


It will all take time, and I don't plan on doing everything at once.
But THIS "retired" teacher doesn't plan on sitting around in a rocking chair!