ULLABENULLA

Where was winter?

Roses in January? Where is winter? There is still a chill in the air, and I haven't planted my bulbs yet, but it sure feels like Mother Nature is cheating us a little. I can Imagine living in this little cottage (created by John Mcgrey and for sale at the Castle). Don't you think we all should have pinecone shingles to keep us warm and cozy?

Dolls for Christmas

A few 'post christmas' photos of dolls that I had up for display in our home, over the holidays. First, a 'Partridge and Miss Pear' from a few years ago. Thank goodness she never sold, as I love having her around during the holidays...

Next, a lovely antique 'St. Lucia' doll. (I added the crown, so technically she isn't a saint)

And last, a sweet 'snow baby'.

Indian Summer

Somehow it doesn't seem like fall yet. It's been gorgeous here. Mild mornings building up to the mid-80's. As I rest I am also restless. I want to get back to some serious sculpting. I miss having my hands covered in clay and the hours running away in concentration. I sculpted this little "shoe mermaid baby" a few years ago. She was part of a series of "shoe dolls" and the only one I kept. (she once held a tiny seahorse toy in her fist, but it disappeared) She now rests under a sea-urchin lamp in our living room. I present her here in honor of these last few summer days, and in hopes of inspiring more to come...

Why ULLABENULLA?

I am a child of Danish immigrants and did not learn to speak English until I was 5. This explains why I still pronounce words like gnome and gnat with a hard G, and why I say funny things like "Deck the Bed", "Deck the table", and "Shut the Lights". Straight Translation can really mess up ones language skills... I was named after my mothers best friend ('Big Ulla' to me). 'Ullabenulla' was a childhood endearment, that I have always been fond of. It speaks to me of: Innocence, playfulness and whimsy, elements that I try to incorporate into my artwork. Just in case you were wondering - Ulla means 'little bear' in Danish, a hint of what I looked like as an infant!

I hope to master the skill of entering photos into my posts next. Patience shall be rewarded!

First flight.

Little birds must eventually stretch their wings and learn to fly. They leave the security of their warm nests and travel out to the big world beyond. I too am learning to fly, stretching my wings in the world of computers and blogs. I hope my adventures and tales will inspire and delight those who wish to follow. Welcome to my blog.