February 13th was National Stamp Collecting Day, so Elin was over at Byuri's house to help her sort her new stamps into her album. Then Byuri's brother came in with his stamp album... "I have a whole bag here of doubles that you might be interested in." So the girls moved to the floor where there was more room to sort the new stamps.... "There's some really nice stamps here..." "And I don't have this one either." "Are you sure you don't have this one?" "No I don't. Thanks." Then the three of them spent the rest of the afternoon sorting their stamps...
Last week was the anniversary of our national flag.
In 1963, the government finally decided that Canada needed an official flag in time for the upcoming centennial celebrations, and the heated flag debate began. In the end there were three contenders, and it was George Stanley's concept design that won out. It was made the official flag of Canada by proclamation from Queen Elizabeth II, and on February 15th 1965, it was raised above the Peace Tower in Ottawa for the very first time. It has since become one of the most recognizable flags in the world. So, some of the kids wanted to celebrate and dressed warmly to head out into the falling snow. The little dragons shared Valentines... ...and hugs, with their best friends. ...and then they offered them some of their parent's chocolates.... "These look yummy!" "Are you sure it's okay if we have some?" "Yes..... I think so." "Dad said they were for the whole family to enjoy."
Winston and Saphira wanted their children to know just how much they were loved, so they gave them cards and chocolates as well... The children especially loved the balloons... "We are such lucky parents, to have such wonderful children."
Lawrence had managed to acquire a single red rose, something very rare in the middle of winter.... "Happy Valentine's Day." "Thank you, my Love."
St. Nicholas loved children, especially babies, so sat down to visit with them for a little while...
After leaving the Royal castle, St. Nicholas headed to Miho and Dominic's castle, where their entire family was gathered, waiting for his arrival... Olivia, who had met him several times in previous years before, was only too happy to introduce him to her little sister... ..who was very excited to meet him... Lisa was also there. She had left the royal gathering early so she could be back at her new home before he arrived. The twins were still a bit too young to realize what was going on, but it seemed that with St. Nicholas being the patron saint of children, they could still sense that there was something special about him...
When I was planning on taking photos of Oliver and the Artful Dodger for Charles Dickens Day, I had two options; either set up an entire Victorian scene on my dining room table (which was being used for something else at the time) or find a real life location. The real life location won out because it was easier. So I packed up the two dolls, and we headed over to The Courtyard, which is a Tudor style little plaza in Pickering Village... But to fake 'old London' I needed to avoid having any of the cars or signs in the background. So we went around the back side where there's a sidewalk along a quiet street. My assistant's hands aren't as steady as they used to be, and he has difficulty holding dolls level for me to photograph anymore - especially when there's two of them - so he constructed a small shelf attached to the end of a hiking stick. Then he just has to hold the doll's bases steady with his fingers. I hadn't even bothered to change the doll's shoes to something more period appropriate, since they weren't going to show anyways. Then I took close-up, forced perspective photos, making sure modern things like signs and fire hydrants weren't in the photos.
February 7th is 'Charles Dickens' Day, and the first story of his that comes to my mind after A Christmas Carol is Oliver Twist. He's been forced to become a pick-pocket by the Artful Dodger... They are making their way through a high end street in London... "But where are all the people?" "Maybe they've all gone to see the Queen, who's going on a royal tour today." "Anyways, don't you have something for me?" "This is all I have." "Well, you better have more tomorrow."
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AuthorMartha Boers is an award-winning Canadian doll maker and costumer specializing in fantasy and historical-style costumes. Archives
May 2024
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