For the past week my dolls and I have been entertaining a most delightful house guest. She is a little doll that belongs to my dear friend Susie, and she has come to stay with us in the hopes that a New England summer will give her a clear complexion, bring roses to her cheeks, and a sparkle to her eyes.
The girls are just sure they are long lost cousins, or perhaps siblings separated at birth.. See the close family resemblance!The girls have become such fast friends that Isabeau feels like she has a new little sister. Our visitor is right in between Isabeau and Izzybelle in size, so she is the dearest confidant of them both. They have spent countless hours giggling secrets into each others ears. ❤Rain, rain, go away! Come again another day! “Whatever should we do today?” “We must think of something fun to entertain our guest!” “I know, let’s take turns reading aloud!” “I know the perfect book. Let’s read Emma! I always think of Emma during June when the strawberries are ripe. “
After the girls came up with a plan for the afternoon, they quickly scurried to find their India Rubber Shoes, so that they could run out to the garden in between rain showers and pick strawberries.
India Rubber Shoes, like these made by the Boston Rubber Shoe Company used to protect small feet during damp weather. To read more about the fascinating story of India Rubber in early New England visit this site http://www.jmisc.net/jm980331.htmOnce the girls returned from the garden with their berries, they quickly settled down in their favorite chairs. Izzybelle was very proud of all of the strawberries that she gathered!“Ismay you should take the first turn. You have such a lovely reading voice!”“Emma, chapter one, page one…”At the end of the day our small visitor gave a sigh of pleasure. “There is only one thing that keeps this from being the perfect day… I wish all of my sisters and family at home could be here with me. I know that they would have loved reading and feasting on strawberries just as much as I did. Oh how I miss them all!” “Then I know just what you should do” said Ismay. “You need to write them a letter and tell them all about our day!”
This post is especially for Susie and the doll family that lives with her. The girls and I hope that the rest of you enjoyed it too
My name is Paula Walton. I’m a working craftsperson. I’ve been self-employed since 1986, when I started selling the items that I make under the name A Sweet Remembrance. Among other things, I am a doll maker, a dressmaker that specializes in reproduction women’s and children’s clothing, maker of spun cotton ornaments and holiday figures, and a freelance designer. Upon occasion I write magazine articles and am a Craftsperson in Residence. I teach and do demonstrations quite frequently, plus I was previously the director and curator of a small museum in Connecticut.
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4 thoughts on “Whiling Away a Rainy Summer Afternoon, or A Day Spent With Jane Austen & Strawberries…”
Hi Paula, this is the cutest post. I can’t help but adore your little guest dressed in red. I’m sure Susie will be thrilled with her doll when she returns back home.
Izannah Walker Journal 
Hi Paula, this is the cutest post. I can’t help but adore your little guest dressed in red. I’m sure Susie will be thrilled with her doll when she returns back home.
Thank you Mary! I hope so 🙂 I’m going to do my very best for her!
OMiGosh! Adorable!
Thank you! 🙂