Books | Cindy Rice Designs

Hi all! Did you have a nice Groundhog Day? Yep, he saw his shadow—another 6 weeks of winter. I’m betting winter will extend past that 6 week mark, maybe 10 weeks! What do you think?

My husband and I spent yesterday evening watching the movie “Groundhog Day”. It was filmed in a nearby town that we frequently visit. We had fun trying to pick out the filming spots and what is there now. The filming probably took place in 1992, so things have changed. My husband is really good at spotting the areas, not me so much. The bed and breakfast that Bill Murray stayed in was recently sold. In case you are curious as to what it looks like you can see that here. I don’t believe they filmed inside, but definitely outside. I think it operated as a bed and breakfast for a while, but not sure what it is currently being used for.

This little orchid blossom is just opening this very morning! She’s itty bitty, and is one of three buds on a short stem. This is my last remaining phalaenopsis orchid plant. 😦 I must say that that’s a very good reason to visit a somewhat local orchid greenhouse. It’s huge (4 acres!) and makes you feel as if you’re on a tropical vacation.

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My stack of cowls is growing. I just finished the white one. My next cowl will be the Bobble Cowl by Joji Locatelli. It is much longer than these three, so will be on my needles for awhile. I want to dye a skein of fingering weight merino single ply in a very light tonal or barely there gradient. Sorry dollies, I know this skein was meant for you.

As for dolly stuff, I will be embroidering today. See, I’m all set up and ready to go. Once I get started I will be fine—no more procrastinating.

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Oh, one more thing… I didn’t start out collecting doll books, but as you can see it is turning into that. I don’t think I can pass up a book with the word “doll” in the title or a doll illustration on the cover. “House of Dolls” just arrived last week, and is my tiniest book yet. A few of these books have been recommended by some of you. Thank you! I’ve enjoyed them all very much and reread them often. Any more suggestions? 🙂

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I still have to share my heart sachets with you. Tomorrow, I will try. This post is already all over the place.

Wishing you all a great Saturday!

Thank you so much for spending some time with me today. ❤

When I go into a bookstore I almost always browse through the childrens books looking for delightful illustrations. Illustrated childrens books are one of my favorite things and if it is a sweet story that includes dolls I am hooked. I only have two in my collection, but am always looking for more.

The Story of Holly and Ivy by Rumer Godden was originally published in Ladies’ Home Journal in 1957. In 1985, illustrations were added to the story and this is the book that I discovered at my local library years ago. After checking it out for a few years in a row at Christmastime I wanted my own copy. Lucky for me it was republished in 2006. It is now in my collection and one I look through every Christmas season. I love the magical old world story and looking at the cozy illustrations by Barbara Cooney.

The other doll book in my collection is one that I had as a child and loved so much. I forgot about this book, but stumbled upon it online recently. Seeing the cover of this book on the internet brought back a flood of memories that made me want to add this to my collection as well. The Surprise Doll was originally published in 1949, but published again in 2009.