A "PEACE" OF NATURE .......

Our daughter, Casey, sent these pictures to me. She'd taken them with her phone one day while out walking with our grandson Jude. I just love them so I thought I would share!

The one thing about living here in Virginia that just amazes me are the butterflies. At any given time you can count a hundred or more in a day. When I peer out my kitchen window I see swarms of butterflies flying across the grass field behind us, just gracing the tips of the grass with their wings! I find myself drifting out there with them, so serene and peaceful! Nature at it's finest!

NEW E-PATTERNS!

SOME GREAT NEW E-PATTERNS!

























left to right: Miz Winifred, Bewitchin' Belle, Kitty O'leary, Mulrooney & Ira and Sister Bats Beecham

Since e-bay has put the "kabosh" on selling e-patterns I thought i would let everyone know here, on my blog, when I have some new ones. I am in the process of converting quite a few of my paper patterns into e-patterns. This does not mean I am eliminating the paper patterns, "OH HEAVENS NO!" I just want to make it easy for everyone around the world to enjoy a bit of "Softee". England and Germany have always been great customers, England even has a few stores that buy wholesale from me, so it is important to keep my e-pattern line fresh.

The bad news is I am having to increase the price of "ALL" my patterns. With everything thing else increasing in price due to the outrageous gas increases I have had no other choice. All paper patterns will be increased to $10 (shipping included) and e-patterns $8. This will take affect on Wednesday May 28, 2008. All orders postmarked before that date will be given the old price. If you are interested in my newest e-patterns just email me at softinthehead@gmail.com or you can go to my website, which has over 200 patterns, and purchase from there. Remember I am now taking Visa and Mastercard, just email me with your phone number and we can do the transaction from the phone.

NEW FOR "BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS" HOLIDAY MAGAZINE

M
E
E
T

E
D
.
.
.
He is my new
project for the Better Homes and Gardens "Holiday" issue magazine for this next year! I always feel so honored when they call me for a pattern to share with everyone....and the money isn't bad either, heh heh! The issue won't be out till the end of summer but I hope "ED" will be as successful as my "cowboy" snowman was for them last year... They are a great magazine to work with and I feel very blessed they asked me to be a part of it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NURSE CASEY!

Casey the Bride!

Casey the MOM!











Casey the Performer!
Casey always loved to perform from the time she could walk and talk she was performing. When she discovered the Dickens Faire in San Francisco she was in "HEAVEN"....She loved it and they loved her! She has great timing for comedy and loves to sing! Our daughter has made her life full and entertaining and one with a ton of stories to tell or maybe NOT to tell, lol! She is so much fun ! We have always been proud of her.....She is bright, beautiful and bursting with love for her family, friends and anyone that has an appetite! Did I mention she is an amazing cook as well! Just ask her husband, father and brothers! She is also a caring nurse and listener for the kids where she works and one heck of a good wife and mother! WE LOVE YOU CASEY!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Daddy's Lil' Punkin
At 6 months!
Casey's first day
of first grade!

"SIMPLY PRIMITIVES" ON THE 15TH

SOLD
MEET "SEPTRA" THE MAKER OF SPELLS!











I'd like to introduce you to the "NEW" enchantress at the "Soft in the Head" workshop ..."SEPTRA...The Maker of Spells". She has such a nice "prim" look and a certain "crone-ish" appeal, don't you think?


SOLD MEET MILLIE THE SPIDER WALKER!
Millie was able to start a very profitable business, walking spiders, and is thinking of branching out to having a "Spider Salon". Now that's something I would like to see!
"SOW'S EAR" A NEW VENTURE FROM
"SOFT IN THE HEAD"
SOLD










I use a cell phone bag that I made a very long time ago and "I LOVE IT"! It goes around my neck and is able to carry my cell phone, some cash and credit card.
This is great when I go shopping, antiquing or craft shows. I never worry about carrying a HUGE purse or turning my back on my purse, theft...Anything! It was really great when I was traveling from airport to airport cause my boarding pass fit in there as well! All the bags from "A SOW'S EAR" will be OOAK and quality fabrics and embellishments will be used!

HOW DO WE COPE AS PARENTS?

Our Son Is In Chengdu, China!
Chengdu, China has had a 7.9 earthquake and the devastation there and in the surrounding areas is horrific and our son lives there. Not knowing if your child is okay and knowing there is nothing you can do to find anything out is a situation I would NEVER wish on any parent! Your stomach seizes with worry, you jump when the phone rings and the tears don't stop. This is the price one pays for raising free spirits, souls that defy normal. Dan and I always wanted independent thinkers for children, we wanted them to know their opinion mattered but I never expected globe trotters! David has lived all over the place but just recently re-located from Shanghai to Chengdu. He loves his life and we love him for it.
BEING RAISED IN SAN FRANCISCO MUST HAVE TAUGHT HIM SURVIVAL TACTICS!
I just found out that David is okay. Maybe a bit worse for wear but okay. Haven't found out anymore than that, but that's enough for me right now! I will be able to sleep. My thoughts still hold prayers for all those that have passed and for the ones needing help.

As a parent we always pray our children, regardless of their age, will always be safe where ever their life path takes them. I can honestly say I now know how the parents of service men and women feel when their children are so far from home and in the middle of chaos!

PFATT Marketplace May 10th!!!!!!!!!

SOLD
I can't
wait for
Halloween!
Here is
my new
creation for
the season.
Meet Peter,
Peter the
Pumpkin Eater!
SOLD

Meet Jolly a
real
cut
up
and
silly
guy!

Here's my little dancer Penelope the mouse!SOLD

WE ALL WENT TO THE FAIRE!

Dan on the left and Phil on the right!
Of course this Faire wasn't like most, it was the "RENAISSANCE FAIRE". My son-in-law Phil was working the Southern California Ren Faire one weekend and he asked my husband Dan if he would like to participate! Whoa, Dan jumped at the chance. So they dressed him up as a "potato monger" and off he went to sell his rancid potato! What fun!

Jude loved the Faire and even had his own costume. Some dear friends of Phil's and Casey's even made one for Ethan but it was just to hot for him to wear it. Phil and Casey met at the Renaissance Faire years ago when Phil was "Shakespeare" and Casey was the "May Queen"! They have so many friends that perform there and then move on to their real jobs during the week. Like Alexis, who is a forensic anthropologist during the week and a fairy on the weekends, lol! We had such a wonderful time going behind the scenes and meeting everyone!
Casey's best friend Jenny
on far right performing!
The Puppet Master!

Casey and her dear friend "Tess" the
Harlequin!

MY MONTH WITH OUR NEWEST GRANDSON...ETHAN KAY DUNBRIDGE!

Mom and Ethan
There are just so many memories that I have from this past month. I didn't get to share the birth of my daughters first son, Jude, due to illness but this time I was there for Ethan.

Dad and Ethan
I have so many memories stored in this old brain of mine now, not only of Ethan but of Jude, his big brother and Casey and Phil. I truly know the meaning of family.


Bath Time!
Casey and Phil live in Southern California up in the San Jacinto Mountains. They live in a quaint little town called Idyllwild. It is beautiful and remote!


Asleep in My Arms!
I found the smallness of the town refreshing. Everyone had time to stop and say hello or to remind you of the weather, "think it's going to be a hot one today?"


Posing For Grandpa!

Casey took Dan and I on a tour of all the interesting shops and areas of the town. It was a crafter's paradise! The wood carvings alone were magnificent! This one place had the greatest gargoyles and other mythical creatures, they looked real! Spending the month with my family was without a doubt one of the happiest times of my life!


Yep I'm your Grandma! Didn't mean to scare you!

HELPS TO HAVE FAITH AND.....

a best friend!...I just love this picture. To me it represents the innocence of youth and the unconditional love of a four legged friend. We can learn so much from this simple image if we step back within ourselves and remember what it was like to run without a care and tell all your secrets to a pal that would sit and listen with the patience of a true hero!
Much of this was brought to life to me this past month when I was caring for my grandsons. Their lives will be rich with discovery and magic will hold a whole new meaning! How exciting for them and for me as well, I get to watch as it all unfolds! I thank the "powers that be" everyday for all the gifts they have given me and I take nothing for granted!

I AM FINALLY HOME!

It's never easy leaving a loved one, especially the new ones! I enjoyed being there with my "NEW" grandson "Ethan Kay" so much and of course his big brother Jude was right there to keep me even more entertained. The days just went by to fast! My husband joined us the last week of my stay. I think Jude went into
"Grandparent" over-drive! I will post pictures soon so I can show off the"BEST"part of my life to everyone. Now I find myself over-whelmed with deadlines and orders to fill, but I have such a wonderful inner happiness knowing I had this very special time with "MY" two little boys!

WHAT'S COMING UP ON SIMPLY PRIMITIVES THE 15TH

MEET GABBY AND DAISY THE MOUSE!

THE ROAD NOT TAKEN.....Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

I have always loved Robert Frost and this particular poem is special to me. Many times it comes to my mind after certain decisions or episodes in my life. I think we all, at one time or another, wonder to ourselves what if?

WHAT'S NEW ON PFATT MARKETPLACE!

Here is a preview of the new members of the "Soft in the Head" family for PFATT Marketplace April 10th.












"Felina Freedom"...SOLD
one very patriotic cat!


Say "Howdy" to "Miss Elsie, the Egg Lady"...SOLD












Phineas T. Jefferson.....SOLD

I'M OFF TO MEET ETHAN!

Well everyone I am on the road again, or should I say sky! I will be gone for the next month and my business partner will be taking care of orders and such. I have all kinds of new dolls going up on "The Humble Arts"on the 1st, "PFATT Marketplace" on the 10th and "SimplyPrimitives"on the 15th, so be sure to check it out!

I am going to spend a month with my new grandson Ethan, his brother Jude, and their parents Phil and Casey (my daughter. I CAN"T WAIT! If I'm REALLY lucky I will be able to take a day or two and jet up to San Francisco and spend some time with all my PFATT Sisters for "PFATTFEST 2008". This year "PFATTFEST will be in Napa, Ca. Everyone is so excited. Imagine 25-30 PFATTIES taking on the wine country! WA-HOOOOO!

MY HUMBLE ARTS DEBUT!

I am so excited to announce that I am a new member of a "GREAT" group of wonderful artists "The Humble Arts" The site is updated on the 1st of every month, so take a seat and get something to drink and enjoy yourself!

HERE ARE MY NEW CREATIONS !








"LOLLY LOPP"....SOLD



MEET "MISS TIPPER WHYTE" SOLD

"MRS. DOOLEY" SOLD


Little mouse inspired by Jill of "The Fruit of Her Hands".

SURPRISE! ETHAN KAY ARRIVED EARLY!

Say hello to the new addition to the "Gracia" family! This is our Ethan. He wasn't suppose to make his entrance into the world for about two weeks but he just couldn't wait. My daughter did a terrific job. She was suppose to have a c-section but Ethan decided that he wanted to make the trip on his own so he did!

I leave April 1st to go meet him and enjoy time with the whole family, I can't wait. Hard to believe that this is number five for Dan and I, one granddaughter and FOUR grandsons! One of them has got to play football! I am so proud and excited I feel as though I am floating ten feet above the ground and my face hurts from grinning so much.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID!....MARCH 22, 2008

OUR DAVID!
OUR
SUPERHERO!

OUR CONNOISSUER
OF FINE DINING!

WA-HOOOO YOU DID IT!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! 1927-2008
Congratulations being 81 years young!
May you always inspire, embrace and love life!

WHOA GOT IT AGAIN! THANKS FLORA!

Thanks Flora for this honor. It is always nice to know that I may brighten someones day or give a bit of joy or a smile. I kinda like getting this award again cause the first time just didn't give me enough room to name all the wonderful people that "MAKE MY DAY"!

THE MAGICAL SMILE MAKER'S
1) Bee-Pondcreek Primitives
2) Sherrie-Symple Tymes
3) Patty-Dogpatch Primitives
4) Sylvia-Sylvia Anderson
5) Pea-Peapicker's Primitives
6) Nicole-Raggedy Old Annies
7) Cookie-Curds-and-Whey
8) Ann-Crowing About Primitives
9) Blondie-VintagePrims
10) Justine-Lil' Ol' Me

MY NATURE THEME ON SIMPLY PRIMITIVES MARCH 15TH

I think I have the "spring bug" all I could think of
making were birds and insects! What is up with that?
Don't forget to check out www.simplyprimitives.com for
all the great items being offered. This is a great
site for primitive work!

THE QUEEN.....SOLD



MRS.BIDDLE THE TALENTED LADYBUG.....SOLD










ELDEN THE BLUEBIRD.....SOLD






ELDEN



BIZZY BEEZZZZZ BEEHIVE......SOLD

SPRING....EMILY DICKERSON

EMILY HAS ALWAYS BEEN A FAVORITE OF MINE AND
I WANTED TO SHARE SOME OF HER POETRY WITH YOU!

A light exists in spring
Not present on the year
At any other period.
When March is scarcely here
A color stands abroad
On solitary hills
That silence cannot overtake,
But human nature feels.
It waits upon the lawn;
It shows the furthest tree
Upon the furthest slope we know;
It almost speaks to me.
Then, as horizons step,
Or noons report away,
Without the formula of sound,
It passes, and we stay:
A quality of loss
Affecting our content,
As trade had suddenly encroached
Upon a sacrament.

MARCH MADNESS ON PFATT MARKETPLACE MARCH 10TH

MEET "WILLARD P. HOPSON" HE'S "GOIN' COURTIN'"***SOLD

BA-A-ABETTE ON AN ADVENTURE!***SOLD..she is off to England

THIS IS "SILLY DOT AND HER BUNNY SPOT"***SOLD

Be sure and check out my
new "Softees" March 10th on www.pfattmarketplace.com
Read their stories and find out just how funny these three can be.
I was asked once where I come up with my ideas for my
creations...actually their stories take form first and
then I try to design the doll to fit the story.
Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, LOL!
Thanks everyone for taking a peek and if I made you have
a chuckle while you did it "my job is done here!"
pfatt marketplace.com

HOP HOPPIN' ALONG THE BUNNY TRAIL......

This is "Snickers" the first of my Easter PODD'S.
She is reminding everyone Easter is coming up!!!!

THE PAST COLLIDED WITH THE PRESENT FOR ME!

As many of you know I have been on the west coast for the past two months. What was suppose to be a relaxing vacation turned out to be anything but!
I almost lost my mother while visiting her. My mom is 81 years of age and has been having issues with her health for some time but in spite of that she was always spunky and full of life. That life came very close to being over while I was there and that vision hangs on in my mind continuously, I can't seem to shake it, but by the grace of God she is still with us.

When she returned from the hospital we spent many hours talking and renewing a kindred spirit that had long been forgotten. I honestly believe I got to know who my mom really is for the first time in my life and realized how good of friends we have become. I now miss her with a fondness and love in my heart that I had never known before.

I wanted to share a couple of pictures with all of you of my mom in her youth. She still retains the sparkle in her eyes and that mischievous smile she had. I also wanted you to see my dad, he left us in 1987 for his next journey with his ancestors and old friends. I miss him.......Thank you mom and dad for making me and giving me the strength to endure, the wisdom to accept and the sense of humor to stay young at heart!

Hey everyone! As you all probably know I have been away leading the life of a vagabond for the last month. I have been snowed on in Washington state and getting webbing between my toes in Oregon. I was planning on making a trip to Pa. for the Heritage Show but my mother became very ill and I remained in Oregon. I almost lost her last night but due to the quick response of the local paramedics through my 911 call my mom is still with us.

This will be a short note to all to tell you I am thinking of everyone and hope your lives are full with love and creativity! Also I want to remind everyone about PFATT Marketplace on the 10th and Simply Primitives on the 15th. I have three new dolls on PFATT this month, but alas due to my scheduling Simply Primitives will have to wait till March for some new "Softees".... HAPPY VALENTINES DAY" to all.....Pam

I'M LEAVING ON A JET PLANE......

I am going on vacation! WA-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I am leaving in the morning for the great Northwest, Oregon, Washington and Canada!