New dress

I've been having a somewhat quiet summer. Keeper has taken "outside positions," and some days, though she does invite me to her places of business, I really don't get a lot of attention. However, she recently attended a wood workshop, and while there received a darling little sundress. Now I'd never bared my arms before, but I was entranced by this dress, so off came my chemise and on went the dress.

Sadly, it was way too big for my wee little personage. However, sensing my sadness, Keeper vowed to adapt it to better suit my small frame. Last week, she followed through, and the results are below. Aren't I just the cutest thing in my new sundress? Now, I want a dozen more please.

Holiday Greetings

It's traditional to say a few words during this season, sending out letters to people telling everyone about all the personal things that have occurred during the year. Maybe not. But I will say that this has been a pretty good year for me, relocating from the Midwest to the east coast where I've just experienced my first snow. That's me in the picture next to a real snowbank. Well, snowball might be more apt. I actually stood quite precariously on a slippery and thin ledge surrounding a deck, many feet off the ground I might add, in order to present this photo for your enjoyment. 'Keeper sent it off to her computer Guru who cropped and shopped it, then returned about a dozen different versions for my approval. I was all set on one ... until I noticed I'd left off 'Keeper's name. And this is where the personal letter comes into play.

Since she is not independently wealthy and actually works for a living, she must leave the house daily. Not once since I've come to stay with her and force her to do my bidding has she left me home alone. I grace her desk daily where I am admired much by other office staff who comment on the fabulous wardrobe I've managed to wheedle out of 'Keeper. When her nimble sewing fingers will do no more, I coerce her into allowing me to use her credit card to order myself a new frock or two. My wardrobe does not yet rival that of the famous Sevashteen, one of my sap sisters, but it's only been six months since my arrival, so I think I'm entitled to a little more time.

I have traveled during this time, back to the Midwest and also to upstate New York where I attended the North Country Hitty Retreat. Did you see me there? I kept a low profile.

I look forward to my apartment finally being finished and made ready for my occupancy. I've stayed there a few times, but the accommodations were not up to par, so lately I've stayed in a guest house which is more suitable. In fact, if 'Keeper doesn't finish my apartment soon, I may have to make it my permanent home. Ah, I think that got a rise out of her. Hopefully, I'll be there to celebrate the dropping of the ball as we ring in the new year.

That said, I'm quite happy here and wish to commend 'Keeper for holding up her end of the bargain - she does everything for me and I love it.

I wish everyone many happy returns of the season and a joyful new year. Athrenine

A long time coming ....

Finally, the rest of my possessions arrived, and last night we unpacked them all. My lovely everyday print dress with the puffy sleeves, my darling hot pink dress with the white crossover neck insert by Erin Kleider, my beautiful red print by Kay deMattei, my special Islecroft bluebird dress and head piece, and my special Halloween outfit. Also included were my white mohair shawl, my blue porcelain teapot, my Asian folding screen, and my lovely jardinière which will require a new plant. These have arrived in the nick of time since my wardrobe has not accumulated for some time. Although I have a photo box that is nicely filled with clothing by Keeper (short for Housekeeper, who is also my seamstress and underling), it's never enough. In fact, I believe I will need to send her out for another box or two shortly. My not having new clothing on a daily basis has been a trial to me ever since she stopped sewing about a month ago. She has not resumed efforts on my behalf since then. *sigh* As you can imagine, it's been quite dreadful.



Fortunately, just when I was at my lowest, the box containing my things from my prior life arrived. I'm grateful in particular that my Halloween outfit has come prior to that holiday event and that I can at last wear something different instead of being forced to re-cycle my other clothing. I'm getting quite weary of always wearing the same old things.

It's also fortunate in that my apartment is closer to its end preparation. It's been under construction for some time, and while I can sleep in it, it's not by any stretch of the imagination ready for full occupancy. Keeper has only this week located a place to hang it from which I can view most of the main house's living areas. The apartment is built in an antique clock case that's being converted, and I have a rooftop garden as well. It is smallish, but suitable, having two floors, one room each, for living and sleeping. Last night, I wrapped up in my lovely white mohair shawl from the box and spent the evening in my garden, enjoying the cooler weather and the full moon.

Keeper periodically shows me a piece of furniture or an accessory for my approval, then removes it if I disapprove and tries again, so my desires are being accommodated. I have a leather chair that I've approved and one table with a teaset. Last week, the large dip in my living room floor was finally filled in and a nice marble floor laid. I'm still awaiting the arrival of my wallpaper and of course for that paperhanger to do her work. I'm also still considering which bed to appropriate as my own, the custom made one from Great Briton with drapery hangings and a drawer beneath the bed (on its way here now), or an antique iron bedstead. It will depend on how each looks when I view them after the paper for the walls has been hung. My first floor chandelier arrived last week, and although it it not yet up, therein lies a semblance of progress. Literally, the chandelier lies atop a case near my apartment, waiting for installation.


I shall post a photo once the apartment is suitably complete.

A new week, a new dress

How's this for an interesting combination: feedsack and silk. Keeper made me this feedsack dress. I was a bit dubious. Do I look like an ashes and sackcloth type of girl. OK, feedsack. Whatever - it's all the same to me. But she put a silk ribbon around my waist and told me it was the latest fashion. Truthfully, I didn't buy her line, but she did work hard when she was tired to make it for me, so I wore it to please her. Today I wore it. Tomorrow, I'll require a different dress.

All the pretty little butterflies & a chair

See my butterfly dress? I just love all the pretty colors. This is dress 4 that Keeper made me.

This is my first piece of furniture. Keeper thought I deserved leather, but I'm not sure it's quite tall enough. She said she could remedy that, so I agreed to call it my first piece of furniture for the new house. I've not yet seen that, but I'm hoping she will uncrate it soon. I'm eager to have my own place and stop staying in borrowed quarters.

I just feel like crowing!!

Another day, another dress. Faster, sew faster.

Well, you know my motto ...

Another day, another new dress. That's right, isn't it?