There have been a few news stories in the Australian press lately that I haven't been able to put out of my mind. You know the kind that keep you awake at night to go and check on the small people in the next room. The kind that make you view humanity through a lens of grey.
I'm a worrier, always have been and no doubt always will be, so these stories have been pressing some serious buttons. Having experienced some post-natal anxiety and depression, I am finally beginning to equip myself with a few life skills to channel these feelings in a more constructive way. Softies for Mirabel seemed the perfect antidote to my malaise. Make a doll for an auction to support a foundation that helps kids orphaned or abandoned because of parental
drug use and are now in the care of extended family. Yep, that's for me.
And then came Lucretia.
Ok, so she may look like a cross between Leunig's Curly the Duck and Richard Scary's Lowly the Worm, (thanks Meg for pointing out the Scary influence). So what if my daughter thinks she is a hobby horse and makes little whickering noises when she sees her? I made her and I like her.
As of this afternoon, she is winging her way to Pip and the rest of the gang at Meet Me at Mikes for the Sofites for Mirabel auction in late July. And without getting too herbal on you, l felt a lightening of the metaphysical load. I'm not sure who is helping who here. Am I helping the Mirabel Foundation or is the Mirabel Foundation helping me? Maybe it's a bit of both.
Have fun Lucretia. Thanks Pip.
Stories from Mirabel
x
Lovely idea! I like her. She is lovely :)
Posted by: Daniele Sinhorelli | June 25, 2008 at 04:58 AM
Oh, I'm so with you on this one - there's been so much scary stuff going on lately.... I had one of those despairing days the other day where everything I read in the newspaper was absolutely horrifying.
It's true though - helping Mirabel also helps to ease the thought that there are babies out there suffering... I'm working on a softie myself for the very same reasons....
I wanted to say thanks for the little shout out in your side bar, too - I found it when coming over to comment - thankyou!
Lots of love to you and your bebe's....
Leah xxx
Posted by: Hyena In Petticoats | June 25, 2008 at 05:34 AM
I love the flower in her hair, and I had to laugh when I read "without getting too herbal on you" - oh man, a new classic turn of phrase!!
Posted by: anonymous | June 25, 2008 at 08:09 AM
I like her too. And, "anonymous", no way, you haven't heard that? I say it too. I hear it a lot. Maybe it's just the circles we move in. As for news. It's my life. I am de-sensitised, sadly. I live in Federal Government MP Belinda Neal's electorate and work for the local paper. No more need be said.
Posted by: katiecrackernuts | June 25, 2008 at 04:18 PM
I like Lucretia too! and your post.I started contributing to the Mirabel foundation last year.... because every child deserves a childhood.
Posted by: Bird Bath | June 25, 2008 at 07:32 PM
yes !!! She is great and it is a better thing to do than aimless worrying (which i also specialise in). I can't wait for the auction - I think lucretia is outstanding!!!
Posted by: Jodie | June 25, 2008 at 08:52 PM
Lucretia is fantastic. A small person is going to love her, cuddle her in their little bed, what comfort you've made. She's beautiful.
Posted by: lexi | June 25, 2008 at 11:26 PM
Ooooh, Lucretia is quite the lady diva! Lovely.
Posted by: Ninaribena | June 26, 2008 at 06:57 AM
Yep, stopped watching the news a while back now. With a little person in the house it's just all too depressing. Lucretia is quite the lovely lady to be loved. I'm working on my softie to send very soon.
Posted by: diana | June 30, 2008 at 06:08 AM
I am not a softy gal, but I am in LOVE with Lucretia. Total and utter love. Where will she be auctioned and how can I get in on it? That hat, that mushroom fabric, oh holy crap - you have me a softy lover!
And on another note - I hear you on the anxiety and worry. It is so very scary to be a parent. It's hard to balance being protective and over protective. I fall firmly on the over-protective camp I'm afraid.
Posted by: Paper Dolls for Boys | July 01, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Ok - that should read, "you have MADE me a softy lover!"
And do you have a shop? I just looked on etsy but couldn't find you under rummage.
Posted by: Paper Dolls for Boys | July 01, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Well i didn't read it... but there are scary stories all around the world... believe me.
It seems you are doing what i do... stitching away from bad thoughts is the way to do it. Helping others... the way to go!
What lovely softies you make. i envy you:) I have no imagination for softies:(
Posted by: Zélia | July 01, 2008 at 02:42 PM
Ahhh shes beautiful..well done you!
I'm making mine at the moment and feel like you do too! It's great to know there are projects out there like Mirabel.
Hope you are all well in cold canberra...my sister in law says its freezing down there now!
Posted by: fliss | July 03, 2008 at 05:20 AM
I'm right there with you on the anxiety front. Good for you for putting that 'energy' to good use!
Posted by: kari | July 03, 2008 at 07:29 AM
Lucretia is beautiful - I LOVE her flowered head!! And I'm another reader who has stopped watching the news - because they never give 'good' news anymore. What ever happened to the reports of peak hour traffic stopping to let a family of ducks cross the road? Why is that not sensational enough for us any more? I think your idea of just putting some 'good' out there is a great one. So thank-you for the 'good' news. It definitely helps to put a little more 'rose' into the lens...
Posted by: Bec | July 08, 2008 at 03:34 PM