I was an academic and missionary in my former life. But then I had a beautiful baby girl, and my life slowed down. I canceled projects and meetings, declined job offers, and sat mesmerized at my miracle. As she grew and played, I started playing, as well. I would sit with her during her moments of imaginative creation, and I also wanted to create.
I grew up sewing and crocheting and crafting, but never found my niche. Until I found felt. Then I fell in love. And that love grew and grew until our rooms are now overflowing with babies to love and dolls which whisper sweet songs and pictures that tell my stories.
And so I create. I create so that I can spend quality time with my little girl as she plays. We talk and laugh as we both imagine worlds. I create because it gives me great joy to see my ideas take life. And I create because I believe we were all made in the image of the Creator.
I spent most of my previous life working with the poor and the vulnerable, children in poverty, families without homes. Doing anything for my own joy was a hard concept for me, and it still is. We live in a world where pain and sadness often overcome joy and beauty. So stepping out into joy while others live in sorrow is hard for me. But this place - Gingham Trundle - is a place where we can rest in the beauty of a God that loves us all and wants us to find joy in everything.
Thank you for joining me here. Your presence means so much, and I hope you will leave comments or questions about my work.
We thank Felicia Hoshino for the beautiful banner illustration and design (www.felishino.com).
