My confession...

I have a little confession to make and I hope that you will forgive me.

My posts haven't been showing much activity lately, I haven't added any new photos to Flicr in weeks, my shop was empty for several days, and I have been slow to respond if at all... WHAT IS GOING ON????

Well, ahem, um, hum. I don't quite know how to tell you this. You see... we just returned to Norway from a two week visit to my native home! Yes, my husband, two children and I are now all suffering from jet lag from our journey overseas from Maine. Last night we had 3 fun-filled hours from 9:30 pm til 12:30am when the kids thinking it was time to get up from a little nap: giggled, jumped, teased each other and generally caused a great deal of noise and anguish to their incredibly tired parents.

I have been dying to tell you all about our visit, plus, show you the piles of fabrics and yarns I bought but first I knew I had to break it to you that I have been keeping our spring vacation a secret... I wrote several posts before our departure and scheduled them to publish on assigned days.

You can likely guess why the secrecy: husband's paranoia of home security. With the exception of house guests one weekend our little home was empty for our vacation and my husband didn't want me to announce to the world on Ravenhill: "Hey, everyone, we are going to be out of the country!" Personally I am entirely sure that there is not a single thief among my dear readers but I had to reluctantly agree that it is probably best not to publish info about a vacant home on the internet, just to be on the safe side. I do hope that you will understand.

I took a real break from doll making and blogging. The above photos weren't even taken by me. My husband took them, but I did the editing. Isn't the Maine coast gorgeous?

I had some excitement related to my blog while home in the US. While doing a bit of shopping in midcoast Maine with my mother and 87 year old great aunt who should we meet but Jes, in her new soon-to-be-opened shop! It was a thrill to meet her and to actually get to take a look at her lovely shop. When Jes told me that she would like to have my matryoshkas in her shop I was so surprised and pleased!

Eight dolls have made their way to  Michelle! Quite unexpectedly, she offered to feature my dolls in her also soon-to-open shop in her home and is doing it out of the kindness of her heart!  The dolls above are now in my Etsy shop.

I had been hoping to get to meet with Erin and Iris, but unfortunately ran out of time. I received the prettiest ATC's from Iris who is having an ATC give away! I would show you the ATC's from Iris, but they are momentarily misplaced due to this jetlag fuzzy brain thing.

While visiting with my brother and uncle in Portland my mom and I got a couple of hours to look around the old port. It was delightful to see Amanda's work in person when we happened across the wonderful shop carrying her handmade goodies. While home I sent off the vintage tablecloth above to one of the sweetest people I have had the chance to "meet" via my blog. Jean has been so thoughtful with me that when she jokingly suggested the she would like this tablecloth I decided to mail it off to her. Surprisingly, the stain came out in the wash so it is in mint condition! Jean told me though that she couldn't possibly take the risk of using it as a table cloth and will make beautiful clothing out of it.

This post is now way too long, can you tell I have missed you?!

Comments

[Rosanne]

Sounds like it was a good vacation! I understand about the security thing, my husband doesn't like me to say anything about being away on my blog either.

[Di]

I am glad that you had a great holiday! I love New England - my aunt and uncle live in New Hampshire and I visit regularly!

I think you are correct not to publish that you're off on holidays! I try not to - I to would be leaving my home empty and you never know who reads your blog!

I look forward to more posts about your trip!

Oh and I love the picture of your daughter with her stroller - she looks so excited!

[Cintia & Raul]

We are very happy because Emily and her dolls have came back again. We´ll start to buy the new dolls as soon as we can. We loved the photos. Thanks a lot, Emily!!!

[Eileen]

How nice to have you back Emily. I hope you and your family had a wonderful time and I am looking forward to reading all about it. Also I think your husband is very wise.

[Jan in nagasaki]

welcome back and looking forward to lots of updates!!!!

when you go back do you enjoy the food??? i usually gain a few pounds just enjoying all the great food!!!!

[Tonje]

I'm glad you had a nice break, and I'm glad to have you back. I too agree on not announcing to "the whole world" that your house is going to be empty for two weeks... better to be safe than sorry right?

[Tonje]

Oh, forgot to say... what a great idea to schedule posts to appear when you're away! That way noone will ever suspect your house being all alone...
I wonder if I can do that on blogger as well...??? I'll have to check that out...
Well, now it's way past my bedtime so I'm off to bed (just had to check for updates here first...)

[Bluebirdbaby]

Glad to hear you had a lovely visit! I waited for you to contact me about getting together. I'm so bummed we didn't hook up. Maybe next time?!

[Rachael Rabbit]

We go every year to Deer Isle in Maine - have you ever been to the Haystack? http://www.haystack-mtn.org/

[mereteveian]

You've been missed! I've been thinking that you prpbably had a lot goging on in your life lately, only blogging now and then and more about "things" than real "here and now". So, - glad to hear it was "just" a vacation, a worried husband and buzy times that kept you from blogging :-)
Great to have you back!

[ernabeytut]

wow that sounds like a great time...that coast is sooo beautiful! Your new dolls are so bright and colourful! lovely to have you back :)

[Régine]

Wow, the automatic blogging thing completely threw me. It didn't even cross my mind that you could be on holiday. Thanks for your address. The parcel will be on its way asap.
Reg

[Jean]

Emily, you are such a sweetheart. I'm sure that your family are glad to be home. Nothing like sleeping back in your own beds. Although, it's always nice to go for visit. I too love the coast! We go to Oregon to visit my parents/brother's family any time we can get away. So, is this the first time for your Lilly going to the States? Glad to hear it was fun... try to get some sleep. Take care.
Thanks again, I will send pictures when I get something made up. You've got my mind a whirling around thinking for sure what to make. I sent my SIL your blog addie and so she got to see the linen you sent. She suggested using it with a clear plastic over the top. I said no I don't want to make it look cheesy!
Hugs, Jean

[Johanna]

How fun to take a trip home. I had wondered how often you get to do that! I'm glad you enjoyed your time. I have some experience with kids and jet lag...We travelled to Germany last year for two weeks to visit family and friends and readjusting after returning home was much harder than I had anticipated!

[joanna]

I think you are forgiven! My husband is much the same!

[Iris]

Emily---
Thank you for mentioning my little GiveAway! You are so sweet.
Enjoy the spring,
Love,
Iris

[sylvie]

oh mais c'est très joli par ici, it's a very lovely blog !