Happy Holidays! I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday season so far!!
The days between Thanksgiving
and New Year's have always been amongst my favorite times of the year
-- I simply can't help but get that giddy "kid
again" feeling at the first signs of Jolly Old St Nick! (A
giddiness that becomes VERY difficult to contain in anticipation of a
holiday surprise or two...)
This year I have a
double dose of holiday spirit, after having kicked off the holiday
festivities with many of you this summer in Kansas City!
I'm still flying as high as Santa's sleigh, remembering the frivolity
and fun we had at our "Everyday's A Holiday" convention!! Being
surrounded by so many dear friends for my Sandra
Stillwell Presents holiday celebration was truly a special
blessing for me!
To further add to
my year of "Every Day" holiday fun, I decided to give a
gift of sorts to myself and take the opportunity to combine holidays in
New York City with scheduled convention work!
The magic of New York
City -- from it's chicly dressed holiday shoppers and festively
decorated department store windows, to the Rockettes kicking
in crisp formation and the magnificently lit tree
in Rockefeller Center twinkling in the snow -- can be a real
inspiration (even when not working on a holiday themed event)! I'm pleased to
say that I found inspiration at every turn...
And the fun didn't stop
there!
From an elegant dinner
in a picture-perfect setting with the Center City Doll Club of
Philadelphia, to a delightful evening with the Capital City Fashion Doll
Club in the DC area followed by a brief stint of "playing elf"
with holiday preparations for a friend-- at every stop, my journey was blessed
by the company of wonderful friends.
Now settled in
at home, my whirlwind travels all seem a bit like a beautiful
Christmas dream! A big THANK YOU to everyone who played a part in my
dream!
I would like to share a couple of wonderful holiday surprises and gifts that have come my way this season...
The first surprise was the exciting news that our Sandra Stillwell Presents "Every Day's A Holiday" convention coverage had been featured in the digital Holiday Edition of FDQ Magazine, in the form of beautiful article written by Terri Gold! If you're interested in hearing more about the background of convention or reading the candid interview, you might want to visit the FDQ web site and order a copy. (I printed mine for a keepsake!)
My second holiday surprise -- the funtastic full sized version of Annie Sattler's "Every Day's A Holiday" mini calendar from convention -- was waiting for me when I arrived home! A Studio Commissary exclusive, it's the perfect remembrance of our 2013 event to carry you through to our 2014 convention -- and longer!
Another very meaningful gift for me this season has been seeing your posts and receiving emails with photos of your holiday displays! The knowledge that our "Every Day's A Holiday" convention fashions are playing a special part in your holidays (and will be cherished for many holidays to come) continues to lift my spirits to new heights!
Speaking of convention fashions... I want to give you a brief update on the backordered "Every Day's A Holiday" fashions. I'm happy to report that most of the backorders are in, but we're still waiting for shoes and several accessories. Also -- the "Flight Before Christmas" TWA inspired uniform has, unfortunately, been delayed and is expected to be rescheduled for arrival in time for a New Year's landing! I will be in touch with information as soon as I have definite confirmation.
Of course, if there are
any remaining fashions that are on your wish list for Santa, there's still
time for Christmas delivery! Just let me know as soon as possible!
Finally -- I want to close with a small reminder and note of thanks --
For even as much as our hearts may be filled with "holiday spirit", Christmas can still be one of the loneliest times of the year for those who have lost loved ones or may be experiencing hardships -- and yes, even for me.
My personal "grown up" Christmas dreams have always included the romanticized vision of spending it surrounded by loved ones -- whether they be that "someone special" or loving friends. Though I always carry my dear Danny and beloved Mother close in my heart, the warm feeling there can never take the place of a big Christmas "hug" and a welcoming smile.
I want to thank you all for helping to fill the empty space in my heart this Christmas, and for your friendships, support, "cyberhugs" and welcoming smiles throughout the years. I feel fortunate and privileged to have made so many dear friends through our shared passion for dolls.
I hope that we will each remember to take a moment to open our hearts and extend a helping hand, warm smile, or maybe even a big hug to those in need-- not only during this holiday season, but always.
With Warmest Wishes for the Happiest of Holidays...
Sincerely,
Sandra
