Friends forever.
Aibreann read many a book where the protagonist had a side-kick. She understood the concept well, but couldn't figure out where one finds one. So she started what only seem logical: an advertising campaign.
First she wrote with bright bold letters on cardstock:
FRIEND WANTED
Seeking a reliable side-kick for adventuring
Must have plenty of experience in the following:
Fort-building
Gardening
Cooking open-air
Camping
Lego building
Doll play
Mud-pie baking
First-aid to injured animals
Storytelling
Craftiness
Acting
Getting in and out of trouble
We will provide plenty of opportunity and encouragement
to practice these skills on a daily basis.
If interested please apply under this tree.
So she sat there. For many days. Until one fine morning she found an apprentice to the beautiful art of side-kicking.
Aibreann couldn't believe her luck at what destiny threw at her. A side-kick in matching outfit? I mean, what are the odds?
They obviously became the best of friends, through many adventures and fire-pit roasting. They read "A series of Unfortunate Events" and "The Penderwicks at Point Mouette".
They fashioned dolls out of laundry pegs and paper doilies. They wrote sonatas and baked cakes under the hot sun.
They tried to stay up late, with a flashlight, reading in secret under blankets. They played tea party with the butterflies and the turtle doves. None of which could sample the confections so they ate it all.
Sunny and Aibreann are sure bound to have a life full of happiness, crisp books and adventure. With those thoughts in mind, I have created them for their mother, in hopes of sending warmth and play to the deepest corners of her heart.
They took hours and hours off my life, hours that were spent in contemplation and decision-making. Stuffing chubby legs with sweet wool, sculpting smiles, blushing freckles, knitting under the pecan tree and trying to fulfil my own heart desires: to fill the world with these soft beings that make us all a little gentler and a lot more kind, to ourselves and others.
Thank you Cara, for giving me the chance once more of creating dolls with you in mind. For all the creative license you allowed me to exercise, and for the wise choices you made which brought forth in me our little Aibreann. Without the picture you drew in my head I wouldn't have been able to create her.
I hope she fills your light with all this sun-filled warmth she seems to irradiate. I hope Sunny makes you giggle. I hope all the dolls welcome them home with open arms.
Thank you for giving me the chance to keep being a doll maker. Much love, Fabs.
