Did you say, "Cookies?"

Moove on over, peeps, I've got the milk and cookies! 

It's time once again for our weekly Scribble Picnic meetup group. I'm so looking forward to seeing what kind of cookie (or biscuit perhaps) each of you chose.

For myself, I wanted to put on my Graphic Designer hat and do something a little more corporate, less hands-on than the Inktobers, and certainly more mainstream... cute, even! From my initial pen sketch to the final Illustrator vector art above, I must have rendered at least 5 versions of this cow, simplifying each time and making it more child-like/friendly until getting it to where I wanted.

You know, the funny thing is, waaay back when I was still fresh off the boat, so to speak, it seemed disgusting to me that anyone would actually want milk with their "cookies," let alone dunk it (as few admittedly do here). No doubt, in part, it was because I detested the creamy, clumpy, often spoilt milk we used to get delivered by the milkman each day back in London. To me, of course, the perfect compliment to any biscuit was a hot, strong yet milky cup of tea but as one couldn't easily find electric kettles or "real" English tea then, I didn't have that either for yonkers. Needless to say, imported tea is now in abundance (thank God) and whilst still loving to dunk a good chocolate digestive in a hot cuppa, I have now been known to enjoy cookies with milk... and yes, even dunked! Shocking, I know. What can I say, but one learns to rightfully, thankfully, adapt! (Well, OK, I still am not into camping and hiking, endless beerfests, and most things typical Coloradoans yearn for but, hey, I'm getting there... sloooowly!)  :)

So, that's my cookie story, what's yours?

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The Toys are Having their (own) picnic!

Sorry for this rather creepy toy doll. Does it spook you at all? Perhaps old dolls in general or those that "talk" or even mannequins possibly frighten you? If so, you just might suffer from Pediophobia, an actual disorder that, while it can be easily cured, is commonly left untreated since those afflicted consider it unique and silly themselves. Yet, they are gripped with fear enough that it secretly can keep them from visiting even a sibling, say, in fear of seeing a nephew's or niece's dolls, let alone going into a clothing store! It can be more debilitating than you might imagine.

This particularly unfortunate doll is inspired by one my daughter had for many, many years, named "Annie," after her "Grannie Annie," all the way in England who she only met twice very briefly. We didn't have much money as a family on one income and I think had found this at a thrift shop or yard sale or something. Nevertheless, Rachel adored it, carrying it around with her wherever she went. Eventually, it started literally falling apart, its stuffing coming out, an arm that would fall off and either an eye that would roll back or the others' eyelid usually half way shut. To make matters more traumatic, the poor thing's head kept falling off and even with multiple attempts of sewing it back on, it never lasted!

I'm not sure whatever happened to poor old Annie, but it certainly showed us all early on that Rachel was made for unconditional love and nurture and has found her calling as a mom in her own right, taking care of twins and a brave husband who himself is a an injured (triple amputee) Marine veteran. Like him, she takes it all in her stride and never ceases to amaze us just how incredible she is at making everything whole. Her love knows no bounds and, of course, we love her no end! So proud of her. :D

So, what doll did you bring to our picnic this week? Time for show and tell...