Eureka!

Today brought an epiphany of sorts for me.   In my Art Dolls as Self Image class we were given exercises in journaling to help find a theme for our dolls.  We were supposed to look at what we like to do, what colors we like, and a few other things to guide our thoughts. 

I couldn't think of anything I was passionate about.  I mean, there's things I like to do, but reading books just didn't translate into a doll for me.  Then this evening I was over at a friend's house working on a mystery doll pattern for our doll club's next round robin when I realized, during a conversation, that I do have a collection of sorts that I'm passionate about. 

I just didn't put it together because the pieces are so unrelated. 

My wedding dress, some framed artwork, my favorite type of art, an old dance group I belonged to, and even some vintage postcard images I recently bought all have the same theme running through them.  The Belle Epoch - end of the Victorian era - from about 1895 to 1914.  Toulouse-Lautrec, the Impressionists, Moulin Rouge, mutton sleeves, walking skirts, S-shaped corsets.  I can see the doll forming before my eyes! 

Do you have a theme running through your life that you're not aware of?  Look around, see what you can find - you might surprise yourself.  I certainly did!