Goals Balance 2021

And it is that time of the year, to see how you fared! Honestly, this was a complicated year for me--it wasn't nice, I went through a lot, and lost the joy for the hobby. The post you saw were mostly scheduled, and it reached a point in which I was even struggling to post a few pictures because I couldn't find the strength for it. I honestly don't know how I will do next year, but that's a discussion for next year's goals.

Here you have Merry trying to balance herself (and with a very nice high-key photo), and the Goals Balance is under the cut.

1. Sewing, a lot. You know that sewing has always been a passion for me. Nonetheless, at some point, I stopped enjoying it. Mostly, because the fabrics I could get were not really adequate for dolls. Moving overseas did change that, and now I have access to them! I still wish I had purchased more notions (buttons and the like). But for now, I'm very settled. And I want to sew a lot.

This is something I did. I sew a lot for Kanon, because I honestly enjoy her size. I also was gifted a Blythe, and decided to open a sewing store for Blythes. You can see my Blythe's Instagram here, and the store here. I have sold little, but given I need it, I'll keep trying. Fingers crossed! Also, I enjoy doing it. Here is one of the outfits:

2. Replace Cookie and Merry's wardrobe. Well, I have limited space. And these two do have a lot of clothes that I am not happy with anymore. So while I sew new stuff for them, I will throw others. I often retrieve things like laces, buttons, snaps, velcro (if good and reusable), and then discard the outfit. Now that I think about it, I may do the same with Venezia's clothes. She really needs a revamp!

Nope. Did not happen. I think I did a single outfit for them, and the rest was just reusing outfits they already have. Poor ladies D:


3. Update Etsy with Patterns. The problem is... I don't have one anymore. So I ended up 2020 with a bunch of sheets with all the patterns drawn, folders with all the tutorials already ready... and no way of scanning those dang patterns. I have at least 5 or 6 to upload. I must do something about it.

I did manage to do this! There are now patterns for ClockworkFaeryCo Sprites, and more patterns for Iplehouse JID. You can see the store here, and the posts are:

• ClockworkFaeryCo, skirt and shirt.
• ClockworkFaeryCo, overall.
• Iplehouse JID, pants and shirt.

4. Restart the Photography Videos. The problem is that I felt it was useless. I got barely any traction about them, and when I pointed people towards them, they just brushed it off. That's why I ended up doing the photo challenge and explaining settings/trickls there, just to do a simplified version. Will see what happens in this year. Maybe I'll do it.

I did photography posts, but not videos. I guess that counts!

• Photography Basics (Shutter Speed, ISO, and Aperture). This was a video!
• Comparing Lenses (Part I)
• Comparing Lenses (Part II)
• Adapting vintage lenses to mirrorless cameras.

5. Connect More. I work a lot, and then that worns me out. The problem is, I comment less and less in blogs, and also in social networks. I want to get over that, and start comming and reading out again. I miss the community!

I failed miserably here, and I keep missing the people. It reached a point on my burnout that simply trying to read posts and commenting was taxing. It was awful--it still is. But I hope that with time I'll be able to get back on track. I haven't pushed me, so if you see a bunch of my comments in tons of old posts of yours... that's why. It's because I got a rush of energy and commented.


6. Reviews and Comparisons. In 2020 I purchased some things I haven't reviewed still -like shoes for Venezia. I miss those posts and I think they are useful. I am hoping to buy some more stuff (sewing notions, maybe some props?) so probably I will put those here.

I did some? Only two: comparing Blythes to ClockworkFaeryCo Sprites, and then some shoes for both of them. Honestly, I wasn't in the mood to purchase anything, least of all invest the effort it takes to do a comparison post and write some decent insights.


7. Sell Customized Plapicos. This is a very long shot, and I don't believe I will make it. I really enjoyed painting the dragons in 2020. And I want to keep doing it, but gathering some profit so I can purchase other stuff -like a full frame camera. I don't know. Will see what happens.

Nope, did not happen. I really liked the ones I made, but due to Covid and all of that, Aileendoll stopped shipping the Plapicos, and the European version relocated, so it was a mess. Someday, perhaps.

I know this wasn't the balance you may have been expecting, but life happens and we have to accept it. I honestly hope 2022 will be a different year, and that I can move forward and reignite some worn-out passions. Wish you all the best, people :)