From Smocked Doll Dress Patterns to Mindset Affirmations for Challenging Times
My shop first began in 1997 when I was living in the mountains of Colorado. I had several granddaughters in Missouri who loved their American Girl dolls, and I wanted a way to stay connected to them across the distance.
I began making little dresses for their dolls. At that time, there were no smocked doll dress patterns that properly fit the dolls, so I started designing my own. What began as a creative project became something much deeper—a way of expressing love, beauty, and connection. I eventually published the patterns so others could share that same experience with the children in their lives.
Years later, life shifted in a way that required me to grow in a completely different direction.
We moved from the country into senior living in Denver. At age 82, I suddenly found myself needing to learn how to drive on busy Denver freeways in crisis mode. I was terrified!
My husband and I had both been counselors and had studied meditation for many years, so I turned to something familiar—steady, repeated affirmations. Each time I drove, I focused my attention and repeated them calmly:
“I am so grateful I am a strong, capable, safe, confident, blah, blah driver who always has safe trips.”
At first, I was very afraid. But I stayed with the repetition. Over time, something began to shift. I became calmer, more focused, and eventually totally at ease behind the wheel.
What I discovered during that time was simple but powerful: when the mind is gently supported in the right way, change can happen more naturally than we expect.
What I created for myself during those years is now what I’m offering to you.
These affirmation tools are designed to be simple, steady, and easy to use. You don’t have to analyze them or try to “do them right.” You can simply let them play in the background and allow them to hit deep into your mind and support a calmer, more centered mindset over time.
They are created with care, lived experience, and a deep respect for how important it is to feel steady and supported during challenging moments.
These tools are intended to support mindset, relaxation, and emotional well-being as part of your own personal journey.
Thank you for being here. Sally