Cecilia's Journey

Dearest Cousin Cissy,   

I hope this finds you in good health.  I'm so sorry 

it has taken me so long to write.  I arrived in 

New Zealand, tired, pale and exhausted from 

my trip.  Even though all my luggage went 

missing I was determined to make the

 best of my journey."

This kind sailor directed me to my cabin.

My Cabin was very nice. Very spacious!

I was a bit dejected about my missing luggage.

There were many onboard activities.
I enjoyed wandering around the ship
looking at all the views.

Here I am in the dining room seated with

 a very nice family.

Here we are going through the panama canal.

When we finally arrived one of the first things we

saw was the Auckland Harbor Bridge.

"As soon as I could, after arriving in New Zealand,

I looked for a dressmaker to make me a new dress. 
She also offered to spruce up my old dress 
which I thought might be past its best after 
wearing it every day of the voyage! "

I put the pattern in my case and started walking.

Thanks for the pattern cousin!

I found the right mall and...

Patsy's!  That's the place.

Patsy finishing the hem on my new dress.

I feel like I am ready to face my new life!

The family took me to see the sights of my new home.

This is Bastian Point. 

My favorite place was the Winter Gardens.

Inside is a beautiful greenhouse!

You know how I love flowers.

This is Shakespear Regional Park.

Just look at that view Cissy!

But, the best views are the ones 

we share with family. 

My new home is in Pukekohe.

It is South of Auckland.

This is me in the garden of our home.

Just look at that wisteria!

So many flowers. So lovely and peaceful.

But who is Cecilia?

Cecilia is my friend Anna's new arrival.

She is a Madame Alexander Cissy doll!

Here she is just after she had arrived.

She did look pale and exhausted!

Anna lives in New Zealand and purchasing

a doll from the U.S. and having her shipped

all that way is a harrowing experience.  

Anna has had at least one doll already 

who never arrived!! 

Here is Cecilia after Anna restored her!

So BEAUTIFUL!

Before and After

As soon as I heard about Anna's new doll I wanted to 

send her a gift, but was afraid it too might go missing.

Instead I shared this pattern with Anna by email.

I knew Anna was an avid doll seamstress.

Anna didn't waste any time sewing

some new clothes for Cecilia!

Anna made this Sundress and...

This swing coat and pillbox hat. 

I think Anna also added some pretty 

flowers to Cecilia's shoes.

Anna also made this lovely

Bandeau hat for Cecilia and

added the flower detail to her

waistband.

So Anna has been VERY busy. 

I am SO happy for my friend Anna 

and her new doll 

Cecilia.

We decided my Cissy and Anna's

Cecilia would be cousins and send

letters and photos to each other.

So stay posted!