little birds handmade

the unhappy hippopotamus

Thank you so much to everyone who has emailed me with hugs and support. It means a great deal to me. I want to clarify that my children were never in any direct danger. However, the trust that I had put out there when I post photos had been broken. Photos had been stolen and used out of context in inappropriate ways. It sucks. It's shocking really, and I have to do my best to insure that it won't happen again.

Let me change gears and show you something that made me really happy:

I had about five minutes to browse at the Goodwill the other day, and I chose the kid's books. I'm so glad I did, because I found this incredible book, The Unhappy Hippopotamus. It's about a depressed hippo, people! Look at some of these incredible illustrations (by Edward Leight, 1957). Harriet the Hippo is sad and tries all kinds of ways to make herself smile. She has a party, but still can't smile:

She tries reading, but still can't smile.

And dancing. Still no smile:

Finally, she goes to see a wise old owl who gives her the advice, "You've got to be YOU!"

She goes to wallow in some mud, and:

Harriet inspired this pink hippo:

Folks, you've got to be you. (Smile).

welcome!

Welcome to my new home! I am so glad that you found me.

I am sorry to say that I have had to make a big change. This will be the new home for little birds. You can access this blog at http://littlebirds.typepad.com or http://littlebirds.typepad.com/little_birds_handmade/. You will need to update your links and feeds. My little birds archives are currently not available. I would like to gradually add them to this site and will try to feature a project from my archives once a week.

I have been a part of the craft blog community for nearly two years now, and it has always felt incredibly welcoming and intimate. I am so grateful for you guys. I have always loved sharing my family life with you; my kids are an integral part of who I am and how and why I craft. Unfortunately, recent circumstances and discoveries have made it so I no longer feel comfortable including my children in my blog. This has been a very sad turn of events for me. I would rather not discuss it. I hope you'll understand.

I am going to try to proceed as best I can. I still want a place to share my creative life, and I'd like to make a fresh start. Thank you so much for your understanding and support...Stephanie.