Tom Tierney is the modern master of the paper doll and an inspiration. I got a big laugh and smile out of the link my friend Shelly sent to his new Obama paper dolls. There are also McCain dolls. But just looking at the dolls, I think McCain looks a little stiff and old-fashioned, plus his head is too big.

I am still making my dolls and trying to manage to keep all things in perspective, but am pulled far away from blog-dom sometimes.

As when I ricochet between cutting my dolls, doing my job, and then listening to a fascinating academic talk, by Dr. Carla Yanni of Rutgers University. She spoke about the architectural history of psychiatric institutions in the 19th century (when they were really called insane asylums), the ways in which architrectural forms mirrored the optimism of doctors and were ultimately plagued by overcrowding. It's a powerful story and the historian I heard, told it very well. I bought her book and look forward to getting a chance to read it and think it through in light of these huge and ultimately very sad structures.

I probably will buy some presidential- hopeful paper dolls, too, in light of what might be a very sad election that may not change much at all for the rhetoric...

We are an optimistic people, though, and I too want to believe...

take care,
Rachael