Taking a break from the hobby?

[thirstyangel]

Have you ever taken a break from the hobby? Was the reason directly related to the hobby or something else entirely? Or have you never taken a break because it's unthinkable, why would a break be necessary, you love BJDs way too much to put them down?

I take small breaks from the hobby because I find them refreshing. I often go for 3-4 weeks without playing with the boys or photographing them but when I come back, I always feel like I love them even more. :kisses

[miss sha]

I once took about a five-month long break, from late January to July. It was intended to be a permanent leave -- I sold all my dolls and clothes, closed out my journal and stopped posting to the forums. Unfortunately, the pull was too great and I kept thinking about dolls, so I ended up joining back up in July, and here I am now, a year later, with no intention of leaving again. XD

[Bel]

I haven't taken a break yet, but one of the things that I love about this hobby is that you CAN. I have a lot of pets, a day job, a relationship, am learning to play cello, need to work out, etc - all of those things need to be constantly sustained. I can't take a break from any of them without starving the animals, getting fired & dumped, backsliding on my cello progress, you know? But I can ignore the dolls completely for a year if I want, and when I'm ready to come back, they'll be there, exactly as I left them. I love that.

[Annika]

I've never taken a complete break, but I have stepped back for the odd month or two here and there, when I was too busy or when another hobby caught my attention for a little while. I completely agree with Bel, one of the awesome things about this hobby is that you can step back at any time, to exactly the extent you need to, and when you're ready to dive back in it'll be waiting for you. ^^

[Rhian]

You mention that you take 3-4 week breaks, thirstyangel - I suppose that I do that too, but I wouldn't call them breaks, exactly. :) I have so many interests that I can't keep them all at the forefront all the time, so they tend to cycle round in terms of how much they're consuming my life. I've never deliberately taken a break, but I have let my hobby-related activities diminish for a time in lieu of something else that requires my attention.

Knowing that I can do that and not lose out has really made me want to stay with this hobby for the long-haul. I find higher-maintenance interests are a bit too much pressure, but it really doesn't matter if I leave my dolls sitting half-naked for a few weeks! So in that sense, a real break would be unthinkable, because I've never ceased to enjoy it in all the time I've been a part of it.

[Nikittin]

I haven't been in the hobby as long as some, but it's been almost three years and I've yet to take a serious break from the online BJD haunts or my own dolls. I may not play with/photograph my dolls every day, but I consider BJDs my #1 hobby/interest. This may not always be true of course, but I'm having a lot of consistent fun with it so far ^^

[honeyedbiscuit]

I've never taken an official break, but there have been moments when I felt incredibly overwhelmed in the doll world. As stupid as this may sound, there have been times where I just felt discouraged, whether it's the result of a mental block, drama, or frustration. I've withdrawn a few times, and I guess by reading my LJ, some people would've never known that I was in this hobby. I guess I can say that I feel guilty as I don't take nearly enough pictures, etc.

However, I don't see myself ever fully leaving. There may be weeks where I don't pick up my dolls, but I couldn't bring myself selling them and not having them; plus, I enjoy reading the doll forums, seeing what others do with their dolls and such. I like holding my dolls when I'm in the mood to play with them, having them sit close by, or dressing them up in new clothes. :D

I guess you could say that I'm a really boring doll owner. xD

[Merry]

I've recently taken a long break from the larger online aspect of the hobby simply because there were no forums to which I felt any connection. I kept in touch with a few friends via LJ but mostly distracted myself with craft-sewing and WoW.

I've never really taken a break from dolls as far as packing them all up. They are always around though I have quite a few less than I did in my 'heyday'. I'll go for weeks without posing them differently but I still like to look at them (and eventually I feel guilty enough to change their poses, at least).

Now, with this new, smaller and community-focused forum I'm really jumping back into online dollyness. :p

[Sola]

I do take short breaks from the whole hobby when the frustration of getting thigns exactly as i want them starts to build, (such as recently - all my two of my boys are in pieces :tantrum ) or when there's simply too much to absorb, but never seem to stay away too long.


The exciting - and sometimes crazymaking - effect that BJDs have had on my hobby!life is that they've lit a fire under everything else i like to do. Bookbinding? Check! Sewing? OMGcheck! Knitting? Check! Exploring mechanics? [brain explodes.] There are so many ideas and projects on the go at any given time that dolls -have- to be put aside at least once in a while, or else nothing else is going to get done. *_*

[Rhian]

The exciting - and sometimes crazymaking - effect that BJDs have had on my hobby!life is that they've lit a fire under everything else i like to do. Bookbinding? Check! Sewing? OMGcheck! Knitting? Check! Exploring mechanics? [brain explodes.] There are so many ideas and projects on the go at any given time that dolls -have- to be put aside at least once in a while, or else nothing else is going to get done. *_*
This is exactly how I am! I enjoy knitting and sewing in a more casual sense but when it comes to dolls I get quite frantic about it. :oops In fact, I have to really make myself stop doing my doll-sewing so I have time to do my me-sewing...

[kuro]

I definitely take breaks from certain aspects of the hobby. Currently, I'm taking a break from saving for a new doll and instead putting the money towards spoiling my current dolls. (Funny story, my friend once told me that he had this plan to collect all of his dolls first and worry about clothing later, but one day he realized he had ten naked dolls just sitting in his room being naked so he started to buy/make them clothes, haha.) I'm taking a break from the Toronto forum as well. It's mostly a lot of spam talk there, which, although fun, is something I can cut out now that school's starting and my free time is limited. I don't know if I'll ever go on a full break from this hobby, but even if I do, it's nice to see that others have done so and come back :)

[nofunangie]

You mention that you take 3-4 week breaks, thirstyangel - I suppose that I do that too, but I wouldn't call them breaks, exactly. :) I have so many interests that I can't keep them all at the forefront all the time, so they tend to cycle round in terms of how much they're consuming my life. I've never deliberately taken a break, but I have let my hobby-related activities diminish for a time in lieu of something else that requires my attention.


I'm like this too. I have a ton of hobbies and can't devote too much time to each one without ignoring the others for awhile.

[Lady Brick]

I'm another person with too many hobbies and not enough time. As BJDs are currently my most expensive interest, I find that I do have to put them aside every now and then to keep myself from spending or wanting to spend more money than I can spare. Plus, certain aspects of the hobby can be frustrating (purchasing a doll and find that it's not what you wanted when it arrives, having trouble nailing down a doll's look, trying to take photos in an apartment with minimal light, etc) so sometimes it's better to take a step back and not get upset over something that's supposed to be fun.

[radiotrash]

I'm kinda like that small break person, I may not play with/photograph my dolls for a few weeks but sadly I visit doll sites almost daily. ^^; I'm trying to cut back though because for two years I let dolls take over all my other hobbies, including art which is also my profession. Because of this I don't have a very good portfolio to try to get a job now. Oops. ^_^;

[astrosnik]

I took almost a two-year break from BJDs for various reasons, including drastic changes in my finances, personal life and the doll communities. After about 4 or 5 years of heavy-duty involvement in custom dollfie and then BJD, I found myself frustrated with a current trend of buying and one-up-manship, and I think some of us felt shuffled off to the side if we didn't have new dolls and accessories to constantly be sharing. After the break I went back to some of my old favourite sites and reminded myself that my involvement really grew after I connected with individual dolls (like Jujube's and Razkil), and that developing my dolls as art/characters and finding ways to show that was more important than developing my reputation. :oops I still have to remind myself that it's not a contest for ownership or community participation, and that I can enjoy my dolls myself and be happy.

It absolutely helped to find people near me interested in dolls, (like my BF hoho) so there's someone to share the excitement and fun without making it a challenge. I find I have the opportunity to share who I am without so much show-and-tell.

[Crescent]

I have yet to take a break from the Bjd Hobby, I sometimes go without playing with them for a week, but its becuase I'm doing other things or just sit at the computer to long.

[Brightfires]

I'm trying to pull away. I've been trying for a year.

I'm just not very good at following through.

[Fyredancer]

Same as Merry - I've taken a break from participating online in the doll hobby, but I always have my boys around me. They're like a reward to come home to after a hard day's work. ;) Sometimes I get frustrated with the limits of my own abilities when photographing them, so I take a break from that too. But I never pack the dolls away.

[demitasse]

I take pretty regular breaks, usually during mid-terms and finals. :p Aside from my prescribed 'must study now!' breaks, though, I like to at least catch up on the latest news.

But if break means not being active online, I guess I'm on perma-break? I'm not super active online, period, though.

[milkypink]

You mention that you take 3-4 week breaks, thirstyangel - I suppose that I do that too, but I wouldn't call them breaks, exactly. :) I have so many interests that I can't keep them all at the forefront all the time, so they tend to cycle round in terms of how much they're consuming my life. I've never deliberately taken a break, but I have let my hobby-related activities diminish for a time in lieu of something else that requires my attention.

That's pretty much what happens with me. I'll be really involved with my dolls for a while and then the excitement will drop off and I'll go back to doing something else (video games, for example). Sometimes up to a couple of months go by, I pull them out again and fall in love all over again! :blush

[Rhian]

That's pretty much what happens with me. I'll be really involved with my dolls for a while and then the excitement will drop off and I'll go back to doing something else (video games, for example). Sometimes up to a couple of months go by, I pull them out again and fall in love all over again! :blush
I think that's the best part, though: the falling-in-love again. :D Remembering that I own these wonderful dolls and that they're so beautiful... it's a great feeling!

[sgtgeorgecarter]

I don't feel the need to take breaks because I don't really immerse myself in the online community and its trends. I skim around for news and interesting thoughts and pictures but I don't really care too much about the the majority think or do. Most like it will annoy me and take the fun out of life ;)

So I just do my own thing and scope about for other like minded people to share with.

[tylonika]

I'm like many here - I attend a fairly intense college, so I often have to take small breaks - but I monitor the online coms semi daily, and when I get a free afternoon, I grab it to take some lovely photos. I've also started to going to meet ups more now than I did before.

[Kaighn]

When I get frustrated with my photos I'll take a break for a while and try to come up with a way to fix what I don't like. Sometimes I won't take photos for a few weeks because I haven't like the way they've turned out lately.
The boys are always around though.
And I do take regular breaks from the forums. I'll log in and skim over my subscribed threads but that's about it.

[Reshana]

I'm another person with too many hobbies and not enough time. As BJDs are currently my most expensive interest, I find that I do have to put them aside every now and then to keep myself from spending or wanting to spend more money than I can spare.

This right here. I'll try to stay away from doll related websites when I'm trying to focus my spending on other things. I know if I go to the marketplace or Ebay or Y!J I'll be tempted and try to rationalize it - "oh, that shirt is only $15, it won't hurt to get that!" but it all adds up. I tend to play with my boys less during these times too because they'll make me long to buy them things (spoiled brats they are :p).

[Eiko82]

I take small breaks from my dolls. Often due to a decreased interest or life being hectic. Nothing to worry about tho.

[Pia]

Small breaks! *nods in agreement* I go through cycles.. maybe for a few weeks I'm terribly in love and photos will just be flowing and I'll go everywhere with at least one of my girls. Then I'll get too busy, and I will fall out of that cycle. But I always fall in love with them again and the cycle repeats itself.

[luna-rouge]

I should take a break so I can focus on school and drawing more :x
But you can say I'm on a mini-break since I don't have great enough camera or time for that matter to take pictures :(

[Loki]

I'm also with the smaller breaks... a lot of it has to do with time constraints and other things taking precedence. I think it's good to take little breaks too, so you can be more appreciative. ^_^

Also, more specific breaks, like right now I haven't posted in my doll LJ for some time. For some reason I've just not been able to bring myself to deal with LJ at the moment. I still float around DoA and here now obviously, but yeah. No LJ for a while. I'm sure I'll start again soon though.

[Brightstar1008]

I plan on taking a break from this hobby at the begining of next year. I have several other hobbies that I have been neclecting for this one. We'll see how long that break lasts.

[Karhys]

It's interesting to hear how differently people can enjoy the hobby! I totally agree though that this is one hobby where it doesn't matter how long you take a break, you can always come back to it and it's like you never left. I really love that about it! :D

For me, I've never really taken any long breaks from the dolls themselves, because they're always with me and I spend time with them every day, even if it's just a quick hug, or reposing them slightly.
However I have at times taken breaks from the online scene, for a few weeks or as long as two months in one instance, as I suffer from bouts of depression on occasion and find it difficult to socially interact when I do. During those periods I often also take breaks from my more active hobby activities, like taking photos and sewing and such.
But at the same time, during those times, my dolls are even more of a comfort to me than during the times when I'm feeling healthy. So I probably spend more time with them then! :D
So I guess the poor guys aren't getting any breaks from me any time soon. *laugh*

I do worry sometimes though about when I start working full-time. (I'm currently a student.) I realise that it'll suck up a great deal of my time and I wonder how I'm going to cram all the things that I want to do with my dolls -- and in the online scene -- into the free time that I'll have left! I wonder what will get sacrificed first... :oops

[halfling]

I guess I'm kind of on the other end of the spectrum: Every once in awhile, I'll not be "taking a break." I'll go weeks without playing with my dolls, but I do like reading the forums and looking at pics even when I'm not playing with my dolls.

Some of my friends seem to play with their dolls at least once a week, and order stuff for them a couple of times a month.

[purplepaws]

Actually i'm in the middle of a little break atm! Reason is i just started college and i don't have lots of free time like i used to...Also i only have two dolls with me which kinda makes me sad because whenever i decide on taking their photos or doing other things,i remember my home,my other boys and everything else...So i'm giving myself a little break :3 Not a complete one though...I don't think i will ever quit the hobby completely...At least i hope so :D

[mahoubunnybell]

I take breaks- from a couple weeks to a few months. Usually they're in tune with the cycling of my bipolar disorder. I always return, though. Because I really love my dolls, and the hobby. I just need to distance myself from it now and then to help my mood.

[PrinceOfFools]

I took a really big break earlier this year. Big for me, anyway. I ended up culling my dolls and only got back into taking photos/browsing forums when I was getting ready to sell them.

Once I picked up my camera, though, I realized how stuck I was with the doll I kept.

[dirtywings]

I like to take breaks from the dollies for long periods of time, 3 weeks or more if I'm busy. And right now I'm ESPECIALLY busy because I'm planning my wedding! So dolls have taken a backseat for a long time. My fiance (who loves my dolls as much as I do) doesn't quite understand why I will leave them put away for so long, and takes them out to let them "breathe" :XD Not that they have to, of course :) But I think it's sweet of him to pay attention to them when I can't! :heart

I agree with what others have said, that it's the beauty of the hobby that you can just take a long break if you want. It's not something that has to be heavily maintained and I really enjoy that about it :D

[bluegirlwish]

I take breaks from the online hobby every so often, mainly because I don't have time, or I just become frustrated with something.

I've also picked up other hobbies since I started BJD- I became Lolita, which has its own quirks and rewards, and I've started school at SCAD, which is eating up my time like you wouldn't believe!

I've been on a break from photostories for a long time now, and I really, really want to get back to it. I miss it!

[avacado]

I took about a two month break were I didn't touch any of my dolls or go on any of the forums. I was just interested in doing other things at that point.

[lachlana]

I think I need to *learn* how to take a break :sweat I've been at this hobby intensely for over a year straight and I think if I don't figure out how to pull back even a little, I'll burn out. (Seems to be my MO with other hobbies). There have been other things waiting on the back burner for attention, and yet at the same time, I just love the dolls and being involved with them too much to really want a break. Ah, the complicated web.

[Mich]

Well even though I don't always play/handle my dolls as such, I like to know they're there and look at them, and I like the fact that I have lots of ideas/projects with them that I want to do. So even though that is the case, I always seem to be planning things, and still read news etc., on forums to keep in touch.

[eveshka]

I've taken short breaks from the online aspect, largely because the cutseyfluffyfuzzydorrieluv aspect overwhelms and threatens to choke me.

Well, that and the bouncy-cheerleader-in-your-face of the latest and greatest everyone-must-have-this-doll mass hysteria.

But as for breaking from dolls completely? Not ever possible. I own entirely too many. ^_^

[BazookaBaby]

pretty much when I'm not with my local doll friends, I'm not really doing much with my dolls. Every now and then I get frustrated with something and have thought about leaving the hobby for good. But, I'm way too attached to my dolls and the friends I've made to really let go of it all.

[PK]

Ive taken a break before, with every intention to stop and quit. With the stress of life, I just found it to be childish at one point to spend so much money on a doll. Especially with a money crisis here in America. I can spend $700 on a doll, yet nothings in a retirement fund. College tuition has to be paid off in full, debt, insurance such and such. I ultimately was ready to give it all up, then some events happened, and I infull became disconnected with even wanting to go back on the forums in an attempt to sell them. After a while though, I still had a layaway which I did put down a NON-refundable $800 and had $200+ to go, so I ultimately had to come back to the forums... and Im so happy that I did. I love my dolls, and what they mean to me. Every now and then, I am disconnected because there are so many real life situations i must deal with before I deal with my dolls. But thats just me.

[cloverfirefly]

I always enjoy hanging out with the local people I've met through doll meet ups that I've become friends with, but I do from time to time take breaks from the online aspects of this hobby. Usually it coincides with me either feeling just overwhelmed or because something is annoying me about the hobby.:sweat

Since I have my dolls all set up right by my computer, even if I'm not actively playing with them, I do look at them everyday.

[mizuzu]

I took a break once for two year, when I was forced to sell my first doll.
Nowaday I find myself needing a break when I'm busy with too much homework.
Happens quite a lot these days!*shakes fist*

[byakkoya]

Haven't been in it long enough to take a break. :o

But I imagine I would at one point. I'm supposed to be taking a break now. I just purchased my second doll, so I think I'll have to resist the urge to get my next one. I still have to save up for more clothes, wigs, etc. But I don't think I'll be breaking from it altogether. As I said, I just got my second doll, so I'll be making things for him and maybe doing more photoshoots.

[roundtuit]

I haven't really done much with my dolls for a few months now. I always have them around and I move them back and forth from my computer chair to my bed everyday, but that is about it lately. I think I would do more with them if I could afford to get them other clothes and things, but at the moment they each only have about one outfit each and so there isn't much I can really do with them. I do still visit forums every day and look at the company sites a lot to fantasize about what dolls, clothes, and accessories I would like in the future.

[lyrajean]

I occassionally take the small 3-4week break from the dolls. Often it is in response to having gone overkill just before and doing too much w/ dolls -if that is even possible.

I have never completely walked away from BJD or tried to in over 3 years I've been into this.

But like some others I have way too many hobbies and not enough time.

I've kind of ignored my antique dolls and my human-sized costume reproductions since I got into BJD.

[Bifrost]

I've never considered what I do to be taking breaks, but perhaps it could be.
I sometimes will go a couple weeks or so without doing much of anything with the boys
(ie photography, browsing for clothes or accessories, or anything like that)
but I always stop by to check them over or remove any potential lint-balls.
I don't think I've ever gone more than two days (unless not home) without stopping by
the box or the top drawer to peek in & "say hello" or just look for a moment.

I do occasionally take short breaks from the online side of the hobby,
though, because it can at times become rather overwhelming. *_*

[s2kitty]

I take mini breaks when commissions or life or travel get in the way. After the flurry of activity before Dragon*Con I'm currently trying to relax a bit, but I'm going to finally be starting up sewing again this weekend. Now to just stay motivated. I have 2 Yosd outfits, 2 SD16 girl outfits, and something for my poor clothing-less Reisner to do. (well... he has his default outfit) If I can get a good rhythm going I'll finally be able to set up my store on my website!

[Gallye]

I guess it really depends what you mean by 'break'. I mean, my dolls are sitting right here within arm's reach--I can put my fingers on Beowulf's sneaker without so much as leaning away from the keyboard--and I can't ever get up from or sit down at my computer without pausing to mess with something: smoothing a wig, rearranging a bit of clothing, or once again shoving poor Thomas' glasses back into place. They're definitely a part of my daily routine. Heck, they're a part of my hourly routine.

However, I often go weeks without taking their pictures, and I generally only change their clothing every few months, to suit whatever season it currently is. I guess it's not so much a break from the dolls as it is a break from the hobbyist side of the dolls.

I have other hobbies, one of which is commanding almost all of my attention right now... but the dolls remain where they are, and I remain happy to see them, and happy to mess with them. And every few weeks, I do a little more than that. It suits me. :)

[girlwholived]

Daily life is a break. I am often busy with school and I cannot focus on my dolls. That is why they are taking so long to be completed.

The only break I am taking right now is from *new* dolls. Four new dolls in two months is too much. Not to mention everyone is going to be completed around the same time. I will be overwhelmed with so many resin faces wanted photoshoots.

[Jme]

I've got different interests, but they're all somehow connected with each other. I collect Blythes and bjds, and love photography, so it's a matter of which kind gets the attention at any one time (they don't like to be associated together, sadly!). At the moment, the resin is on a peak with my new arrivals, and it looks like the way it'll be for a fair while yet. I also knit, sew and needle felt, but mainly make things for my dolls; so even if I'm not physically doing something with my bjds, I'm still making something for them. Does that count as a break? ;)

Plus, I don't think I can ever truly cut myself completely from the doll world - I just can't stay away from doll forums/communities online! :D

[kyubikitsy]

I think I'm in the middle of a break... although I still keep up with the news and highlights in case something comes up that's of interest.

I found that when I didn't have the time to put together my doll's body after removing her elastics and didn't even de-box my SwD Kaede from her mailer after a month... dolls have sort of moved from the top of my hobby list to somewhere a little lower. :cry

I'm a little sad that it's come to this, but I just don't have enough time in the day. Not to mention, limited funds now that I've left my job to pursue freelance art again. :sweat

[Obscurity]

I take constant breaks from every hobby I'm in - I can be obsessive over one single thing or I get way to sick of it and leave it for good, so I shift my focus around a lot.

With dolls especially, I take extended breaks, usually due to frustration with my photography and what not.

[Vampiresmama]

Hmm well I haven't been in this hobby for very long *a year in March* but I haven't taken a break yet. Or hope I never do. *knocks on wood* When I usually take a break for something it takes me a couple years to get back into it.

[Kiyakotari]

I've never intentionally taken a break, but there have been times in my life when I've been so busy with other things that I just haven't had the time or energy to devote to my dolls. November was like that last year - NaNoWriMo ate my soul - and will probably be the same this year (with the notable exception of the LA Dolpa!), too. It's never been a conscious choice, though. Always just coincidence, or things piling up.

I once lost Darryl for a week and a half. He turned up in a laundry basket in my parent's bedroom. Apparently my mother had put him there (he'd been in the living room), thinking the clothes would keep him safely cushioned. Then she'd put more clothes on top of him and forgot about him. And moved the basket up to her room. He spent all that time wrapped in underwear and bras...I think he still hasn't quite forgiven me. ^_~

[Tiarah]

I don't think I've really taken a break from the hobby since I got my first doll. For me, its refreshing to have 1 hobby that incorporates so many different interests of mine (photography, sewing, crocheting, woodworking, painting, etc). I never get bored or burned out and its great. ^_^ There are times (finals.....yuck!) when I don't do as much as I normally do, but even when I'm studying, or doing homework, I'll be crocheting or sewing (finishing touches) something doll related.

[TammyTammy]

I take a break on occasion, but only cause I become disillusioned with the hobby.
Sometimes people can be so cruel in what they say or how they treat others that I just need to take a couple of steps back, though I find that each time this happens I distance myself from the doll community more and more. This forum is the first time in a long time that I have actually tried to participate in, giving everything another chance. I really do want to belong...

[LindsaysCorner]

I take a break from dollie commissions once in a while. I get over-worked and frustrated, so I need to stop taking orders for a bit and just relax. I don't want to snap and launch my sewing machine out the window. Haha

[sgtgeorgecarter]

I take a break from dollie commissions once in a while. I get over-worked and frustrated, so I need to stop taking orders for a bit and just relax. I don't want to snap and launch my sewing machine out the window. Haha

Noo please don't!!!! I want your uniforms!!!!

[saranilla]

I have tried and tried, even to the point of selling all but two of my resin kids. Then I take a look on the forum and there I go again. My husband says I have incurable dollfieitis. :blush

[julia]

I'm in the midst of withdrawing a bit from the hobby. I've purchased all the dolls I currently want and have found that my interest is slowing a bit. Part of what I've enjoyed is the search for the "perfect" doll.

I still enjoy my dolls and I still take photos or change their outfits for my own pleasure. And I still enjoy perusing the forums, I just don't feel the need at the moment to check DoA multiple times during the day ;) Like any addition/obsession it's a bit difficult to go cold turkey, so I'm weaning myself away slowly.

I don't see myself leaving the hobby completely, more like a time to stop, take stock of the dolls I own and determine where I want to go from here.

[Bel]

I'm at that point, too, Julia. My final Grail doll came home not long ago, and my perspective changed with her arrival. Now that the hunt is over, I'm editing my group a bit (it's easy to feel the difference between "over my dead body" and "cute to have around, but...") and working on where I want to go from here, and what I want out of the hobby since I think I'm over the acquisition phase.

I'm definitely not going to leave the hobby, but my approach and involvement are evolving, and in a good way, I feel.

[julia]

I'm editing my group a bit (it's easy to feel the difference between "over my dead body" and "cute to have around, but...")

For me it's relatively easy to feel the difference, I just need to figure out a way to set up a sale post without viewing my photos. I can't count the number of times I've decided to put a doll up for sale, only to go "oh how cute/gorgeous/irreplaceable" once I start looking for good photos to put up in the sale thread. *_* I'm thinking I need to decide I'm going to sell and then hand the doll off to a friend to do the actual sale post.

[Bel]

Oh, MAN, do I hear you there. It's taken me nine months to get the nerve to go through with selling my F-29 (on his way to a great new home!) for that exact reason.

But it dawned on me that I love him, and all other F-29/F-17s in photos - he just doesn't work in real life, which is what matters to me. If the whole 'net and hobby fell apart, and it was just me at home with them, he's not right here. (Same happened with my Miyus - LOVE them in photos, just not right in person. ??) His new home will take lots of photos and I'm going to get more personal enjoyment out of him that way than I have with him here. Weird, but true.

Er, edited in a feeble attempt to stay on topic - the lesson I'm in the middle of learning is that I can still be involved in the hobby, and enjoy dolls, whether or not they're mine, mine, mine. ;) Ok, I said it was feeble.

[catcooter]

I haven't ever taken what I consider an "official" break but I go through periods where I dont' have time to be online as much looking at all the new clothes, or keeping up with what's going on in the Forums. Sometimes my dolls can go weeks without a clothing change. I keep them right here with me next to my computer. I can't imagine them not being here with me even if I don't have time to always spend as much time with them as I'd like to. A while back my son (who is 13 yrs old) commented about my stupid dolls "I never play with" and it occurred to me that sometimes I do neglect them but that doesn't mean I don't love them!

[gayle]

I take breaks from doing commissions for people. I can go strong for about 5 months, but then I start to burn out and I find I need to free up time to make clothes for my own dolls, as well as work on my stories or take pictures.

I don't take breaks from the community as I find there is always something to learn, or new dolls to see.

[Soula]

A break? Ha, ha, never again!
From about Autumn 2003 to Spring 2005 I did take a break from the Resin dolls, to concentrate on the Plastics (Blythes, and some others dolls).

Boy, did I naerly fall off my chair from surprise when I came back to DoA. The forum had become huge! There had emerged so many new companies, and doll types and sizes (Tinies!). I had missed out on many already 'sold out' stuff, like Pocket Fairies. They were going for doubled/tripled prices, because the international site had closed and was uncertain to reopen at the time.

I'm afraid something like that will happen again if I take another leave.

[celestia]

I took a break due to real life problems around the end of 2005 to maybe the beginning of 2007. I dropped off the face of the earth around 2006...it was so ridiculous how i couldn't cope.
I seriously couldn't have been helped in that time and in addition to that i caused grief for a *lot* of people- left front and center and that's when everyone knew it was too much.
Thankfully though, lesson learnt.
I've allowed it such that it would be rather impossible to repeat.

Even with no interest from a wider community, it's never served anything more than for myself and i hold that highly in regard anyway. Though it never stops me from encouraging more from my friends list.. X3 i love doll entries <3 ..stories..captions.. love.
At the same time, i never had to remove them when i went on hiatus, I'm just as attached to the people behind those dolls.. suffice to say, it keeps me coming back to enjoy it purely for the social factor.

Still, the hobby for me , though on hiatus, was never a complete exit... even with a complete doll heading my way now, she won't be debuted for a long time coming. So I do somewhat miss out on the whole online photo sharing (which like it or not, is somewhat central to this hobby). Hopefully when i get my airbrush and camera i can upload my site and begin some sort of web syndication for my BJDs.

[Taco]

I go through periods where I'm less active with the dolls. I enjoy having them around me, but I don't spend as much time on doll forums, I don't spend money on them, don't go to doll meets. This usually happens if something else in my life is demanding my attention--there are just some responsabilities that have to be taken care of first. I went through a few month period like this in the spring and early summer. I had some family obligations, and veterinary and medical bills sapped my doll money for awhile. Once stuff calmed down, I started being more active in the hobby again.

[KeiCai]

I can go for small breaks here and there. Sometimes school and life will get in the way and I just won't have time to take pictures or do anything with them. More significantly as of late I've taken a very large break from the fandom due to many reasons, which was incredibly refreshing.

[bunnywink]

I've never really taken a complete break. Even if I don't play with my girls for a week, I will still think about what to buy for them or what I want to make for them. XP It's horrible!

[eveshka]

Having just completed a convention where my limited ended up being knocked to the floor without apology, I'm entertaining a break myself. I'll probably continue to enjoy the dolls, but I'm a bit weary of the interpersonal aspects.

[Rhian]

Having just completed a convention where my limited ended up being knocked to the floor without apology, I'm entertaining a break myself. I'll probably continue to enjoy the dolls, but I'm a bit weary of the interpersonal aspects.
Oh no! I hope there was no damage done?

[eveshka]

I don't think so, but I'm only just back and haven't had a chance to get him out and give him a good looking over. I was really too shocked to say or do much of anything at the time, and when I finally got in last night, I fell asleep in my driveway.

I'll be checking him over when I get home from work today.

[Zully Quirke]

I take periodic breaks, and I'll admit, sometimes I look at my hunks of resin and think "With how much money I could get by selling these guys off I'd have a NICE little nest egg. Or a cruise to the Bahamas."

Longest break was probably around Christmas 2006/early 2007 due to moving, monetary and IRL problems. Hobbies take a back seat to my real life issues, so occasionally I've needed to hit the pause button for that.

But ultimately I don't, and my breaks are always short-lived. I don't meet much with the local crew, typically due to schedule conflicts, so I enjoy the online communities and various forums. Even if they do occasionally tempt me into buying dolls I never had any intention of owning. *coughMNFElfShiwoocough*

[Meph]

I think there's a pattern here of smaller breaks, say 3 or 4 weeks at a time, which I fit into quite nicely. I feel rather isolated from the hobby, and I'm sure that if there were someone closer to me to share the hobby with, my efforts would be more constant. As it is, my interest waxes and wanes according to whatever else is going on in my life, creating defacto breaks.

[Twilight]

I used to take breaks all the time, though I've never considered anything to be permanent, as in, I've never sold off all my dolls or doll stuff. hehe

I'm not really sure what inside me made me take my breaks, but it's always been refreshing. Now, however, I'm so busy with spreadsheets and other stuff, I don't know if I'll be taking a break anytime soon. lol *_*

[Juubei]

I'm not entirely sure what constitutes a break. I sometimes go for long periods without taking photos or changing the clothes of my dolls, but they are positioned in my room in such a way that I see them every day.

For me personally, I find it helps my mentality not to force myself to interact with my dolls or the community. Therefore I go through lulls where I just don't feel the need to be as involved as I am at othertimes. I get frustrated and overwhelmed by all the new information pouring into this hobby on a daily basis, and I think that sometimes it's nice just to take a step back and think about something else.

[Lelio]

I can go for months without ever touching my doll. Then one day I'll get bored, change his clothes, and take a few pictures... Then put him away again. xD I suppose some of the original fascination with him has faded, but I'd never dream of selling him. I still love him to bits, I just don't play with him as often.

[Bliss]

A 2 month break..I couldn't bare myself to visit any dollforums or visit my Lj. It was terrible. But I'm back wanting more and more XDDDDDD. I don't think I'll ever be able to say good bye to BJD..cause they are just too d@mn pwetty ^^!!

[Lyn R]

It's kind of hard for me to take a break, since I am always doing commissions, but I did leave my dolls at my Mom's for a while. Taking a break from my own I suppose.

[Ai Kazi]

I was once told, when I first learned of BJD's, that "once you step in, you never really step back out again."

No matter how many times I tell myself that I'm going to take a break, I never really do. (Sure for things like DoA and other similar online communities...) I'm sure though, that if the financial situation arrives and I have a real need to sell my dolls/leave this hobby----I suppose I will have to cross that bridge when I come to it. <3

[Myth]

I don't play with my dolls all the time, i really don't have the time.. i don't love them any less if i don't touch or take photos of them, i just enjoy looking at them.
however, i did have a time, a bit over 7 months ago, when i packed them away from eyes. i was having a bad time finding a job and the financial state was getting worse and worse, it was depressing even more to look at them knowing i can't buy them anything or get any new ones, so eventually i decided to put them away from my eyes until i get a job... luckily, i found one about a month later..... maybe i shouldve resolved that earlier xD;

[eptrauma]

I'm always off again, on again with it. I always love my dolls, and usually even if i'm having an "off" time, i'll cuddle them and set them up around the house. But life is busy, and often i just don't have time to sew for them or take pics. I like dolls because they're not very demanding, and the rest of my life is. They're a calm thing that i don't feel obligated to attend to, and i think that feeling of lack of obligation is actually what keeps drawing me in to them.

Even when i'm taking a break from them, i still feel very inspired by them. I'm always thinking about what i'd like to make for them, and sometimes those designs transfer into things i make for school or for my portfolio in people size.

[lin]

I'm crazy about my dolls, but I play with them sporadically. I move them about and pose them often, though, and once in a while, I have a sort of doll frenzy and re-dress them or buy stuff for them. I am a lazy creature, mostly content to eat bon bons and just gaze at them.

[ShaDrouet]

Ive thought about it from time to time. but never actually taken a break from it there have been times I just admire my dolls in the curio and dont touch them for a week or two but Im still on the boards visiting and looking at all things related to BJD just the same

[Chops]

I take mini breaks. When my son was in the hospital for a few weeks I felt a giant black cloud over my head, no joy in my life, and certainly no doll play.

In times of unusual stress, my bjds are in hibernation. I am back to working full time so there is less time on a daily basis to enjoy the hobby. When life is good my hobby is good!

[Rococo]

For me personally, I find it helps my mentality not to force myself to interact with my dolls or the community. Therefore I go through lulls where I just don't feel the need to be as involved as I am at othertimes.

I agree whole-heartedly with that! When I take a break, it's usually from the online 'fandom' aspect of the hobby, rather than the dolls themselves. Sometimes I'll just be too busy with real life or my other hobbies to be active on BJD forums, so I'll step back for a month or two.

I find that after stepping back for a while, then when I'm ready to re-enter the online part of it, I'm even more enthusiastic than before. I could never stay away completely. I've had too much fun on doll forums and made too many really amazing friends.

Aaah. I sound like such a sap. :blush

[harlowe]

I take mini-breaks all the time. It's usually do to either workload (our 2nd & 4th qtrs are brutal, funds (when I know I need to save up for something else, I take away all temptation) or training (marathons).

I kind of like how fresh it all is again when you come back. I find that I get more child-like excitement coming back after a break. :)

[rillystar]

I tend to take breaks when things get really hectic IRL. I'll still look at them and touch them (kinda hard to miss the horde when I have to walk through the closet where they live to get to my bathroom XD) but no projects or heavy duty playing with them when it's really crazy busy.

I still browse the forums for a snatch here or there every couple of days when in that mode but tend not to post or anything else.

[Edtel]

I've been kind of peeved or discouraged by various things along the way that have kept me away for a couple days at a time, but I've never taken a full break yet. I think if I did, it probably would be permanent. Even then, I could see it more like me leaving the 'fandom', but not the hobby. I think these dolls are going to be around for a long time.

[Wee_Little_Faerie]

I've never taken a complete break, but I have stepped back for the odd month or two here and there, when I was too busy or when another hobby caught my attention for a little while. I completely agree with Bel, one of the awesome things about this hobby is that you can step back at any time, to exactly the extent you need to, and when you're ready to dive back in it'll be waiting for you. ^^

Same here... although in Michigan we hold monthly meetups, so things are generally too much fun to step back from!

[ChocoMeijin]

I'm just back from a... 6 month break. I was moving a lot, and really had to focus on my job, so I didn't really have time to spend on my dolls & the hobby itself.

I was able to display my dolls though, so I was always able to look at them and think about coming back to the hobby when I had the time, so I didn't really feel like I missed it.

Being back, the fandom itself has changed so much. It'll take some getting used to, but I'm enjoying the changes, and new dolls! :3

[OddEthics]

I never really take a break from the hobby as much as I do the fandom. Sure I'll put my dolls away during the day and sometimes I can't get to them because of school. But I wouldn't say it's a break. Just a balance of doing a bunch of things I love.

Now for the fandom, yeah, I pull away a lot. XD

[Lae]

I've just returned from a few months break and I feel much better about the hobby now. I got so tired of all the unnecessary drama and arguing, that I lost my interest. I like my hobbies to be fun and relaxing. When it comes to the point that the hobby is neither, it's time for me to take a break.

[Genoveva]

I took a "break" from the hobby for about 3 - 5 month.

It wasn't really a break, I doubted my hobby.. and thought of selling my dolls. But then I decided to change my collection... there were not enough like me, they were to much uhm.. default. (How can I explain that?)

Collecting these dolls seemed to be totaly senseless and I focused on those I had and wanted to keep and those that were more like a trophy, I wanted to get rid of them. Maybe that sounds a bit harsh, but I really felt like this.

These months changed the way I view this hobby alot and I changed my dolls alot.

But I love them even more now.

[NikonSnow]

I kind of like how fresh it all is again when you come back. I find that I get more child-like excitement coming back after a break. :)

I agree, you get to be entranced by the hobby all over again. And you get to play catch up with what's been going on and what dolls have been released and what new stores are open, which is always fun. :D

I'm just coming back from about a three month break, I've taken a few breaks from a week to several months, sometimes over personal issues, sometimes just boredom or frustration. But I've never been sorry I took some time away when I needed to. This hobby is always fun to come back to.

[purplewiz]

I'm currently still on a break from dolls and pretty much every other hobby because real life has been kicking my butt and shows no sign of stopping. It's not that I don't like my dolls or even the doll communities, it's just having absolutely no bandwidth to spend on anything except the current crisis right in front of me.

I'm poking my head back into the doll world as a way of thumbing my nose at all the crap in my real life. I still am not paying much attention to them, but they're dolls. They'll wait, and they'll be there when things end, as they always do.

Marcia.

[Zozolala]

I haven't taken a break from the bjd world as of yet, however I take little breaks from sewing every now and then - when I'm too busy with my work, or just don't feel inspired.
My dolls are always sitting on my desk, and I think I will never grow tired of just looking at them :) And usually they inspire me again to take another picture, or to start working on another outfit. As long as I don't feel I have to do something with them, that I can enjoy them the way I like, it's ok - that way I probably will never feel like taking a break from the hobby itself.

[Kit]

I only take small breaks occasionally, but then again I've only been into this hobby for less than a year. I'll probably take a longer break in the future, but that wouldn't mean I'd be less interested in the hobby. :)

[dicebox]

Like a lot of people here have said, I drift in and out of the online doll world, but I don't always consider it "taking a break". Sometimes I just don't feel the need necessarily to come on the forums and interact with other people regarding dolls, and othertimes I do want to talk about dolls or look at people's photos. :) Lucy is always here on my desk and so she remains a presence even when I'm up to my ears with work. (like now...) eek!

I also collect Blythe and other dolls/toys, so my attention gets divided between them all! I tend to like sites like flickr for that, because I can add people whose dolls I admire and get my fill of picture of Blythes and BJDs and Moofs and et cetera all in one place! :D

[Surya'sLight]

I tried 2 years ago... I moved in another city since I was beginnin' with university studies. I couldnt bring with me any of my dolls. I went for a while in panic since I loved them so much and I couldnt even think to don't have one close to me. But...I try to resist for a couple of weeks. It switched from panic to a sense of -I'm adult, I don't have to get so attached to things- (big lie to myself)... so I sold everything, my favourite ever doll and the others. I resisted till the summer break.... I came home...surfin' on inet...oh...let's see which are newest dolls realeased. AHAH big mistake. I fall into love again and the years later I decided to travel instead of moving. T___T I think its kinda crazy but this was my choice.

[dicebox]

I tried 2 years ago... I moved in another city since I was beginnin' with university studies. I couldnt bring with me any of my dolls. (...) It switched from panic to a sense of -I'm adult, I don't have to get so attached to things- (big lie to myself)... so I sold everything, my favourite ever doll and the others.

I'm quoting this post, but really I'm mostly speaking broadly to this concept of people selling their dolls and doll items. I guess I'm mostly wondering why sometimes there seems to be a sense of, if you're not actively "collecting" (dolls/clothes/taking photos) during a period of time in your life, then it might be a good idea to sell what you currently have.

I guess I don't understand, because, why not just pack them away? There's the question of having other uses for the money, of course, which could result in (sadly) having to sell a doll or two. But otherwise personally I would just keep them tucked away until I was in a position where I wanted them around again. Unless I was dead 100% certain I wanted nothing to do with dolls anymore. But if I was just going off to university, or if there were events in my life which made it impossible for me to devote time to any hobbies, I would still keep them around for the future. :)

I have just over time read some posts such as "I can't afford any more dolls, so I guess I'm leaving the hobby..." or something like that, and it confuses me. :sweat

[Surya'sLight]

Just to try to answer to dicebox... I try to explain better my feelings upon that time.
I think its a good question the one you wrote "why not just pack them away". In my specific case it was like it was goin' to be a definite separation.
Packin' them to me It was like...just a stupid example...I broke with the bf, and he asks "why cant we remain friends?" ...so I prefered to close with everything.
This is because I wanted to have my dolls around me, thinkin' of them, playin' with them etc and simply I couldnt and that makes me nervous. I mean, this is a very deep hobby, it can involve strong emotions. Maybe it sounds a bit strange but this is the way I felt.

and about the last sentence...well, maybe it's because sometimes we don't ever get satisfied... sometimes this hobby leads us to a -want everything mode- ^^ doesnt it?? eheheheh

[aichaku]

I've been on a break - now getting back slowly. I haven't taken new photos or changed my dolls' clothes/wigs etc. in a long time.

[Merle]

I have never taken a break and don't think I ever will unless I was ill. I have been collecting dolls for over 20 years now and have been into the BJDs for 2-3 years. I love the versatility of these dolls and find myself playing more with them than any other dolls.

Thus, off to Ebay and charities my older dolls are going. The Ebay $$$ is very nice to help with new purchases. I am always surfing the net for new items. I find lack of space has toned down my collection. But the tinies are wonderful 'fill-ins' for bigger dolls and so much cheaper to dress.

So I think this is my passion in life and that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

[pake4pleasanton]

I have taken many breaks from doll collecting. I collect other dolls besides ABJD. Megu, SD10 was my first ABJD. I received her from Japan on April 26, 2002. I had to use a deputy shopping service back then, I used Minako Adachi. I used to reply to posts on SDD (Super Dollfie Dreams) and then when Janne, Aimee, etc created Den of Angels on Yahoo I joined that. I hardly ever post because sometimes real life takes up all of my time. I have had periods when I don't read the online boards for years and then things change in real life and online, too. I take breaks when I am very involved with work (changing jobs, lots of work and learning new job skills, etc), when my mother fell ill and passed away and when my son was in Iraq. I can't concentrate and dolls don't seem so important at those times.

I am older and have a different perpective on dolls. I keep my dolls undressed in their boxes because I don't like their bodies to get stained or the dolls to get messed up. I try to attend the Volks LA events like the teas. I will be going to the LA Dolpa at the end of November.

I have always liked dolls and will continue to be involved with my dolls. I still take them out my ABJD and dress and undress them and then put them away when I am done. I like to sew and make jewelry for the dolls.

Stephanie Yue

[Coleva]

I'm kind of in the middle of an involuntary break at the moment, actually - I started a new job that has me traveling most of the time...and then I got pregnant. So no time at home plus baby on the way means I have no time at all for anything, even my dolls. They're all packed up at the moment (except for my Saint, who's just too perfect to put away), until I have a little bit more time...whenever that is. But I think it'll be good in the long run - my interest hasn't faded at all, and I find myself wanting to take pictures at the oddest moments. I'm paying more attention to lighting, too, as if I was setting up a shot.

[Chiaki]

I've never been on a real break of the hobby but once I was out of communities during a month. I think sometimes the break is not a break in the sense of quitting dolls or putting them in their boxes and forget them for a while. It may be just a break of sharing pictures, looking at other's dolls, etc...and keeping your dolls just for you temporarily. I think it's good doing that sometimes, being alone with your dolls and rediscover what is the hobby for you, what means...and what you want to do and how you're going to do it.

(I didn't read all posts but I see some people thinks the same)

[wickedstitchery]

I've never taken a formal break from doll collecting once I started. It was pretty much a downward spiral into dollie land that I've never returned from. :)

[digikym]

I took a three month break when I moved from the Portland area back to Virginia. I actually sold all of my dolls (aside from one) and left two with my ex. I didn't think I was ever going to get back into doll collecting and the thought of even trying to enjoy them again just turned my stomach. I couldn't but help associate everything with my now ex-girlfriend of four years. But thankfully with time, I'm getting over her and finding enjoyment in the hobby again. I've quickly grown my collection from one doll (my Dollstown Hue) to six dolls, with one more on the way.

And they don't remind me of my ex at all! :D Which is a very good thing. Although, I do regret having to sell some of the amazing dolls I had... My School C, SwD Rengemaru, Dolkot Hara, Yo-SD Shinn...

Hopefully, I'll have the chance to own them again someday.

[annina]

i am in the bjd hobby only since march 07, but was into other dolls since dec 06.
from sometime july until november i "took a break" from dolls altogether, i didn't really plan it but it just happened, i was busy with life and all, and when i came back it felt so nice, like newly coming into the hobby again, but having two lovely bjds at home already. and now i'm getting a hound and i'm all here :lol

i can't really say i plan breaks or anything, but it seems my life has phases, like seasons, and so breaks just happen. yeah you could say like the seasons, it's something i need, to go on. :)

[derilan85]

If and when the time comes I will take a break for a while, but I love my dolls and when I am not playing with them, I have at least one of them with me for a while then I will pick up a different one until I have to go to work. If work gets too crazy I won't be online at all for 2 or 3 days, but once I have a day off, I am there for the whole day. Once real kids come along and I do want 1 my time will be less and less that's for sure.

[MelWong]

I'm on enforced break right now because I have walking pneumonia and I'm so drugged-up I spend 18 hours a day in bed.

In all seriousness, though, I do cycle between "OMGDOLL" and "meh" depending on circumstances. For example, during Christmas season I avoided doll forums for the most part due to the Christmas doll rush (I didn't have much interest in that as the dolls I want are very specific ones.) So instead I hung out on World of Warcraft and helped my guild take down Magtheridon.

I would be back in a dollie sort of phase right now, but the pneumonia's sort of put a kink in that plan.

- Mel

[Sae]

I'm also like most people here :) i have to take breaks every so often (and a break from spending money on them ><)
I always have them around to look at but rarely change them or photograph them as much as i used too because of uni work and gaming ^^ I've just come off a major break and kinda feel refreshed and ready to buy another doll lol ^^

[1000014]

I dont tend to go on breaks as such. I just, sometimes play with them, sometimes video games...and rarely homework :P

[velvetangel]

I haven't been able to break away from the doll hobby entirely. I usually end up selling all but one doll (my Angelregion milky Dana) and then I get sucked into buying more dolls. My love for this hobby waxes and wanes. Recently, it has been pretty well non-existent. I'm seriously considering getting out altogether. I just don't want to do anything rash.

[plastikman]

i take breaks a lot and usually the breaks are pretty long.
mostly because I use my dolls as my models for new clothing and often i cant or feel motivated to sew....and at the time i had a crappy camera so now that i have a better one my breaks wont be as long

[ArcaneMuse]

I don't take intentional breaks so much as get busy with priorities in my life. Those busy periods only last a couple of weeks at a time. Sometimes I will take breaks from aspects of the hobby (i.e. message boards, sewing, meetups) but I've never intentionally decided to take a break from it all.

[BoneBagz]

I frequently take breaks from the hobby. I have many other hobbies and at times they will switch places. I am actually just back from a fairly long doll break as I was obsessing over knitting.

I just got my embroidery machine back from 6 months at the shop and have returned to my sewingroom, which in turn got me sewing for my dolls with the scrap from MY sewing.

[MieAga]

I've been going pretty strong for over a year now with no brakes to my obsession. I've read just about everything I could find on BJD's, I'm the local expert on mods and resin matches, and I can recognize a good many mold on sight. I'm feeling a break will be needed soon. Mostly from the online communities and constant influx of new dolls. I am feeling fairly saited right now if not a little bored with the same things I look at every day.

This is pretty normal. I focus hot and heavy on one subject till I master it and then I fall back, relax and enjoy the aspects that amuse me most.

[Kittywolf13]

The kids are always out and visable. i "take" breaks almost every day...but i also enjoy them everyday. Since i can see them always im always enjoying their presence even if its just a quick glance while i head out the door for work, or going out with friends. They make me smile. Its kind of like haveing a picture your fond of in a place you see everyday. It just makes you smile.

I spend alot of time online...but then occasionally i'll be like "so and so needs a faceup" or "Oh! its a beautiful day, i want to take pics of so and so!" so its always off and on...but there always there to enjoy. so its a psuedo break for me! XD

[captainkyo]

I took a big break once. I wanted to get out of the hobby. I sold my first doll. We didnt bond so i got really frustrated and just decided to leave the hobby. (Kittywolf13 was actually the one who bought my boy xDD).

I left for about half a year. But i kept seeing them around conventions and everything.
It was just so frustrating because id see them, and i would whine to my friends lmao. xD
I still really really wanted to find that perfect one for me ;-;

so i came back. lol

Mm i dont play with my dolls everyday.. or take pictures.
But ill glance at them and they make me smile.
When im leaving, sometimes ill say "Bye"
or "Goodnight" when im going to sleep.

I like what Kittywolf13 said, "Its kind of like haveing a picture your fond of in a place you see everyday."
xD

[hoshinokachi264]

yes, i take breaks periodically. i took one for about 5 months last year and then again these last two. sometimes i feel like i need a break to realize how much i love my girl. XD but i think the most amazing thing is that i come back. that is something that is very uncommon for me. once i find something i like i usually get obsessed with it for a while, then i endup ditching it and not caring however many months later.

[kathrynmary]

i take breaks. for one i work a lot, go to school part time and have other interests. but i must be honest that i usually read the bjd forums even if i dont touch my dolls for weeks. when i first got into bjds i would go a month with not checking a forum and i rarely touched my first bjd. it when i got my second that i got more into it. the more i read the more i get into it. i do take breaks though.

[Letizia]

I don't 'officially' take breaks, but there are times when I'm too busy with life to do anything with my dolls or spend time online hanging on doll forums. Still, the dolls are always there and I have never felt bored with them.

[Artemille]

I'll go a few months at a time not buying any new stuff, or posting pictures or what not, but I would never take a break that involved selling all the dolls. I'm keeping the ones I have no matter what. They're staple characters. If I ever had one that I just bought as an impulse buy, then I'd consider it, but I would never get rid of all of them at the same time. Even when I'm not taking pictures, they're still right next to my bed, and they have their own section of my room, so there's really no avoiding them.

[creamyjade]

I do take breaks sometimes. There are often periods of time when I'm just too busy to change my boys, or when I don't feel like photographing them at all and just enjoying carrying them around my apartment... It doesn't mean I don't love them though! :kisses I always come back :3

[mxiong]

Sometimes I'll go for weeks not playing or dressing my dolls because I set them up on a doll stand or in a vignette and they are mainly for looking at. I'm worried I might ruin them or something. Also, I've been waiting for months to get their wigs made and face-ups done. Only because the materials I need and customizers I want only open up shop once every few months. That makes me mad because my poor girls have been waiting for so long. I think that once I get their faces done and wigs made, then I will be more inclined to make their dresses and get them boyfriends ;)

[Aquido]

i've done it. I was going through some rough times, and just really didn't have the energy to give to it. :( But when i came back, i felt renewed! :)

[Sirius]

You could say I'm still on a break since I haven't done anything with my dolls since September.

It's nothing to do with the hobby or the people, I just haven't had time or money since I've been concentrating on University stuff ^_^

[Amet]

My "breaks" from the hobby only last a few days while I'm too busy to take out my dolls. I tend to drift on and off the forums, and sometimes I really reconsider religiously attending meets as my partner and I tend to, but I'm never really so stressed out with my dolls themselves that I need a purposeful break from them. I love posing them together and just having them nearby.

[meronine]

I 'fall-out' of the hobby for periods where I don't buy my dolls anything, take photos, or do much with them other than move them around from time to time. I just got over a pretty long period, over a year. ^^'' I think it was due to me feeling out-of-touch of sorts. Not sure how to explain it, I guess I was just feeling undecided with where I wanted to go within the hobby. Once I decided to sell my boy and get a new doll in his place I felt a lot better. So now I've got the excitement back of anticipating a new doll and have been buying new things for my girl.

I agree that it's hard to be stuck on one hobby all the time. I, too, go through phases between hobbies and interests. I think that's only natural. :)

[Silvia]

Not only a break, I definitely want to break up with this hobby LOL
I can go on without touching them for weeks but I keep getting dolly stuffs for them.

[LauraJ]

I am going to take a break for a little while because I've got a small pile of sewing for my family. My DH wishes to have a couple pairs of draw string pants in fabrics that will hold up rather than what you find at walmart, so I am going to be doing some sewing for him. I figure I should make some summer tops for myself along the way, plus my girls have an honor roll banquet in May, so I am going to try to get at least one dress made for the younger one, though I may purchase the older girl's, just cause I don't think I'll get both done before May.
I'll probably be sewing for my own dolls inbetween. I've been plushing and painting both 60cm BJDs and 12-in action figure girls. So much to do.

[AmysMom]

Since I discovered the BJD's I've been taking a break from my other dolls. I feel strangely guilty about it like they are mad me or the my dh is annoyed that I have all these other dolls that I am ignoring and now starting up with a new one.

I have a lot of hobbies so it is hard to do all of them at once. They seem to go in circles too. And I also get obsessive when I am sewing/crocheting clothes for any of the dolls. That is all I want to do until I'm finished.

Plus I am SAHM with two very young kids so it is extremely hard for me to find time to devote to any of my hobbies. Which will lead to many breaks. For instance writing this post took several tries as my ds kept interrupting me for multitude of reasons. And that is just writing a post!

I think it is pretty natural though to take breaks from one hobby and go to the next. I think you'd get burned out if you stayed with one hobby all the time and never came up for air. Unless of course you are OC! :)

[Sparki]

I just recently got out of a break that's lasted about a year.
My boys are always out and right there for me to see, but I've been so incredibly busy with work and life up until now that I've had no time to really do anything with them. (Haha, now that I got laid off, I have plenty of time! Thanks, real estate industry!)

I also got very disenchanted with most of the doll community - I didn't particularly connect at the DoA forums, and like with any hobby, at times it felt like a strange, ongoing popularity contest, and this extended into the actual physical community. (Not to bash DoA or anybody specifically, those forums are very large and with that comes a lot of different attitudes.)

Oh, I met very nice people as well - I live in the SF bay area so there are tons of doll owners around, but there were a few that turned me off. I only have two dolls at the moment, despite the fact that I've had my first for about three years, and it seemed like there was a whole lot of concentration on getting more and more dolls at the time.

I almost got swept up in that feeling, and I'm glad I didn't! I went back and looked at what I considered my many dream dolls at the time, and have found that I'm much more picky now, and there are a lot more molds out now that better suit my tastes than there were back then. Despite the fact that my first love was CP El, I generally prefer more masculine, quirky sculpts, and it seems like there is an increasing amount of molds like that recently. (Of course, now I'm broke, so that's always a fun tradeoff.)

I really like the point that several people have brought up - you can come back to the dolls whenever you'd like, and you can take a break whenever you need to, and no harm done. There is no obligation and it's fairly simply to pick back up where you left off with your own dolls, even if the community and companies have changed.

[Kogepan]

I can't say I left the hobby as I'm just now joining the hobby for the first time - waiting on my first doll now - but I did cycle through waxing/waning interest in bjds for years. That was why I didn't buy - because my wishlist and plans kept changing, and I kept having periods when I "took a break" in the sense that I stopped looking at bjds and bjd-related things online for a few months...

I expect that after I receive my doll I will still have those times when I'm just not in the mood for dolls. That doesn't bother me. What does worry me is if, years or decades from now, my tastes change so drastically that I no longer like bjds at all. This is a very expensive hobby, so I hope it will be a long-lasting one for me. I also hope that the fact that I took all those "breaks" and still came back to my fascination with bjds means that this is a good commitment.

[Kiyakotari]

I've never taken an actual "break," but there have DEFINITELY been times when I've been too busy to do anything more than give my dolls the occasional pat on the head in between work and classes.

[bandersnatch]

I've had to force myself to 'take a break' from them recently. I had a whole load of assessments to do, and instead of doing them, I was lurking around various online BJD communities, and websites, looking for patterns and thinking up clothes. Now I've got my marks back, and I didn't do so well. I know I've only got myself to blame, but this teaches me not to spend 4+ hours online everyday oggling dolls. :sweat

[lisaastrup]

Hi.

Trouht the years - from 2003, I have had smaller or longer breaks, then I paint or make other kinds of craft - then I'm back with my bjd's.

[Elsewise]

I took a big one, and now I am back. The love is a kind of smoldering, as I've got a million things to do, but I just finished my first face-up a couple days ago, and looking at my dear boy makes me happy.

[bugland]

i took a break for several months, ending just this week. i was having some major health problems, and just didn't have the energy to do much of anything; even my SO and pets got very little attention. i'm feeling better now, though, and my dolls seem to have forgiven me ;)

[bishieprince]

I take breaks cos quite alot of my friends cannot accept that this hobby is fun to me..so at times when I feel pressured and have this urge to sell them away just to "lift the peer pressure", I put them aside..then when I feel ready to face my hobby again, I take them out..Its like a I don't want to quit but it's draining my cash and not many people approve of it kinda feeling that forces me to have a break..

[Janne]

I'm taking a sort of enforced break, as our house is on the market and all my dolls and their dolly stuff (and my fabric) are packed away. (Rhunei stays in his doll carrier and comes with me when we leave for showings. But keeping a two-story house, 2 1/2 acres and a pool ready for viewing doesn't leave much time for play with him.)

It does make me wonder if I could sell some dolls for a smaller family either now or when the house is sold, although I'm pretty much down to the bare bones of who I could stand to part with at this point.

Or whether I could make a more permanent break from the hobby and sell a number of them and their things.

But the fact that I still come here almost every day for a dolly fix seems to indicate, to me, that I'm not ready for that step yet. ^^;

[lilie]

not as yet .. but I may have to one day

[Meow]

i have taken little breaks from this hobby, i mean just not as enthusiasm as i first entred the dolly world.
i still takes photos with my dolls, like one or two times a month; still browse forums and websites but purchase nothing.

[Marilyn]

My smaller breaks were usually the result of being overworked. My big break (i.e. months away) were the result of having to put my collection in storage during a hideous, weeks-long move from NY to NJ. I missed them terribly, but on the upside, they have their own armoire/cabinet in the new place, whereas they always had to go back inside their boxes in the old place.

Or whether I could make a more permanent break from the hobby and sell a number of them and their things.

But the fact that I still come here almost every day for a dolly fix seems to indicate, to me, that I'm not ready for that step yet. ^^;

There are moments where I think (read: I KNOW) I would be better off financially if I sucked it up and just kept one or two, but all I have to do is open their boxes and I can no longer bring myself to consider it, much less do it. That may change in the future (right about the time my bank account goes on life support) but I'm never giving up my Simi. :kisses

[InkyBear]

Because of my own weird, emotional investments with these dolls, particularly as of late I've really been considering taking a break from the hobby. Or rather, I've been wanting to quite a bit, but I just can't bring myself to just stop visiting my usual sites, chatting with BJD people I know or thinking about my boys. Even if it's not the dolls themselves, my little guys have completely infested my brain and heart so it's pretty difficult to just block them out just like that. I absolutely love them to death, but sometimes I'm not so sure I should focus on them as much as I do. :(

[pake4pleasanton]

I've taken breaks that last, it seems like a couple of years. I might look at my dolls, but I don't do anything with them. I've been really busy with taking care of my family and my job. I wish I had more time.
I do buy stuff for the dolls at least once a year at Dollheart - wigs and shoes. I am planning to spend more time when the kids finish school (college) and I retire. That's a long while away.

[mikan]

The past two months have been an emotionally & physically stressful time for me.

So i temporarily closed down my jewelry store, stopped visiting the forums, no photoshoot sessions/ dollie outings, haven't buy anything for the boys since June.

But the boys are always with me around the house. And i still put them to bed every night before i sleep.

[Youkai]

I take breaks...only a week or two at a time. I dont photograph my kids often, anyway, so when I do go back to photograph/play with them, I feel like I can bond with them a bit better.. ^^;

[Juish]

I first joined on a spur of the moment buy at a local doll store. I had wanted one for awhile and had collected enough for an msd. I told myself I wouldn't leave without a doll so i got the best one there dz ray.

He wasn't the one for me even though I tried bonding with clothing him, taking him everywhere i went, taking pics of him, ect. I finally put him up for sale and halted all gratifying aspects of the hobby.

Thank the resin god I finally sold him and could afford another doll!! I'm waiting for my AA Yi adn can't wait to get back into the hobby ^^

[angeliclizard]

I would probably take occasional breaks just so I don't get overwhelmed, or to give me a chance to work on something else. I have lots of interests so taking a break to enjoy another interest of mine would be okay.

[usagi665]

I took a big break for about a year. I came back to the hobby this summer to sell a couple dolls and part of the money I used to buy clothes for my remaining two and get a new face up for one. However I haven't frequented doll forums until about three weeks ago.

I'm far less active than I used to be because I'm going back to school and actually plan to do well this time :sweat and because I'm moving in with my fiance and his family and need to devote a lot of time to them.

My dolls aren't constantly on my mind anymore. They're now more a way to artistically express myself and no longer a compulsive obsession. I still love the hobby though and my babies are still very precious to me.

[shini_priestess]

I took a huge break from the hobby, i didn't have the money to sustain it at the time and i never bonded with my boys properly until now, Ive really gotten to know their personalities ^_^

i don't think id ever turn away from the hobby in such an abrupt way ever again, its my passion and I'm glad i rediscovered it :D x

[topazrain]

I suppose that I do that too, but I wouldn't call them breaks, exactly. :) I have so many interests that I can't keep them all at the forefront all the time, so they tend to cycle round in terms of how much they're consuming my life. I've never deliberately taken a break, but I have let my hobby-related activities diminish for a time in lieu of something else that requires my attention.

Same here. I unintentionally take breaks from the hobby where I just don't log on or I only stay on for a few moments and then I'm back in full force a week or two later. <3

[aiowen_darray]

Yes, my family was putting a lot of pressure on me about the hobby so I packed them up and didn't look at them for a while... but in the end I pulled them out again and am back to enjoying them like they should be enjoyed!

[rianne]

I definitely take breaks from active collecting, BJDs are no exception. I also find it necessary to avoid the forums and such intermittently because of the drama(not a problem here from the looks of it) and the tendency of accumulation as the center of attention. I've never stopped loving my dolls though, they're important to me and probably always will be.

[Quilibet]

I guess I must admit that I never planned to stay in the hobby forever, and I've had fleeting thoughts of leaving. But all I have to do is sit in front of my dolls, adjusting their hair, repositioning their hands, or changing and fiddling with their clothing - and I know that I wouldn't be able to sell them. The dolls I have now are all dolls that I've always wanted, and dolls that I want to keep. I can't see myself rehoming them; they so naturally belong with me.

There are times where I'm not as involved - no time to really look at them, and they stay untouched for a few weeks, and I can't think about buying things, but those are always financial reasons - never emotional reasons, and I always come back to them. They give me a sense of happiness and peace, and I don't want to lose that.

On the flip-side of that, I once got much too involved - selling accessories, random items, accepting too many face-up commissions, all while studying for finals. Obsessiveness is a trait I'm prone to, and I try to avoid that. So, of course, when I begin checking forums and start shopping too often, I force myself to take breaks, if only to protect my health and sanity (and wallet!) XD

[cinnacinna25]

I'm new in bjd collecting so I still don't need a break but when I got my first girl I had a hard period in my work. So I didn't have time to play with her or redress etc.. I was so sad, I went to the room every night before sleep to say good night for her. :) It was 1 and a half month.:cry
But I can imagine that one day I'll need a break because I always have hobby-periods, like beads, cross-stitch, sewing, playstation etc...And I get back to them time after time. I have a break in collecting other dolls at this moment because I needed it. They are in a box, poor things. I don't know when will I play with them, but I don't plan to sell them.

[Aruri]

I'm currently on a break, but only for financial reasons. I still hover on communities like this and plan for the future. currently my only companion is a Unoa L-bi drowzing faceplate....

[Wickedgood]

I take semi-breaks from hanging around doll boards. I sometimes get so wrapped up in what's NEW and then obsessing over wanting it that I end up spending more time and money than I should. So it's better for me just to step back and try to enjoy the dolls I have and/or my other hobbies. Seeing how I've 3 dolls on the way and am starting to dwell on getting another (that I most def. can't afford at the moment), I think I'll have to make a conscious effort to limit my time on the boards again soon. At least in the News/Marketplace sections.

[1000014]

I've been away from the forums for ages. Just got myself back into it and loving it :D

[Sameyu]

I do take frequent breaks that last for a week to a month. The longest break I ever took lasted 4 months. When I got back, I missed out on some limiteds that I have regretted not getting which I had to purchase them on inflated secondhand prices :(

[Blueberry]

I do sometimes take breaks- Sometimes I just don´t have the desire to get new dolls/clothes/e.t.c, visit any communities or play with my own bjds at home. This just happens when other activities need more attention, but I usually always come back after a few months/weeks.

[IamGears&Lace]

O yes I took a 6 month or so break but my love for bjds will never go away and I am full swing again!

[kalcia]

I don't know if I can call it a break. But I sometimes have those periods when I don't feel like 'playing' with dolls, sewing, or buying anything for them. They just sit in boxes or on a shelf and I mind my own business. But then, I'm overwhelmed buy this sudden urge to sew, to look at my dolls, to dress them up and take pictures. And I'm back and good ;)

Beside that I've never quited for real, never sold any of my dolls (beside one DZ Bunny pet) and I don't intend to ever quit for real :) But well.. time will tell.

[aernath]

Not yet. Not entirely, anyway. I've taken mini-breaks from certain aspects of the hobby, but not the entire thing - and my dolls are pretty much an integral part of my life now. The very least they get is slobbered over every day. :XD

[Kyrenea]

I took a partial break for nearly 9 months...but it was a break in that I just didn't post in the on-line forumns. Life was very busy and I still took my only doll at that point down from time to time and he went to 2 conventions and a few private meets w/friends during the time frame.

There are times when I go a long period w/o taking photos or sewing...and I've had a few streatches of several months where I didn't actively buy or save for dolls/doll items.

[luluna]

I'm coming off a long hiatus when I joined here....back in March. Since then I've been on an uber spree... buying all kinds of stuff that wasn't available or stuff I didn't know about before.

Now I'm happily playing and broke...for now.

Actually coming back into the hobby has allowed me to now take a break from writing...which I'll have to start to focus more on soon. But until then I'm having fun, using what creativity I can.

[Ruki]

I've never taken a break really, there are just periods where I'm too busy to do anything much with any of them.
I've never considered to leave this hobby, not for one second. I've never had this much fun in my life since buying my first doll, going to meet-ups, getting new friends, being creative etc. so why shut the door from all of that? I'm pretty sure that 10 years from now I will still have all of my dollies and their clothing, furniture, accessories and all. I love this hobby too much to just let it go like that.

[demented pea]

The excitement comes and goes. I find breaks happen naturally for me. I am back in after several months without playing or making stuff and I am really excited again about new dolls and creating for them..

We are all different and I guess what works for me does not for others

[HisLittleGirl]

I've taken a few breaks during the 3 years I've been in the hobby... I burn out on any of my hobbies after awhile, so I just packed all my dorries up for a few months, and now I'm back with 2 more heads lol

[s0yuz]

I'm taking a break after my 5StarDoll TongTong comes home. I would really love to get Iplehouse's new boy, Theo, but that's just not possible. The funding just isn't there.

Correction, I do have the money, but I'm loathe to pull from my savings for anything. If my checking balance can't handle it, then it's a no go. And I calculated that the amount of money I spent on dolls alone this year would have put a significant dent in the balance I still owe on my car. :o So put into that perspective, there is no way in hell I can or should spend the money.

Sure, paying off bills isn't very fun (I ended up in ER in June, and had an emergency root canal in July on top of everything else) but I have to.

And I'll just have to hope that Iplehouse will bring Theo back in tan someday. :( And I want a green Bobobie Dai to turn into an Orion slave girl. *sigh*

[shelley]

I don't take real breaks, only stop for a day or two if I am busy with other things. But even then I'm thinking what else to sew for my dolls :]

[angeliue]

I think I'LL NEVER TAKE A BREAK from it cause everytime you do take a "break" you'll see a doll you fall iin love with.

[Myriai]

I think, honestly, taking breaks is just part of the hobby. There are times when you are simply overwhelmed by stuff going on in real life--financial difficulty, personal issues, drama within the doll hobby--all of which have been reasons I've stepped very far away from the hobby on at least a few occasions.

Though stepping away from the hobby for whatever reason usually doesn't result in me selling off my crew. I originally bought the dolls just for me, so even if I am not frequenting the doll sites (like I haven't been in the past year or two until recently), I still play with my dolls (in between all the other crap I attempt to juggle) ^_^

[Aetheria]

I'm just now, hopefully, getting back from a very extended break. I have a silly reason -- I got started on RO when I was about 16 and got pretty into the social scene of it, a little too into it, and didn't have the energy for dolls for a long time. I've missed being in the hobby for a while now, but I've been too busy with family and illnesses to really get back into it; I'm HOPING that I can get back into painting dolls and open up commissions because I had always wanted to but never got the chance ):

[Rhian]

I've just had a very long break (years rather than months) from the community side of the hobby. I have to work hard at being social at the best of times, and have a tendency to wander away from forums after a while, but I also found that there came a time when I had very little to contribute. The purchasing side of the hobby (which I think is a lot of the fun for some people; witness the number of "waiting for" and "planning" threads) has been closed off to me for years, since I spend almost nothing now that I have the dolls, their wigs and their eyes. Couple that with waxing interests elsewhere, and you have a natural break.

They are timeless to me, though. I was astonished to look at the dates of my doll photos on flickr - I took a grand total of three pictures in 2009, from January to April, and then one in March of this year, but it feels like just a few weeks ago that I last got the camera out! :) It's such an easy hobby to return to, and in fact I don't think I ever really left in my mind.

[Bel]

Same here, Rhian. When I was painting the other night I was shocked to realize it had been well over a year since my last faceup, and at least a year before that one - it didn't seem like I'd been away from the _hobby_ aspects of the hobby for that long.

I've enjoyed having the dolls around during my long hiatus, but haven't photographed them or been able to buy them treats. I haven't made jewelry in a couple of years. And I too really had nothing to contribute to doll conversations among friends, much less on the forums.

I haven't really actively participated in the community or hobby aspect in a couple of years due to life stuff. Having the pretty around was comforting, but I also had to sell a lot of dolls and goodies (which was a real bummer) and was maybe subconsciously trying to distance myself in case I had to sell even more.

So much has changed! Companies and customizers have evaporated and new ones have arrived. Standard molds have been retired and long-sought dolls are being/have been re-released. My favorite eyemaker for years seems to be on iffy ground now. I'm getting my bearings again.

But I'm enjoying everything all over again. Aaaand I'm wordy about it, yikes.

[april]

I haven't ever taken a big break... as in months, but I do take some little breaks... not because I'm tired of BJDs... Usually because I'm super-busy doing something else and can't spare any time for it. But as soon as I can, I jump back in!

And I've been going pretty strong since '04...

[melisangels]

Funny to find this thread when I have just logged in after 2&1/2 years! I have not been ignoring my dolls all that time, but have not been playing with them as much either. The reasons include a super busy life with family, health issues and career and getting sidetracked by other hobbies. I have fewer dolls now and that makes it easier to focus on the ones I do have. I have more free time, too, and hope to spend it with my gang here.

[xblackravenx]

Well, I'm back now from a mini break. I stopped being "active" start of september, although I still took part in the swap.
I needed time away to sort finances and other stuff that had come up, and so I took it as a chance to re-evaluate the dolls I have and am planning to get.
I won't be going for every doll I think looks nice anymore, as I've descovered I just don't bond with a lot of them. Fortunately my friend will be adopting 2 of mine, and so I can use that money to get another one finished. Then, I will be getting the only other doll I have found that makes my heart stop when I see him, and focus on them.

[Hugobopp]

Mir and Hazy sit on their shelves undisturbed for weeks on end. I wondered this morning what the longest period of time was that I didn't move them, and bet it was about 8 weeks.

I have gone even longer without buying clothes or reading sights, but seem to come back every spring for another doll.

[pixieweed]

I'm like some others here, and I find real life provides the breaks for me. I'm not disciplined enough to schedule breaks for myself! I've taken breaks for several months at a time, when life's been more demanding, or when demotivated/overwhelmed by the back log of stuff still to make or buy for my dolls. I am perpetually doing something crafty for my dolls, be it making clothes or other 1/3 scale things. It's a livin' :)

[koka]

It seems there are a lot of definitions here on what a break is! Hahaha.
For me, I vanished from the forums about two and a half years ago. I stopped buying dolls and accessories at that time as well. The photography stopped soon after. My dolls have always been around me, though I didn't do anything with them (save for a dolly meet) in all that time.
It came about because of a lot of hardship--financial and emotional. I'm off that boat now, but I still have shaky legs. ^^; I've been focusing mostly on catching up on life. It wasn't until a month ago I realized how much I missed the hobby!
I'm writing a novel and I was thinking of fun ways to get a little bit of a fan base before the book is published, and dolls came to mind. I thought about making my main character a doll, but I want to get people involved, so I thought I'd let friends and fans 'build' him for me by selecting which sculpts fit him best. That meant catching up on the dolly world, so I combed through my old haunts for new sculpts... then came wigs and accessories... All I can say is, if the dolly world is Wonderland, I've fallen down the rabbit hole once again! ^^; I'm expecting my next doll some time this coming week and have plans for another one this year! Oh, dear...
Anyway, I don't think it's a hobby I can ever fully escape. I'm not much of a forum person, so I may wander off from time to time, but one eye will constantly be on the lookout for beautiful dolls. .__.;

[luluposie]

I'm also back from a bit of a break... sometimes life just gets going too fast and you can't fit everything in to 24 hours. The great thing about dolls is that they're always ready to pick up right where you left off! And the breaks can be nice - you get to know the dolls all over again :0)

[Deehellseven]

Just came back from a break of like... 3 years?! My crew has also downsized from 10 to 4 Dx