THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 19, 1997 TAG: 9701210437
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: CLOSE-UP
LENGTH: 60 lines
Sheila Johnson is so excited about her three 7-foot high, three-story, shingled doll houses that she keeps them open year-round for other doll lovers.
``My mom and I spent a lot of hours and a lot of love decorating the houses,'' said Johnson. ``Sometimes we stayed up until 3 a.m.''
A nativity scene, Santa emerging from a chimney and other Christmas decorations lend the houses a holiday air.
Decor in the doll houses also includes papered walls, curtains, upholstered furniture, venetian blinds, mirrors, chandeliers, a baby grand piano, carpeting, running water at the kitchen sink and an aquarium containing a live Betta fish named Nauticus. In a theater room, a juke box plays three selections.
Johnson bought one of the houses. The other two were gifts from her mother, Cecilia M. Johnson.
``I'm a little girl at heart,'' said Sheila Johnson, who will be 32 this month.
Furnishing the houses has involved shopping at more than 60 stores. But it's been worth it. Visitors stop by to enjoy her handiwork throughout the year.
``To me, the houses have been a blessing from God,'' Johnson said.
Full name: Sheila Ann Johnson
Hometown: ``I grew up in Chesapeake and graduated from Deep Creek High School in 1984.''
Fond childhood memories: ``Christmas was always a special time. My mom would have the tree loaded. She has always been a friend and is always there for me.''
Marital status: Single
Occupation: ``I'm writing Christian rap right now. My three brothers and I have a musical group called Three for Christ and Sheila J. We've written 17 songs. We write and sing, but we need someone to accompany us.''
Hobbies: ``Exercise, jogging, working on the doll houses, working on my music, cooking and writing poetry.''
Last book read: ``Divine Revelation of Hell'' by Mary K. Baxter
What's your favorite game? Charades
Describe yourself as a color: ``Gold. It represents beauty and strength and it's heavenly. Each one of my doll houses has a touch of gold in it.''
If you could be any animal, what would it be? ``A bird. They seem so free. They're always flying and are happy.''
What irritates you the most? ``Cartoons that are violent and wicked.''
Favorite type of music: Gospel
Favorite movie: ``Gone with the Wind''
Can't resist: Sweets
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``I think I'm too short.''
Favorite TV program: ``I Love Lucy''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: Country Buffet
Favorite way to spend a day: ``What makes me really happy is going to Sentara Hospital with my mom to visit sick and elderly people who seldom have any company. It's good to brighten anyone's day.''
What would you choose for a last meal? Pizza from Pizza Hut ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MARK MITCHELL