Happy birthday, Caroline - Oct. 22, 1802

American Girl

Caroline and Mama make a dangerous trip across Lake Ontario to the British fort where Papa is a prisoner. When Mama isn't allowed to see Papa, it's up to Caroline to pass a secret message to him—right under the nose of a British guard! Caroline hopes desperately that Papa will be able to use the information to escape. But can she get the message to him? And even if she does, will Papa understand it? When Caroline and Mama return home, all they can do is wait . . . and hope. On Caroline's birthday, an unexpected gift lifts her heart.

Caroline loves to sew—she made this fancy dress herself! Pale blue to complement her eyes, it features sweet puffed sleeves, an empire waist, and a lacy floral print. Includes two-tone shoes with white bows to match.

A Surprise for Caroline ... and Me

As mentioned yesterday, I was curious about the big purchase Momma planned for my Big Sister.

We were also spending a lot of time in 1812.

Hmm.

Sure enough, Momma announced that Caroline Abbott would be joining our Vinyl American family.

As the War of 1812 begins, so does the story of Caroline Abbott's bravery. She loves sailing with her father, but when he's captured, Caroline must help keep the family's shipyard running. When she sees a chance to rescue her father, Caroline discovers that she must use her mind and heart to guide her decisions.

Momma encourages my Big Sister to read by having her read the American Girl books and, if my Big Sister can tell her what happens in each book, she can get the doll if she so desires when she finishes the series.

She desired.

At first she chose the 2013 Girl of the Year Saige Copeland, but upon further reflection (as well as spending time in the 1812 room) she decided upon Caroline.

So here's Caroline. I'm not certain who looks more surprised, me or Caroline!

I asked what I would receive for reading all the books in my library and Momma said I could have the Caroline Mini Doll.

Life is so unfair.

 

All that glitters

While at American Girl Place - Los Angeles, I was curious why we spent so much time in 1812. (I tell you, that place is a giant TARDIS!)

While pondering this, my eye was caught by the pewter dishes on the table.

Shiny!
 
Caroline celebrates her 10th birthday with family and friends as they enjoy a tableful of homemade treats! Your girl can host a similar party with:

• A pretend applesauce cake
• A ceramic pitcher, painted with an image of a majestic ship
• A bouquet of faux wildflowers
• Two lacy napkins
• Three metal plates for serving
• Two each metal forks, knives, and cups that are reminiscent of actual items from her era!

I told Momma that Caroline's Party Set was just the thing for my dirigible, but she reminded me (once again) that we were on a budget.

Harumph!

Besides, she had a big purchase to make for my Big Sister.

I wonder what that could be....



  

You can't catch me

The next item I had to examine at American Girl Place - Los Angeles was my Caroline's Skiff.

Papa built this beautiful wooden skiff at the family's shipyard—Caroline loves to go sailing with him on Lake Ontario. Papa even named the boat "Miss Caroline" after her—and painted it right on the side! True to her era, it features:

• Two seats to fit a pair of dolls, plus a mast with a canvas sail
• A pair of wooden oars Caroline can row with

I was pleased to see Caroline had thoughtfully placed her Travel Basket in the skiff - complete with gingerbread.

When Caroline sets off on her journey to find Papa, she packs everything she'll need for the trip. Your girl can re-create the moment today with this set, including:

• Five faux gingerbread cakes and two pretend apples
• A cloth napkin
• A special gift from Caroline to Papa—a map of Lake Ontario that hides a secret message!
• A woven basket to hold it all

Yum!

All I need to do is get rid of her. It says the skiff holds two dolls, but not dolls with full Unmentionables! Besides, I want that gingerbread for myself.

 

First impressions

American Girl

Oh, dear.

Where are my manners?

I completely forgot that yesterday was the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen's classic, Pride and Prejudice.

First published on Jan. 28, 1813, the story follows the main character Elizabeth Bennet as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage in the society of the landed gentry of early 19th-century England.

Miss Austen began writing the novel, originally titled First Impressions, in 1796. Austen made significant revisions to the manuscript between 1811 and 1812 and retitled it, Pride and Prejudice.

Unfortunately, Miss Austen sold the copyright for the Pride and Prejudice for £110 which was a costly mistake. 

But happy anniversary, my dear Miss Bennet (as portrayed by my dear friend Caroline Abbott).

And Miss Austen, too, of course.

 

My beautiful balloon

American Girl

Oh my goodness.

American Girl temporarily posted photos of the upcoming American Girl of the Year collection.

Saige Copeland is American Girl's 11th Girl of the Year. Saige and her collection is scheduled for release on Jan. 1, 2013.

For me most of her collection was uninspiring until I spotted Saige's hot air balloon!

I think I have died and gone to dolly heaven.

First was Caroline's Skiff.

Then came the Our Generation R.V. Seeing You Camper.

Now a hot air balloon!

What is a steampunk doll to do?

Except get one of each, of course.

 

It's beginning to smell a lot like Christmas

As previously mentioned in December, Momma loves gingerbread.

So you can imagine her delight today when American Girl released not one, not two, but three different gingerbread items!

Gingerbread House Puzzle  

Your girl can make Bitty Baby's holiday extra sweet with a gingerbread house puzzle toy! The walls and roof snap together, and are decorated with faux icing and candies. There's even a little "gingerbread" tree!

Sugar & Spice Baking Set
 

My American Girl dolls can enjoy a holiday tradition—a gingerbread house! She'll have everything she needs with this festive set, including:

• A faux gingerbread home, ready for "decorating," and a cake plate to display it on
• A variety of pretend candies to use as decoration: a bowl of glittery gumdrops, three jars of colorful sprinkles, a candy plate laden with tiny chocolates, and a box of striped candy canes
• A pastry bag filled with frosting, ready to add the trim!
• A matching apron and hat, each with touches of faux fur and stretch velvet for a fancy accent

Caroline's Travel Basket  

When Caroline sets off on her journey to find Papa, she packs everything she'll need for the trip. Your girl can re-create the moment today with this set, including:

• Five faux gingerbread cakes and two pretend apples
• A cloth napkin
• A special gift from Caroline to Papa—a map of Lake Ontario that hides a secret message!
• A woven basket to hold it all 

 
 

Out of the blue

American Girl

I never cared for Elizabeth's Bedding.

Until now.

As night falls, Elizabeth enjoys the comfort of this set, featuring:

• A four-poster hardwood bed with mattress
• A blue pillow and quilt with Cluny lace
• A fringed bed skirt
• Plus, a fringed valance with attached floral–print bed hangings

Doesn't it look like it was made to match Caroline's upcoming parlor set?

And it's not pink!

Meet Caroline ... soon

When Momma and I first heard about American Girl's upcoming historical release, Caroline Abbott, we were cautiously excited.

Then we heard her books were set in 1812. Yippee!

Then we saw Caroline the Doll.

Yawn.

First of all, she's blonde. (Momma overloaded on blonde dolls in the '60s and '70s.)

And her Meet dress is PINK!

Yuck.

But then we saw her skiff and parlor set and our excitement returned.

And we FINALLY found book descriptions.

Meet Caroline: Caroline Abbott is doing what she loves most—sailing on Lake Ontario with Papa—when her world turns upside down. A British officer boards their sloop, announces that Britain and America are at war, and takes her father prisoner. As Papa is led away, Caroline promises him that she will stay strong and steady until he returns. She tries hard to keep her promise by helping Mama run the family's shipyard. Then the British attack her village and it looks as if the American side is in trouble. Can Caroline stay steady enough to help win the day? Includes an illustrated "Looking Back" essay about America in 1812.

Caroline's Secret Message: Caroline and Mama make a dangerous trip across Lake Ontario to the British fort where Papa is a prisoner. When Mama isn't allowed to see Papa, it's up to Caroline to pass a secret message to him—right under the nose of a British guard. Caroline hopes desperately that Papa will be able to use the information to escape. But can she get the message to him? And even if she does, will Papa understand it? When Caroline and Mama return home, all they can do is wait and hope. On Caroline's birthday, an unexpected gift lifts her heart. Includes an illustrated "Looking Back" essay about Wartime in 1812.

A Surprise for Caroline: Caroline Abbott imagined it would be great fun to have two girls staying at her house for the winter. But her friend Rhonda Hathaway and cousin Lydia are both twelve, and sometimes they seem to be better friends with each other than with Caroline. Worse, they'd rather stay inside styling hair than go skating and sledding. Nothing Caroline tries seems to change things, not even the special Christmas gift she gives to Rhonda. Finally, hurt feelings lead Caroline to make a rash decision—one that puts all three girls on very thin ice. Includes an illustrated "Looking Back" essay about Growing Up in 1812.

Caroline Takes a Chance: Caroline, like everyone else in Sackets Harbor, is waiting anxiously for the first supply boats of the year to arrive. Without supplies, the shipyards can't build boats to fight the British. When Caroline and her friends Rhonda and Seth go out fishing in Papa's skiff, they're excited to catch sight of a supply boat—until they realize that it's being chased by a British warship. Desperate to save the supply boat, Caroline comes up with a daring idea. Will her plan work? Or is it a dangerous and foolish risk? Caroline has no time to think—she can only plunge ahead. Includes an illustrated "Looking Back" essay about Getting Around in 1812.

Caroline's Battle: Caroline's Papa has barely returned before frightening news arrives—British warships are headed for Sackets Harbor, ready to attack. Every able-bodied man, including Papa, must go and fight. Mama and Caroline are left alone to guard Abbott's Shipyard from the enemy. Caroline tells herself she would do anything to keep Papa's shipyard safe. But when the battle seems to be lost, Mama gives her a terrible order. They must burn the shipyard to the ground to keep it from the enemy. It's the one thing Caroline isn't sure she can do. Includes an illustrated "Looking Back" essay about America in 1812.

Changes for Caroline: Caroline receives a letter asking her to come and help on Uncle Aaron's new farm. Although she hates to leave her family, Caroline is pleased to see her cousin Lydia—and to meet Lydia's pretty cow and sweet baby calf. Determined to help out in any way she can, Caroline keeps watch when a thief starts sneaking around the farm. Then she makes an unexpected discovery—and learns that some things are not as simple as they seem. When Caroline returns home at last for an Independence Day celebration, she is treated to a wonderful surprise. Includes an illustrated "Looking Back" essay about Changes for America in 1812.

While Caroline the Doll will not be coming to live with us, I know her books, parlor set, and her MY skiff will.

Hurry Sept. 4!

Sail away with me

American Girl

I am now ready to reveal a secret to you and the world.

Remember the scene in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl when Captain Jack Sparrow sailed the rapidly sinking Jolly Mon into Port Royal?

The Jolly Mon was a small fishing boat originally owned by the gorgeous Anamaria, until it was, "borrowed without permission, but with every intention of bringing it back" by Sparrow.

My secret? I was Anamaria. And soon I shall repossess my Jolly Mon.

American Girl has cleverly disguised it as the upcoming Caroline Abbott's skiff, but I know the truth.

And now you do, too.

 

Bluestocking? No. Blackstocking? Yes!

Inquiring minds have been asking about the status of my library in the sky.

So far I have mini copies of:

• Meet Kaya
• Meet Felicity
• Felicity's Surprise
• Very Funny, Elizabeth
• Meet Caroline
• Meet Josefina
• Josefina's Surprise
• Meet Kirsten
• Kirsten's Surprise
• Meet Marie-Grace
• Meet Cécile
• Meet Addy
• Addy's Surprise
• Meet Samantha
• Samantha's Surprise
• Nellie's Promise
• Meet Rebecca
• Meet Kit
• Really Truly Ruthie
• Meet Molly
• Molly's Surprise
• Brave Emily
• Meet Julie

I also have nice little copies of:

• A Charlie Brown Christmas
• A Christmas Carol
• Horton Hears a Who
• It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
• Mother Goose in Hieroglyphics
• The Night Before Christmas
• Olivia Saves the Circus
• Peter Parley’s Book of Fables
• The Quest of the Missing Map
• Robin Hood
• The Tales of Peter Rabbit
• The Wizard of Oz
• Woodworth's Cabinet Library

Please let me know if you have any mini suggestions - or donations!

Sweet Caroline

Momma is such a history geek.

Right now she's happily channeling her inner Neil Diamond:

Where it began,

I can't begin to knowin'

But then I know it's growing strong

Was in the spring

And spring became the summer

Who'd have believed you'd come along.


Why? Because it has just been confirmed at BookExpo America that the next historical American Girl doll to be released in September 2012 is named Caroline Abbott and based in 1812.



Hmm, just in time for the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812?


So far we don't know what Caroline will look like, but girls in 1812 would wear Regency clothing similar to Josefina's.

Sweet Caroline

Good times never seemed so good