Doll Lust

Our newest addition is slowly revealing herself to us. Her name is Miss Pearl Sparrow and she is the librarian on my Our floating bookmobile!

Pearl (as she will be commonly known) is a combination of both Miss Sparrow, the delightful librarian in Maud Hart Lovelace's Deep Valley books, and real-life librarian Nancy Pearl. 

Nancy Pearl (born Jan. 12, 1945) is an American librarian, best-selling author, and literary critic. She achieved broader fame with Book Lust, her 2003 guide to good reading. She is also the author of a novel and a memoir.

Our Pearl is a quiet, bookish 9-year-old girl. She wears glasses (like Me!), and adores clothing that is inspired by books. You should have seen her eyes light up when she saw the two Nancy Drew dresses (with book cover aprons!) and Paddington Bear outfit that survived the fire!

Pearl's two great ambitions in life are to grow up to be a children's librarian, AND become the inspiration for a Librarian Action Figure by Archee McPhee. 

Pearl is busy dusting and cleaning Our Library. Our books suffered extensive smoke and water damage during the fire and she has plenty of work to do. 

She has Tasked Me with finding a new bookcase. Our former bookcase was an empty whiskey gift box that formerly held three bottles in a former life. It made a great bookcase when it was on its side, so Momma and I need to find another, or maybe a wooden teabag display case.

Any ideas?

She Who Must Be Named

Please Pardon my Excitement, but look at what Who Momma found at Goodwill today after dropping off a bunch of stuff! And she was only $9.99!!

Momma has not found an American Girl doll at Goodwill in 10 years. The other, Goodwill Molly, melted in the fire. This one is in better shape and came with all her clothes and a box!

At first Momma thought she had gray eyes, but decided they were blue upon further inspection. 

Currently sold as American Girl Just Like Me #23, she features:

• Classic Face Mold
• Light Skin
• Freckles
• Straight Brows
• Light Brown Hair with highlights and a Left side-part
• Light Blue Spiral Eyes

Now, what shall we call her? Who, or what, shall she be? Inquiring minds most definitely want to know!

Any suggestions?

Lurkin' in ev'ry cove

While at Disneyland we had to go on our all-time favorite ride, Pirates of the Caribbean.

We liked it before there was a moving picture ... or even a Captain Jack Sparrow!

Pirates of the Caribbean was the last attraction overseen by Walt Disney himself; he died three months before it opened at Disneyland in 1967.

The ride tells the story of a band of pirates - including their troubles and their exploits.

It is also known for its song "Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life for Me)" written by George Bruns and Xavier Atencio. It also inspired the 2003 Pirates of the Caribbean film series. Since 2006, Disney has added characters from the film series into the Disneyland, Disneyworld, and Tokyo Disneyland versions of the rides.

At Disneyland, Captain Jack Sparrow has been added to the ride three times.

• He is seen hiding behind some dresses in the town square. 
• He is hiding in a barrel just behind the "Pooped Pirate," popping out and getting a good look at the map over the pirate's shoulder.
• Finally, he is seen in a room full of the hidden treasure, draped over a large throne-like chair and waving his new treasures around happily while talking to himself and to passing guests. Every once in a while he sings, "Drink up, me hearties. Yo ho!"

Ivy was mortified when I hoped off the boat to check out the pieces of eight.

Psst! Avast there! It be too late to alter course, mateys. And there be plundering pirates lurkin' in ev'ry cove, waitin' to board. Sit closer together and keep your ruddy hands in board. That be the best way to repel boarders. And mark well me words, mateys: Dead men tell no tales! Ye come seekin' adventure with salty old pirates, eh? Sure you've come to the proper place. But keep a weather eye open, mates, and hold on tight. With both hands, if you please. Thar be squalls ahead, and Davy Jones waiting for them what don't obey.  

Renaissance women

We had so much fun today!

Ghostbusters

Momma, my Big Sister, Grandmomma, and I went to the 25th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival.

Captain Jack Sparrow

Longing for childhood days of make believe? Mythic heroes slaying dragons, steel clad warriors jousting atop mighty steeds and knights in shining armor saving damsels in distress can be found at the Arizona Renaissance Festival. 

There is something for the kid in all of us to be found at the faire.

One of the largest events of its kind in the nation, the Arizona Renaissance Festival is Celebrating 25 Years of Cheers! Revel in the atmosphere of 16th century Europe! Explore our 30-acre festival village filled with 12 stages of nonstop entertainment; falconry, performances of music, dance and comedy. Cheer on your favorite armored knight at a jousting tournament in the 5,000-seat arena. Foolish pleasures mix with artisan treasures as you shop, eat and revel with a cast of nearly 2,000 colorfully costumed characters.

Where else can you eat, drink, and be merry? 

Our personal favorites? The Ded Bob Sho and Zilch the Torysteller, of course (more to come tomorrow!), and I got to meet my hero - Captain Jack Sparrow!

I got a mini stein and Momma saw the steampunk Octopus Parasol of her dreams ... but they sold the last one as she stood there.

If anyone is going to the Renaissance Festival before March 9, PLEASE let me know if you can pick one up for her.

Otherwise, she'll be ordering it from Clockwork Couture.

Nothing up my sleeve

What actually hides under Edwardian sleeves.

My dear Miss Sparrow and I (being the Perfectly Awful Girls that we are) were discussing a recent news article about literary tattoos.

That lead us to talking about the tattoos adorning her illustrious (illustrated?) ancestor's back.

I, of course, had my tummy signed by Evil Wil Wheaton - which is pretty darned permanent in my case.

But she and I started discussing literary tattoos and what we would get IF we were to get one.

Personally, I would probably get something from the Betsy-Tacy or Little House books. Or Spock's, "Live Long and Prosper." Or maybe my flag.

Or maybe, "My ♥ belongs to Momma."

Miss Sparrow declined to say because she was afraid I'd publish it here (true), but I think she secretly wants an "I ♥ Joe Willard" somewhere.

Any suggestions?

We wish you a steamy Christmas

Be still my non-existent heart! (Note to self: Ask for a Build-a-Bear heart for Christmas.)

There's a growing demand for steampunk books.

Just in time for the holidays: A Clockwork Christmas

Changed forever after tragedy, a woman must draw strength from her husband's love. A man learns that love isn't always what you expect. A thief steals the heart of a vengeful professor. And an American inventor finds love Down Under. Enjoy Victorian Christmas with a clockwork twist in these four steampunk novellas.

The anthology includes: 

Far From Broken by JK Coi 

Soldier. Spymaster. Husband.

Colonel Jasper Carlisle was defined by his work until he met his wife. When the prima ballerina swept into his life with her affection, bright laughter and graceful movements, he knew that she was the reason for his existence, and that their love would be forever.

But their world is shattered when Callie is kidnapped and brutally tortured by the foes Jasper has been hunting. Mechanical parts have replaced her legs, her hand, her eye...and possibly her heart. Though she survived, her anger at Jasper consumes her, while Jasper's guilt drives him from the woman he loves. He longs for the chance to show her their love can withstand anything...including her new clockwork parts.

As the holiday season approaches, Jasper realizes he must fight not just for his wife's love and forgiveness...but also her life, as his enemy once again attempts to tear them apart.

This Winter Heart by PG Forte

Eight years ago, Ophelia Leonides's husband cast her off when he discovered she was not the woman he thought she was. Now destitute after the death of her father, Ophelia is forced to turn to Dario for help raising the child she never told him about.

Dario is furious that Ophelia has returned, and refuses to believe Arthur is his son—after all, he thought his wife was barren. But to avoid gossip, he agrees to let them spend the holidays at his villa. While he cannot resist the desire he still feels for Ophelia, Dario despises himself for being hopelessly in love with a woman who can never love him back.

But Dario is wrong: Ophelia's emotions are all too human, and she was brokenhearted when he rejected her. Unsure if she can trust the man she desperately loves, she fears for her life, her freedom and her son if anyone else learns of her true nature...

Crime Wave in a Corset by Stacy Gail

Roderick Coddington is on a mission to make Cornelia Peabody pay. After identifying her as the thief who stole a priceless Fabergé egg from his dying sister, he finds her and shackles a deadly timepiece to her arm. If she doesn't return the egg by Christmas morning, she will die.

Normally seven days is more than enough time for Cornelia to carry out the perfect crime, but Roderick's intrusion into her life is beyond distracting. He challenges her mind, and ignites her body with desire she's never felt before. But worst of all, he threatens the independence she values above all else...

As Roderick spends time with Cornelia, he realizes there's a lonely soul hidden beneath her beautiful but criminal veneer. Falling for a thief wasn't part of Roderick's plan, but plans can change and he has no intention of letting another priceless treasure get away from him.

Wanted: One Scoundrel by Jenny Schwartz

All suffragette Esme Smith wants is a man. A scoundrel to be precise. Someone who can be persuaded to represent her political views at men-only clubs. As the daughter of the richest man in Australia, Esme can afford to make it worth the right man's while.

Fresh off the boat, American inventor Jed Reeve is intrigued by Esme's proposal, but even more interested in the beauty herself. Amused that she takes him for a man who lives by his wits, he accepts the job—made easier by the fact that he already shares her ideals. Soon, he finds himself caught up in political intrigue, kidnapping and blackmail, and trying to convince his employer he's more than just a scoundrel...

Since this is a digital book you can download and read the stories in time for Christmas.

Do you think these qualify as either bodice-rippers or penny dreadfuls? Miss Sparrow might be shocked....

Scent of Sensibility

Shh!

Don't tell Momma or Miss Sparrow but I found The Perfect Christmas Present for them today.

A perfume that smells like old books!

In the Library is a warm blend of English Novel, Russian & Moroccan Leather Bindings, Worn Cloth and a hint of Wood Polish.

Can you imagine?!

They all received perfume. Rose and lilac and violet and old books.

“You may exchange with one another,” Mrs. Poppy said. “I knew you wanted those four scents, but I didn't know which wanted which."

“But how did you know we wanted perfume at all?” they cried, exchanging.
 
“The man at the drug store told me. I told him whom I was buying it for and he seemed to know all about you."

With apologies to Maud Hart Lovelace
and her delightful book, Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown.

(I just hope neither Momma nor Miss Sparrow reads this blog!) 

Keep calm and read on

Clinton Corners, N.Y.

I read about The Most Wonderful Library this weekend, and if Miss Sparrow and I weren't so firmly committed to our floating bookmobile I'd make one myself!

A TARDIS* library! (Well, sort of.)

It's actually a recycled K8 English Telephone Box in Clinton Corners, N.Y.

The good citizens of Clinton Corners got an old Telephone Box, installed shelves and put in a light powered by a solar panel.

Coed-y-Paen, Wales

Northumberland

I have since discovered they got the idea from a similar library in Coed-y-Paen, Wales (but a scoundrel stole all its books!), and a Northumberland Telephone box contains a heart defibrillator!

Now that's what I call living green! 

The very thought of a TARDIS library makes my heart palpitate. (It's a good thing the one Telephone Box has a defibrillator in it!) Just think how I could save banned books!

*A TARDIS is a time machine and spacecraft in the shape of a 1960s-style London police box in television's Doctor Who.

Having a rum time

Yo ho! It's National Rum Day!

I can't figure out who proclaimed it so, but as a Good Pirate, who am I to argue?

Speaking of proclamations, did you know President Abraham Lincoln declared that the 11 states of the Confederacy were "in a state of insurrection against the United States" 150 years ago today when he signed Proclamation 86.

Lincoln issued 48 proclamations during the Civil War and no, National Rum Day was not one of them.

While not as well known as the Emancipation Proclamation, the Aug. 16, 1861 proclamation effectively stymied a once bustling cotton trade between the South and Border states and further bolstered an ongoing federal naval blockade of Southern ports and waterways. 

(Have you heard of blockade runners? It's just a genteel term for pirates and profiteers.)

I thought 48 proclamations sounded like a lot until I did some library research and discovered that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed 3466 proclamations and executive orders during his three terms!

Phew! That calls for a drink!

We're beggars and blighters and ne'er do-well cads,
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.
Aye, but we're loved by our Mommas and dads,
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.

Tooth envy; or, Sojourner Tooth

www.southtowndentalcare.com

Momma is one step closer to being a pirate!

Captain Jack Sparrow might have six (or more), but Momma now has her Very First gold tooth!

Her dentist was Very Obliging (once he Stopped Laughing) and shared some photographs with Me so I could see exactly was going on - including a new-fangled X-ray!

www.southtowndentalcare.com

Ooh (or should I say Au?), tempting as that shiny Gold Tooth is I think I'll go brush my Vinyl Teeth.

After all, I've only got two.

On the other hand, how do you think I would I look with a Gold Tooth?

Don't worry, I can handle the Tooth.

Under the brave black flag I fly

Miss Sparrow liked My flag idea but gave me a couple of suggestions.

So here we have it!

Do you think this is a Worthy Flag for the first floating bookmobile?

Now, to find Betsy Ross....

Desiderata

Funny thing about Time Travel.

Don't ask Me how a poem written in 1927 ends up on the back of a pirate, but I like it and wanted to share it.

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, 1927

Rest assured, I Do Not intend to tattoo it on My back. Evil Wil Wheaton's signature on My tummy is more than enough for now!

Come Josefina, in my flying machine

Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown

I think this New Business Venture has gone to My Dear Miss Sparrow's head.

I walked into the library today to show her my idea for our floating bookmobile's flag and found her humming this song: 

Oh! Say! Let us fly, dear
Where, kid? To the sky, dear
Oh you flying machine
Jump in, Miss Josephine
Ship ahoy! Oh joy, what a feeling
Where, boy? In the ceiling
Ho, High, Hoopla we fly
To the sky so high

Come Josephine in my flying machine
Going up she goes! Up she goes!
Balance yourself like a bird on a beam
In the air she goes! There she goes!
Up, up, a little bit higher
Oh! My! The moon is on fire
Come Josephine in my flying machine
Going up, all on, Goodbye!

Alfred Bryan / Fred Fischer, 1910

Hmm, I wonder if she'd like to be addressed as Josefina?

She had a cozy little face,with half a dozen tiny moles. Her eyes were black and dancing. Her hair was black too, curly and untidy.

The great library in the sky

Miss Sparrow (the librarian) is a Genius.

It turns out her ancestor is Captain Jack Sparrow - she's a Little Vague as to just how long ago.

However, I was telling her about My desire to be an Air Pirate and she told Me that being a pirate isn't as glamorous as many think.

But then she confided that she was getting bored with life as a small town librarian.

So we started laughing about where do librarians go when they retire.

And. It. Hit. Us.

The Great Library in the Sky.

Yes, we shall start the first floating bookmobile.

My piloting skills plus her librarian skills shall lead us to Boldly Go Where No Library Has Gone Before.

Stay tuned for developments....

The classics, going-to-be

Momma's home sick with Weak Lungs so I went to the library to get some books to read to her.
 
The Classics.

Miss Sparrow went to the shelves and returned with an armful of books.

She handed them to Me one by one. 

Little Women and Werewolves, by Louisa May Alcott. Classic.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, by Jane Austen. Classic. 

Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters, by Jane Austen. Classic. 

Android Karenina, by Leo Tolstoy. Classic. 

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, by Seth Grahame-Smith. Classic, going-to-be.

She was laughing and so was I.

"You don't need to read them all today," Miss Sparrow said.

Ha! (Or should I say, "Mwahaha!"?)

Maybe after Momma goes to sleep?

Oh, and I forgot to mention that I got Momma a copy of Dick and Jane and Vampires since she's just learning to read. 

That should put her to sleep.

With apologies to Maud Hart Lovelace
and her delightful book, Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown.

The Dred Pirate Scott takes no survivors!

Bonny

In the past few days I have Heard Rumors that some of you think I am "much too cute to strike fear into the hearts of men" and "too cute to be dreaded."

Worst of all? "Steampunk Addie makes a dreadful pirate indeed--dreadfully cute that is."

Cute? Cute? 

Read

Let Me put it this way. Have you ever heard of Anne Bonny, Mary Read, Elizabeth Swann?

Swann

Morons. 

At least someone was reasonable, "Steampunk Addie looks like someone who is a force to be reckoned with."

You'll never see Me flee in the Face of Danger, unlike Certain Other Pirates who shall Remain Nameless.

What do I have to do to convince you of My Fearsome Nature?

We're beggars and blighters and ne'er do-well cads,
Stand up me 'earties, yo ho.
Aye, but we're loved by our Mommas and dads,
Stand up me 'earties, yo ho.
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.

Pirates and Cowboys & Aliens! Oh my!

Yee haw! Now this moving picture I have to see!

1875. New Mexico Territory. A stranger with no memory of his past stumbles into the hard desert town of Absolution. The only hint to his history is a mysterious shackle that encircles one wrist. What he discovers is that the people of Absolution don't welcome strangers, and nobody makes a move on its streets unless ordered to do so by the iron-fisted Colonel Dolarhyde. It's a town that lives in fear.

But Absolution is about to experience fear it can scarcely comprehend as the desolate city is attacked by marauders from the sky. Screaming down with breathtaking velocity and blinding lights to abduct the helpless one by one, these monsters challenge everything the residents have ever known.

Now, the stranger they rejected is their only hope for salvation. As this gunslinger slowly starts to remember who he is and where he's been, he realizes he holds a secret that could give the town a fighting chance against the alien force. With the help of the elusive traveler Ella, he pulls together a posse comprised of former opponents-townsfolk, Dolarhyde and his boys, outlaws and Apache warriors-all in danger of annihilation. United against a common enemy, they will prepare for an epic showdown for survival.

I wonder if Ella will need my help?

Hey, it could happen!

In the meantime, I'll watch this:

He looks like an agreeable fellow.