Betsy-Tacy Go Downton Addie

Momma and I have survived yet another Betsy's Ray of Sunshine!

Nine ladies (Dare I say, Perfectly Awful Girls?) from around the United States gathered this weekend in the sun-drenched historic Willo District in Phoenix to eat, drink, laugh, drink, play (the Wildly Inappropriate) Cards Against Humanity, drink, listen to the Hamilton soundtrack, drink, shop, and watch the final episode of Downton Abbey together - while drinking.

What brought them together? A deep love of the Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace and a chance to eat, laugh, and drink together.

We greeted old friends, made new ones, and missed those who have gone to the Great Library in the Sky. 

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

When the Limbaugh breaks

I honestly don't know if I should laugh, cry . . . or become violently ill. 

Apparently ubber-conservative Rush Limbaugh has published three (three!) books for impressionable young readers about a history teacher named Rush Revere and his talking horse, Liberty, who have "Time-Travel Adventures with Exceptional Americans." 

Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims (2013)

Rush Revere and the First Patriots (2014)

Rush Revere and the American Revolution (2014)

MEET RUSH LIMBAUGH'S REALLY GOOD PAL, RUSH REVERE!

Okay, okay, my name's really Rusty—but my friends call me Rush. Rush Revere. Because I've always been the #1 fan of the coolest colonial dude ever, Paul Revere. Talk about a rock star—this guy wanted to protect young America so badly, he rode through those bumpy, cobblestone-y streets shouting "the British are coming!" On a horse. Top of his lungs. Wind blowing, rain streaming... 

Well, you get the picture. But what if you could get the real picture—by actually going back in time and seeing with your own eyes how our great country came to be? Meeting the people who made it all happen—people like you and me? 

Hold on to your pointy triangle hats, because you can—with me, Rush Revere, seemingly ordinary substitute history teacher, as your tour guide across time! "How?" you ask? Well, there's this portal. And a horse. My talking horse named Liberty. And—well, just trust me, I'll get us there.

Now I'm all for time-travel, but these?

I simply do not want to know what Limbaugh will make of the Civil War.

Eww.

Keene books

Momma and I not usually fans of updated covers for classic books, but We make an exception for these new Nancy Drew book covers.

A special treat for Nancy Drew fans, and any reader who's new to the series! We're releasing a stunning new edition of an old favorite: The Secret of the Old Clock, the first book in the incredibly popular, long-running series. It's the same exciting mystery that readers have fallen in love with for more than 80 years—Nancy Drew has to help Mr. Crowly's friends find his missing will, before the evil Topham family steals his full inheritance. Now with a brand-new look, this is an edition that collectors won't want to miss!

My favorites so far? The Secret of the Old Clock #1 (of course!), The Secret of Shadow Ranch #5 (Arizona!) and the upcoming re-release of Nancy's Mysterious Letter #8.

What do you think of these new covers?

Simply charming

Check out the Charming Chatelaine Momma made for me this week!

If your doll is as well read as Me, she'll want to keep her favorite books close to her heart. Momma created this chatelaine from 12 mini (non-functional!) book charms, attached to an antique brass chain with an antique lobster-claw clasp.

My chatelaine consists of:

• Alice in Wonderland
• Jack and the Beanstalk
• Jane Eyre
• King Arthur
• Little Red Riding Hood
• Little Women
• Peter Pan
• Pride and Prejudice
• Robin Hood
• Romeo and Juliet
• Snow White
• Wuthering Heights

(Momma creates these in our smoke-free, but not pet-free, home.)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/214001537/charming-chatelaine-for-well-read-18

The fortnight before Christmas

Momma's working at both JoAnn's AND Toys"R"Us which leaves Precious Little Time for Me, but she was in a sentimental mood when she returned home the other night.

While putting items away at Toys"R"Us she discovered a reprint of a classic book she hadn't seen or thought of in 45 years or so: Little Golden Book's The Night Before Christmas.

This 1949 Little Golden Book edition of the famous poem, The Night Before Christmas, was a staple in the Golden Book line for many years. (The first 12 Little Golden Book titles were published on Oct. 1, 1942.)

Momma remembers that edition clearly and is thrilled to share that with us. 

One bad apple

Greta Garb-oh!

I'm sooo sorry I haven't posted much in the past few weeks, but it has been busy around here. 

Momma switched jobs, both Grandmomma and Grandpoppa had surgery, and the school year ended for my Big Sister.

Phew!

Oh, and Momma has been sewing of course.

Her latest outfit is inspired by both the book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz AND the 1939 classic film, The Wizard of Oz.

Momma likes the moving picture, but she LOVES the original 14 Oz books.

And who can blame her?

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a children's novel written by L. Frank Baum and illustrated by W. W. Denslow. Originally published by the George M. Hill Company in Chicago on May 17, 1900, it has since been reprinted numerous times, most often under the name The Wizard of Oz, which is the name of both the popular 1902 Broadway musical and the well-known 1939 film adaptation.

The story chronicles the adventures of a young girl named Dorothy Gale in the Land of Oz, after being swept away from her Kansas farm home in a cyclone. The novel is one of the best-known stories in American popular culture and has been widely translated. Its initial success, and the success of the 1902 Broadway musical which Baum adapted from his original story, led to Baum's writing 13 more Oz books. The original book has been in the public domain in the US since 1956.

In the book, when Dorothy and her companions try to enter the forest, the Fighting Trees pick the Scarecrow up and throw him back two times. They are easily overcome by the Tin Woodman and his a sharp axe.
 
In the 1939 film version, apple trees become annoyed with Dorothy when she picks an apple from one of them. The Scarecrow helps by provoking the apple trees into throwing their apples at him, which Dorothy can then collect. She discovers the Tin Man while collecting the thrown apples.

Using a pattern similar to the iconic film dress worn by Dorothy in the film, Momma used licensed Wizard of Oz fabric, but used the wrong side to soften the look. She paired it with a brown blouse covered with red apples. She is trying to find glittery red boots for the sale version, but I prefer my silver boots. (Dorothy wore silver shoes in the book, but it was changed to ruby red for the film.)

Momma is so excited about this that she is heading up the next Dolls for a Cause auction in August which will benefit Kids Need to Read. Classic books have been chosen for the theme.

Stay tuned for more exciting information.

In the meantime, a version of my One Bad Apple dress will be listed in Momma's Etsy shop soon!

Holy Comicon, Batman!

phoenixcomicon.com

Oh. My. Goodness.

The upcoming Phoenix Comicon 14 is shaping into a Doozy.

Not only are actor Nathan Fillion (swoon!) and author Charlaine Harris scheduled to appear, but now the cast of the 1960s television classic, Batman!

That's right kids, Adam West, Burt Ward, and Julie Newmar are scheduled to be there!

Batman was a 1960s American live action television series that aired on the ABC network for three seasons from Jan. 12, 1966 to March 14, 1968.  It was based upon the DC comic book character and starred West as Batman, Ward as Robin, and Newmar as Cat Woman.

I hope they like my Super Suit!

Na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na, Batman!

Lent Madness takes its toll

While many might not associate Lent with fun activities, those who do not have not participated in Lent Madness.

Momma and I have been fans of Lent Madness since it began in 2010 as the brainchild of The Rev. Tim Schenck.

Momma's friend came up with this unique Lenten devotion while seeking a fun, engaging way for people to learn about the men and women comprising The Episcopal Church’s Calendar of Saints. Combining his love of sports with his passion for the lives of the saints, Lent Madness was born on his blog, "Clergy Family Confidential."

The format is straightforward: 32 saints are placed into a tournament-like single elimination bracket. Each pairing remains open for a set period of time and people vote for their favorite saint. Sixteen saints make it to the Round of the Saintly Sixteen; eight advance to the Round of the Elate Eight; four make it to the Faithful Four; two to the Championship; and the winner is awarded the Golden Halo.

(Last year's winner? U.S. Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins won the coveted Golden Halo!)

The first round consists of basic biographical information about each of the 32 saints. Things get a bit more interesting in the subsequent rounds as they offer quotes and quirks, explore legends, and even move into the area of saintly kitsch. 

Today's pairing? Joseph of Arimathea vs. Anna Cooper

Today’s match-up is why Lent Madness can sometimes resemble the theater of the absurd. The Scriptural figure Joseph of Armimathea, who asked Pilate for Jesus’ body in order to give him a proper burial, takes on Anna Cooper, African-American feminist, writer, and academic. The good news? Lent Madness returns after taking a sabbath on the First Sunday in Lent. 

Anna Julia Haywood Cooper was one of the first feminists of the 20th century and a tireless advocate for "neglected people," in particular, African American women. Born in 1858 as the daughter of an enslaved African woman and a white man, likely her master, Cooper transcended the limitations of slavery and the post-Civil War’s Reconstruction.

She attended St. Augustine’s Normal & Technical Institute — now St. Augustine’s University — in Raleigh, N.C. She later studied at Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio and graduated in 1884 with a bachelor’s degree and in 1887 with a master’s in mathematics. While at St. Augustine’s, Anna met and married her husband George Cooper, who was preparing for the priesthood. Although he died two years after they married, Cooper pressed forward with her education and career because of her desire to foster the full inclusion of black women in civic life.

Cooper’s passionate belief in the power of education to transform lives led her to serve as a teacher and principal at M Street High School, the only all-black school in Washington, D.C. When her superintendent told Cooper that she should focus on teaching trades to her students instead of science, math, and literature, Cooper unabashedly defied his orders and continued with her original plans. As a result of her firm resolve, M Street’s graduates attended some of the nation’s most prestigious colleges and universities during a time when such opportunities were limited for women and people of color.

Cooper wrote A Voice from the South, in which she argued that black women had a unique voice about the experience of oppression and criticized educational, social, and civic advancements that only favored black men. At the heart of Cooper’s work was a firm belief in the potential of every human being.

Never one to slow down, Cooper adopted five orphaned children in 1915, and she earned her doctorate in history in 1925 at the age of 65 from the University of Paris. Cooper died in 1964 when she was 105 years old.

In 2009, the United States Postal Service issued a stamp in her honor. Pages 26-27 of all United States passports quote Cooper’s passionate beliefs about equality and freedom for all:

"The cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sect, a party, or a class—it is the cause of humankind, the very birthright of humanity."

(Thus it is possible to meditate on Lent Madness while waiting in slow-moving immigration lines when you return to the United States from vacationing elsewhere.)

Collect for Anna Julia Haywood Cooper
 

Almighty God, you inspired your servant Anna Julia Haywood Cooper with the love of learning and the skill of teaching: Enlighten us more and more through the discipline of learning, and deepen our commitment to the education of all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Guess who got our vote?

Kindred spirits are not so scarce

Momma just got home from "Betsy's Ray of Sunshine."

Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up.

The Maud Hart Lovelace online discussion list (Maud-L Listserv) is an electronic mail discussion group focusing on all things Betsy-Tacy as well as conversations of more general interest. 

Momma discovered the Maud-L Listserve many years ago and was instantly hooked..

She loves these old descriptions she found online.

According to Sharyn November,

The Maudlist is one of the best listservs I've seen -- more like a kaffeeklatsch than anything else. Yes, we talk about the books, but we also exchange life stories and recipes and jokes and mutual support. In fact, I even stayed with Carla Kozak when I went on vacation -- and no, I had never met her before. Maudvibes are sent when people are worried and blue, and they work! Trust me.

According to Julie Chuba,

I really enjoy all the little pieces of people's lives--little anecdotes, memories, traditions, different things people notice about books or stories I've read, etc. It's so much fun to hear about them, even though it may not have much to do with Maud Hart Lovelace or Betsy-Tacy. Becky's yummy-sounding meals, Katie's 4th of July, learning about Alice Austen from Diane, Poe's songs of the day, strange names (Dick Trickle finished me), Marsha Q.'s valiant attempts to keep on us on Betsy track, finding out about new books and movies and music--it's just a day brightener for me! I feel as though I a know a bit about a lot of you. Even though we probably have very dissimilar tastes and opinions and lifestyles, it's kind of fun to "get together" this way.

The members get together periodically to actually meet, eat, and explore the country. Betsy's Ray of Sunshine was scheduled from Friday, March 7 through Sunday, March 9, BUT the house party was still going strong when Momma came home to spend time with my Big Sister.

Events included: Happy Hour at Camelback Inn (great view of Camelback Mountain); antiquing in Glendale; desert walks/hikes; Phoenix Art Museum; a desert picnic at The Farm at South Mountain; talking/laughing/games/reading/whatever!

So, are you a Kindred Spirit? 


To subscribe or change your options on Maud-L, send e-mail to listserv@listserver.mtsac.edu. In the BODY of the message type one of the following according to the change you want make:

Subscribe Maud-L (to sign on)
Set Maud-L Nomail (to suspend receiving posts)
Set Maud-L Mail (to resume receiving posts)
Set Maud-L Digest (receive the posts in digest form)
Set Maud-L Nodigest (resume receiving posts one at a time)

Make sure you send the e-mail message from the account that you used to subscribe and that you omit or turn off any signatures in your e-mail message. If you have trouble subscribing to Maud-L, contact Arline.

 

Steampunk Addie and the Vortex of Time Parasol

I am sooo excited.

Look at what my Dear Friend Ginny Weasley just posted on my Facebook page!

Addie? Are you here today or wandering the world on some great adventure?

Mum set us to ridding the curtains of doxies again at Grimmauld Place, dusty old museum of a place if you ask me. Anyway, behind the spot where the portrait of Phineas Nigellus was hanging... well apparently this has been hiding there the whole time. I'm not sure if it belonged to his wife Ursula Flint or his sister Elladora Black but either way I wondered if you might want to have a look at it and investigate?

It let off the strangest sparks when I first picked it up, but now it just looks like an old umbrella. *sigh* You never know what sort of magic is hiding within The Noble House of Black!

Thanks Jen and Ginny! It's even better than Hagrid's Pink Umbrella!

Doll Bones

Ooh, I love a good book and Doll Bones by Holly Black sounds exactly like my kind of book!

Zach, Poppy, and Alice have been friends forever. And for almost as long, they’ve been playing one continuous, ever-changing game of pirates and thieves, mermaids and warriors. Ruling over all is the Great Queen, a bone-china doll cursing those who displease her.

(Doesn't the Great Queen remind you of someone you know? I bet my Dear Friend Angry Jess will like her, too.)

But they are in middle school now. Zach’s father pushes him to give up make-believe, and Zach quits the game. Their friendship might be over, until Poppy declares she’s been having dreams about the Queen—and the ghost of a girl who will not rest until the bone-china doll is buried in her empty grave.

(BTW, did you know that bone china is a type of porcelain made of bone ash?!)

Zach and Alice and Poppy set off on one last adventure to lay the Queen’s ghost to rest. But nothing goes according to plan, and as their adventure turns into an epic journey, creepy things begin to happen. Is the doll just a doll or something more sinister? And if there really is a ghost, will it let them go now that it has them in its clutches?

I can't wait to get my hands on this one. As for you, I see you shiver with ... anticipation.

The Wonderful Dolls of Oz

I've got the dreaded Dorothy Doll Dementia right now and wanted to discover when the first Dorothy doll was made.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was published on May 17, 1900. It was followed by a popular 1902 Broadway musical and three moving picture adaptions before the 1939 version starring Judy Garland!

• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1910)
• Wizard of Oz (1925)
• The Wizard of Oz (1933)

It is generally acknowledged that Oz merchandise predated the 1939 The Wizard of Oz, but I can't discover when the first dolls appeared. 

Dorothy and Oz character dolls have been produced since then including Madame Alexander, Barbie, Tonner, and the 75th Anniversary of the 1939 release has increased that production. (The Hollywood premiere was on Aug. 15, 1939, at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.)

I, of course, like the newest steampunk versions. (I've always had a thing for both the Tin Woodman and Tik-Tok.)

I'm curious, which do you prefer?


1.) Tonner's Tornado Traveler Dorothy?

tonnerdoll.com

or 2.) Madame Alexander's Dorothy and Toto, Steam Punk Doll?

madamealexander.com

Personally, I like aspects of both dolls (I am seriously loving M.A.'s Toto!) and I am excited to meet the newest addition in September!

Interview with the Steampunk Vampire

Why has no one told me about Key, The Steampunk Vampire Girl until now?

Becket, long-time assistant of legendary bestseller Anne Rice, presents his new middle-grade novel Key the Steampunk Vampire Girl and the Tower Tomb of Time with illustrator Raven Quinn.

The first book, Key the Steampunk Vampire Girl and the Dungeon of Despair (Volume 1), was released on Oct. 23, 2013. The second is scheduled to be released next week on Feb. 17, 2014 at 7 p.m. with a launch party at my favorite independent bookstore, Changing Hands.

Key the Steampunk Vampire Girl and the Dungeon of Despair (Volume 1)

Key had a very happy life on a farm — until her ninth birthday, when she lost her mom and dad, was changed into a vampire, and was ushered to the City of the Dead where she was thrown into the Dungeon of Despair. Key is now imprisoned for the rest of her immortal life in darkness, loneliness, and emptiness. But hope is not lost when Key is befriended by a ghost, a witch, and an immortal puppy. Through friendship, Key must learn that she herself is the key to freedom from Despair. Brought to life with the dazzling artwork of Raven Quinn, Becket - assistant to New York Times bestselling author Anne Rice - shares with you an enchanting world of vampire castles, glowing flowers, Crinomatics, and mostly dead Mystical Creatures.

Key, the Steampunk Vampire Girl and the Tower Tomb of Time (Volume 2)

Key the Steampunk Vampire Girl has escaped from the Dungeon of Despair, but now she must race through the Necropolis to the Tower Tomb of Time before Old Queen Crinkle can rewrite history. With the aid of Mr. Fuddlebee the ghost and Miss Broomble the Witch, Key and her immortal puppy, Tudwal, must drive a MotorHog, ride a Hobbeetle, and cling to an Umbracopter without getting lost in time, where she will have to confront an old enemy and a long forgotten past.

Gosh (and I use that wicked word boldly) Monday is going to be busy between the Renaissance Festival and the Launch Party! I simply cannot wait to read these!

Reading brings us unknown friends

I, of course, am (very) loosely based upon the American Girl Addy Walker books. But did you know my Dear Friends, Betsy, Tacy, Tib and Naifi, are based upon the Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace?

National Reading Day is an annual event which celebrates and encourages reading by younger children. National Reading Day is celebrated in thousands of schools all around the United States. This literacy event is designed to help Pre-K through Third Grade students develop the literacy foundation they need to become lifelong learners. Schools, libraries, nonprofit groups, and parents participate in a variety of activities with younger readers on National Reading Day. Join in with the hundreds of thousands of other young readers who will celebrate National Reading Day on Jan. 23, 2014.

“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”

― C.S. Lewis

“She is too fond of books, and it has addled her brain.”

― Louisa May Alcott

 

Somewhere in time

Momma and I are hoping to get back to regular blogging soon, but I had to share these new dolls with you.

Introducing Déjà Vu by Robert Tonner.

“Time after time, life after life, looking for her one true love....”

Ever have that strange sensation of overwhelming familiarity, when something shouldn’t be familiar at all? Penelope Brewster does. She can’t recall if these experiences are manifesting from something that she’s read in a book or seen in a movie, but…could it be the remembrances of past lives? She just chalks it up to Déjà Vu™ …but could it really be that simple?

Follow Penelope as she sets out on her latest adventure across time!

To read the full Déjà Vu™ storyline - CLICK HERE!

To get a sneak peek at the full 2013 Déjà Vu™ Collection - CLICK HERE!

Explore the poseability and endless possibilities of the ALL NEW Déjà Vu™ body - just CLICK HERE!

And the companion book is coming out this spring!

If one can't time travel, remembering past lives is the next best thing!

 

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 tale of two grumpies

Apparantly, we are unimpressed.

I came, I saw, I grumped.

Yes, that is correct. I got to meet Tardar Sauce, AKA Grumpy Cat.

Tardar Sauce was at Changing Hands Bookstore today to meet with local fans. Grumpy fans were allowed to take photographs and get their copies of Grumpy Cat: A Grumpy Book "pawtographed." We also got our choice of a Grumpy Cat pin or poster.

According to my calculations there were about 1,300 people there to see Arizona's viral internet sensation. We weren't allowed to touch, but I was pleased to see them let children with disabilities pet her.

And while I was not quite as popular as Tardar Sauce, I did find my own fans.

In fact, Tardar Sauce kind of reminded me of myself.

Small in stature. Big in imagination.

 

A great nation is a reading nation

Children's Book Week originated in the belief that children's books and literacy are life-changers. In 1913, Franklin K. Mathiews, the librarian of the Boy Scouts of America, began touring the country to promote higher standards in children's books. He proposed creating a Children's Book Week, which would be supported by all interested groups: publishers, booksellers, and librarians.

Mathiews enlisted two important allies: Frederic G. Melcher, the visionary editor of Publishers Weekly, and Anne Carroll Moore, the Superintendent of Children's Works at the New York Public Library and a major figure in the library world. With the help of Melcher and Moore, in 1916, the American Booksellers Association and the American Library Association sponsored a Good Book Week with the Boy Scouts of America.

Established in 1919, Children's Book Week is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country. Every year, commemorative events are held nationwide at schools, libraries, bookstores, homes -- wherever young readers and books connect!

The need for Children’s Book Week today is as essential as it was in 1919, and the task remains the realization of Frederic Melcher’s fundamental declaration: "A great nation is a reading nation."

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.