In the news

Momma has not purchased many doll outfits, except from Dolls for a Cause auctions, since she began sewing doll clothes herself.

Sewing came to a screeching halt after the house fire and the destruction of Momma's serger and sewing machine. 

Then, just as she got a machine and started accumulating fabric and patterns again, she was stricken with neuropathy!

Her self-imposed moratorium on purchasing was Sorely Tested by this Cute Little Number by Jennifer at hudathotjewelry on Etsy. 

This is a simple Asian style dress. Have a tea party with your doll. The dress is a Mandarin style dress that is made with an Asian print fabric. The fabric is beige, black and brown color with Oriental writing and pictures. The dress snaps in the front. I made matching hair pins with brown beads attached to 2 stick pins. There is also a tiny tea cup and saucer that I added so you can have a tea party with your doll. Unique!  

Made with the Ming Lin pattern by Doll Tag Clothing at Pixie Faire, Momma was thrilled with the vintage Chinese newspaper fabric. She was also pleased that the neckline was the correct left-over-right neckline. 

The point of the intersection in the middle neckline encourages Chinese to be unprejudiced. It also forms a straight line on the middle of the clothes, which encourages the wearer to be an upright person.

(In Japan, kimonos always wrap left-over-right, male or female. Only the dead wear right-over-left.)

The outfit arrived safely and neatly wrapped. Jennifer finished all the seams with either zig-zag stitching or bias-tape. The pattern says the outfit closes with four snaps, but Jennifer used three. All three snaps will need to be moved slightly to accommodate My plumper Pleasant Company body. One armhole was a little hard to get the hand through, but it was doable. 

The outfit came with a lovely gold-toned Asian-inspired locket and two bejeweled hairpins. Both hairpins came with caps on the ends to prevent slipping or accidental sticks. 

Finally, a tiny cup and saucer were included! Historically teacups in China did not have handles, but the handle on this makes it easier for 18" Vinyl Americans like Me to hold and enjoy. 

Jennifer says her very favorite clothes to make are Steampunk clothes, so I'll definitely be keeping an eye on her. I think my only word of advice for Jennifer would be careful with scale and bulkiness. It is too easy to overwhelm 18" Vinyl Americans with big prints and bulky fabrics.

Thankfully, this outfit is perfect and a welcome addition to My Steampunk Wardrobe, although I think my pirate pal Madame Ching is going to steal it from Me!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/hudathotjewelry

Tools of the trade

Eek! I am so excited! 

Momma has found me my very own tool-chest and is stocking it with mini tools for me!

The tool-chest is a tin gift card holder from Lowe's, and the mini tools are keychains from Oriental Trading Company:   http://m.orientaltrading.com/tool-key-chains-a2-8_30.fltr

I'm busy stocking it with tiny nails, screws, and hose-clamps. Whee!

Fright-Mare before Christmas

I'm a finely tuned Fright-Mare who's geared to trot like a top. I believe precision makes the world go round and that includes getting my name right. It's P-E-N-E-P-O-L-E! Please pronounce it precisely.

FAVORITE ACTIVITY

I create clockwork pieces that are part functional, part art. All my beasties have received at least one as a gift.

KILLER STYLE

Screampunk! I like to take 19th century fashions, add bits of brass – like gears and maybe some goggles – and make something mane-ificent!

PET PEEVE

Don't mistake my love of all-things-vintage to mean I'm not a forward-galloping ghoul.

FREAKY FLAW

It's a challenge for me to prance-straight through other monsters' dreams where time gets so muddled.

Wolf in rabbit's clothing?

Momma and I were checking out the latest Madame Alexander catalogue looking for information about Steampunk Red Riding Hood when we saw this:

"Steampunk Red Riding Hood includes monocle, binoculars, pocket watch, shoulder bag with rabbits foot"

Rabbits foot?

Did we miss something?

The mother of invention

I do not know how this was released without My Notice, but look at this new steampunk pattern from Pixie Faire!

It is the Inventor who uses their talent and imagination to create the marvels of the steampunk world. Ceaseless tinkering, designing and occasionally blowing things up – the Inventor is a quintessential steampunk archetype.

The steampunk movement is built on Victorian science fiction. As such, steampunk fashion uses the Victorian and Edwardian eras as a basis and builds from there. One steampunk blogger advises "dress Victorian and then add". It's the additions – gears and gadgets - that make steampunk so fun. This pattern bundle includes not only the basic clothing pieces – Knickerbockers, Shirt and Utility Bustle – but also some fun goggles!  This PDF sewing pattern is designed to fit 18 inch dolls such as American Girl®.

http://www.pixiefaire.com/products/steampunk-inventor-bundle-18-doll-clothes

The exquisite adventure

Momma and I are at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, waiting to get my Big Cousins from their whirlwind Grand Tour, and look at what we found on display!

Steampunk: The Exquisite Adventure
Nov. 8, 2014 – June 21, 2015 

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Terminal 3, Level 2, display cases

Steampunk is an inspired movement of creativity and imagination that combines science fiction, history and art. It includes literature, artwork, music, film, design, and for some, a lifestyle.

Artisans reimagine modern technologies as elaborate works of art, fashion, and mechanics, most often with the backdrop of the Victorian era. However, in the spirit of fantasy and time-travel there is artistic freedom to create Medieval, Wild West, Industrial/Modern or an alternative world which is known as the Steampunk genre.

The "Steam" in Steampunk was inspired by the extravagantly inventive age of steam-powered machines, dirigibles, brass diving bells and analog computers. The "punk" in "Steampunk" typifies going against convention through creativity and making a declaration of one's individuality through style, gadgets and attitude.

It is the story and thus the characters that drive the artwork of Steampunk. Alter egos are created in costumes complete with top hats, waist coats, corsets and bustles with accompanying gear. Steampunk projects aspire to make something elegant out of random "bits and bobs": creating brass goggles, wings made with pulleys, steam-powered gadgets, clockwork pendants or a ray gun dangling at the hip.

The Steampunk artist is on an Exquisite Adventure of intrigue and discovery in a world of their own making.

Steampunk: The Exquisite Adventure was originally co-curated by Scottsdale Public Art (SPA) Curator of Collections and Exhibitions Wendy Raisanen, and artist and Steampunk enthusiast Susan Rubin.

Scottsdale Public Art (SPA), in partnership with the Scottsdale Public Library, presents exhibitions and educational programming in the gallery in the Scottsdale Civic Center Library that strengthens awareness of the arts and stimulates community dialogue. The 2500 square foot gallery provides ample space for SPA to bring engaging artistic, visual, and educational experiences to the public—building community through free, accessible, quality exhibitions. The gallery is also used as a gathering space for informative and participatory events such as artist talks, lectures, and workshops.

Photo caption for photo above:

Nola Yergen, Copperhead Kate, 2013, life-size costume, image by Steven Goldstein

Friend or foe

Steampunk Red Riding Hood by Madame Alexander $199.95

Red Riding Hood isn't so little anymore! She makes a whimsical appearance in the 2015 Madame Alexander line as a 16 inch Alex doll with a steampunk twist. She is made of vinyl and fully articulated. A 2015 Madame Alexander doll. Suitable for ages 14 and up.

Momma and I love the wolf's tail!

Rock Me Amadeus

I. Am. Outraged.

Outraged, I say.

Why? Grandmomma neglected to tell Us about next week's steampunk version of Mozart's opera, The Magic Flute.

Certainly, Arizona Opera's snake poster didn't alert us to this Wondrous Event.

Honestly, a steampunk version of one of Momma's very favorite operas and no one told us?!

The Magic Flute is an opera in two acts by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart which premiered on Sept. 30, 1791 at Schikaneder's theatre in Vienna.

Full of magical melodies and fantastic creatures, Mozart's beloved tale follows Prince Tamino and bird-catcher Papageno on an adventure to rescue Princess Pamina. As they face unexpected trials and challenges on their journey, audiences will marvel as the genius and imagination of the composer unfolds before their eyes. 

Arizona Opera captivates audiences with a new and innovative production of The Magic Flute, created by Metropolitan Opera stage director, Daniel Rigazzi. Set inside the world of Tamino's imagination, the scenic design is filled with allusions to dreams and the idea of nature vs science. Surrealist imagery, inspired by the paintings of Rene Magritte with a nod to Victorian-era "Steampunk" style take the audience to an exciting place where imagination and reality blend together in Mozart's masterpiece.

The perfect opera for families, Mozart's The Magic Flute is full of magical melodies, dreamlike characters and mythical woodland creatures.

Sung in German with English supertitles.

Running time: 2 hours and 56 minutes including one 30 minute intermission

The Adventures of Nellie Bligh

Momma has finally decided upon her own steampunk ensemble!

Using Simplicity Pattern #1558 as a basis, she plans to make the blouse with Tea-Dyed Muslin, and the skirt with two Tim Holtz Eclectic Elements fabrics: Stamps Neutral (using the reverse side) and Photo Card Multi. The blouse and skirt will both be 100 percent cotton which will make them both cool and washable.

How disgustingly practical!

Her character? Captain Nellie Bligh - a composite of both Nellie Bly and Captain Bligh.

What do you think?

Not all heroes wear capes!

Momma and I are proud to be part of the four newest Dolls for a Cause auctions on eBay. All four auctions run through Sunday, June 22 and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit Fisher House Foundation. 

Today I focus on My Personal Favorite, the Steampunk Batman and Robin collection that Momma contributed to.

How do you define a Hero? This is what we asked ourselves as we went to work on a collection to honor our veterans. In these auctions you will find an amazing assortment of superheroes and real heroes. These are our true super heroes! They are selflessly our protectors. I would like to thank all of our service men and women for your service to our country. You are my superhero. You are Batman without his cape.

These amazing collections will be sold as 100 percent donation to Fisher House Foundation. We did some research to find a veterans charity that spends the money wisely where we could feel confident that your donations will be put to very good use.

A Fisher House is “a home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. The homes are normally located within walking distance of the treatment facility or have transportation available. There are 63 Fisher Houses located on 23 military installations and 24 VA medical centers. Many more houses are under construction or in design.

Since 1990

• Families served: More than 180,000
• Number of lodging days offered: Over 4.7 million
• Saved families more than $200 million in lodging and transportation costs

Not all Heroes wear capes - Steam Punk Batman and Robin collection

We decided to take Batman and Robin and change them into something new and different yet still touches us as the true Batman and Robin always have. Batman and Robin are classic superheroes we all know and love, and we are so happy to present them to you as a tribute to our veterans.

Donated by Dacia of Mini Me Dolly Divas on Etsy
Steampunk Batman

Skirt - bustle skirt pattern by Thimbles and Acorns, black fabric, with batman print bustle, edged in yellow beaded trim, and closes with a snap

Shirt -pattern by MHD designs - gray with Batman fabric trim has pleated neckline, this shirt is fully lined, it has little snaps on the sleeve cuffs for a nice snug fit but will still easily go over your doll's hands, and it closes in the back with snaps

Corset -pattern by MHD designs- black fabric with machine embroidered Batman patch fully lined, has a ribbon strap closure in the back

Cape - Modified Melody Valerie Couture pattern is black with Batman fabric lining, fully lined and closes in the front with a snap

Steampunk Robin

Skirt - Thimbles and Acorns bustle dress pattern modified. I modified this pattern making a short underskirt for fun. It is made in green and red fabrics with yellow bead trim and closes in the back with a snap, and has whimsical machine embroidered patches

Jacket -Thimbles and Acorns bustle dress pattern - this jacket is fully lined and closes in the front with snaps.

Hat - Bonjour Teaspoon pattern available at Pixiefaire, hat is fully lined.

T-shirt- Trendy tee pattern by Liberty Jane Clothing, green embroidered T-shirt closes in the back with velcro. This T-shirt is my nod to service men and women, our heroes without capes.

Donated by Greta Huls of Rexphiles on Etsy
Additional Steampunk Accessories

Lobstertail bustles to properly outfit the steampunk dresses made with the Thimbles & Acorns pattern 1870-02. Bustles became popular after the Civil War when travel by train became popular. Large hoopskirts didn't fit through narrow train aisles so the bustle became popular.

Batman's bustle is made with licensed Batman fabric, and ties with coordinating grosgrain ribbon. A small surprise is hidden from view - Bam!

Robin's bustle is made in green and red fabrics with yellow bead trim, and ties with yellow grosgrain ribbon. A small surprise is hidden from view - Pow!

Goggles/masks - inspired and modified from Simplicity® Pattern 1392: Doll Accessories. Both are made with soft black or dark green and dark red vinyls, coordinating ribbon ties, and yellow plastic lenses. I sewed everything making it sturdier and eliminating the need for glue. "Your identity is your most valuable possession. Protect it."

* Sorry dolls and shoes are NOT included in this listing*

Thank you for admiring our collection. This is one of four amazing collections to support this charity presented by Dolls for a Cause. Please look for our other auctions, and find us on Facebook.

I shall spotlight the other auctions this week!

 

The Emperor Penguins Strike Back

I thought today would be a good day to introduce my Empire of steampunk Emperor Penguins.

Why?

Because April 25th is World Penguin Day!

Thanks to Momma's friend Jessica I now have 15 of these Captain Pennys.

Like Oz, my army is all Captains. (Well, Oz is all generals and one private but you get the idea. I hope.) 

My goal? World domination, one penguin at a time.

Mwa ha ha!

 

Suit yourself

Greta Garb-oh!

Momma and I are proud to present the second outfit in her Greta Garb-oh! Collection: a two-piece 1870s Super Suit PLUS a coordinating Lobster Tail Bustle and Petticoat. Both are based upon patterns by Thimbles and Acorns.

Momma's Super Suit is as wild and crazy as a day at ComiCon. Not only does it feature Supergirl, Batgirl, and Wonder Woman, but it has the bold onomatopoeic words (Bam! Pow! Wham!) associated with comics, and the coordinating petticoat and bustle has the stars seen in cartoons after a stunning blow to the head.

After making my Super Suit, Momma decided to add gold lame to the cuffs in homage to Wonder Woman's bulletproof bracelets. A gold lasso of truth is attached at the waist, but can be removed if desired.

(I'm jealous. I want bulletproof bracelets, too!)

Open for business

Momma and I are proud to present the first outfit in her Greta Garb-oh! Collection: a two-piece 1870s Bustle Dress PLUS a matching Lobster Tail Bustle and Petticoat. Both are based upon patterns by Thimbles and Acorns.

From her Etsy page description:

Dresses in the 1870s were typically made in two pieces - what we now think of as suits. If desired, the petticoat can be worn alone or with other pieces for mix-and-match potential.

For this outfit I chose to use both the green Victorian Dream Gears and a tea-stained muslin. I accented the outfit with a coppery piping which picks up the subtle shades of brown and rust in the green fabric.

All FOUR items (my doll and mannequin are NOT for sale!) are made by me in my smoke-free (but not pet-free!) home from pre-washed 100 percent cotton, except for the piping and thread which contains polyester. All exposed edges have been serged EXCEPT for the raw edges on the two bows AND the selvage edge on the bottom of the petticoat and Lobster Tail Bustle. I loved the color and finish on the tea-stained muslin selvage and incorporated it into the design.

This outfit will fit all American Girl dolls including the earlier, plumper Pleasant Company versions. While it looks floor-length on Peggy (my mannequin and Steampunk Addie's one-legged friend) it is the same length as Steampunk Addie's.

This dress does contain small buttons and metal hooks and eyes so it should not be given to small children. It is intended for the serious doll collector who is 14 or older.

These items can be washed, but I would recommend removing the two bows prior to washing so the raw edges do not fray.

I have been sewing for 37 years, but have only recently started sewing for my dolls. (Steampunk Addie says it's about time!) I plan to make two versions of most outfits: one for Steampunk Addie (or her Vinyl American friends) and one for sale. That means each outfit will be a limited edition of TWO unless stated otherwise. The main difference in these two outfits is the buttons on the outfit you will receive are smaller than Steampunk Addie's.

I love quirky things which is why I love steampunk. (Think of steampunk as Victorian science fiction.) While this outfit is pleasantly restrained, watch for upcoming outfits in patterns and fabrics that will surprise you.

Shipping is for the contiguous United States. I also ship worldwide, but PLEASE contact me for a shipping quote if you live outside the contiguous United States.

Wait until you see the next item!

Pardon, my slip is showing

Ooh, the excitment is building around here.

Not only did Momma finish my LepreCon outfit (complete with matching petticoat and lobster tail bustle) but she is finishing a second to sell in her Etsy shop, Greta Garb-oh!, this week!

Yes, you too can dress like me! Momma plans to make two of each outfit she makes for me (or my Vinyl American siblings) and sell the second on Etsy.

The Thimbles and Acorns description for both the 1870s Bustle Dress and Lobster Tail Bustle and Petticoat are the same:

Fashion is where expression meets practicality and lures it into the realm of the extreme. Though fashion trends have a tendency to push the limits, practicality always manages to bring them back into balance… at least for a time. Full skirts were the hallmark of the early Victorian era and by the 1860s they had expanded to as wide as six feet in diameter.

However, as railroads began forging paths around the world, women began to travel more and more. Full skirts and crinolines made for poor traveling companions and the boundary for this fashion trend had been reached. Still, it would be a gallant exit.

 The 1870s saw a great boom in the textile industry. Hand looms were replaced by more efficient steam driven power looms which resulted in a larger supply of cloth and fancy trims at greatly reduced prices. The great cage crinolines were shed and the surplus fabric from the full skirts was draped in elaborately decorated layers and pulled toward the back in large bustles that were reminiscent of those worn a century earlier. The fashionable silhouette had become smaller and more mobile, but what was lost in size was more than made up for with the elaborate trimming which would become the hallmark of the later Victorian Era.

Momma used the green Victorian Dream Gears and tea-stained muslin. She deliberalty left the petticoat longer than the shortened bustle skirt so the raw, selvage would show. Momma plans to make me a matching camisole and drawers, too!

I think it's pretty awesome, myself.

 

See Joan, See Joan Sew

simplicity.com

My Dear Friend Joan Dickhaut (aka See Joan Sew) at beds-n-blankies.com is an extraordinary woman. 

Not only did she make Francis a Mad Scientist steampunk lab that I am still coveting, but Simplicity Patterns is scheduled to publish her pattern next month on April 18.

Versatile pieces mix and match to create steam punk, gypsy, Renaissance and other eclectic looks to fit 18" dolls. See envelope for more information. Get FREE instructions for accessories at www.simplicity.com/1392.

Mind you, this journey has taken nearly a year! Joan first revealed the exciting news on May 11, 2013 ... and I didn't find out until Aug. 28!

Momma, of course, saw the pattern potential and wrote Joan:

Steampunk Addie is thrilled to see this and can't wait to get a signed pattern!

To which Joan replied:

Hahaha! Guess who was a major inspiration for some of those pieces. I'll need a signed pattern from her!

My pen is poised and waiting Joan.

 

Having a ball

pixiefaire.com

Yippee! The Cadewyn Dress pattern from Melody Valerie Couture is now available!

The Cadewyn Dress was featured in the Melody Valerie Couture Fall 1023 Inventions in Steampunk Collection. This epic ball gown for 18” dolls features architecturally pleated shoulders, a high back collar, and a dramatic silhouette. An optional Center Front scallop detail adds interest. Side lacing provides a venue to showcase your favorite ribbon or trim; it closes up the back with a zipper and some hooks and eyes. 

This dress would look great in fabric that holds a crease, such as a crisp cotton, nylon, or silk dupioni. Tulle is probably your simplest choice for the overskirts, but for a challenging (and exciting) effect, try layering several different colors of chiffon. 

Suggested fabrics to use: This PDF pattern was designed for use with silk habotai (China silk) or other very lightweight, soft-bodied, lightly woven fabrics like cotton batiste or a thin tencel lining fabric.

Now for Dianne, and I'll be all set for my Diesel Punk look.

 

Tickled steam-pink

www.etsy.com/shop/CedarMoon

I think everyone knows by now about My Fondness for kitschy flamingos, so imagine My Delight when worlds collided with Sir Steampunk!

Sir Steampunk (with monocle and/or mustache) is a handmade garden art sculpture. A OOAK Victorian gift for that formal garden or gardeners. A unique home & garden decor sculpture. He's a reinvented pink plastic flamingo base covered with weather resistant paints, paper/aluminum foil structure, recycled materials, gears/wires, faux-copper make up the rest of the disguise. He has no real metal on him except for some wires and recycled metal and wooden gears. Steam Punk: the future as imagined by the past (Scientific romantic fiction).

Sir Steampunk is quite proper in his optional top hat and monocle. And now with the option of a classy mustache! This unique Flamingo looks great in formal gardens and up-cycled Victorian gardens alike. Each Steam Punk flamingo made will be slightly different because they are as unique as the parts they made from.

His Facebook page is a delight, too. 

This Facebook Page is hosted by me, Ignacio Flamingo, and is the brainstorm of my agent, Kate Higgins. I agreed to do this provided I stay in disguise. The majority of the flock just wouldn’t understand. Belonging to a flock of hundreds is comforting but a bit stifling. Some of us really want to branch out. Some of us have dreams and desires that just don’t merge with the colony...so Flamingo Incognito! was born.

There's another steampunk flamingo listed, too, as well as a whole rainbow of other inspired Phoenicopteridae. If you like flamingos, make sure you check out CedarMoon Studio!

So many flamingos, so little yard... and I still have to tell you about my Zombie Flamingo!

Mwa ha ha!

A force to be reckoned with

Momma and I both admire Melody Valerie Couture and were thrilled with her Fall 2013 line, Inventions in Steampunk. 

Sadly, two of the outfits (Ardith and Betsy) sold for way more than we could afford, especially Ardith, so we are thrilled to see those patterns are now available on Pixie Faire.

pixiefaire.com

Ardith Dress 18" Doll Clothes

With such a wistful look on her face, she could have been the Lady of Shalott. But something in her air made one think she was made of sterner stuff than that -- something more industrial, more revolutionary. And you would have been right. Delicately attired in her dramatic evening gown, she floated across the plaza to change the world.

This stunning gown for 18” dolls is designed for ultra-soft habotai (”China silk”), with artificial leather accents at the neckline and waist. Rows upon rows of ruffles cascade down the full-length skirt, or make the short version for your favorite summer garden party. Tiny eyelets and a sturdy silk ribbon lace the dress closed in the back. Between the contrasting yoke, the cold-shoulder sleeves, and the dramatic back, embellishment opportunities abound! Try adding chain, vintage brooches, or beadwork for your own unique touch to this fabulous dress.

pixiefaire.com

Betsy Dress 18" Doll Clothes

Her name on paper was simple enough: Betsy. Not very pretentious. Not very unusual. Downright ordinary, in fact. But when she arrived, her striking gown’s elegant silhouette and shimmering jewels glistening in the late evening sunlight, it was clear we had been wrong about Betsy. She was a force to be reckoned with.

“Betsy” is a luxurious soft gown in both maxi and day lengths. It features a pull-on design, a ruched bodice, optional bodice lining and petticoat, and shoulder straps that cross in the back before becoming part of the pleated skirt. We suggest using a soft knit with some body and rebound, like a jersey knit.

Now for Cadewyn and Dianne....

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!

Tell him to buy me 30 acres of land

Continuing on with the 26th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival: the Best Part!

My Royal Press Pass - which they made me return!

At last! The Steam Pirate Airships!

I am giddy with excitement! Look at that top hat and goggles!

Ooh, the sign has a cameo like the one I gave Clementine!

I am overcome with excitement.

"You've got a friend in me."

I am the Queen of the world! Or the airship! Or the octopus! Whee!

Getting ready to see my boney prince Bobbie.

Momma making sure I look my best for Ded Bob.

"Look into my eye sockets...."

"All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up."

Watching Ded Bob flirt with other women. He is dead to Me.

Snuggle close, Ded Bob, snuggle close.

Hmm, it looks like The Tortuga Twins like The Big Bang Theory, too.

Always looking for new parasols, I'm saddened that this vendor has none my size, but this is close!

I can't wait to go again. Have you gone yet? What is your favorite part?


Click here to see the first half of my Renaissance Adventure.