Aw, shucks!

Aw, I'm blushing.

I was Quite Flattered yesterday when I was asked to write a short guest post for a Very Popular Doll Blog for my upcoming birthday.

(Which is April 9, in case you forgot.)

I, of course, agreed immediately.

So I am working feverishly on a brief history of how I came to be and a few photos to accompany it.

This is going to be AWESOME! 

Stay tuned....

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.

 

Chasing my dream across the sky

While at AGPLA there were several things I had to see that are on my wish list.

First up, Saige's Hot Air Balloon Set.

I wrote about this in January when it was first released, but this was the first chance I got to actually examine it.

Love! 

Saige Steampunk Addie loves to soar high above the mountains with her dad! This high-flying set includes:

• A beautiful, colorful inflatable nylon hot air balloon with a basket that's big enough for a doll to stand inside and a door that swings open
• Faux binoculars that can hang around her neck
• A mini map of Albuquerque to track where they're floating
• A pilot's log book for her notes about balloon flights
• A faux camera, for capturing beautiful memories
• A messenger bag that's roomy enough to store everything inside

Sadly, this did not come home with me since Momma said we were on a "budget."

But a doll can always dream, right?

Steampunk Addie Paints the Sky

American Girl

It's here, it's here, it's really, really here!

While some might be rejoicing in American Girl's release of the 2013 Girl of the Year, Saige Copeland, I am rejoicing in her accessories.

Specifically, Saige's Hot Air Balloon Set.

Steampunk Addie Saige loves to soar high above the mountains with her dad! This high-flying set includes:

• A beautiful, colorful inflatable nylon hot air balloon with a basket that's big enough for a doll to stand inside and a door that swings open
• Faux binoculars that can hang around her neck
• A mini map of Albuquerque to track where they're floating
• A pilot's log book for her notes about balloon flights
• A faux camera, for capturing beautiful memories
• A messenger bag that's roomy enough to store everything inside

And at a whopping 49.5 inches high by 24 inches wide, it's big enough for both me and Clementine!

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.

 

Li'l Wil

blindferret.com

Ack!

I. MUST. HAVE. ONE.

My very own Li'l Wil Wheaton Plushie for a mere $19.95.

Which came first? The Internet or Wil Wheaton? No one knows for sure, but rest assured top men are working on the answer. TOP. MEN. Since the actual Wil Wheaton lives inside the Internet, you can't actually possess him. OR CAN YOU!? You can't, but you can own your very own soft, diminutive effigy of Wil that may or may not be a horcrux containing a tiny piece of his soul. I'm just saying, give your Li'l Wil a hug and I bet somewhere in California the real one lets out an audible sigh of contentment. Set it on fire and... well, you paid your money. Do what you want. 

Wil dared Joel via twitter to draw him as a plushie. Almost a year later the little guy exists in meat space. Call it the slowest replicator ever, but living in the future is pretty neat. I know you can't wait to knit him a tiny sweater. Spacesuit or evil clown; it's your choice.

Maybe I should get two and sign HIS tummy and send it to Wheaton.

What think you?

The Grimm Adventures of Steampunk Addie

Keeping Momma entertained while she recovers from surgery just got a whole lot easier once we discovered Grimm, a television show just starting its second season.

Homicide Detective Nick Burkhardt of the Portland Police Bureau learns he is descended from a line of guardians known as "Grimms," charged with keeping balance between humanity and the "Wesen," mythological creatures of the world.

Throughout the episodes, Burkhardt must battle against an assortment of dangerous creatures, with help from his friend Monroe (who is a reformed Big Bad Wolf) and his partner Detective Hank Griffin.

Early in season one, Burkhardt's Aunt Marie (also a Grimm) entrusts him with a previously unknown silver Airstream trailer containing all the tools of their Grimm trade: books (graphic "fairy tales"), weapons, and poisons.

Burkhardt's friend Monroe drives a Volkwagon Beetle. His is yellow with a roof, but I won't be picky about that detail.

Momma (and I) have always loved VW Bugs and Airstreams.

Know we know why.

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.

 

Cute as a Bug on a rug

American Girl

Momma is seriously geeking out this week.

American Girl leaked that one of its new releases on June 28 is Julie's Car Wash Set ... featuring a Volkswagen Beetle!!!

The Volkswagen Beetle, officially called the Volkswagen Type 1 (or informally the Volkswagen Bug), was an economy car produced by the German auto maker Volkswagen (VW) from 1938 until 2003.

Momma's parents got their first (yellow) Bug while she was in Kindergarten (1969-1970). It was quickly followed by a pale blue Bug.

Grandmomma learned to drive stick-shift on the yellow Bug while driving Momma to kindergarten. (Grandmomma and her best friend once drove from Ohio to Florida in one of the Bugs with four kids!) Ten years later Momma learned how to drive stick-shift on the same yellow Bug.

Sadly, Momma killed that poor yellow Bug in a car accident in 1982. (The fire department had to cut the roof off to extricate Momma, briefly creating the only VW bug convertible owned by her family.)

So while I'm busy creating a fake driver's license for me, Momma is praying the price for Julie's Car Wash Set will lower than the rumored $350.

Gulp.

If so, we'll be looking for one in the salvage yard.