Viva la Vida~An AGPS

I used to rule the world

Seas would rise when I gave the word

Now in the morning I sleep alone

Sweep the streets I used to own

I used to roll the dice

Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes

Listened as the crowd would sing

Now the old king is dead long live the king

One minute I held the key

Next the walls were closed on me

And I discovered that my castles stand

Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand

I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing

Roman cavalry choirs are singing

Be my mirror, my sword and shield

Missionaries in a foreign field

For some reason I can't explain

Once you'd gone there was never

Never an honest word

And that was when I ruled the world

It was a wicked and wild wind

Blew down the doors to let me in

Shattered windows and the sound of drums

People couldn't believe what I'd become

Revolutionaries wait

For my head on a silver plate

Just a puppet on a lonely string

Oh who would ever want to be king?

I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing

Roman cavalry choirs are singing

Be my mirror, my sword and shield

My missionaries in a foreign field

For some reason I can't explain

I know St Peter won't call my name

Never an honest word

But that was when I ruled the world

Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh 

I hear Jerusalem bells a-ringing

Roman cavalry choirs are singing

Be my mirror, my sword and shield

My missionaries in a foreign field

For some reason I can't explain

I know St Peter won't call my name

Never an honest word

But that was when I ruled the world

~

Credit to Adi for the Lyric Photoshoot

What did you guys think? I really wish the photos had turned out better, but I think they look okay. 

So, here is the story behind the photoshoot. This year, I have been in a European History class, and we recently discussed the French Revolution. It has been my absolute favorite unit (and no, not because of the blood and gore) of all of the events we have covered. I love learning about the French Revolution because the reasons for the Revolution are so complicated. My second reason for doing this photoshoot is that my favorite song is Viva La Vida by Coldplay. I didn't know it was based on the life of Louis XVI, but as soon as I began to learn about the French Revolution, the lyrics made sense. Before, I loved it for the music, after all, I am a musician. But now, I love it for its meaning and the music. The girls are dressed up in clothing that represents the time period, and most of their outfits remind me of Marie Antoinette, (I recently read a book about her; it was fascinating) who was the French queen during the Revolution. They all have blue, white, and red ribbons in their hair because those are the colors on the French Tricolore, which also originated during the Revolution:

Image Credit 

Anyway, that is the long and complicated explanation of why I took these photos. :) Also, sorry about the black specks all over the photos. My mom's camera has a bit of dirt stuck inside the lens that has never seemed to go away, so we always get strange black specks all over the photos. :)

 I edited a few photos for fun. :)

Oh, that reminds me! I was looking at all of the editing features that Pic Monkey has, and one of them is a double exposure! I learned how to create a double exposure with Photoshop in photography the other day. It is SO complicated, but it results in really cool photos. I would post one of the photos I edited, but all of the pictures I took were of June, my mom, and little bro. :P Just try Googling double exposure though; it looks so cool! When we get Photoshop on the computer again, I will try editing a photo of the girls and show it to you. :)

I should have another post up in a little bit. ;)

 P.S. I thought I would include a family photo we took the other day as well. :)

Extra Information:
Music Credit: Coldplay
Dolls: Molly Historical, Felicity Historical, Cecile Historical, Nicki GOTY 2007, Marie-Grace Historical, and Julie Historical
Camera: Nikon D40
Clothing:
Molly: Brocade Holiday Dress (2013)
Brocade Holiday Dress Flats
Red Ribbon from Meet Outfit
Felicity: Felicity's Tea Dress and Shoes
Cream Ribbon from Molly's Holiday Outfit
Cecile: Meet Outfit (All pieces)
Nicki: Felicity's Holiday Gown
White Heels
Blue Ribbon from Rebecca's School Outfit
Marie-Grace: Felicity's Gala Gown
Flats from Plaid School Outfit
Red Ribbon from Molly's Meet Outfit
Julie: Felicity's Meet Dress
Heels from Rebecca's Lace Dress
White Ribbon from Felicity's Meet Outfit

A Few Awards That Are Long Overdue

We were nominated by the lovely Emily U. from A Falling Star for the "You're A Great Photographer Award." Thank you so much hon! If you haven't visited her blog, we suggest going and seeing it; she's such a doll! :D

Here are the rules:

1. Nominate 3-7 blogs for this award and make a link to the blog.

2. If you are nominated, give 1 of your photography tips and answer the questions given.

3. Go comment on a post of the person you nominated letting them know they were nominated.

4. Copy the picture above on your post.

5. Link your post back to the original post.

6. Add the picture to your tool bar or page.

7. Copy these rules onto your post.

8. Have fun!

Ginny's photography tip: Try taking photos at different angles but in the same area. For instance, if you are taking a photo of a doll, leave the doll where he/she is, and just move the camera. It works quite well I've found. Ooh, one more thing! Most cameras have several shooting modes, and these shooting modes are very helpful for taking photos at night, taking photos of moving objects, etc. Definitely use them to your advantage!!! They improve your photos greatly. :D

June's photography tip: *says in slightly confused English accent* If you are to be a photographer, remember to change outfits depending on when you take the photo. Oh, and be sure to take the photos before the gong! (Haha, very funny June. In case you didn't know, we are both slightly obsessed with Downton Abbey right now, so if you have no clue what we're talking about, be sure to try watching Downton Abbey.)

1. Have you seen into the woods? (If you have, did you like it?)

Ginny and June: Neither of us have, but we would love to see it!!

2. Do you prefer marshmallows or whipped cream on your hot chocolate?

Ginny: I would definitely have to go with whipped cream: 1. It's delightful. 2. Marshmallows turn into slippery little devils in hot chocolate. X)

June: WHIPPED CREAM IS MY LIFE. Or how about marshmallows AND whipped cream? S:)

3. Would you rather drink apple sauce or eat it with a spoon?

Ginny: I've never tried drinking it, and I'm not sure how much I'd like it (It sounds like it would be much too slurpy; I have this weird pet peeve where I hate listening and watching people eat), so I'll go with 'eat it with a spoon.'

June: I'd rather eat apple sauce with a spoon because *says in preppy English accent* it is the proper Downton Abbey way to do it!

4. Have you tried sea weed? (and if you have do you like it?)

Ginny: I tried sushi for the first time at a local grocery store a few weeks ago, and it had seaweed in it, and I thought the sushi was pretty good, so I'll go with yes and yes. :)

June: No, no, no, and no and I never plan to. EVER. 

Thank you so much Emily!! (We'll nominate people at the bottom) 

We also were nominated for the "New Blogger Award" by Emma from Whiskers and Wildflowers!! Thank you dear!!

1. How many American Girl dolls do you own?

Ginny: I own six American Girl dolls, one Bitty Baby, and three AG minis. 

June: I own five American Girl Dolls, one Bitty Baby, and three AG minis.

2. Who was the first doll that you added to your collection?

Ginny: Marie was my first of all of my dolls (she is my Bitty), but Molly was my first American Girl Doll.

June: Maria was the first to arrive of all of my dolls (Bitty!), but Emily was my first AG doll. :)

3. What made you decide to start your blog?

Ginny and June: First, Izzy came out, and that inspired us both to do more with our dolls. And second, we found AG blogs, and thought they were pretty cool. :)

4. Who is your favorite doll and why? (Any doll, not just AG.)

Ginny: Well, I adore my AG dolls equally, but my other favorites are Caroline, Grace, and MAG 55 because I think they are really pretty. I also have recently found A Girl For All Time, and I think they are gorgeous dolls. :D

June: I love all of my dolls and Samantha. 

Thanks again Emma!!

And last but certainly not least, we were nominated for the "Liebster Award" by Doll Daydreams. Thanks dear!!

1. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Ginny: I love mint chocolate chip. :D

June: Mint Chocolate Chip!!

2. Favorite season?

Ginny: Most of the time, that's a tie between spring and fall, but right now it is spring because of all of the plant life. 

June: I like spring because the flowers are blooming and everything is green. 

3. Favorite animal?

Ginny: Flamingos!!

June: MY FAVORITE ANIMAL IS A DUCK, AND IF ANY OF YOU ABUSE DUCKS, YOU WILL HAVE TO ANSWER TO ME. I also love polar bears and red pandas. xD

4. Pop or juice?

Ginny: I like having soda occasionally, but after learning about the negative effects on your health, I would definitely go with juice. 

June: GRAPE JUICE!!!!! 

5. Inside or outside?

Ginny: I like being outdoors best. :) I find it very calming and enjoyable. 

June: Outdoors because I love nature and animals. :)

6. Pencil or pen?

Ginny: I like writing with pens much better, but my handwriting becomes nearly unreadable in pen. (June claims my handwriting still looks nice in pen, and believes I'm being "a drama queen," but if you saw my handwritten essays you would beg to differ.)

June: I like pen because my handwriting is so much better in pen. 

Mint from The Abbott Doll Family nominated us for the "Adorable Animal Award." Thanks dear!

1. What is your favorite farm animal?

Ginny: I think cows are probably my favorite.

June: SHEEP!

2. What is your favorite ocean animal?

Ginny: I have this strange fascination with seahorses, so seahorses!

June: NEMO!! Ahem, I mean clown fish. :) 

3. What animal do you find to be the most scary?

Ginny: Hmm...I have an irrational fear of baboons. They just freak me out. 

June: GOOGLE BLOBFISH. THEY ARE DISGUSTING. 

4. Cats or Dogs?

Ginny and June: CATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our cat Cooper :)

5. Are there any odd animals that you like?

Ginny: Flamingos!

June: RED PANDAS. They are like raccoons and pandas mixed, and not as disgusting as blobfish.

And now our nominees!!

You're A Great Photographer Award (sorry if you've already been nominated):

Kiera

Polka Dot Bee

Charlotte

Doll Daydreams

The New Blogger Award (we know you're not all new bloggers,but still):

Leah M. 

Emily U. 

Kelsey

Liebster Award:

American Girl Place

Emma (Whiskers and Wildflowers)

Emma (Wack-a-Doodle Dolls)

Adorable Animal Award:

Maddie

Adaline

Here are all of your questions:

1. What is your favorite book?
2. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
3. What profession would you like to pursue when you are older? 
4. Does your handwriting look better in marker or in pencil? 
5. What does the fox say? 
6. Swimming or sledding? 
7. If a tree falls in the woods, does it make a sound?
8. Why did you start your blog?

If anyone else wants these awards, feel free to comment, and we'll nominate you as well!

Caroline

Two posts in one day...I know, it's crazy. But I had to tell you my decision for Caroline. 

I resolved to change her personality rather than remove her from the family. I think it suits her much better than it did, and I hope it will make her be a larger part of the family. Here is her new personality: 

Hey gals! My name is Caroline! I am the second youngest of us all, and definitely the shortest as well. I have been acting for as long as I can remember, and adore Shakespeare. I also started playing the flute a few years ago, and I have decided that I enjoy that immensely. My sisters tell me that I am very well rounded, and I suppose that is true, but I try to be humble whenever it's possible. I hope you all enjoy learning a bit more about our absolutely insane lives!

B-Day: April 29

Age: 13

Date Arrived at May Residence: December 25, 2012

Nicknames: Carrie

Favorite Color: Aqua

Hobbies: Reading, playing the flute, acting

Personality: Caroline began very shy, and has remained that way just less so. However, when she comes out onto the stage, her true personality comes out. She is a good listener and likes to help out her sisters when they are having a rough time. She is generous, but can also be somewhat feisty (apparently Julie has rubbed off on her!)

Mostly her hobbies changed. I think acting and playing the flute will allow her personality to show a bit more than it has. 

Also, I updated the Meet the Girls page. It tells you a bit more about each of the girls than it did before.

Ready To Run~An AGPS

There’s a lightning in your eyes I can't deny

Then there’s me inside a sinking boat running out of time

Without you I'll never make it out alive

But I know yes I know we’ll be alright

There’s a devil in your smile that’s chasing me

And every time I turn around it’s only gaining speed

There’s a moment when you finally realize

There’s no way you can change the rolling tide

But I know yes I know that I'll be fine

This time I'm ready to run (RUN!)

Escape from this city and follow the sun

Cuz I wanna be yours don't you wanna be mine

I don't wanna get lost in the dark of the night

This time I'm ready to run (RUN!)

Wherever you are is the place I belong

'Cuz I wanna be free and I wanna be young

I'll never look back now

I'm ready to run

I’m ready to run

There’s a future in my life I can't foresee

Unless of course I stay on course and keep you next to me

There will always be the kind that criticize

But I know yes I know we'll be alright

This time I'm ready to run (RUN!)

Escape from this city and follow the sun

Cuz I wanna be yours don't you wanna be mine

I don't wanna get lost in the dark of the night

This time I'm ready to run (RUN!)

Wherever you are is the place I belong

Cuz I wanna be free and I wanna be young

I'll never look back now

I'm ready to run

This time I’m ready to run

I’ll give everything that I got for your love

This time I'm ready to run (RUN!)

Escape from this city and follow the sun

Cuz I wanna be yours don't you wanna be mine

I don't wanna get lost in the dark of the night

This time I'm ready to run (RUN!)

Wherever you are is the place I belong

Cuz I wanna be free and I wanna be young

I'll never look back now

I'm ready to run

~

Credit to Miss Adaline Grey for the Lyric Photoshoot! Oh, and if you have never heard this song by 1D, you all need to listen to it; it may change your thoughts of them completely. :D

and

P.S. Credit to Adi for Nicki's Signature. (She came up with the idea)

Additional info:

Doll: Nicki GOTY 2007

Camera: Nikon D40

Clothing: Black Shirt-Local Doll Shop

Pink Cami-Our Generation

Jeans-Made by Me

Shoes-AG Plaid School Dress

Song: Ready to Run-One Direction 

Queen Academy Season 1, Episode 1

Heya peeps! It is June with some news that is good... and bad. Yes, yes I know, I rarely ever have bad news to bring you but this will also be happy news that will replace the horrible, no good, very bad news. Lets get started! I know that you probably glanced up at the title and saw "Queen Academy." Well, that's what I am wanting to talk about. The Runaway Princesses will be replaced with Queen Academy. At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to go through with Queen Academy, but now it is official. The reason why I am getting rid of Runaway Princesses is because I haven't been really impressed with it lately. I have many reasons why I am doing this like: you guys will like the context of this story better (this is mostly my fault for bringing you a photoseries that you may not be interested in), and this will be a lot more interesting than the princess idea, etc. So, there is the horrible, no good, very bad news :( But no fear June is here to save the day! Well, here is the first episode. I hope you like it.

Queen Academy Season 1, Episode 1

My name is Margaret.

My story is simple; I come from a small family of 4. My sister Mia, my mom, dad, and I. We are considered an "unlucky" family by the governments standards. Here, unlucky is just another word for poor....but that is what mother told me, for all I know it could mean something completely different.

It was Friday afternoon Mia and I were silently sitting in a bare field near our house. In a couple minutes we will head for the bus that will take us out of our home town, and to our great-great-great grandmother's school for girls. 

 I broke the silence,"We should probably leave soon, the bus will arrive in about 25 minutes." I didn't want to leave, but I had no choice, once you receive the letter you are obligated to respond in less than 24 hours. Of course my mom responded without asking Mia or I if we wanted to go or not. She had been waiting for that letter for years. 

 "25 minutes!?" My sister Mia exclaimed, "No, I don't want to go. I am not going to leave everything behind to go to some fancy rich kid school, I'd rather be here with mum and papa." I had never heard her speak like that before, this seemed to be effecting her more than me.

I had no response to that, I agree with her fully, but I still don't know what to say. 

 "Don't be upset Mia, we'll be able to write to them, and travel back for the holidays." I tried to sound sympathetic, but I have never been that affectionate.

 Mia ran to me and cried. I heard the muffled words of,"do you even care? Won't you miss them too?" I will miss them and that is my biggest problem with going to this school. I just don't want to show weakness to her or the academy......

 She sniffled,"I-I am sorry. I shouldn't be that immature. You're right we should go or we'll be late."

 She turned around and started walking towards the bus station. Our luggage was sent to the academy 3 days ago so it should be in our dormitories when we arrive. On the way I notice Mia was whispering to herself, I am guessing that she was saying goodbye to our town. 

 I followed her to the station. And I childishly said goodbye to our old tree, our town's large river, random trees that I'll probably never care about again, and of course our special spot; the field.

~TO BE CONTINUED~

Thought? Opinions?

Just for kicks and giggles I added a bonus picture!

Long Time No See+New Personality+A Few Photos

Hey guys, it's Ginny. First, it's been a long time since we've posted, and we know that. I'm not a huge fan of "Sorry" posts, so I'll keep it short. We've had tons of schoolwork, and have just not had time to read blogs or blog ourselves. So, in short, sorry for the absence, but we're back!

Second, I've been neglecting Caroline a lot. I know she's just a mini doll, but she is a fundamental part of our doll family. I feel bad for not doing anything with her, so for a while, I tossed around the idea of just removing her from the family completely and making her a doll for the girls. However, I feel like she is too important, and she fits in well with the family. So, for that reason, I have decided to completely revise her personality. She will remain the same age, and retain the same name, but I'm going to change her hobbies and personality because I feel that she has almost become pessimistic, which was never my intention for her personality. I know you all don't know much about Caroline, but I've done my best to explain her. It's hard without having her post though, so I may have her start a series or something so she's more included. This is her current personality:

B-Day: December 25 (Age 13)

Nicknames: None I can think of

Hobbies: Reading and dancing

Personality: Caroline began very shy, and has remained that way just less so. She is a good listener and likes to help out her sisters when they are having a rough time. She is generous, but can also be somewhat feisty (apparently Julie has rubbed off on her!)

I need your ideas I suppose for her personality. I can't really think of anything I want to add, so if you have suggestions, I would greatly appreciate hearing them!! I am also going to add a bit to each of the other girls' profiles so that you can learn more about them, because I know you don't know much about any of the girls.

Third, I know this post is probably rather dull, so I thought I would include a few photos that I took in Arizona a few weeks ago. I've never actually been to Arizona, and neither has June, (we've driven through there, but that's a bit different) so it was really fun to be able to see so many new things. (Mainly the plants such as the cacti; I was really excited to see a saguaro cactus for the first time.) 

 These pineapple palms really intrigued me, so I took lots of photos of them. :) There were four of them in our grandparents' yard, so I was able to get plenty of photos. 

 YES!!! I MANAGED TO CAPTURE MORE BOKEH!! By the way Mint, thank you for the tips on taking photos with bokeh; it really helped me here. :D

 I took Caroline with me, so I took a few photos of her as well. 

 Flamingos are my all time favorite animal, and I haven't seen one in several years, so it was really cool to be able to see them again at the Phoenix Zoo. 

We went to this really neat place called Fountain Hills. There they have a fountain that shoots up 300 feet in the air every hour on the hour. I didn't get a picture of the fountain unfortunately, but I was able to get a couple pictures of the statues there. They had about five statues of the presidents, and I liked Abraham Lincoln's the best. 

I hope you all enjoyed the pictures!!