Pencil Skirts, Messy Buns, and Frosty Flakes

~

Well, that is about as close as I get to a creative title. xD I took these photos of Julie a while back, and they're certainly some of my favorites. To be honest, I'm still surprised I was able to wrestle her into this dress. It was supposed to look more like Grace's Opening Night Dress, but I had a few issues with the tulle. xD Instead it turned into a retro business type of outfit. Just pink. xD

Last week, all of the plants were starting to turn green, and the lilac was starting to bloom, and guess what happened...

Boom. 8 inches of snow yesterday. :P 

Eh, I suppose I'll have to wait to take photos of the greenery. :P

I have pictures taken for a photostory, so that should be up soon my dears!

and

I'm Feeling a Bit of Nostalgia

The title. Nostalgia. A feeling we all get occasionally when we see something that reminds us of something that happened in the past. That is what happened when my mom and I began to look up film cameras. She looked up "Pentax K1000" on Shop Goodwill, and I was aflood in nostalgia. I thought of the times when I was just little. My grandfather would set up his seemingly archaic Pentax K1000 on a rickety tripod, adjust it for what seemed like forever, and then hit the shutter and run to get in the family photo. I found his old camera while at his house a few months ago, and I studied all of the dials on the top. I perused this fascinating camera for quite a while. About three weeks ago, I went to parent teacher conferences with my mom, and we met with my photography teacher. She told me about the film photography class that she taught. She really wanted me to take it. I thought it sounded fun; who wouldn't love to learn to develop photos? But I didn't have a film camera. The teacher told me that they could be found for very cheap online. In other words, after days of searching for a suitably priced camera and waiting for what seemed like an eternity for it to arrive, I got this little beauty:

 I named her Vera, because I'm weird. (I name some of my possessions; for instance, my Nikon camera is named Violet, my sewing machine is named Velvet, and my violin is named Autumn. Apparently, I like names with V's in them. xD) Vera is a Pentax K1000, just like my grandfather's camera. Pentax K1000's are film cameras, so I won't be able to post the pictures I take with it on here as digital copies. However, I may do a photoshoot with all of the photos once they're developed. S;)

 If any of you are interested in buying an SLR film camera, I definitely recommend this one. There are TONS of them out there still, because they were produced for twenty years, and were very popular. I haven't had any of the photos I've taken with it developed, but from what I can tell, it takes absolutely lovely pictures. 

I would have posted this sooner (I got the camera nearly two weeks ago), but I have had loads of homework, and I had some oral surgery done two weeks ago, so I've been recovering from that. :) Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed this post, and I can't wait to start showing you some of the photos I take with Vera! :)

Au revoir, mes cheries! 

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