Saturday, November 24, 2012

An Outdoor Excursion

At last, I have the chance to finish up this post I've been working on all week! :)  I sooo need my own computer. ;)

As I shared briefly in my last post, I've been stuck in the same spot for quite a while.  This is why:

Beast'sbelle has been in the middle of eBay sales for a couple of weeks now, and the dresser has become the catch-all for everything that is waiting to be boxed up.  (Don't panic, everyone, not everything on the dresser is for sale.) ;)  I find it rather disturbing, myself...watching fellow dolls and toys being sold off to the highest bidder.  Beast'sbelle says they're going to better homes that have more room, but how does she know?  Has she met everyone on eBay personally?  Sorry to sound so harsh, but I'm just having a hard time with it.  

As if that didn't make things crazy enough, Beast'sbelle has also been on a bit of a nostalgia trip lately, so she brought out several of her old toys and dolls from the 80s and 90s and her old Barbie collection.  She's thinking about finding a way to display those, too.  Great.  Now that I'm finally starting to remember all of the Belle and Rapunzel dolls' names, I'm going to have a whole slew of new names to remember, too! :(

With the dresser being covered the way it is, Eugene, Rapunzel, Robby and I have found it easier to just stay put on top of the curio.  Which, I might add, is not good for Robby's hip and knee.  He needs to keep moving so they don't get too stiff.  I wish Beast'sbelle would remember that!

You probably noticed the new deboxed doll on the curio with us.  She's a Disney Store Snow White that Beast'sbelle took a fancy too.  She goes by "Snow" for short.  I'm not sure what happened to Beast'sbelle's claims that only Belle and Rapunzel dolls would be added to the 12" doll family from now on.  Oh well, Snow seems really sweet and should fit in with the rest of us just fine.  I think she kind of feels like a fifth wheel up on the curio with us, though. :}

Oh, and just in case you're wondering what Beast'sbelle did with all of the Rapunzel and Belle dolls, they're now over on the shelf next to her bed.  They've been happy there so far.  I can't imagine how happy a display doll can truly be, but maybe they don't know any better.  I don't think I could handle never being able to escape a doll stand and always staying in the same outfit.  They don't seem to mind, though.  

I've noticed some interesting developments with that set, too.  I don't think Beast'sbelle has noticed yet because she would be completely freaking out.  Rowena and Ike seem to be getting rather close.  They're always talking together, and just the other day, Rowena was stroking his hair gently.

Maybe it was nothing, but he didn't seem to mind, and there was more to that gentle caress than just mere friendship.  I know I promised not to meddle, and I'm doing my best, but it's so hard when you see a couple take an interest in each other! :}  

I haven't said anything to Robby yet.  He doesn't like prying into other doll's affairs, and doesn't like it when I do either.  And I haven't had a chance to mention it to Rapunzel alone yet (Eugene doesn't like matchmaking either). ;)


I have to admit, I'm just the slightest bit disappointed.  Ike seemed really nice, and I was hoping that he and Isabella might hit it off since Ben is still giving her the cold shoulder.  Oh well.  I guess that would have been meddling, too.  It's not like Ike or Isabella seemed to be interested in each other at all.

I'm just wondering how Beast'sbelle will take it.  She's such a purist...I'm not sure if she'll be able to handle having a Beast/Prince doll and a Rapunzel doll together.  It wouldn't make sense in the display, you see. ;)

Now you know how desperate I've been for entertainment.  Why else would I be sitting there matching my fellow dolls up in my head and imagining Beast'sbelle's mental breakdown? ;)

Robby and I finally had a quick chance to escape earlier this week.  Beast'sbelle had shipped enough of her items that there was a bit of space on the dresser.  We climbed down before anything else could happen.  After some discussion, we decided that we wanted to try a trip outdoors.  Robby grabbed his cloak and I changed into something warmer, and then we were off.


Unfortunately, we didn't realize what a windy, cold day it was outside.  We hesitated at the front screen door.  Robby turned back to me.  

"Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked.

I eyed the yard for a moment.  The wind looked like it was hard enough to blow us away, but I was so desperate to get away!

"Let's at least try it," I finally decided.  "If it's really bad, we can make it a quick trip."

He nodded in agreement, and with that, we pushed open the screen door and stepped out into the wide world.


We were instantly hit with a blast of icy wind that cut right through our thin clothing and chilled our plastic to its core.  Shivering, we quickly rushed over to the nearest clump of shrubbery, hoping to block most of the wind.  When we'd stayed there long enough to get used to the cold, we walked towards our wedding tree, stopping to observe a huge clump of mushrooms that had sprung up in the lawn.


That was the first time that the wind blew us over.  

"Oof," Robby grunted as I landed on top of him.


"Sorry!" I told him apologetically, trying to push myself back up.  But the wind was so strong, I could barely move.  Robby had to help me get to my feet.  

Gripping each other's arms for support, we stumbled across the grass to our wedding tree, and then tried different spots until we found the side that blocked the most wind.


Robby put his arm around me and gazed out over the lawn.

"It's changed a bit since our wedding, hasn't it?"

I nodded, pulling my cloak closer.  "It's still beautiful, though.  I love how the leaves look like a carpet!"


"It is still beautiful," he agreed warmly, but he was looking at me instead of the scenery.

I blushed and leaned my head on his shoulder.  "Whatever," I mumbled with a little half smile.


He kissed the top of my head.  "What, you don't believe me?" he asked playfully.

"Um, no offense, but not really," I admitted.  "You're my husband.  You're supposed to say that.  Besides, stuff like that always sounds romantic in the movies, but it's just weird in real life."

Robby chuckled.  "What, you don't feel like a Disney Princess?"

I gave him a look.  "Have you read my blog?"

The chuckle turned to a full laugh.  "I think I've read a few posts."

"Then you shouldn't even need to ask that question!" 

As if to emphasize the ridiculousness of me being an actual Disney character, the wind chose that moment to knock us to the ground again.


"Oof," Robby said again.  "I wish one of these times you would fall down first."

I laughed and kissed the tip of his nose as I helped him up.  "What are you saying?"

He looked as if he was trying to decide whether or not he should answer.

"I'd suggest you treat that as a rhetorical question," I advised him.

"I figured that was the safest way to handle it," he said, winking at me.


We stood together in companionable silence for a while.  It's funny, even though the wind was wild and cold, there was something exhilarating about being out in it.  I loved the way it tossed my hair and made my skirts billow.  In that moment, I felt, perhaps, just a little bit like a Disney Princess.   


Oh dear, and here it came again:  that ridiculous impulse to break into song.  I clamped my lips together, even as I could feel the song wanting to burst from my throat.  I would not ruin this perfectly lovely moment with my tone-deaf rendition of some random, fluffy soliloquy.

Robby suddenly took my hand, breaking into my personal battle. 

 "I don't care how you feel," he stated.  "You're my Disney Princess."


And with such a declaration, dear readers, I couldn't help myself.  The tiniest squeak escaped.  And then a few odd notes, jumbled together and not making much sense at all.

Robby lifted an eyebrow.  "Are you...singing?" he asked incredulously.

"No!" I blurted out.  "Just...uh...coughing...or something."  I gave a few rather obviously fake coughs to prove my point."

My husband stroked my cheek.  "Why are you so afraid to sing in front of me?" he asked tenderly.

I laughed nervously.  "Because it's not singing!  It's...it's croaking or yowling at best.  I'd just die of embarrassment if you actually heard me."  I looked down at my feet.  "And I couldn't bear to see the expression on your face as you tried to mask your horror at my hideous voice."

Robby cupped my chin in his hand and lifted my face to meet his.  "Dramatic much?" he asked teasingly.

I tried to turn my head, but he held my chin, gently but firmly, so I couldn't look away.  "I don't care if you are the worst singer in the world," he stated, his eyes gazing into mine sincerely.  "You are my princess, and I love you." 


And of course, I had to kiss him after that.  What doll wouldn't fall for such an amazing hubby?  Besides, it was either kiss or sing, and despite his promises, I'm still not ready to bare my soul and sing him an aria. :} 



As we kissed, the wind kicked up and whipped my cloak around behind me.  It all felt so cinematic that I almost laughed.  Instead, I embraced my husband and showed my appreciation for his loving words.


We didn't stay outdoors much longer after that.  As exciting and adventurous as the weather felt, it was very cold and we could feel our joints stiffening by the minute.  I was concerned that Robby wouldn't be able to walk at all if we stayed out much longer.  

When fat raindrops started dropping on our heads, we knew we couldn't put it off any longer.  We linked arms and slowly stumbled through the windswept lawn back to the front door.


As we stepped inside, Robby turned to me.  

"By the way," he began, "don't think I haven't noticed that you still haven't sung for me.  When you're ready, I'll be here."

If I'd had a heart, it would have frozen at these words.  Since I didn't, I just felt queasy instead.  He wouldn't let up on this.  At least he wasn't the pushy type.  "When you're ready", he'd said.  I knew he would wait until it was my idea.  I just hoped he realized he'd be waiting for a very long time.

P.S.  I'm changing my header again, so here's a copy of my 1 Year Blogoversary Header (which was one of my favorite headers EVER!!):  


12 comments:

Ella said...

Hey Belle,

So lovely to see another update from you. Awwwww you and your Robby look so cute together out in your garden, you are very lucky to be able to venture out there. I haven't had the opportunity to visit Holly's yet, partly because the whole garden is part way through being redone so its a complete mess, but more importantly the weather really hasn't been very nice, it has been so wet, you wouldn't believe it. Anwyay also my Rocky says I am not allowed outside until he is convinced I am well again after my illness last week, I'm not sure I totally like him bossing me about like that, but he's VERY sweet about it, and only trying to make sure I stay safe and well, so I cant really be cross at him about that can I.

I totally understand where you are coming from about the singing thing, I am a bit the same with my guy. He doesn't seem half as shy about it himself though, well he did when we first got together, but just the other week he serenaded me with an impromptu rendition of 'All I Ask Of You' from Phantom !! Did I mention before he had snuck us along to the theatre to see the show when Holly went the other week ? Oh, it was amazing, my favourite musical for sure ! Anyway, back on subject again, whilst my Rocky does not have a clasical singing voice, I was still so impressed by his learning the song and performing it like that for me, but he is a VERY romantic guy. I am guessing because he has waited 29 years for me, so is pulling out all the stops with things like that. But me, I wouldn't dare sing like that in front of anyone, I'm not sure I have the talent, the voice, or the confidence for that matter, but perhaps that will change in time ... I somewhat doubt it though.

Whilst on the subject of singing though, one of my good Disney doll friends Blanche, has an amazing voice, honestly she can belt out the songs from Phantom and you would think you are hearing the real thing. She is a Snow White doll, I noticed you now have a Snow White addition to your little group ! On a side not, just like you, I also have a Rapunzel friend in my doll friend circle too, her name is Rai, and she is a very sweet girl too. But back onto Blanche, she has been recently getting closer to another music themed doll of Holly's ... in truth I think they are just about to or perhaps already conducting a secret romance. They really will make an adorable couple, when one of them gets the courage to make the first move that is. I have tried not to poke my nose in, but sometimes cant help it, I'm afraid I'm not quite a restrained as you are on the matchmaking front, but I think all of Holly's dolls are a bit the same, we always appear to be nudging each other in romantic directions ... you wouldn't believe how many of my friends knew Rocky was going to propose to me before he did, and also before that were sneakily finding things out for him to try and see if I wanted to be asked. Honestly I think we are all as bad as each other over here ! But Blanche and Jackson really will be so good together, I am kind of hoping that asking them to perform a duet at my wedding may get them spending more time together and help things along subtley hehehe ;o)

Just to give you an update on my wedding, I am STILL looking for my dress, and worrying I may be running out of time, as with Christmas less than a month away now I am VERY aware that by this time next month I should already have become Mrs Rocky !! Awww I cant wait ... but still lots to do, Rocky has been helping me get organised a bit more, and all my friends have too. We are still waiting to set our date, I do have one in mind but am not going to say anything until I know if we can pull it off by then, but I'll be sure to let you know as soo as we finalise it.

I probably should get going now, lots to get done. Talk to you soon,

Luv,

Ella x

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Thanks for commenting, Ella. It's always fun hearing how you're doing. :)

How exciting that you got to go see "The Phantom of the Opera"! Beast'sbelle has seen it a few times, but unfortunately I wasn't around at that time, so I couldn't stow away in her purse like you and Rocky did. ;)

I'm glad I'm not the only one that has reservations about breaking into spontaneous song. :} I'm not just being unreasonably shy, either. I honestly CAN'T SING. Everyone seems to think I'm underestimating my abilities, but they need to trust me on this one. ;) I suppose eventually I'll need to open up and sing for Robby. I mean, marriage is all about commitment and trust. I need to trust that he's kind enough to not laugh in my face, even if I'm a horrible singer.

It seems like "love is in the air" for a lot of our friends. :) It is difficult to keep from meddling, isn't it? ;) I hope that everything works out for Blanche and Jackson. I'll keep you posted on Rowena and Ike, too. :)

I'm sorry you still haven't found the perfect wedding dress. Try not to stress too much...it's really easy to do as you're scrambling to work out all of the last-minute details. I'm sure your dress will turn up at just the right time. And honestly, while he would want you to be happy, I'm sure Rocky will marry you even if you're wearing shorts and a t-shirt. ;)

Have a good week, Ella!

Belle

Elliebob said...

I loved this! BTW, I am writing a story on my blog, its called Island Azarm. It's silly, and not that well written, but I had a similar idea to yours. I havent posted it yet, it is saved to my computer. Im trying to make it a little about love, which I am not very good at, but the part in this post about Robby looking at Belle instead of the trees and stuff? I had a similar idea. So when I post it, dont think I copied you. I would never do that! :) I just wanted to let you know before I posted it. :)

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Thanks for letting me know, Elliebob. I'm aware that things that happen in my life might happen similarly in stories, so don't worry. ;)

Belle

Elliebob said...

Haha ok, Im glad that is all good! :) I love belle's outfits and hair by the way. You take such amazing care of your dolls. No matter how careful I am, someone's hair always gets messed up and I have to get the tangles and things out. :)

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Thanks, Elliebob. Beast'sbelle tries to be very careful when she does our hair. Of course, mine isn't as great as it looks...I've got several missing hairplugs, and Beast'sbelle has had to trim my hair because it was getting so frizzy on the ends. So I guess your dolls aren't the only ones with frizzy problems. ;)

Belle

Ella said...

Hey again Belle,

Sorry I haven't been in touch sooner, its been mad around here lately.

I just wanted to send a quick message to let you know that Rocky and I have set our date finally ... we are getting married tomorrow !! I have to admit I am getting a little nervous, but I'm sure everything will work our ok, well, thats what my lovely fiance keeps telling me anyway hehehe.

I hope you, Robby and everyone else are all well ? and getting to know Beast'sbelle's old childhood dolls ok ? Hopefully you will find them as lovely as I have with Holly's ones. Some of my closest doll friends are her old toys, and lets not forget my Rocky is as well !!

Not everyone is as nice as I would have hoped however, recently I met one of Holly's old Barbies that used to date my Rocky a little back in the day. I have had to try sooo hard to not get jealous, I mean it's not his fault is it, he's 29 years older than I am, so was bound to have had at least some romantic flirtations in his life before me. But its not really Rocky that's bothering me, the female doll in question, Rosie, is ever so flirty with him, and there is something about the way she talks to me, that I am sure she is trying to sneakily put me down in an underhanded manner ! I could just be me being paranoid however, but I just have a feeling theres more to it than that.

How have things been going with Ike and Rowena recently ? Any progress ? I have seen no new developments with Blanche and Jackson. However Rai, my very good Rapunzel doll friend now has a boyfriend, who happens to have long blonde hair himself. They really are a cute couple, and Rocky and I recently had a lovely romantic double date with them !

Oh well I suppose I had better be off now, the wedding is getting closer and closer after all.

See you soon,

Luv,

Ella x

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Hi Ella,

Congratulations on setting a date! I hope you're doing okay with all of the pre-wedding jitters. :} I'm sure your wedding will be lovely.

I haven't had much of a chance to get to know Beast'sbelle's dolls yet, there's been so much rearranging going on that we've pretty much been confined to the top of the curio again. I'm sure within the next couple of weeks, I'll be able to meet at least some of them.

I'm sorry you're having trouble with one of Holly's older dolls. It seems like you and Rocky are very stable in your relationship, so I wouldn't worry too much. It's hard to not get emotionally involved in the games some female dolls like to play, but just remember that you don't have to get sucked in to it. Rocky loves you, so you don't have to worry. :) I do feel for you, though. We're pretty blessed over here...so far we haven't had any really rude or snotty dolls show up. I'm hoping things stay that way. ;)

I haven't heard any news of Ike and Rowena, either, since we haven't moved in ages. It's soooo frustrating being stuck in one place. Beast'sbelle is finally done with her rearranging, but her children have been home sick, which means absolutely no wandering around the house. I've been going bonkers having to stay in the same place. Hopefully by next week, we'll be able to get around a bit more. It is almost Christmas, after all...

Once I have something to report, I'll do another post. :)

Belle

MyLittleMegara said...

My Belle doll was reading over my shoulder and was very pleased to see a NIB Disney Parks Belle doll in the mumbo-jumbo in your first picture! This made her incredibly happy as she is the EXACT SAME VERSION! She told me to ask you if that doll was sold or is joining BeastBelle's collection. So, yeah, passing on the message! XD

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Disney Parks Belle is still here, and still in her box, poor thing. :} How fun that a doll just like your Belle is here with us! :)

Belle

MyLittleMegara said...

We were certainly pleased to see that- I know that several of my girls look up to you so that fact made them very happy.

We were also wondering- is Snow White still around? Have you gotten to know her better?

Hannah Prewett (beastsbelle) said...

Snow White has actually been passed down to Beast'sbelle's middle daughter, who loves Snow White above all the other Disney Princesses. She's a display doll until Middle Gal is a little older, but they're both very happy to have found each other. ;)

Belle