Catching Up - Hairdos and Fairy Tales

Wow, it feels so wonderful to be blogging again!  It's been a really long week of recovery, but I'm finally starting to feel better.  

I thought I'd post a picture of myself.  I figure it will take a while for all of you to get used to my "new look". :}  I hope you guys won't be too weirded out, like I was with Rapunzel.  If you are, though, I'll understand.

Speaking of new looks, you might notice that my hair is a little...different.  Beast'sbelle decided to do a boiling water treatment in the middle of the surgery.  Leave it to a human to give hairstyle the same importance as a life-saving body swap.  I'm just glad I was out cold for the whole thing. :}  

I'm not sure what I think of my hair.  It's really...straight...right now.  Beast'sbelle said we can always curl it again later if I want.  I think that right now is not the best time for me to try to make decisions.  Everything is so topsy-turvy. :(

I know that you all want to hear about my surgery, but I really feel that I should back up and get everyone caught up with everything that has happened over the past month.  I'll try to get these posts out as quickly as possible so that you'll be caught up to the present as soon as possible. :}

I suppose we have to go back to the beginning of October, shortly after I sang to Robby for the first time. 

I can't even tell you what a relief it has been since I shared my song with Robby.  It's as if a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders.  Robby positively glows whenever he looks at me, Emilie acts like I'm some singing superstar...the whole world just seems a little brighter. 

I shared my success story with Rapunzel, and she was thrilled for me.  She and Eugene, of course, have been singing to each other from the very beginning of their relationship, so she knew what I had been missing. 

Even though I'd finally gotten past my fear, I decided to keep up with my secret guitar practice.  Robby would love a surprise guitar serenade sometime!  I wasn't sure when I would play for him, but now I knew that I didn't have to wait for the "perfect" moment.  I wanted to be ready for anything. 

As I mentioned briefly in an earlier post, Rapunzel and I were able to spend an afternoon with Raven and her friends in October.  We arranged things with Beast'sbelle ahead of time so she could release them from their doll stands and they could come join us in my home.

While Rapunzel and I waited, I shared my guitar secret with her. 

"Belle, that's wonderful!  I'm sure Robby will love it."  She pushed her hair back over her shoulder.  "What are you going to play?"

"I haven't decided yet," I admitted.  "I'm working on a couple of different songs...but I'd kind of like to keep them a secret, even from you.  I hope you understand."

Rapunzel grinned.  "Don't worry, Belle.  Whatever it is, Robby will be thrilled."

At that moment, we could hear the clatter of our guests as they climbed up the shelves to join us.  I hurriedly stuffed my guitar behind one of the chairs.  I wasn't ready to share my secret with anyone else just yet. 

The girls were thrilled to be there and to be free of their stands.  We noticed right away that there was an extra doll with them.

"We hope you don't mind," Apple said apologetically.  "Ashlynn arrived after we had already arranged things, and we didn't want to leave her behind."

"I don't know, she probably would have been happy to have some alone time with Hunter," Briar teased.

The new doll with long, strawberry blonde hair blushed.

"She came in a gift set with another doll, Hunter Huntsman," Raven explained.  "They're quite smitten with each other."

Ashlynn turned an even brighter shade of pink.

"It's nice to meet you, Ashlynn," I said warmly.  "I'm glad you could come." 

She gave me a shy smile.

Apple wasted no time.  "I've been dying to play with your hair since we first met," she admitted to Rapunzel.  "Would you like to sit here?  Ashlynn and I will get right to work."  

Rapunzel obediently took a seat, hiding her amusement at Apple's enthusiasm.  Apple stood to one side, and Ashlynn took a seat on the floor and pulled.  Within moments, Rapunzel had braids galore in her hair.  I wondered what it would look like when they were done.

Briar and Maddie settled themselves in the chairs and helped themselves to tea.  I knew that Maddie probably would have preferred coffee, but there was none in the house.  Beast'sbelle and her husband are tea drinkers. ;)

Maddie was talking a mile a minute, and Briar was laughing at her antics.

Meanwhile, I had the chance for a long, heart-to-heart with Raven.  I'd rather not go into all of it here, especially since much of what she shared was very personal.  Suffice it to say that she and I have a bit in common.  For her, it's a little more complicated, though.  Everyone expects her to be the daughter of the Evil Queen who doesn't want to be evil.  In reality, she doesn't even know who this "Evil Queen" is that everyone keeps talking about.  She's just a simple doll who likes to sing and would rather not put up with all the fuss being made about her.  Oh, and she hates her outfit, and she's not really a fan of black or purple, either.  Her favorite color is forest green. :}  

One thing that really struck me as I talked with her and the other dolls was how young they seemed.  I mean, age is a rather relative term for dolls.  In doll years, I'm only three. ;)  But there was a spontaneity, an innocence, and a naivete to these girls that somehow made me want to protect them and nurture them.  I guess my mothering instincts have really kicked in. ;)

"Well, what do you think?" Apple suddenly called out.  

I turned and saw Rapunzel, playfully holding a pose.  Her hair looked amazing!  

"Wow, Apple and Ashlynn," I said.  "You did a beautiful job on Rapunzel's hair."

Apple and Ashlynn beamed with pleasure.

Rapunzel turned around in her seat and peered through the glass doors of my curio cabinet.  She could just catch a glimpse of her reflection in the mirrors of the cabinet.

"It looks wonderful," Rapunzel said warmly.  "Much fancier than anything I could come up with.  Thanks, Apple and Ashlynn".

We spent most of the afternoon together, but all too soon it was time for them to head back.  Apple, Briar, Maddie, and Raven seemed a bit reluctant to leave, but Ashlynn was gazing longingly across the room, no doubt thinking of Hunter and missing him.  I hid a smile, remembering how lovey-dovey I was about Robby once we finally admitted our feelings for each other. 

The girls said their goodbyes and began climbing over the side of the curio.  Rapunzel and I watched them as they made their way across the room, back to their stands.

"Well, that was fun," I said.

Rapunzel nodded.

"And your hair looks quite elegant," I continued.

My friend patted it and blushed.  "It is pretty.  I'll have to take it out in an hour or so, though, or I'll have a horrible headache."

"Too bad," I said.  "Just make sure you get home in time to let Eugene see it first."

"I don't know," Rapunzel mused.  "He likes my hair best when it's simple.  He might think I have a bird's nest on my head or something." She winked.  

I chuckled.  "I doubt that...although I could see him saying that just to tease you."

She put on a shocked expression.  "My husband?  Never!"

We both laughed.

"Well, I should get going," Rapunzel finally said.  "Robby and Eugene are probably ready for a break from the kiddos." 

"Hey, have you had a chance to talk to Ben?"

Rapunzel shook her head.  "Aside from hearing him call Paige's name, I haven't seen him since the day you fell off of the dresser."

"Thanks for the reminder," I told her dryly.  "Rats. I was hoping you'd found out more about her."

"Why don't you talk to him?"

"I don't know...I was tempted to, but the more I thought about it, I just couldn't figure out a way to ask without sounding really weird."

Rapunzel gave a teasing sigh.  "I guess you'll just have to wait, then."

I gave her a playful shove.  "Get going already, will you?"

She laughed again.  "See you later, Belle."

As Rapunzel expertly hopped over the edge of the curio and swung down the shelves, I found my gaze wandering back up to the top of the white shelves, where Ben and Paige still stood.  It was driving me crazy wondering about them, but I wasn't quite brave enough to go talk to him.  I guess I'd just have to practice patience, my favorite virtue. ;)

More to come, everyone!  Another few posts and we should be all caught up. ;) 

New Furnishings, New Neighbors

At last I have a chance to blog again!  I've been ever so eager to share what's been happening around here, but getting to the computer has proven difficult this week with all of the comings and goings in the house.  I never know when a little miniature Beast'sbelle is going to come flying out of her room!  And with three of them to watch out for, one always has to be on one's toes, so to speak. ;)

As you might have guessed from the title, we have some new furniture in our home on top of Beast'sbelle's curio. :)  Beast'sbelle and her mother have been looking for some sort of shelving for us for a while, and this past week, all their searching finally paid off!   

Here's our home as it looks right now.

Robby and I are sitting on chairs that Beast'sbelle made for us using this tutorial from My Froggy Stuff.  She ended up using an oatmeal container but cutting it smaller and taping it together so the chairs wouldn't be huge. ;)

Here's a better look at what the chairs look like when completed:  

Overall they're fairly comfortable, although I find them a bit rigid and upright.  Eventually it would be nice to find chairs that were not quite so tall and stiff.  Still, these are definitely better than the tins we've been sitting on. ;)

Here is the lovely green shelf that Beast'sbelle found for us at Goodwill.  Isn't it just perfect?  We're still working on filling the shelves...I'm not 100% satisfied with the result...but it's getting there. ;)

And this cute little blue shelf with a very similar style was found by Beast'sbelle's mother at an out-of-town Goodwill.  (This one really needs some help with the knick-knacks on the shelves!) :}

You'll notice that Emilie is still clutching her favorite dolls?  Her love for Beauty and the Beast has increased even more in the past weeks.  We finally let her watch the movie, and Beast'sbelle spilled the beans that Robby and I are based on the main characters.  Now Emilie just gazes at us in wonder, amazed that her mommy and daddy are Belle and the Beast. Ugh.  I've tried to explain that we're really not the Belle and the Beast from the movie, but I don't know that it's really sunk in yet.  Thanks a lot, Beast'sbelle. :{

Although, I must confess, Beast'sbelle has her good points, too.  She made us this cute little lamp using this tutorial (again from My Froggy Stuff).  It doesn't actually work, but it looks the part. ;)

And now that we have a coffee table (which was formerly one of our seats), our tea set looks especially elegant.  I can't wait to have Rapunzel over again!  

Hmm...although now that she has so many children, perhaps a porcelain tea set isn't the smartest idea. ;)

The thing I love about the way we've arranged the shelves is that it gives the illusion of a separate room for Emilie.  She's loving the new arrangement just as much as we are. :)

There are still things to do.  We need to hang up our pictures again, and I'm also hoping that Beast'sbelle will be able to hang up our Christmas lights.  It's nice having some soft lighting at night time.  

So those of you who read Beast'sbelle's blog might be aware that she has a couple of new dolls from a completely different line.  You also might know from the picture below (used on Beast'sbelle's blog review of said dolls) that Rapunzel and I met them rather abruptly a week or so ago.

Honestly, what you humans put us through!  I realize that you have to do your "doll reviews" and all, but have you ever considered how awkward it is to be plunked down next to a couple of dolls you've never met before and then proceed to pose next to them in photos for an hour or two?  It's not the most ideal way to meet someone.  At least Beast'sbelle wasn't doing one of her *shudder* articulation posts.  I mean, the only possible way to make the situation more unbearable is to be undressed and posed in the nude next to the newbies, who are usually in the same humiliating position.  Really, it's quite indecent of you.  Just something you might think about the next time you do a review.  Couldn't we at least wear a bathing suit and retain a small shred of our dignity?

But I digress.  Since our meeting with the new dolls was rather abrupt and less than ideal, Rapunzel and I decided that the neighborly thing to do would be to go and officially introduce ourselves.  Beast'sbelle had found a new home for her latest dolls across the room, so it wouldn't be much trouble to get there.  We decided to have our hubbies watch the children so we wouldn't overwhelm our new neighbors with all the little ones running around underfoot. ;)

Once we'd made all the arrangements, we traveled across the room, climbed up the tall dresser, and pulled ourselves up in front of the newbies.  But imagine our surprise when not two but four new faces were staring directly at us!

"I thought there were only two of them," I whispered to Rapunzel, wondering if I was beginning to lose my mind.

"There were," Rapunzel calmly whispered back, though I could tell from the slightly startled expression on her face that she was just as surprised as I was.  "We shouldn't whisper in front of them, though...we don't want to make them feel like we're talking about them."

I almost responded with "But we are!" until I realized this was rather obvious and not at all helpful.  So instead, I simply nodded.  

With what I hoped was a friendly smile, I directed my attention to the most familiar of the faces and said, "Hi, I'm Belle, and this is my friend Rapunzel.  We met the other day during Beast'sbelle's blog photo shoot."

"Oh yes, I remember you," the doll with long, black and purple hair responded in a voice that was surprisingly juvenile.  "I'm Raven, and this is Maddie."  She gestured to the shorter doll next to her, the one with purple and blue curls and blue hands.  Then she turned to her other side.  "And these are our newest friends Apple and Briar.  They weren't here when you met Maddie and me."  

"Nice to meet you," I said politely, trying all the while to keep from thinking about their odd-sounding names and outlandish clothing and hair.  I also noticed that each of them was held in place by a rather uncomfortable-looking plastic doll stand.    

"It's so great to officially meet you!" Maddie suddenly burst out.  "Of course, we met before, but it was so rushed and strange...all that posing and standing with no talking...is Beast'sbelle always like that?  She certainly has odd habits...either that or she's just plain bored and can't think of anything else to do.  Who ever heard of taking that many doll pictures?  Peas and crackers!  Is there any coffee around here?  I could definitely use a cup...but I can't seem to find any or even smell any...it's quite tragic."

While Rapunzel and I tried to process this whirlwind of a one-sided conversation, Raven gave us an apologetic glance.  "Maddie's...um...super excited to meet you.  You'll be able to follow her a little easier once you get to know her better."  She gave her friend a little wink, as if to show that it was all in good fun.  

Maddie just laughed, obviously unaffected by her friend's comment.  "Yes, everyone always says I prattle on far too much...but I can't help it!  My thoughts carry on so...it's all I can do to keep up with them."

Something in her conversation struck me as odd.  "Wait a minute," I said slowly, "did you say you wanted...coffee?"

Maddie nodded eagerly.  "Do you know where I can get some?  I've been dying for a cup since we got here!"

"No, I'm sorry...I don't think Beast'sbelle or her husband drink coffee," I said.  "But, forgive me for asking, are you sure it's coffee you want?"

"Of course!" Maddie giggled.  "I think I'd know what it was I wanted."  She gave me a suspicious glance.  "Why do you ask?"

I blushed.  "Oh, nothing...I just...you kind of seemed more like a tea type.  I thought I heard Beast'sbelle say you were supposed to be the daughter of the Mad Hatter."

Maddie laughed.  "Well, yes, Madeline Hatter from Ever After High is a huge tea fan.  But I'm not the Madeline Hatter, silly.  I'm just me...a Madeline Hatter doll.  And this doll likes coffee."

All at once, I felt quite sheepish.  I of all dolls should have understood this concept, especially since I was currently dealing with the same thing with Emilie.  

Rapunzel must have noticed my discomfort, because she gave my elbow a reassuring squeeze.

At that moment, the blonde doll named Apple leaned forward and locked eyes with my best friend.  "I just have to say," she said eagerly, "I love love LOVE your hair!!  How on earth do you maintain it?  It's so incredibly long!!"

Rapunzel smiled in her gentle way.  "Beast'sbelle helps me with it.  And sometimes Belle will.  Even Eugene, my husband, has learned how to braid.  It's a relief that I don't have to take care of it myself."

Apple clasped her hands together.  "Do you think, that is, would you mind if I played with your hair sometime?  I ADORE playing with hair, but mine is absolutely impossible!"

My friend looked amused.  "Any time you like," she agreed.

Apple looked like she might attack Rapunzel's hair right then, but she managed to restrain herself.  "Thanks so much!!  Maybe we can set up something for this next week!"

At this point, Briar, who had kept quite the entire time, leaned forward and caught Raven's eye.  "Hey Raven, are we still on for Wednesday?"

Raven nodded eagerly.  "Can't wait!"  Noticing our confused glances, gave us a self-conscious little grin.  "Briar and I are working on a song together.  We found out that we both love music, and we thought it would be fun to either write something or just sing together."

Rapunzel gave me a sideways glance.  I pasted on a smile.  Wonderful.  More singers.  "Well, you'll probably be happy to know that a bunch of the Disney dolls around here do these sing-a-thon things every few weeks."

Raven's eyes lit up.  Then the excitement in her face was replaced by uncertainty.  "Do you think they'd let us join them?"  She twisted the bracelet on her wrist.  "We're not Disney dolls."

I gave a little laugh.  "They'll take anyone who can carry a tune...which would explain why I'm not usually invited."

Briar looked confused.  "But you're a Disney doll," she pointed out, as if I wasn't aware of the fact.

I shrugged.  "Maddie drinks coffee instead of tea, I can't sing.  We aren't always exactly like our characters."

"Point taken," she replied with a grin.

I felt that this was a good opportunity to end our visit.  "Well, Rapunzel and I should get back to our families.  It was nice meeting you all."

"You too," Raven said, looking at us a bit wistfully.  "Feel free to visit us anytime."  She glanced down at the doll stand that held her captive.  "As you can see, we're a bit limited by our mobility at this point."

I nodded.  

Rapunzel gave Raven a sympathetic look.  "We'll come when we can," my friend assured her.

And with that, we made our escape.  Not that I wanted to escape or anything.  They actually seemed pretty nice.  Even if two of them were singers.

"I don't think Maddie needs any coffee," Rapunzel suddenly observed from beside me.  

I thought of the hyperactive, over-talkative doll and had to laugh.  "No, I think caffeine is the LAST thing she needs.  Maybe it's a good thing Beast'sbelle doesn't drink it."

We went our separate ways, and I gave Robby the basics about our meeting, finishing with the fact that two of them were singers.

The instant I relayed that fact, I wanted to kick myself.  I glanced nonchalantly at Robby to see if he reacted at all.  But either my husband was too kind to say anything or had missed the reference completely.

I still haven't sung to him.  I know I need to...but working up the courage for that "perfect moment" has been a lot harder than I thought it would be.  Every time I think of it, I either talk myself out of it or find some imaginary excuse.  It's quite ridiculous, and he's been more than patient...

Maybe I need to plan a special night and just MAKE myself do it.  It's time.

Well, that's all for now, my dearest readers.  It's late and I'm exhausted. What do you think of our new neighbors?  Any suggestions on our home?  Any ideas on a special singing opportunity for my Robby?

Until next time... :)