Look What My Sister Made Me Do

One thing I've learned since embracing the whole doll blogging thing: Nothing is ever done.

This is my doll area.  When I first moved in here, I had the dollhouse nice and snug in that corner, but got busted for "blocking an emergency egress".  Mind you, I'm on the second floor and there are three other windows right there, but they own the place.  Gotta follow their rules.

If you'll remember, I recently bought a disassembled dollhouse to make into backdrops because my space is so limited.  At least if I want to have anything resembling an actual apartment.

My sister showed up with this in her back seat.  She reads my blog and thought it could be a nice home for one of those couples planning to marry.  It'll need a makeover, but that'll be a whole 'nother project.  Today it's about making room!  

I had been debating for a while pulling that desk out of there.  It's not big enough for Sunburst and sags in the middle, so I can't line up the walls for The Overlook.  YANK!  It's outta here! 

Lunch Break. 

The new house fits nicely where I had my board games and coloring books.  Once that desk was gone, the rest of the job pretty much fell together.  It just took a good while because I reorganized as I went.  The shelves my board games were on fit very nicely under the window sills.  I have no idea what sort of shelf it is, though, since it was a yard sale find.  

Quitting for supper.  Everyone is present and accounted for, all the big stuff is in place (except the teal bin that serves as wardrobe) and now it's fiddly stuff and hauling out the trash.  Yes, that's the table that served as the Pikes' deck/carport.  They sacrificed it for the Greater Good. 

I took the movable shelves out of one unit and put them into the other for all my little bins and set building pieces.  The former Frito-Lay display has outlived its use and will probably go in the recycling.  And I managed to break Albus's camper.  Apparently, that floor wasn't meant to hold 200 pounds.  I guess he really does have to move now.

My open-for-use backdrops and the new house wait for the next project.  The house is actually meant to be a department store (Kacy's).  I'll get into more detail about it when I share that project.

The shell of one shelving unit holds my games, coloring books, vintage VWs, and two display dolls.  I think I'm gonna invest in another tall unit like what's beside it. Can never have too many shelves. The pink thing is full of Lego blocks. The clear bin is my tool box. Lots of clean up work to do and I'll be ready to tackle the next job.

Oh, yeah, and... 

THANKS, RITA! 

Parenting Challenges

Pocahontas meets Midna at Sunburst for their usual lunch chat.

Esmeralda: Midna's making your lunches and will meet you on the patio.  She said it's a shame to be indoors on such a nice day.

Pocahontas: Why do you have a menu for me?  I always call in my order ahead of time.

Esmeralda: Just an old habit.  I was waiting tables when I met Marcus and my boss at the time insisted we greet customers with a menu in hand. 

Pocahontas: Really?  No wonder you took to it so quickly.  Waitressing, I mean.  

Midna:  Should you be eating burgers and fries?  Aren't you trying to lose weight for the wedding? 

Pocahontas: Seriously, girl, you are as bad as the kids.  We need to sort out more practical matters before planning a wedding ceremony.  

Midna: I still say let John make the decisions about the kids and you deal with the money matters. Even before he got any kind of formal training, he was always so good with kids, and you are...  Okay, I'll shut up about that.

Pocahontas (laughs): That is pretty much what we've decided.  The big issue right now is finding a house we all like.  The girls did say they'd be all right with sharing a room but I think Nakoma's not really on board with that.  They're so much younger than her.

Midna: Well, she's going away to college in a couple of years. 

Pocahontas: She's planning to live at home and go locally, just like I did.  Anakin's custody is still in question - his mom is doing really well in her recovery.  And John wants to have more children. 

Midna: Well, how about that.  I've never seriously pictured you as a mom. 

Pocahontas: I think I'm offended. (Laughs) Nakoma said the same thing.  Anakin said John will be the mom and I'll be the dad.  

Midna: That actually makes sense, if you ignore biology and look at traditional family dynamics.

Pocahontas: Where would any child of Cash Nedakh have learned about traditional family dynamics?

******

Later that day, the Malfoy siblings have an unexpected reunion in the park.  

Zenobia: Hey!  Long time no see! 

Leia: You're insane.  You just saw us at the country club over the weekend.

Boudica: We're gathering fall leaves for Draco's school project.  Seems a bit juvenile for his grade level, but maybe he's in Remedial Botany or something. 

Draco (indignant): It's for extra credit, I told you.  

Leia: Well, if you did your regular work properly, you wouldn't need extra credit, would you?  

Draco: Zenobia did her school work properly and look how she turned out.  Waiting tables, living in the slums, and associating with people like (indicates Albus) him.

Albus (to Zenobia): Thank you for walking with me from the greenhouse.  I'll go on ahead and let you visit with your sisters and brother. 

Zenobia: What was that?  

Boudica: Rude much?  What is wrong with Albus? 

Draco: He's probably a draft dodger and a dope fiend.  He's homeless!

Boudica: How does a draft dodger get VA benefits?  I've seen his medical records. 

Leia: Dope fiends can't keep a job and he lives at The Point in a camper.

Draco (scoffs): You call that a home?  

Albus pauses to make a call.  

Albus: Dude, I don't think Zenobia is the kid you should be worrying about.  

Demolition and Donors

WARNING! NAKED HEADLESS DOLLS!

I know what you're thinking.  Demolition?  Will we see explosions?  Sadly, no.  The explosions will be imaginary.  When I got my park backdrops, I wasn't happy with the skyscrapers.  Barbieville is not a city.  My dolls are, for the most part, rural folk.

I even wrote them into the story as a failed effort by the former mayor to stimulate the economy and change the image of the town to visitors.  But there are still way too many of them!  What to do...  I spied something at Michael's on one of my rare trips west of my sister's house.

A cartoon light bulb appeared above my head.

Since I don't have thin enough paper for this part, I used the clear plastic from doll packaging.  Trace the tree line onto the plastic and cut along the line.  The plastic also let me use a marker that would have bled through paper.

This is what I found at Michael's!  Sky poster board!  I repeated the trace and cut, this time following the admittedly rough stencil I'd made out of the plastic.

Glued it into place and filled in the places where buildings still peeked through with white fingernail polish (because I don't have paint) to match the clouds.

And now roughly half of the buildings are gone.  The sky's got a lot more clouds over there, but we've all seen real skies look like that, so I'm good with it.  Mayor Rose-Grace Pike assures me those buildings were all vacant, since so few millionaires want to invest in a lakeside farming community.

Cue the imaginary explosions as we move on to my other project. 

WARNING! NAKED HEADLESS DOLLS!

My collection of body donors.  I prefer my dolls to have at least nine points of articulation: neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.  More joints are a bonus! I sure ain't gonna complain if a doll has more! I pick up possible donors at thrift shops and clearance sales.  Vapid Face Sufferers and those with giant noggins get decapitated.  Sometimes one will just move right into Barbieville as is.

I do avoid certain lines because they are too skinny to share clothes and/or have inhuman skin tones. Some lines are child height but have mature features, also, so I avoid them.  I do have it on good authority that two of the skinny lines have males that are of acceptable girth, but I've not found any.

The first batch of candidates for transplant are my Fives.  They only have the standard neck, shoulder, and hip joints.  Bertie and Esperanza think the spot a match for one of them! 

Bertie has elbows and knees!  Not real lady-like, but that's a whole other thing.

My Five + Clicks are next.  They have softer plastic legs that bend a bit and click into place at the knee.  Most of these are ten inches or less.  Young teens and children in my Barbieville.  Roxy (not pictured here) is a gymnast Stacie from the 90s and Anakin (also not pictured) is technically an action figure.  Both are rare finds! There is currently an articulated Extreme Sports Stacie on the market, but I'm not likely to get her before the Family Christmas Ban* happens, so I'm gonna tell Santa about her.

Stacie didn't gain any articulation is this head swap, but she did get rid of that mutant thumb and bent elbow.  She's happy and the mutant thumb body will become a donor.

Tris is my only Seven.  She doesn't have elbows, but that lovely tattoo makes me reluctant to body swap her.  One of the donor bodies is a Seven.  Donor bodies can be anything above a Five.

Lots of Seven + Clicks. None of them matched any donors.  Need more in darker skin tones.

Guinness almost matches and Frodo is just laughing at me.

Floppy Boyz are in the house!  These three are Nines, but the joints are loose.  The Boy was messing with John and Hank, calling them Floppy Boyz.  The name stuck even though Esmeralda is a not a boy.  

Esmeralda is a pretty good match for the Seven donor body, but she chose to remain floppy. Not willing to give up them elbows.

*My family has a rule: After a certain date, we are not allowed to buy anything gift-worthy for ourselves.  I do try not to break it, and almost every time I have, it was doll-related.

Can You Go Home Again?

As the weather cools, Nancy and McG find fewer people when they go for their evening swim.

Nancy: We're going to have to start going to the Y, I think.  The lake is downright frigid.

McG: If you'd like.  I find the cold quite invigorating, myself.

Nancy: I'm so glad I found you to swim with.  My husband prefers the home gym to keep in shape.

McG: Lee never was much of a swimmer.  He always likes me in a bikini, though. 

She's interrupted by a passing woman. 

Charlotte:  Mrs. Guinness?  Is that you? 

Nancy: Charlotte.  I heard you'd moved back home. (To McG)  Charlotte is a former student of mine.  

McG: Charlotte Jackson? Gabriella's aunt? 

Charlotte: You know Gabriella?  

McG (coldly): I am Taylor Pike's grandmother.   

Charlotte: Oh, Rose-Grace's mother-in-law.  I heard she lost her mother recently, but I've not seen them at the country club.  Would you convey my condolences?

McG: Rose-Grace is a busy woman and Mace is hardly country club material.  I doubt you and they travel in the same circles, but I will tell them you send your thoughts.

Charlotte goes on her way and Nancy just stares at her friend for a moment.

McG: Have you not heard about that woman?

Nancy: You aren't being fair.  Charlotte had a very rough life. 

McG: So did Batgirl, but I don't see her treating her children as Charlotte treats hers. 

Nancy: Charlotte has children?  Do tell! 

******

Hank Higgins, of Barbieville Real Estate, shows Pocahontas and John a few homes.

Hank: This rustic cabin on the shore of Muneca Lake has...

John: Sorry to interrupt, but I can already tell this house isn't for us.  I might as well go home and drown Kelly in the bathtub.  

Pocahontas: Really?!

John: Yes, really.  We told him we have four kids.

Pocahontas: Not crazy about the white exterior.

John: Me, neither.  But we can always paint. A few safety features around the pool is all I think we'd need here. The kids could even each have their own room.

John: Brick exterior, lots of light from the windows... 

Pocahontas: Definite maybe.  

John: I think we've seen enough for today, Hank.  We'll have to put our heads together and talk to the kids before making a choice.  I know it's our call, as the adults, but they... 

Hank: I understand.  I do have one more I'd like to show you today, if you have time?  

Pocahontas: I love that tower entryway.

John: My girls would think we lived in a castle.  

Pocahontas: Only three bedrooms, though.  The girls would all have to share one. 

The prospective buyers gone, Hank confers with the homeowner before finding a police cruiser parked behind his car.

Lynch: What are you doing? You know you aren't supposed to have contact with...

Hank: They came into my office!  I couldn't exactly turn them out! 

Lynch: You should have passed them over to another agent.  Do it or the program will hear about this.  We can't protect you if you keep doing things like this. 

Hank: What do I tell the other agent for my reason? 

Lynch: I honestly don't care.  

Change Is Good, Right?

Life moves on in Barbieville, with changes big and small.

Joe:  Your office is finished.  Again.

Pike: Well, at least you get a steady income from these constant remodels, right? 

Joe: That's true, but it's a little insulting since I did the last two jobs on it.

Pike checks out the "new" office.  

Joe:  Just for the record, I did not choose the wallpaper.  Your bosses did. 

Pike: I kind of like it.  Not as busy as the earlier one.  How's work on the new break room going? 

Joe: The hardest part was finding the best position of the dividing wall.  I wanted to give them room to relax a bit, but didn't want to leave your office too small, either.  

Pike: We usually only have one or two people at a time on break.  We don't need a very big area.

Joe: Well, it should be done tomorrow.  Maybe even by lunchtime.

*******

Grand Opening of Doll County Day Care's new location.

Jenny: Fred!  I dint know you was coming!  Your mommy had to go to work? 

Fred: Grampa Mace is making her shovel horse poop today.  Me and the babies don't wanna do that, so she bringed us here to play! 

Rose-Grace: Sorry for bringing them at the last minute.  I thought some of the older kids would watch them, but Dad's putting us all to work.  Getting the barn ready for winter is a big job. 

John: No problem.  Fred looked thrilled to be here. 

Rose-Grace: He was packing the diaper bag before I hung up the phone.  He's been bursting at the seams to see this place.  And all his little friends. 

John: The feeling is mutual.  We've all been bursting at the seams.  (laughs) Joe's wearing the same shirt as you.  Well, same pattern.  Are the dancing skeletons back into vogue? 

Rose-Grace:  Well, it is getting to be that time of year.  How are things going with Pocahontas?  

John: Great.  I went to see a realtor about selling my house.  Did you know they sell double-wides with up to five bedrooms now?  We might get one of those put in where her current trailer is.

Rose-Grace leaves.  Samara and Orlando join the rest of the children. 

Kelly: We dint go near the big windows, Daddy.  The floor is ax-id over there, right?  

John: Good idea.  Make a game of staying away. When they reinforce those lower panes, I'll magic the acid away and this play area won't be so crowded then.  

Wilma: How come they dint do that before?  We don't wanna fall to our dooms.

John (chuckles): It's just for my peace of mind. I'm a bit afraid of heights. 

*****

Evening at Sunburst.

Whitney: Ready to order, Mrs. Jackson? 

Charlotte (annoyed): My sister isn't here yet.  We'll summon you when we're ready to order, although what I'll find on this menu is beyond me.  

Whitney: The fish is today's special.

Charlotte:  I said we will let you know when we are ready.  Are you dense?

Whitney leaves to take care of her other customers.  Charlotte reaches for her phone right when Batgirl walks in.  

Charlotte: Dear God!  What are you wearing? 

Batgirl: Gabriella told me the seventies called, they want their pantsuit back. (shrugs) It's comfortable and I like it.

Once they've ordered and Whitney brings their drinks, they chat before Charlotte gets to the point.

Charlotte: Have you been talking to the boys' lawyer? 

Batgirl: Only because I want what's best for Mary-Kate and Max.  Charlotte, we both know you weren't cut out to be a mother and, frankly, I'm mystified that you ever had them. 

Charlotte: The only reason Kaden wants them is to control their shares of the estate when the time comes.  Dr. Eaton tried to get me to sign for Kaden to see the medical records.  As if I'm not seeing that my husband is well cared for. 

Batgirl: He isn't just your husband.  He's their father, too.  

Whitney brings their food.

Charlotte: I've eaten the finest Italian food, young lady, and this is a disgrace.  You call this spaghetti and meatballs? 

Batgirl:  This is Barbieville, not Naples.  (to Whitney) Can I get a refill on my drink?  

Whitney: Of course.  Mrs. Jackson, I can have the owner...  

Charlotte: I suppose I'll survive.  (Shoos Whitney away)

Whitney: How are you folks doing over here?  Everything good?

Ty: How come that lady's being such a meanie to you?

Whitney: I guess she's just had a bad day.  

Suzie (sarcastic): You'd think evicting old hippies would put her in a better mood.

Whitney (stifles a laugh): Albus will land on his feet.  He's such a sweetheart, half the town's offered him a place to stay.  

Moving On... Or Just Moving?

Sulu takes a break from running errands with Dixie.  He's pleasantly surprised to run into John and Pocahontas.

Sulu: You left your office on a weekday?  Are you feeling all right?

Pocahontas: Always such a smart aleck.  I took the day off to help John get his new day care center ready, and to discuss some things without the kids around.  Nakoma and Anakin are already planning our wedding. 

John: We're talking wedding, too, but in practical terms.  Like where to live - neither one of us wants her in the house that I shared with Albion and her place is too small for us and four kids.

Sulu (chuckles): Her place is too small for her and the two she lives with.  

Pocahontas (to Dixie): You and your daddy can join us if you want.  Your cute little face makes up for his big ugly one. 

John: Yeah, my best friend isn't as bad as the kids are.  

Pocahontas: I'm getting some more food.  You three can talk about me behind my back.

Sulu: A book on premarital counseling?  You never fail to amaze me, Pocahontas.

John: Actually, it's turned out to be a good idea.  I thought she was nuts, but we've found a couple areas we need to work on.

Sulu (scoffs): Like what? 

Pocahontas: Finances and child-rearing.  It's not like either of us had any real experience back in the day, you know.  Our paths divided and we've been through vastly different terrain since. Did you know he bribes his daughters to behave?  Bribes them!

Sulu (shrugs): Society bribes us to behave.  

******

At the Barbieville City Hall Complex.

Kyra: Ready for lunch?  I'm about ready to eat that plant on my desk.

Rose-Grace: I think it's toxic.  (puts away her current project) I can finish up with this when we get back.  Nothing urgent in the stack and I'm ready for some gossip over coffee. 

Kyra: I've got some for you, too, about Lottie Gordon.

Rose-Grace: Charlotte Jackson, you mean.  And I have some of the same for you.  Gabriella got hold of her cousin and WOW.  That is one dysfunctional -- 

They're interrupted by Albus bursting into the room.

Albus (angry):  Did you know anything about this?  I thought you were my friend, Rose-Grace! 

Rose-Grace: I'll let that slide since you're clearly upset.  What's going on?

Kyra (to herself): So much for that gossip. 

Albus: That Jackson woman bought my home!  I'm being evicted! 

Rose-Grace: She bought the campground?  Why would Miss Snooty Pants want that campground? 

Kyra (reluctantly): I have a demolition permit pending.  According to it, the campground is an eyesore and a health hazard.  In that order. 

Rose-Grace: If it's still pending, why is she already evicting Albus? 

Albus (reading from the notice): Permanent residence in an area zoned for temporary stays is in violation of the law.  If lot 420 isn't vacated within thirty days, your vehicle will be towed and your belongings removed.  

Rose-Grace (taking the eviction notice from Albus): Kyra, I'm afraid I have to postpone lunch.  

Albus: Lunch?  No, no, don't go hungry on my account.