Long Long Time

Well, it's been a long long time since I've been here! A lot has happened and a lot has changed. I can go into some of that later. In the meantime, here's a video. It uses some new video of Calista and Bob taken here in Florida (I've moved), and it also combines some older footage that I've used in a previous video. Oh, and I'm actually in the video (my face, not just my hands). I hope that you've all been well!

Liv'n Travel Set

I got this Liv'n Travel set for free when I purchased the Liv Making Waves Alexis doll. I just love free stuff, don't you? This set of accessories came with a suitcase, shoes, bracelet, earrings, and a doggie hoodie.

Here's a look at the back of the package. 

One of my dolls travels more than all of the rest, and that's Calista. She has been my travel companion on all of my recent trips, so she is the natural choice to receive this set of goodies. Oooooh, she may get to leave the country next year and go on her first cruise!

Calista is extremely excited to have this set and to be able to pack her own bag for the first time!

She opens the suitcase and yep, there's plenty of space for everything that she wants to take on her next trip! Now she has her eyes set on the rest of the accessories.

The shoes are a great fit! She is so glad that she can wear both flat and heeled shoes. She searches the stash of Sparkle Girlz clothes to see if she can find an outfit that matches the shoes.

Ummmmm, she'll have to keep searching. This is not a good look for young Calista. She does love the shoes and bracelet, though.

Since Calista's ears are not pierced and I have no plans to pierce them, she generously gives the earrings to someone who can use them. Sashabella Paws is appreciative of the gift. Meanwhile, Calista found a necklace in the Sparkle Girlz stash that she likes and that looks good with her new bracelet.

Sashabella shows off her new earrings. She'd better enjoy them while she can, because I have a feeling that her head will be swapped soon.

As for the doggie hoodie, there are no Liv dogs here, so Only Hearts Club Briana Joy's dog Longfellow gets this accessory. It's a little too big for him, but he doesn't seem to mind.

Okay, back to the packing. Calista will definitely need a swimsuit for her next trip, so she finds one in the Sparkle Girlz stash.

With everything packed, Calista is ready for her next adventure.

Goodbye for now. Oh wait, don't forget your new shoes, Calista!

As Calista demonstrates below, the handle is adjustable. Calista extends it so that she can easily wheel her luggage as she walks (the wheels don't really work, but that's okay because she doesn't really walk).

Ok, she's really leaving now. Until next time!

Calista In My Life

A couple of months ago, I was telling my husband that one of the local museums was having an AG tea party and inviting people to bring their dolls for tea.  I told him that I almost considered going, until I saw that the admittance was $25.  I could buy another doll with that, I'm not paying that for a silly event.  My husband told me that I could've taken Calista and Bob to the event.  I said "Bob is gone for the summer, remember?"  My husband cracked up laughing and said "I like it that you're so consistent."

On Tuesday, we were in the car and my husband said out of the blue "Well, it's the first day of Fall, do you know what that means?"  I thought about it for a few seconds and didn't know what he could be referring to, so I said "No, what does that mean?"  He said "It means Bob is back!"  I cracked up and said "Yeah, Bob is back."

Well, Bob may be back, but Calista is not there.  Calista is currently spending as much time as she can on Biloxi Beach.

Wednesday, she spent the day in New Orleans.

I will let Calista describe her trip when she's ready to post her next diary entry.  I just wanted to tell you the story about my husband, and also to show you these cool beads that we got while in New Orleans.  I saw the ones below and I immediately thought that the instruments attached would make pretty decent instruments for some of my dolls.

When I saw the beads below, I initially thought that the footballs would be way too big for 1/6 scale dolls.  I was going to give these to someone as a souvenir.  But when I posed Calista with these, well I think she looks adorable holding that football and I'm afraid that I'm going to have to keep these for myself, also.

I just have to take a moment to express my appreciation for my husband.  Not only does he listen to me talk about dolls, he actually keeps up with the storylines that I write, and he encourages me to keep doing what I want to do.  And as if that weren't enough, he has no complaints about me bringing a doll along with me every time we take a trip.  He smiles as we walk along streets, eat at restaurants, spend time on the beach, etc. all while having a doll along and snapping photos.  He did protest a little bit about me bringing my laptop on our trip.  He knew that I'd be working and blogging while on vacation. :)

Sparkle Girlz Clothes

After reading about the new Sparkle Girlz fashions on several blogs, I went to Walmart in search of cute cheap clothing for my teen dolls.  Someone had already cleared out all of the single $1.97 fashions, but there were still some Fashion Boutique packs left.  I picked up 3 of them for $8.88 each, and the ones that I purchased are pictured below.

Several Sparkle Girlz dolls were on display, both full-sized and mini.  I was almost tempted to purchase a doll.  Almost.  The Sparkle Girlz even have a cute little inexpensive car now.  I did not get a photo of that, but I did take a quick photo of some of the dolls below.

When I got home, I opened one of the packs and tried the clothes on some of my dolls, and the dolls are modeling the clothing in the photo below.  The dolls are from left to right:  HSM Sharpay, Juku Couture Kana, Calista on Super Model Bel body, Hispanic everGirl, and Flavas Kiyoni Brown.  Most of the clothes are too big for Kana, but she fits the outfit below really well.  Sharpay, Kana, and Calista can all put the Sparkle Girlz shoes on, but Sharpay can not stand in them.  The shoes are really flimsy, though, so it would be easy to cut the heels to make the shoes fit Sharpay better.  These young ladies are ready to head back to school in style!

I also got a little something for Ken.  He will have to model his some other time.

Calista's Diary Entry - When It Clicks

Dear Diary,

When I began my keyboard lessons, Jay told me that "the most important thing to remember is that Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge".  I was confused and asked him what boys and fudge have to do with playing a musical instrument?  Well his mnemonic devices helped me learn the lines and spaces of the treble and base clefs quickly and easily.  The hard part was recognizing the notes quickly and getting my fingers to do exactly what I wanted them to do, when I wanted them to do it.  There's a lot going on at the same time!  Recognize the note on the sheet music, find the right note on the keyboard, hold it for the correct length of time, do or do not use the damper pedal...  Okay, this is hard!

During the first month, I spent so much time just leaning the proper techniques, practicing scales, and playing simple songs such as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Mary Had a Little Lamb (and why would anyone want to sing about being Down in the Valley anyway).  I kept asking Jay when we would get to the fun part.  He kept telling me to just keep practicing, and he promised it would pay off.  So I did.  I practiced 2 hours a day like he told me to, and sometimes more.  It became easier to play the scales and to play the notes from sheet music.  I got to play songs that were a little bit more complicated, but they were still songs that people sang like 100 years ago.

Jay asked me if I wanted to learn how to play by ear, as well as read music.  I said that I thought that was something that only musical geniuses could do.  He told me that some people are naturally gifted and can pick that up right away, but he said that some people can be taught.  He told me that I had a good ear and that he could teach me.  I told him yes, I wanted to learn to play by ear.  He told me that there would be a lot more work.  I was ready for it.  I learned the 12 major chords and I learned about chord progressions.  Jay gave me charts and diagrams and there was a lot of memorization.  One day, Jay gave me the assignment of picking out a popular song that's a favorite of mine, listening to the chorus, playing the melody of the chorus on the keyboard, and writing the notes down on a piece of paper.  He told me to make sure that I had a recording of the song at our next lesson.  I did as he instructed.  It was pretty easy to listen to the melody and play it.

At my next lesson, Jay told me to look at the notes that I had written and to tell me what key the song was in.  I didn't answer right way, but then I recognized that there were no sharps or flats, so I said "Is it C?"  Then Jay told me to play the melody with my right hand, and to try the common chord progressions for the key of C with my left.  I hummed the song as I played, and I found a progression that fit!  I was actually playing the song, and it actually SOUNDED LIKE THE SONG!  "OMG!  I'm playing my favorite song!"  Jay was excited, too.  He told me that this is his favorite part of teaching, when all of the hard work pays off and it all clicks, and the fun part begins.  He told me that of course, I still had a lot to learn and a lot of practicing to do.  He told me that he would teach me some embellishments that would really make the song sound good.  

Jay instructed me that for my next lesson, I should write down the notes of the melody for the rest of my song, and below those notes to write the chords, and to practice my song (but don't forget to practice my scales and practice my sheet music songs).  Well, playing my favorite song will not be work at all for me.  I am so excited!

Jay told me that I have a nice singing voice and that I should try out for the performing choir when school starts.  Really?  Me?  That's not something that I had considered before.  I guess I sort of frowned because then he said that he thinks it will be a good fit for me, since I like to perform and I love music.  He told me that many of their musical numbers include choreographed moves, and he told me I would be really good at that part.  He told me that they also read sheet music, and that I would learn some music theory.  I told him that I would consider it.

When school starts, we will continue the lessons, but we will cut back to 1 lesson per week, and I will cut my practice time back to an hour a day, 6 days a week.

Calista's Diary Entry - Play Time

Dear Diary,

As the summer began, I spent most of my time relaxing and watching TV.  I didn't want to do much of anything.  It was just nice being able to hang out in my pajamas and relax.

Well, the longer I did that, the more agitated my parents seemed to become.  I heard my dad talking to my mom, saying something about me regressing.  One Saturday, I was in the kitchen fixing myself a bowl of cereal for lunch, and my dad said "Don't you think that you're a little old to be playing with toys?"  I said "What, this?  This isn't a toy, it's my teddy bear.  And I don't play with him, I just..." and then I couldn't think of anything that I could say that would erase the frown from my dad's face.  My dad said "You've been carrying that thing around everywhere you go."  My mother came in and patted my dad on the arm and said "It's alright, I'll talk to her."

My dad walked away and I fixed my cereal really fast, hoping that my mom would walk away too.  But she followed me to my room and closed the door.  I tried to hide my eye rolling from her.  She said "You really do miss that boy, don't you?"  I said "Who?"  My mom didn't even try to hide her eye roll from me.  She said "Bob.  That's the boy who gave you that bear, right?"  I nodded hesitantly.  My mom continued "Yeah, we talk to his dad Brad sometimes at church.  Brad said that his son would be gone almost the entire summer.  Calista, he will be back before you know it."  I said "Ok.", hoping that would end the conversation.

My mom said "In the meantime, we are not about to let you spend your summer moping around and hugging on a stuffed bear.  You need to find an activity."  I said "Isn't it a little late for that?"  My mom said "No, there's still plenty of things that you can do.  If you can't find anything, your dad and I will choose something.  Hey, Vacation Bible School is coming up next week..."  I said "No!"  I didn't mean to say it so loudly.  I said "I'll find something."  My mother said "Ok, you have 1 week."

I went to the Community Center that same day to try to find something to occupy my time this summer.  As I expected, there wasn't a lot left to choose from.  But something did catch my eye.  A local musician was offering music lessons.  I've always wanted to learn how to play an instrument, so it seemed like a good idea to me.

I called the number from the ad and I set up an initial meeting.  When I arrived, I was surprised to see that the "local musician" was actually an older boy from my school named Jay.  He didn't recognize me, even after I told him that I had been on the Junior Spirit Squad.  I recognized him right away.  He performed in school talent shows, and he's really good.  He also has a bit of a reputation for being a jerk.  And from what I've heard, he skips school and drinks.

I told him that I thought I needed to find an instructor who was a bit more mature.  He told me fine, he didn't need my money anyway, and that the lessons were for my benefit and not for his.  He said that he was trying to share the gift of music with someone who was willing to work hard.  I told him that I am no stranger to hard work, but I need to make sure that I get someone who is reliable, and I shared my concerns about him skipping school.  He told me "So what!"  He went on a rant about how music is his life, his passion, and when it comes to music, he does not cut corners.  He works really hard, he's good at what he does, and he does not disappoint.  He told me that it was up to me, but if we chose to work together, I would definitely be impressed.  He said that I would not find another person who was as passionate about music, especially within my budget.

I told him that I would give him a chance.  He told me that he would give me a chance also, but that he would drop me if I didn't work hard.  I said "Drop ME?  I'm the one paying!"  He said it didn't matter, he didn't want to waste his time on someone who wasn't serious.  He said "Are you serious, Clarissa?"  I said "It's CALISTA, and yes I'm serious."

So he showed me his instruments.  He asked me if I was interested in playing the drums and I told him no, and that I thought that was too easy.  He told me that there's a lot more to it than what I think.  He let me play his drums, and I sounded awful.  Still, I wouldn't want to pay anyone to teach me to play the drums.  That seems like something that I could learn on my own. 

Then he let me play his guitar.  He showed me how to play a couple of chords.

I liked the guitar, but I knew that I wanted to take lessons on the keyboard.  Jay said that the guitar is more his thing, but that he can definitely teach me to play the keyboard.  We agreed to have my lessons on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  He told me that I needed to practice 2 hours a day, 6 days a week.  I said "2 HOURS!"  He said "Hey, you said you were serious, and not a stranger to hard work, right?"  I replied "Right."

I played Jay a song that my dad had taught me on his keyboard when I was a little girl - Chopsticks.  Jay said that I would be blown away by the songs that I would be able to play by the end of this summer.  I hope he's right.

Calista's Diary Entry - Summer Separation

Dear Diary,

Since we had so many snow days this year, we had to make up some of that time at the end of this school year.  For a while I felt like the school year would never end, and I was so anxious to start my summer.  If I had known then what I know now, I would have been happy to spend the extra days in school.

Bob told me that he needed to talk to me, so I met him in the hallway after class.

He told me that he wanted to talk about what was happening this summer, and I was excited, thinking that he wanted to make plans to hang out together.  Instead, he gave me the upsetting news that he is going away this summer.  He told me that he was leaving for a vacation with his family the day after the last day of school, then boy scout camp, then sleepaway camp.  Sleepaway camp?  Really???

I asked him how long he would be gone, and he told me that he would be gone almost the entire summer.  What???  My shock and my unhappiness must have shown on my face.  Bob took me by the hand and told me that it would be okay, and that the time would fly by.  No it won't!  I'm used to seeing Bob almost every single day.  I look forward to seeing Bob.  A summer without him seems like an eternity!

I asked him how long he's known about this, and he told me that he's known for a few weeks.  Weeks???  My sadness quickly turned to anger as I asked him why he didn't tell me.  He told me that he thought for a long time about whether or not to tell me, and he said that he did not want me to be upset for that amount of time, and that he just wanted us to enjoy ourselves at school, on the field trip, and just hanging out.  I said that he should have told me!  Bob gave me a big hug.

He apologized for upsetting me, and told me that he really thought that he was doing the right thing.  He asked me if I had enjoyed the time that I've spent with him over the last few weeks, and I said yes.  He asked me if I would have enjoyed it as much if I had known that he would be gone for the summer.  I said that I probably would have been upset the entire time.  He gave me a kiss on the cheek.

Bob put his arm around my shoulders and smiled at me, and he tried to get me to smile, too.  I didn't feel much like smiling, but I tried.

He told me that he needed to see that smile, and needed to know that everything was okay, and that I wasn't going to stay mad at him for 3 months.  I told him I'd see him later.

I stood there and watched him walk away.  I wanted to just grab him and ask him a million and one questions.  I am so confused and angry and hurt and disappointed.  I did not grab him, I did not tell him everything that was on my mind, I just watched him walk away.  And when he was out of sight, my feelings erupted.

You just don't know how long I've been wanting him to hug me again, and to hold my hand again.  I've really wanted him to kiss my cheek.  But all this affection, what does it even mean?  He's leaving!  Is that good-bye?  Is that how he says see you later to his buddies?  I hate this uncertainty so much!  He didn't even say that he'd call while he was away.  He didn't say much of anything!

What it all comes down to is that I really care about him a lot, and now I have to prepare myself to be without him.

Calista's Diary Entry - The Cut

Dear Diary,

The time came for the tryouts for next year's Junior Spirit Squad.  For an entire week, there were practice sessions which lasted for a couple of hours every day after school.  Girls from the Varsity Spirit Squad taught the Junior hopefuls a brand new routine, and we all had a week to learn it and practice for the tryouts.  I was pretty confident that it would be me, Kana, and Briana Joy again.  I missed a couple of days of practice because I felt that I could learn the routine fast, and that I had an advantage in knowing all of the old routines and already being a member of the squad.

Besides the three original members of the squad, Jenna, Big Janet, Gabriella, and Kiara also tried out.  I was shocked that Big Janet was able to tear herself away from her boyfriend Dylan long enough to try out.  The tryouts took place in the gym, and the Varsity SQ girls watched and judged, along with Miss Jones, the squad sponsor.

They split us into small groups and had us perform the routine.  I knew the routine well and I did a good job.  Big Janet did a pretty good job from what I could tell.  Gabriella was awful.  I felt kind of bad because I know that she worked really hard.  But I knew that she wouldn't make it.  Big Janet and Gabriella were cut after the first round.

For the second round, I performed the new routine with Kana and Briana Joy.  We all did a good job, and I had no doubt that it would be the three of us together again next year. Then Jenna and Kiara performed the new routine, and I admit that they were really good.  I still felt like the 3 original members had a big advantage, though.  Then Jenna announced that they wanted to perform some additional routines.  They performed some of our old routines, and they were great!  I had seen the 2 of them hanging around at our practices, but I had no idea what they were up too.  Me and Briana Joy looked at each other, and our jaws just dropped.

The VSQ and Miss Jones got together to go over the scores that they had given each of us, and to discuss their final decision.  It seemed like they talked forever.  I could hear their voices but I could not make out what they were saying.  Finally they came back, and Miss Jones announced that she would call out a girls name.  She said that the name would be for the girl who was eliminated from the squad, and that the girl should leave the gym immediately.  I was standing there thinking that it would be a hard decision on who to eliminate between Jenna and Kiara, because they were both so good.  I was absolutely shocked when Miss Jones called Briana Joy's name.  WHAT?  Briana Joy looked so sad as she walked out of the gym.  I knew that she would be crying later.  I was SO MAD!  How could they do that to her?

I stood there furious for a few moments, and then I heard Miss Jones say my name.  I looked at her.  She said my name again.  I didn't understand why she kept calling my name.  I heard some of the girls giggling behind me.  After calling my name again, she came over to me and said "Let's go."  That's when I understood that I was also cut from the finals.  I did not make the squad.  It felt like my cheeks were burning up and I felt humiliated.  As Miss Jones escorted me out, I turned around and looked at the other girls, and Jenna was smiling and waving at me. 

Once I was outside the gym, I heard Miss Jones announce "Congratulations, Ladies, you are the next Junior Spirit Squad to represent this school!"  I heard squeals of delight.  I looked into the small window on the gym door and I saw the girls jumping up and down and hugging.  Kana looked a little too happy if you ask me.  How could she be that excited when her 2 best friends had just been cut?  I was so mad.

I have been reeling from the experience ever since, feeling shocked, saddened, and angered all at once.  And then I heard that the girls would be performing at our final assembly of the school year today.  WHAT? Shouldn't they be performing NEXT YEAR?  What is the rush?  And how could they even have a routine together that quickly?  I sat in the audience and I felt sick as I watched them perform the new routine that we had learned for tryouts.  It was almost surreal watching them wear the uniform that I used to wear.  I was the one that was supposed to be out there performing, not sitting in the audience observing.  How did this even happen?

So I'm just thinking about all of the time and effort that I put into that squad.  What am I supposed to do now?  What does this mean for my friendship with Kana and Briana Joy?  We spent so much time hanging out on the squad, going to games, etc.  I mean, I'm just so sad about this and I don't know what to do.

Calista's Diary Entry - Field Trip

Dear Diary,

Today I went on a field trip to Dog Iron Ranch in Oologah, Oklahoma, which is the birthplace of Will Rogers.  It was so interesting and so much fun!  Something that caught my attention even before we arrived at the ranch was a small replica of the house that Will Rogers was born in.  I wished that I could stop there for a few minutes to take a closer look.  I wished that I could bring my dolls there to play.  Maybe I will one of these days.

Me and Bob had a good view from the balcony of the house.  We were enjoying watching the others below, and just talking to each other.  He seemed like he had something on his mind.

It wasn't long before the others joined us on the balcony.

It was cool in the shade!  Mira got right in between me and Bob.  

We went back down to the porch, and Mira still positioned herself in between me and Bob.  Okay, she was starting to bother me!  I felt like Bob had something to say to me, and that maybe he would say it if the others weren't around.

We were able to go inside the house also, and it was so interesting to see how people lived in the 1800's.  It's so hard to imagine what people did before computers, TV's, cell phones, cars, etc.  But I have to say that the house and the land are really beautiful!  OMG, is that an OUTHOUSE over there on the right?  I've only seen those in old movies!  I guess that there's a lot that I take for granted.

 I wandered away from the others to have a look around.  The house overlooks Oologah Lake.  The view is breathtaking.

There were a lot of animals.  We saw some Texas Longhorn steers. On the grounds, there were goats, rabbits, donkeys, horses, chickens, peacocks, etc. 

Speaking of peacocks...

I'm not sure, but I think that this may be where they made the horseshoes.

I wanted to see what was inside the barn.  There were some goats and some horses.

The workers at the ranch are EXTREMELY nice, friendly, and helpful!  They saw me looking at the goats and petting them, and asked me if I wanted to ride.  I was nervous about it, but how could I pass up that opportunity.  They helped me onto the goat, and it was a fun ride!  YEEEHAWWW!

I went outside again and had a closer look at the donkeys.  I petted them and everything.

Bob found me.  He said that he had been looking all over for me.  I told him that I just wanted to get away from the group for a while, and that Mira was really getting on my nerves.  He told me that she was getting on his, too.

I was feeling so self-conscious because it was extremely windy and my hair was blowing all over the place.  I kept trying to hold it down in front of Bob, but he told me to just let it go.  He said that I looked cute with the wind blowing through my hair, and that I looked "vibrant" with my hair blowing around and framing my face.  Vibrant?  Me?  Really?

We were alone, so I just asked him if he had something on his mind.  He hesitated for a second, and then said that we should just enjoy today.  He said that this had been one of the best days of the entire school year, and I had to agree with him.  We spent our last few moments alone sitting on a bench and watching the lake, sometimes talking, sometimes not.  And then it was time to go home.