Friday, February 10, 2017

Books

Did you know national book month is in October?

October.
Huh.
It's February.

Well, we like reading books all year round, even if we don't have a special day or month to read those books. And the dolls do, too. They dressed up as some of their favorite book characters. They were very sad to exclude other characters, of course. But here are some characters who are in some of the books they had on hand.
This is Kaya. We will be having a big welcoming ceremony for her later. But for now (because she wanted to be in on this book-character-dress-up-game), just know she is here.

Who do you think Kaya dressed up as?

The book she chose was The Scarlet Pimpernel, by Baroness Emma Orczy. If you have not read this book, we strongly urge you to. Swashbuckling, exciting espionage and action, and refined, beautiful society to boot! France and England! This book is simply fantastic.

If you have not guessed by now, you probably have not read the book. Kaya dressed up as Lady Margurite Blakeney!


This is Samantha.

Who do you think Samantha dressed up as?

The book she chose was Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale. The dolls like most of Shannon Hale's books (except Dangerous; whatever you do, do not read that one). If you haven't read it, you'll need to know that it's based in Asia. I don't know exactly where in Aisa - I haven't taken world geography yet - but it is influenced by Asian culture. It's a very good book, with romance and adventure and friendship!

If you have not guessed by now, you probably have not read the book. Samantha dressed up as Dashti the Mucker!


This is Kit.

Who do you think Kit dressed up as?

The book she chose was The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe from The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis. If you haven't read any of C.S. Lewis's books - especially if you haven't read The Chronicles of Narnia - I honestly don't know what you're doing to your poor unfortunate soul. This book is so good. It has wonderful symbolism, wording, style, and just the feel of the whole series - especially The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, my personal favorite out of the chronicles - is beautiful. Please do yourself a favor and read this book.

If you have not guessed by now, you probably have not read the book. Kit dressed up as Lucy Pensieve!


This is Audrey.

Who do you think Audrey dressed up as?

You may notice the leopard print leggings. Audrey didn't want to completely change, so she just tossed Kirsten's dress on and chose a book to go with it. She does like this book, though, so don't worry!

The book she chose was Little House on the Prairie, the most famous of Laura Ingalls Wilder's books. If you haven't read these, you aren't a true pioneer. Okay, that's a No True Irishman Fallacy, so don't take my word for that, but just know that you're missing out. Especially if you've seen the TV show but haven't read the books. Little House on the Prairie isn't my favorite of the books (On the Banks of Plum Creek takes that place), but it's still amazing! Laura has such a distinct style that I fall in love with over and over again. And you get such a pioneering spirit! Yes, this is truly a book to read.
If you have not guessed by now, you probably have not read the book, or at least not have not been picking up my hints. Audrey dressed up as Laura Ingalls Wilder!


By now you may have noticed our love for books. So go forth and read!

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

USAG 6: Changes for Kaya

USAG 6 finally happened, and next week we will be moving onto Felicity. Fun fact for you: Felicity is my favorite American Girl. So Felicity's meetings will be the best there ever was.

As for Kaya, we finished up well.
All my resources are at the bottom of the page.







 Here, my sister looks like she's choking. Or dying. Or something. Well, I can promise you that is not the case. She is...actually, I don't know what she's doing. I didn't take the photos for this meeting. In any case, I can promise she isn't choking. Or dying.




 This is the fry bread I made. It took me about 20 minutes to make 10 pieces, mostly due to the actual frying. What I'm trying to say is, the dough was very simple to make. They were softer and tastier than they look. They were delicious with a bit of jam on them.



 I did use a computer in this meeting. I know that's against the rules, but I just wanted to show the girls pictures of parfleches, listen to music, and read the stories I picked out.


 And, of course, when we painted parfleches, the girls had to put on war paint. Naturally.









 We painted "parfleches". Because I am lazy, it was really just paper bags which we decorated, and then I punched a hole in the top and strung a string through. It was probably the easiest craft we've done in USAG to date.




















So Kaya's USAG weeks ended quite well, with a wonderful discussion. I'm so excited for Felicity!

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