Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello, dear viewers! Just dropping in to wish you all a very wonderful Thanksgiving!

Why, yes, this is the only fall-related picture I can find.

UPDATE: I promise, I will be updating more frequently. I promised myself I'd watch The Little Mermaid before Sunday, and hopefully a Tangled review will be coming soon.

Long time, no post.

Well, school has started, and you know what that means...I actually am kind of busy. But here's something for you to look forward to, fans: I recently got a Mac, and I promised myself that when I got a webcam, I would start making vlogs to post here. Most likely, I will have one for you within the next month.

Photoshoot: Sadie

Sadie was wearing the costume Natalie wore WHEN SHE PLAYED VALDIS FOR ME, so naturally she stole Nat's pose.

Isn't she cute?
 

Then Natalie came outside and started bugging her.

I don't know what she was going for here.

I growled at her (just...don't even ask) so she growled back.

 Sticking her tongue out at Nat.

And Natalie did the same.

Classic.

Words cannot even describe.

Snapshot.

This is a weird little thing that's I randomly thought of (which will probably not benefit anyone, like, ever)

Currently I am...
Listening to "I'm Ready" by Jack's Mannequin (what a great way to start this).
Thinking about what clay creations to make.
Looking at the 50+ bottlecaps knowing I should work on them.
Wanting to find somewhere take pictures of Buzz Lightyear.
Wondering when I'll be not-so-lazy in order to finish my cousin's alphabet book.
Thinking about how realistic my deadline is for it at the rate I'm going.
Also wanting my mom to take the film on my camp camera to get it developed.
And wanting to go to the antique store.
And I want to move already. Well, kinda. I just want a new room.

Hm. I need more inspiration.

Excitement!

I like how I can totally talk about summer in the last post, but now I'm talking about Halloween. Anyway, here's a MTOTP update!

I'm getting so excited for MTOTP. Granted, it's like $20 more this year since we need to go on the weekend for my dad to come, but it will be totally worth it.

And since I don't believe I've shared who my group will include, here's a list of that for you:

• Me as Charlotte. Obviously.
• Princess Tiana (in the blue dress)
• Belle
• Gaston
• Megara
• Esmeralda
• Mickey
• Minnie
• Baby Mouse (Mia)
• Lillian Gracey O'Malley, a.k.a. Tightrope Girl from Haunted Mansion

Needless to say, our group will be awesome.

Summer.

I've had to urge to blog for a few days now, but at the same time, I have no idea what to write about. A strange combination, if I do say so myself.

At the moment, I still want to be creative. But in my mind, I don't know what to do. Painting things for my cousin sounds boring, I don't want to swim, and I have no skin tone for clay people. I want to occupy myself with something productive, but I have no idea what I want to do.

Hopefully sometime soon me and my grandmother can go and get fabric for Halloween. That's the only thing that sounds remotely interesting.

Analyzing Disney Love: Prince Phillip and Princess Aurora "Briar Rose"

Artwork by AgiVega. Used with permission. (Click to see her page!)

"But you know something? I've fooled them. I have met someone!"

"Who? Who? Who?"
"Oh, a prince. Well, he's tall and handsome. And - and so romantic. Oh, we walk together, and talk together, and just before we say goodbye, he takes me in his arms, and then, I wake up. Yes, it's only in my dreams. But they say if you dream a thing more than once, it's sure to come true. And I've seen him so many times..."
from Walt Disney's animated feature Sleeping Beauty

---

Princess Aurora - most likely the princess with the most monikers. More commonly referred to as Sleeping Beauty, and known as Briar Rose in her peasant form. Her tale is the first that we've seen that includes a prince that actually does something, and has a name, too! Though this is a nice change of pace, her happily ever after will be hard for us to come by.

When Aurora is first born, she is immediatly betrothed to a young Prince Phillip, of another kingdom, for King Stephen, Aurora's father, always wanted their kingdoms to be united.

For the first sixteen years after that point, Aurora goes by Briar Rose, and lives with Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather (in human form) so that Maleficent wouldn't be able to get her hands on the young princess, whom she wants dead. On her sixteenth birthday, the three "aunts" send Rose out to pick some berries so they have the opportunity to make her a cake and a dress made for a princess.

In the Disney way, Aurora begins to sing with her animal friends the tune of "I Wonder," in which she wonders aloud (obviously) about why each little bird has that special someone. Her marvelous singing lures Prince Phillip to her, slowly but surely. By the time she has started singing "Once Upon a Dream," Prince Phillip has arrived without her knowledge.

As she's dancing with her animal friends, Prince Phillip cuts in and harmonizes with her unexpectedly. Which is when you get this hilarious expression that actually shows she is surprised and somewhat frightened:

Sleeping Beauty belongs to Disney. Picture from Magical Screencaps.

Aurora cuts off her singing suddenly because of her surprise. Though she's not supposed to talk to strangers, they've "met before" so she soon gets over her shock and begins waltzing with the young prince. Soon after their dance, she tells him that she'll meet him again tonight at her house.

Upon arriving home, she is greeted by a magnificent cake and dress as her sixteenth birthday surprise - but trouble is nearing, for Flora, Fauna and Merryweather used magic to make her gifts, attracting the eye of the evil Maleficent's pet.

Then Aurora gets the shocker of the fourteenth century - she is, in fact, a princess, due to arrive home later that evening. Little does she know that she is actually betrothed to the mysterious stranger.

While the fathers of Aurora and Phillip are celebrating, Phillip decides to burst their bubble, saying he met a "peasant girl," saying he wants to marry her, infuriating his father. After some word games, he tricks his father and runs off "to marry the girl [he loves]."

After arriving at the castle, Princess Aurora is left alone by Flora, Fauna and Merryweather after bursting into tears about not being able to see her mysterious stranger again. In a matter of minutes, she is hypnotized, pricking her finger on the spinning wheel, sending her into the deep sleep, only to be broken by love's first kiss. In order to prevent the kings from realizing that the princess is asleep, the three fairies decide to make everyone in and around the castle fall asleep, too.

Apparently Phillip's father sleep-talks, for after Flora hears him explain that Prince Phillip met the girl he loves "once upon a dream," she is able to put two-and-two together to realize the "peasant girl" is, in fact, Aurora.

Phillip arrives at the cottage, only to be captured by Maleficent. Later, she gives Phillip the 4-1-1, telling what has happened to what she plans to do. But after Maleficent is gone, the three fairies come to his rescue, arming him with weapons to fight for his true love. After an intense escape sequence, Maleficent puts thorns all around King Stephen's castle.

Now, here is where we truly see Phillip's determination for saving Aurora and winning his love, so to speak. No matter what Maleficent has for him, including "all the powers of Hell," he manages to fight his way through successfully.

Finally, Aurora gets her first love's kiss, breaking the spell and awaking the castle. Then, Phillip and Aurora come down the steps together, and dance into their happily ever after. Literally, they dance into the clouds.

To conclude, Aurora is the first princess whose prince: a.) has a name, and; b.) actually does something. Though this is a case of love at first sight, their is a little more background to her story than the previous princesses.

Now, here's what I just realized. At the beginning of the movie, Aurora is just born. When we see Phillip, he is at least five years old, if not six or seven. Aurora is sixteen later in the movie, putting Phillip at an age at least 21, if not older. Though age is just a number, that's still a little off to me. But hey, it's the fourteenth century.

The search is on.

For what, you might ask? Well, my dear, the perfect dress. Some of you may recall my most recent Halloween costume as the Queen of Hearts. If you don't, here's a picture to jog your memory.

But after an amazing costume like that, (that I was even recognized as at a later date) I need something bigger and better to top it. Now, in all of Disney history, what dress is the biggest and best? I've got one word for you: Charlotte.

Image from MAGICAL SCREENCAPS. From Disney's The Princess and the Frog.

Charlotte La Bouff, a.k.a. Lottie, Tiana's best friend in The Princess and the Frog. Yup, that will be me.

Now, last year, my wonderful grandmother had an old bridesmaid dress from my mother's wedding that we simply altered a bit and painted to make the perfect under-layer of the Queen's wonderful gown. Looking back, I feel I should have saved that for this year, because it would've been beyond perfect (it had the poofy sleeves and everything)!

So, for the past couple months I've been checking Craigslist every once in a while. I mean, I'm not that specific, just want a white or pink ballgown that's about my size. You think that would be easy, right? WRONG.

Here's the thing. I'm a thin person. Not to sound conceited, but I just am. And I'd say a majority of the Inland Empire popular who's getting married or having their Quincenera, well...isn't.

It's a good thing I get an incredibly early start on these.

Dear world.

There are three things that I am currently collecting. Those three things would be teapots, teacups and teasets; versions of Alice in Wonderland books (whether it be popup, newly illustrated, et cetera); and Vinylmation. Are you sensing a pattern?

Analyzing Disney Love: Prince Charming and Cinderella

Artwork by Hannah Rose. Used with permission. (Click here to see her page!)

"So this is love, Mmmmmm
So this is love
So this is what makes life divine

I'm all aglow, Mmmmmm

And now I know

The key to all heaven is mine."
"So This is Love" from Walt Disney's animated feature Cinderella (1950)

---

Dearest Cinderella. Another classic fairytale, familiar for its Prince Charming and the glass slipper. Filled with magic, talking mice and happy little songs. Though Charming and Cinderella's relationship is a bit of an improvement from Snow's, we still shouldn't aim for yet another Cinderella story.

As "Cinderella" begins, we learn that she is currently "abused, humiliated, and finally forced to become a servant in her own house." Despite this, she's still high in spirits and hopeful, singing about dreams being "a wish your heart makes," with all her lovely birds and mice as her friends. She then continues to go about her everyday routine serving the wicked Tremaines.

It is from here that we get a glimpse into Charming's life. His father feels the need for the prince do get married A.S.A.P, for he is the King's only son. Then, the clever king decides a ball should coincidentally be held the night of the prince's return with all of the eligible maidens in the kingdom. Immediatly, they send out invitations. Lady Tremaine agrees that "if" Cinderella finishes her chores, she can attend. Good thing Cindy has such wonderful animal friends that fix-up her dress for her - to song, of course.

Cinderella rushes to the ball after the festivities have begun with her all the things provided by her fairy godmother. His Royal Highness sees her in a distance and immediatly knows she's to be his bride. So, they waltz - and from the ballroom, they dance till the garden and walk and dance about, singing that they've found love. They must have some chemistry, though, for we see two on-screen kisses before the clock strikes twelve.

After this, we all know what happens. She's off in a hurry, leaving only a single glass slipper behind - this turns into a test to see who the fair maiden actually was, by sending the Grand Duke to try it on every maiden in the kingdom, for His Royal Highness didn't even know who she was. Of course, it fits Cinderella's foot perfectly; and immediatly, they're married, and that's the end of that.

So, overall, Prince Charming and Cinderella's relationship is significantly less creepy than Snow White's. Still, they're relationship is just as rushed; the majority of the movie takes place over a matter of merely two days (for we're not quite sure when the wedding is, but my guess would be soon).

Now, in this series, I will always leave you with some food for thought. It's always bugged me how everyone refers to Cinderella as Cinderella. In the parks, in the sequels...in the original story, I believe she was called that because she was covered in cinders all the time. I once read a book that was a princess fairy tale with a twist, but with the main character, Ellis. It was a Cinderella story, so they called him Cinderellis. This can only lead me to believe that Cinderella's true name is Ella, thus when the prince calls her Cinderella, it makes it somewhat insulting.

Clay Creation: Esmeralda

A quick little entry to hold you over until April, at the latest.
Introducing Esmeralda, from THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, made entirely out of clay. Isn't she cute?

Somewhat overwhelmed.

I like this whole blogging thing. Really, I do. I'm sad I don't have enough time for it right now. I'm almost half way into March and this is my first new post! Goodness!
So, coming soon you can expect the following.

• The rest of the Analyzing Disney Love series - note to self: watch Cinderella.
• Natalie's 9th birthday party pics - yeah, like three months later.
• An Alice in Wonderland review
• A new hat collection - kinda.
• And some other random unexpected stuff. Maybe people dressed like mascots. I dunno, it's possible.

Disneyland on 1.29.10

A few random pictures taken on Natalie's Disney birthday trip. Thought I'd share.

Yay for bad lighting!

Yup, so that's it.

Analyzing Disney Love: The Prince and Princess Snow White

Artwork by Cory Jensen. Used with permission. (Click here to see his page!)

"Once there was a princess -"

"Was the princess you?"

"And she fell in love."

"Was it hard to do?"

"It was very easy! Anyone could see that the prince was charming - the only one for me."

"Was he strong and handsome?"

"Was he big and tall?"

"There's nobody like him - anywhere at all."

"Did he say he loved ya?"

"Did he steal a kiss?"

"He was so romantic, I could not resist..."

from Walt Disney's animated feature Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

---

There's no denying that Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a classic; it was Walt's first full-length animated feature, and it stars the first Disney princess. But, just because it's a classic, doesn't mean that this example of Disney love is what we should aim for.

As we first see Snow White, she's cleaning the steps of the castle. She moves over to the Wishing Well and begins to wish (in song, of course) that "the one I love will find me today." As the Prince overhears this, he climbs over the wall and into her property. Moments after this, she runs inside, though the Prince continues singing a love song to her. In less than three minutes, she's head-over-heels. To make matters worse, to the best of my knowledge, Snow White is merely fourteen in this version (correct me if I'm wrong).

Snow White knows nothing about the boy, except that he is, indeed, a prince. Once she finds shelter with the dwarfs, she tells them a story, beginning with the quote above. Snow White goes on to say that someday her prince will come, "and away to his castle, we'll go. To be happy forever, I know." Before being poisoned by the apple, her wish is that they will live happily ever after.

Once Snow White is poisoned, she's still beautiful after death. The dwarfs place her in a glass coffin to still admire her beauty. The Prince hears of this, and comes to see her, and he sings his wonderful love song again.

After his song, he kisses Snow White's lips and she wakes up to see the Prince there for her. Without a word, he carries her away to his horse. After giving the dwarfs a kiss and a goodbye, they're off, riding into the sunset.

So, overall, The Prince eavesdrops her singing, enters her property uninvited, and kisses a corpse; yet, he manages to steal her heart.  And, better yet, she thinks of him as "romantic."

Remember, although poor Snow White is a "scullery maid," she is, indeed, a princess. This begs me to ask the question, where is this "charming" prince from? He is riding on horseback around the castle, so is he from another kingdom? This is never specified.

Intro into Analyzing Disney Love

It's that time of year again: love is in the air, the birds are chirping, Disney movies are coming out on DVD...oh, wait, forget that last one.

This got me and my friend to talking about the Disney princes and princess, and how there love is unnatural and rushed. Most people just look at the fantasy side of it, and fun little love story of a prince and princess, but I'll be looking at it in a new light.

I'll be analyzing the love stories of all human, adult Disney couples, of which we see meet on screen - sorry to Bambi and Faline, and Peter and Wendy - they're not included. Stay tuned!

The Wonderland Collection

As you all know, I'm a fan of making mini-hats and other things Disney. So, without further ado, I present to you, The Wonderland Collection!

The Mad Hatter Mini-Hat

The WCMI Shirt Front

Now, you may be wondering, "Hayley, what's WCMI?" Let me explain.

The WCMI Shirt Back

WCMI = WHEN CURIOSITY MET INSANITY. Due to the fact that I am a huge Disney nerd / Alice fan, I read this particular fan fiction. It's illustrated by BRIANNA GARCIA who gave me permission to use the prologue art for this shirt.

(thanks, Brianna!)

note: I make my hats and shirts out of my love for Disney. The design of the Mad Hatter Hat belongs to them.

A Year in Review: 2009

The year of 2009 has probably been the most memorable year of my life. While, at times, it wasn't exactly what I would've wanted, we've managed to look past that and move on. With that, I bring you...

• I moved to Mississippi.
• I made my first mini-hat.
• I went to Vicksburg.
• I ate at Cracker Barrel.
• Someone liked me.
• I hated Mississippi.
• I got a snowcone.
• I experienced the most awful weather of my entire life.
• I realized that Jack's Mannequin is awesome.
• I drove with my mother and two dogs from Mississippi to Southern California.
• I attended a wedding for the first time in 10 years.
• I went to the beach and got sunburned.
• I went to Disneyland with my best friend.
• I had pictures taken of me by a creeper.
• My mini-hats got complimented by the Mad Hatter himself on multiple occasions.
• I got my annual pass back.
• I started going to an awesome church called Sandals.
• I had my dogs move away from me.
• I went to a homecoming dance that was not my own, wearing a dress from the 80's.
• I got my braces taken off.
• I got a new iPod.
• I went to Disney's California Adventure dressed as the Queen of Hearts.
• Then, on my birthday, I was recognized as the Queen of Hearts.
• I saw Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
• I went to Disneyland with my childhood best friends.
• I ate Thanksgiving dinner on Black Friday.
• I got an 18 inch, pink Christmas tree.
• I held a mystery dinner.
• I went to Seattle and had Nazra take awesome pictures of me.
• I saw my newest cousins.
• I realized I have the most wonderful family.

Like I said, my current circumstances are not ideal, nor have they ever been this year. I thank God that we have such a wonderful family that is helping us in our time of need.