grace thomas
Strum Me a Tune~ A Photostory
Samantha and Riven-Delle decided to brave the freezing cold (or at least, it was to them, being California girls) and do some shopping downtown.
Riven-Delle’s head was turned by the enchanting sound of a guitar strumming not far from where they were. She realized that the person playing looked unmistakably familiar and found herself in the middle of a big problem. Her head told her that it wasn’t wise to go up to a stranger and talk to them, but she had done it once with no harm done. Surely Samantha wouldn’t approve, but Riven-Delle felt that this boy needed help and that he wasn’t really a bad person.
“Riven-Delle, what are you looking at?” Samantha inquired once she realized her sister had suddenly stopped dead in her tracks.
Riven-Delle knew that hair – she hadn’t seen anyone else with it before. It was definitely him.
Without saying a word Riven-Delle headed in the direction of the guitar player with Samantha veryย hesitantly following behind. She absolutely hated it when people kept her from doing some serious shopping.
“Hello!” Riven-Delle greeted, a bit nervous to say anything.
The teenage boy looked up from his guitar and instantly stopped playing. The look behind his eyes expressed worry and Riven-Delle wondered what could be wrong.
“Hello….,” he said hesitantly.
“I’m sorry – aren’t you Weston? The boy from the diner? I was certain I’d seen you before,” Riven-Delle said, though she already knew it was him.
“Yeah, I guess that would be me. You got some cops hiding out nearby to take me in?” He asked, his eyes shifting around.
“No, of course not! I told you I wouldn’t turn you in,” Riven-Delle said.
He let out a quick sigh that was hardly audible and said; “Look, I don’t want to be rude, but maybe you should get going. I’m about ready to head back home now anyway.”
Riven-Delle looked down at the blue bowl with white polk-a-dots scattered around it. This was not a bowl a teenage boy would choose to use – especially in public. She couldn’t help wondering if perhaps it was stolen… Weston was definitely not living in a stable home – maybe he was even living on the streets.
“C-could you strum a song for us before we go? I heard you from a distance and it sounded great,” Riven-Delle said.
“I think we should get going, Delle,” Samantha intervened.
“One song won’t hurt. We’ll still have time for shopping,” Riven-Delle said.
“Alright, just one song and then I gotta go. My dad will kill me if I’m late for my lessons,” he said, though Riven-Delle couldn’t help doubting that he even had a father.
Riven-Delle watched curiously as he turned the knobs on his guitar to tune it. Samantha turned her head away and groaned just loud enough for Riven-Delle to hear her.
Once he had tuned up, he began to strum on his guitar an older sounding song that was full of life, making Riven-Delle tap her feet and clap her hands along.
When the song ended, Riven-Delle clapped and told him how great it was while she got her purse out to drop some money into his bowl.
“You play so well, I wouldn’t be surprised if someday you become famous!” Riven-Delle said as she dropped her money into the bowl.
A crisp 20 dollar bill to be exact.
Weston stared at it in disbelief – he hadn’t had that much money at one time in years!
“Thank you,” he said, as calmly as possible.
“Alright, Delle, let’s go now,” Samantha urged.
“Well, bye!” Riven-Delle said, feeling a bit awkward and sorry to leave him. Who knew where he would be tonight or if he even had anyone who cared about him.
Weston reached into the bowl and held the 20 dollars in his hand as he watched the girls leave. The kindness Riven-Delle had expressed meant so much to him – no one had treated him that way since he was a young boy. Except for his friend, of course, who was lying sick in bed and in need of some decent food. Thanks to Riven-Delle, he could give him just that.
Do you play an instrument? I’m learning to play the keyboard and I’m loving it! ๐ย
~Jaclynn~
Just a note – do not talk to strangers. Riven-Delle is a bad example. XD
Also, another note – Riven-Delle and Weston are not a couple and I don’t plan to make that happen. They will just be good friends. ๐ย
Dine & Dash~ A Photostory
Wait, what? Two photostories in a row? I can’t even remember the last time I did that! Well, you are about to find some of my deep, dark secrets… Okay, not really, but you will find out something you’ve been dying to know ๐
“Hey, Delle. That guy over there keeps looking around the diner. Think he’s up to something?” Eli asked his older sister.
Riven-Delle casually looked over to where the guy was sitting. She guessed he was an older teen. Maybe 16 or 17? He seemed kind of suspicious- mostly cause he was wearing a black leather jacket.
They quickly turned their gaze away from him when they noticed he was looking at them.
The teen guy stood up, his food gone except for a few fries andย a little left of his grape soda.
Then Riven-Delle casually watched as he walked away from the bar and went out the door.
“Eli, stay here.” Riven-Delle instructed. “I’m gonna go talk to him.”
“Uh, I don’t think you should do that, Delle. He’s obviously not a good guy. It’s not safe.” said Elijah. Riven-Delle didn’t listen, though.
Riven-Delle followed the guy out the door and watched him for any strange behavior. “It seems safe.”ย She thought.
“Hey, what do you think you’re doing?” Riven-Delle called out and he paused abruptly, as though thinking “Oh no. I m caught.”
“You talking to me?” He inquired as he turned to face her.
“Yeah, I am. You just left the diner without paying.” She stated firmly.
He chuckled and turned his head away.
“Look, don’t say anything about this to anyone. I need to get out of here.” He said urgently.
“What’s your hurry?” She asked.
“I need to help my friend. He’s sick.” He informed.
“Sure he is.” Elijah said as he walked up.
“I told you to wait for me.” Riven-Delle scolded.
“I think he’s just making all this up to get away.” Eli said bluntly.
“Actually, I’m not, kid. My friend really is sick.” He stated.
“Look, I don’t have time to chat with a couple of kids. I gotta get going.” He said, turning to leave.
“I don’t think you should be talking to us that way. I’m actually 14, how old are you?” Riven-Delle inquired.
“16. And before you ask, my name is Weston.” He introduced.
“Well, here’s the thing Weston. If you don’t have any money, I’ll pay the bill for you. And I won’t turn you in.” Riven-Delle offered kindly.
Weston turned away with a sigh. Inside he felt guilty because he did have the money, but he couldn’t tell them that. He needed to get back home and help his friend. “Deal.” He agreed.
And that was the last word they heard him say.
“I hope he’ll be okay.” Riven-Delle said.
“I hope we see him again. I just need to touch that hair. How does he get it to stay up like that?” Eli wondered and Riven-Delle just laughed. She hoped to see him again, too, mostly because she felt sorry for him. She hoped he would turn from his wrong ways…
~~~~~
YES!! I MADE A BOY DOLL!! I’ve been planning to make him for months now, but I was finally able to do it today! I’m just so in love with him. He’s so amazing!! ๐
I’ll be posting pics soon of the customization process ๐
Do you want a boy doll? What would you want him to look like?ย
~Jaclynn~
P.S. I also apologize for the first few photos. The lighting in my room is terrible….
My GOTY Collections~ Grace Edition
Hiii! I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted. There’s been so much going on, this is the first day I’ve stayed home in days! But, I’m here bringing you a new series on my blog! *celebrates*
After each GOTY doll retires, I will be showing you what I got from their collection. I’ll have to do a few this year since I have a few GOTY dolls, but I think it’ll be something fun to do and plus, it’s always fun knowing what people have in their doll collection, right? ;D
This is everything I got last year from Grace’s collection! Yep, it’s all clothes! While I did love her entire collection, I didn’t end up getting any of her accessories, which is totally fine! I loved her Baking Accesories, but maybe I can get them on eBay sometime ๐
Here is Annika modeling Grace’s Sightseeing Outfit! This is one of my absolute favorite outfits of hers – and probably just in general! I love the colors and the style- so, so cute!
And obviously, I got Grace (although she was renamed to Riven-Delle)! SHE IS THE MOST PHOTOGENIC DOLL ON EARTH!!!!! *dies*
Ahem. Sorry about that. But seriously, isn’t her hair amazing? Like, come on, those highlights! :O (also, I couldn’t find her charm bracelet at the moment, so that’s unfortunately not shown…)
Here’s Caroline in Grace’s Travel Coat! This has to be one of my favorite pieces ever! I use this coat so much, I think at least one of my dolls is always wearing it!
And (haha, I almost revealed her true identity to all of you XD ) here is JANE (yes, Jane… *smirk*) modeling Grace’s Opening Night Outfit! Again, I couldn’t find the headband, so that’s not shown either. UGH! I literally JUST saw it yesterday and now it’s gone! *sobs over the loss of the lovely headband* Anyways, this dress is gorgeous!! And those SHOES!!!
I shadowed Annika with the black side of my reflector – dark and beautiful ๐
Awesome camera + miraculous reflector = beautiful picture. In case you didn’t know, I got a reflector for my birthday and it is AMAZING!! These pictures would have been so much darker without it!
Now I’m using the gold side of my reflector- see how the lighting changed? ๐
Well, that’s all for today! I’ll be back soon – hopefully to show you my dollhouse along with an announcement! ๐
What did you get from Grace’s Collection?
~Jaclynn~
Paper Cut (and Day 21)
Hey guys! Today I got around to making a photostory and then I cleaned my room, so I feel really good right now! Plus, I’m listening to the Tangled soundtrack, so that’s always awesome! ๐
Now, let’s get on with the photostory!
“Samantha? Do you have to do that right now?” Riven-Delle asked her sister who was busy cleaning out the closet.
Without looking up from her work she replied, “Yes! If I don’t do it no one else will and it needs to be done!”
With a sigh and a shake of her head, Riven-Delle leaned back in her chair and tried to concentrate on what to write in her writing journal.
Clara entered the room and spotted Samantha cleaning out the closet. “Um, Samantha? Didn’t you just clean out the closet yesterday?” Clara inquired.
“Yes, but it has to be done again because no one ever puts things away properly!” Samantha stated in frustration. Clara knew very well that the purses at least hadn’t been touched at all since she cleaned the closet last, but she didn’t press the matter for she knew that Samantha loved to clean more than anyone.
“Are you okay, Riven-Delle? You look tired.” Clara observed.
“Oh, no, I’m just having trouble concentrating.” Riven-Delle replied with a slight grin.
“Oh, I see. Well I’m just getting some paper, but I’ll do my best not to distract you.” Clara said with a smile.
As Clara grabbed a sheet of paper, it slipped and lightly scraped her finger.
“Ow!” Clara yelped and then let out a quiet hiss. “What happened?” Samantha asked as she instantly turned her head at Clara’s cry of pain.
“Oh, it’s nothing. Just a paper cut.” Clara reassured her sister.
As Clara picked the paper off of the floor, she looked at her finger and saw that it was bleeding.
Clara instantly closed her eyes and turned away while taking deep breaths. “Clara, what’s wrong?” Riven-Delle inquired as she jumped out of her chair.
“I’m feeling faint.” Clara said softly.
Riven-Delle and Samantha rushed to their sister and helped her to the chair.
“Alright, put your head down. You’ll be okay.” Riven-Delle comforted as Clara did as she was told.
“What made you get all faint so suddenly?” Samantha asked.
“I looked at my finger and saw that it was bleeding.” Clara explained.
Clara sat up once she was feeling better and said, “You know, Riven-Delle-
-I hate paper cuts.”
THE END
So yeah, this photostory was inspired by the paper cut I got yesterday. When I saw my fingerย was bleeding I had to instantly look away cause I felt close to faintness. I wasn’t nearly as bad as Clara, but since she faints a lot, I thought it could work with her LOL!
Now, for Day 21 – Favorite recipe:
Hmm…. This is hard. I guess I’ll just go with the Funfetti Cookie recipe! They’re SO good and my brother, Jordan LOVES them!ย I can’t wait to make them this winter! ๐
Do you ever get faint when you see blood?ย
~Jaclynn~
Riven-Delle’s Writing Day
Hi everyone! If you’ve gone to the “Meet My Dolls” page, you’d know that I love to write! Today, I am having a writing day and I thought I’d share a few tips for having a successful writing day ๐
First off, get comfortable. Wear some soft, comfy pants and a t-shirt. Put on a hairstyle that makes you feel ready to work! Some people like to just stay in their pj’s all day when they write and leave their hair down, but I like to get dressed and do my hair, so I feel ready to tackle my story!
Next, always have a water bottle or a glass of water near you. If you plan to sit down for a few hours and write, you’ll tend to get thirsty, so water is always a good thing to have with you ๐
If you tend to get distracted easily, shut the door so you feel alone and can concentrate more easily on your work.
Now you’re ready to write! Some people do their writing on paper, but I like to do mine on the computer. It goes faster for me and it’s much easier to correct any mistakes ๐
Remember, if you hit a dead end and you just can’t seem to push through the wall, maybe it’s time to take a break for a while. Usually when that happens to me, I take it as a sign that I need to stop for the day and think on it some more. If you force it too much, you may end up getting frustrated and stop writing for a week (maybe more).
Well, I hope these tips helped you! I’m gonna get started on my writing now, so maybe I’ll “see” you again soon! Bye for now! ๐
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Hey, it’s Jaclynn now! I’m having a writing day myself and I thought I’d let you all know something…..
….. I’m working on writing the FINALE of my pirate stories!!! NOOOO!!! Oh, I’m going to die when it all ends. Probably cry. I’ll definitely miss writing them, but I’m excited to see how you will all like them and I hope that I can continue to write different stories that you’ll love just as much ๐
Do you or your dolls enjoy writing?ย
~Jaclynn~
AG Store For Emma’s Birthday!
Hey everyone! Yesterday was SO much fun! I went to the AG store with Emma for her birthday, then we had lunch, and then we hung out at my house until 9PM! It was seriously so much fun!! ๐
I don’t have a ton of pictures, but here’s a few ๐
Here we are! She is sooo much taller than me LOL!
Emma is checking out her doll to make sure it’s perfect, and I’m trying to find the one I want ๐
Finally my mom spotted her! Literally, she was the only one I saw in the store! Thank goodness she looked perfect ๐
And now that we have gotten everything we want, it’s time to calculate and see if we have enough money for it all ๐
I ended up taking one thing out, but it’s totally fine! There’s still plenty of time to get it in the future and I wanted the other things more ๐
Now we’ve made our purchases and we were totally ready to eat! About that time we started getting a little crazy. We were super crazy yesterday LOL! ๐
I hope you enjoyed the pictures! Emma will be posting on her blog soon what she got, and I’ll do a haul later today, as long as it isn’t raining ๐
Have a nice day!
~Jaclynn~
The Last Goodbye~ A Lyrics Photoshoot
I’ve always wanted to make one of these and since I just watched BOTFA for the second time AND discovered that some lyrics from The Last Goodbye are actually IN the Hobbit book, I decided it was high time I do it! ๐
Credit to Billy Boyd for the amazing song, and to Adaline for making up lyrics photoshoots ๐
“I saw the light fade from the sky.
On the wind I heard a sigh…
As the snowflakes cover my fallen brothers, I will say this last goodbye….
Night is now falling, so ends this day.
The road is now calling and I must away
Over hill, and under tree
Through lands where never light has shone
By silver streams that run down to the sea
To these memories I will hold
With your blessing, I will go
To turn at last to paths that lead home.
And, oh, where the road then takes me, I cannot tell
We came all this way, but now comes the day, to bid you farewell….
I bid you all a very fond farewell…….”
I only used some of the song because it’s a long song and I didn’t have much time to take the pictures, but I hope you enjoyed it! Let me know if you’d be interested in seeing more lyrics photoshoots! ๐
Have a great rest of your day!
~Jaclynn~
What My Dolls Are Up To
Hey everyone! Yesterday I cleaned out under my bed (my doll’s bedroom) because I’ve been having a ton of baby spiders in my room lately (*shudders*) and the other day I noticed a few under there, so I freaked out… Anyways! Back to the subject of this post – I set up my dolls to where they’re all doing something and I thought it’d be fun to show you what they’re up to ๐
So here’s the overview! Some of them are hiding behind the curtains, though LOL!
Over here, Dallas is getting Pepper out of his bed so he, Eli, and Jeremy can play with him. Rapunzel is asking if she can play with him, too and Lissie is trying to get a book, but Dallas is in the way. You can kinda see Clara back there just hanging out ๐
Bella, Ellie, and Snow are being as sweet as can be playing with Licorice ๐
Belinda is helping Cecile with some school.
And Merida wants Belinda for something…. Probably to help her climb something ๐
And of course Caleb and Kendra are fighting and screaming at the top of their lungs. Kristoff is trying to pull Caleb off of Kendra and Annika starts to intervene. Mickey and Minnie are sad and scared by their fighting as usual, too ๐
Kanani, Riven-Delle, and Annika had all been talking, but then stopped instantly when they noticed Caleb and Kendra fighting. Anna was gonna talk to Riven-Delle, but also stopped when she noticed the fight.
Janie looking over at Caleb and Kendra. They attract a lot of attention to themselves whenever they fight ๐
Julie, Kaya, and Samantha are talking ๐
And oh, dear! Marie-Grace was talking to Saige (who is painting) when she was supposed to be practicing her singing, so Lana told her to stop talking to Saige, Marie-Grace got mad, and now Jess came over and is trying to tell Lana that it’s okay for Marie-Grace to talk to Saige. My goodness!
Josefina and Kirsten were about to bake and are now trying to persuade Rebecca into helping them, too. Addy was talking to Kirsten ๐
Jenna doing some things at the vanity ๐
And Kiara and Caroline are chatting ๐
Do your dolls have a usual thing that happens every day? Like how Caleb and Kendra always fight? What do your dolls like to do?
~Jaclynn~
Sadie’s Hope~ Part 2
YAY! Sadie’s Hope has started!! I was going to post the first part, but then we decided that Emma should post it, so be sure to go read the first part on her blog BEFORE reading this part ๐
Sadie hesitantly followed her. Amy led her outside and down a few blocks until they reached a little shack, from which Sadie could hear lots of loud voices.
Opening the door, Amy gestured to the suddenly silent group of kids.
“Hey, Amy, who’s this?” A dark haired girl inquired.
“This is Sadie-” Amy paused to remember her last name, but soon remembered they hadn’t been properly introduced, “What’s your last name?” Amy questioned. “Darrell.”
Amy nodded her head in acknowledgement and said, “Sadie, these are some friends of mine. We’re a small group of kids who try to help other orphan children who have no home.”
Amy continued and listed their names, “This is Viveca,” Amy gestured to the black haired girl,
“and this is Gretta,” She pointed to the African American,
“and this is Mark.” Amy said and the boy nodded. “What’s she doing here, Amy?” Mark asked, sounding a little annoyed.
“She’s a new–” Amy paused and searched for the right word, “Friend. We are going to help her.”
“We? Nah, I don’t think so.” Mark refused.
“Mark!” Amy shouted.
“Honestly, Mark, why even be in the group if you don’t wanna help out another orphan kid?” Viveca questioned with annoyance. Mark rolled his eyes. Sadie knew there was going to be a lot of tension between Mark and her, if he was going to help.
“What do you even want our help with?” Mark asked, eyes suspicious.
“I need to get my little brother out of the orphanage.” Sadie said.
“Oh, you’re lucky he’s even alive. You know those orphanages are teeming with deadly diseases.” Mark smirked. Sadie felt her face grow hot, and she pursed her lips together to keep from saying anything rude back at him.
“Mark! Really, could you just quit it!” Gretta shouted.
Mark could tell that Sadie was upset, so he asked, “Your brother must feel pretty bad to have a sister like you – you abandoned him, didn’t you?”
Sadie looked at him with wide eyes, trying to hold back her guilt.
Mark snickered and said, “I knew it.”
Sadie looked down, her cheeks hot. “Mark Campbell, if you say one more unkind word to Sadie, I will take away your food for the week!” Amy shouted, her face burning with anger. Mark frowned, but said no more.
Amy glanced over at Sadie, who’s eyes looked all teary. “Hey, don’t let him bother you. He’s always saying something mean to somebody.” Amy comforted silently.
Sadie looked away, embarrassed that she was letting him get to her. “Yeah, um, when can we go and get him out?” Sadie asked.
“Well, we will have to make a plan first. Anyone got any ideas?” Amy inquired.
“Maybe we,” Gretta pointed to her and Mark, “can distract the lady at the front desk while you two sneak in,” She pointed at Sadie and Amy, “and grab your brother?”
“And what about me?” Viveca asked, feeling a little left out.
“Oh, um, you can come with us to distract the lady, you’re good at coming up with lies!” Gretta added.
Viveca smiled, “Alright, that sounds good to me!”
“Okay! Everything sounds great! We can go as soon as you want, Sadie.” Amy said.
“Well, then, let’s leave now!” Sadie said, quite determined to get her brother back.
“Oh, for a second there I thought you were going to leave him in the orphanage for a couple other days.” Mark grinned devilishly.
Sadie flashed Mark a dirty look and was just about to say something back, when Viveca intervened-
“WELL! We should really get on our way, shall we?” Viveca asked Amy.
“Yes, let’s get going!” Amy agreed.
Mark laughed and followed the girls out the door.
And that concludes this part!! Emma and I hope you liked it! ๐
The next part will be posted on Emma’s blog ๐
~Jaclynn~
Official Poster For “Sadie’s Hope”
A few of you have probably “heard” me mention that me and Emma are doing a photostory series together. Well, we are getting ready to start posting the first one in the trilogy soon, so today we are each posting our own posters that we made!! ๐
Feel free to print it out and hang it up in yours or your doll’s bedroom! And be sure to check out Emma’s poster at her blog! ๐
~Jaclynn~