An Unexpected Surprise

Hello followers,

So I mentioned last time that S. had a surprise coming. Boy, I had no idea the weight of my words then.

After our time outside Belle, Ariel, and I thought it would be fun to put together a fashion show. S. had gotten us some new outfits from a very fashionable vinyl friend named Barbie and we were excited to be out of our princess dresses for some time. Belle and I were the models while Ariel was in charge of hair and the role of 'audience.'

We were right in the middle of our first change when S. came into the room and cleared her throat for attention. "Sorry to interrupt, but could I talk to you for a minute Rapunzel? It'll only take a short time and then you can come back."

I thought it was odd- S. had never requested an audience with me. Especially nothing so important it couldn't be discussed in front of my friends. After all, they were here first and probably would be more important to inform That's when Ariel's statement from her interview resounded through my head. "S. has been talking about getting some boy dolls for around here." My stomach clenched. Was this it? Was S. finally trying to find my vinyl soulmate? I'll be honest, I'm not sure if I'm ready for that. It sounds great, but I can't get past the idea of someone playing matchmaker for me. It's not like I'll fall in love with any old Flynn doll after all.

I wrung my hands nervously as S. carried me outside and set me down on the deck.

"So what's the big deal? It can't be anything small," I asked, hoping to get this right out of the way.

"Well, Rapunzel I've brought you out here to tell you that I was at the Disney Store the other night..."

I knew it. This was the moment S. was going to tell me she had brought home a Flynn doll to match me up with.

"... and who should catch my eye but a 2015 Rapunzel doll. She looked so lonely that I couldn't help but bring her home. She's a little shy, but I swear she would make a great sister for you. Mark my words."

"Sister?!" But before I could finish protesting (or digesting the information for that matter) S. directed my attention over to the other side of the patio.

There stood almost a mirror image of myself. Except, who was this doll? The doll with the rhinestones on her skirt. Why, she looked more like Rapunzel than I did! My instinct was to turn and run away back to the safety of my room and my friends, but my gut told me to give her a chance.

"Hello, I'm Rapunzel," I said as I stepped tentatively over to her.

"I'm Marigold- or Mari for short." It made sense- marigolds looked like the golden flower from our movie.

"S. told me we're supposed to be sisters. She's right you know, I do really long for some sort of company. We don't have to be sisters right away, even if we are sister dolls, but perhaps we could be friends?" 

(For our audience, in this household we consider all dolls of the same princess to be sisters of a sort since they share the same character and mold.) 

I quietly contemplated her offer for a moment. It was silly, but her quiet demeanor and different name already made me feel better. She wasn't here to replace me. She wasn't here to be the 'true' Rapunzel, and to be honest, neither was I. She was just another fashion doll in this world looking for a friend. I could do that much, couldn't I?

"You know what, Mari? I think that would be nice." Any reply of hers was cut off by frantic steps and the quick slide of a screen door. Of course S. had been listening in and was now smiling happily down at us with her camera at the ready. So to end my surprise story here's a picture of us; Marigold & Rapunzel.

Until next time,

Rapunzel (and new friend Mari) 

Hello October

Hey there everyone. Long time no see!

Before the riot begins, let me explain... We've moved! That's right, S came in one morning and woke all three of us up with the news. She had gotten a new job and it required that we move that same weekend. Much like our time in the Disney Store we were packed up again only to wait until it was time to resurface. And here we are!

Warm weather has come and nearly gone, but it's still a beautiful time to be outside. Many of us around here count fall as our favorite season and so here is our long awaited (and promised!) outdoors post.

It was a cool and blindingly sunny day when S. unboxed us and gave us the most welcome news of all: we would be allowed to go outside. Imagine our surprise when we saw that we no longer had a beautiful lawn space to frolic in our princess dresses but a wooden patio overlooking a parking lot.

"I hope you know you've downgraded in this respect," Belle said. I blushed with embarrassment, because I had been thinking the same thing!

"I know, but our indoor space is much nicer and conducive to our living needs," stated S. "Not to mention, I figured you guys might have a heck of a time pretending the bars on the patio are locking you in a tower!"

"No offense, S, but I think we'd all agree that we've worked hard enough to separate ourselves from our princess likeness," I added.

With a shrug of her shoulders S. left us to our ourselves. Before I was able to begin the awaited interview with Ariel she plopped herself flat on the wooden floor, basking in the sunlight.

"Isn't this the greatest? The sun on my vinyl is the best feeling in the whole wide world! Now if only I could tan... Don't I look like a fish out of water?"

Belle & I both snorted at her remark. "Very punny. Now, onto your interview!"

After a brief pause where Belle and I helped Ariel get situated in a better spot we were ready to begin.

"So tell me Ariel, what is your greatest dream?"

"Well, I'd be lying if I said I didn't want a better outfit..." She answered with a laugh. "Being a mermaid is great and all but I'd love to learn how to dance and WALK! Beyond that though I would love to fall in love and spend my days helping other vinyl friends with their hair."

"Do you mean you'd be fine living with S. forever?"

"Are you saying you wouldn't? Of course I would! It's cozy here and we don't have to worry about ever being donated. She's even promised me to bring some boy dolls around these parts."

"What do you mean boy dolls?! Oh, forget it. I'll interrogate S. myself on that one. What was your experience like in the Disney Store?"

"It went rather swimmingly if I might say so myself. I had a group of Ariel's and a Tiana who I spent most of my days chatting to. I loved the sing alongs and was pretty comfortable in my box at the time. Too bad I didn't have a better view of the Princes. Word was they were pretty cute, even through the layer of plastic! Except one prince... poor fellow was packaged with a mask over his face! Can you imagine? How would you know what was even going on?"

"That does sound bad... like something right out of a fairytale! Now Ariel, I have one last question for you. How did you and Belle meet? I met you both at the same time and you seemed like pretty good friends at that point."

"We were purchased together on a Disney Store deal. S. told us that Belle was her childhood princess and that she thought I looked most like my character, and the rest is history. Coming home together into the unknown is enough to make anyone bond. I guess it helps too that Belle spent a couple of months having to try and carry me herself if we wanted to go anywhere."

"Thanks Ariel. That was very enlightening."

We spent the rest of the time goofing off and posing for pictures before carrying Ariel back into the house and to our room.

Little did we know S. had a major surprise in store for us... More on that next time!

Hugs,

Rapunzel (Belle & Ariel too!)

I'm Melting!

Okay the title lied- I'm not really melting. Hopefully that's to your relief, reader! As some of you may have heard it's been snowing like crazy out in the Northeast, but I can't say the same about here. Everything outside my home is muddy, wet, and just generally icky. So for now that outside post will be on the back burner. I don't have anything else to add for today except that I'll be conducting an interview with our very own Ariel for the next post. So make sure to check back!

-Rapunzel

A series of conversations.

Hello again everyone! It's been quite the week- S. has been sick with bronchitis so getting to the computer has been next to impossible. That and she added a new American Girl doll to her collection last week who is also sharing the computer with me. So it's been tough!

We've been a little quiet around here for the past couple of months. I didn't lie when I said a lot has happened, because it has, but things finally seem to be picking up a little bit more. The most excitement around my room lately has been the addition of a new cat to the room. She's super sweet and doesn't try to eat my hands like the other cat does! So I suppose that's a good thing...

Anyways, back to my life! Ariel, Belle, & I have spent the better part of the last two months just getting to know one another and relaxing. We've been left pretty much alone in my little room to our own lives. I've gotten to know the layout of S.'s room pretty well but haven't been able to explore the rest of the house. S. likes to keep her room door shut during the day to protect her dolls, or so she told me.

Today started out like any other day until I felt a shuddering beneath my very floors. My room was moving! Through S.'s room into a hallway and then into the bright living room. S. sat down the room and explained that today was my lucky day to explore a little bit. Ariel and Belle both looked a little shell shocked, I couldn't blame them! It was the most excitement we've had in ages!

I'm going to be honest, as a Rapunzel doll I have a bit of a need to explore. Being stuck in one spot has left me a little down... and it's been hard. I've been longing for even a peek at the outdoors, and so the first thing I was drawn to was a HUGE window. I could fit through it several times!

I'm not going to lie to you followers- I almost felt like I could cry at the sight. I mean it was the outdoors, and it was beautiful! But somehow I had imagined it would be warm- and that maybe S. would even let me outside to frolick in the sunshine and green grass. As you can see it's not exactly that kind of weather here at the moment.

I heard a commotion behind me, not even realizing that it was Belle carrying Ariel over to me at the window. They each put a comforting hand on me, letting me both take in the sight and work through my thoughts. 

"It's really not that bad, Rapunzel," said Belle softly. "Winter is harsh here and we do end up spending a lot of time inside... but S. has been known to let us out in the snow. It's just been too cold lately and she's afraid of us getting ruined." 

"She's right," added Ariel. "And in the summer she took us outdoors all of the time to take photos and to explore around. I'm willing to bet we'll be out even more because it'll be our first spring and summer in this new home!" 

How could I disagree with my wonderful friends? After all, they had been with S. for longer and knew the routine of being one of her dolls. It had been a bit of a boring winter so far, but I had so much more that I could have going wrong. I could still be at the Disney Store for one! I could also be broken, or lost. I've got a great home with more adventures to come. Heck, I can even blog about it! So without a word I just turned to my friends and smiled. They knew exactly how to cheer me up. 

And guess what? There's an even happier ending to this post- I talked to S. about my feelings and she's agreed that it's about time we all get a bit of fresh air. So hopefully my next post will be one filled with snowy fun! 

Thanks to my 3 (!!!) followers! You are a huge motivation to keep blogging. I'll be checking in soon, hopefully with a post that's more exciting!

A place called home.

I apologize, it's Sunday and this post is a little late. I've had way too much fun in my new home- as you're about to see! But first I need to start from the very beginning.

As you probably already know I'm a Rapunzel doll. Once upon a time I was made and bound for the Disney Store. I may look like Rapunzel, but that doesn't mean that me and my sister dolls are anything like her! While I love reading like Rapunzel I don't have an artistic bone in me! Don't count on me painting any murals, and definitely don't come to me for healing powers. The best thing I can do is try to hunt down a band-aid in S.'s house. Luckily I wasn't trapped in a tower for all of my life, though I guess a box does kind of count. My life started out in the Disney Store where I was pulled from a box stacked next to all of my sister dolls. We were the newest and brightest 2014 dolls. Every day we got to listen to Disney music and watch as our fellow friends found new homes. I had always wished to end up in a good home. Stories circulated the stocking shelves of dolls gone to homes where they'd be found with matted hair and painted faces months later. No one wanted that. It was one thing to be loved, an entirely different one to be ruined.

Imagine my surprise (and pleasure!) when S. picked me up off the shelf and brought me to the check out. Here she was- an adult collector who spoke promises of a big home to explore with plenty of other dolls to hang out with. Us dolls live for as long as we're taken care of and played with. I couldn't think of a better future! I hoped she could see my small nod from inside my plastic box. Next thing I knew I was stuffed in a dark bag and on my way home.

S. deboxed me right away and styled my hair into a braid.

I was still a little bit in shock! I laid down on the bed for a while just enjoying the smell of fresh air and the feeling of no longer having ties around my limbs. It was so refreshing!

Finally I sat up and took in my surroundings. I definitely was in a bedroom- that was clear. S. kindly explained to me that it was her bedroom, but that if I would kindly step into her palm that she would take me over to my very own room. She explained that she had been watching stuff from MyFroggyStuff lately and had been inspired to make me my very own Room in a Box. She had it ready and waiting for me when I arrived home.

S. set me down on the floor and I tentatively took in the room. It was the perfect size, but she assured me that she was still in the process of adding decorations, a roof, and more rooms if I so wanted. I couldn't have even imagined something so great back when I was in the Disney Store. My very own room! How could I ask for more? It's all so much for a mere fashion doll.

Now S. is not a seamstress. She stressed that to me several times while explaining that she currently didn't have much for clothing for me. However, she even sewed me my very own pillow for my bed! At this point I had to sit down I was so overcome by joy. 

I was sitting and just taking in my room when I heard the steps of another doll approaching. The first thing I noticed was her bright yellow ball gown. There was no mistaking her- she was a princess. And a Disney one no less! Another Disney doll like me! I wanted to leap forward and ask her every question I had about S. and my new home. The only reason I didn't was to save myself the embarrassment. I didn't want to be known as the over enthusiastic doll already! 

"You must be Rapunzel," she said. I nodded, on the edge of my seat. "I'm Belle, and S. sent me to welcome you to our house. She also sent Ariel... but that's a problem in itself." I didn't even have time to respond before she stepped back around of the corner of my room with a beckoning hand.

"Oh my goodness!" I exclaimed. There on the edge of the nightstand sat an Ariel doll. I hadn't even noticed in my deboxed stupor. Belle nodded, "See, no one ever considers the difficulties of owning a mermaid doll when they buy one. It's all fun and games and swimming in the bathtub until you leave her on her own. Just like her character Ariel cannot walk on land. I mean, who could expect her to with a constricting tail like that?" 

Hearing Belle's voice Ariel turned and reached down towards us. "It's about time Belle. I thought you were going to leave me here to sit and dry out forever while you got to know the new doll!" She lifted her gaze to my face, appraising. "So you're a Rapunzel, huh? It'll be nice having another voice around here. It gets boring singing the same songs all the time." For once I praised my given ability to sing like my animated counterpart. Where I once got sick of singing songs with my fellow dolls I know looked forward to it. It would be a way to make friends with these two! 

Ariel continued, "Now if you could just help me- Ahhh!" I rushed forward as she fell from the nightstand, a tangle of fins and bright red hair. Belle sighed before grabbing her legs. "Mind giving me a hand?" She asked. "Having a mermaid friend comes with a lot of responsibilities." I lifted her from under her arms and brought her to the bed in my room.

Belle and I finally got her settled into the bed after a little bit of difficulty. I could tell already that this was going to be the beginning of an interesting friendship!

"Thank you," Ariel started. "I don't mean to be a burden. It's just hard getting around when your legs are bound by fins clothing! I never thought I'd be jealous of princess ballgowns." I laughed, pointing down at my own glitterized gown. "I'll never complain again," I said. 

We sat there chatting for hours getting to know each other. It was there that I learned that Ariel loved everything about doing hair and fashion. She definitely didn't style her hair with a fork and wanted nothing to do with sea witches or antiques. Belle, on the other hand, loved the outdoors and everything to do with social events. They were like their Disney characters in some ways and totally different in others. How could I expect any less when I was the same way? 

So that's the start of my tale. You'll have to visit again if you want to find out what other adventures I get into. I know this much though- I am beyond lucky to have a home here with S. and wonderful new friends like Belle and Ariel. 

Thanks for reading!

Hello!

Hi everyone, and wow- well if you're reading this than welcome to my blog! I'm honored, actually. I didn't think any humans would be interested in the life of a little ol' fashion doll. My name is Rapunzel. Well, I'm modelled to look like Rapunzel. So I guess it's only appropriate I keep her name too! I'm getting settled into my new home and am still a little shocked that S offered up her laptop to blog on. I've never blogged before (It's not exactly a skill they teach in the Disney Store!) so I hope you all will be patient as I work on getting my first picture post up. In the meantime feel free to comment or follow if you so wish. Anything is welcome!

Thanks for stopping by and goodnight!

-Rapunzel