Today my men and I took the ferry over to Seattle and spent the day doing a little school shopping as they start back to class next week. I couldn’t help but think of a trip we took when my first book was published several years ago (left) and contrast it to today on the ferry (right) when my 5th book is coming out. Wyatt is the oldest and Paul is the youngest. How times have changed! It was a bittersweet moment when I thought about it…
Since I only have boys and nary a girl, I was delighted to discover something completely new to me in Seattle – a PINK (favorite color) AMERICAN GIRL store. While my men shopped at Lids and Champs and FootLocker, I just grew dizzy amongst all those dolls! Especially when I stumbled on FELICITY – a bonafide COLONIAL! There was even a little tearoom in this very girly store where a birthday party was in progress. All these little girls were dressed up eating cupcakes and their dolls were seated beside them. I was IN AWE! Life with boys is so completely different – for a moment I lost my head and decided I simply must have a DOLL. As you can see, I did come away with paper dolls and a few little gifts for girly friends. I felt like a new creature! And now am having dreams of a grand-girl someday…
Needless to say, I am late to the American Girl doll scene. But I AM ENAMORED nonetheless.
Pardon this very silly post…but do any of you have a history with these dolls? And do you have a favorite?!
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It looks like you all had a fun day! I LOVE the American Girl dolls. When I was growing up I always wanted one but we didn’t have the money. I always poured over the catalogues when they came. Samantha, the Victorian doll who I believe was retired a few years ago was always my favorite. A few years ago I went to an auction and was able to pick up a Felicity doll. I couldn’t pass her up since I had always wanted one of the dolls as a kid. I believe the Felicity doll comes with a different gown these days but the one I got was one of the older versions and the dress is the one your paper doll is wearing. I don’t collect dolls these days but like you, I find the AG dolls hard to resist and if I ever have the chance to pick up other dolls in the collection I probably will!
Renee, I think I always enjoyed the anticipation of the catalogs as much as the real deal when it came! YOU ARE SO BLESSED with your Felicity doll! I don’t think that was any accident :). You were just meant to have it! I think the older dolls are probably even better quality. Am sure you don’t need telling to hold her close! I went over to e-bay and see Miss F is being bid on by 30 or so interested buyers and the tag is up to $60 or so. It’s a used doll and is missing a hat and shoes. So they certainly retain their value over time even used!
I wish I had been the Seattle Goodwill shopper who found Felicity last month (in case you haven’t read my other comments) in mint condition, boxed, for only $5! I think she must have gotten a little chuckle showing her off at the Seattle AG store. I wish I’d been there to see it!
For now I’ll be content with my paper dolls – or try! But if you or anyone else here or see or find one out there I’d love to know about it :)!
Wow! I can’t believe someone found a doll for $5! I think mine was around $22. She’s missing her mobcap but she stil has her stockings, shoes, purse and coin so I couldn’t pass her up. I love auctions, thrift shops, yard sales, and flea markets — you never know when you’re going to find an awesome deal! I will keep an eye out for you and let you know if I spot a good deal online. 🙂
Renee, I so appreciate you. I’d love to find something like you did, with most of her accessories intact. I think it’s wonderful you have Felicity in her original costume (at least I think that’s her first dress though I’m new to this as you know)! I like the older dresses more than the modern ones. I was surprised to find she was being made up till 2011. My boys looked on Craig’s list last night, believe it or not and found a gently used Felicity, her pony Penny, her desk and several outfits for only $75!! I called but alas, it had been snatched right up. Those boys of mine are pretty game for a good deal, lol. Anyway, I’ll keep you posted as to how the hunt goes on our end… It’s fun no matter what happens!
Great job boys, Craiglist is great for finding stuff too. I just looked at the local site but didn’t see any Felicitys. 🙁 Now you’ll have me keeping an eye out! 😉
LOL, I just KNEW you’d know about Craig’s List ;). I’ll keep you posted, lol. How fun is this?!
Laura,
I have been a huge fan of yours for a long time but I never commented on here before. But now I just have too! 🙂
I live very close to that American Girl store (that is our local mall) and even before it opened up I loved the company! I have 7 of the dolls and one of them is in fact Elizabeth, who was the “best friend” of Felicity (your Colonial paper doll). I have all the Colonial furniture and outfits (even a corset!) from many past birthdays and Christmases. I managed to collect everything before they retired all but her books.
I am 15 now and I still love all of my dolls even though I don’t play with them. They sit out in my playroom just because their clothing is so beautiful and the backstories are so well thought out and unique. In my opinion no one is too old for these dolls as they are just as fun to collect as they are to play with and they teach so much about American history. I believe that my dolls are part of the reason why I love to read historical fiction so much today and why history is one of my favorite subjects in school.
It is so fun to see an author I admire so much who enjoys the very same things I do. This became longer than I intended, I just love unexpected connections like this.
Blessings, Hope
Hope, Welcome here :)! Love your wonderful comments and the fact that history came to life for you through these dolls! You have a way with words yourself – love that talk about backstory and such! I think the corsets and dresses and accessories are so true to the historical periods. Someone really takes a lot of time and care with these beautiful dolls. Living near a AG store would sure be an enchanted time come Christmas or birthdays and things like that! I can only imagine the good memories you have. You’re the kind of daughter I wish I had had!
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you to keep those dolls close! They’re truly collectors items. Especially dear as some are being archived now and may not be brought back. Sniff! The clerk I talked with said Felicity ‘might’ be brought back but someone else here said the older dolls seem to be better made than the ones coming out currently. Probably different materials and of course the wardrobes are hard to find for those retired dolls. But I even love looking at the dresses online, especially the tea gowns and riding habits and furniture. Just came across Felicity’s wooden wardrobe and Begere hat with the flowers and nearly swooned! Even thinking of the corset makes me giddy!
You’re so thoughtful to say such kind things about my books. I’m thrilled you found me and cared enough to comment here. I feel I’ve found another kindred spirit :). Soon I return to the 18th-century and have created a character a bit younger than you are who I think you’ll love as she is quite charming (or so I hope!) and truly resembles a historical American Girl doll. But first Ellie and Jack and then James and Rowena :).
Bless you for being there!
Thank you so much for your kind compliments. 🙂 I can’t wait to read your next few books. I actually had a count down waiting for Love’s Awakening to come out and now I’m even more excited for your next works if there is a character similar to an American Girl doll. I’m sure she will be so much fun to read about!
I truly appreciated your warm welcome. I have read many books and enjoyed many authors but I don’t think I’ve ever come across anyone who is as connected to their readers as you. 🙂
Hope, Waking up to your sweet comments is a wonderful thing this Saturday morning! I’m so tickled you had a countdown for LA – me, too! I can’t believe the “due date” is almost here! I will be posting a lot during Sept as it’s release month but it should be fun and I’ll even try to sneak another American Girl in :).
I can’t tell you how much it means to hear you feel I connect with my readers. I’ve always had a heart for people and am thankful that shows here even in print. It’s not quite the same as in person but a close second :). I really, really do love my readers! And I’m so thankful you are one of them. Hope you have a very happy long weekend!!
This is NOT a silly post. It shows a side of you I’ve missed so very much over the last couple of year…the side that is Laura Franz, the person, not the writer. You are an interesting individual beyond your writing, and I love seeing that side of you. (Yes, I’m still here, still waiting for you to visit home.) 🙂
Gin, I smiled when I read your precious comments. You are a very astute woman :). I always struggle between being private and letting a little of me out! A tricky balance. Sigh. And am I ever HOMESICK. For fried tomatoes and crookneck squash and all the rest. And fiddle music! Here’s a smile for you – Paul has a new teacher – he’s classically trained and plays in the symphony but did a his fiddling internship in Ireland. We are so thrilled. And still dreaming about a trip home to KY!! In the meantime enjoy that Old Town fiddling without me. Love and hugs to you, my friend.
I remember how excited I was to discover American Girl when my daughter was small. I looked forward to us collecting them all, reading their stories. But alas, though she did receive one–Molly, who wore glasses like my Elizabeth!–she was never a doll girl. Or a history girl. Sigh. So I’m hoping for that grand girl one of these days, too! Surely someone will eventually enjoy those things with me!
Your boys are growing up! It’s such a wonderful thing but hard on a Mama’s heart sometimes to know you’ll soon have to let them go.
Anne, You’re so right about certain things being hard on a Mama’s heart. You’re in the thick of all that, too, with yours. So very interesting that your daughter isn’t a doll or a history girl! That just means she’s very much her own person 🙂 Kind of like my boys who have such varied interests and will no longer pick up a LEGO no matter how much I beg and plead with them to return to their Lego days, lol.
We’ll hold out for little girls who love dolls and pink things and history ;).
My daughter has wanted to go to an American Girl store for ages. I believe there is one in DC. As much as I’d love to take her it would be no fun to go without buying a doll (which she dreams of but we don’t have the money for). 🙁 We do watch the AG movies from time to time when we see them at the library. Felicity was one of my personal favorites. Maybe I need to rethink just visiting the store. It sounds like she would have a blast just spending time there.
I also wanted to share something so cute…my daughter wrote a letter to AG not too long ago asking them why their prices were so high. She gets the catalog and I always talk to her about why we can’t order something. She received a nice letter in return explaining about the quality of their product. I was glad they wrote back, but she was a little bummed they didn’t listen to her advice and lower their prices.
Cindy, I hope you and Miss L can go at some point – that would be a dream come true for a mom and daughter. I didn’t get a doll as they were too pricey and Felicity, my fave, was archived, sniff :(… But I did get the paper dolls and some other items. Thankfully, there is a HUGE assortment of books and other things that aren’t too costly there, otherwise I think it would be a mother-daughter nightmare. Good for her about writing and asking about the pricing. My first thought is that I wish they’d gifted her with some item even as a token of thanks for her taking the time and interest. If I was in charge I’d send every letter writer a doll! But then I am not a good businesswoman and love giving things away…
The clerk told me they are often found at Goodwill and other places in good condition. Last month (am repeating myself here) a woman found a mint Felicity for only $5 at a Seattle Goodwill. I was just green ;)! I doubt I’ll ever find one but would sure love to do so.
We’ll dream about all this together!
Being a Loyalist, living in a town founded by Loyalists who escaped Maryland in the lat 1700’s, we haven’t a single ‘American Girl’ shop anywhere near here.
Although we do have a Gap Outlet. Bahahaha! Although, the famous hardware/yard/lawn/garage goods/snowblower store, ‘Canadian Tire’, is NOT as exotic as ‘American Girl’.
Your boys are rather grown up now! If my daughter was a wee bit younger…
Jennifer, LOL about your loyalist history – so true! I was thinking as I wandered, totally besotted, through this store, how oddly American it is and doubt many other little girls beyond our shores have them though I may be mistaken…
I DID think of you (and Lori and Whitney, etc.) when I saw the native doll with the horse and gear and papoose and such. Truly a work of art in all respects. Very authentic looking only I can’t recall her name now. I kept getting held up by CAROLINE of 1812. I was very torn between the native doll and Felicity, thinking of Morrow, of course…
Yes, my men have somehow gotten big while my head has been buried in books…a bittersweet truth!!
Ahhh I wanna go to the American Girl store! I totally have Felicity 🙂 she inspired my interest in colonial things as a kid— I was probably 12 or so when I got her (so she looks better than my swedish immigrant doll Kirsten who’s a bit more worse for the wear!)
Love all her colonial clothes and things, and the books too. There’s a movie from one of her books too, about her living in Williamsburg and saving a horse.
Now I wanna go to Williamsburg! hehe…
So glad you had fun and got to have some girl time! Now that I’m expecting a little boy, I will have to learn more about ‘american boys.’
Oh, I think a Colonial Williamsburg trip is just the ticket, Heather :). I’m not at all surprised you have a Felicity doll! And that it inspired you and influences your art today even. I would have loved to have been given one at that age, too. Twelve is when the writing but bit hard and I took a trip to Old Sturbridge Village in MA. I still recall details and hope I never forget them. Sigh.
Oh my, here we are talking about AMERICAN GIRLS and they really should have an AMERICAN BOY line up, he he. Maybe they do and I’m just as clueless as I was about AG! Until blessed yesterday, of course ;)!!
Did I tell you Im headed to New England late next month? I’m going to visit the village of Deerfield in Mass. I cant wait! Also salem, let the witchyness begin!
LOL, Heather, I can already tell you’re going to soak up some serious inspiration :). I so wish I could be a little bug on the wall and follow you all about! You’re so close to Sturbridge Village!! Be still my heart! I’ll be sure to watch your website for pics. Cannot wait!! Happy travels to you…
Great post! I am a huge fan of American Girl. I have all the books, I love the history. I also have Felicity, she has always been my favorite. I don’t have any kids but if I have a daughter I’m in trouble!
Oh, Michelle! Keep that Felicity close! Am sure you will :). She’s archived and maybe won’t ever be back in circulation. I check e-bay and she’s very pricey over there, too much so for this doll lover! If you do have a daughter hide that doll, lol. At least till she’s old enough not to love it to death!!
Looks like you had a fun day! I’ve heard of the ‘American Girl’ doll series, but have never been to one of the stores. Would love to visit one sometime. I do believe that I have seen a movie that is named for the Felicity doll. It was about 2 or three years ago on the Hallmark Channel and it was called “Felicity: A American Girl”. I loved the movie!
My goodness, I can’t believe how your boys have grown! Both very handsome young men. Thanks for sharing your day with us. 🙂
Angi, Wish you could have joined us! We rarely go to the mall, maybe about once a year at that as it’s 2-3 hours away. Randy likes all the savings from living in the woods, lol. I think you would have been as amazed and dazed as I was in the AG store. Truly like stepping into some sort of fairytale. Of course the boys said the best part of the day was going to PF Chang’s. We rarely go out to eat either and had never been there but it’s quite good. Their whole agenda revolves around their appetite, of course!
I’d love to see the movie. I may have come across it on Youtube and can probably find it there.
Yes, those men of mine are all grown up or nearly so. While I’ve had my head in a book!!
Bless you for being here.
OH, yes! (And what a delight your post is!) I was thrilled beyond thrilled when I discovered that beloved American Girl doll box under our Christmas tree when I was about 7. …Samantha. I don’t even know if they still make her, but I adored my Samantha doll. She was the Victorian/Edwardian doll… wouldn’t you know that’s the era I’d grow up to write in? Now, whenever I come across the American Girl books in thrift stores, I snatch them up for my daughter.
Amanda, I can only imagine your DELIGHT when you spied that box! There’s something magical about that box and I am glad they still package them that way. I think they still have the Samantha doll – there were several Victorian and Edwardian ones in huge glass cases for sale with all the furniture and accessories, etc. They had everything so neatly packaged and laid out. I was entranced!
Speaking of thrift stores, the clerk told me that last month in Seattle a woman found a boxed Felicity in mint condition for FIVE DOLLARS and brought it into the store to show them. Be still my heart… Made me want to move to the city ;)!
YES, YES!!! My daughter LOVES them and I so prefer them over barbie and such so I’m happy. In fact, at my homeschool co-op two other teachers and I are teaching an American Girl class this semester. Our class filled up to 16, the highest we allow at the co-op…lots of girls LOVE them. The doll I’ll be teaching is Josefina, Elizabeth’s favorite. I can’t believe you brought this up today as I am just finishing up my lesson plans for class. Elizabeth has a Kaya doll and a Caroline doll and the American Girl books make up most of her nighttime choice reading. 🙂
These dolls are expensive, but the reason we’ve bought them anyhow is they are good quality. The shop will even repair the dolls and we love that they have expanded Elizabeth’s interest in history.
LOL, now I’ve written you a book. If you haven’t found them yet there is a great series Welcome to _____’s World (doll’s name) full of great pictures of fashions, customs, etc from the doll’s time period.
I don’t think I would dare get my daughter near one of those stores. But we do splurge for an American Girl tea party/fashion show that comes here yearly where the girls display the historical fashions since it all goes to support the children’s cancer center.
Now I’ve written you a book. 🙂 Hopefully someday you’ll have a granddaughter you can share American Girls with, but no hurry, right? They grow up way too fast as it is.
Oh, love your epistles here, dear Julia! Always full of great info. I am SO intrigued you’re teaching an AG class! I have a feeling it will be a huge hit and you’ll have to do a repeat :). I’m even tempted to sit in – the fun you will have!! I can’t wait to hear about it. So happy Elizabeth is into them like she is. I grew up on Barbie but somehow these dolls are very wholesome in contrast. I do think they are exceptionally well made. I was looking at the tea sets and furniture yesterday and they were so heavy and high quality. Plus they’re modest dolls and a bit counter-cultural, thank heavens. So thrilled with that! And like you said, the history they teach or lead into is just terrific.
I’ll have to look for that book, especially the Felicity period, etc. Thanks for the tip! It may have been in the store yesterday but I was in such a daze I must have overlooked it. I told one of the clerks it must be a wonderful place to work. She said her little girl, now 22, has the dolls so working there has sentimental value for her. I can imagine! And that tearoom! I wish I could have taken some picture of those little girls having a party with their dolls between them eating those cupcakes, etc. The ones pushing their strollers around the store were just a hoot :)!
Love your heart for the cancer center. Such a worthy, wonderful cause. I would splurge on that, too. A wonderful sort of tithe.
Can you tell I’m just giddy over this post! I think it’s my favorite one ever!! And so are all these great comments!!
Laura,
I’ll bet your library system has all the Welcome to ____’s World books and the cookbooks are great, too. We still have many resources to exhaust the library on the AG collection! We have a wonderful librarian here who is volunteering to come into our class, dress like the girls and explain about the fashions. I love when you post about these fun types of things 🙂
Julia,
I promise to post another AG soon if I can find Felicity :). My boys have taken it upon themselves to help me hunt for her in very creative ways! More on that later…!
Oh my! Cookbooks! I had no idea! Would you believe now that everyone has “educated” me here about these dolls I am ready to return to the store to enjoy it a little more and look at the things everyone is mentioning. I do hereby declare you the AG expert! How cool the librarian is going to come in like that!! What wonderful memories you’re making – and all that learning gets done in the process! This is why I love homeschooling and coops so much – the creativity and freedom that public schools don’t have.
Praying you are all mended now and back to being Julia :)!!
Aww looks like you had fun! I’ve always wanted an American Girl doll, especially the Samantha Doll (unfortunately she is no longer available to purchase). I never got one until my birthday last year when a friend looked everywhere for one and found me a miniature Samantha Doll. I may be 22 but it was the best gift I got that year!
Samantha, I SO understand! I’m older than dirt and still got giddy in that store! I saw the little dolls, too, and played with them awhile, lol. I did see Samantha – a perfect fit for you :). I should have gotten the mini-Felicity. Maybe I will go back before Christmas and see if they still have her. Unless I can find the big one – which I doubt! Wish we could all go shopping together! What fun that would be :)!
My 11-year-old has Felicity! I originally thought the dolls were crazy-expensive, so I put off buying any. Eventually I saw the light, and she now owns four (sigh). But she bought most of them with her own money hoarded from birthdays and allowances. She treasures them. Felicity was her first, and her favorite.
Karen, I admire your restraint at first – I don’t think I would have lasted as long as you did before you succumbed, lol ;). What a wonderful thing that she earned them. I think that teaches wonderful lessons and they’re better appreciated and loved. My men are finding that out with gas money and clothes and such via working. Love that your daughter loves Felicity. There’s just something about her…!
The American Girl books were just coming out at the tail end of my adolescent years, so I only read a handful of them–but I did read Felicity and she was one of my favorites! My oldest daughter has started reading the series and she also loves Felicity. There are even movies out on some of the American Girls.
I completely understand your need for Felicity paper dolls! As an adult (before my girls were born) I purchased June Allyson paper dolls, as well as Anne of Green Gable dolls. Just last week my daughters asked for Gone With the Wind paper dolls and I couldn’t resist!
My daughters were given look-alike American Girl dolls, so Ellis (age 9) has one with brown hair, green eyes and freckles. Maryn (age 7) has one with blond hair and green eyes. Maryn is completely in love with her doll. She named her Zoe. She brings her everywhere and we treat her like one of the family…I’ve even babysat a time or two. 🙂 She forgot Zoe at Grandma’s house one time and Grandma’s friend went out of her way to drive Zoe to our house.
I’m discovering that boys are, indeed, a totally different breed of humans! My twin boys (age 3) have no interest in their sisters’ dolls. Bikes, balls and bugs are more their speed. 🙂
LOL about those boy breeds ;). Mine are big and smelly but I sure love them and we have so much fun together! Bikes, balls, and bugs are still on their agenda…you are SO right, Gabrielle! Your little men are so precious – but so are your girls. I just melt when I see pics of them. They remind me of you so much. LOVE the story about Zoe and your babysitting ;). These little girls take their dolls very seriously! I can imagine Grandma’s friend was a favorite after that return trip!
So good to hear paper dolls are NOT going out of style. I used to cut them out of my mom’s Good Housekeeping magazines – the Betsy paper dolls, if I remember correctly. I still love the Tom Tierney ones and use them for research. The ones of George and Martha Washington are my favorites.
Glad your Ellis is enjoying those books. They had them at the store yesterday and they’re so colorful and beautifully illustrated, plus the stories seem quite charming. I will have to check out the movies :). Guess I can’t complain about not having any girly friends to share this with when you and others are so fun to talk with here!!
Oh Laura, what a cute picture and post! I think you might be a lot of fun to go shopping with! I’ve never had the pleasure of having or purchasing any of these dolls but they are adorable. By the way, you have a couple of very handsome boys too! Happy shopping!
Georgianne, Oh, I’d love to go shopping with you, too! I think we’d have a merry time indeed :).I think you and I are of the same era and weren’t blessed with these dolls! But better late than never, I guess. I’ll date myself here and say the first doll I can remember getting is Mrs. Beasley. She wore glasses and had braids and freckles. Quite the homely rag doll but I loved her. I think she was all cloth. I wish I still had her but she was very “loved up” and would have been sad looking after today.
Thanks so much for the kind words about my men. At 14 and almost 17 they are sure wonderful to be around – though they don’t like pink or dolls or anything of that nature ;)!
Laura, I’m much older than you are. I had a Revlon doll and she was before Barbie. But I do love pink, and pearls and lace and dolls. Still a girlie girl after all these years.
I hope you will be doing some book tours/signings in the future, and if you get back ‘home’ to KY, I would travel from Cincy to see you. Would love to see that sweet smile of yours in person! 🙂
Oh, I’ll hold you to that, dear Georgianne! I’d love to see your sweet smile myself! So ditto there, my kind friend!! Yes to pink and pearls and lace and dolls. Well said :)!!
I loved the American Girls when I was younger. I still look forward to seeing the girl of the year. I’ve read all of the American girl books but Felicity was my favorite, because of the time period and because Felicity was a little bit of a tomboy, and of course her reddish hair.
My favorite American girl of today was Chrissa not only because of the name but because she was the girl who had to deal with bullying.
My grandma ended up getting me one of the dolls, but she got me Julie which is actually my mom’s favorite doll I think because Julie brings her childhood back to life.
Carissa, Your comments are living proof that we’re never too old for dolls. I so understand your mom and her having a favorite. Me, too! Interesting that we all have preferences for eras and names. I didn’t see Chrissa there but am sure she was on the other end of the store. It was hard to move around in there as it was packed. Little girls were pushing their dolls all over the place in strollers, etc. Made me want a girl even more than ever!
Love the names they choose like your Chrissa and Julie. Wouldn’t it be magical to be the one who names them :)?
Laura, so glad you shared this “silly” post. I haven’t been to Seattle, and cities aren’t my preferred tourist destinations, but Washington State is definitely on my list of places to visit.
First of all, your boys are adorable… and handsome young men. It saddens me that you didn’t have a girl, though I know you wouldn’t trade Paul or Wyatt for a dozen little girls. : )
Second, you are such a lovely woman, and I love your denim jacket. I have a thing for little jackets, and denim is up there on the list. : )
I do have a history with the American Girl dolls. When I got mine, The Pleasant Company mainly offered only the historical dolls: Felicity, Kirsten, Addy, Josephine, Samantha, and Molly (and the Bitty Baby doll).
Unfortunately, I wanted to be just like my best friend when I was eight years old. She had Kirsten, ergo, I got Kirsten ($88 bucks (plus S&H) back then!). BUT, Felicity was always my favorite. Her pretty red hair and dresses, and the fact she had a horse named Penny (I’ve been a horse girl my whole life), just made me love her. My Great Aunt gave the entire sets of Felicity’s and Molly’s books when I was 17 and we lived in Louisiana.
Thankfully, my little cousins followed in my footsteps with American Girl dolls and both got Felicity. I had a whole bunch of the doll clothes, but when we moved, across the country, I have no idea what happened to all of my doll clothes, or Kirsten.
The historical dolls are still my favorite, and I actually ordered a catalog a few months ago just to see what was new. Lol. They have retired many of them, and I think they bring them back every so often, sort of like the Disney Classics vault. Lol.
I did see that Caroline is a new historical doll from1812.
http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/static/character.jsp
I can’t write a short email or blog response. Sorry! So glad you got a few girly things. : )
Whitney
Whitney, I love your lengthy replies – mine are always that, and more! Thank you for taking time here and sharing the fun. I LOVE denim, too, and despite it being 84 degrees in Seattle yesterday I kept that jacket on ;). My men were so much cuter when they were small, lol. Now they’re just so…well, gangly and smelly-footed and such! I figured if I did buy a doll, which I didn’t (but am on the hunt for Felicity!) that it was precious payback for raising boys! I told Randy on the way home that I now know why we weren’t blessed with a daughter. I would have bankrupted us with American Girl!
Love your story about Kristen – you answered a question for me about the original pricing, etc. Interesting it hasn’t gone up too terribly much. I think the historical dolls were around $110 in the store. Love that Miss Felicity has a pony named Penny – she also has a lamb named Posie in the paper dolls I got. Something about lambs I just love… The books must have been wonderful to read and fed your historic heart. Kind of like those little bios did for me years ago.
YES, Caroline is my 2nd favorite now ~ thanks for the link! Love that blonde hair. Trouble is, every one of those historical dolls resembles one of my heroines, lol. Caroline would be renamed Rowena. Felicity would be Eden. You get the picture… 🙂 I already mentioned the very charming native doll and papoose and horse. OH MY!
Glad WA state is on your bucket list. Your neck of the woods is on mine even though I’ve lived there. Somehow I appreciate it more now than I did. Now that all that Ohio history has caught up with me. And you, too!!
Hee! Oh yes, I too like Kaya. Felicity, Kaya, Kirsten, Samantha, Addy, and Caroline! Love the name Rowena, but don’t remember it appearing in your stories??
Btw, I know I speak for everyone when I say thanks for putting in all the time required to give each and everyone and in-depth response. It is an all day, full time job! I totally understand the need for those “Comments are Closed” days and always enjoy the Scripture, Painting, etc. you share in place of “Q&A with Laura Frantz.” 🙂
You are very savvy about those closed comment days, Whitney 🙂 I have to restrain myself to even close comments on quiet days but then remind myself I would get no books written! Thanks for being so understanding. However, I must say I will be posting almost every weekday for the month of Sept. Whew – you poor readers will be weary of me, let me tell you, when this book buzz subsides, lol. And then I might disappear till Christmas ;)! Prayers so appreciated for this next book due to my editor this weekend…
Kaya is the name I was trying to think of – thank you for that! As for Rowena, she will meet and greet you in book 3 Ballantyne. I think she might be my favorite heroine to date – dare I say that?! Well, seems like they are all favorites…!
*gasp* Bite your tongue, Frantz! 😉 I can’t imagine a better heroine than Roxie or Morrow, and I have a soft spot for Eden in all her quiet beauty. I’ve just met Ellie, so can’t comment much there, but with a name like Rowena, this new heroine must be special! 🙂
Whitney, Smiling at your comments… I always say ‘favorite’ very tongue in cheek, knowing full well my favorites may be very different than that of my beloved readers, YOU being one of them! As for Ellie, she’s moved out of your favorite century and probably should be wearing frontier garb to have that necessary appeal ;)! I find myself hankering to return ASAP to wild and wooly things, lol. You inspire me with those wonderful pics you’ve been posting on Pinterest!
Alison has one. Molly, I think? She’s from the thirties or forties.
I bet someday waaaaayyyy down the road (right?), you’ll have a good number of little granddaughters to spoil. And of course there are the daughter-in-laws in your future. Family–and a growing family–is fun. I don’t wish my kiddos to be grown up and gone yet, but every now and then I think about what our house will be like when they’re dating and married and parents. How fun, right? 🙂
LOL, Sally, you’re so right about WAYYYYYYY down the road. Grandkids must be great but the timing must be right! My men didn’t quite know what to make of me in that very pink store. They came into the store (the ONLY boys present, mind you) and each took my by the arm to forcibly remove me and return me to Footlocker (so smelly and dull)! But I snuck back in when they weren’t looking…
I think I saw the Molly doll – so great they have them from every era. Except Felicity!! She sort of reminds me of Eden with that red hair. I’m totally smitten, right, and she’s totally out of my reach…!
It sounds like you had a lovely trip! You have two very handsome young men, Laura!
My sister and I loved American Girl Dolls growing up! I had Molly, Felicity, and Addy. My sister had Kirsten and Samantha. We loved them to pieces! My favorite was Molly. I think deep down, I liked her because she had glasses. I have never been in one of the stores though. I am sure I would have loved it when I was younger! Maybe one day I can take my niece. I believe there is one in Chicago, which is only a few hours from me.
Thanks for sharing a peak of your trip with us! I am holding my breath waiting for Love’s Awakening! I am so excited! Praying for you, dear friend. 🙂
Emma, I was thinking how much fun it would be to have been the writer or producer of these dolls :). Then you could have every one of them! The store is truly amazing. I’d never seen anything quite like it, especially since American Girl stuff is new to me. The Seattle store is very large with a tea room and showroom with the historic dolls at one end and all these big glass displays of each doll and their furniture, etc. I just loved the tea set for Caroline (1812) and the desk for the antebellum doll. There was even a native doll, horse, and papoose that was just beautiful! What a wonderful trip to take with your niece. I pray that comes about for you both. Chicago is a neat city.
Can’t wait for you to meet Ellie and Jack. Soon :)!! Bless you for your excitement. And thanks so much for your prayers!
I love the American Girl dolls! When I was 7 (I think) my Grandparents and my Aunt/Uncle pitched in to buy me Kirsten (who was retired several years ago). I was not a doll girl, but I LOVE that doll. She went and did a lot of things with me and I still have her out on display. My sister has Samantha, but I’ve always thought Felicity would have been a better fit for her. I liked the older dolls better than the newer ones, but it was a great wish list catalogue growing up. My Grandma bought me a lot of clothes for Kirsten for my birthday and holidays. Your post brings back fun memories! 🙂
Somehow I just KNEW you were an American Girl fan, Casey :). Love hearing about you and your sis. Those catalogs bring back such good memories of dreaming and wishing, yes. I didn’t realzie they had so many clothes and accessories! Especially furniture. I think these dolls are great gifts for Grandmother’s to give :). Or any relatives! I must confess I DID NOT buy a doll. Just paper dolls. I really liked Caroline 1812 but that Felicity is my fave, I think. When they told me she had been archived I was sad! And then I went over to e-bay :). We’ll see what happens, lol. Not much, I’m thinking as they’re still way too pricey. But a big girl can dream, right?!
You definitely need a doll! I have collected a few the couple of years and it is so much fun when there are only guys around to do some girly things like that. You look wonderful and it looks like you had a great time!! I love seeing how your handsome boys have grown.
Carla, LOVE your input :). We’re such doll lovers here! You really do understand about having men in the house and that hankering for girly things. We sure had fun yesterday though it’s one of my busiest weeks on record getting them ready for school and getting this book ready to turn in, among other things. I know you’re just as busy! Congrats on your new release. The story is just terrific and lands me smack dab in the colonial period I miss so much. Love that Tempe :)! She’s a true American girl!
Thanks, Laura! Yes, Tempe would fit right in as an American Girl. Praying for your busy days!
Carla, I am finally sending you an email later tonight – you have been as busy as me lately, yikes! More soon :).
I loved reading your blog today, and all the comments. I was privileged to have one boy, so didn’t do the doll thing. My Mom was hooked on buying dolls. She gave lots to her two granddaughters, but we never knew how many she had until we had to clean our her things. She had tons of dolls. She never bought any American Girls dolls though, to bad. She had a Diana doll, lots of special edition Barbies and Ken’s. She had a bride and a groom Barbie and Ken. I’m keeping them for my one granddaughter too. She took me to a doll store where we lived. I found a Czechoslavakian Barbie, pd. $60 back then, before the country split. I got it because of my husbands family.
I had a doll, only one when I was young. My Mom had saved it for me. Had to have a new body made and put on a new wig, but now that Mom’s gone I’m so glad she helped me do that. I still have to make her a dress though.
Look at me, talking, talking.
Oh, by the way, loved, loved, loved Eden.
Cherie, So good to have you here!! Love all this doll talk. You have a wonderful collection! Thanks to your mom and your own care and knowledge of them! Your Czech Barbie sounds so interesting – especially given the country’s history. I imagine her clothing is true to that region (but am only guessing). I imagine it’s quite valuable now. The Diana doll is one that would be meaningful, too, given her early death. Like you, I only remember having one doll and her name was Mrs. Beasley. I still wish I had her. I can’t remember giving her away but something happened. I think it’s great when people like you keep their dolls and treasure them. You made a special memory with your mom over your one doll.
Yes, having boys sure puts the kibosh on dolls ;). You understand that. Mine think my recent obsession with these very girly dolls a very strange thing! I have always, always wanted a dollhouse (historic one) but they are so expensive I’ve never been able to have one. Then there is the added problem of decorating all the rooms which would just be over the top! IF I had one I think it would sit empty – and how much fun is that?! Oh my, fun to dream along with you. Thanks so much for adding to the doll talk here. I think this is my favorite post ever :).
Dear Laura,
I am so glad you found American Girl – don’t worry this in not a silly post. I am delighted and wish I could have shopped with you! I haven’t commented for a long while so I couldn’t pass this one up.
A history with these dolls? Oh, I could write a book!
My number 1 childhood play things – not to mention the most expensive.
My sister has Felicity.
I have Molly, Josephina, Samantha, and a Today doll. I’ve kept everything I’ve ever collected. So many hours went into collecting and creating with clay, fabric, cardboard, etc. If I couldn’t buy it I made it. I became the go to person about all things AG!
Samantha is from a rummage sale for $1.50 -w/ 2 dresses!
I also found an Addy doll at Goodwill for $3 -fully dressed! I gave her to a dear friend of mine for Christmas – it was the doll she always wanted.
I seem to be in the doll rescuing business! As I write this I’ve been cleaning and dressing gently used baby dolls to send to little girls around the world.
When I was 7 years old I acted in a Kirsten play – my first play outside of church! AG books, plays, and dolls made history tangible – no wonder I love historical stories so much!
Well, if we lived closer I’d give you a grand tour of all things little girly, but as we don’t you’ll have to wait for a granddaughter! Someday in the future I’d better have a daughter or I will keep my dolls til I’m 90! For the time being I’ve got two nieces to spoil – and one arriving in February!!!
I couldn’t help but read your last comment. My aunt has Mrs. Beasley!
And dollhouses. . . don’t get me started. . . I have two!!!
Loved this post! – I guess you can tell:)
Jennie
Oh Jennie! LOVE your wonderful comments :). I’m smiling big as I write this! Your heart for these dolls AND your heart for others really shines through. You are a bonafide doll magnet!! I would have loved to have gone shopping with you at Seattle AG because you could have educated me while there! I felt I needed some sort of girly guide after living in the land of testosterone for so long. I was just telling my husband I am still giddy over Monday’s excursion. All that “pink magic” has yet to rub off ;)…
I wonder if you have a favorite doll? But that’s kind of like asking me if I have a favorite heroine. Sigh. The one I’m currently working on is always the favorite, maybe because she’s so up close and personal. YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE all that has transpired since Monday’s trip. But I don’t want to spoil it for you and others till everything is said and done and I have pics and can write up another post soon – sometime in the month of September we’ll have the AG REST OF THE STORY…
So glad you get to spoil your nieces – the only thing better than a doll is a baby! I try to sneak them into all my books. And I’m delighted you know about Mrs. Beasley. I have a feeling we’d be hard pressed to find a doll you DON’T know about. I must look Mrs. B up and see what’s happened to her since I had her. Now that would be a nice one to bring out of retirement :).
Wonderful to see you again – thanks for your great comments. You’re a kindred doll spirit, for sure :)!