.the princess portal.

It saddens me that I have not been able to write for some days, these last few weeks have been so busy for me and every day seems so full and exhausting. I did enjoy my little Princess morning though I had my hair cut at my favourite Salon. The staff are so nice and friendly and they do everything to make you feel comfortable, from a complimentary Tea and little heart shaped chocolate, to head massages and aromatherapy, its quite relaxing. I had a different hairdresser this time, as my regular one is away. She was quite helpful and I am happy with the cut, although its a bit shorter than I had wanted, I know it will grow fast. My side fringe makes head bows and the like look so much better! I can’t wait to take some nice photos when I have the time I also had lunch with the Queen and browsed the little Boutiques and Antique stores.

Its raining again today, which I would quite enjoy if I could spend the whole day tucked up in bed reading or writing a new Princess Lesson. Alas I must work again, yet I shall think entirely of the beautiful new items on their way to me! I am determined to reserve the Hawase Doll OP now it is once more on the BABY site it has long been a dream dress of mine and although it may not suit the season right now I should surely wear it a great deal come summer.

Today was was meant to be my Princess day. I had appointments booked and plans made and a whole day off to enjoy it. Then last night my Prince was feeling unwell and I stayed up until some ungodly hour looking after him. I felt so drained and tired and sick this morning I decided to just cancel everything. Its impossible to have a good princess day when you feel weak and overemotional due to lack of sleep. I remade my hair appointment for tomorrow though, so hopefully I’ll have a mini-princess morning before work.

I have been cheering myself up by prowsing etsy which is the most charming little site in the world! I love crafts and handmade things and I have been oogling over jewelry and silhouettes and amigurumi all morning. I was a little naughty and bought this gorgeous little crochet cake hair tie I must resist the temptation to buy more tiny cute little things! I’m also listening to the soundtrack to Emma: A Victorian Romance which is one of the most lovely Anime you’ll ever see, and the music is relaxing and soft. Tonight I’m having Crème caramel for dessert, which should make everything better

“And Eris threw in to their midst an apple, and upon it was inscribed “Kallisti”… for the Fairest” Sometimes I wonder if there is any link between the tale of Snow White and the Apple of Discord. It seems far to great a paralell to be coincidence only.

I have just finished reading a book from my wishlist, “Fairest” by Gail Carson Levine. She is well known for her princess tales including Ella Enchanted (which was a charming book made in to a dreadful and unrelated movie.) Fairest is a retelling of Snow White, and it strays as far from the story as one can whilst being recognizable. Set in the Kingdom of Aorthya, where singing is apart of everyday life and all things of beauty are appreciated, Aza is a girl born with one but not the other. She has the voice of a nightingale and the face of an troll. Ivi, on the other hand is just about to marry the king, she is enchantingly pretty but lacks singing talent at all. The tale is woven around these opposites, inner beauty, jealousy, and love that sees beyond appearances.

I found it quite touching and gentle, a cozy read for a winter’s day. I don’t think it is my favourite of her books, I liked Ella and the Two Princesses of Bamarre better, but it is definitely worth the read. Gail Carson Levine is not the most talented author in the literary sense, but her stories are charming and comforting in a way. They look at fairy tales through modern values, but do not strip them of their magic or insert ridiculous pop-culture parodies Alongside Mercedes Lackey’s 500 Kingdoms series they are some of the best of modern fairy tale interpretations.

I finally have a day off work and it is no less busy! This morning the Prince and I left early to run errands only to return home and find the weather changed from sunny and fine to heavy rains My realm is quite prone to experiencing all four seasons in the space of a day. After noon I had an interview for a new position, which I was successful in securing. I’m looking forward to starting there next week.

I am very happy that my “Kyoko Fukada in Shimotsuma Monogatari” photo book arrived today! It is full of such beautiful images The first half of the book contains photoshoots of the lovely Miss Fukada in various lolita dresses. There are some very imaginitive settings that have given me lots of ideas for my own shoots! I wish I had a real photography studio though, the lighting in my Palace is not suited to it at all. The second half of the book is full of stills from the movie, as well as behind-the-scenes pictures and interviews. It is quite fascinating for a fangirl such as I!

Shimotsuma Monogatari holds a very special place in my heart, and I watch it whenever I’m feeling down or uninspired. It lifts my spirits and reminds me why I love Lolita.. and it makes me want all her pretty dresses too!

This is just a quick update to mention that I am working a lot this week and will not be posting here as often as I would like. Mirai and I are also busy cleaning the house so this Princess feels more like a Maid at the moment! Alas, all is not dismal for my lovely BABY double bow headdress arrived yesterday as seen here. I know, I need somewhere more interesting to take pictures than my bed but at least I have one more headdress now ^_^

There is a new section in my Writings page, it is called “Princess Lessons” and it features articles specifically on being a princess, I hope you will enjoy it!

Today the Prince and I went furniture shopping, not to buy anything specifically but merely to browse and look for inspiration and consider future decor possibilites. I am fortunate in that we share similar tastes, mostly Louis XVI, Queen Anne and Victorian styles. I like a mix of classic styles, much like the Victorians did though I tend to favour the lighter woods, fabrics and neo-classical/rococo wheras the Prince likes mahogany and leather, darker more gothic styles.

We visited a chinese furniture shop that had a lot of nice replicas, and even some chairs with gold and blue crown upholstery! After which we continued to Early Settlers which stocks some marvelous items, including a four poster carved bed which was so breathtaking we decided we must aquire one in the future, I want to give it pale french blue drapes and ivory and pink linens. There was one item which I may actually purchase soon, it is the cheval mirror pictured here. Not the most beautiful one I’ve ever seen, but far more within my price range. I have needed a full length mirror for so long that I am not quite as fussy as usual. I am quite fond of its shape though, it has a little engraving of roses at the head.

This evening we watched The Count of Monte Cristo, the newer adaption with Richard Harris. The Prince was not familiar with the story so it was lovely to see him enjoy it, and I quite like the adaption which I have seen before. Le Comte de Monte Cristo is one of my favourite books and I dream of someday learning french fluently enough to read the original.

My Heart buckle shoes and Gothic Lolita Bibles arrived today, giving me the opportunity for a lovely morning stroll to the post office to pick them up. The shoes were from Valli-sama, they’re even more beautiful in person and quite comfortable and snug! I can’t wait to wear them out

I have been flipping through the Gothic Lolita Bibles, and I must say vol. 23 is one of my favourites yet. The Macoto calendar included is just beautiful and I love the fairy tale theme of the issue, I think I might have to try the snow white make-up tutorial, its very cute! The other issue is not quite as nice, but still interesting. The Marie antoinette OP is in there, but not in a beautiful photoshoot as I had hoped. I’m looking forward to the next issue!

This afternoon I watched The Neverending Story, I have not seen it in so long. When I was little I actually prefered the second movie, as the Gmork frightened me. Now though, I appreciate the first one more as I have read the book and have a great deal of respect for it. The movie actually focuses only on the first half of the book, the second half, where Bastian creates a new Fantasia/Fantastica is even more fascinating and rich in symbolism and philosophy. It is well worth a read.

Yesterday it rained All day the water came down, in sheets, in torrents, in little sun showers and a short but magnificent storm. It was so beautiful after this long dry summer, I wanted to run out and dance in it! (the only thing preventing me was being at work.) I didn’t even mind when I had to walk home through it, and was soaked to the skin. Winter is here, it has rained.

Miss Charlotte loves the rain too! She has her own little Macintosh and Wellingtons and a pretty pink and white umbrella that she likes to twirl. The best thing though, in her eyes, is when the rain stops and she can go puddle jumping! I’m sad to see the ancient sport of puddle jumping seems to be a little lost on the new generation. If you haven’t puddle jumped, you haven’t lived

This morning we rose at 6am to attend the Prince’s Aunt’s funeral. It was of course, far from a cheerful event, but I found the service was rather nice and the whole day carefully and considerately planned.

The Requiem Mass was at a lovely gothic church, of cream stone, white marble and stained glass. The vases were filled with Irises and the Pastor was very gentle and well spoken. I’ve never been to a Catholic Mass before, and sitting in the pews awaiting the service I must admit my thoughts wandered to the chapel of Versailles, and the elegant court gathered there each sunday. My attention was caught by the lovely statue of Mary, her little enclave was so filled with a sense of peace, even one of a different faith could appreciate it. I wish the family of the deceased every blessing.

The funeral did not end until after midday, and then the Prince and I went for a light lunch and saw to getting his spectacles repaired. In the afternoon I tidied my chambers a little and watched The Great Race, an amusing classic film I haven’t seen for sometime.

I keep telling myself I must stop spending on my wardrobe and start saving, but Isobe-san is a devil and always finds some way to tempt me from my good intentions! It appears BABY will be re-releasing the Hawase Doll OP! As worn by Momoko in Shimotsuma Monogatari. The pink is just adorable, though admittedly it may be too light for the coming winter, still I am tempted. Now if only I could find her lace parasol!

Today was a little laid back, a nice pause in the middle of a very busy week. I managed to cross some things off my to-do list. I sent Abbie-chan her BABY catalogue, went to the shops, library and post office and did some work on Les Cygnes Noirs. I even had time for a little photoshoot in my new Candy Violet tee! Thanks so much to Skwerlie for letting me join in on her order!

Last night we had dinner with the Prince’s parents it was Korean Barbeque (delicious.) The occaision however, was not so merry. Tomorrow I must attend a funeral for the Prince’s aunt, who passed away on Friday the 6th. May she rest in peace.

I rented some movies today, some lovely classics and the new version of Peter Pan which I have yet to see! Its one of my favourite children’s books so I do hope the adaption is enjoyable. Tonight I’m watching 101 Arabian Nights, starring Mili Avital who is a very beautiful and talented Israeli actress. I must go make supper and watch part two. Good night!