#ani-me

[my-plastic-life]

It's county fair week! As a kid, the fair meant the carnival. Now my dolls can enjoy it! I had this Ferris wheel as a kid, but it randomly completely stopped working years ago and I got rid of it. I've always missed it, so I went looking on eBay. And I found it, and it works!!! The motor is very loud, but movie magic fixes that! And it's not so bad outside. And it is from 1997. The Ferris wheel was made by a company called Forever Girl and was designed for Barbie size dolls. But I think it's perfect for Azone dolls! Barbie's sisters would also be a great fit. The Ferris wheel plays music, can go forward and backward, and has a side game where you toss rings into a clown's mouth. And yes, ani-ME is on the ride, freaking out because we don't like heights lol!

[just-a-fish]

Couple more pictures from Ani-Me con! Taken during the cosplay contest.

[theconsofbeingawallweed]

aniME: Kurisu

[my-plastic-life]

Spring has officially sprung! While the temperatures are still mostly cool in my area, a highly anticipated event in Japan has already begun. For the first time in three years due to the coronavirus outbreak, Japanese parks are open for the annual cherry blossom festival.

In Japan, the ancient tradition of enjoying the beautiful but ephemeral blossoms of cherry trees is called hanami, which literally means “flower viewing.” Today, people from across Japanese society congregate under the cherry trees to informally enjoy food, drink, and perhaps music with family, friends, or coworkers while sitting on plastic sheets or picnic mats spread upon the ground.

Customary foods include bento box lunches, hanami dango (sweet tricolored dumplings), and sakura mochi, an iconic confection of pink sticky rice filled with red bean paste and covered with a pickled cherry leaf.

In some locations, the trees are lit with floodlights or lanterns when darkness falls, and the party goes on well into the night. This is called yozakura, or “night sakura.”

This event typically begins in late March to early April, though this year there have been several reports of early blooms. I hope to one day see this festival, but for now, Kiku will enjoy it! She's staked out a spot to gaze at the delicate pink and white flowers, and she's enjoying some sakura treats as well (including the dango)!

Staking out a spot:

Gazing at the beautiful sakura and enjoying the dango:

Time for some sakura snacks!

[my-plastic-life]

Today’s Dollstagram October challenge theme on Instagram is “Witch Way.” The way of the witch is concocting various potions and conjuring spells. Kiku has broken out her Halloween costume and is really getting into it!

[my-plastic-life]

The day is winding down, though the celebrations will continue until at least Jan. 7. :D Happy Year of the Rabbit!

[my-plastic-life]

The Ferris wheel also goes backwards! Sorry for no music, but you can totally hear how loud the motor is LOL. But it’s not so bad outside!