Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Pony Event Scrapbooking


If you've attended the national MLP Fair and Convention, or regional events held in the Midwest or the annual Maryland Meet your photo is most likely in my Pony Event Scrapbook. I have photographs from most of the pony-related events I've attended since 2002 and I've put them together in a massive pony-themed scrapbook. However, I'm not on top of things at the moment and have yet to add photos from this past year's convention in Las Vegas, MD Meet, and the Cinci Meet. Luckily, Walgreens is running a promotion for 9 cent prints and I'm totally taking advantage of it. I'm not typically a scrapbook person but I think the Pony Event Scrapbook is a fun way to document the craziness of one of my most beloved hobbies. Seriously, who else has photos of themselves holding plastic ponies next to street performers in San Francisco, sharing margaritas with a giant Pinkie Pie, or modeling a pony corset on the steps of a plantation house?

Monday, December 28, 2009

New My Little Pony Discount Code


Thought I'd pass along the newest online code for Hasbro Toyshop. Just enter the code "MLP11" for 10% off your My Little Pony order until Dec. 2010. Happy shopping!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Did I Forget To Mention...?

Guess who's coming to join me for the holidays this year...Rosey Posey the exclusive Hasbro Children's Hospital Charity Pony!! I am beyond floored as I've wanted her forever. Just what I needed to brighten my holidays! I can't wait for her to arrive! By the way, if anyone has her card (shown here in a picture from StrawberryReef.com) and is willing to scan it for me I would really appreciate it!

Wishing You All a Very Minty Christmas!


This past year has been truly an adventure as I moved across the country, sold my house, changed jobs, and landed back in the Midwest. Even after the initial move six months ago, my life still hasn't settled as my belongings are still stashed in storage (It makes me feel a little like a gypsy living out of boxes). I continue the exhausting task of house hunting for the perfect place (with the perfect ponyroom- of course) while dealing with the hustle and bustle of the holidays. I hope to get back into the swing of things soon!

I hope that you all are having a great Holiday Season, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Long Time, No Post

I know, I know I've been MIA from my blog for WAY too long and I apologize for not posting! I've had a lot on my plate lately and haven't had any time for ponies. In fact, I've only managed to log onto the MLPArena and TP about once every two or three weeks since July. This is a big deal for someone who used to religiously check both forums daily (Yes, I am THAT awesome!)

Anyway, I did attend the Cinci meet in July and had a great time. I need to give a delayed shout out to all the collectors who organized that event. You all are great!

I have somehow haphazardly managed to purchase a slew of new MLP products. Mostly, I end up throwing a few new items into my cart while on trips to Target or Wal-mart buying toilet paper or other random necessities. I did purchase the Junko Mizuno art pony online from Hasbro toyshop, but other than that, my online purchases, trades, and other pony dealings have been nonexistent.

It's difficult to get into the pony mindset when space is VERY limited and you're being pulled in so many other directions, but I'm determined to get back on track soon.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

3rd Annual Cincinnati Pony Meet Will Be Held August 1st

If you happen to be located in the Midwest and want to get together with fellow collectors to buy, sell, trade, and discuss ponies you're in luck! The Cincy MLP Collectors are holding the 3rd annual Cincinnati Pony Meet on Saturday August 1st. Details can be found on their official message board or you can follow the updates on this MLPArena thread.

I know several of the girls who are planning the event and they are really great! At the moment I'm tentatively planning on attending and will be bringing book copies to sign and sell for anyone who might be interested.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Las Vegas Recap!


I had a terrific time at the 2009 My Little Pony Collector's Convention in Las Vegas. Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by and introduced themselves to me at my booth, purchased a book, or shared their thoughts about the My Little Pony Inventory Collector's Inventory series. You all are awesome! I met some really great people including Pandorarose who runs the My Little Pony Talk weekly radio program, and some adorable little girls who were so excited to get their copies of my books signed that they were jumping up and down. Plus it was great spending time with some longtime friends. Going to these events year after year starts to feel a little like going away to summer camp.

I took plenty of photos for the scrapbook, bought an entire set of Mountain Boy Ponies from Ashlyne, picked up the gorgeous Peacock Art Pony exclusive, won a giant blank Pony Project Pony in the MLPFair raffle, and scored some freebies from both the MLPTP and MLPArena booths. If you get a chance to attend The My Little Pony Fair Collector's Convention in 2010 you should definitely go!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Las Vegas 2009!

I've been totally neglecting this blog, but I have valid reasons! Over the past couple of weeks I've been getting ready to make the big move from Virginia to Indiana. In addition to packing up the minimum I need to survive (aka what will fit in my Xterra), I had to pack up my classroom and lug all of my teaching materials home and single handedly transfer them to our basement. This involved a bit of maneuvering as some of the boxes almost outweighed me. On the bright side, I have some definite arm definition going on. It's going to be interesting to see how things go over the next few weeks as I won't have access to my ponies or other possessions until either we sell our Virginia house or I go over the edge. We have movers lined up to pack and transport everything, but we figured why pay storage fees when there is a house available. So wish me luck as I live out of plastic storage tubs in a studio apartment over the summer.

Back to the topic of ponies...

I will be in Las Vegas this weekend for the annual MLPFair Collector's Convention. I'm on the schedule of events for book signings both days, but will also have booth space where my books will be sold and people can stop by and chat ponies, pony guides, or whatever.

I'm flying out on Thursday morning and will be meeting up with the "Lafayette Girls" (Mary and Amber) to check out the sites before the weekend. It should be a great time!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Pony Takeover!

My G1 box is overflowing with accessories and ponies and since the Fair is in Vegas this year, I am limited on what I can take with me to the event. I have an assortment of G1 ponies, hard to find pony accessories including FT toothbrushes and toothpastes, mommy charms, a bait lot and more that need new homes! Check out photos and descriptions and details HERE. My loss is your gain.

I usually ship in bubble mailers for less expensive shipping and will be happy to get shipping quotes once an order is made. If you are interested in anything, please let me know via email.

Edited 5-27-09 To everyone who as sent me PMs last night and today, I am taking all the items asked about to the Post Office tonight to have them weighed and to get shipping quotes. Some items have multiple requests and will be offered to the first person who reponded and then the second if it becomes available etc. I'll be sending out PMs to detail this along with shipping quotes hopefully tonight (If not, then tomorrow). I've also updated the item descriptions on Flicker to reflect what is On Hold. There are still plenty of bargains available, so have a look. :)

Friday, May 22, 2009

Countdown to MLPFair 2009!

This year's My Little Pony Fair Collector's Convention is only a month away and collectors from near and far are getting ready for this annual event. This year's two day convention is being held at the Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas. Start saving your extra cash as there is sure to be something that will catch your fancy at the multiple vendor booths. Not to mention, this year's gorgeous MLPFair exclusive Peacock Art Pony will be available to attendees for purchase.

If you are planning on purchasing a copy of one of the MLP Collector's Inventory books at the event, please let me know via comment, or PM at the TP or Arena so I can be sure that my publisher ships enough copies for everyone.

Also, I just finished being interviewed on My Little Pony Talk. I'm certain I rambled a bit, but it wasn't that bad. If you'd like to download the show to listen, you can click HERE.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

My Little Pony Talk Interview This Friday!


I've been asked to be a guest on My Little Pony Talk radio this Friday night at 9:00p.m. I'll be answering questions about the My Little Pony Collector's Inventory books I've written as well as anything else that is thrown my way. I've been told they'll be doing a standard interview and then will open the call lines to take questions from listeners as well as ask questions from Arena and TP members on the MLP message boards. Should be a good time as I'm almost certain to stammer and say something ridiculous.

The show will be live, but will also be available to download through itunes.

Check it out: May 22nd at 9:00 p.m. on My Little Pony Talk Radio

Monday, May 18, 2009

An Event to Remember

I'm back from a pony-filled weekend. I had a terrific time catching up with old friends and making a few new friends as well. I managed to win a raffle for a gigantic plush Sunny Daze and came home with a MLP McDonald's display as well as a few pony accessories. Thanks to everyone who purchased copies of my books! You were all so sweet. It was definately an event to remember as I bravely volunteered to model a My Little Pony corset for the live auction while people snapped multiple pictures to undoubtedly shame me on the internet at a later date.

Hats off to Julie (MustBeJewel) for organizing such an awesome meet!

Friday, May 15, 2009

And They're Off...

I’m packed and ready to head out early tomorrow morning (if you can really call it morning. I think it still qualifies as the middle of the night). I’ve taken my Labrador, Elphaba, to the kennel and I finally managed to get my oil changed in time for the drive. Get ready Baltimore, here I come with a car filled with books and ponies!

I should also mention that Jewel will be a special guest on My Little Pony Talk radio show at 9:00 p.m. hosted by LilAlleyCat and Pandorarose3 and will be discussing the MidAtlantic Ponymeet and other fun things! You can even call in and make comments or ask questions. Be sure to tune in: My Little Pony Talk

Monday, May 11, 2009

Book Signing In Baltimore-This Weekend

There is less than a week until the Mid Atlantic Ponymeet is held in Baltimore, Maryland. This is the eighth year for this annual event. In addition to the standard buying, selling, and trading of MLP items that goes on at typical My Little Pony collector events, this meet boasts a slew of contests and activities including G3 scooter races, pony piñatas, custom and art contests, and live auction. With a record number of attendees registered, this year’s event is slated to be the biggest yet.

I’ll be signing and selling copies of my newest book, The My Little Pony 2008-2009 Collector’s Inventory at the event and will have copies of my other titles available for purchase as well as ordering information. In addition, I will have several MOC and MIB G1 items, and Mommy Charms available for purchase. I can’t wait to see some familiar faces and meet new fellow collectors.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Where Have You Been?

A few people have noted my lack of posts both here and on the MLP boards I usually frequent. I wanted to assure you that I haven't fallen off the face of the earth (just off the internet). My husband took a job in another city and we've been in a mad rush to get our house ready to go on the market. This included packing up the MLP room. I brought in reinforcements (a.k.a my mother) and I'm happy to report that the packing of the ponies is finished and our house has been staged and is currently on the market. You may now mourn the loss of "The Ponyroom."

Monday, April 20, 2009

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

For the Curious


If you read my I Have No Shame post, you know all about the pony insanity that took place over the past weekend. I thought I'd post a quick photo of the "rescued" My Little Ponies. They obviously have not been cleaned, but you get the idea. Not too bad for $7.50. Gotta love a cheap Mimic.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

2009 My Little Pony Fair and Comic Con Exclusives Revealed!

Photos of this year's My Little Pony Fair exclusive (Peacock Art Pony) and this year's San Diego Comic Con appeared this week on various MLP collecting websites as well as other toy sites. Both the Fair exclusive and the Comic Con pony have designs on both sides of their bodies and the Comic Con pony is especially interesting as one side of her body is a superhero and the other side is a villian. I can't wait to get my gorgeous Fair exclusive in Vegas and I think the Comic Con pony is awesome and will be sure to add her to my collection.

My Little Pony Peacock Art Pony

















2009 My Little Pony Comic Con Pony (Superhero side)

















2009 My Little Pony Comic Con Pony (Villian side)

Saturday, April 4, 2009

I Have No Shame!

This was so ridiculous that I couldn't wait to post (despite the fact that I have many other things that I need to be working on). I hope fellow pony collectors can appreciate the things I will do for ponies.

Earlier today, my husband decided to clean out our basement and while he was cleaning, we ended up with a huge pile of furniture and random household items that we neither have the space for or the need to keep. So, we loaded them up in our vehicles to drop off at the local Goodwill. Once there, we helped the workers unload. While I was carrying a chair across the lot, I happened to spot some My Little Ponies peering out of one of their gigantic cardboard bins. Immediately, I rush over to my husband and have the following conversation while carting boxes of junk to the donation bins:

Me: (trying unsuccessfully to talk in a whisper) Oh my God, they have ponies! I saw ponies! There are G1 My Little Ponies in that box over there!
Matt: (unenthusiastically) really?
Me: (talking really fast) Yes! And I bet they won't let me buy them. Do you think they'll let me buy them? Don't they have a rule that you can't request things from the donation area to be put on the shelf? I'm going to ask them. They better let me buy them. It would be a tragedy to not let me buy them.
Matt: I don't think they'll let you buy them.
Me: They HAVE to let me buy them.

At this point, we have unloaded both vehicles and one of the workers is writing up our receipts. I ask him if there is any way a person could purchase something from the donation area and he points me to "Jeff" who is in charge. Jeff seems like he's an easy going man so I walk up to him(in my mind I think I'm walking, but I'm actually speed walking due to my pony-induced adrenaline) and ask him very politely if it is possible to purchase something from one of the bins. Jeff asks me what exactly I am wanting and I point to the ponies in the bin. Matt gets in his car at this point (he later tells me that he couldn't stand there with a straight face while his wife begs a stranger for ponies. He thought it was hysterical). Jeff and I then have the following conversation:

Jeff: I'm sorry, but I can't sell them to you.
Me: What do you mean? Can't you just put a price on them, put them on the shelf and
then I can purchase them?
Jeff: Everything normally has to be processed before it goes on the floor, but these won't be going on the floor.
Me: Where will they be going?
Jeff: They will be processed and then sent to be incinerated because of the lead. We can't sell toys that might have lead in them.

Jeff starts picking through the ponies and I spot a Mimic! This understandably raises the stakes.

Me: Jeff, you're breaking my heart here!
Jeff: We can't sell them.
Me: What if I promise you I won't stick them in my mouth? (Yes, ladies and gentlemen I actually said this... don't judge me. The idea of Mimic being sent to her end as a glob of melted plastic was too much.)
Jeff: Listen, it will take an hour to process them and then I'll put them on the floor at 6:15. You have to be here in an hour. I'll have them pulled off the floor at 6:20 because of the lead.
Me: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I'll be here. I promise I'll come back in an hour.

About 5:45, Matt and I arrive back at the store (I wasn't taking any chances). I make a quick look at their pitiful toy section and then find some books that the children in my class will enjoy and put them in my cart and I find two white turtlenecks that I can use for costumes for the children's show I'm directing. By 6:00 I am posted by the swinging metal doors that lead to the back room determined to snatch up the ponies as soon as they come through the door. I get restless from waiting and roll my cart back an aisle or two so I can glance down the knickknack aisle with all the coffee mugs and ceramic figurines while still having a clear view of the swinging metal doors. I spot a lady holding a brightly colored bag in each hand and she's tossing another one into her cart. Suddenly, I realize that the bags are filled with ponies...MY ponies! I rush up to her and ask her if she's restocking. Surely, this is a Goodwill employee. They must have an alternate route to the back room and she slipped by me while I was pretending to look at the children's clothes so as not to appear like a desperate person waiting for new items to come through the swinging metal doors.
She shakes her head and tells me that she's buying them. Now, this is where it gets (even more) ridiculous. I am a very logical, rational, calm person, but when ponies are involved all these qualities tend to melt away and I find myself attempting to explain to this woman that Jeff promised that he'd put the ponies out at exactly 6:15and that I'd seen them in the back and that they weren't going to sell them because of the lead, but that he said he'd put them on the shelf at 6:15, but if I didn't get them by 6:20 they would be destroyed.
After telling my tale of woe (which there was no possible way she could have followed) she reaches into her cart and hands me one of the bags. I thank her and try to make small talk. She mentions that she often looks for toys for her daughter's preschool and for Star Wars toys for her son. I tell myself that by having a conversation with this woman, she won't think of me as a crazed thrift store lunatic, but secretly I hope I'm wearing her down. It works. She hands me another bag loaded with ponies. I thank her again and turn to leave. After all, I now have two bags of ponies (one of which contains a Mimic). I should be satisfied. I have the majority. I have two thirds of all the available ponies, but as I roll my cart toward the checkout, I wonder if I could somehow bargain for the other bag. Yes, that's it! I'll offer her new ponies in exchange for the bag of G1s. I have lots of extras still in their boxes at home. I share my brilliant idea with Matt who suggests that I not only offer G3 ponies, but also add a few of his Episode I Star Wars figures into the mix.
I rush back over to the woman, who hands me the final bag before I even open my mouth because she says she really shouldn't buy them anyway since they are trying to sell their house and they don't need anymore clutter. We get to talking again and find out we have quite a bit in common (aside from the crazy pony collecting) and Matt and I offer to bring over some G3 items and some Star Wars items for her children. She quickly scribbles down her address and phone number for us and we share our goodbyes.
When I get out to the car, I am floored with excitement over my new acquisitions. I ended up with 25 ponies for $7.50! I turn to Matt and start laughing and declare that it is official, I have no shame and there is no end to the things I'll do for ponies.

By the way, we did drop off bags of brand new G3 ponies and MOC Episode I Star Wars toys for the woman's children. It was like Christmas. They were so excited to have so many new toys randomly show up at their house for them to open.
Hopefully, they didn't add too much clutter.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

New Book Description and Details


I'm extremely busy right now as I have three different projects that are all in the deadline stages, but wanted to take a minute to post the book description for The My Little Pony 2007-2008 Collector's Inventory. Hopefully this will help clear up some of the questions people are having about what exactly is in the book, its length etc. I still haven't gotten a final retail price, but as soon as I hear I'll be sure to pass it along.

Book Description:

Beginning in 2007, Hasbro began to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of My Little Pony with collectible ponies, playsets and more for young MLP fans and collectors alike. From convention exclusives and hard to find special offers to the sets available in retail stores, Summer Hayes’ The My Little Pony 2007-2008 Collector’s Inventory provides everything the collector of any age needs to organize their collection. With hundreds of full color photos of items both in and out of packaging as well as checklists for the collector to keep track of all the tiny accessories, this guide picks up where the Crystal Princess set left off and continues into the 25th Anniversary Celebration. Featuring fan favorites like the Core Seven, So-Soft and Dress-Up ponies, this guide explores not only the standard sized MLP figures but also the smaller Ponyville figures, large figures such as plush and McDonald’s fast food premiums, making it the ultimate reference guide for even the casual collector.

Paperback: 92 pages
Publisher: Priced Nostalgia Press (May 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0978606361
ISBN-13: 9780978606367

Sunday, March 15, 2009

New Art Ponies Available for Preorder


Both of the new Art ponies are available for preorder on Hasbro Toyshop. Release is listed for May 22nd and each pony is $12.99. Use the product code MLP9 for 10% off your order.

Compared to the retail price of the Blue and Black Art Pony these seem like a bargain! I know I'll be ordering them.

Product links:
Underwater Pony
Pop Art Pony

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Ta Da!


I got the final cover art today for my newest G3 guide, The My Little Pony 2007-2008 Collector's Inventory. I'm hoping you all like it. I'm really excited about it. I think it was inventive of the designers to use photo pieces for the background since Core 7 symbols repeating over and over would have been a little repetitive. The release date is officially May 1st, but I've been told that it should be available to preorder and may be available before the scheduled date.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

The Ponydex Review


The Ponydex was created by a member of the MLPArena and is an online database that allows MLP collectors to track their collections, add photos, and make notes on condition, price paid, or other useful information. Users can also enter ponies available for trade or sale into their accounts and the program will match up traders or buyers and sellers. The Beta version of The Ponydex went live in February and so far over 5,000 ponies have been entered into the database. Membership is free and the site owners request that if you are a MLPArena member that you register with the same user name you use on the MLPArena.

Pros: The Ponydex is easy to use and the design is very straightforward and uncluttered. I like that users are required to take their own photos of items and I'm sure that users will find the notes section particularly useful if their are in the market to upgrade a certain collection item or attempting to keep an eye on their buying habits. The search function could be helpful for collectors who are looking for a particular pony to purchase.

Cons: While this system is ideal for a beginning collector, it would take ages to for someone with a sizable collection to enter the detailed profiles on every pony and upload photos and a collector book, or checklist would better serve as a time saving alternative. However, The Ponydex could still be used to list trade and sale items. The amount of items listed for sale or trade at the moment is few, but this may increase overtime as site traffic increases and collectors realize the potential of this feature.

All in all, I think that The Ponydex is a great online resource for My Little Pony collectors and look forward to seeing it further develop.

To join The Ponydex visit www.Ponydex.com.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Things that make me smile

I spend my days teaching second grade and have copies of the books I've written in my classroom for the children to read. They are especially popular with the little girls and every so often I'll let a student borrow one for the night. Yesterday, I loaned a copy of The My Little Pony G1 Collector's Inventory to a little girl in my class and this morning she came to school with a note from her mother and a baggie full of ponies for me. In the note the mother thanked me for teaching her daughter and explained that these ponies were hers when she was young and that she wanted me to add them to my collection. How sweet is that?

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

MLP Charity Raffle for Victims of Australian Brush Fires

An Aussie collector is currently hosting a raffle to raise money for the Australian Red Cross to help victims of the brushfires in Victoria. A dollar donation gets you a chance to win over thirty different My Little Pony prizes including mail order ponies, a princess dragon, MIB G3s and many other goodies. The raffle runs through March 6th, so be sure to get your tickets before the deadline. For additional details, you can check out the post on the MLPTP.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Where have I been?

While I'd love to give you all some great excuse as to why I've been neglecting my blog (like going on an European vacation or sipping fruity drinks under a palm tree on my own personal island), it is sadly not the case. Truth be told, I've been dealing with home improvement issues and getting my house cleaned and staged. I figure I'm being proactive as it is a definite possibility either one of us (or both)will be looking for new jobs in the near future due to the economic spiral of America. In addition, I've been involved in yet another theater production and it is quite successful at sucking away my time and energy.

I'm still waiting to hear from my publisher on the official release date for the 2007-2008 My Little Pony G3 Collector's Inventory. I'll be sure to add details when I get them.

Also, Toy Fair photos are up on the ASM gallery of the upcoming MLP products. I still am not really sure what to think except that they seem so gimmicky.

Monday, February 2, 2009

New Collector Art Ponies Coming Soon!

So remember when I got back from the 2008 MLPFair and was all... I saw a design for a future art pony tacked to a designer's cubicle when I was on the Hasbro tour?

Well, it appears that she is actually going to make it into production and should be available this May! I've got to say that I think Hasbro is really onto something with their new Art Pony Collector line. The designs are fresh and unique and help to break up the Core 7 monotony.

Check them out: Art Pony Pop and Art Pony Underwater

Art Pony Underwater is the design I saw in June at Hasbro. The other design is new to me.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

My Little Pony Logo Change


In addition to My Little Pony's new look, it appears that Hasbro will also be revamping the brand's logo. It isn't too much of a change, but it is different. If you'd like to weigh in on the logo change you can check out this conversation on the My Little Pony Trading Post started by SoSoftClair.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

New Pony Designs Revealed at 2009 France Toy Show

While I despise winter and cold weather, there is something to be said for a "snow day". The weather here is a mix of rain and ice and I'm happy to be warm and stuck at home with my laptop. I'm taking a short break from pouring over the new proof for The 2007-2008 My Little Pony Collector's Inventory because blogging about the 2009 France Toy Show just can't wait! Magicfeuilledethé, a new member of the MLPArena, posted some interesting photos from the event.

Remember this poster that was leaked by an artist that was contracted by Hasbro last year?

See how Cheerilee's hair is all crazy pigtails and the ponies' bodies are all squished and their heads are gigantic and their eyes are enormous? Initially, collectors assumed that this would be a new direction for the Ponyville line. However, after seeing this photo it seems that this is what is in store for the regular G3 line:

If you thought crazy pigtails Cheerilee was different, check out enormous eyes Rainbow Dash:

In addition to these photos of displayed products, Magicfeuilledethé, also managed to take photos of the 2009 product catalogue. Here are a few highlights.
More photos of the new 2009 designs:

New Ponyville designs:

I really liked this Newborn Cuties house, but that is probably because I adore the Newborn Cuties:

To see all the the photos and read what collectors have to say about these new designs, click here to follow the discussion on the MLPArena.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Upcoming Collector Events

If you are wanting to attend a My Little Pony Collector event and can't quite swing the My Little Pony Fair in Vegas this year, east coasters do have a few options that are closer to home.

The Maryland Pony Meet will take place on May 16th in Baltimore, MD. This event is hosted by MustBeJewel and has attendees from as far away as Michigan and New York. Guests buy, sell, and trade MLPs as well as take part in a slew of organized games and contests. A live auctioneer is also present for the annual live auction. For more information, participants can visit the Maryland Pony Meet Page.

The Virginia Pony Meet will take place on August 22nd in Charlottesville, VA. This event is hosted by several Virginia collectors and headed up by SailorLibra. While this event is on a much smaller scale, it promises to be a great opportunity to meet fellow My Little Pony enthusiasts. This type of gathering is specially good for first time Pony Meet attendees. For more information, please contact SailorLibra through the MLPArena.

I'll be at the Maryland meet this year enjoying the festivities and signing copies of my books. I attended the event in both 2007 and 2008 and had a great time. Jewel is an amazing hostess and throws one heck of a pony meet! I'll also be attending the Virginia Pony Meet this year for the first time and will be doing a signing there as well.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Thank You!

I wanted to give a shout out to Starfaerie and greywolf1978 for sending me two missing G3 photos to use in the G3 update guide. Thank you both so much!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Toy Fair 2009 Preview Creates Controversy Among Collectors


Scans from a 2009 Toy Fair preview guide have surfaced online and its discovery brings with it mixed reactions from My Little Pony collectors. The article states that both Strawberry Shortcake and My Little Pony will have "strong reinventions".

The preview guide article states:
"My Little Pony will also be getting an update and the introduction of a new range, the Newborn Cuties, which are a similar version of the popular Newborn range. The main figures are set to be more distinctive, with slimmer frames, larger eyes and more defined feet. For the second half of the year the whole range will be brought together with a new packaging style."

While the majority of collectors seem to be dissatisfied with this this new direction, there are a handful that remain optimistic. Time will tell if this is, in fact, the right move for My Little Pony.

Bee-Chan (a member of the MLP collector forum, www.MLPArena.com) attempted to make sense of the radical changes in store for the My Little Pony line. She posted the following to a forum discussion:

"Hasbro is doing what they think they must in order to just stay a-float. They are a business, they make what they know is going to sell. Who says they have to listen to the collectors, who are a very small portion of their income.I'm not saying we have to LIKE what Hasbro is putting out, but understand that they are a BUSINESS, they have to cater to their target audience, and as much as we might like to think we are, we are NOT that target audience. If they only targeted us, they'd be out of business in a heartbeat, because let's face it, we're still a SMALL fandom."

With several collectors vowing to boycott future My Little Pony purchases, emotions are high and discussion is lengthy about the proposed changes.

Click HERE to follow the discussion started by Sweetcakes on the MLPArena.

In case you are curious, I haven't taken a side on this issue at present. I'm sure I'll have plenty to say in the future, but right now I'm trying to let everything sink in.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Ponies for Photos!

If anyone has the Patchwork Rainbow Dash plush (preferably new in box) and is able and willing to take a high quality photo of her against a white background, I'll send you a free pony and credit you in the new G3 update guide.

I was sure that I owned her, and that she had already been photographed. However, now that I'm looking at proof files, it seems I'm going crazy as I can't find the photo or the plush anywhere.

I guess when you get too many ponies, they all start to blur together.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

It was a good day...



It's funny that just yesterday I was complaining to Matt about not finding anything new. Obviously, the pony flood gates were opened!

Have I mentioned I adore the Newborn Cuties?

Monday, January 12, 2009

Back in the Swing of Things

Now that I've readjusted to "normal" life, I'm able to focus all those little things that got pushed aside over the last two months. This includes proofing the new MLP guides and getting organized. Seriously, you should see my office, it is a disaster area with piles of papers waiting to be filed, and an actual blanket of dust coating the entire workspace. Shameful.

In other words, two new MLP guides will be coming your way very soon, so check back for updates!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Vegas Baby!

Mark your calenders! The MLP Fair staff announced June 20th and 21st as the dates for this year's My Little Pony Collector's Convention to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Additional information can be found of their official website: www.mlpfair.com

Friday, January 2, 2009

Christmas Island

Happy New Year! I'm back from my lovely Caribbean vacation, and was greeted with chilly temperatures and wind upon my return. A little sun, 80 degree temperatures, and ocean breezes proved to be the perfect way to spend the holidays. At present, I'm unpacking and attempting to get my house back in order before I return to work on Monday.

I was on Internet hiatus during vacation, but luckily I didn't miss too much in the way of MLP news during my break. I managed to pick up the new Scootaloo with her tricycle at a Target and I think she's hysterical. I mean, she can't possibly peddle!

By the way, if you are a dog lover (like me). I totally recommend reading Marley & Me and then going to see the film in theaters. I picked up the book for some beach reading and I couldn't put it down. John Grogan captured raising a Labrador Retriever perfectly and I found myself laughing out loud. The film is a fairly good adaptation of the book and is both hysterical and heartwarming.

Apologies for the lack of Pony-related posts lately, but I have been on a bit of a pony break aside from the occasional G3 purchase. Don't despair, I'm sure when the new G3 guide becomes available and the G2 book is published it will renew my interest, but for now I'm enjoying other interests.