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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.