Author Topic: Clan Douglas Dynasty (Finished) (Read 46175 times)

samoht04 · « **Reply #100 on:** September 08, 2010, 12:02:58 PM »

Nice thinking!

Schipperke · « **Reply #101 on:** September 08, 2010, 02:30:01 PM »

Quote from: samoht04 on September 08, 2010, 12:02:58 PM

Nice thinking!

Thank you. Your name has just been added to the guest list.

Pam · « **Reply #102 on:** September 09, 2010, 03:59:16 AM »

I'm glad the toy boat mystery was solved. And I'm liking those blue paintings of Mortimer's. Is that the Grumpy trait?

Schipperke · « **Reply #103 on:** September 09, 2010, 09:22:33 AM »

Quote from: Pam on September 09, 2010, 03:59:16 AM

I'm glad the toy boat mystery was solved. And I'm liking those blue paintings of Mortimer's. Is that the Grumpy trait?

I think it must be. He certainly does like the blue and purple palette.

Schipperke · « **Reply #104 on:** September 09, 2010, 11:58:11 AM »

Letter from Christie Douglas to Annie Hart:

Dear Annie,

I am having such a good time in France! Wasn’t it lucky that the school chose me to come here to do that cultural interview. The interview took hardly any time, and then I was free to do what I wanted for the rest of the 3 day trip.

I interviewed a guy named Pascal Morel. He’s very musically inclined and interested in gardening. We couldn’t seem to stop talking:

In fact, we hit it off very well:

He’s really nice, but I don’t know if he’s The One, you know?

I am having a wonderful time in France! The neat thing about France is that they all seem very interested in cooking, and you know how passionate I am about cooking. I’ve learned all the local recipes. Here I am, studying recipes by firelight:

They also have a lot of books that we can’t get in SV, and I spent many happy hours reading at the bookstore:

Here I am, cooking at Base Camp (not the greatest stove!):

But you know the very best thing? I have completed my lifetime wish to learn at least 28 recipes! Here I am, with 9 more days to go as a teenager, and already done my LTW! That must be some sort of record. I can’t wait to tell them all at home.

My flight home is just being called. Must dash. See you!

Christie

Schipperke · « **Reply #105 on:** September 09, 2010, 02:14:39 PM »

One afternoon, just as everyone is settling in for an afternoon nap, a visitor arrives unannounced.

There is much sorrow in the Douglas household.

Grim: The one I really want is your Dad. It’s way past his time.

Wimsey: Ha, ha, you’ll never get my Dad!

Wimsey: And don’t even think about grabbing my daughter!

Grim: (vanishes in a puff of black smoke, knowing when he’s beaten)
Wimsey: Good riddance to him!

Holly Douglas, dead at age 98 days.

AriaGirl77 · « **Reply #106 on:** September 09, 2010, 09:53:26 PM »

Ok, you are so hilarious! I love how you write your updates in different ways, as newspaper ads and such! So fun to read! Keep it up!

Schipperke · « **Reply #107 on:** September 09, 2010, 11:22:37 PM »

Thanks very much, Aria. I admit it, I am having a lot of fun with this!

Schipperke · « **Reply #108 on:** September 09, 2010, 11:54:13 PM »

The old fisherman goes out alone to the lake to catch fish as he does every night. But his heart just isn’t in it. He keeps thinking of his precious Holly, now gone.

He breaks down in anguish.

Alone and bereft, he mourns for his lost love.

Schipperke · « **Reply #109 on:** September 10, 2010, 11:19:48 AM »

James Douglas lies in bed, staring listlessly at the ice sculpture that is all that remains of the love of his life.

His daughter comes to the doorway.
Wimsey: Dad, we need to talk.
James (vaguely): Yes, dear. Later.
Wimsey: Now, Dad. Right now.
James (sighing): What is it, Wimsey.
Wimsey: In the living room. Right now.

The old man slowly gets up from the bed and trudges to the other room after his daughter.
James: Well?
Wimsey: Dad, we all miss Mum, but it’s time to get on with life. You need to get out of bed and stop moping.
James: Oh, Wimsey, nothing seems to matter any more.

Wimsey: Dad, we all love you. And we need you. Losing Mum is hard on all of us, but the way you’ve been acting, it’s as if we’ve lost you too. We need to rebook the opening at the Gallery. It’s more important now than ever - think what a wonderful memorial it will be for Mum.
James: Oh, Wimsey, you don’t know what it’s like for me. It’s so cold in bed without her, I hardly get any sleep.
Wimsey (trying not to roll her eyes): Dad, the reason you’re cold at night is that you’ve been sleeping with that ice statue of Mum!
James: But what else can I do? I can’t put your mother’s statue in the Dynasty museum, it’s not allowed. And I will not have your mother relegated to the back yard with the salvaged junk!
Wimsey: Yes, Dad, I agree. Mortimer and I have been discussing this, and we have an idea I think you’re going to like. Now listen …

Saltypaws · « **Reply #110 on:** September 10, 2010, 12:40:10 PM »

Great addition Schipperke. Funny how we can get screenies at just the right time, it is so cool to do that. I really enjoy reading your story.

Joria · « **Reply #111 on:** September 10, 2010, 01:04:01 PM »

I've only just found these Dynasty stories and now I know what my new bedtime reading is going to be! Fabulous Schip!! I love the way you are approaching all the different ways to tell the story. Sadly, it's time for me to leave and work on the Lee saga. Can't wait to hear more and read all the rest of the stories!

Schipperke · « **Reply #112 on:** September 10, 2010, 01:28:42 PM »

Notice in the Sunset Valley StarPhoenix, September 10:

CALL FOR TENDERS

Builders and Architectural Designers are invited to submit designs and bids for a private gallery for the Douglas family. Designs and bids may be dropped off at Hogan’s Diner or Douglas’s Delicious Delectables (3D) Supermarket (formerly Everfresh Delights).

Schipperke · « **Reply #113 on:** September 10, 2010, 03:51:52 PM »

The Gallery of the Mortals has been completed, and the Douglas family gather excitedly to go and inspect it.
Wimsey: Dad, I don’t understand why you went with that Schipperke person to build this addition. I think you should have hired one of those talented builders that advertise in Carl and Pam’s Forum.
James: Well, daughter, I know old Schip isn’t the most accomplished builder, but she’s been taking care of us for a long time, you know. I sort of felt I owed her.
Wimsey: Yes, it’s not as if anyone else is likely to hire her. You old softie!
Christie: I like the archway.

Mortimer: Well, the gnomes seem to like it here.
James: Aye, I think the wee beasties are drawn by the light.

James: Look, Wimsey - seven alcoves, one for each of the mortals that will join our clan. See, it’s not so bad, really?

Later -

Wimsey: You know, this place is starting to grow on me. Now I understand why Dad wanted Mum and me to make all those pedestals.
Mortimer: Yes, dear. Do you think we could go to bed now? You’re an extremely talented sculptor, but these ice chairs are cold!

Overhead view of the Gallery (note, some pictures were taken before the lights were changed to the table lights shown in Wimsey & Mortimer’s shot):

Pam · « **Reply #114 on:** September 11, 2010, 04:20:26 AM »

That's very clever, Schipperke! The ice furnishings are excellent! I'm a little confused, though. You're calling it the Gallery of the Mortals? Do you mean to say Immortals? And why are there 7 alcoves if there will ultimately be 8 immortals? Just curious.

Twinmum · « **Reply #115 on:** September 11, 2010, 05:01:25 AM »

I like to see how people are designing their museums. Will that have more levels because ultimately, you will have six portraits of each immortal to hang (three of the founder) plus all the photos and ice sculptures. That's 45 portraits and possibly the same number of sculptures and photos!
Norma

Schipperke · « **Reply #116 on:** September 11, 2010, 09:58:58 AM »

Quote from: Pam on September 11, 2010, 04:20:26 AM

I'm a little confused, though. You're calling it the Gallery of the Mortals? Do you mean to say Immortals? And why are there 7 alcoves if there will ultimately be 8 immortals? Just curious.

The IMmortal Gallery is in the basement of the house, and as Twinmum has pointed out, it needs to be a lot bigger. This gallery is for the mortal spouses, of whom there will be 7, as the last Immortal won't be able to have a spouse. I know the Dynasty rules don't require us to commemorate the spouses in any way, but I thought my sims would be happier if there was a place for the spouses to be honoured. As for the ice sculptures, my Gen 2 Immortal-to-Be, Wimsey, is a sculptor, and has a wish to place 100 sculptures on the lot. They really don't have to sell her sculptures for money at this point, and I am trying to find a way to use that many sculptures! Right now I have a bunch of them just plopped anywhere around the yard.

When I restart the game I'll post a picture of the Immortal Gallery. It's just a big boxy space. I'm still trying to think of some way to make it more interesting.

curlybennett · « **Reply #117 on:** September 11, 2010, 10:31:17 AM »

7 spouses? I thought generation 7 couldn't have a spouse, otherwise they can't have a child.

Schipperke · « **Reply #118 on:** September 11, 2010, 10:36:40 AM »

Here are some pictures of the Immortals' Gallery. It was built early in the game (not much money) and is just a big warehouse-like space. I'm trying to think of a way to make it more appealing.

1. Showing the earliest portraits of James. His adult and elder sculptures are in the foreground, Wimsey is in the second row, then Christie. That flat round disc was the only sculpture I could get of Christie as a toddler before she aged up.

2. Christie's toddler and child paintings and photos. Also an ice nectar rack and part of a clay nectar rack made by Wimsey.

3. More ice sculptures. In this household, if you want to sit in the basement drinking nectar, you have to put up with having a cold bum.

4. There is lots of unused space.

Schipperke · « **Reply #119 on:** September 11, 2010, 10:38:12 AM »

Quote from: curlybennett on September 11, 2010, 10:31:17 AM

7 spouses? I thought generation 7 couldn't have a spouse, otherwise they can't have a child.

I do believe you're right. Oops. Oh well, we have lots of ice sculptures and paintings to fill up alcove #7. Thanks for pointing that out.

AriaGirl77 · « **Reply #120 on:** September 11, 2010, 02:06:30 PM »

Even though you can't have a spouse, gen 7 can still have a romantic interest or boyfriend who will be the father of gen 8. You can still invite him over and paint portraits or do sculptures of him to be included in a gallery.

I think having art of the Mortals in the family is a great idea! I have a painting of Amy (Bull) Nesbit and of Mindi Nesbit as well. No sculptures though.

Schipperke · « **Reply #121 on:** September 11, 2010, 02:23:19 PM »

Oh thank you, Aria, for that suggestion! Here I've been thinking what a colossal boo-boo I made with my 7-sectioned gallery, but of course you're right and it doesn't have to be wasted.

Schipperke · « **Reply #122 on:** September 11, 2010, 02:50:56 PM »

The Douglas household hums with excitement as the family gets ready for the opening night party at the Gallery.

James reaches up and lifts Nevermore off his perch and tenderly places the old raven on his shoulder.
Mortimer: “What are you doing with the raven? You surely aren’t planning to take him to the Gallery?!”
James: “Aye, that I am. With all the snobs and artsy wannabees likely to turn up at this shindig, I need someone there that I can have an intelligent conversation with.”
Mortimer, aghast at the idea of the scruffy old bird at the opening of his first show: “But Dad, won’t people think it’s a bit … eccentric, bringing a bird to the opening night party?”
James: “Eccentric?! Mortimer, you were just a little lad when I first came to SV. Maybe you don’t remember what they used to call me: ‘the lady with the hairy knees (making fun of my kilt), who talks to the fishes.’”
Wimsey: “Mum always said Dad was so handsome in his kilt.”
James (who is really getting going): “Do you think I care what those gossipy busybodies think about me? Let ‘em talk! Most of them have nothing better to do.”
Wimsey: “Calm down, Dad. Mortimer, you know Nevermore is house trained and he’s really very quiet these days. I’m sure most people won’t even notice him. Besides, this is Dad’s party, and if he wants to bring the raven along, it’s his decision. Now, people, lets get going or we’ll be late for our own party.”

Everyone had a great time. Christie did think it rather odd that most of her father’s guests were her male schoolmates.

The raven stayed close to the buffet table all evening and had a particularly good time.

gerrr00 · « **Reply #123 on:** September 11, 2010, 05:27:26 PM »

Great story! But for some reason my computer just doesn't want to show me pictures anymore, so I could not see your screen shots.

Quote from: Schipperke on September 11, 2010, 02:50:56 PM

Everyone had a great time. Christie did think it rather odd that most of her father’s guests were her male schoolmates.

Ha! My favorite part! Hopefully I can see the pics soon.

Schipperke · « **Reply #124 on:** September 11, 2010, 05:32:43 PM »

Quote from: gerrr00 on September 11, 2010, 05:27:26 PM

Great story! But for some reason my computer just doesn't want to show me pictures anymore, so I could not see your screen shots.
Ha! My favorite part! Hopefully I can see the pics soon.

Hi gerrr00, thanks for the comment. I'm sorry you can't see the pictures and hope the problem clears up soon. There are a lot of great pictures in all the Dynasty stories.

As for the young fellows who came to the opening night party, this family seems to take a great deal of interest in the romantic lives of their daughters and granddaughters. Maybe too much of an interest.