Merry (belated) Christmas, Lovelies!

 Well, I've had a decent amount of time to catch up on my blog reading this past week, as I am on holiday. And I have discovered that I was tagged in several different, and lovely, blog parties. I will not be participating because I think it is just too much to catch up on, and it would look rather silly now, wouldn't it? So instead, I'd love to hear how your Christmas, and other holidays, have been! please comment, or direct me to whatever blog post you've already written about your Christmas. Tell me how the Lord spoke to you as you celebrated His birth, or what book you cannot wait to pour over, &tc...
 For now, I'm off to watch The Scarlet Pimpernel  with my family (I'm so excited, they've yet to see it!!), and to figure out what I'm going to write tomorrow.

Daycare Dialogue!

 There's a monster over there, Miss Stephanie!!

Oh no!! What does he look like?

He's blue!

Blue?! Does he have claws?

Noo!! he has soft paws.

Paws?? Well, what's he here for? Is he gonna hurt us??

Noo!! he just hungry!!




(Upon further investigation, I found that the nice, hungry, blue monster, with soft paws eats flowers and rocks)

A Farewell to Excuses

  Have you ever been away from something for so long, that when you come back to it you feel absolutely stumped? I don't know what to say, or what to do with this post. For once in my blogging 'career' I'm just making it all up as I go along. (Okay, for those of you who know me, you are aware that I am a very random person. Yes, sometimes I do just make up random words and go with it in my posts, but I always start out with a plan.) Not this time friends!!

 This time I'm tired of saying things like ''I'm working out a plan.'' And ''I'm mapping out a schedule".

 (Oohh no! you're not getting rid of me that easy!!) What, did you think I was going to say goodbye?!? I am not ready to give this up yet. I love this blog and it has helped me grow as a writer so much in the short time that I have been writing, but I am certainly not done yet!

 So bear with me for awhile, understand that I am very busy. Also that, much to the dismay of my Mom and Dad, I have never been an organized person. As a result, you will hearing from me on a very irregular basis. I will try my best however, to do better then I have in the past.

 Coming soon!

 A book review : A Rose in Bloom

 A movie review : The King's Speech

 Daycare Dialogue

  And more....

Oh the joys of writing!! (and a semi-clean room)

*egasp!* sniffle*sob* sigh* deep breath! I'm sorry I can just hardly...contain my... *gasp/sob* tears!! Of joy, that is. Oh! it feels so go to be semi-back. I WILL NOT promise anything! But I'm really trying to be "back". I miss this! I hope you missed me too, just a little?
 Anyway, why haven't I been blogging, you may ask. Well, work has been crazy busy, home has been crazy. Just plain crazy. And my room has been an absolute mess as a result of the fact that I cannot seem to learn to put things where they belong as soon as I am done with said thing. I wait till that elusive ''later'' which never comes.
 So, I have these things planned for the future, as far as when, who knows? But 'what' I can give you.

1.  A movie review on After the Thin Man, or maybe I should start with The Thin Man which came first in the series.
2. A book report (at least a week apart from the movie review) on one of the following. The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Eight Cousins, Just Ella, or The Royal Diaries series. All of these are young adult/children's books, but I am of the belief that a children's books don't have to be scorned by ''serious'' readers. Besides, if you are taking your reading seriously, you're doing it wrong. *cough* Mr. Darcy *cough*
3. Rambling Observations, just because I actually really liked writing those.

 And I'm sure I'll think of more, or, as always, if you think of anything you'd like to see/read, comment! Tell me so!! I adore comments.

Oh, sad news, my cat ran away over Independence Day.

And I hope this little bit of Daycare Dialogue (oooh I sense a blog feature, maybe monthly when I've collected enough material) makes your day the way it made mine.

We'll call the little girl who said this "Anne"

Anne: Miss Stephanie, do you like jelly beans?
Myself: Yes, I like 'em a lot!
Anne: how 'bout gummie bears?
Myself: Oh yes! I like gummie bears too.
Anne: Jelly beans come from unicorns.
Myself: Yeah?
Anne: Yeah, an' gummie bears come from pegasuseses.

I hope you've had a good smile, bless God and goodnight!
 Stephanie

Pictures From Seattle

My sister took me shopping in Seattle for my birthday (belated, yes, but still delightful). It was a beautiful day, and we had a lovely time that has given much food for writing! It's my opinion that the fun little moments make or break a book, and now I have more of my own moments to pull from, we have yet to see the results they produce though...

The only things I actually bought were two Elizabeth Gaskell books, "North & South" and "Wives & Daughters" and flowers for my mommy.

Fairest : A Book Review

 

So, I tend to ramble, and ruin plots because I like to know what to expect in a work of fiction. I actually like those long blog posts that give away half of the plot of a book or movie. Especially if there is an element of sadness to it. That, however, is beside the point and a whole other story I'm just gonna drop now.

SO, to explain, no there is too much, let me sum up.

(teehee)

Yes. This is a book I recommend. It is third in the "Enchanted" series (You know, Ella Enchanted) And if you are thinking something like ''Oh, the movie was pretty 'young', I didn't really like it all that much". Then you need to go read the book. The book is better. (Ohh, I hate saying that, I really try not to compare books and movies of the same title anymore, but the book is just better!)

I really like historical fiction/fantasy that has no real set time or era. The un-specificity (It's a word, but don't look it up, I may be wrong) of it appeals to me as a reader because I feel more like I could be part of it. Unfortunately, try as I may, that is something I never can quite feel when I read Jane Austen. Not completely anyway.

Well, anyway, despite this series being written for a younger set of readers, think tweens-early teens, I never feel like it's too watered down for me or anything like that. Now, given, it is a quick read. But it is well written and I think anyone willing to enjoy themselves

Good Morning!!

It's good to be back!!

I am sorry. So, so sorry. (A Doctor Who-ism, if you don't get it, I pity you.)
  No, but really I am so happy to be back in the blog-o-sphere, and so sorry I left for the relatively short time that I did. Boy, it sure feels like forever to me!
 What is new since I last typed to you? Not much, except that on the recommendation of a trusted friend, I began watching Doctor Who with my not-so-little-younger-sister. We love it. A lot. What's not to love about a tall, dark, and handsome man who can take you anywhere in time and space on your first date? Especially when he has a British accent, great hair, and a wonderful sense of style! (I mean, four button suit, trenchcoat, and Converse sneakers!?!)    
 Well, that's just David Tennant (Whom you may remember as the Collins-y type character, Rev. Gibson in  He Knew He Was Right. Yeah, he's completely different, don't worry. I haven't even mentioned Christopher Eccleston, who I thought was amazing, and I'm not going to comment on Matt Smith because I am going to hate him at first because David Tennant is gone...
  Oh, my, stars! Did I just really fan-girl for three paragraphs?!? Forgive me? Thanks. On a side note it's fun to identify the period film actors and actresses in just about every episode.
  Okay, moving right along. I think I have something worked out for keeping this thing by this thing you do know that I mean the blog updated. But I'm not going to elaborate or promise anything because just about every time I do something falls through. I am not a very good planner you see. And to that a new job, house work, playing chauffeur, and just in general, this thing called ''growing up'', life is hectic. But I can, and moreover will promise that I am giving my best to work this out. In a way, this blog is living my dream. I want to write and write and write, but a big part of that is having strangers read it. This blog allows me to do that without paying to have my words published! Yippee!
 Soooooo... I'm working on reviews, and general ramblings and hopefully you will see much more of me very soon indeed!
 Till then,
        ta!
      ♥ Steph
 

100, already?

I can hardly believe this is my  100th blog post! Crazy, right? Well, I wanted to do something special, so I let someone else do all the talking-typing...whatever. So without further ado, Lauren from Books Fashion  and Tea.


Hi everyone! I'm so honored that Stephanie would ask me to post on her lovely blog. Thanks so much, dear!
For this post, I decided to compile a list of my top fifteen favorite period dramas. I tried to include an interesting variety, so maybe you can pick up some ideas for your next movie night!

1. Anne of Green Gables (1985) I consider this the classic original period drama! I first saw it after my grandmother took a trip to Prince Edward Island and brought back the first book and movie. I just love it! I usually watch it at the beginning of the school year as Anne always inspired me to work hard at my studies :-)

2. Little Dorrit (2009) I first saw this wonderful period drama two years ago, and it has remained a favorite. It has a darker tone to it, but a wonderful complex story line as only Dickens can contrive.

3. Little Women (1994) A classic! I grew up with this heartwarming film, and just love it. Plus it has Christian Bale, which is always a bonus;-)

4. Ever After (1998) A wonderful fairy tale film! I love the Renaissance costumes and the incredibly beautiful score.

5. Jane Eyre (2011) I read Jane Eyre for the first time last year, and then saw the movie. Both the book and film are now favorites of mine. I love the somewhat unconventional relationship between Jane and Mr. Rochester. This adaption really gets the main points of the book, and the casting is superb. The soundtrack is pretty much my favorite ever. It also has wonderful costumes which I had the privilege to see!

6. North and South (2004) I've recently converted to a North and South fan. I love that it is not only a romance, but a social commentary of the time. It is somewhat darker than a lot of period dramas, and those who love Elizabeth Gaskell from Wives and Daughters and Cranford may be surprised at the style of it, but it is a wonderful film!

7. Emma (2009) I grew up with the other two versions of Emma, but this one quickly replaced them all in my heart. I LOVE this version! It is really the perfect Jane Austen film.

8. Sense and Sensibility (1995) This is one of the first movies I ever remember seeing. My mom loves Jane Austen more than I do, so she started all of us on her work from a young age. This is just a wonderful example of film making. Emma Thompson's performance was Oscar worthy.

9. Wives and Daughters (1999) Wives and Daughters is the perfect movie to drink tea and sew or knit to. It is a quiet and peaceful movie, but certainly not boring! It's my favorite for when I just want to calm down and relax.

10. Miss Potter (2006) An imaginative, beautiful, biography of Beatrix Potter. Renee Zellweger's performance is brilliant.

11. Persuasion (2007) Now, I know not everyone likes this version, but personally, I love it! I love the modern cinematography, and I think it captures emotions better than the earlier version, (which I also love.) That scene where Anne is writing in her journal and crying is beautifully done!

12. Bright Star (2009) The story of John Keats and Fanny Brawne. Certainly a tear jerker, but one gorgeous film! I love Fanny's spunk and originality. John Keats' poetry is my favorite, which is what drew me to this film. It did not disappoint!

13. Cranford, and Return to Cranford (2007-2008) Funny, sweet, lighthearted pictures of an English county village.

14. The Young Victoria (2009) The story of Queen Victoria's relationship with Prince Albert. A lavishly done film with a stellar cast!

15. The Prestige (2006) This one is very different from all the other films on this list, but it's one of my favorite movies ever so I wanted to include it. The Prestige tells the story of two stage magicians in the early 1900's as they struggle to outdo each other. What starts out small quickly becomes an obsession. A brilliant movie!

I know there are many other films that I love, but these are my top favorites for right now :-)



Hi, it's me again...with a wierd question and some cool news, first, have you ever said ''shelfish'' when you mean ''selfish''...I do it all the time.
 And secondly, and more interesting, we are thinking of doing a giveaway from Lauren's shop, becuase she is kind enough to be willing to sponsor lil' ole me's post for a giveaway...that was redundent.
 Anyway, sound good? More details to come soon!!

Nineteen years ago!

Me. In short this is what happened nineteen years ago today. On May 29, 1993, I was born.

But here are some more interesting things that happened in the year of 1993. (I thought this would be a fun project for me, to find out all about the year I was born. So here you are, reaping the benifits of my research.)

 (I like the songs, movies, and people listed...obviously there are more then this... )


In movies,

Benny & Joon (which I always thought could have been a Tim Burton movie, but apparently isn't...)
Much Ado About Nothing
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Sleepless in Seattle (I prefer You've Got Mail, same couple, but different year :(  )
The Three Musketeers
Tombstone (One of the few westerns I like)


In Music

Ace of Base "All That She Wants"
Billy Joel "River of Dreams"
The Proclaimers "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)"


Died In '93 :(

Andre the Giant (Fezzik in The Princess Bride)

google search

Audrey Hepburn

google search

Friday Post: What's up?

What I'm reading: A Conspiracy of Ravens by Gilbert Morris (Second in the Lady Trent Mystery series)



What I'm listening to: Emma (2009) soundtrack

For your viewing pleasure, the BEST scene in Emma. This music, oh I can't listen to it without smiling

What I last watched: Just Write (A pretty cute movie about screenwriting...I'm keeping it vague...)



What I'm memorizing: All that I need to memorize for work...

What I'm working on: "Stayin' alive, oh oh oh oh Stayin' aliiiive!"



What I'm anticipating: Going to the drive in tonight!

Coming soon: I don't know, because I'm a terribly unorganized person and I haven't worked out a schedule yet...Oh! On my birthday next week I'm going to make a list of some really cool things that happened the year I was born and maybe some sad things that happened. I might include a giveaway. "Then again maybe not."

In Defense of Dora Keith

I have heard many things about Dora Keith, from many different sources. And few of them are positive. I don't know what your- yes you, 'gentle reader' (I think that's a Jane Eyre quote?) anyway, what your opinion of little Dora is, but I will do my best to tell you why I like her.  

To begin, I will say that I do understand---wait wait wait... maybe to begin I should explain who Dora is.

"I cannot place you! Please, where do you belong?"

Dora Keith is first seen, or heard from, or whatever you call it, in Anne of Avonlea. She is one half of the set of twins Marilla adopts in the second book of the Anne series. She is meek, quiet, and sometimes seems to be vod of emotion. Okay, okay, I feel like that is a leetle harsh. But it comes very close to the truth. At least the way she seems.

But I've met a few little girls (and boys) like her in all my years (okay, okay. The few years) I've helped in Sunday School, VBS, &tc... And though I used to agree with Anne when she said (Oh, here I hide my face in shame as I horribly mis-quote!) something along the lines of our hearts belonging more to the people who need our help rather then those who don't.

But what about those who give rather then need? I've seen it in these little children. They sit quietly by, and do almost everything they are told. Always without fuss, usually even without a compliant (Yes! these kids really exsist, I promise it isn't just my imagination...). They the kids you point to when the "Davy's" of the world are throwing mud pies at you, and say "See, if you are obedient, it can be fun!" or, sometimes when our pride gets in the way "Why can you obey better like __ ?"

These children are sitting by quietly, often unnoticed, watching for the daredevil kid to scrape his/her knee. They are the first on the scene, there to provide moral support to their friend when ''Teacher'' isn't fast enough with that Band-Aid. They quietly share the toys that they waited so patiently for when someone else won't share, just to keep the peace.

And to top it all of, these shy, quiet kids only want an equally shy, quiet smile to make you their best friend. Once you offer that little gem (for to these kids it is a precious treasure!), you find that there is a magnet in your lap that is opposite the magnet in thier pocket, which leaves them stuck there until Mommy shows up.

I suppose this really had very little to do with Dora, but I hope you at least think a little better of her then you did five, maybe ten minutes ago. Because she has a heart of gold.

Ta! thanks for reading!

Stephanie

Rambling Observations

1.
   This seems to be thing I come close to doing regularly! And I'm very sorry about that, I hope all you "loverly" people forgive me? I'll tell you why I've been so very absent these past weeks, if you wish. Well even if you don't wish, but if you'd like, of course you can skip ahead.
  I have been job hunting! And then...I found one!! I started on Thursday at a daycare center close to where I live. A big bonus is that I work with a bunch of Christian ladies, and I can talk about my Savior in front of the kids without getting into any trouble.

2.
  I really can write! I mentioned awhile ago that I would be working on a project next year, and because of that project I would not pick up a work of fiction for the entire year. Well,  have been working on the project a little early. And strangely enough I haven't seen my writing affected by what I read. And I have to think less about what I'm writing then I used to, it flows so much better. The words just come to my fingers. Sometimes I hold the 'backspace' key more then I would wish, but in general I've been satisfied with what I come up with.

3.
  Driving is more fun then I thought it would be. I'd been driving with a permit so long the excitement of driving had worn off. But driving somewhere alone for the first time brought it all back. There is a certain feeling of independence that comes with it. I rather like it. I must be careful nbot to like it too much and let it get to me....

4.
  I'm working on writing a review for a forties movie very soon, it's one of my favorites. But I'm not sure if it will come before next saturday. Please have patience with me as I work out a schedule for blogging that works with my new job and household duties. :)

Rambling Observations

I've lost count.... Which one is this? Anywhooo....

1) I love this time of year, I just spent the most wonderful time out in my family's massive back yard (I cringe at my use of discriptives, ah well...) I lay in the fresh cut grass, saoking up the sun, reading Mr. Knightley's Diary. Oh what a pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon. A review will be coming soon, and you may very well be tired of these reviews quickly, for thanks to the library within walking distance when I don't have a car, and my license when I do have a car, I have access to a great many books that I've wanted to read and review. Beginning with the Diary series by Grange.

2) Going into something with low to neutral expectations rather then Great Expectations high expectations, you are sure to be pleasantly surprised. Ex. Mr. Knightley's Diary. But, more on  that in another post :) Now, to go dig into Capt Wentworth's thought. (I dread this one, as it is my favorite Austen couple)

3) I have a great, and relatively new, liking for superhero movies. Last night I went to see The Avengers with two of my sisters (and down in California, my sister and her husband went to go see it too! At nearly the same time!) It as much better then I expected it to be, and I had high expectations for it. (Not going to review this but if you are curious, scale of 1-5 I'd give it somewhere between a 4 and 5. It was PG-13 for action sequences, and if you have seen either of the Ironman movies you know to expect some crude humour, but there was less then I thought there'd be.)

4) This picture-logo-symbol- whatcha call it, make my heart skip a beat!

Ramblling Observations #4

1) Happy endings do not inspire me. I love happy endings, don't get me wrong. I also strongly dislike sad endings. Or any ending that doesn't end perfectly. (I know I've said this before, I read to escape the bad stuff in real life. I don't want to read "real life stories" I know they exsist without it being pointed out!) But, for all that, when I watch a happy ending, it doesn't make me want to go write anything. Maybe I feel like I can't do anything better. I don't really truly know why this is, so I'll stop guessing and keep this shortish (Too late!). However, when I watch something with an unsatisfying ending, this doesn't just mean a dying hero, it could mean that the heroine is in love with the wrong guy, the one who totally doesn't deserve her (but in that case does she really deserve the REAL hero? Another time maybe...)

2) I want to dye my hair BLUE... A good arguement against it is that it isn't a very modest choice. (The definiton of modest I am refferring to is that modest attire is attire that doesn't draw attention to oneself just to be in the center of things) And so I probably never will dye my hair blue, or pink, or orange (another color  really want to do but this wouldn't be such a drastic change from what I've got now). However, to me, hair color has become like another accessory, probably because it has become so easy to change. So for me, the desire to have weird blue hair isn't to have everyone look at me (this would happen but as I hardly go anywhere other then church people would get used to it), but rather the desire to express my oddness, my 'eccentricitee'. Don't worry, I've already pointed out to myself that there are other ways of doing so.

Tiptoe through the tulips

 

There is a lot going on in this first photo (which is great a snapshotnot so much as a piece of art...)

I love the lamp posts in Port Townsend (for that is where we were) and all the buildings,which you can't really see here. My neice kept calling the old-fashioned buildings on the cliff "castles" :)

See? Aren't the buildings gorgeous? They are almost all like this along the waterfront, so day-dreamy...sigh

Did you catch the name of this beautiful flower?

Here, lets get closer...

This just made me smile, and I hope it does the same for all you TSP fans out there reading this, because there are soooo many!! (Ahem, sarcasm, I know that only the truly discerning blog reader reads my posts. SARCASM again!! Don't worry I'm not quite that vain)

I don't really like any of the pictures of me....sorry, I'm just not that photogenic, so photos of me being posted are rare indeed.

P.S. Does usuing italics make you feel like Emily (of new moon?). I can't help it sometimes, the italics just come, for it is the only way to express myself!

Ta! Thanks for reading!

Monday Happenings

What I'm reading : Eight Cousins by Louisa May Allcott

What I'm listening to : Kari Jobe, Starfield, and Jeremy Camp

What I last watched : Clue

What I'm quoting : Absolutely nothing, at present. 

What I'm memorizing :
John 22:24 Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundations of the earth.

What I'm working on : Downsizing a skirt my niece wanted. Yes, still...

What I'm anticipating : Finally being done with the nerves and anticipation of getting my license...hopefully this Wednesday...

Coming soon : Pictures from my trip to the tulip fields with my sisters. (+ my niece and nephew and the youngest-older sister's hubby)

Rambling Observations #3

1) Hard things do get easier, if you let them. Or keep trying to succeed at them.

2)  Candlelight and sunset light make nearly everything beautiful. It still amazes me when I see an ugly, dead, twisted, tree (and they can be ugly and unsightly, despite what Marianne says) in the fading light of the setting sun it transforms into a thing of beauty!

3) I really haven't been as contemplative as usual this week.... Hopefully there will be more next week :)

4) You should read this... written by a literary friend of mine, and as far as I know, unfortunately she does not write her own blog...

Here I sit. The sun is preparing to slumber. The wind is rustling slightly among the surrounding trees, who seem to dance around the golden campfire that lights up the world. It's quiet, but everything is making music. All of nature is participating in the dance of dusk. Birds are sleepily singing their part of the choir. The body of water by which I sit is bursting with life. Insects glide across the surface of glass, while jumping fish break the solid portal to a different world. It's a symphony, all around me are the musicians, I the spectator, and God is the conductor.
While I am by myself, I am by no means alone. The small creatures of which we share this world, seem to be sharing their little heaven with me, warily keeping their distance. A masked thief with glowing eyes comes seeking food. I hear the distant cry of a coyote, and the the distinguished hoot of an owl. The cleansing smell of earth and pine fill my nostrils, spreading to my very core. A rush of tingling races across my spine as a burst of chilly wind brushes past me.
I feel the grass beneath my bare feet, the original carpet. It's cold, but relaxing as I push my toes back and forth till I feel the moist dirt. Among this beauty there are no cars, no cellphones, no worries, no time. Just this ongoing song of nature, this is where I am, this is were I sit.

- Rachel Owensby (Friend of the blog author)

But it was too lovely not to share with you, so I got her permission.

A Book Review: Edmund Bertram's Diary

Snatched from a Google search

Alright, to start, I'll just save ou the time and trouble of reading my post and say, yes, I liked it, I will read it again I'm sure, and I do recommend it.

Now, the rest of this may contain spoilers, but if you haven't read Mansfield Park,what in the world are you doing reading a post about a sort of sequel to it? Well, with that said, this is the first and last warning about spoilers.

Some of  the things I disliked about this book were the "subtle" referrences to other Jane Austen stories. An example of this, Mrs. Norris speaking of Henry Crawford after the second or third meeting.

"After the second meeting I thought him not so very plain, and after dining at the Parsonage yesterday, I find I consider him to be one of the handsomest men of my acquaintance. He has so much contenance, and his teeth are so good, and he is so well made, that he is a great addtion to our circle.  

See? Even Edmund agrees!

I mean, really? I half expected to read, "His teeth are tolerable I suppose." Maybe I'm loopy and just don't remember that this was indeed in the original, is this so? (I did go look a little, but I couldn't find the passage)
 Basically, little technical issues like that were all I disliked in the book, but if they are all over the place they can ruin a book. So, just be prepared for little ''groaners'' in the book if you read it and you will be fine.

Now, the things I liked about this book are much more numorous then the dislikes. For one, Ms. Grange did not try to make Fanny out as a anything less (or more, if you will) then a weak, easily fatigued, shy, even sickly at times, little creature who wanted nothing more then to spend a day with a certain gentleman she loved and not be bothered by a certain gentleman she didn't.
  Example, the scene in which Edmund spends too much time teaching Miss Crawford to ride, in both movies she paces while waiting for them to return. She doesn't do that in the book. She is too tired to do such a thing because she is prone to headaches if she is out too long. (Cutting roses for her Aunt Norris...)

The second thing that I really liked about this book was that it showed me a side of Edmund that made me like him more. This book brought to my attention what I had managed to overlook every time I had read Mansfield Park before. That is, at every opportunity he did what was best for Fanny (You know, except when he tells her of his ''undying'' love for Mary Crawford). If it came down to a choice between Fanny or Mary, Edmund chose Fanny. I like him much better after reading this, for every circumstance in EB'sD  that applies to this was taken directly out of MP.

"I came to walk with you Fanny." I said. I drew her arm into mine companionably, but I was disturbed to find that she did not lean against me, as was her custom.

Several other things that I am glad of include Sir Thomas Bertram's portrayal. Since we see him from his son's eyes we see a man that tries to be gentle, and though he fails at times he is an affectionate man, in his own way. He is only plagued by his eldest son's debts, and his business problems in Antigua. Also, Ms. Grange did a wonderful job of keeping the language from being too flowery, as this is supposed to be a man's diary. And it didn't sound like she tried to hard to word things Just as Jane would have, however, it still flowed nicely with the dialogue directly from MP.

I have decided that this is not  re-lister on paperbackswap.com, it has indeed found it's permanent home upon my shelves. So much for that idea...

Ta! I hope you enjoyed this post!

Nerves are not helpful

 I woke up this morning freaking out on the inside. I wanted to go out to the yard and run around in circles with my hands in the air yelling incoherant things at the top of my lungs. And I would have to if I'd have thought it would have helped at all. Instead I just paced my bedroom floorand worried. Needlessly.
 You see, I was supposed to take the drive test again today (Yes, I told you this last week too, but it didn't happen because my mom was in Seattle unexpectedly and my Dad couldn't get out of work)
  Anyway, I was nervous. Turns out I have a whole new week to sit and stew and be nervous.
 You see, in order to take this test, one has to possess certain documents, which had recently been renewed and replaced. However, the new ones aren't valid until four days from today. 
 Oh! But while I was sitting here at home (before all of the above happened) I was daydreaming, yes I was, don't act so shocked (you weren't really shocked, right?). "What about?" you may ask.

Go ahead. Ask. Out loud.

I'm waiting...

I was daydreaming about writing this post. But it was happier and went somthing like this....


' This is the story of a girl who was nervous for no reason. She woke up one moring, knowing that is was an important day in her life. She was in a sense, gaining a small amount of independence. Today, she was trying for her license. Of course she passed the test and there was noting to worry about (blah blah blah). And whe she got home, there was a book in the mailbox, waiting for her to devour it! (not literally!).'

And this is closer to how is actually went.

'Somewhere in America this morning, a silly, nonsensical child woke up nervous and unsure. She was going to take her drive test, in order to get her license, but she didn't even make it that far. She parked behind the building, nervously fidgeted with her sleeves for a few minutes, and prayed like crazy till the instructor giving the test came out. The lady asked for the girls ID and some paperwork. The paperwork wasn't effective til a further date, so she was sent home.'

HOWEVER, something I didn't think would happen, did happen! I checked the mail box before we left, just in case, and lo and behold, the book was there. So I shall soon have a report to write on Edmund Bertram's Diary, by Amanda Grange.

Ta, and thanks for reading my rambles!

Rambling Observations #2

I believe this is actually the third "ramblings" post I've done, but the first one had a different name, so I am only calling this the second. Anyway, I really enjoy writing down my slightly odd observations on the world. So, I think I will make this a regular week-ending feature. Throughout the week as I see things or think of things to be said, I will write them up in a little post and save it, to be posted on wither a Saturday or a Sunday. I'm not going to commit to either day, because it will a week by week deision, based on lots of different things....La! I knew "ramblings" was the pefect name, but then that is true of most of us writers.
 So without furthur ado.....

1)

 I ordered my first book from paperbackswap.com! I requested Edmund Bertrum's Diary by Amanda Grange. I wanted my first book to be something I might be willing to part with and re-list when I am finished with it. (I started with Edmund, 1. because that's all they had 2. Because if I don't like the authors style of writing then at least she hasn't ruined my favorite hero for me, AKA Wentworth) I am not usually a fan of any "sequal" or continuation of anything that isn't written by the original author, and at first I was nervous about even trying this series because of that fact. However, due to many other bloggers reviews of various installments, I thought I'd try it.

2)
As I read more Jane Austen I realize that her books frustrate me. WAIT!! hold the tomatoes for just a minute, please. I didn't really mean her books, I meant her characters. At least some of them do. You see, Catherine Morland is too naive, and slightly ridiculous at times, but of course that was the point. Elizabeth Bennet prides herself on her good sense, but is she really using good sense when she judges Darcy and Wickham? NO! Of course, that was the point in that work as well.... Okay, so I think I've said this before about Catherine, but what I believe really annoys me is that I see these characteristics in myself, I relate much too well to the annoying, immature, ridiculous sides of these woman. And not very much to the good characteristics. (Have you put the tomatoes down yet?)

3) I am a nerd. There is no denying it. Somtimes I am a Star Trek nerd, sometimes a "Jane-ite", Sometimes a Legend of ZELDA wacko, (NEVER ever a science nerd). But always a nerd.

It's Friday!

 

What I'm reading : Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskell

What I'm listening to : Stone to Stone by Emily Moldy

What I last watched : My Fair Lady

What I'm quoting : The Princess Bride

What I'm memorizing : (italics & caps added by me)

 2 Timothy 1:12 "For this reason, I also suffer these things; nevertheless I AM NOT ASHAMED, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is ABLE TO KEEP what I have committed to Him till that day.

What I'm working on : Downsizing a skirt my niece wanted.

What I'm anticipating : Edmund Bertram's Diary By Amanda Grange is being sent to me from paperbackswap.com and I'm taking my drive test this Wednesday at two o' clock! Jeepers!

Ta!

DYI: Journal - Planner

More or less, this is what the journal looked like when I first bought it in a Seattle bookstore last summer. Minus the three black tabs on the side. I didn't add the elastic band holding it closed. The cover has this quote on it.

"We all have a better guide in ourselves, if we

would attend to it, than any other person can be."

 - Mansfield Park

 Inside, on the first page I added a space (the red thing) for my info in case I lost this little book.

And below it is a little illustration of Regency Era ladies. The quote that accompanies it (and there are many like this sprinkled throughout the journal) is my favorite of Jane's

"I do not want people to be agreeable as it saves me the trouble of liking them." (personal quote)

 (The sticker on the left side came from the back, I just

couldn't bear to part with it because I thought is was so funny)

 It says

"It is a truth universally aknowledged that a person in possession of many splendid ideas must be in want of a perfect place to write."



I'll do a post explaining the envelope pockets if you guys want it.

The tabs (if you can see in the picture) are for addresses, a calendar section, and a journaling/scrapbook section.

And if you are curious I edited these pictures in Paint. I kid you not.

Ta!

A Poll

Which play would you rather act in/go see?

Jane Austen based

Disney film based

Other literary work based

An original work

Other

Please Specify:

Create your own poll with LearnMyself

Just out of curiosity :) If you vote for one of the first three, please comment on the post specifically what you think would be fun to watch/act out.
  Ta!

Rambling Observations

1) God Loves me! I was really struck this week by the beauty of His creation. Seeing old dead branches suddenly filled with new life and gorgeous pink blossoms. The other night I was driving home with my dad, as we came around a bend that surrounds the water we live by I couldn't think or breathe for what I saw. The sun had just gone down, mostly, the light wasn't all gone yet. The sky was a very deep color of blue-green, with just a little bit of light peeking up over the trees in the distance. And the water fairly glowed with the reflection. Then, to top it off, ten minutes later we caught sight of the full moon, huge and orange-y, peeking over the trees to our right. All I could think about was that the God who created all this breathtaking beauty, wants me. Forever! In His presence just sitting at His feet letting Him love me and loving Him back in the tiny miniscule way that I can. Isn't that amazing?

2) I've not been given the gift of being very vocal about my beliefs. Don't get me wrong, I'm not ashamed of them. I will not be quiet if they are challenged (at least I hope I won't). and if people ask me I could talk forever about how my Jesus loves me and wants to save everyone. But I don't like it when what I have to say is mocked or avoided. Especially when it's avoided! Because when that happens I know that people feel somewhere deep down that what I'm saying is valid. They just choose to ignore it. That is when I feel helpless. I want to smack them upside the head and then I feel so stupid  for getting so angry! How could I do that when the Lord was so genlte with me? Anyway, this my sound like a little, shy, scardey-cat girl who is afraid to tell the world that she loves Jesus, but I hope that's not true. In my head I think I'm strong enough to boldly confess Him, but I know I have yet to be truly tested.

3) I am suffering from a slight case of writer's block pertaining to doing anything creative. Confessions? No, with them I could go on and on... but I shan't bore you.

4)I want to write a play, though I don't know if I want to act I know I want to be involved in the whole theatre deal, I want to get down into a pile of musty old costumes (figuratively, I think?) and be inspired. I think it would be a good exercise for me, and I know plenty of young people who would enjoy acting, costume making, choreography, etc... It would be a good youth summer project methinks.

What do you think about all my ramblings? What are some of your weekly observations?

Ta!

Quiz Answers!

Alright, answers then scores! Here you are, m'dears.



This picture is from the set of  Sense & Sensibility (2008) . And my apologies! for I've no idea what scene it came from. I'm a bit of a scatterbrain, and when I found this after searching for the 1995 version, I thought I recognized it from the earlier movie. However, I soon found that I was mistaken. I thought it was the picnic scene where Col. Brandon gets called away abruptly (which is rather silly, as that scene involded an open carriage!). So, for those of you who guessed any scene at all, I gave it to you. Sorry if that feels a little like cheating to you, if you want I can deduct points. ;)

This is Mr. Thornton's veiw of Miss Hale's carriage as she drives away from his house and Milton *takes hankerchief to eyes* ...forever!....*muffled sobbing*... and the quote is "Look back...Look back at me!" *sobbing no longer muffled(note: Thornton is not sobbing! I am at this point weeping)* It was at this point in the film (North & South) I fell in love.

This is Christine Daae engagement ring from Viscount Raoul de Chagny in The Phantom of the Opera



This is Amy Dorrit holding Arthur Clennam's button in  Little Dorrit.

Netherfield Park owned by Mr. Bingley (I almost typed Mingley) In Pride & Prejudice (1995)

~THE SCORES~

Miss Laurie = 40 points

Miss Dashwood = 30 points

Melody = 30 points

I hope you enjoyed the quiz! Thank you ladies for playing, ta for now.



Sink me m'dears!

Bonjour, Mon(sewer). I swear you've been takin' lessons! The cravat's a picture!

In case you haven't guessed already, I've watched The Scarlet Pimpernel for the first time. And I think I may never be the same again.
I really don't know how to collect my thoughts for this post, please forgive me. There is so much I want to say, but though all these things relate to the movie, they don't really flow together. So, I suppose I should just plow into this and see what comes of it.

Observations on The Scarlet Pimpernel  by Stephanie _____
Not that I think "they" should remake this, for I'm not sure it could be done well anymore, but don't you think maybe Johnny Depp would make a marvelous Sir Percy? I think he would suit the role very well.
I am very soon going to watch the 1932 verion of TSP because I've heard it's very good, and very sarcastic. I saw a scene where- well, here, I'll just show you.

I was laughing the whole tim I watched this clip, so I want to see the movie (The whole thing is on youtube if you want to see it.)

Isn't he handsome here? I like him better when he's in his disquises, it seems to suit him and he talks like a normal man. Though he is amusing when he is "Sir Percy"

Because I couldn't resist!

Hope you didn't get lost in the rambles! Ta for now.

Random Period Film Quiz

I'm inspired by how much fun I have playing Miss Laurie's period film games, so I'm going to do one. The rules are as follows...
 You can guess once for every picture or question. If you aren't sure just guess the rest and come back later. I've set the comments to send me emails in order to keep your guesses hidden, so no peeking! Each picture comes with two questions worth five (5) points each. A total of fifty (50) points for anwering all questions correctly.
 I couldn't decide what kind of quiz this would be so it's rather a jumble of a game. Still, I hope you enjoy.

1) Which movie set is this? What scene?


2)Whose (partial) view is this? What is the accompanying movie line?

 

3) Whose jewelry is this? Who is it from?

 










4) Whose button is this? Who is holding it?

 











5) Whose house is this? What is it called?



Thanks for playing!

Three Very Dull Things Indeed

 So if you want to go back to doing or reading something interesting, you're excused with no hard feelings.
Lets see, what should I start with? Well...maybe something not so dull.
 I watched The Confessions of an Ugly Step-Sister  awhile back and I really enjoyed it.  So when I saw  the book it was based on sitting upon the shelves of the local Goodwill, I snatched it right up. It may be awhile before Iget around to reading it because I've two new-to-me books on my list ahead of it. (Did a little research on this guy and I wouldn't recommend a lot by him...FYI)


Grabbed off of Wikipedia's page





*Do you ever find that you have a difficult time reading something for the first time? I don't mean modern books, because we have lost the art of using "good strong words that mean something". But for my own part, I put off reading something, even if I'm sure I'll like it, because I know that those first few chapters will seem to drag on before it gets good. Then I gallop along at alarming speed and find myself breathlessly arrived at the end. wondering where in the world did the time go? And where did my tea disappear to?

Woah! Boy did I get off track or what?! Anywaaaaaaay...review coming on all these books, hopefully someday. Till then, I'll just read yours.

Okay, next very dull thing.  Have any of you ever heard of  paperbackswap.com or booksneeze.com? I'm really interested in doing both of these things if it's "legit" (ugh, cannot believe I just said that!) The biggest thing is that they say free all over the place, but my Dad's words of wisdom concerning "free" things is that "Nothing is truly free (Implied: Save salvation and air) It always costs you something..." I lesson I well know, as I found something "free" which gave me a virus! Yikes!
  Oh boy... I did it again... Um, back to what I was asking. If you have more information on these websites and what they do, and are willing to let me know what you know, 'twould be grand! Especially if you have done one or both of these things and had problems. Thanks!
 (Hehe, enter shameless self promoting! If I do end up doing these things, I need at least thirty (30) followers to do booksneeze.com and I am currently only at twenty (20). If you could recommend me to anyone you think would enjoy reading my nonsense, that would be wonderful.)

Third little bit, I'm reading Anne of Windy Poplars whenever I need a break from the heavy reading of Dickens, and I forgot howw perfectly delightful Anne and Gilbert are when they are finally together! So very sweet.

Anywho, Thanks for reading (If you made it this far) and Ta for now!

Help! I've been shot- I mean tagged!

 Just when I was sitting here asking myself what to blog about, I realized I had other blog posts to read. So, I went to read them, and found out I'd been tagged! So without further ado, the tag... (Oh I stole Miss Dashwood's description, so very perfect) Haha, Miss Dashwood you shall always be to me!


"This is a forty-four step tag-- you tell eleven random things about yourself, answer eleven questions posed by the person who tagged you, make up eleven questions of your own and then tag eleven people to answer those questions.  Don't worry, it takes a lot less time than you might think."

1.  I have "I'm blue, da ba de, da ba di!" stuck in my head! Don't ask...
2.I'd like to have two versions of every book I own, so that I can mark one up(the paperback version) with all my observations.
3.I liked Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story.  WAIT!! before you throw tomatoes... I despised it as an Anne story, What they did to Fred and Diana still makes me so mad!! But as movie, you have to admit it is a well written, dramatic, heartwarming story.
4.  I have a weakness for James Stewart.
5. I am of "an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to posterity with all the éclat of a proverb." You wouldn't have guessed it by the way I chatter on this here blog,  huh? Well, it's true, though it is something I am trying to fix.
6. I'm afraid of trying new things.
7. I'm no longer afraid of roller coasters. Because my sisters tricked me into riding Space Mountain at Disneyland. You see, I'd never been to Disneyland and I didn't know it was a rollercoaster type ride. And I'm completely oblivious to the warning signs posted everywhere. (If you can't tell by now I was being sarcastic, my sisters didn't trick me, they actually thought I knew)
8. I tend to let things(emotions) boil inside me for a looooong time, then they blow up. Pray for me, explosions are dangerous.
9. I am not a vegetarian, but I really enjoy cooking vegetarian meals. They are super tastey too!
10. I think Chuck Norris jokes are hilarious, but I admire Chuck Norris more as a Christian man who sticks to his morals and more importantly his faith in Jesus.
11. I want to go vacuum all the floors in my house, please excuse me. *vacuum starts, goes on and on, stops* There! much better.

1. Describe your dream pair of shoes.
I own them! A little pair of brown, heeled, Mary-Janes. The cutest pair of spring/summer shoes.
2. What's your favorite children's picture book?
Oh! I don't know! I love 'em all!! Ask me again later and maybe I can come up with something.
3. What's your favorite fruit?
 Cherries. hmmm..... yummy!
4. How tall are you? (I always like to know how tall people are-- not sure why.  Don't worry, I'm not asking for your weight... and if you feel it's an invasion of your privacy to post your height, you can substitute a picture of a cute kitten for this question.)

 Just kidding!! I am 5 feet short...and all done growing. Trust me... However, I love being "short", I'm very happy with the way God put me together.
5. If money was no object, where would you like to go on your honeymoon?
Europe. Starting with Ireland, Italy, and England. Then everywhere else...
6. Who is your favorite singer?
 Which era? Which Genre? I can't pick! However, to give you a general idea of what I like to listen to, here are a few of my favorites. Michael Buble, Dean Martin, Bon Jovi (Erm, within reason!), The Eagles, Chris Rice, Michael W. Smith, and some country singers. (I love anything that sounds 'old school')
7. What's the next book on your to-read list?
 I'm Reading Little Dorrit, so I suppose that it doesn't count. Well then, Mary Barton.
8. What's your biggest language-related pet peeve? (i.e., what phrases or words bug you the most?)
 "Dude!" and "I know right!"  Which I tend to use all too often.
9. Which movie lines do you quote the most? (share as many or as few as you like)
"As you wish."
Any and every movie quote that comes from a movie I've seen and that is appropriate to the situation at hand.

10. If you could wear any outfit from a movie for a day, what would you choose? 
Anything worn by Penelope Wilhern in Penelope. I love how whimsical her clothes are. They always manage to make me smile.

11. What's your favorite dessert?
 Cheescake. Or a simple cup of juice.  (weird, I know. But you ought to try it next time you are full and craving something sweet.)

1.  What is your favorite foreign cuisine?
2. What project are you (should you be) working on?
3. What, other then literary pursuits, is a hobby of yours?
4. If you were to throw a themed event, what would the theme be. I mean specifically!
5. Do you believe one could have too many pillows?(For the record, I do)
6. What would you grab, besides your Bible ;), if your house was burning and you had sixty seconds to get out. 
7. Which Bible "character" are you excited to meet in Heaven?
8. How about other famous people? And who you hope you'll see in Heaven counts. (I am of the belief that I will see Jane Austen someday)
9. Would you share either the happiest day in your life or the saddest? Or just go find a happy/sad picture and tell me to mind my own business.
10. Decribe your favorite mug/teacup.
11. Do you like summer rain?


1-11) I tag anyone who reads this and hasn't been tagged. Also if you want to grab my questions and answer them just for the fun of answering more questions. :) Enjoy!