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Showing posts with label meme. Show all posts
Showing posts with label meme. Show all posts

Friday, March 1, 2013

Literary Heroine Blog Party

Just a little while ago I found out about this really cool blog party going on at Accordion to Kellie and I fell in love with her blog and the questions she was asking for the party so I thought I'd jump in and give it a go and (hopefully) make some new friends in the process!

If you're new take a look around and if you like what you see I'd love it if you followed me! Just hit the little button on the sidebar! >>>> :)

The Questions!

The Literary Heroine Blog Party Link up:
(*To those of you who participated in earlier years, it is fine with me if you reuse some of your answers over again!*)
 
~ The Questions ~

1. Introduce yourself! Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!
When updating my Pinterest page recently and finally adding a description I wrote: "Daughter, sister, teacher, baker, blogger, lover of all things reading and writing, part time scrapbooker, full time geek." I think that covers things well! :)

2. What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine?
Some combo of strength and dignity I think. A heroine is brave about not just the extraordinary circumstances of life but the very ordinary ones too. She has wit and grace and is someone you want to look up to and be your friend all at the same moment. She knows what is important and embraces it; she knows what is trivial and tries to purge it from her life. She is warm, good natured and can laugh at herself. She speaks her mind firmly- but with love. She is compassionate towards others. She exceeds her own expectations simply because she is allowing herself to be led by God.

  
3. Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.
Hmm...not sure if these should be classic or modern so I'll include two of each. Anne Sherley from the "Anne of Green Gables" series, and Anne Elliot from "Persuasion", then  Julianna Ortiz from "The Outlaw's Twin Sister", and Libby Sawyer from "The Rose of Winslow Street". 

4. Five of your favorite historical novels?
"Anne of the Island" and "Kelmany of the Orchard" by LM Montgomery, "Cheaper by the Dozen", "Sense and Sensibility", and "Pollyanna". 

5. Out of those five books who is your favorite main character and why?
Ohh, I don't know- it's hard to say! If I'm really truthful Anne is my ultimate heroine, period. Simply because of her loving life- troubles and all with abandon, and for teaching me the importance of my imagination and letting the little things go. But I also love Elinor Dashwood for being true and strong and brave despite grief and disappointment, and for loving with all her heart and protecting those she loves.   


6. Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why?
Colonel Brandon- he is not the expected hero but he fits the bill well! He is a noble, honorable man that deserved the chance to be loved and to love.

 
7. If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there?
Oooh! this one is good! This one is obvious and delectable for me- Scotland. Land of the brave and home of my ancestors! I would, if I could, see everything from Gretna to the Shetlands- and never stop in between! I want to see the Highlands and Nessie and the Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle and the little highways and byways for the country! And of course, I will be delighted to see all my family that lives there!

8. What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?
I love the rough and tumble of the American West, the strength and gentility of the Reconstruction period; and the romance, elegance and homeyness of the Edwardian era.


9. You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of?
Recitation! I think I would do a long poem or stirring address. I might even do "The Highwayman" complete with Anne's dramatic flair!


10. If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent?
Lizzy Bennett is a good possibility.... But I'd like to do something unexpected too but I can't think of anyone that other people would know!

11. What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate?
Love. Chocolate is love in edible form. Especially if that edible form is Longhorn's chocolate cake! Mmmm.


12. Favorite author(s)?
Shakespeare, Austen, Dickens, LM Montgomery, Stephen Bly, Tamera Alexander, Tricia Goyer, Nancy Moser, Susan May Warren.

13. Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land?
My digital camera! Could not live without that on a trip! But I would also take something for fun like a hat or big quilt for picnics.

14. In which century were most of the books you read written?
19th the century of expectation and change and possibility!

15. In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is…
While Darcy or Gilbert Blythe is a tempting pick here I think I have to go with Mr. Thornton. Thornton is the most honest and true hero; he has through determination and hard work raised himself and his family up out of poverty. He has the power to make or break the men who work for him but he refuses to put them at risk choosing his own risk and ruin instead. He is unwilling to compromise on principle. He wants to learn and better himself as a person. He has a total heart of gold that hides beneath his businessman's demeanor and Northern ways. He is willing to make himself vulnerable in an effort to understand the woman he has fallen in love with. He's perfect. Just perfect! (And it doesn't hurt that RA plays him.)


16. Describe your ideal dwelling place.
See this post!

17. Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence.
I try to be timelessly traditional, with Celtic and western flair that shows my personality. Also, the word Purple.

18. Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name?
I would say yes, occasionally, but I can't think of an example! I just dislike when a writer picks something that goes beyond memorable to ridiculous.

19. In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is...
??? Maybe the Phantom from the Phantom of the Opera- even though I really want him to be a tortured misunderstood hero. (Yes, I'm really sad that way.)


20. Three favorite Non-fiction books?
"The New Food Lover's Companion" the ultimate dictionary/guide for foodies and cooks! "What He Must Be" by: Dr. Voddie Baucham, a guide to aspire to. "Joyfully at Home" by: Jasmine Baucham, a guide to live by.

21. Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon?
Reading, in a sunny spot with lots of pillows and cushions, and a Dr. Pepper, and snacks- probably cookies. Mmmm!

22. Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.
Voluminous, ethereal, lacy and purple- like violet or lilac. Think the Ascot races in My Fair Lady.

23. Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.
Becoming an Auntie, having a bad flair-up, loosing my business name, drama!, thinking about running away to Scotland, friends.

24. Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.
 
 

  And that's all she wrote...

Monday, September 3, 2012

Monday Meme: Question Six

I'm really glad that this question is one of the final ones of this meme because it's taken me all this time to puzzle over and think over and figure out the answer!

Question #6

"If you could invite five people to dinner, living or dead, who would they be and why?"

  1. Patrick Henry- Founding Father, exceptional Christian, wise and gentle man, all around amazing statesman. I think he would be a great cornerstone to any dinner party! He would be a total gentleman in manners and conversation but he would also be a great person to talk to about politics- past and present- and I think he would have much to say on the state of things in 2012! I would also like to have him as a first person witness and story teller about life in the late 1700's- an era I really enjoy!
  2. Jane Austen- Sharp-witted female writer of the late 1700's whose six published novels inspire devotion in many who see the foibles and virtues of her characters reflected in their own lives today. Jane is one of my all time favorite writers so I would love to have her to dinner! She would be an interesting counterpart to Henry as they come from the same era (an ocean apart)- but are both fiery people and I think no matter her being a woman they would get into a heated conversation provoking some interesting responses and interactions! I think Jane would be greatly surprised (but pleased as punch) to learn that her books have survived and that her writings of plain everyday life and family are as true today as they were then! 
  3. John Calvin- Pastor, author, Christian apologist and linchpin of the Reformation; his clear articulation of Scriptural principals in the study notes for The Geneva Bible were the foundation for the Pilgrims and then the Founders establishing a new country based on the Bible. I would want to invite Calvin because I could pick his brain on how Scripture and faith integrated into one's everyday life and politics. I think he and Henry would have a great conversation together but I don't know how he would like the 'combustable' women at the table!
  4. Julia Child- American cook and foodie who 'Mastered the Art of French Cooking' teaching and inspiring (probably) millions of people to experience food and cooking in a new way; also, was a spy during WWII. One of my favorite quotes from Julia says:“Maybe the cat has fallen into the stew, or the lettuce has frozen, or the cake has collapsed. Eh bien, tant pis. Usually one's cooking is better than one thinks it is. And if the food is truly vile, then the cook must simply grit her teeth and bear it with a smile, and learn from her mistakes.” It's such a true thing! Julia and I would have a great time discussing the food and I'm sure that she would point out ways to make things better and would just love the Pavlova, or chocolate cake, or custard that I would serve for dessert! 
  5. Stephen Bly- American writer of historical and contemporary westerns, and Christian living books; pastor, small town mayor, guy I would have liked to meet. I started reading Bly books when I was young and never looked back! Mr. Bly had an exceptional style when it came to writing his characters- I really do think they spoke to him because dialog in his books was never forced and stilted but reflected the characters as true people- and he had an uncanny ability to write female characters accurately! He would be a great addition to the dinner party because he could talk writing with Austen, politics/government with Henry, Scripture with Calvin, and a little bit of cooking too with Julia and me! He had humor and heart and wisdom- and that is never something to turn down at any dinner table!

 
So, who would you invite for dinner?




Monday, August 13, 2012

Monday Meme: Question Five

Things hsve been busy this week so we're keeping things simple this week for the meme! Here they are, in no particular order...

Question # 5

What are Your Top Ten Period Movies?

  • North and South BBC 2004 Richard Armitage & Daniela Denbe-Ashe
  • Pride and Prejudice BBC 1995 Colin Firth & Jennifer Ehle
  • Persuasion BBC 1995 Amanda Root & Ciaran Hinds
  • Little Dorrit BBC 2008 Claire Foy & Matthew Macfadyen
  • Wives and Daughters BBC 1999 Justine Waddell & lots of others
  • Miss Potter 2006 Renee Zellweger & Ewan McGregor
  • Amazing Grace 2006 Ioan Gruffudd, Romola Garai, Benedict Cumberbatch & lots of others  
  • Jane Eyre BBC 2006 Ruth Wilson & Toby Stephens
  • The Young Victoria 2009 Emily Blunt & Rupert Friend
  • Becoming Jane 2007 Anne Hathaway & James McAvoy
  • Monday, August 6, 2012

    Monday Meme: Question Four

    Question #4

    "Describe Your Dream Home"


    This is a great question and I had a lot of fun this week pulling together images to illustrate a mental picture that is perhaps a bit too fully developed...but we'll just say that I'm a girl that knows her mind (and say nothing about my age ;) )!

    Before you ever see my home you would be welcomed with a driveway lined with redbud trees. These trees are some of my favorite and I love the spring when the breakout in a riot of tiny purple blooms!

    When you did see my dream home it would be a Craftsman.
    Like this:

    Or this:

    I love the details and and craftsmanship (no pun intended) in this style of home. I love the woodwork and the built in's and fireplaces and the open well-lit interior. It speaks both of tradition and comfort while it can be easily fit and adapted to modern color pallets and furnishings.





    Some of my favorite features of this kind of house are pocket doors and window seats! There will never be a dull moment in a home where one can conference behind closed doors (or conversely spy on said conversations!) or a quiet, well-lit spot to study and to explore foreign lands from the comfort of home!




    One of the most important places in a home for me would be the kitchen. (Big surprise there! lol!) Although I vacillate on what my ideal kitchen color is the style is not hard to decide- I love the farmhouse kitchen look!






    And wouldn't it be nice to have a nice corner tucked away in the back with lots of light for growing herbs and things in the winter?!


    Speaking of growing things the yard of the house is just as important as the rest of the home and needs to be equipped with lots of raised beds for cultivating herbs, vegetables and fruits. ...Perhaps something like this:


    The final touch to a backyard is an old nostalgic favorite of mine a glider swing! This allows people to sit face to face while they talk without getting too much rock and sway into it like a porch swing would... (which always makes me 'seasick'!)



    So there she is...my dream house!

    Would you like to come on over for a cuppa?
    

    Monday, July 23, 2012

    Monday Meme: Question Three

    Question #3

    "What Movie Soundtrack Would You Like to Have Playing During Key Moments of Your Life?"


    This is such an easy question that I don't even need to think about it! ;) Without a doubt the greatest track and the one that I would have play during epic moments of my life is from the 2003 version of Peter Pan. The track is the theme track and is filled with the epic soaring, weightlessness, and happiness that I would hope would reflect 'key' moments of my life.

    Here is a clip:

    Monday, July 16, 2012

    Monday Meme: Question Two

    Question # 2

    Name Ten of Your Favorite Movies (so far!)


    Well, after last week's indecision this question is a much easier one to answer! Especially since this list will not contain any period movies- a genre that I think deserves it's own list since there is so many fine ones out there! Having ten spots to fill gives me a bunch of room to flail around in movie epicness! ;)
    In no particular order because we all know I have so much trouble ranking things....

    • Seven Brides for Seven Brothers 1954 Howard Keel & Jane Powel
    • Peter Pan 1960 Mary Martin/ Peter Pan 2003/ Finding Neverland 2004 Johnny Depp & Kate Winslet  (Yes, I'm counting this all as one)
    • My Favorite Wife 1940 Cary Grant & Irene Dunne
    • Singin' in the Rain 1952 Gene Kelly & Debbie Reynolds
    • Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 1968 Dick VanDyke & Sally Ann Howes
    • Yours, Mine and Ours 1968 Lucille Ball & Henry Fonda
    • The Phantom of the Opera 2004 Gerard Butler & Emmy Rossum
    • You've Got Mail 1998 Tom Hanks & Meg Ryan
    • While You Were Sleeping 1995 Sandra Bullock & Bill Pullman 
    • The Glass Bottom Boat 1966 Doris Day & Rod Taylor 

    So there they are! The 'regular' movies I could watch over and over again! The 'period' ones will follow in another question!

    What are your favorites?!

    Monday, July 9, 2012

    Monday Meme: Question One

    Well there has been an awful lot of blogging about books around here lately so I thought I would break it up by doing a meme to make things interesting!

    So, many of you are likely sitting there scratching your head and wondering "What on earth is she talking about?", "What is a meme?".

    I'm glad you asked.

    A meme is essentially an idea or behavior that spreads from one person to another; it is something that repeats. In the terms of the internet (or this post) a meme is generally a series of questions that is repeated from blog to blog and answered with the poster's own thoughts. The subject matter of a meme can vary wildly and can include questions on one topic or a multitude of topics and have as many or as few questions as the blogger desires.

    This meme will have about 8 or 9 questions and I'll be posting one question a week. If you would like to 'steal' this meme and use it on your own site steal away- just comment back here and let me know because I'd sure like to read your answers too!

    Question #1

    "What is your favorite line from your favorite movie and why?" 

    So, here's the thing, This is the impossible question for me- unfortunately I really am that indecisive that I can't pick my favorite movie! And ya know what?

    I'm ok with that.

    Here's something you likely don't know about me- I'm really choosy about my movies and I never buy or ask for a movie that isn't my favorite in some way. I don't have to have a favorite movie and I don't have to love one of my 'movie children' better than another.
    So...
    When I look a my movie cubbie I see and hear all the best of the best lines...
    There is:

    Persuasion Where Anne Elliot argues the virtue of women and the longevity of a woman's love.
    "If I may, so long as the woman you love lives, and lives for you, all the privilege I claim for my own sex, and it is not a very enviable one - you need not covet it, is that of loving longest when all hope is gone."
    Love this because how truly it resonates... Jane as always knows what she is talking about!

    Amazing Grace Where Barbara and Wilbur are really talking in depth for the first time and she is making him tell her all about his quest to end slavery in England when all he wants to do is forget it she tells him...
    Barbara Wilberforce: It seems to me, that if there is a bad taste in your mouth, you spit it out. You don't constantly swallow it back.
    This is only one of the many gems in this movie! But I love the spunk and determination with which Barbara has to help Wilbur see his mission in life through to the end. She is a great match for him!

    And yes, I'll be a bit cliched here-  Pride and Prejudice:
    Lady Catherine: "Upon my word, you give your opinion very decidedly for so young a person. -- Pray, what is your age?''
    Lizzy: "With three younger sisters grown up, your Ladyship can hardly expect me to own it.''
    Lady Catherine: "You cannot be more than twenty, I am sure, -- therefore you need not conceal your age.''
    Lizzy: "I am not one and twenty.''
    This one make me LOL...do you know how often I've been tempted to use it myself?

    Aah, so many great movies and quotes- how can I help but love them all?!

    Although it is not one that you may be familiar with I have to say that my favorite line of all time has to come from the old Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda classic:
    Yours Mine and Ours:
    [Helen is about to have a baby]
    Colleen:  I know this is a terrible time to talk about it, but Larry says...
    Frank: I've got a message for Larry. You tell him this is what it's all about. This is the real happening. If you want to know what love really is, take a look around you.
    Helen: What are you two talking about?
    Frank: Take a good look at your mother.
    Helen: Not now!
    Frank: Yes, now.
    [to Colleen]
    Frank: It's giving life that counts. Until you're ready for it, all the rest is just a big fraud. All the crazy haircuts in the world won't keep it turning. Life isn't a love in, it's the dishes and the orthodontist and the shoe repairman and... ground round instead of roast beef. And I'll tell you something else: it isn't going to a bed with a man that proves you're in love with him; it's getting up in the morning and facing the drab, miserable, wonderful everyday world with him that counts.
    [Leaving the house, they say good-bye to the little kids]
    Frank: I suppose having 19 kids is carrying it a bit too far, but if we had it to do over who would we skip... you?
    Helen: [getting into the car] Thank you, Frank. I never quite knew how to explain it to her.
    Frank: If we don't get you to the hospital fast, the rest of it's going to be explained right here!
    It's the perfect ultra romantic statement about what real romance is all about!


    So there is is...not one but several of my favorite movie quotes from several of my favorite movies! No, I didn't reeeealy follow the meme prompt exactly but I had fun doing what I did and that's what it's all about!!

    So are you in the mood to meme with me? Stay tuned for next weeks question!