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Mystery Blogger Award
Elizabeth from Autumn Ink tagged me for the Mystery Blogger Award.What is the first pairing you remember shipping?Hmm, maybe Heidi and Peter from the 1980’s Heidi, but then I also had a crush on Peter myself. That at least was one of my earliest shippings.What is the weirdest, most unusual, or one-of-a-kind thing you own?Trying to catalog things I own in my head . . . I can’t think of anything unusual, but I have vintage clothes (don’t fit into them, but determined to eventually), all 70’s styles. I also bought some dresses from India on eBay, from this shop. I just found it randomly, and I’m going to have to get a few more for fall (I’d seen similar vintage styles on etsy, but these are new and a fraction of the cost).Here’s the one I wore for Easter. I love, love medium purple, and it’s hard to find these shades, especially in florals. It’s so light and flowy. I like the prairie/70’s revival/cottacore styles trending now, but I don’t like pale, warm tones they have. This is a nice 70’s feel with more of a boho vibe.
If you had a surprise birthday being thrown for you, what are 3 fictional characters you would want to be there and why? or (What fictional character would you pull a prank on someone with?)I’d like to watch Jack Sparrow pull a prank, a shenanigan, anything.If you could steal a costume or an outfit from a show/movie, which one would you take?Hmm, I’ve been really into the glamourous 30’s and 40’s gowns from My Man Godfrey, Holiday, and the Thin Man Mysteries. I’ve not seen The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, but I’ve seen the golden yellow silk dress, and I want it, but in maybe a blush or teal or maybe lemon yellow. The style, the buttons the silk, all soooo lovely.What was the last line in a book, line in a movie, or lyric in a song that hit you hard?Well, knowing me, it won’t be anything deep and meaningful, not that there aren’t those lines I like (I need to maybe get better and saving and organizing them, I usually just start a convoluted essay of my opinions that such quotes prompt), I’m just sure humorous ones are the ones I have most recently saved. I used my Kindle to find one, its from Mill on the Floss, a book I’m supposed to be currently reading.“Mr. Tulliver was on the whole a man of safe traditional opinions; but on one or two points he had trusted to his unassisted intellect and had arrived at several questionable conclusions, among the rest, that rats, weevils, and lawyers were created by Old Harry.”Profound, innit? -
Heidi’s Valentine’s Day Period Drama Party Tag
I’m joining here: Heidi’s Valentine’s Day Period Drama Party Tag.
1) Your current three (or up to five!) favorite period dramas?
Does Cinderella 2012 count? Ever After is an evergreen favorite. I honestly feel that I’ve worn all the other ones (the Jane Austen adaptations) out with over watching, and I’ve not found anything new that I love yet. The Importance of Being Ernest. The Scarlet Pimpernel. The Inheritance.
I need to watch some versions beyond the basic Bronte, Austen, and Dickens.
2) What would you recommend to someone who’s never seen a period drama as a starter?
Ever After. It’s fairytale and period drama and rom com in one, I think it ticks a lot of boxes.
3) A favorite couple that wouldn’t be included in answer #1 (cause I’m figuring those are already top favorites ;)) and/or a favorite secondary character romance?
Arthur and Amy in Little Dorrit.
Secondary character romances always just add that extra depth and sparkle to a story. I love that the nicer stepsister in Ever After gets her own romance.
4) What do you consider foundational qualities for a healthy romance?
Honesty, authenticity (i.e. generally the same in all situations, no one is playing any games, playing hot and cold). Trust. Pursuing interest genuinely (i.e. not dating/playing around or “trying to make up my mind” . . . or flirting to hide a previous attachment or marriage!). Communication (not jumping to conclusions, if the loved one is in a compromising situation, the other would go and honestly ask rather than assume the worst). Forgiveness (you know, not staying out at sea sulking because one was rejected several years before).
5) Worst villain/antagonist?
The disgusting would be rapist Pierre le Pieu from Ever After. I think he doesn’t always come to mind, because I try not to dwell on him, he’s so, so vile, actually I think I leave during his parts during recent watches.
6) A favorite proposal scene?
the 2007 Persuasion which blends BOTH of Jane Austen’s endings, granted it also includes the most awkward kiss and camera angles to be seen in a period drama. But Wentworth’s letter!
Also, I don’t know if this is a proposal scene exactly, I think it’s more a profession of love, but that scene in the carriage in Belle, with John shouting, “I love her, I love her!” at Belle’s guardian/father when his intentions are questioned. I think that might have gotten or almost gotten tears from me, which has been rather hard to do.
Now, if some one could get John Brooke’s proposal to Meg right! I think one of the older version’s gave it some justice, but I haven’t seen that one in ages.
7) Favorite period drama characters based on a real life couple?
I don’t think I’ve seen any real life period dramas, oh, wait some about Queen Elizabeth’s father. Yeah, I think that is it. Not really anything romantic. Oh, wait I like the romance in Miss Potter.
8) Any classic b/w period dramas you like?
Well, I don’t think we’d have the Anthony Andrews Scarlet Pimpernel without the Leslie Howard one. I wouldn’t say I liked it other than that inspiration for the best Scarlet Pimpernel. I’m not sure what other b/w period dramas I’ve seen. Oh, Jane Eyre, that definitely matched the atmosphere of Jane Eyre, again, not really to my liking though.
9) Most mature romance in a period drama? (mature as in age and/or characters who are consciously and wisely ripened by life experience, etc.)
Probably the Westons. I can’t really think of any more main couples. There are plenty with the guy older but they don’t feel very mature always when the girl is younger. Oh, wait, I love the Hamiltons in The Inheritance.
10) Most excruciatingly long, slow burn romance in a period drama?
I know Captain Wentworth and Anne feature a lot in this questions, but their story is so fraught with complications and details and intensity! Arthur and Amy also fit this.
11) A story that has multiple film adaptations where you love more than one of them?
I started out preferring the Kate Beckinsale/Mark Strong version of Emma (I HATE the Gweneth Paltrow version) but eventually the 2008 version won over. Kate Beckinsale is by FAR the most accurate Emma. I’ve yet to see the new
abominationEmma.I think I enjoy different aspects of different Jane Eyre’s (as much as I could seeing as how I don’t love that story). I’ve yet to see the Timothy Dalton one.
12) A book you think needs to be made into a film (or a new adaptation)?
I wish more of the Alcott and Montgomery novels were adapted (but only by people who strive for accuracy on every point!).
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Sunshine Blogger Award
McKayla tagged me for the Sunshine Blogger Award. And as usual, I’m quite timely.
What genre was the last movie you watched? What are your three favorite movies in said genre?
Hallmark, but I’m not going to count that. I think non-Hallmark is Princess Diaries which is I guess modern Rom-Com. At the moment, that is one of my three, Leap Year, and Clueless.
If you were to attend Hogwarts, which subject do you think you’d be best at?
I’m not sure. I’d like to be good at Charms, Potions, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. But I think I’m rather too impatient to have stable success in Potions (I’d probably do great one time and abysmal the next) and too chicken for Defense. I’d like to think I’d be great at Charms, but I’m a history person and major, so I’m guessing History of Magic. Fascinating skill, I know.
Would you play Quidditch? If so, what position?
Honestly, I think Quidditch, if we could get the hovercraft/flying thing down with science, would be a super cool game in actual fact. I think I could play any position. I’m thinking Beater although you don’t want me as one, I’d probably seriously hurt someone.
Favorite fantasy subgenre?
Low fantasy. By which I mean where there is a distinct real world and a distinct fantasy world. I consider magical realism as different, its a small level of magic in the real world.
What is a book that you think should have a movie adaptation?
I’m rather afraid of what Hollywood filmmakers do to stories. I used to trust BBC more, but lately they’ve been doing ludicrous things to film adaptations as well I feel. Also, I feel like a lot of my favorite authors have had a least one of their works turned into a movie. If a non-cheesy, non melodramatic (melodrama ruins dramatic effect) independent company could do a movie, I think Mara, Daughter of the Nile would make a good film.
What is a book that you think shouldn’t have had a movie adaptation?
The Eagle of the Ninth. In fact, I’m rather glad it’s forgettably bad. Stay away from Sutcliff all ye sacrilegious filmmaker story ruiners.
What is your favorite type of donut [man, now these are just getting weird]?
Chocolate glazed yeast doughnuts. Granulated sugar yeast doughnut twists are good to, as well as the boxed chocolate with sour cream cake doughnut holes.
Does Aaron Samuels’ hair look sexy pushed back?
I’ve not seen that movie, and that actor is gay, and he looks it, so he’s not attractive to me.
If you had to spend 24 hours locked in an elevator with three fictional characters to keep you company, which three characters would they be?
Jack Sparrow, Kusco, and Chandler. Can you imagine?!!!
Or maybe Chandler, Ross, and Joey just to listen to them and their responses to the situation.
If you could rule the world for enough time to make one law that everyone had to follow, what would that law be?
Something along the lines of mind your own business or leave everyone else alone. I think that should knock out quite a few of the worst evils (murdering or raping someone is about as much getting in their business as you can get) as well as the worst annoyances all at one blow.
What is your love language?
Quality time I think. Specifically, quality discussions. -
Narnia Tag
Narnia is so Christmassy, my sisters I think have made watching Narnia during Christmas a tradition.
I saw Katie do this tag, (origin of tag here) and I decided to consider myself tagged as I do whenever I like a tag.Rating My Narnia Fanatic Level
1. Nostalgic Fanatic — you read the book and/or watched the movies as a child and the word Narnia gives you a warm feeling
2. Serious Fanatic — you rediscovered the wonder of Narnia after you were older and have read the books and watched the movies
3. Maniacal Fanatic — you have lived Narnia from childhood, hid in closets on more occasions than is healthy, have read and watched all the movies including the BBC version
I think I’m between Serious Fanatic and Maniacal Fanatic.
Dad read the books to us twice as children (with the full color illustrations from the church library very important, but when we later bought them we got the black and white illustrations, do you know how important knowing the children’s hair color is, I kid, sort of, the full color illustration bring Narnia to life)
Then we watched several or maybe all of the BBC movies.
Then we watched the three new movies.
Then I think I read some of the books as an adult.
Then I read them straight through a few years ago.
Then I reread them straight through beginning last December to this fall.
The Tag Questions:
1. Who’s your favorite Pevensie sibling?
Edmund. The bad boy became the deepest, truest, sweetest one. This happened with Eustace too.
2. What is the most underrated Narnia book?
Aren’t most of them underrated compared to The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe? Probably The Horse and His Boy. Its not exactly part of the main story line, so I think it gets left out. But I like the unique look, and all the characters.
3. Who is your favorite Narnian king?
Edmund, obviously.
4. Who is your favorite Narnian queen?
Lucy.
5. Which non-human Narnian do you like best?
Hmm, maybe Reepicheep?
6. Which book deserves a movie?
Um, my least favorite? I dread book adaptations now. Filmmakers spoil things.
7. What is the one thing you did as a Narnia fan that you do not regret?
All of it!
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Disney Prince Tag
Alison from Alison’s Well tagged me a few weeks ago. Here’s the link to her original post.
It’s taken me awhile to figure out some good ones, I wanted to try to get as many lesser know characters as I could . . . not sure that really worked. I’ve not watched enough movies, and I need to read more and maybe less to type or more lesser known works.
PRINCE FLORIAN – A Character Who Stumbles Into Things
Timothy stumbles into the world of faeries in Rebel book 2 of Faerie Rebels.
PRINCE CHARMING – A Character Who Looks Past The Exterior Of Those Around Him.
Jip (in the book of the same name) and his friend who does it for him. People cast out together have to do that or they will be just like those who cast them out. Read this book without any prior knowledge, it is WAY more impactful that way.
PRINCE PHILLIP – A Character Who Fights For Those He Cares About
Aquila in Lantern Bearers. The problem is, sometimes he doesn’t know when to stop fighting or who to stop fighting or how to stop fighting, in his heart and soul.
PRINCE ERIC – A Character Who Fulfills The “Dreamy Soft Boy” Trope.
Peeta Mellark, I mean who else.
THE BEAST – A Beastly Character Who Is Redeemed
If beastly can stand for “bad” because as you will see, my mention has a different style of bad. Read these books.
Martin from Rebel (books 2 of Faerie Rebels by R.J. Anderson), Arrow (books 3 of Faerie Rebels Trilogy) by R.J. Anderson), Swift and Nomad (books 1 and 2 from the now named and finally to get a third book in the connected Flight and Fire Trilogy). I think this prompt feets Martin better than Scoundrel with A Heart of Gold. I think. You decide.
Presumably he will also in be Torch (which from what I got from the Nomad will be a LOT about him, no spoilers) which will hopefully still be coming out next February 6 years after Nomad, I cannot WAIT!* Read these people!
Oh, also, I bought all mine from Amazon UK, so they match and because Arrow, Swift, and Nomad weren’t given U.S. editions. Also Knife, the first book of all of them and Rebel have different names in the U.S. and The Flight and Fire trilogy are being redone. Did I mention, READ THEM?!
ALADDIN – A Character Who Assumes A False Identity.
Phaedrus in Mark of the Horse Lord. YOU have to find out.
JOHN SMITH – A Character Who Loves To Explore.
Spiller in The Borrowers series. I had such a crush on him growing up.
LI SHANG – A Character Who Is A Tough, Military Leader.
Alexios Flavius Aquila in Frontier Wolf.
FLYNN RYDER – A Character Who Is A Scoundrel With A Heart Of Gold.
Jack Sparrow.
PRINCE NAVEEN – A Character Who Undergoes A Transformation.
Costi in Wildwood Dancing.
KRISTOFF – A Character Who Is A Down-To-Earth Hero.
Jamie in Keeper of the Bees by Gene Stratton-Porter.
EMPEROR KUZCO – A Character Who’s Obnoxious But Still Lovable.
Ah, Kuzco. How could I get even close to Alison’s pick? Or to matching the pizzazz of Kuzco himself. Algernon Moncrieff maybe? Jack Sparrow also fits this.
*The publishing industry . . . has problems, I know the author always had this book planned/written, and I know another series that got dropped, the Martha series about Laura Ingalls Wilder’s grandmother, that stuff is so irritating.
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Medieval Queens Book Tag
Catherine from Based on the Book tagged me for this historical tag weeks ago, possibly months. I thought this was a fun take on tags, but I was less than inspired in my answers. I really need to not read in such predictable patterns, at least on occasion.
Empress Matilda (1102-1167)
After her father, Henry I, died naming her his heir, Matilda’s cousin, Stephen, subsequently took the throne for himself. Matilda never stopped fighting for what was rightfully hers. Though she would never be named Queen of England in her own right, she was able to convince Stephen to name her son, the future Henry II, his successor over his own children. Choose a book with a protagonist who stands their ground.Swift and Nomad by R.J. Anderson, Ivy stands her ground to discover her mother and the truth about her world, actually all the protagonists in the first series (Faery Rebels) do as well.
Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204)
Before she married Henry II and became Queen of England in 1152, Eleanor was Queen of France as the wife of Louis VII. She sought an annulment from her marriage to Louis and he eventually agreed because 15 years of marriage had produced no sons, only for Eleanor to go on to have eight children with Henry—five of whom were sons. Ouch!
Choose a book or series in which the heroine has more than one romantic relationship.I was trying to think of one that wasn’t super basic YA like the Hunger Games or Twilight. Or a sort of perfunctory rite of passage before the best guy friend realization such as in the L.M. Montgomery novels. There is the realistic, yet boring and sad option of books like Hannah Coulter where her first love is killed in war.
Eleanor of Castile (1241-1290)
A keen patron of literature and a successful businesswoman in her own right, Eleanor was Edward I’s first wife. He was so heartbroken when she died that he erected the Eleanor Crosses, 12 stone crosses marking the places where her body rested over night on its journey from Lincolnshire, where she died, to her burial place in London. Three of the crosses still survive today.
Choose a bittersweet book.Rilla of Ingleside. The youngest of Anne Shirley Blythe’s daughters comes of age in PEI during WWI and watches all three brothers, her suitor, and two close childhood neighbor friends among many other go to war, and one doesn’t come back.
Isabella of France (1295-1358)
Often known as the ‘She-Wolf of France’, Isabella was Edward II’s wife. Unfortunately for Edward he wasn’t particularly good at being king, and Isabella soon grew tired of his (possibly homosexual) relationship with his favourite, Hugh Despenser. After she began an affair with English nobleman Roger Mortimer while on a diplomatic mission to France, the pair returned to England with an army and she deposed Edward and acted as regent until their son, the future Edward III, came of age.
Choose a book where the romance overtook the plot.Scarlet by Marissa Meyer. This was my least favorite of the Lunar chronicles proper. Wolf and Scarlet were SO gross. Actually, their romance gets grosser. And their plot was the most boring, scary, yet boring scary.
Philippa of Hainault (1310/15-1369)
Queen of England as the wife of Edward III, Philippa was beloved by the English people for her compassion and kindness. The Queen’s College, Oxford, founded in 1341, is named in her honour, so
Choose a book set at a university.Gaudy Night by Dorothy Sayers. This is a Lord Peter Wimsey novel but the novel is from Harriet Vane’s perspective. It involves the climax of the Peter Wimsey Harriet Vane romance, it’s also I think the only mystery that doesn’t involve a murder, although two are attempted, the investigation doesn’t start because of murder. It takes place in the first women’s college at Oxford, I believe.
Joan of Navarre (1368-1437)
Joan was Henry IV’s second wife. Six years after his death, Joan was accused of attempting to poison her stepson, Henry V, through witchcraft and was imprisoned for four years until he ordered her release, just six weeks before he suddenly died.
Choose a book about witches.Most of the books I read with magic have people who are faeries or enchantresses, but witches tend to be in either very popular books (Harry Potter and The Witch of Blackbird Pond) or the evil counterparts. Catherine mentioned the lesser known ones by Diana Wynne Jones. I can’t think of any others.
Anyone who is interested, consider yourself tagged.
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Would You Rather Fictional Grab-bag Edition
I saw this tag Ivy did that Cordy created and I thought it looked super fun.
Would you rather, be a tenant of Mr. Darcy or Mr. Knightley?Mr. Knightly, he is less intimidating.Would you rather spend a day in the 100 Acre Wood or Neverland?100 Acre Wood. I’m about to metaphorically, because there are some bbc radio dramas of Winnie the Pooh, and I need something soothing to listen to.Would you rather attend a tea party with the Mad Hatter and company or meet the Wizard of Oz?The Mad Hatter, that would be funny. I’m not a big Wizard of Oz person.Would you rather spend a summer at Netherfield with Jane and Mr. Bingley, or at Hamley Hall with Squire Hamley?Netherfield and Jane and Bingley, Hamley Hall is only worthwhile if Roger were there and single, and well, he’s taken.Would you rather be “rescued” by Gilbert Blythe or Colonel Brandon?Gilbert, can’t stand Colonel Hum Drum. Unless he was played, as he should have been by Matthew McFayden. But still, Gilbert.
Would you rather marry Laurie or John Brooke?Laurie, if he’d grown up as he should. People, growing up doesn’t mean becoming staid and boring. That isn’t how Laurie really would have grown up, he’d have kept his personality and added some sense of responsibility not turned into a boring, sanctimonious prig. John Brooke is underrated. But I tend to like the teasing guys.
Would you rather have to participate in a skirmish as a member of Robin Hood’s Merry Men, or as a member of the Musketeers?Robin Hood’s Merry Men. I rather think they had better morals (yes, I realized this is ironic coming after my above comments).
Would you rather have a jolly holiday in a chalk painting or enjoy a tea party on the ceiling with Uncle Albert?Not sure what this reference is from, but holiday.
Would you rather have to chaperone, through their entire courting experience, Lydia Bennet or Anne De Bourgh?Anne De Bourgh, she’s quiet and not interfering, basically the opposite of Lydia. Can you imagine how annoying Lydia would be, not to mention the telling at the top of her voice of anything embarrassing?
Would you rather marry Mr. Wickham or Mr. Elton?Mr. Elton. I think I could whip him into some shape. Wickham would just continually cheat.
Would you rather spend the rest of your life in Middle Earth (starting from the time of the journey of the ring), or Narnia (starting from the time of the Pevensie’s first visit)?Narnia, Narnia all the way! And marry Tirian. And change the entire course of the last book starting with banning all primates from Narnia or uninventing them or something. -
Shakespeare Tag
So PioneerGirl from Tearoom Time blog tagged me with this awesome Shakespeare tag. Now, I feel like I’ve done a lot of the same or similar themed tags or ones where I gave them same answers, but this one, like the fairytale tag is like a breath of fresh air, and the last question is the BEST!
I’m usually too lazy to tag/everyone’s already been tagged, but I will tag others because its so fun.
1. What was the first exposure you ever had to Shakespeare?
Some of the histories in high school as well as some versions made into stories to understand.
2. How many of Shakespeare’s plays have you seen?
In play form: Two, A Midsummer Night’s Dream at our local Shakespeare in the Park, and The Tempest at my college for my college Shakespeare class.
In movie form: The Hollow Crown Henry IV parts one and two and Henry V (still need to watch the rest of the Hollow Crown). Kenneth Branagh’s Henry V and Much Ado About Nothing. I got part of the way (not very far) through the 60’s Romeo and Juliet years ago, still need to go back to that.
3. What is your favorite Shakespeare play?
Much Ado About Nothing.
4. What is your favorite non-Shakespearean play? {musicals are permissible}
The Importance of Being Earnest. Of course.
5. What is an adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s plays that you like? Why?
Kenneth Branagh’s Henry V and Much Ado About Nothing because it’s my Shakespeare play and it’s hilarious.
6. Who is your favorite Shakespearean character?
Benedick and Prince Hal.
7. What is your favorite Shakespeare quote?
Totally forgot to answer this one. I don’t think I had my quote book started when I read Shakespeare, but I might have some on my Pinterest, yes I do! But just tried to verify two good ones . . . and they were wrongly attributed to Shakespeare (figures, the English was too modern).
So I’ll find an Beatrice and Benedick exchange and make sure to verify it (Sparknotes has original and modern side by side, I think I know how I’m reading Hamlet now).
BEATRICE I wonder that you will still be talking, Signor Benedick.
Nobody marks you.BENEDICK What, my dear Lady Disdain! Are you yet living?
8. If you were in a Shakespearean production which play would you want to be in and which character?
I can’t act and won’t act.
9. Have you read any of Shakespeare’s sonnets, and if so, which is your favorite?
Not a poem person, I’ve read them, had to for school, but didn’t get them.
10. Have you ever written/tried to write a play?
Can’t write and won’t write.
11. Cast one of the big five {Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Richard III, or Much Ado About Nothing} with modern actors from either the stage or the screen.
Much Ado About Nothing. Proceeds to forget every actor and actress ever. Why?!
Ok, as far as I can figure: Don Pedro is older then it goes something like Benedick and then Beatrice, Claudio, and Hero. I feel like I watch a lot of movies that the actors were perfect at their age then, but now they are too old, and then other people are the right age now, so this was hard. I also feel like Don Pedro is hard to cast, all the guys of the proper age have a “type” like the bad guy or the good guy. While honest, open-hearted soldier seems a younger type, but that is him from my memory.
Tom Hiddleston as Benedick. He’s a bit too old, BUT! I want to see him in this role.
Saoirse Ronan or Daisy Ridley as Beatrice. This is a hard pick, I think they’d both be great, and I want to see either with Tom Hiddleston, not just a whole other cast, I’d want to see how they play against him.
Felicity Jones as Hero. I was leaning Lily James, but since I picked Richard Madden, I didn’t want to have Lily, too much matching, too lazy. I also feel like Hero and Claudio are fairly easy to cast, pretty, meek, gullible. Claudio, the boy version pretty boy handsome and easily manipulated.
Claudio. Richard Madden.
Don Pedro. Richard Armitage.
Don Juan. Luke Evans.
I’m tagging
And anyone else who wants to join. I tried to pick people I thought perhaps liked Shakespeare AND tags. So, if that means you, you’re tagged.
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Mystery Blogger Award
1.) What is it that you hope to achieve in your lifetime?That is a good question. I think I’m sort of a petty hedonist really, I just want to enjoy like in my Hobbit sort of way. That is terrible, but oh well.2.) Who is your favorite person from history?I had this question before and gave the answer of preferring overall periods and themes. I think sometimes people focus too much on one person rather than overall movements. However, with all that is going on, I’d say the doctor who “discovered” handwashing was important (I put quotation marks because as my sister pointed out, the Bible has a lot to say about cleanliness in the old testament and certain periods of history, like Rome, or in other parts of the world, had some standards of cleanliness even if they didn’t have germ theory) even though he was ignored (every time I hear or reread that story I want to SCREAM). And everyone connected to vaccination! And everyone still connected to vaccination!3.) Do you prefer the country or the city?Country in easy access to a moderate or smallish city.4.) What genre would you describe your life at the moment as (comedy, drama, sci-fi)?Drama, but isn’t everyone’s at the moment?!5.) What do you remember the most about 2010?I turned twenty and started community college in the same month, actually. -
Liebster Award
Catherine at Based on the Book tagged me with the Liebster Award. I always love any sort of tag, it means someone else did part of the brainwork for a blog post, lol. And continuing with my laziness, I’m not going to think of questions or tag people, but if you want to answer her questions, she included anyone who wanted in her tag.
1. Which book have you re-read the most and why?
I wish I’d kept better track of my rereads. I know I’ve read Pride and Prejudice at least 3 times I think. And HP too. But I’ve also read North and South three times, at least. And that is definitely more of an accomplishment I think. I want to read that one again, it is just so rich and ripe for analysis (I’ve written pages of my impressions of it). Plus its alway interesting to compare books with period drama adaptations (the reward of watching North and South was the catalyst of my first reading and rewatching inspired at least one if not both rereads).
2. Which Hogwarts house would you put yourself in?
Ravenclaw all the way. I’d be wishing for Ravenclaw like Harry wished against Slytherin. But I’d also have to wish against Slytherin as well. I’m not sneaky, but I’m not . . . well nice, good, whatever. I consider it a great accomplishment if I ever attain a neutral, bare minimum level of civility that would probably only be considered so in another unfriendly country.
3. What is your favourite fictional friendship?
I’m sure I have more but Sarah Jane and Mabel from Grandma’s Attic popped into mind, since their friendship was the main focus of those stories. Childhood best friends who get into scrapes together from tiny children to adults is always a fun plot.
4. If you could bring back one TV show/series what would it be?
Well, I think most shows need to end well before they do. And I don’t mean just are long US shows, Sherlock crashed and burned after two seasons, imho. So I’d prefer to go back in time and redo That 70’s Show, putting Jackie and Hyde together sooner. Cutting out lazy shock plotlines. Keeping Eric and Donna as good characters and sucking all the creepyness out of Fez and working in the truly good bits from the older seasons (there were some good burns). And fitting everything in 4 or 5 seasons.
5. Which historical figure would you like to read a book about?
I’m FAR more interested in time periods than individual people. Probably someone who had a mysterious end, I’d want to know what actually happened?
6. Who was the last fictional character you fell in love with?
I was in a little in love with the leading men in my some of my favorite Mary Stewart and M.M. Kaye books, but I think Max from This Rough Magic was my favorite.
7. What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Can’t sing and have never done karaoke.
8. Which Disney princess/character was your childhood favourite?
I watched Lion King, Pocahontes, Jungle Book, and Cinderella, were I think major features in my childhood. I know we owned Beauty and the Beast, at least I think we did. But for some reason, I don’t remember that one being watched as much. Maybe it was. But I think the first three made a bigger impression, which is funny, since I was already afraid of my own shadow as a child, perhaps that was the fascination.
9. Listening to any good podcasts lately?
Yes, sort of, I’m picky and moody. I have a podcast post in the works.
10. Have you read any Charles Dickens and do you have any recommendations? (I feel like it’s time I read one.)
I’ve read most of them. They do feel like a lot of work because they were serials and you definitely feel it. They are also very glum in setting, tone, etc. And well, it’s hard to like/relate to a lot of the heroines (usually the love interests of the heroes), namby-pamby or goody-goody Victorian as portrayed by a Victorian man.
I also feel like everyone is very opinionated about their individual favorites, I mean it’s highly individual. You could always start with the more famous. Tale of Two Cities is a fav for many (I haven’t read it in years) and it’s short. But I personally think Nicholas Nickleby is a more fun one plus it has at least two recent adaptations one of which features a baby Hiddleston as a minor character. I think that Little Dorrit is also a good one with a wonderful adaptation, and less stereotyped, more full whole person characters including the heroine.
I feel like I’m due a reread. I’m more of a Trollope person myself since starting the Barchester chronicles. I wonder why he’s not as famous? He is definitely more, refined I guess? More dry sarcasm, more realism in the gentry and nobility in the country rather than lowerclasses in London Less caricature and more foible based.
11. Any fun websites you like to waste time on?
Besides Youtube (probably could make a favorite youtubes page and post) which is a weak substitute for good old-fashioned blogs and my few favorite blogs (I need to update my list), and Instagram which is an excellent substitute for facebook, Pinterest, and ah, the WHO and CDC for obvious reasons . . . I resorted to my history which gave me shopping sites (from crafts and historical fashion to shoes and Amazon), banking and cc sites, and following my random interests/trains of thoughts on Google, apparently nothing very interesting. Oh, wait, Spotify (for podcasts mostly at the moment) and Audible (I should do a post on that soon too), have saved my sanity at work for most of my time there although I can’t focus on much at the moment).
I should (I get to, I was listening to a podcast that said to reframe in grateful terms, I get to work, I get to learn, etc., especially apropos now) use:
Seterra (that excellent geography site I keep forgetting about even though I have it bookmarked)
Bluprint (formerly Craftsy, I have tons of purchased classes)
Creativebug (I have few purchased glasses)
Duolingo (I’m currently making Duo very sad)
CodeAcademy (no time like the present to learn to new tech skills).
Any suggestions? I know lots of services/sites/apps are offering free trials during this social distancing/quarantine period (and oh, it WILL be much longer, my sister keeps saying, “when I graduate” and “when I go back to school” her senior year is ruined). I’d like to make a list of those too.
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Sunshine Blogger Award
PioneerGirl tagged me in the Sunshine Blogger award.
1. What is your favorite book series?
I’ve lots of favorites, but since I’m planning on re-reading Narnia in December and have been rewatching the movies, I’ll go with that.
2. If you were a mythical creature what would you be?
A unicorn maybe or a Pegasus? If we’re going by personality, dragon.
3. If you were a cup of tea what kind would you be?
Barely tastes like tea raspberry ice tea. Rarely care for hot beverages, don’t care for the taste of tea uselly.
4. What is something you have learned and taught someone else?
I think I’ve tried to teach some people knitting.
5. Do you have a hobby, and if so, what is it?
I’ve lots of hobbies, but I’m currently burned out. Knitting is my main one, but I haven’t knitted in months. However, something knitted is part of my Christmas outfit, and I’ve a baby blanket due, so I will be knitting a lot this month.
6. What is your favorite dessert?
Anything chocolate, especially cake. But also many things cake.
7. f you could be best friends with a literary character who would it be?
I don’t know, I’m not a “best friend” type of person. I’m more a “best sibling group” like the Penderwicks or maybe a “best friend group” the sets of friends in L.M. Montgomery books.
8. If you had to choose only one form of communication to use for the rest of your life what would it be?
Talking. I think I’d go insane if I could only write.
9. What is the best way someone has understood you?
Agreeing with me and meaning it, I suppose.
10. What would you do if you had the time to do it?
I think motivation and laziness, not time are my worst enemies. Learn everything, make everything.
11. “How is a raven like a writing desk?”
I’m terrible understanding riddles like this, sorry.
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It’s So Classic Tag
I’m joining the It’s So Classic Blog Party here at Rebellious Writing.
I saw posts about this party, but wasn’t super interested (I really don’t have tons of mental energy right now, not really reading much) until I saw all the posts with this tag which were fun to read. I’m not going to tag anyway since a) I’m lazy and unmotivated, b) I’m just linking up to the source and c) Almost everyone whose blog I read and who still posts regularly about books has already been tagged.
What is one classic that hasn’t been made into a movie yet, but really needs to?
I’m scared when filmmakers get their hands on my favorites. I think I’m more wanting re-do’s at the moment.What draws you to classics?
The feeling of erudition? The quality of timelessness in perception, prose, etc.What is an underrated classic?
I think that the Charlotte Brontë’s less discussed books are better written than Jane Eyre. I adore Dorothy Sayer’s Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries and KNOW they are far higher quality of books than the insanely popular Agatha Christie novels.What is one classic that you didn’t expect to love, but ended up loving anyway?
I don’t know, maybe the Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries, I went in with total ignorance. I don’t think I’ve ever loved a book I was going to dislike or hate, just loved books I didn’t know much about. I enjoyed Dickens more than I thought, but I’m not sure “love” is appropriate, they are so long, and they don’t tend to be relaxing which is what I most want.What is your most favorite and least favorite classics?
My favorites are many L.M. Montgomery novels. So many are just balm to my soul.Frankenstein is an example of trash that is made famous when an untalented upper-class teen girl hangs around a group of famous actually talented rakes.
What is your favorite character from a classic? Or if that is too hard, one is your favorite classic character trope (e.g. strong and silent, quiet sidekick, etc.)
I’m a sucker for really snarky, witty, confident men (e.g. Lord Peter Wimsey).What’s a popular classic that you felt wasn’t actually that great?
Other than Frankenstein which is the worst, Les Mis, Rebecca, and The Great Gatsby are WAY overrated.Who is your favorite classic author?
L.M. Montgomery.In your opinion, what makes a classic a classic?
Brilliant writing (prose, insight, characterization, wit) and lasting through the ages. Unfortunately, I think that the latter is based on circumstances, not always on worth to talent ratio, meaning, I wonder if many books are lost that would be just as good if not better, simply because they didn’t catch the public’s whim at the right moment.Relating to newer books, what attributes does a book need to have in order to be worthy of the title “classic”?
I think it should only be writing quality and not popularity but popularity can ensure that something will last.
