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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 prick. 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. -
Update and Sunshine Blogger Award
I’ve been pretty burned out lately (clearly that doesn’t take much to happen), and I opted out of the Jane Austen festival. Oh, well, I’ll have a head start for next year. I do have some projects I finished and vacation photos, but I’ll have to wait until I have more motivation. Meanwhile Ivy Miranda at Revealed in Time nominated me for this tag. Considered yourself tagged if you want to answer her questions.
1.) Favorite time period? Probably depends on what movies I’m watching or books I’m reading. I’m really loving old screwball (30’s, 40’s) comedies lately with the glamorous gowns.
2.) What fictional character (from either book or television) would you want to be? I’d like to stay me but be in an L.M. Montgomery novel.
3.) What three wishes would you ask the Genie from Aladdin? To give me the career I would love, to make me a more beautiful version of myself, to give me poise.
4.) Would you rather raid the Galaxy with Han Solo or dig up relics with Indiana Jones? Raid with Hans, more exciting (yet easier to run away) plus less skeletons (I HATE skeletons, used to be one of my phobias, not sure it is phobia level right now).
5.) What frightens you the most? Being powerless.
6.) Do you collect anything? Intentionally? Teacups, sort of, which is ironic since I don’t really care for tea. Unintentionally: fabric, yarn, etc.
7.) Do you like the supernatural (vampires, werewolves, etc.)? If so, what are your favorites? I have to say I’ve not read much of this (easily frightened plus lots of the books are quite silly). Vampires SEEM more attractive, but I think they’d be more dangerous, plus I was team Jacob (in the books, never seen the movies and don’t find Taylor Lautner attractive).
8.) What is the first song you remember hearing? Probably a hymn, “Joyful Joyful, We Adore Thee” was an early favorite.
9.) What’s the most amount of books you’ve read? In a year, as an adult? 140 last year, but many of those were rereads.
10.) Whose your favorite and least favorite celebrity? Whoever I have the biggest crush on at the moment and whoever is the most obnoxious at the moment.
11.) What is your favorite candy or dessert? (you can answer both). Most of them? I’m like all-sweet tooth.
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Cordy’s Lovely Blog Party Tag
I thought I wouldn’t have enough mental space to be able to participate in Cordy’s Lovely Blog Party, but I’d forgotten about the tag, and this year she made it so much more interesting, I can’t wait to see everyone’s answers!
Isn’t it romantic to be serenaded?
Depends on the situation, I can imagine some I’d love (whispering or softly singing a song that I like in a quiet moment), but quiet frankly, most of the times I’ve seen it or that people think it should be done . . . I’d either die of embarrassment or laugh in his face.Isn’t it romantic to have pet names for each other?
Ugh, ugh, ugh. NO!Edit: I’m assuming pet names such as “Benny-Boo-Boo” or whatever from How to Lose a Man in 10 Days (though this isn’t used seriously and so is absolutely hysterical) or “Molly-wobbles” from HP. NOT terms of endearments such as “my love” and “honey” and “my darling.” Those I do find romantic, unless of course they include, “mon infant” and “Monseigneur” used in such a way, UGH.
Isn’t it romantic if he wants you to look him in the eye?
Probably, and he will probably have to tell me. What is this referencing? “Look back at me?”Isn’t it romantic to be carried across the threshold?
I guess it could be, it’s so overused though.Isn’t it romantic to receive flowers and chocolates?
I love flowers and chocolate and will always take them, but I think the cliche takes away the romance, plus my mom gets us candy at every holiday, so its not only for romance.Isn’t it romantic to get caught in the rain?
Maybe more funny or adventurous. But the funny and adventurous IS more my kinda romance.Isn’t it romantic to dance?
It can be. I think this plus singing softly is the most traditionally romantic thing on the list for me.Isn’t it romantic if he asks for your parent’s permission to marry you?
No, its more just the polite/correct thing to do.Isn’t it romantic to be rescued?
Or its just chivalrous of him?Isn’t it romantic to stargaze?
Maybe, maybe just more fun. -
The New Year Tag for 2018
What did you do in 2018 that you’d never done before?
I’m a hobbit, especially this year. I can’t think of anything major.
Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make one this year?
I made a ton of goals and while I met some parts of the goals, overall I don’t think I made a success. Yes, I’m definitely having goals. I’m trying to make them more general upfront, and then I will break them down into more achievable steps and plans.
My resolutions were…
I posted them around this time last year if you really want to see them.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my sister-in-law to my first niece (first niece or nephew, is there a group word for that?).
Did anyone close to you die?
No.
What countries/states did you visit?
Florida (the states we drove through to get there don’t count). In other words, back to normal; so much for my dreams (I missing the key ingredient of bravery, since I apparently cannot drive 2 hours in my own state to see the total solar eclipse, over a year, and I’m still disgusted with myself). I’ve been made aware that around this area there are two states, the one you live in and Florida.
What would you like to have in 2019 that you lacked in 2018?
Financial independence.
What date from 2018 will remain etched upon your memory?
My niece’s birthday.
Did you move anywhere?
No.
What was the best month?
All the ones after my niece has been born (the last 3.5).
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I’m not sure. Maybe spending more time with family.
What was your biggest failure?
All things financial and career (per usual).
Did you suffer illness or injury?
No.
What was the best thing you bought?
I didn’t have major purchases, but I bought a lot of unique handmade and vintage items. I posted about the art fair already. I think I have yet to post about some of the other trips.
Whose behavior merited celebration?
Anyone who didn’t do or say anything awful.
Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Everyone who did.
Where did most of your money go?
School and make-up and skincare, I think.
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My niece.
What was the best concert you’ve been to this year?
I don’t go to concerts.
What song/album will always remind you of 2018?
I’m so not a music person, should probably work a bit on that. I have listened to the Greatest Showman music, probably the most current music.
Compared to this time last year, are you:
1. happier or sadder? Happier or more positive at least, I hope, I think?
2. thinner or fatter? Ouch, definitely fatter.
3. richer or poorer? Um, less in debt.
What do you wish you’d done more of?
Saved money.
What do you wish you’d done less of?
Spent money. Shared too many words and emotions at work (i.e. trust no one).
What was your greatest musical discovery?
Like I said, not a huge music person. But I have enjoyed learning about Christmas carols in Stories Behind the Best Loved Songs of Christmas by Ace Collins. And as folk music is definitely my favorite genre, I enjoyed watching and listening to this bluegrass clogging video.
How did you spend Christmas?
With family, I’ll probably post about it soon.
How are you spending New Year’s?
Well, typing this post, I opted not to go with my family to friends. Tomorrow, per usual we have people over (to avoid people having run-ins with drunk drivers) for homemade doughnuts, ping-pong, and board games.
Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
Social media.
What were the best books you read?
The best books were old favorites for fiction. I did enjoy starting Stephen Lawhead’s Pendragon Cycle and Diana Wynne Jones’ Crestomanci books as well as a few others, but no loves there. I appreciated a lot of the health and disease books I read and Sleep Smarter which I want to buy and use like a manual.
What were the best movies you watched?
I Am Dragon, Spiderman: Homecoming, Thor: Ragnarok, Bringing Up Baby, and Monkey Business.
Did you fall in love in 2018?
No.
What was your favorite TV show?
Yeah, I’m NOT a television person.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
What did you want and get?
Spiderman: Homecoming, The Hollow Crown, and The Magic of Ordinary Days.
What did you want and not get?
Books with beautiful covers on my wishlist.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2018?
Apathetic.
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Probably watched a movie? And later we did a family month birthday (we have 5 in that month). Apparently I didn’t do a birthday post, not sure why. But I need to work better at documenting memories, it’s disturbing what I can’t remember. I turned 28.
What kept you sane?
Easy books, funny movies, my room.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Financial and career security.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Hmm, I think I did more fawning on old favs (including really old ones like Gregory Peck and Gary Cooper), Tom Hiddleston, oh, wait. I know a good one. When we watched She’s the Man, my sister and I were drooling over young Channing Tatum (let’s be real, the major reason I wanted to watch that). I also fancied the men in I Am Dragon. But I can’t think of anything that matched my Richard Armitage, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Tom Hiddlestown rages (those later two, especially Hiddleston were more like “real” crushes, cringy I know).
What political issue stirred you the most?
We don’t do politics here.
Who did you miss?
No one.
Who was the best new person you met?
Most new people I’ve met have been work people.
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2018.
Always have an emergency fund.
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Five things I want to do in 2019:
Achieve financial stability
Implement patterns to make my life easier
Travel more
Maybe get out of my shell more (that’s not really a want but a should)
Develop my talents more. -
Little Women Blog Party Tag
I’m joining Molly Rebekah’s A Ramble Through the Woods Little Women blog party; Abby from Lavender Spring is her co-host. I think the focus is mainly on the 1994 film version, so that is how I will be answering the tag questions (also, I strongly advise listening to the soundtrack Molly uploaded whilst answering the questions). I’m a glutton for punishment; Jo and Laurie’s ending is one of the most devastating storylines in literature.
1.) Is there anything from the book that you wish were in the movie?
Well, I wish nothing had been changed (that I liked; I would totally be okay with the directors putting Laurie and Jo together). The John and Meg proposal scene is one of my favorite proposals in literature. I love the chapter “Secrets” and the ensuing results (note: the Anne of Avonlea movie plagiarizes part of this chapter as well as other parts of Little Women; I’ve been meaning to go into that into more detail, and I even purchased the screenplay just for that purpose . . . one day, one day).2.) If you could change one point of the plot, which would it be?
I think we all know my answer to this one. Jo and Laurie. I think I need to re-read and devote an entire post to this.3.) In Chapter 13, the March sisters and Laurie talk about “Castles in the Air,” basically their unrealistic but lovely hopes and dreams. What is your castle in the air?
I’m pretty sure mine is basically like Meg’s.4.) What would you most like to see in a new adaptation of Little Women, whether in book or film? Any specific actors, setting, or time period changes?
An accurate portrayal with actors and actresses the CORRECT ages (most of those girls looked way too old or weren’t even girls anymore). I would prefer better costumes, they were very underwhelming.5.) What is your favorite dress from the movie?
The peach one Amy wears when she gets her letter about Beth. This one; I cannot for the life of me find a better photo that shows the lovely skirt. I also love her hair style.6.) Which March sister(s) do you relate to most?
I’m probably like all of them, except Beth. I have Jo’s temperament with Meg’s domesticity and wishes and Amy’s taste and some of her wishes.7.) Do you have a favorite film adaptation of Little Women?
I like parts of 90’s film (music and Laurie) and part of the 30’s one (most accurate John and Meg proposal scene).8.) What is your favorite quote from Little Women? (Movie quotes count!)
Hard to pick and I’m too lazy to get out of bed, walk two steps and grab the book, and peruse it. So I will grab a light one from Goodreads and hope it is accurately quoted.“Jo’s nineteen hair-pins all seemed stuck straight into her head, which was not exactly comfortable; but, dear me, let us be elegant or die!”
9.) Do you have a favorite scene from Little Women?
I’m going to go by book “scenes.” The proposal as before mentioned; the whole saga of Jo submitting her story/Laurie’s secret as before mentioned; the picnic . . . yeah the book is better.10.) Aside from the March sisters, who is your favorite character from the story?
Um, LAURIE!!!!!!! I do like John Brooke in the book though, the movie doesn’t get him at all right.
