1. Who introduced you to L. M. Montgomery's writing? Tell us the story!
I honestly think it was me. I grew up with the Megan Follows miniseries so when I reached my late teens I just decided to try some of her Anne books. I'm not sure when I first saw the miniseries, only that it's always been there, just like the Road to Avonlea miniseries that I adore.
2. What LMM books have you read?
I have an awful confession. I know that I've read some of the Anne books when I was a teenager, but I have no idea which ones or how far into the series I got. But I read at least 3 and I have also, now, read Emily of New Moon.
3. What movies or shows based on her books have you watched?
I swear someone showed me something about Jane of Lantern Hill at some point, although I might be misremembering. I've also watched the classic Anne series with Megan Follows, all 3 of them. I've seen a few other Anne movies along the way and, yes, I did watch 2 seasons of Anne with an E although I cannot recommend it other than the first season which I found rather brilliant.
Here are my answers to Heidi's tag for her Valentine's Day Period Drama Blog Party at Along the Brandywine. It was immensely fun to fill out and made me stop to think and remember some of my favorite period dramas. That was exciting.
1) Your current three (or up to five!) favorite period dramas?
I'm not watching very many period dramas at the moment but if I were to pick, it would probably be the following:
Sense and Sensibility from 1995 because the film is just so pretty to look at and I just love Emma Thompson as Elinor Dashwood. It's stunning. It's also rather funny seeing Hugh Grant bumble about so awkwardly in Regency clothes. Poor soul, he's much more suited to films like Music & Lyrics or Paddington 2.
The Personal History of David Copperfield from 2020 with Dev Patel because the casting is so remarkably clever and it's just a truly excellent film, and very clean, practically no objectionable content. My favorite adaptation so far and that's saying something since Maggie Smith is hard to beat. I wish it had gotten half the acclaim as that heinous miniseries Bridgerton.
And then the 1982 film adaptation of The Scarlet Pimpernel with Anthony Andrews and Jane Seymour. Because no one can beat this adaptation and the lead couple is darling. It's a truly stunning film and it just makes my heart happy.
2) What would you recommend to someone who’s never seen a period drama as a starter?
Probably something that's Jane Austen, maybe the 2005 Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley, or the 1996 Emma with Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam. They're film length so nothing too intimidating and they're extremely pretty, plus, they star fairly well-known actors and that can be a help when people are first starting out in the period drama realm.
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?
Oh the tragedy of it all, poor Ivanhoe and Rebecca, doomed to fail before they ever got started. And why you ask? Because he is a Christian knight and she is a Jewess. It crushes my very soul. As you may have guessed, I'm not a fan of the main romance in Ivanhoe (specifically the 1982 version with Anthony Andrews), but instead, I wish it could have been different and Ivanhoe and Rebecca could have been together. They were so clearly drawn towards one another, but alas, it was not meant to be. Pardon me while I go weep in a corner. I wrote in greater detail about Ivanhoe and Rebecca in my Sacrificial Love: Ivanhoe and Rebeccablog post.
4) What do you consider foundational qualities for a healthy romance?
The ability to respect boundaries, have mutual interests, and mutual political and religious associations. The ability to still maintain and even grow other relationships in addition to the romantic one, that's a biggie. So in other words, not Edward and Bella from Twilight. They're the antithesis of a healthy relationship.
5) Worst villain/antagonist?
I truly despise Mr. Grandcourt from Daniel Deronda. He absolutely makes my skin crawl. He's just horrendous on so many levels, but especially for forcing his wife to have intimacy. It was just so bad. It's a wonder I can stomach Hugh Bonneville in anything else, but I'm actually very fond of him as an actor, just not in Daniel Deronda. I guess it means he did his job right.
6) A favorite proposal scene?
I'm sorry guys, but I LOVE the absurdity of Mr. Darcy's first proposal. He muffs it, big time, and I always laugh in every single version I've seen.
I'm especially partial to the proposal in the 1938 version where Laurence Olivier's eyes pretty much pop out of his head in astonishment at her refusal, which you can see above. Ignore the inaccurate costuming, I know they're off in era, but for me, it doesn't matter.
7) Favorite period drama characters based on a real-life couple?
I don't really watch a lot of biographical type period dramas, but if I were to take a stab in the dark, I would go with Victoria, meaning Victoria and Albert. I only watched the first season, but it was very good and I enjoyed their relationship.
8) Any classic b/w period dramas you like?
I love the 1938 Pride and Prejudice with Greer Garson and *flutters eyelashes* Sir Laurence Olivier. I know, I know, it doesn't match the Regency era and the fashion is all wrong. But I LOVE it anyway. It was my first introduction to Jane Austen when I was a teenager, and I have loved it ever since.
Laurence Olivier does this thing with his gloves when he takes them off. It just makes me giggle every time. Seriously.
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.)
Mmmm, I would say Doctor Thorne and the American heiress Martha Dunstable. I love the miniseries Doctor Thorne, and this couple truly made me happy. I realize she's not that old, but Doctor Thorne has charming grey hair. Their attraction is downplayed by the younger couple, but it's quite real and quite charming.
10) Most excruciatingly long, slow-burn romance in a period drama?
Margaret Hale and John Thornton in North & South. It takes them FOREVER to get ANYWHERE. It's a beautiful miniseries, but it does drag on endlessly. And then even more endlessly beyond that. It is an endless trail of endlessness.
11) A story that has multiple film adaptations where you love more than one of them?
I'm partial to 3 versions of Jane Eyre.
The 1943 version with Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine is excellent, although his Mr. Rochester terrifies me the most of all of them. Then there's the 1983 version with Timothy Dalton and Zelah Clarke. That one's my personal favorite. And, of course, the 2006 version with Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens.
All 3 of them have their merits and considering I've never gotten past 100 pages in the novel, I'm not busy comparing film to book, just film to film. And I happen to love Timothy Dalton as Mr. Rochester and I adore Zelah Clarke's unbridled spunk. They're brilliant.
12) A book you think needs to be made into a film (or a new adaptation)?
Would somebody please remake Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey and do it RIGHT, without all of the stupid visions and imaginings that they love to put Catherine Morland through? Could she please be allowed to just be an innocent girl who enjoys reading who falls in love with a charming and slightly snarky vicar? That's all I ask. Just do it RIGHT, with the proper casting (a feat they haven't managed yet), without adding any politically correct nonsense or rewriting the story to be just shy of absurd. It shouldn't be so hard to do a proper adaptation!
I was very kindly tagged for this by The Maidens of Green Gables. Thank you, ladies, I enjoyed it immensely! My nominees at the bottom of the list.
Here are your rules as set out by the originator of the tag, Emily of The Altogether Unexpected blog.
Answer every question honestly. (duh.)
Use as many gifs and images as possible.
Incorporate at least one YouTube video with a favorite scene of a character.
NO VAGUE ANSWERS ALLOWED. Explain why you chose that favorite character to fit that description. I love details, my friends.
If you can’t choose just one, that’s okay – give us a few answers and geek out if that’s what it takes.
Tag at least 3 people.
Use fictional characters from any fictional story.
If you get nominated and/or decide to participate in this tag, please put a link back to this post in your post and credit Emily of The Altogether Unexpected blog as the creator.
Have fun and obsess over fictional characters!
Goody-two-shoes: A character who was just so morally good (ELINOR DASHWOOD, SENSE AND SENSIBILITY)
Elinor Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility, both Jane Austen's novel and any of the films.
She is so insanely, painfully self-sacrificing. She is a woman who knows the limits of her family's finances, takes care of her mother and younger sister when they have melt-downs, and denies to herself her true love because he is engaged to another woman.
She will never push to take something for herself if it means harming someone else, and she even becomes an unselfish confidante to the fiance of the man she loves. It's a wonder she had a happy ending, but after going through all of her restraint where Edward is concerned, she deserved one and I'm so happy that Austen gave it to her. Elinor is so strong and so loving, one of my favorite of Austen's heroines alongside Anne Elliot and Catherine Morland.
Heartbreaker: A character who made you cry (NEWT, THE MAZE RUNNER)
Newt in The Maze Runner film series played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster. Newt might just be one of my favorite fictional characters of all time.
Sorry, folks, but there are some spoilers here. There was no way to avoid them.
The Maze Runner series is about a dystopian world where a disease has wiped out most of the adult population and their only hope in finding a cure is to put kids/teens who seem more resistant to the disease through a series of extreme tests. Newt is one of these teens.
Newt has a strong, yet highly forgiving nature. He's a leader in that as a follower of other leaders he makes wise choices in who he will follow. When there's a schism of leadership among the group of boys he's a part of, Newt takes the harder road by following new leadership. His choices lend strength to others who also choose to follow new leadership because Newt led the way. It turns out he was right.
In The Death Cure, the audience is subjected to watching Newt slowly deteriorate because he's been exposed to the disease. It's one of the hardest half hours I've ever subjected myself to and I will never forget the floods of tears I experienced BOTH TIMES I saw The Death Cure in the theater. Newt is such a selfless character at the end of his journey, definitely in keeping with who we know him to be, but also in ways that require superhuman strength to put his own wellbeing aside and fight for the safety and wellbeing of others. That fight he has with Thomas (leader and best friend) at the end BROKE MY HEART.
I was an absolute mess. And I still have a necklace with Newt's name on it as a reminder of that brilliant performance by Thomas Brodie-Sangster. It probably helps that he's British since I'm a sucker for British actors, always have been.
Ironically this video does not have Newt in it. But it is his voice narrating a letter he wrote to Thomas, his best friend, and is one of my favorite scenes. It does contain spoilers since it's at the very end of the last movie so if you've never watched the series and think you someday might, you may want to skip watching this now.
Parrot: A character who won’t stop talking (HYACINTH BUCKET, KEEPING UP APPEARANCES)
Hands' down, it is Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced Bouquet according to her) from the 1990s British television program Keeping Up Appearances.
Hyacinth never lets anyone else get a word in edgewise under any circumstances because everything she has to say is so important and nothing anyone else says is of any importance at all.
There's a scene in, I think, the 5th season where her husband, Richard, is going to take her to a country house sale (like an estate sale), and he's saying one thing in a panic and she repeats it right back to him with excitement as if he never spoke.
Richard: Somehow you think that if something has been owned by the aristocracy then it must be worth twice as much.
Hyacinth: You know, I think that if something has been owned by the aristocracy then it must be worth twice as much!
She's hilarious and obnoxious and it's one of my favorite sitcoms.
Devilish: Your favorite villain (FRANK LANGELLA AS DRACULA)
Frank Langella as Dracula in the 1979 film.
Yes, I'm being this specific because Langella's performance was all about sensuous magnetism. He took a somewhat cheesy, corny role and turned it into a desirable one. It helps that the casting choice for their Jonathan Harker made the so-called hero the least likable man on the planet. Compared with Jonathan, Dracula was a saint. He has this polite demeanor that is actually genuine where women are concerned. He's gentle and respectable and very, very Victorian, unlike Jonathan who likes to push the boundaries and is a jealous, pompous jerk.
Here's a really lovely music video from Dracula 1979. It has some sensuality, but no nudity.
Love interest: A character who, if alive in reality, you would want to marry (PEETA MELLARK, THE HUNGER GAMES)
Peeta Mellark from The Hunger Games trilogy.
He's stable and steadfast. It's hard in the books because they're just from Katniss' perspective, and so we see Peeta through her eyes, just like with Harry Potter and Snape.
What I see when I look at Peeta is someone who risked a beating from his mother to give away some bread to a girl he barely knew but who he could see was starving. He's also a person who knew he needed to adapt to stand even a chance of survival in the Hunger Games and did it, all without losing his soul. He's a charmer and people can't help but like him, the complete antithesis of Katniss. Peeta stays himself except for the intense cruelty of Mockingjay where he's been brainwashed to see Katniss as an enemy.
He's deeply sacrificial, gentle, and gives of himself completely to Katniss. His love for her was real long before hers for him ever began to blossom, but he waited her out. Peeta is a beautiful, radiant character in both the books and the films, and he would make any woman a worthy, safe, steadfast husband.
Sidekick: A character who was always loyal no matter what (ARTHUR HASTINGS, AGATHA CHRISTIE'S POIROT)
Arthur Hastings, sidekick to Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot in the best-kept traditions of being Watson to Sherlock Holmes.
I've yet to read a Poirot novel, but I have watched the David Suchet miniseries countless times and I hear that it's fairly close to Christie's creation.
Hastings is a sweet man, always upbeat and positive, always ready for a lark and an adventure. He thinks of his friends first, which is usually more than can be said of Poirot, Lord love 'im. Hastings is the one who will never ever crack the case wide open, but he is the one who will chase the criminal down, run errands, file paperwork if Poirot's secretary Miss Lemon is out of town, and just be a supportive presence to the great and magnificently pompous, Hercule Poirot.
He's also never afraid to speak his mind, and if he thinks that Poirot is being absurdly prideful, he will actually speak up. Like in The Mystery of the Spanish Chest when Poirot is being particularly puffed up and not at all humble, and Hastings tries to remind him that humility is a virtue.
Which of course, backfires just a smidge when Poirot lets a compliment slide off his back and Hastings praises him for his restraint.
Poirot: I am learning, Hastings. It is more English, yes, the humbleness? So, I am learning. I shall be the most humble person in the world. No one will match Hercule Poirot for his humbility.
Hastings is an excellent companion and an unfailing support to Hercule Poirot.
Complicated: A character you love and hate (SEVERUS SNAPE)
Severus Snape, books or films, it doesn't matter.
He's clearly on the side of right after Lily Potter's murder, works with Dumbledore, and does all the right things, including trying to save Harry's life in The Philosopher's Stone when Professor Quirrell is trying to kill Harry on the Quidditch field.
But he's such a JERK about almost everything! He's cold and cruel and underhanded in a very childish way towards Harry and his friends.
BUT, I also know that we see Snape through Harry's not-so-clear glasses. Harry, bless 'im, is an unreliable narrator, so we, the reader, have no idea what Snape is truly like. All we know is that, according to Harry, he's hateworthy, only I never truly hated him.
If you want more of my thoughts regarding Severus Snape, you can read my In Defense of Severus Snapeblog post.
Oddity: A character who was strange, but you loved them that way (ODD THOMAS)
This would have to be Odd Thomas, both the book character by Dean Koontz and the film character portrayed by Anton Yelchin before his untimely death (rip).
Odd (that's his first name) sees ghosts. And they see him. He even had the ghost of Elvis wandering around him for a while. The ghosts don't speak, but they usually have some unfinished business they want Odd to assist them with. He's a very kind-hearted, gentle soul, compassionate and sweet. I only read the first 2 books in the series, but I love him. Anton did a great job portraying him in a movie that didn't quite do the story of the first book justice, but is a better adaptation than quite a few of Koontz's book to film tales.
Queen/King: A female/male character who you admire and aspire to emulate
Sara Crewe from Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess, a book I absolutely adore.
This child is remarkable.
Born into privilege, cast down to the lowliest of the lows through circumstance, spit upon, abused, and despised by those around her, and yet her imagination and hopeful spirit are indomitable. She takes on so much more abuse than anyone should have to handle and she does so with a gracious spirit. She is a princess, yes, but only because all girls are princesses. Because you see, princesses care for the weak and see their value.
My favorite film version is from 1995 which I think they got maybe 90% right, and what they did change, like allowing Sara's father to live, I can completely support. The story is beautiful and heartbreaking and Sara shines as an example of mercy and compassion and loving one's neighbor, reminding me of who I should try to be.
Savior: A character who oddly reminds you of Christ (P. T. BARNUM, THE GREATEST SHOWMAN)
P. T. Barnum in The Greatest Showman! Now, yes, he was a real man, but as I understand it, about 20% of this movie is actually true, so it's pretty much fiction, which is why I'm using him.
I know, I know, it sounds crazy (and if it's crazy, live a little crazy), but from the very first moment, he reminded me of Christ. There's this spark of magnetism about him, this call to people to follow him, that he wants to offer them a better life free of the shadows plaguing them.
I mean, come on, just the lyrics to Come Alive are a call to living fully, stepping out of the darkness and into the light and never looking back at who we were before!
Come alive, come alive
Go and light your light
Let it burn so bright
Reaching up
To the sky
And it's open wide
You're electrified
When the world becomes a fantasy
And you're more than you could ever be
'Cause you're dreaming with your eyes wide open
And you know you can't go back agin
To the world that you were living in
'Cause you're dreaming with your eyes wide open
So come alive!
Then there's The Other Side with Barnum and Carlyle. It was another mind-blowing moment of Christ calling followers to find freedom, break out of their cages, and follow Him because his burden is so much lighter.
I'm sure the writers for The Greatest Showman never imagined the comparison, but it shines so brightly to me. Barnum reaches out to the unlovely of society, the unloved, and he takes them in and gives them hope and a future. Of course, the comparison ends at some point because Barnum loses his way for a bit, but still, the message is there.
I nominate the following folks (and anyone else who wants to participate:
Better late than never, I suppose! Although it's still the actual Twelve Days of Christmas since that ends at Epiphany. So I guess this still counts. Many thanks to Heidi at Along the Brandywinefor tagging me; so thoughtful of you!
I hope everyone has enjoyed a Merry Christmas. This year's holiday was a bit of a strain which is why I disappeared for almost an entire month. But I wanted to get one last post in before we ring out the old and ring in the new. Thankfully, this is the first time that my sister and I actually did Advent every day, so that was an enormous blessing in our lives. It helped keep some of the frantic worries at bay.
1) A favorite Christmas tradition?
My family goes to the WWI memorial in a local cemetery on Christmas Eve to commemorate the Christmas Truce during the Great War. We play Silent Night in German on m phone (the version from the film Joyeux Noël), light candles, say a prayer, and leave a bouquet of flowers. It only takes us a couple of minutes, but it's important to remember those times when peace won out over war.
2) Say it snowed at your domicile, would you prefer to go out or stay curled up inside?
I'm more of the stay inside and read kinda girl. Although I do go ice fishing, so I guess it's a 50/50 chance.
3) Tea or hot chocolate?
Both! Although tea is healthier for me, so that's usually what I choose.
Our Christmas tree
4) Favorite Christmas colors (i.e. white, blue, silver, red and green etc)?
I've preferred the pastels of pinks and greens and silvers in the past, but this year I've enjoyed having a very Victorian Christmas tree in reds and greens and golds. I do have a shelf in my room with a Narnia flair so it's all white with some Jim Shore figurines from his White Woodland collection and I love it.
Date Nut Balls
5) Favorite kind of Christmas cookie?
Probably a recipe we make called Date Nut Balls. Loads of chocolate, dates, peanut butter, and walnuts. They're delicious.
6) How soon before Christmas do you decorate (more specifically, when does your tree go up)?
It's usually the day after Thanksgiving. My sister and I helped our parents decorate too so I don't remember which day, in particular, we decorated our apartment. Probably the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
My Narnia themed white shelf
7) Three favorite traditional Christmas carols?
Silent Night (sung in German), Once in Royal David's City (as sung by Michael Crawford), O Holy Night
8) A favorite Christmas song (i.e. something you might hear on the radio)?
Santa Claus is Coming to Town as sung by the Jackson Five
9) A favorite Christmas movie?
Mmm, probably The Apartment from 1960 with Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine. I know, I know, it's not really a Christmas movie, but I always watch it at Christmas. Otherwise, I love The Polar Express and both of the Home Alone movies.
10) Have you ever gone caroling?
Not so far, no.
11) Ice skating, sledding, skiing, or snowboarding?
Probably sledding since I loved that as a child. I haven't gone in years though, so sad.
12) Favorite Christmas feast dish?
The prime rib. So delectable!
Here are the questions if you choose to answer them on your own blog! Do let me know if you answer them and let Heidi know as well!
1) A favorite Christmas tradition?
2) Say it snowed at your domicile, would you prefer to go out or stay curled up inside?
3) Tea or hot chocolate?
4) Favorite Christmas colors (i.e. white, blue, silver, gold, red and green etc)?
5) Favorite kind of Christmas cookie?
6) How soon before Christmas do you decorate (more specifically, when does your tree go up)?
7) Three favorite traditional Christmas carols?
8) A favorite Christmas song (i.e. something you might hear on the radio)?
9) A favorite Christmas movie?
10) Have you ever gone caroling?
11) Ice skating, sledding, skiing, or snow boarding?
I randomly found this tag on Thrifty Bibliophile, and thought it sounded like fun. I don't mind doing tags every once in awhile, especially if they don't require me to spend a whole lot of time on them. Why am I doing it Christmas Eve? Because we're pretty much all set for Christmas, which is awesome!
Four Jobs I've Had
Library Shelving Page
Library Circulation Assistant
Data Entry Associate
Data Entry Specialist
Four Things I Don't Eat
Stuffed Bellpeppers (ewww on so many levels particularly with the hamburger meat)
Red Chili (Dennison's is the only type I can stomach)
White Chocolate (bleh)
Those weird little baby octopus (YUCK!)
Four Places I've Lived
California
Oregon (3 different homes)
Colorado (3 different homes)
Four of My Favorite Foods
Sushi (yep, the real kind of sushi with the raw fish and everything, so yummy!)
Noosa Yogurt
European breakfast buffet with smoked salmon, tomatoes, rye toast, etc.
A really excellent Chicken Caesar Salad
Four Movies I've Watched More than Once
The Apartment with Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine and Fred MacMurray.
The Lord of the Rings
Rogue One
Thor: Ragnarok
Four TV Shows I Watch
Gotham
Once Upon a Time
Stranger Things (it sorta counts)
Trollhunters (another Netflix original)
Four Things I'm Looking Forward to This Year
Renting an apartment or buying a house
Pursuing my writing with deeper purpose and focus
The possibility of working from home
Getting back into the blogging scene
Four Things I Can't Live Without
God's love and His promise of salvation
Four Places I've Visited
Helsinki and Vaasa, Finland
Disneyland
Vancouver, Canada
Mesa Verde, Colorado
Four Pet Peeves
The foot jiggle from people who think they have ADHD but don't (just STOP)
Being reminded of things I've already done because I remembered to do them
Talking instead of working while on your employer's dime
Tailgaters with blaring music
Four Things I Wish I Could Do
Retire now
Lose weight and keep it off
Get in the car and drive to wherever strikes my fancy
Finish everything in the span of my 33 years that I've started and haven't yet finished
Four Subjects I Studied at School
Victorian Literature
The British Romantics
Composing Poetry
Creative Writing
Four Things Near Me Right Now
An unopened pack of Luke Skywalker party napkins (why? Because I love them)
A pair of Elvis Presley blue suede slippers
Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton (a book my sister lent me)
3 different types of hand lotion (I obviously need to commit to just one)
I Tag . . .
Because it's been awhile since I've been active on here and have no clue how many people are still reading my blog, pretty much anyone who wants to participate can. I'd love it if DKoren and Birdie would, actually, if I'm going to tag someone specific.
Just to clarify, I was not nominated for the award, but I liked Sarah's questions from the blog How to Watch a Movie so much that I wanted to answer them and she most kindly gave me permission.
1. Favorite movie genre, and why?
Right now, my favorite movie genre is magical realism. Like Harry Potter or Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell or Inkheart. Stories with one foot in reality and the other in a world of magic. I'm the same way with books. Can I get three cheers for the upcoming Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them!
2. Favorite movie that's an adaptation of a book you've read?
Hmmmmm, possibly The Outsiders from 1983 based off S.E. Hinton's novel of the same name. I love the book, absolutely love it, and to my delight the movie sticks close enough to the original story that it genuinely impressed me. Plus, it has Emilio Estevez in it and I LOVE Emilio Estevez. It's a terrific story about gang rivalry in the 1960s and how even if you're not truly a gang, you can be lumped into a stereotypical group simply because of your family or your appearance.
3. An actor or actress you're enjoying who you've only recently noticed?
That would be Steve McQueen. Was never, ever a fan until about 6 months ago. I happened to show my best friend The Magnificent Seven, a movie I've loved for years, and I genuinely noticed McQueen for the first time. How bizarre, right? So now I'm loving his movies and oh, boy is his western television show Wanted Dead or Alive so . . . much . . . fun!
4. A favorite "unexpected surprise" movie?
Probably Zootopia. I was amused by the trailer for sure, but had no idea I would love the story concept so very much, the idea of stereotypes and breaking stereotypes, etc. It's a great theme with a lot of truly relevant content. One of my top favorite animated movies of all time.
5. A movie that has a cast catered to you?
Okay, so I'm not 100% in love with the film adaptation of Inkheart, but the casting, oh the casting is sublime. Brendan Fraser as Mo had me over the moon, but I was in 7th heaven with Paul Bettany as Dustfinger (one of my absolute favorite literary characters!). And Helen Mirren as Elinor and Jim Broadbent as the author, Fenoglio! As if those 4 weren't enough, then I also have Andy Serkis as the villain, Capricorn. It's perfect casting. I wouldn't have changed a single, solitary person!
6. An obscure movie that you think is great and you wish more people knew about?
I love this little sci-fi flick from 2011 called In Time with Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried. It's the story of a society where time is a commodity. You earn time instead of money, so it's your wage and you also pay with it. Imagine what would happen if someone suddenly had over 100 years of time. What would the repercussions be? It's a fascinating movie and shockingly proved that Justin Timberlake is a pretty terrific actor.
7. A movie that has a great soundtrack?
Okay, so I love the soundtrack for The Magnificent Seven. Elmer Bernstein knew exactly what he was doing to make such an incredibly western and American soundtrack. Loveit.
8. A movie that reminds you of summer?
Oh, possibly Three Coins in a Fountain, a movie I love and probably shouldn't. But Rossano Brazzi is just so gorgeously Italian!
9. A movie you loved as a kid and still love (not because of nostalgia)?
I grew up watching Newsies and it's still one of my favorite musicals. Brilliantly cast and choreographed and just has so many awesome songs. Love it.
10. Plot device pet peeve?
I'm tired of the villains chattering on about their evil plans. That's why it's so hilarious when a speech gets interrupted, like in Guardians of the Galaxy or The Avengers. Best moments ever!
11. Ending preference for movies, and why?
It depends on the genre. If I'm watching a romance, happy ending, please. Nothing ambiguous, just straight up happy. If it's a superhero flick, sure, let there be some ambiguity as to who's right and who's wrong. If it's drama, don't wrap everything up and present it to me in a neat little package. That's not real life. Don't get me wrong, I like happy endings, but I also like realism in my movies. But I definitely hate terrible endings of sadness for sadness' sake. That's just for shock value and loses my respect and interest quickly.
So, my dear friend Hamlette from Hamlette's Soliloquy started this fun little tag about blogs. And I love the idea, a way to praise and encourage your fellow bloggers, plus I made it to her list, for which I'm extremely touched.
Then, a newer blog I'm following, Heidi over at Along the Brandywine, tagged me, so that's 2 reasons for me to fill this out!
Thanks to both of you!
The Rules
Thank the person who tagged you
Answer the questions
Tag some blogging friends
Blog that makes me laugh
I'd say that the one that makes me laugh the most is probably Olivia's blog, Meanwhile, in Rivendell.
Blog that makes me think
Definitely Charity at History!Chick since she is always able to find deep meanings in whatever fandom she's currently interested in.
Blog that teaches me things
Ooh, I love Olivia's blog (a different Olivia) called Hopeful Honey. I love to crochet and she has such gorgeous patterns and tips on new stitches!
Blogger who takes great pictures
Sadly, I don't follow a lot of blogs that take their own photos, so I'm going to tout Kirsty Mitchell's collection called Wonderland. The woman is gifted beyond belief. Photos range between G and PG13, all fantasy and fairy tale themed. GORGEOUS!
New blog I'm enjoying
I like literally JUST started following Jayne's blog, Adventures at Tiny Toadstool Cottage, but I love her reviews and thoughts already! I anticipate this will be the start of a long blogging friendship!
Blog I've followed the longest
I've been following Charity at History!Chick for as long as I've been blogging, even since before I was on blogger but on Livejournal.
Blog I've started following the most recently
I just started following Heidi at Along the Brandywine and am enjoying getting to know her interests and opinions.
If anyone else wants to fill out the tag, you most certainly may!
For your convenience, here are the tag questions for you to copy:
Blog that makes me laugh
Blog that makes me think
Blog that teaches me things
Blog with beautiful headers
Blogger who takes great pictures
Blogger whose recommendations I trust
New blog I'm enjoying
Blog I've followed the longest
Blog I've started following the most recently
I snatched this from Lois over at You, Me, and a Cup of Tea who I haven't been following for all that long, but do enjoy reading her posts.
Plus, it gives me an excuse to squeeee over the new banner my sister put together for this blog! She's awesome with graphics and I LOVE it!
Anyway, on to the tag itself, and I am an active Goodreads member so these are all up-to-date as of yesterday.
What is the last book you marked as "read"? On This Foundation by Lynn Austin. Which you can tell since my review is just prior to this latest post.
What are you "currently reading"? Three books are currently on the list, although I'm actively reading one, The Shock of Night, a fantasy by Patrick Carr that I'm really loving. The other 2 books are Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay and Once in a While by Linda Ellen.
What was the last book you marked as "to read"? Snow Day by Billy Coffey, but mostly because I intend to read all of his amazing books at some point and just added them all to my list last night.
What book do you plan on reading next? It needs to be Regina Jennings' At Love's Bidding because I'm reading it for the Bethany House Blogger program.
Do you use the star rating system? Oh yes, and I'm really honest about when I like a book or not. I don't mind giving a book 3 stars so long as I write a review that actually gives a reason for the rating.
Are you doing the 2016 reading challenge? Always. This year it's only 50 books because I have other stuff going on.
Do you have a wish list? Not really. When there's a book I really love, I'll just buy it. I don't often ask for books for gifts because I have that habit of buying them!
What book are you planning on buying next? Mm, no real plans at the moment. Maybe some of Camille Eide's books since I don't own any, they're all loaners.
What is your favorite quote?
Who are your favorite authors? I have plenty, but right now, CAMILLE EIDE is top of the list! I love that woman's work! Long-term favorite authors are Cornelia Funke, Tolkien, and Charity Bishop.
Are you a part of any Goodreads group? A couple of Christian fiction groups and a blogger book review group, as well as a Jane Austen group. I'm not entirely active, but sometimes I post.
What could Goodreads do better? Re-reads capability in the lists would be amazing! And their app could be improved to allow liking reviews from people that you're not friends with. Both of those things would be awesome.
I was tagged on this by Hamlette and you should have seen me frantically going back through her blog to find the instructions again! I couldn't even remember what day she tagged me. I am so bad!
Anyhooooooowwww, I found it, I'm doing it . . . YAY!!
1) Luke Skywalker (as played by Mark Hamill in please-tell-me-you-know-what). I
can't even begin to describe the emotions that Luke invokes. He was my
absolute top hero when I was 9-years-old, one of my first crushes, and I
will always hold a little warmth in my heart for him. Mark Hamill is
Luke Skywalker to me. Mostly because he's never really played anyone
else in live action films. I even own the Star Wars radio dramas and Mark voiced Luke for A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. I love him, yesterday, today, and forever.
2) Macgyver (as played by Richard Dean Anderson). If Luke Skywalker was
my first love, then Macgyver was my second. I was probably
eleven-years-old or so when I first watched Macgyver and I've
loved it ever since, loved him ever since. Don't you just love how Mac
can take a piece of string, some chewing gum, and a candy bar and save
the world? He's the first environmentalist I ever encountered in my
entertainment world and he's probably part of the reason why I'm very
environment conscious. Plus, look at that face. RDA was nothing if not
gorgeous!
3) Sherlock Holmes (as played by Jeremy Brett). I love this man so much. Both the character and the actor. It's not that I don't mind other versions, but it just feels like Jeremy Brett really captures the heart of the character. He was ill starting in the 2nd season and, to my understanding, through the rest of his life which does reflect in the series, but I never really mind it. He just brings Holmes to such vivid life. I adore him!
4) Captain America a.k.a Steve Rogers (as played by Chris Evans). I've heard rumors that other men have played Cap, but I don't care. Chris Evans is and forever will be Captain America to me. He embodies everything that is good and noble and hopeful in this world. He is selfless and righteous and he always puts the world ahead of his own needs. Even becoming Captain America was done so he could serve, not because of anything he could get out of it. Love him!
5) Gandalf (as played by Ian McKellan for The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003). Does this really need any explanation? I like wizards in general, but Gandalf was so special to me. I went with my dad the day after Christmas to see The Fellowship of the Ring, loved it, loved Gandalf especially, and that love has stuck with me ever since. There's something timeless about him that speaks to my heart and makes me wish I know a man like him.
6) Jesse Katsopolis (as played by John Stamos in Full House). Uncle Jesse is actually a new favorite. I was house-sitting a little over a year ago and Full House was the only thing on. I'd never seen it, but the moment Jesse walked on the set, I was hands down in love. Yes, I can be that petty! He's pretty, he's tough, but he's also got a sensitive core where his family is concerned. His emotional progression throughout the series kept me watching it. Without John Stamos, I really doubt the show would have made it past the first season.
7) Hercule Poirot (as played forever and always by David Suchet). I've been watching episodes of Poirot for longer than I've been a fan of Sherlock Holmes. We watched them as a family when we lived in Oregon, at least 16 years ago, so that's saying a lot. I love his little quirks, his little grey cells, his tidiness, and his ability to reason everything out in his brain and be right 96% of the time. He's amazing and David Suchet has made the character eternal!
8) Stiles (as played by Dylan O'Brien in Teen Wolf). I like snarky characters. This photo may not show it, but Stiles is literally the King of Snark. He's the main reason why I watch, and love, Teen Wolf. If not for the brilliance that is Dylan O'Brien, Stiles would likely be a lifeless or worse, annoying, character. But thanks to Dylan, he is lively and fun and still keeps me returning to this show despite its downfalls. Stiles is ma main man!!!
9) Peter (as in the Saint, played by Adam Levy in A.D. the Bible Continues) If you thought that Uncle Jesse was a new love, Peter is even newer. How do you describe connecting so deeply with a character that you feel like you know them? I know Peter. Now when I think of this man stepping out of that boat in faith and walking on the water towards Jesus, it's this Peter that I see. This actor, the writers, whatever the reason . . . Peter is now alive to me, as he never was before. I see him, I empathize with him, and I love him. I read The Bible now, and I know him, really know him. It's the most incredible feeling.
10) Jack McCoy (as played by Sam Waterston in Law and Order). It was hard choosing my last favorite. And looking back through the list, I'm not surprised to see they're all men. But I picked Jack for a reason. He stands for truth by working in the DA's office. I don't like lawyers. I really don't, especially criminal defense lawyers. So when my bff introduced by me to Law and Order at least ten years ago, I fell instantly in love with Jack McCoy. Not for his looks or any physical reason, but for his reason, logic, and intellect, and his dedication to the law. Sam Waterston was brilliant in this role, and when I think of Law and Order, he's the first face that I see.
One runners-up that deserves a mention is Colombo, played by Peter Falk. I love that man!
Okay, so we're done with my happy little list of dudes. If you want to participate, consider yourself tagged, but no pressure. Thanks, Hamlette, for tagging me. Sorry it took me so long to respond, but it was a ton of fun! Loved it!
So, I picked these up from Dkoren and Hamlette. Enjoy reading!
The rules for the tag are:
~ Paste the button onto your blog post.
~ Leave a new list of questions (or just pass on the question list you
answered) and tag a few people of your random choice (and say why you
tagged them, if you have time!) (Be original and nonsensical in your
question-creativity - make the blogging world a cheerful place :-) And
be disastrously random.)
Now for the fun...
~Write down three facts about you - one of them is WRONG. Let your
commenters guess in the comments which one is wrong (and tell them in
the comments after a while)
~Answer the questions of the person who tagged you - make it all super random and interesting :-D
Three Facts About Me -- and One of These is WRONG! Can you guess which one?
I traveled in an RV with my parents around the southwestern and western United States until I was 8-years-old selling jewelry and spices at fairs.
I played a secondary character in a theatrical version of Pride & Prejudice.
Dogs are my favorite pet.
My Answers to DKoren's and Hamlette's questions
What's your favorite place to go for a walk/hike?
I'm really not much of a hiker, but Compassion has a lovely Advocate's Walking Trail that's a little over a mile in length, perfect for a walk over my half hour lunch. I try to take it at least a few times a week. Always on the lookout for snakes, of course.
What kind/color pen do you prefer to use?
I just want a pen that has good ink and will work on any and all kinds of paper. Other than that, I'm good.
What's your favorite event in the Winter Olympics?
Evan
Alexei
FIGURE SKATING! OH my gosh, Evan Lysacek, how I LOVE HIM! And Alexei Yagudin! I'm sure I was a traitor to the American figure skaters all those years ago, but I just didn't care that I was rooting for a Russian. He was SENSATIONAL!
What decorations are on your keychain?
Umm, let me think. I have a gazillion little cards to various restaurants and stores and one, lone
Michael Bublé keychain that I've had for five years and will likely never, ever take off unless it falls apart.
If you're in place you've never been, do you prefer a map or a GPS or asking for help to find your way?
Give me a map. I study it first and pray that I have a good navigator.
Did you have a piggy bank growing up?
Yes, but it was a copper owl instead of a piggy.
What's the second-to-last movie you watched?
You would ask that. I was hoping to never admit this. Umm, it was actually Chef by Jon Favreau. More language in it than you can even imagine, which is a shame because the actual plot of the story, once you get past everything else, is pretty amazing. Oh yeah, and I watched it because RDJ had a 5 minute cameo. Yet another part that I hate because he plays . . . you guessed it, a jackass. What is wrong with that man? Never going to watch it again because it's not worth wading through the swearing.
Can you hula hoop?
Yes, I have an exercise hoop that I use once the weather warms up. Loads of fun.
What's the coolest theme park you've visited?
Disneyland, duh. In fact, I pretty much never wanted to leave.
If you could be any mythical creature, what would you choose to be?
I'm not really up on mythical creatures, but I think the sphinx is pretty cool. Head of an eagle, body of I think a lion and wings. I think that's what it's called anyway.
What's your favorite movie that has a wedding in it?
I don't watch a lot of movies that have weddings so I can't really recall one. Ooh, wait I've got one, Yours, Mine, and Ours, the version with Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda. "Enemies of the bride on the right, enemies of the groom on the left." "She has mean eyes." Or something like that.
Favorite role from your favorite actor?
My choice for favorite actor bounces around so much it's hard to pick one. At this moment in time, my favorite actor is Jeff Goldblum. Hard to say who'll be my favorite actor 2 months from now. But my favorite of Goldblum's roles is still Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park although Raines was a close second. But I just could not overlook all that black he wears as Ian. Yum! Oh, yeah, and the snark. Because snark is awesome coming from him!
Favorite role from your favorite actress?
Okay, this is tougher because I'm not one to claim favorite actresses. My movie collection is made up of favorite actors, not actresses. But if I had one it might be Jennifer Lawrence. She's pretty amazing. Love her as Katniss in The Hunger Games.
Book you've read that you tell people not to bother reading?
Kiss of Night by Debbie Vigue (Christian vampire novel totally devoid of personality) and The Lost World by Michael Crighton (one Jurassic Park novel was plenty).
A food you refuse to try?
Haggis. Not going there. EVER.
Your favorite article of clothing?
A sleeveless green top that has an overlayer in greens and golds and blues. It's hard to describe but I've had it for years and love it. It's starting to show some wear unfortunately.
Have you ever gone to see the same movie in the theater more than once?
Many times, and for many films. The last one I saw more than once was Captain America: The Winter Soldier. God, I love that movie!
Do you paint your toenails?
Sometimes, in the summer months when I wear sandals.
Do you wear any piece of jewelry every day?
Yes, I have a Promise Ring that my parents gave me when I turned 13. You know, the one that says you will remain sexually pure until your wedding night, a promise to your husband, God, and yourself. I never take it off.
Are you on Pinterest?
On infers active involvement which I sadly lack. But yes, I do have an account and once every few months I remember to log on and pin some things. I'm so bad at it.
Do you collect anything?
Large rings for my fingers, earrings, nail polish, and salt and pepper shakers. Not to mention my enormous Lord of the Rings paraphernalia collection. Yeah, I collect things.
Have you ever asked a famous person for their autograph?
Define famous. I have Jack Sparrow's autograph from Disneyland, Bryan Duncan's autograph (he was a famous Christian singer in the 80s and has since digressed into obscurity but I still LOVE him), and I have a photo, but sadly no autograph, of myself with Michael Bublé. Sadly, I don't have it uploaded on this computer so I can't show it to you. But it does exist!
By the way, Goldblum, YOU'RE ON MY BUCKET LIST!
Have you been outside the country you were born in?
I've been to Canada once, for about three hours. I need to travel more.
~*~
I'm tagging anyone who wants to answer.
My List of questions:
What is the one musical band/singer you don't really want to admit to liking?
How many of your favorite actor's movies do you own and what are they?
What's your favorite movie kiss?
Does your bathroom have a decor theme?
Favorite Disney princess and why?
Favorite Disney hero and why?
What is your most-hated book to film adapation and why?
What theme is your wall calendar?
When you go to the zoo, what's your favorite animal?
What is your favorite of the Star Wars films and why?
How many concerts have you attended and who were the bands/performers?
