Yet Another Musical Lyrics Game - Answers!

Photo Bonus Question - Which Disney musical film is this photo from?
Answer: Summer Magic (starring Hayley Mills and Burl Ives, a family classic!)

These are the answers to the Yet Another Musical Lyrics Game I posted last Monday. Song titles are linked to some of my favorite versions of the songs on YouTube. Thanks for playing! 

Musical Lyrics

#1

This is livin', this is style, this is elegance by the mile

Oh the Posh, Posh  traveling life, the traveling life for me

First cabin and captain's table regal company

Whenever I'm bored I travel abroad but ever so properly

Port out, starboard home, posh with a capital P-O-S-H, Posh!

Answer: Posh! from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

#2

Wonder of wonders, Miracle of Miracles - 

God took the tailor by the hand

Turned him around and- Miracles of Miracles - Led him to the promised land!

When David slew Goliath (yes!), that was a miracle .

When God gave us manna in the wilderness, that was a miracle too.

But of all God's miracles large and small,

The most miraculous one of all 

Is the one I thought could never be: 

God has given you to me.

Answer: Miracle of Miracles from Fiddler On The Roof

#3

We've just been introduced, 

I do not know you well, 

But when the music started 

Something drew me to your side. 

So many men and girls, 

Are in each others arms.

It made me think we might be 

Similarly occupied. 

Shall We Dance? 

On a bright cloud of music shall we fly? 

Shall We Dance? 

Shall we then say "Goodnight and mean "Goodbye"? 

Or perchance, 

When the last little star has left the sky, 

Shall we still be together 

With are arms around each other 

And shall you be my new romance? 

On the clear understanding 

That this kind of thing can happen, 

Shall We Dance? 

Shall We Dance? 

Shall We Dance? 

Answer: Shall We Dance? from The King And I

#4

Aow, so loverly sittin' abso-bloomin'-lutely still. 

I would never budge 'till spring 

Crept over me windowsill. 

Someone's 'ead restin' on my knee, 

Warm an' tender as 'e can be. 'ho takes good care of me, 

Aow, wouldn't it be lovely? 

Loverly, loverly, loverly, loverly 

Answer: Wouldn't It Be Loverly from My Fair Lady

#5. 

Passing bells and sculpted angels, cold and monumental

Seem for you the wrong companions, you were warm and gentle

Too many years

Fighting back tears

Why can't the curse just die!

Wishing you were somehow here again

Knowing we must say goodbye

Try to forgive

Teach me to live

Give me the strength to try!

No more memories

No more silent tears

No more gazing across the wasted years

Help me say goodbye

Help me say goodbye!

Answer: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again from The Phantom of the Opera

#6

I am Sixteen Going On Seventeen, I know that I'm naive 

Fellows I meet may tell me I'm sweet, and willingly I believe

I am Sixteen Going On Seventeen, innocent as a rose

Bachelor dandies, drinkers of brandies, what do I know of those

Totally unprepared am I, to face a world of men

Timid and shy and scared am I, of things beyond my ken

I need someone older and wiser, telling me what to do

You are seventeen going on eighteen, I'll depend on you 

Answer: Sixteen Going On Seventeen from Sound Of Music

#7

Bless Your Beautiful Hide

Wherever you may be.

We ain't met yet

But I'm a willin' to bet

You're the gal for me.

Bless Your Beautiful Hide

You're just as good as lost.

I don't know your name

But I'm a-stakin' my claim

Lest your eyes is crossed.

Oh, I'd swap my gun 'n' I'd swap my mule

Tho' whoever took it would be one big fool.

Or pay your way thru cookin' school.

If 'n you would say I do.

Answer: Bless Your Beautiful Hide from Seven Brides For Seven Brothers

#8

In the rain,

The pavement shines like silver.

All the lights

Are misty in the river.

In the darkness,

The trees are full of starlight,

And all I see is him and me for ever and forever.

Answer: On My Own from Les Miserables

#9

I've just met a girl named Maria,   

And suddenly that name 

Will never be the same 

To me. 

Maria! 

I've just kissed a girl named Maria, 

And suddenly I've found 

How wonderful a sound 

Can be! 

Maria! 

Say it loud and there's music playing, 

Say it soft and it's almost like praying. 

Answer: Maria from West Side Story
(more puppies are born!!!)

#10

Are we dancing? 

Are we really here?

Is this feeling something real or will it disappear?

Are we dancing?

Does the music soar?

Was this lovely song I hear ever heard before?

Are your eyes confessing things

I alone can see

Or is my imagination

Flying away with me?

Are we dancing?

Say we really are

Then I'll know that I

Reached into the sky

I reached into the sky

And touched a star

Answer: Are We Dancing from The Happiest Millionaire

#11

His royal highness Christopher Rupert Vwindemier Vlandamier 

Carl Alexander Francois Reginald Lancelot Herman

HERMAN?

Herman.. Gregory James is giving a ball.

The Prince Is Giving A Ball, The Prince Is Giving A Ball! 

Our daughter's looking dreamy-eyed

The Prince Is Giving A Ball.

They say he wants to find a bride, he may find one at the ball!

If only he'd propose to me.

I pray that he'll propose to me.

Why shouldn't he propose to me?

I'll wear a gown of satin jade.

And me I'm in a pink brocade.

And me I'm in the second grade.

The Prince Is Giving A Ball. The Prince Is Giving A Ball.

Answer: The Prince Is Giving A Ball from Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella

#12

Each time I see a girl of five or six or seven

I can't resist the joyous urge to smile and say thank heaven for little girls

For little girls get bigger everyday!

Thank Heaven For Little Girls

They grow up in the most delightful way

Those little eyes so helpless and appealing

One day will flash and send you crashing to the ceiling

Thank Heaven For Little Girls

Thank heaven for them all no matter where no matter who

Without them, what would little boys do?

Thank heaven,

Thank heaven,

Thank Heaven For Little Girls! 

Answer: Thank Heaven For Little Girls from Gigi

#13

I'll Know when my love comes along  

I won't take a change. 

I'll Know he'll be just what I need 

Not some fly-by-night Broadway romance. 

And you'll know at a glance by the two-pair of pants. 

I'll Know by the calm steady voice 

Those feet on the ground. 

I'll Know as I run to his arms 

That at last I've come home safe and sound. 

Until then, I shall wait. 

Until then, I'll be strong. 

Oh, I'll Know, when my love comes along. 

Answer: I'll Know from Guys and Dolls

#14.

All around the cathedral the saints and apostles

Look down as she sells her wares

Although you can't see it, 

You know they are smiling

Each time someone shows that he cares

Though her words are simple and few

Listen, listen, she's calling to you

"Feed The Birds, tuppence a bag  

Tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag"

Answer: Feed The Birds from Mary Poppins

#15

But when I try in here to tell you, dear

I love you madly, madly, Madam Librarian...Marian

It's a long lost cause I can never win

For the civilized world accepts as unforgivable sin

Any talking out loud with any librarian

Such as Marian.....Madam Librarian.

Answer: Marian The Librarian from The Music Man

Players Scores

Rhoswen Faerie Wrose - 24 points

Kiri Liz - 23 points

Miss Dashwood - 23 points

Tillie - 23 points

Sarah Grace - 22 points

Anne-girl - 20 points

Emily - 20 points

Emaline Foster - 19 points

Hayden - 19 points

Melody - 17 points

Gracie - 13 points

Ella - 8 points

Charity U - 4 points

Robyn Hoode - 4 points

Thanks for playing!

Book Review: A Vision Of Lucy

Yay! I won a signed copy of A Vision of Lucy at a giveaway on Charity's blog Austenitis last year and finally read it (long time I know Charity)! My sister and mom read it just before I did and we all enjoyed the interesting story. 

A Vision of Lucy

Back Cover Synopsis: Trouble follows Lucy wherever she goes. So does a vision of second chances . . . and love. 
Lucy Fairbanks dreams of working as a photographer at the Rocky Creek newspaper. Her deepest hope is that her father will see her as an artist, the way he thought of her deceased mother, whose paintings still hang on their walls. 
But disaster follows Lucy on every photo assignment: a mess of petticoats and ribbons, an accidental shooting, even a fire. 
When Lucy meets David Wolf—a rugged, reclusive man who lives on the outskirts of town—she thinks she can catch the attention of the town with his photograph. She doesn't count on her feelings stirring whenever she's near him. 
Two things happen next that forever change the course of Lucy's life. But will these events draw her closer to God or push her further away? And how will David accept this new vision of Lucy?

Author Margaret Brownley

Visit Margaret Brownley's Website: MargaretBrownley.com

Author: I'd never read anything by Margaret Browley before but was very interested and thankful that she signed my copy before sending it to me! I discovered that this is actually Book 3 in her Rocky Creek Romance Series but as I read it didn't really matter too much that I hadn't read the other books because although common characters did pop up frequently there was enough explanation about them to not make the other books unnecessary. I would like to read the first two books, A Lady Like Sarah and A Suitor For Jenny, some day just to fill in the other couple's stories.

Interesting Bits: I love historical fiction and this piece set in Texas in the later 1800's did not disappoint with it's many historical references. Because Lucy is a photographer there's lots of interesting history about photography including all about wet and dry plates and exposure time. Opera houses, hot air balloons, stage coaches, newspaper printing, medicine, the Civil War and votes for women, and equal education for Chinese, African-Americans and Native Americans are all discussed.

Spiritual Points: Although Lucy is said to be a Christian and unbeliever David Wolf hears a message at church it is mentioned by the pastor that Baptism is unnecessary for a relationship with God. Forgiveness and redemption are themes in the book but it is not necessarily stated that redemption is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This is a bit disappointing as is the fact that although there is a change in David the reader isn't told weather he made a decision to trust Christ or not.

My Thoughts: Lucy is always getting into herself and others into trouble so there's lots of fun to be had! The story also talks about three other couples and their mishaps as they come together. I liked the story of the town of Rocky Creek too, how they all work together even though they all have different opinions about things. The plot is a little bit underdeveloped in places, there are a couple mysteries that never do get solved which bugged me a bit. Also there's a little bit more kissing in the book than I'd like between a couple that aren't even engaged. At the heart of the problems and mystery in the book is racial prejudice which in a lot of ways is not as big of a problem today as it was back then so in some ways it was harder for my sister and I to grasp why there was such a problem for David being as they called him "a half-breed". The story was very interesting with many twists and turns and made for a very fun read overall.

Have you read any books in the Rocky Creek Romance Series?
Are you a fan of author Margaret Brownley's books?

Very Truly Your's,

 

Book Review: 2nd & 3rd Mercy Falls Books

 Last year I posted a review of The Lightkeeper's Daughter, Book 1 in the Mercy Falls Series by Colleen Coble. You can read that review here.
I received Books 2 & 3 for Christmas last December and have recently read and enjoyed both of them. If you're a fan of Colleen Coble's books or if you are just looking for something interesting to read I highly recommend these books!

The Lightkeeper's Bride

Back Cover Synopsis: Katie Russell loves working as a telephone operator in Mercy Falls, California. But since childhood she has been expected to marry well. Her family presses for an engagement to wealthy bachelor Bartholomew Foster and though he doesn't stir her heart, their engagement promises a secure financial future.

Working the phone lines one evening, Katie overhears a chilling exchange between her friend Eliza and a familiar male voice. Katie soon learns that Eliza has disappeared, and the crime may be linked to another investigation by handsome new lighthouse keeper, Will Jesperson. Katie and Will soon form an alliance. An alliance that slowly blossoms into something more.

Despite the danger surrounding her, Katie is powerfully drawn to Will. But she is not at liberty to marry for love. And though society forbids their growing affection, Katie can't help but notice Will's sense of peace. It's a peace that rests on his trust in God—a trust that Katie has never had to depend on, with her future so clearly mapped out before her.

But the more Katie uncovers of the mystery, the more she discovers about herself, her past, and the brilliant future that could be hers if only she has the courage to trust in God and follow where her heart so fearlessly leads.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this story because there were so many fun and interesting things in it. Telephones, weather balloons, roller skates, a lighthouse, pirates, buried treasure,  hidden caves, close escapes, daring rescues, good friends, a cute baby, a cat, a bird, and something about cake. The time period of the late 1800's leaves room for some modern inventions but still has that olden day charm to it. 

Similar to the first book there was a mystery to solve and an adventurous ride to get to the ending. It was interesting having Katie Russell as the heroine of this book because she was Addie Sullivan's friend in the first book and Addie along with a few other characters from the first book do show up in this book too. 

The Lightkeeper's Ball

Back Cover Synopsis: It is the dawn of a new century and Olivia Stewart is heiress to an empire. Her family numbers among the Four Hundred—those considered the wealthiest and most distinguished in America. Unfortunately their wealth has nearly disappeared, and now their security rests upon the Stewart daughters marrying well.

Olivia's sister, Eleanor, was engaged to Harrison Bennett, one of the nation's wealthiest men, but has since died. Now the pressure is on Olivia to take her place, despite her suspicions about Eleanor's fiancé. Using her family's long-forgotten English title, Olivia travels to Mercy Falls, California, as Lady Devonworth, hoping to learn more before committing to marriage. There she finds that Eleanor's death was no accident. And Harrison is not the man she thought he would be.

When Mercy Falls holds a charity masquerade ball to raise funds for the new lighthouse, secrets—and truths long hidden—will be revealed. But can Harrison really love Olivia when he finds her true identity? Can she live with the repercussions of failing her family, or will she finally realize that nothing—not money, family, or romance—will ever compare to God's unconditional love?

My Thoughts: I didn't like this third book as much as the first two. Olivia doesn't seem to be a Christian at the beginning of the story so she has her priorities all wrong and the choices she makes fail as a result. Keeping her true identity secret seems like a good idea at the start but she ends up telling so many people that halfway through the book it seems like the whole gossipy town should have known who she really was. 

There are some really interesting tidbits about the late 1800's time period such as airplanes, Halley's comet, motor cars, boats and lighthouses. There are other fun things like a kitten, a loyal dog, storms, attempted murder and daring rescues. Addie Sullivan from the first book and Katie Russell from the second book both show up frequently in this book along with their families which given even more interest because you get to check in and see how their lives have progressed. By the time I read this third book I started to find the plots rather similar in many ways but it was still a fun book with a happy ending.

Author Colleen Coble

Visit Colleen Coble's website here: ColleenCoble.com

The Mercy Falls Series: Overall I quite enjoyed the Mercy Falls series. Colleen Coble is a clever writer and does a great job of capturing the late 1800's in a fun and interesting way. I was a bit disappointing that although she is a "Christian" author and does talk about having a personal relationship with God in her books many times her characters don't actually come to the decision to trust Christ during their story. This particularly bugged me because it seemed to happen to all three heroes and heroines that when they get engaged there is that possibility that one of them isn't a Christian. 

If you read all three books in a row you will see that the plots often seem to have a similar sequence to them: there's a mystery to be solved, attempts on heroine's life, hero & heroine don't trust each other at first but then they start falling in love, more mysterious happenings, villain is revealed and then attempts to kill heroine, having defeated the villain's plans the hero & heroine confess their undying love and live happily ever after. That's not always the exact order of events but usually something similar. It's not totally a bad thing, the book are still very interesting, but they do get a bit repetitive.

My Recommendations: I quite enjoyed all three books because they were a lot of good clean fun and had interesting tidbits about the Edwardian time period. They aren't as good as like Janette Oke's books but they are interesting if you're looking for a fun read. They are longer and do have some scarier scenes so I'd recommend the series for young teens to adults. 

Have you read the Mercy Falls series?

Are you a fan of Colleen Coble's books? 

Very Truly Your's,

Yet Another Musical Lyrics Game

Photo Bonus Question - Which Disney musical film is this photo from?

Sorry it took so long to get this week's game up, it was a long weekend for me. 

The game this week is yet another Musical Lyrics Game. Haven't done one of these is a little while but the first two were a success. This time there are at least two songs that I did not cut out any of the words, mostly because the songs and musicals are a little more obscure, but tell me the title of the song anyway.

To Play: Read the lyrics below and try to guess the song title and which musical each selection comes from. Leave your guesses in a comment and I'll reply with your score. Guess as many times as you wish. Answers will be posted next Saturday.

Scoring: One point will be awarded for each correctly guessed song title and musical title. Also two bonus points will be awarded for correctly guessing the musical for the Photo Bonus Question above. Highest possible score is 32 points. 

Musical Lyrics

#1

This is livin', this is style, this is elegance by the mile

Oh the ____ ____  traveling life, the traveling life for me

First cabin and captain's table regal company

Whenever I'm bored I travel abroad but ever so properly

Port out, starboard home, posh with a capital P-O-S-H, ____ 

#2

Wonder of wonders, _______ __ ________ - 

God took the tailor by the hand

Turned him around and- _______ __ ________ - Led him to the promised land!

When David slew Goliath (yes!), that was a _______ .

When God gave us manna in the wilderness, that was a _______  too.

But of all God's _______ s large and small,

The most miraculous one of all 

Is the one I thought could never be: 

God has given you to me.

#3

We've just been introduced, 

I do not know you well, 

But when the music started 

Something drew me to your side. 

So many men and girls, 

Are in each others arms.

It made me think we might be 

Similarly occupied. 

_____ __ _____? 

On a bright cloud of music shall we fly? 

_____ __ _____? 

Shall we then say "Goodnight and mean "Goodbye"? 

Or perchance, 

When the last little star has left the sky, 

Shall we still be together 

With are arms around each other 

And shall you be my new romance? 

On the clear understanding 

That this kind of thing can happen, 

_____ __ _____? 

_____ __ _____? 

_____ __ _____? 

#4

Aow, so loverly sittin' abso-bloomin'-lutely still. 

I would never budge 'till spring 

Crept over me windowsill. 

Someone's 'ead restin' on my knee, 

Warm an' tender as 'e can be. 'ho takes good care of me, 

Aow, _______ __ __ _______? 

Loverly, loverly, loverly, loverly 

#5. 

Passing bells and sculpted angels, cold and monumental

Seem for you the wrong companions, you were warm and gentle

Too many years

Fighting back tears

Why can't the curse just die!

_______ ___ ____ _______ ____ _____

Knowing we must say goodbye

Try to forgive

Teach me to live

Give me the strength to try!

No more memories

No more silent tears

No more gazing across the wasted years

Help me say goodbye

Help me say goodbye!

#6

I am _______ _____ __ ________, I know that I'm naive 

Fellows I meet may tell me I'm sweet, and willingly I believe

I am _______ _____ __ ________, innocent as a rose

Bachelor dandies, drinkers of brandies, what do I know of those

Totally unprepared am I, to face a world of men

Timid and shy and scared am I, of things beyond my ken

I need someone older and wiser, telling me what to do

You are seventeen going on eighteen, I'll depend on you 

#7

_____ ____ _________ ____

Wherever you may be.

We ain't met yet

But I'm a willin' to bet

You're the gal for me.

_____ ____ _________ ____

You're just as good as lost.

I don't know your name

But I'm a-stakin' my claim

Lest your eyes is crossed.

Oh, I'd swap my gun 'n' I'd swap my mule

Tho' whoever took it would be one big fool.

Or pay your way thru cookin' school.

If 'n you would say I do.

#8

In the rain,

The pavement shines like silver.

All the lights

Are misty in the river.

In the darkness,

The trees are full of starlight,

And all I see is him and me for ever and forever.

#9

I've just met a girl named _____,   

And suddenly that name 

Will never be the same 

To me. 

_____! 

I've just kissed a girl named _____, 

And suddenly I've found 

How wonderful a sound 

Can be! 

_____! 

Say it loud and there's music playing, 

Say it soft and it's almost like praying. 

#10

Are we dancing? 

Are we really here?

Is this feeling something real or will it disappear?

Are we dancing?

Does the music soar?

Was this lovely song I hear ever heard before?

Are your eyes confessing things

I alone can see

Or is my imagination

Flying away with me?

Are we dancing?

Say we really are

Then I'll know that I

Reached into the sky

I reached into the sky

And touched a star

#11

His royal highness Christopher Rupert Vwindemier Vlandamier 

Carl Alexander Francois Reginald Lancelot Herman

HERMAN?

Herman.. Gregory James is giving a ball.

___ ______ __ ______ _ ____, ___ ______ __ ______ _ ____! 

Our daughter's looking dreamy-eyed

___ ______ __ ______ _ ____.

They say he wants to find a bride, he may find one at the ball!

If only he'd propose to me.

I pray that he'll propose to me.

Why shouldn't he propose to me?

I'll wear a gown of satin jade.

And me I'm in a pink brocade.

And me I'm in the second grade.

___ ______ __ ______ _ ____. ___ ______ __ ______ _ ____.

#12

Each time I see a girl of five or six or seven

I can't resist the joyous urge to smile and say thank heaven for little girls

For little girls get bigger everyday!

_____ ______ ___ ______ _____

They grow up in the most delightful way

Those little eyes so helpless and appealing

One day will flash and send you crashing to the ceiling

_____ ______ ___ ______ _____

Thank heaven for them all no matter where no matter who

Without them, what would little boys do?

Thank heaven,

Thank heaven,

_____ ______ ___ ______ _____! 

#13

___ ____ when my love comes along  

I won't take a change. 

___ ____ he'll be just what I need 

Not some fly-by-night Broadway romance. 

And you'll know at a glance by the two-pair of pants. 

___ ____ by the calm steady voice 

Those feet on the ground. 

___ ____ as I run to his arms 

That at last I've come home safe and sound. 

Until then, I shall wait. 

Until then, I'll be strong. 

Oh, ___ ____, when my love comes along. 

#14.

All around the cathedral the saints and apostles

Look down as she sells her wares

Although you can't see it, 

You know they are smiling

Each time someone shows that he cares

Though her words are simple and few

Listen, listen, she's calling to you

"____ ___ _____, tuppence a bag  

Tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag"

#15

But when I try in here to tell you, dear

I love you madly, madly, Madam Librarian...Marian

It's a long lost cause I can never win

For the civilized world accepts as unforgivable sin

Any talking out loud with any librarian

Such as Marian.....Madam Librarian.

Have Fun!

Austen & Anniversaries

Since my parents are celebrating their wedding anniversary this weekend I've been musing on the happily married couples in Jane Austen's novels, especially those couples that influence the hero and heroine's opinions of married life. 

Yes, there are happily married couples in her books! In fact we may say that although some couples are rather unsuitably matched most are reasonably content as to not make such disastrous end as Maria Bertram and Mr. Rushworth of Mansfield Park (their marriage ends in a permanent separation). 

In Pride and Prejudice Elizabeth Bennet thinks a bit despairingly of her own parents' marriage but her Uncle & Aunt Gardiner (though not married as long) are perfectly content and well matched with a very happy home where they invite their nieces to stay. It's also rather interesting that Elizabeth, in traveling with the Gardiners to Derbyshire, has daily opportunity to observe their married felicity before meeting up with her own future spouse at Pemberley. Might not the desire for a similar happy union have influenced her to think more softly about at alliance with Darcy? Perhaps. 

In Sense and Sensibility married couples like Sir John & Lady Middleton, Thomas & Charlotte Palmer and John & Fanny Dashwood cannot be called particularly unhappy in their marriages but they are rather poor examples for the young people around them. Indeed, we may go so far as to say that both Colonel Brandon and Edward Ferrars are influenced to not be looking for love before meeting certain young ladies (and we later learn Edward has already resigned himself to an unhappy marriage with Lucy Steele). The heroines have had a very different influence -  Elinor and Marianne's parents were married for love and inspire them to crave truly deep attachments of their own.  

In Emma the heroine has been rather addicted to romance since her older sister Isabella marries John Knightley and that addiction continues with seeing Mr. & Mrs. Weston's happy union. Both couples are truly attached and influence Emma Woodhouse's mind so that she later says to Harriet: "I have none of the usual inducements of women to marry. Were I to fall in love, indeed, it would be a different thing! ...And, without love, I am sure I should be a fool to change such a situation as mine."

In Mansfield Park, Fanny Price has few examples of married life outside of her own family. Her aunts Lady Bertram and Mrs. Norris both married to please their uncle and secure respectable positions in society (that isn't to say that Sir Thomas & Lady Bertram or indeed Rev. & Mrs. Norris are not fond of each other). Fanny's own mother married for love and it didn't turn out as perfectly happy as it could have. 

Mary Crawford recounts having so many examples of unhappy marriages from her aunt, sister and friends that she is disinclined to enter the married state herself. Mrs. Grant though seems perfectly happy with her daily tasks of arranging large meals and caring for her gouty husband.

In Northanger Abbey, Catherine Morland does not have to look next door to the slightly unequally matched Mr. & Mrs. Allen for her example, for she has grown up in the home of a perfectly content and well matched clergyman and his wife. Her parents raised a large brood of ten children and worked together to home school them similar to how Jane Austen's parents raised their seven children. It is sweet to imagine that the production of a large and happy family will probably be duplicated by Catherine and her clergyman husband Mr. Tilney at their own parsonage.

In Persuasion we find that "old" happily married couples abound and many of the older characters (such as Lady Russell and Mrs. Smith) have been widowed from happy marriages and are still devoted to their spouse's memory.  For her example Anne Elliot has the elder Mr. & Mrs. Musgrove who love life and hate to be separated, also Charles & Mary Musgrove, who although they fight like dogs and cats seem contented to do so. 

Anne later comes into contact with married couples that are great influences for her future husband Captain Frederick Wentworth. His friends Captain & Mrs. Harville are so truly devoted and we catch just a glimpse of this in Harville's words to Anne about the attachments of men and women. But the best example of a perfectly matched and happy couple come from Frederick's own sister and brother-in-law. Admiral and Mrs. Croft's devoted marriage inspires others such as Louisa Musgrove who says: "If I loved a man as she loves the Admiral, I would be always with him, nothing should ever separate us, and I would rather be overturned by him than driven safely by anybody else."

With such good examples of loving marriages before them it is easy to presume that Captain & Mrs. Frederick Wentworth's true love will hold strongly through the high seas of life.

Persuasion is my parent's favorite Jane Austen story and to me they closely resemble Admiral & Mrs. Croft as well as Captain Wentworth & Anne Elliot. In my own story my parents are my example of a happily married couple. They are best friends who have been truly in love and married 28 years this October!

Thank you dad and mom for maintaining your marriage with that threefold cord that can't be easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). I love you both so much! Happy Anniversary! 

Do you have a favorite happily married Austen couple?

In your own life do you have married couples that inspire you?