Today I Am...{3}

{writing}

This post, comments on friend's blogs, e-mails, journal entries and I even allowed myself to jot down a story outline today so I'll be more prepared to start writing when I finally have some time.

{reading}

New blog posts and older blog posts from my friend's blogs and just catching up a bit since I had some time yesterday and today.

{listening}

To folk songs like 'The Crystal Spring' and lots of songs from the Les Miserables musical. 

{watching}

In the afternoons when I'm caring for my elderly lady we sometimes watch older shows like The Waltons, Little House on the Prairie, Big Valley or even Wind At My Back which I'm really getting into. They're all very fun family shows!

{looking}

At rain, rain, rain. On Tuesday there were very bad thunder and lightening storms and downpours in my area and we're supposed to get more later this week. I'm very glad it didn't rain this past weekend so we were able to have our yard sales!

{learning}

To be even more patient while we continue to wait for God to work out the details of our move to Kentucky. I thought we were being patient but sometimes the way is a bit bumpy and it seems God is teaching us to rely on Him fully for everything. I can truly say God's ways are best though!

{feeling}

Incredibly blessed but tired. This past weekend my family and I held a yard sale and it was amazing to see the amount of what I call "junk" spread out on the lawn. It was very hard work getting it all set out the first day but we had sweet friends who helped us and more sweet friends stopped by to encourage us and buy things. It was a very fun but tiring day especially once everyone had gone and we had to bring in the leftover "junk" by ourselves, I have never been so sore or tired in my life! (boxes of books are the worst!) The next sale day was a bit easier and more friends stopped by to encourage us. We were blessed to be able to sell two vehicles, most of the larger pieces of furniture and lots of the books and both days brought in quite a bit of money to be added to the moving fund! God is very good! :)

{anticipating}

Hmm...June maybe?...not sure what really except for the move. Maybe moving into and decorating my new room! The house we're buying (Lord willing and working out the details) has a large room over the garage which will be mine and the room has slightly angled ceilings so that it almost looks like an attic. I've taken to calling it "my little attic" and feeling quite like Fanny Price who lives in "the little white attic" at Mansfield Park! And another lovely thing, the name of our street sounds rather like a grand country house from a Jane Austen novel which suits me perfectly! :)

My Little White Attic!

{wishing}

I had remembered to wear sunscreen on Saturday so that I didn't have such a bad sunburn right now! My siblings always tan so nicely but my pasty white skin burns so easily and then blisters, peels and leaves me with only a slight color. Right now my dad has taken to calling me a "lobster" because I'm so red! hehe 

{loving}

Carrot sticks with ranch dressing for dipping and watermelon. It's summertime and the fresh fruits and vegetables are what I'm craving these days! Also chocolate milk, but maybe that's because there's leftover Hershey's Chocolate Syrup from our ice cream sundaes this weekend and no more ice cream to put it on! :)

I'm also loving one other lovely thing that has incredible music and the most interesting characters but that's supposed to be a subject for another post and it's already sneaked it's way into my {listening} section above! :)

So what about you? what are you up to today?
Do you sunburn easily or love chocolate milk?
How would you decorate my "little white attic"?

English Folk Song: The Crystal Spring

The English folk song 'The Crystal Spring' has been playing on my iPod lately and I've been thinking about it in detail. It's a favorite of mine for several reasons:

1. It tells the the sweet story of a ships Captain from the 1700's or 1800's proposing to his sweetheart.

2. It has a very pretty melody.

3. It's one of the only songs I know that has the name "Phyllis" mentioned in it (and when I cared for an elderly lady named Phyllis at the Alzheimer's Care Home I worked at I would sing the song to her).

4. The song was sung in Sense & Sensibility (1981) and any song from a Jane Austen adaptation instantly becomes a favorite! (hear that version)

My music video of the version sung by Cathy Waterson that I have on my iPod. 

The Crystal Spring

Down by a crystal spring, where the nightingales sing,

Most pleasant it is, in season, to hear the groves ring.

Down by the riverside, a young captain I espied,

Entreating of his true love, for to be his bride.

Dear Phyllis, says he, can you fancy me?

All in your soft bowers a crown it shall be;

And you shall take no pain, I will you maintain,

My ship she's a-loaded just come in from Spain.

Whenever you dine, there you shall drink wine;

And so sweetly in the season then you shall be mine.

Like a lady so rare, I'll maintain you so fair;

There's no lady in the navy with you shall compare.

If e'er I prove false to my soft little dove,

May the ocean turn desert; and the elements move:

For whereever I shall be, I'll be constant to thee,

My heart is no rover, if I rove through the sea.

Jane Austen's Persuasion: Also it came to mind that 'The Crystal Spring' would be a lovely addition if it were used in a new adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion!  The line that says "For wherever I shall be, I'll be constant to thee" fits perfectly with what Captain Wentworth said to Anne in his letter: "I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant."
It would be lovely if the song were used in a scene of Anne & Captain Wentworth's early romance, perhaps even  a scene where Anne plays and sings it and then Captain Wentworth could join her in the second verse singing: "Dear Phyllis said he, can you fancy me?" Then the tune might be used later when they meet again to bring back memories!
And I just discovered that the song originated in the county of Somerset where the Elliot's home Kellynch is located in the book!

Have you ever heard 'The Crystal Spring' before?
Which verse of the song is your favorite?


If a new adaptation of Persuasion was filmed would you want to see scenes from Anne & Captain Wentworth's early romance?

Period Drama Caption Contest

You've probably seen these type of games before but this is the first time I've hosted one at OFC. 

Below are screencaps from three different period dramas which made me chuckle just looking at them. Your job is to come up with witty captions for the scenes below. 

Example: Perhaps the pic might make you think of a line from a song or a quote from another film or even just a clever conversation based on the expressions of the characters.

To Play: 

--Leave up to 3 witty captions for each screencap in a comment (you don't have to do captions for all three photos, just whichever you want). 

--In your comment please tell which number screencap you are leaving captions for.

--Please keep captions free of offensive language or content. 

--Later in the week I'll either put up a poll for readers to vote for their favorites or choose my favorites and winners will be announced next Saturday.

--Have fun and go ahead and comment on other reader's captions if you wish!

Screencap #1

Screencap #2

Screencap #3

I look forward to reading everyone's captions! :)

P.S. My family and I are having a moving sale this weekend (hence the no-tallying-scores-for-me game) and would appreciate prayers that almost everything we need to get rid of will sell. Thanks!

Period Musical Lyrics Quiz - Answers!

Photos is from Meet Me In St. Louis and the song they are singing is Under the Bamboo Tree

These are the answers to the Period Musical Lyrics Quiz from last week.

It was very lovely to see how many of you easily recognized most of the song lyrics! Musicals are such a wonderful genre of classic films and amazing good fun to see preformed live (even just by High Schools)!

I highly recommend all of the musicals listed in this quiz and have linked all of the song titles to YouTube videos so you can watch and hear the songs from the best film versions!

Period Musical Lyrics

#1. 

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of My Favorite Things



Song: My Favorite Things
Musical: Sound of Music

__________

#2.

Our star is shining it's brightest light

For goodnight, my love, for goodnight.

Sweet dreams be yours, dear,

If dreams there be

Sweet dreams to carry you close to me.

I wish they may and I wish they might

Now Goodnight, My Someone, goodnight



Song: Goodnight My Someone
Musical: The Music Man

__________

#3.

I'm as mild and as meek as a mouse

When I hear a command I obey.

But I know of a spot in my house

where no one can stand in my way.

In My Own Little Corner  in my own little chair

I can be whatever I want to be.

On the wings of my fancy I can fly anywhere

and the world will open its arms to me.



Song: In My Own Little Corner
Musical: Rogers & Hammerstein's Cinderella

__________

#4.

Matchmaker, Matchmaker,

Make me a match,

Find me a find,

catch me a catch

Matchmaker, Matchmaker,

Look through your book,

And make me a perfect match



Song: Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Musical: Fiddler On The Roof

__________

#5. 

Bed! Bed! I couldn't go to bed!

My head's too light to try to set it down! Sleep! Sleep!

I couldn't sleep tonight.

Not for all the jewels in the crown!

I Could Have Danced All Night!

I Could Have Danced All Night!

And still have begged for more.

I could have spread my wings

And done a thousand things I've never done before.



Song: I Could Have Danced All Night (also see Julie Andrews version)
Musical: My Fair Lady

__________

#6.

God on high

Hear my prayer

In my need

You have always been there

He is young

He's afraid

Let him rest

Heaven blessed.

Bring Him Home



Song: Bring Him Home (and Alfie Boe's version)
Musical: Les Miserables

__________

#7.

Though you're no bigger than my thumb

Than my thumb, than my thumb

Sweet Thumbelina don't be glum

Now now now, ah ah ah, come come come

Thumbelina,  Thumbelina tiny little thing

Thumbelina dance,   Thumbelina sing

Thumbelina what's the difference if you're very small?

When your heart is full of love you're nine feet tall



Song: Thumbelina
Musical: Hans Christian Andersen (1952)
I was surprised to see how few of you recognized this musical staring the remarkable Danny Kaye as it has always been a classic in the Michael home, and with my grandmother before that. It shares a fictionalized tale of Hans Christian Andersen's life and fairy tales but is a very heartwarming story with lots of great songs such as Thumbelina, The Ugly Duckling, Wonderful Copenhagen, The Inch Worm, I'm Hans Christian Andersen and The King's New Clothes. If you've never seen it I highly recommend you do and it's a must see for all Danny Kaye fans! :)

__________

#8.

_____ __ ____ ___,

Getting to feel free and easy

When I am with you,

Getting to know what to say

Haven't you noticed

Suddenly I'm bright and breezy?

Because of all the beautiful and new

Things I'm learning about you

Day by day.



Song: Getting To Know You
Musical: The King And I

__________

#9.

No more talk of darkness

Forget these wide-eyed fears

I'm here, nothing can harm you

My words will warm and calm you

Let me be your freedom

Let daylight dry your tears

I'm here, with you, beside you

To guard you and to guide you



Song: All I Ask of You
Musical: The Phantom Of The Opera

__________

#10.

When I take you out, tonight, with me,

Honey, here's the way it's goin' to be:

You will set behind a team of snow white horses,

In the slickest gig you ever see!

Chicks and ducks and geese better scurry

When I take you out in the surrey,

When I take you out in the ____ ___ __ _____ __ ___!



Song: The Surrey With The Fringe On Top
Musical: Oklahoma!

__________

Players Scores:
Kiri Liz - 24 points
Miss Dashwood - 24 points
Jemimah - 15 points
Anne-girl - 18 points
Miss Woodhouse - 19 points
Faith - 23 points
Sarah Grace - 22 points
Alexandra - 18 points
Lydia - 18 points
Net Movie Blogger - 17 points
Scullery Maid - 13 points
Charity - 11 points
Ella - 11 points
Katie Wegner - 11 points
Jessica - 9 points
Miss Melody - 8 points
Marissa - Good guess on #1


Thanks for playing everyone!! :)

Guest Post at Newly Impassioned Soul

Abby at Newly Impassioned Soul kindly invited me to guest post on her blog and the post is up now. 

Read it here - Guest Post: A Tale of Two Cities Review by Miss Laurie

Have you read A Tale of Two Cities? 

Which characters are your favorite?

Today I Am...{2}

Painting by Ernest Ange Duez

{writing}

Not much except for answering e-mails and writing a few posts for here. When I was packing up my room I found a completely empty spiral bound notebook and the sight of it made me rather sad. I wanted to stop packing and fill its blank pages with a fun story, but I knew I had too much to do. Also sorting through my papers that have story ideas on them gave me some untimely inspiration. So I've determined than when I am finally unpacking in my new home I will take some time for some serious writing and put the empty notebook and my story ideas to good use!

{reading}

My reading time is quite limited now but when there is time in the early morning or late evening I enjoy reading my blogging friends' delightful posts and commenting where I have time. This past weekend I packed all of my Jane Austen novels and other classic books and my bookcases were moved so my room looks rather bare now! :-(  I did leave a couple books out to read on our trek down to Kentucky.

{listening}

Music keeps me going! My iPod is often playing whether it's the BBN Radio App or Pandora App or any of my favorite English and Irish folk music in my playlists. 

{watching}

YouTube videos of trailers, clips and behind the scenes stuff from my favorite TV shows from time to time. I did recently watch the 10th anniversary concert of Les Miserables and yes Amy and Alexandra I do know how amazing it is now! Look for a post very soon!

{looking}

Well in true Margaret Dashwood (1995) fashion: "We have been enjoying some very fine weather. (Receives look from Marianne) What? But we have!" 

The weather has been very warm lately but on cloudy days like today I enjoy looking at CatalogLiving.net's hilariously funny posts about the eccentricities in modern home decorating catalogs! This weekend my sister, my dad and I took a break from packing to read some of them and we were all literaly in tears with laughter and giggles! Here's some of my favorite posts: Rope a Dope, Creature Comforts, Writing the Book on Torture, Not My Type, Strung Along, The Great Escape, Packing It In, Foreign Policy and Pillow Talk.

{learning}

Pastor's message in church on Sunday was a great reminder that God is always in control of my past, present and future. It is God who made me, provided Christ's perfect sacrifice so my sins could be forgiven, called me to repentance, redeemed me from my fallen state, gave his Holy Spirit to guide me and has led me this far by grace. It is also God who has called me to serve Him day by day and has given me the talents and abilities I have so it is God who I must use my talents for, Him I must do my best for wherever He plants me and Him I can safely trust with my unknown future. Going to Kentucky is an exciting prospect but it is also a bit scary because it's a new place, new people, new problems, new blessings and some days I certainly feel I'm in over my head. But God has led my family and I this far and as the days go by and we prepare to go we see again and again that His is preparing the way ahead and has plans for each one of us. God is so good!

{feeling}

Hungry. Isn't it time for dinner yet? Oh! I remember now, it's my job to make dinner these days. But I don't mind, I love to cook and am glad to take it on so mama can keep packing. Last night's dinner was Parmesan crusted chicken with tomato and zucchini risotto, so yummy! I'm very thankful for easy and delicious recipes like from Pampered Chef!

{anticipating}

Getting together with my friend Karis this week since she's going to be in town. I haven't seen her since Christmas so it will be good to catch up and tell what the Lord has been doing in each of our lives lately. It will also be a bit sad to say "good-bye" for a longer time.

{wishing}

That I could instantly teleport to different states so I could meet all of my sweet blogging friends! 

{loving}

Cold pineapple on the warm sunny days, so delicious and refreshing!

What are you doing today?

Lark Rise to Candleford Banners

I made these a few months ago just after my sister and I finished watching the entire Lark Rise to Candleford series. Not sure why I didn't post them then but I was thinking about about the series today so thought I'd post them.

Pearl & Ruby Pratt

"The Sisters Pratt" was one of my sister's favorite sayings from the series. Pearl and Ruby are always so funny and I love how their characters grow sweeter as the TV series goes on. 

A favorite saying of mine! 

Minnie

Poor Minnie! She was always getting herself into trouble but is always so cute and funny!

"Minnie Happened" is one of her phrases for explaining her whirlwind. :)

Dorcas Lane

Loved this description of Dorcas Lane, it fits here perfectly! :)

Feel free to use any of these images on your blog but please link back to me if you do. 

Which is your favorite?

Have you watched all four seasons of Lark Rise to Candleford?

Period Musical Lyrics Quiz

Five extra points: Which Musical is this photo from?

Some of the most popular musicals of Broadway and film are often set in a historic era, the 1800's seems to be a particularly popular time frame. This game focuses on lyrics from some of those period set musicals. 

The idea for this game came to me when I was watching for the first time a musical that seems to be a particular favorite of a lot of my blogging friends (you know who you are and it's your fault that now the tunes to "Master of the House" and others are stuck in my head! :P ). 

To Play: Guess the song titles and which musicals the lyrics below come from and leave your answers in a comment. If the title of the song appears in the lyrics I've replaced it with blank spaces. Guess as many times as you like and I'll respond with your score. Answers will be posted next week.

Points: To make it simple there will be one point for each correctly guessed song title and musical. Maximum score is 20 points. 

Period Musical Lyrics

#1. 

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of __ _____ ____

#2.

Our star is shining it's brightest light

For goodnight, my love, for goodnight.

Sweet dreams be yours, dear,

If dreams there be

Sweet dreams to carry you close to me.

I wish they may and I wish they might

Now _____, __ ____, goodnight

#3.

I'm as mild and as meek as a mouse

When I hear a command I obey.

But I know of a spot in my house

where no one can stand in my way.

__ __ __ __ __  in my own little chair

I can be whatever I want to be.

On the wings of my fancy I can fly anywhere

and the world will open its arms to me.

#4.

_____, _____,

Make me a match,

Find me a find,

catch me a catch

_____, _____,

Look through your book,

And make me a perfect match

#5. 

Bed! Bed! I couldn't go to bed!

My head's too light to try to set it down! Sleep! Sleep!

I couldn't sleep tonight.

Not for all the jewels in the crown!

_ ___ __ ___ __ ___!

_ ___ __ ___ __ ___!

And still have begged for more.

I could have spread my wings

And done a thousand things I've never done before.

#6.

God on high

Hear my prayer

In my need

You have always been there

He is young

He's afraid

Let him rest

Heaven blessed.

____ ___ ____

#7.

Though you're no bigger than my thumb

Than my thumb, than my thumb

Sweet _______ don't be glum

Now now now, ah ah ah, come come come

_______,  _______  tiny little thing

_______ dance,  _______  sing

_______ what's the difference if you're very small?

When your heart is full of love you're nine feet tall

#8.

_____ __ ____ ___,

Getting to feel free and easy

When I am with you,

Getting to know what to say

Haven't you noticed

Suddenly I'm bright and breezy?

Because of all the beautiful and new

Things I'm learning about you

Day by day.

#9.

No more talk of darkness

Forget these wide-eyed fears

I'm here, nothing can harm you

My words will warm and calm you

Let me be your freedom

Let daylight dry your tears

I'm here, with you, beside you

To guard you and to guide you

#10.

When I take you out, tonight, with me,

Honey, here's the way it's goin' to be:

You will set behind a team of snow white horses,

In the slickest gig you ever see!

Chicks and ducks and geese better scurry

When I take you out in the surrey,

When I take you out in the ____ ___ __ _____ __ ___!

Hopefully this quiz won't be too hard or (oh horrors!) too easy. Have fun! :)

Jane Austen Mothers Throwdown Results

These are the results of the Jane Austen Mothers Throwdown from last week. There was a total of 56 votes. Thank you everyone who voted, I hope you had fun reading about the different Jane Austen mothers as well!

Here are the poll results:

Which Jane Austen mother is your favorite? - 

Mrs. Weston - 48%

Mrs. Morland - 21%

Mrs. Bennet - 20%

Mrs. Dashwood - 9%

Lady Russell - 2%

Lady Bertram - 0%

So our winner is...

Mrs. Weston!

Poor Miss Taylor..."Mrs Weston Papa!"...excuse me, I should Mrs. Weston now, should not I? So sorry! :-)

Dear Mrs. Weston became part of the Woodhouse family when Emma was but five years old and was really the only mother figure Emma knew. Though in many ways they were like sisters rather than mother/daughter, Mrs. Weston was a wonderful role model for Emma - kindhearted, elegant, gentle, loving, sweet tempered and sensible. I love Mrs. Westons's story, from respected governess and companion, to being rewarded for her faithful service by having a kind husband, large house and bonny baby of her own! Jane Austen was more kind to "Poor Miss Taylor" than most governesses of the time period would have expected to be treated. 

Here's an interesting question: 

Do you think Mr. & Mrs. Weston would have more children after Little Anna? 

If yes then how many more Little Westons would there be and what might they be named?

Today I Am...{1}

Morning Sun - Painted by Harold Knight

Well, I am back from my lovely weekend trip and had a nice Mother's Day with my dear mama. We have hit the ground running with errands and more sorting and packing. I'm finding I have little time for writing serious posts but Abby at Newly Impassioned Soul used this idea for a post (which she got from Jemimah at Beautiful Blank Pages) and I thought it might be a nice way to keep you updated on what I've been doing. Hopefully I'll be able to do a few of these types of posts in the coming weeks and also a few period drama related things as well.

Today I Am...

(and sort of This Weekend I Was...)

{writing}

Content for Jane Austen related guest posts - stay tuned, I'll keep you all posted on when and where to read them! :)

{reading}

E-mails and trying to catch up from this weekend. Also a blogging buddy sent me the first six chapters of her manuscript that I am slowly but surely making my way through.

{listening}

Yesterday at a thrift shop my mom found a CD entitled 'Cinema's Classic Romances' that has a selection of songs from various films. To my extreme delight the CD includes songs from mostly period dramas such as Emma (1996), Sense and Sensibility (1995), Pride and Prejudice (1995), Little Women (1994), Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, Wuthering Heights, Tess, Far From The Madding Crowd, two different Hamlet films and a couple other films I've not seen. What a find! :)

{watching}

Christian comedy in the van with my family on our recent trip. Tim Hawkins, Taylor Mason's clever ventriloquism, and other hilarious comedians on Thou Shalt Laugh 2! (I liked the two comedian's names above to my favorite video clips of their performances, enjoy!)

{looking}

This past weekend we drove past gorgeous mountains and even got to climb one for a little ways. Every time I see a picturesque lake or mountain this quote from Elizabeth Bennet come to mind: "What are men to rocks and mountains?" from Chapter 27 of Pride and Prejudice.  

{learning}

Daily to trust the Lord to bring about His answers in His own time. I often get worried and discouraged when the answer doesn't come right when I'm expecting it. I'm learning patience as I wait for His answer which might be an hour or a day later than I'd hoped for but His answers fit His timeline perfectly! :)

{feeling}

A bit tired as I've been getting up much earlier than I'm used to and each moment is filled with busyness. But I'm also feeling incredibly blessed as I watch God working all the details of our move and even just daily things out - most times before we even ask for them!

{anticipating}

Having a moving sale at the end of the month and working toward the goal of having a lot of things to sell and get rid of.

{wishing}

I'll be able to attend the Jane Austen Festival at Historic Locust Grove in Louisville, KY this July because I'll be living only an hour and a half north of there and it's on the days leading up to my birthday! Anyone planning on attending? It would be great fun to have a fellow Janeite to go with! :)

Bubble Green Tea - yummy!

{loving}

Bubble Green Tea from Ninety Nine restaurant! It's iced green tea with a splash of orange juice and the most delicious mango pearls are added. I had my first experience with this scrumptious concoction Sunday evening when we took my mom to eat for Mother's Day. The tea is so cool, light and refreshing and the mango pearls are so much fun to pop in your mouth! If you've never tried one you simply must very soon!

Very Truly Your's,