Just a List of Random Questions

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

I was tagged by Hamelette to participate and I thought it looked like fun! First, here are three facts about me and one of them is a LIE

1) I go to public school
2) I don't like coffee
3) I have a cat named Gypsy
...So which one do you think is false? Guess in the comments and I'll tell you which is the lie!

Hamlette's Questions:

Favorite role from your favorite actor?
Okay, so sadly this was really hard to think of... I am not good with actors/actresses so.... Martin Freeman, and while I am tempted to say John Watson, I loved him too much as Bilbo Baggins. So there. And to cheat, second is Richard Armitage as Mr. Thornton because handsome....

Favorite role from your favorite actress?
Hmm... I love Dame Judy Dench and though she has been in so many, I really like her as Miss Matty in Cranford- and we have the same name in that movie, though she spells it differently :P

Book you've read that you tell people not to bother reading?
This is hard because if I dislike a book it is usually never finished so I feel unqualified to tell others my opinion of the book as a whole.... but if you twisted my arm I would have to say don't bother to read The Postmistress. The cover looks lovely and perfect, and the era seemed right (WWII and just after) but no. Do not bother to read it, because it will disappoint (or at least that was my experience.)

A food you refuse to try?
Can it be a drink? (Cheating again...) Green tea. My aunt, who made me a lover of teas, especially of the loose leaf variety, insists she will have me try it and like it.... but it smells weird and is said to taste earthy.... and who wants that?

Your favorite article of clothing?
My flowy white shirt. I feel fancy and Anne of Green Gables-y when I wear it. And who doesn't want to feel AoGG-ish?!

Have you ever gone to see the same movie in the theater more than once?
Yes. Sadly, I can't name a specific movie, but I remember seeing it with friends and then seeing the same one with my family. This has happened more than once.

Do you paint your toenails?
Yes! Especially since it pays off more than painting your nails. Toenail polish can last for months if you want it to... right now I have dark blue polish on my toes from when my mom and I got mani-pedis for spring break (a special treat :))

Do you wear any piece of jewelry every day?
I was going to say no but I suppose my watch counts as jewelry, and I am one of the few people I know (at least, who are my age) that wear one every day. It is silver, with a face, not digital, and I love it. It is delicate, so rather more like a bracelet than a clunky watch.

Are you on Pinterest?
The better question would be are you ever NOT on Pinterest.... ha

Do you collect anything?
Nope. I thought about it a couple times, but I don't ever follow through. Unless collecting books counts because I have bookshelves, closets, and nightstands full of those babies.

Have you ever asked a famous person for their autograph?
No, because I really haven't seen a famous person up close. Maybe someday..... like when I marry Richard Armitage? (Just kidding. Kind of.)... random aside, my sister is terrified when I fangirl over him because she says he is too old. Hmmph. Maybe he is, but his voice is lovely, his acting is wonderful, and he is a celebrity, so it's not like that will really end up being a problem. Okay, rant over. :)

Have you been outside the country you were born in?
Never. :'( tear tear. Unless you count as a fetus, because my parents went to Canada then....

Okay, that was fun! I am now supposed to tag people. And because I usually wimp out on this part, I am forcing myself to do it properly this time. I nominate Miss Dashwood and Petie. Do the tag if you would like, but no pressure. :) If I didn't tag you and you want to do this, go right ahead!

My Questions:

1. If you could go back in time and kill Hitler would you? Why or why not?
2. Have you ever experienced buyer's remorse? If so, what on?
3. Have you ever bought a book for it's cover? What book? Did you end up liking it?
4. What is your favorite flower?
5. What celebrity and/or fictional character are you most compatible with? (NOT who you most like, because that is not always the same thing.)
6. Quick! Jeans or dresses?
7. Time to be cliche and ask what time period you would go back to if you could.
8. Do you have a list of names you want to name your children? If they are not too secret, would you share one of them with us?
9. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
10. College: for or against? Why?

Beautiful Blog Award

So I have again been nominated for an award! Shocking, these things are like dominoes. It seems if one comes your way, they all come your way. I am very pleased that Emma Jane sent the Beautiful Blog Award my way.
                                        
Without further ado, here are the questions and my answers.

 ~What is one of your favorite period drama lines that you find yourself quoting often?
Oh goodness. Well I think several in my head, but not out loud. No one seems to get them. And my sister always thinks I am odd when I do so. But I often find myself saying "Soary, Anne" to her in a Gilbert-like way. Just because that is so fun. :)

 ~What was the last book you read?
The Shadow Things by Jennifer Frietag. It is not really a book I usually read, so I was a bit wary at first. However, I really ended up liking it and finished it in about two days. (I could have finished it in one but sadly school got in the way...

 ~What is the best movie you've seen so far in 2014?
Um.... Frozen? I think I saw that in 2014. Or maybe it was late 2013. Oh well, it was recently and I liked it a lot. The music is fabulous.

                     

 ~Who is one of your least-favorite period drama couples?
Least favorite? Hmm... Mme. and M. Thenardier from Les Miserables are the first to come to mind.

 ~Who is the one period drama man you can most imagine yourself marrying? (This doesn't have to be your favorite literary/period drama hero, just the man you think you would be most suited to.)
Gilbert. Honestly, I think we would do very well together. I find his sense of humor funny, he is kind, intelligent, and he is an everyday type of guy who is perfectly imperfect to me.... yeah as you can see I have never really gotten over my first big literary crush. (And now I don't think I will.)

 ~ What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?
Edwardian? 1800-early 1900.

 ~Are you familiar with the Irish music group Celtic Woman? If so, who is your favorite of the singers?
I am familiar with them. I think some of their songs are lovely but I really don't listen to them all that much. So I can't say I have a favorite singer because I do not know their names.

 ~What is one of your all-time favorite book covers?
Oh my... well I really like my Sense and Sensibility cover and my An Old Fashioned Girl cover. So I'll cheat a little and post both of them. :)

     

Here is a little interesting tidbit on my Sense and Sensibility: It was the first Jane Austen book I ever owned and read, and I got it for free from my libraries summer reading challenge when I was 11 or 12.

 ~Is there a specific period drama/literary character whom you often find yourself quoting?
Anne of Green Gables, for sure. I just love those books/movies. And the quotes just fit so many occasions.

 ~Is there a specific period drama/literary character whom you find yourself acting a lot like sometimes? 
Hmm. I don't think I am a lot like Anne Shirley, I wish I were more like Elinor Dashwood or Elizabeth Bennet.... I should be honest with myself and say I am more of a Catherine Morland. (But hopefully not quite so silly.) Does this mean I get a Henry Tilney? :)

I've Been Awarded the Elegant Blogger Award!

Hello everyone! Hamlette has been so kind as to nominate me for the elegant blogger reward, and I can't wait to answer the questions.... This will be fun! :)

The rules:

• When you receive the award, link back to keepcalmandsparkle1099.blogspot.com and the blog that nominated you (Hamlette)
• Display the award button in the post 
• Answer all of the 12 questions given in this post (do not make your own questions) 
• Nominate 8 bloggers (see below)
• Notify them that they have been awarded. 

Questions:

1. What made you start blogging?

Well.... I was searching for pictures of Anne of Green Gables, and I came across one entitled "Anne Week" which immediately caught my eye. I followed the link to Yet Another Period Drama Blog, and then I followed Miss Dashwood's links to other blogs. I was thinking while I was reading them "I could do this! It looks like lots of fun!" So here I am, with a blog, and definitely having fun with it! :)

2. What is your fashion style?

My fashion style is cute but comfortable (I hope!). I'll show some of my Pinterest pictures to show you what I like:

                         

                     

3. What is something none of your followers know about you?

Um...... I have never liked sparkles. In fact, when I was younger, I used to freak out if I got some on me. And they are super hard to get off yourself! And I used to hate tea. I love it now, but I used to think it was the grossest thing.

4. What are some of your blogging goals?

I hope to keep up with blogging now that school starts again and I want to actually publish some posts that have been rattling around in my head.

5. Where is your favorite place to shop?

The bookstore. Indubitably. If you mean clothes..... then probably Forever XXI. But only some of their stuff. Lots of their stuff is kind of out there.

6. What would your ideal amount of blog followers be?

Well.... I'd like to have some more, but it be sad to have so many followers that I couldn't really get to know them. Maybe enough so I would get 3-4 comments on each post.

7.  What are your talents?

For some reason I'm blanking. I must have some...... I love music, I'm an avid reader, I like writing, and history. I believe I'm pretty good at those things :)

8. Are you a leader or a follower?

I am usually a follower, but if no one will step up, I can be a leader. I have thoughts and ideas, but I'm usually to shy and self conscious to put them out there.

9. What is one of your favorite quotes?

Can I cheat and do two? One of my favorite nonsensical quotes is: "I'm not saying she was very silly, but one of us was very silly and it wasn't me!" - Wives and Daughters. Another of my favorite quotes is: "I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book!" -Pride and Prejudice

10. Do you have a favorite book or series? 

Just one? I will do a favorite book and series. Book: An Old Fashioned Girl by: Louisa May Alcott. Series:  The Anne of Green Gables series. But I love so many!

                            

11. Out of all the synonyms for elegant, which would you describe yourself with? (smart--stylish--dressy--graceful--dainty--fine)

I have been told I'm graceful, but I don't see how that could be possible considering how clumsy I am. Still, someone said so, and so I must appear so sometimes. ;)

12. What is your favorite flower?

A rose! Your surprised, right? ;) And I love all colors of roses too.

Most of the blogs I follow have already been nominated....

So if anybody is reading this, think it looks like fun, and hasn't been nominated yet, I nominate YOU for the Elegant Blogger Award!

The Liebster Award

I have won the Liebster Award! Twice! Once from Collar City Brownstone and a second time from Whimsey Keith. You must answer the 11 questions they give you, give the award to five other blogs, and make up your own 11 questions. This is my second time doing this because dear Blogger decided to delete my first one! :'(

1).  To date, what has been the best time of your life and why?

When we moved to our new house I'd say, about two years ago. I'm now at a wonderful school with wonderful friends! :)

2).   Describe your dream life.

My dream life has my dream house (which I described here) with a job I love with flexible hours. If you want me to be more specific, I would love to go into something with writing/literature. I see a Gilbert/Mr. Knightley out there, and we'd have three kids (one boy, two girls I think). I'd live in a cottage by the sea in the Carolina's; a summer house in P.E.I. I'd have a little book shop and tea shop. That'd be lovely. That's my dream life. 

3).  What book do you treasure most and would never loan out to anyone?  Why?

Anne of Green Gables. It's what got me started on classics and old fashioned things.... which is kind of my life now. I have a worn and well loved copy that I'd never lend to anyone. It's too dear.

4).  When you were a little girl, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I still consider myself a little girl, but when I was a little little girl I had a couple things: doctor, waitress, teacher, movie star, singer, Lucy Ricardo (that was a silly one), and then I wanted to be a vet. Being allergic to cats is a problem though. I have no idea what I want to be now. 

5).  Want country would you most want to relocate to?

England! It's Jane Austen territory. And Dickens and Agatha Christie, etc. It's absolutely stunning, I believe. And the accents are adorable ;)

6).  Are you a city gal, country gal or must be near a beach?

Must be near a beach! The sound of the waves, the lighthouse, the feel of the sand beneath my toes.... ahh. The sea in all its moods is mesmerizing.

7).  What is special about you?

What is special about me..... hmmm. There must be something. I am a Betsy-Tacy lover who has gone to a convention in Minnesota for it. That's something not everyone can say. I can quote old books and period drama movies. I like old shows like I Love Lucy, the Donna Reed Sow, the Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Tyler Moore, etc. I'm also growing to love Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. (Thanks Hamlette!)

8).  What is your all time favorite movie?

Anne of Green Gables. The first and second. Amazing adaptations of my favorite book! :)

9).  What is your favorite song?

It changes all the time. Currently, it's "Crazy" by Patsy Cline.

10).  Do you prefer Colin Firth or Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy?

Neither is the PERFECT Mr. Darcy, you know. I like them both, but if I had to choose, Colin Firth. I wish they would both smile more, though!

11).  Would a trip to see the ancient city of Petra interest you or do you find touring boring?

I just looked it up, and I think it looks cool. I'd love touring it! I'll be one of those tourists with a guidebook and camera, oohing and ahhing.

And now for Whimsey Keith's questions:

1. What, to you, is the definition of joy? Even a brief second of happiness, without worry or care, when there's nothing but that wonderful moment.
2. If you were like Helen Keller, both blind and deaf, and I offered you three days to see and hear, what would you do? Employ your imaginations! I would see the seven wonders of the world, travel to P.E.I, actually watch a movie, take a walk through nature, and see all my family and friends.

3. If I offered you coffee, hot chocolate, or tea, which would you take? Tea!  I am a big tea drinker. Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Mayor's cup, regular....
4. Would you rather take a three day vacation to Disneyland or a three week vacation touring the vast majority of America's historical sights? Three week to the cast majority of America's historical sights; I'm funny like that ;)
5. If you were offered a cabin in the woods, a cottage on the beach, or an apartment in the city, which would you choose?  A cottage on the beach. Didn't know I'd choose that, did you? ;)
6. If you had the opportunity to go para sailing, would you go? I hope I would. It's a wonderful opportunity  Sometimes I scare myself and talk myself out of opportunities. Very bad of me, really...
7. You have suddenly become a millionaire. What are you going to do with your money? Wow, um.... I have no idea. Strangely enough, I really haven't fantasized about myself being a millionaire.  I suppose I'd use it to make my dream life come true,, then donate some to charities. Sounds kind of boring, huh? I suppose I'd probably do one rather silly thing and travel all around the world.
8. Guess what! You have happened upon a time machine!!! Which historical figure are you going to spend the day with? L.M. Montgomery! I love her books. (as you all know) I have actually fantasized about this very thing, lots of times. I always swear I was born in the wrong time period.

9. Out of all the heroines in historical fiction, who do you admire the most? Surprise surprise.... Emily Webster, actually. She didn't do anything supremely wonderful, but she went through some hardships and pulled through. She is a lot like me, and I relate to her and look up to her.
10. Out of all the heroes in historical fiction, who do you most admire? Gilbert! He's a normal guy, not really the "hero"type. He is kind, considerate, funny, and down to earth. He's a real person, you know?
11. And lastly, if you were offered a pet baby mule or a pet baby goat, which would you adopt? Pet baby goat, I guess. I've never had the inclination to have either one, but you know.... if I was offered one, that would be what I'd choose.

Now, to offer awards to others! Unfortunately, my others have already gotten the award! I shall name them again, so they get some recognition, but I hope they do not feel they need to answer another set of questions if they don't want to:

1.     Hamlette's Soliloquy

2.     Flowers of Quiet Happiness

3.     The Story Girl

4.     Collar City Brownstone

5.     Whimsey Keith 

The questions are:

1.     If you could have any super power, what would it be?

2.     What is your favorite childhood memory?

3.     Who's your favorite actor/actress?

4.     Who do you admire/look up to?

5.     Are you more of a dog person or a cat person?

6.     If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?

7.     Quick: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, or Emma?

8.     What's your favorite "guilty pleasure?"

9.     Would you rather go on a cruise or climb a mountain?

10. Describe what you would choose if your personality was to be expressed in a piece of clothing.

11. Do you like mysteries, romances, fantasy, classics, non-fiction or sci-fi?

The Literary Heroine Blog Party Questions

~ The Questions ~

1. Introduce yourself! Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random! My name is Maddie Rose from The Madd Rose blog. I love books, old movies and shows, baking, playing piano, old fashioned things in general and BOOKS! I dislike homework, most modern furniture, snakes, spiders, creepy-crawly things in general, and crude or nasty behavior. God is only just recently playing a daily part in my life right now as I (finally) strive to do His works. I don't know what I want to be when I grow up, but I'd love for it to have something to do with, what else, books. I dream of living on P.E.I, Canada, in a little cottage by the sea. I am a Road to Avonlea addict, and like nothing better than to lounge around with a good book or show, and a nice cup of tea. (Earl Grey especially)
2. What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine?  I love a heroine who is kind, considerate, and helpful, without being too annoying and perfect. She should have a good imagination and a sense of humor. She doesn't need to be beautiful (I rather prefer that she isn't, actually) but I like them to be... pretty, even in a little way. Sweetness always helps, but you need a dash of salt, or else you might get a toothache. It helps if she has one or two run ins with love, and gets into scrapes occasionally. This is what I imagine a true heroine to be.
3. Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.  I admire Anne Shirley greatly. She was my first old-fashioned love. I am absolutely obsessed with the series. (Ask anyone) Gilbert helped a lot too. ;)  Another heroine I relate to is Betsy Warrington Ray. She is a little known heroine, but one of my favorites. She is kind, smart, funny, and imperfectly beautiful. I want her and her Crowd to be my friends! I even went to the Betsy-Tacy Convention in Mankato, Minn. this summer. I admire Emily Starr, although she and I aren't that much alike. I like her spirit, her beauty, and her goal in life. Finally, I like Polly from An Old-Fashioned Girl. She is sweet, kind, and resourceful. She has a strong faith and shines light on the lives of others. I wish she and I were more alike. 
4. Five of your favorite historical novels?  Oh, this is hard. Are classics historical novels? I suppose they are. In no particular order, I like love: the Anne of Green Gables series, the Betsy-Tacy series, An Old-Fashioned Girl, Love Comes Softly, and Emma.
5. Out of those five books who is your favorite main character and why? This is REALLY HARD! Why don't you just ask me which kid is my favorite? (If I had kids....) Anyway..... I guess Anne. What can I say? I'm a big Anne of Green Gables fan! She is my favorite because she is smart, kind , stubborn, imaginative, and she gets the best guy EVER! ;)
6. Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why? Marilla Cuthbert. At first I wasn't sure I'd like her at all, but under that cold exterior beats a kind, motherly heart.
7. If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there? This is so hard... should I do P.E.I., England, or Italy? I suppose I'll choose England, although I dearly love my little P.E.I.! England would be such fun! I love the accents, the little shops and cottages, the sheep, the beaches  the culture, and of course JANE AUSTEN! 
8. What is your favorite time period and culture to read about? I would have to say mid to late 1800's and early 1900's. The culture can be Canadian, American, or British.
9. You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of? I am best at singing, but I don't know if I'd have the nerve to do that. If not singing, then recitation- like Anne at the White Sands Hotel! :)
10. If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent? I suppose I'd pick Emma Woodhouse. With my longish caramel blond hair, it'd be best to be her. (I've always imagined her with blond hair as I saw the movie before I read the book. plus, she has beautiful outfits and hairstyles, and I could spend the whole party making matches;)
11. What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate? MMMMMMM! Is the exact phrase that comes to mind. If I could live on chocolate, I would.
12. Favorite author(s)? In no particular order: L.M. Montgomery, Maud Hart Lovelace, Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, Heather Vogel Frederick, Janette Oke,  Elizabeth Gaskell, Jeanne Birdsall (author of The Penderwicks), A.A. Milne of the dear Winnie-the-Pooh stories, and Michael Bond, who is the author of a childhood favorite of mine, Paddington Bear. 
13. Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land? Books, old movies, my smart phone,  my puppy Ollie, and my ipod
14. In which century were most of the books you read written? There are two: 19 C. and 20 C.
15. In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is… GILBERT BLYTHE
16. Describe your ideal dwelling place. A cozy cottage, with a little garden, and a hammock swung between two trees. It will have a little library with old beloved books and a nice, roomy window seat, simply strewn all over with pillows. I'd like a creamy yellow kitchen with a farmhouse sink. There should be a little piano somewhere, maybe in the library. It will have nice, crooked stairs, with a little platform and window. I'll have lace curtains billowing in the breeze. There will be bedrooms, of reasonable size, and at least one small walk in closet. It must have nice, shadowy little corners and some flowery wallpaper.  I'd like a little porch out front, with a rocking chair, where I could sit and hear the ocean; for my dream house must be reasonably close to the ocean, you know. I will see the lighthouse peeping through my living room window as I sit on an overstuffed chair by the fire on wintry evenings. Oh, and I'd like it to be on an island. Not a private island or anything, just an island. I think people who live on islands are nicer and happier.
17. Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence. Just one sentence? Alright, my personal style is feminine and classy, but not old granny-ish or anything.
18. Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name? Yes, I don't like that Mr. Darcy's first name is Fitzwilliam. :(
19. In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is... for some reason I'm drawing a blank. I suppose, maybe Chauvelin from the Scarlet Pimpernel. I just don't like that guy!
20. Three favorite Non-fiction books? Um... I don't read a lot of non-fiction... I like the Little House on the Prairie (although I think that might be fiction, but it's based off Laura's life.) I can't think of any more, although I know I've read non-fiction!
21. Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon? Outside rowing on the pond, swimming at the pool, gardening, or on our hammock reading with some lemonade.
22. Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character. Oh dear, well this is an interesting one. I'd have to choose a hat that might come from Road to Avonlea. A simple hat with a nice blue bow and some small flowers. Nothing too fancy, but overall very simple and flattering.
23. Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.  I found some blogs, started blogging myself, and started high school.
24. Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently. Goodness, uh... Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 32:8, Revelation 21:4, 1 John 4:7-8, and Deuteronomy 31:6