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!

Period Drama Tag Questions for April

1. What period dramas have you watched in April?
I only did a review on Wives & Daughters, but I also saw an old Miss Marple that I think counts as period drama, but I am not positive.
2. Have you ever watched a period drama where the characters time traveled between eras (i.e. Somewhere In Time, Lost In Austen, From Time To Time)?
No, not that I can remember, actually.
3. What historical era is your favorite and why?
My favorite historical era is... Edwardian times. I simply adore  them! (With Regency coming in a close second..) I love them because of the dresses, the big hats, the shoes, the culture, the simplicity, Road to Avonlea... need I say more?
4. How many William Shakespeare film adaptations have you seen?
Only two..... sadly. I have seen the Leonardo DiCaprio version of Romeo and Juliet (against my will) and the older version with Olivia Huessey. (I think that's how you spell it... this one was the better version, in my opinion.)
5. If a new biographical film based on the life of your favorite classic author were made would you rejoice or be the first to sign a "do not make this film" petition?
I would REJOICE! There is no film that I know of on dear L.M. Montgomery! (ONE of my favorites.... I have a couple) ;)

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

Happy Belated Valentine's Day

I know it is not Valentine's Day, but I've been planning this post for awhile. And just because I was busy on Valentines Day making homemade cards and having dinner with my family, I will not spoil my own fun. So I have decided to do what I originally planned. I decided that there is nothing better than some wonderful, romantic quotes to make people happy. So, I picked some of my favorites. (Not all because that would be too many to count, dear readers!) so now, without further ado, some Valentine's Day quotes:

"A man in khaki was standing on the steps-a tall fellow, with dark eyes and hair, and a narrow white scar running across his brown cheek. Rilla stared at him foolishly for a moment. Who was it? She ought to know him-certainly there was something very familiar about him...'Rilla-my-Rilla,' he said. 'Ken,' gasped Rilla. Of course, it was Ken-but he looked so much older-he was so much changed-that scar-the lines about his eyes and lips-her thoughts went whirling helplessly. Ken took the uncertain hand he held out, and looked at her. The slim Rilla of four years ago had rounded out into symmetry. He had left a school girl, and he found a woman-a woman with wonderful eyes and a dented lip, and rose-bloom cheek- a woman altogether beautiful and desirable- the woman of his dreams. 'Is it Rilla-my-Rilla?' he asked, meaningly. Emotion shook Rilla from head to foot, Joy- happiness- sorrow- fear- every passion that had wrung her heart in those four long years seemed to surge up in her soul for a moment as the deeps of being were stirred. She tried to speak; at first voice would not come. Then- 'Yeth,'said Rilla." -From Rilla of Ingleside

And anyone who's read that book will be sighing right now, for Rilla saying "Yeth" meant something very special indeed. It is a rather long quote, but I just had to include all of it.

"It came clearly and suddenly on the air of a June evening. An old, old call-two higher notes and one long and soft and low. Emily Starr, dreaming at her window, heard it and stood up, her face suddenly gone white. Dreaming still -she must be! Teddy Kent was thousands of miles away, in the Orient- so much she knew from an item in a Montreal paper. Yes, she had dreamed it-imagined it. It came again. And Emily knew that Teddy was there, waiting for her in Lofty John's Bush.-calling to her across the years. She went down slowly-out-across the garden. Of course Teddy was there- under the firs. It seemed the most natural thing in the world that he should come to her there, in that old-world garden where the three lombardies still kept guard. Nothing was wanting to bridge the years. There was no gulf. HE put out his hands and drew her to him, with no conventional greeting. And spoke as if there were no years-no memories- between them. 'Don't tell me you can't love me- you can-you must- why, Emily-'his eyes had met the moonlit brilliance of hers for a moment-'you do.'" -From Emily's Quest
Oh what a romantic, romantic thing! The old call! I got a teddy bear for Valentine's Day two years ago and I named it Teddy Kent. I just loved this ending.

"I have a dream,' he (Gilbert) said slowly. 'I persist in dreaming it, although it has often seemed to me that it could never come true. I dream of  home with a hearth fire in it, a cat and a dog, the footsteps of friends-and you!'" - From Anne of the Island Ch. 41 "Love takes up the glass of time"

Anne of Green Gables is one of my favorites, and I just love this whole chapter! Oh Anne and Gilbert! Need I say more? ;)

"'But I've been thinking, Betsy. The Plan has been twisted about to let you in. You're in it now, that's all. I wouldn't like it without you. I wouldn't give a darn for my old Plan if you couldn't be in it.'"...... "After Commencement Day, the World!' Joe said. "With Betsy." - From Betsy and Joe 

Betsy and Joe are one of those wonderful high school couples. They meet the summer before freshman year, but have misunderstandings once school starts. For Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior year Betsy and Joe are caught in a tangle of misunderstandings, but liking each other through it all. Senior year crowns Betsy and Joe's happiness, and need I mention, my own. :)

"That's the rose you put in the birthday cake, and next week we'll have a fresh one in another jolly little cake which you'll make me; you left it on the floor of my den the night we talked there, and I've kept it ever since. There's love and romance for you!" -Tom Shaw, From An Old-fashioned Girl

I love Little Polly and Tom's relationship! It's a beautiful little love story. And the way he changes, and goes West, and makes himself a better man....! And Polly's sweet, unwavering love. It's a wonderful story, all in all.

And we can't forget Jane Austen!

“I cannot make speeches, Emma...If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more. But you know what I am. You hear nothing but truth from me. I have blamed you, and lectured you, and you have borne it as no other woman in England would have borne it.” -From Emma

 I simply love Mr. Knightley, with an "e." He is one of my favorite Austen heroes!

"“I come here with no expectations, only to profess, now that I am at liberty to do so, that my heart is and always will be yours.” - From Sense and Sensibility

That part makes me have a smile cry, you know, when you're smiling and you have happy tears in your eyes? It made Elinor cry too. (At least, in the '95 movie it did...)

“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” -From Pride and Prejudice

True, Mr. Darcy followed that up with, I know you are lower than me in rank, birth "et cetera, et cetera, et cetera;" but really, it's a wonderful sentiment.

That is all for now, I hope you all had a very happy Valentine's Day!