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?

Sunshine Award

I have been nominated by Hamlette for the Sunshine Award. So I have to answer five questions:
1.  What is the next book you plan to read?

I plan to read Corrie ten Boom's book The Hiding Place. I have heard good things about that book, but I am hesitant to start it because I know it'll be sad. :(

2.  Have you ever seen the same movie in the theater more than once?

Hmm... nope. I actually don't go to the theater that much, period. I watch more old movies than new ones.

3.  Do you prefer pirates or cowboys?

Hmm... Cowboys. Pirates would rob me and sink my ship. Cowboys are usually good and they are country, so they would probably have a sweet Southern drawl. :)

4.  Have you ever been to an ocean?

Yes, in fact I just came back from a trip to Hilton Head Island, SC... so beautiful! We watched the sunset on the beach every night and there were always dolphins nearby where we were staying. 

5.  You're casting a new movie version of your favorite book.  Who are your top choices for the leads?

Hmm... I can't think of any improvements I would want to make of the movie version of Anne of Green Gables with Meagan Follows, so I shall choose another favorite book. I'll pick a trilogy. And I don't care if that is "cheating." It's my blog. :)

The Mark of the Lion series: (If I were choosing my dream cast)

Hadassah 

Emmy Rossum

Marcus Valerian

Julia Valerian

Ryan Newman

Atretes

Chris Hemsworth

Rizpah

Gemma Arterton

Arria

Amanda Seyfried

Prometheus

Logan Learman

Cauis

Ian Somerhalder

Calabah

Emilia Clarke

Dr. Alexander

Emanuele Bosi

Here are just some of the characters and how I envisioned them to be. I got these pictures and ideas from some Mark of the Lion dream cast Pinterest boards I'm following, so the credit really goes to them. :)

I know I haven't done Julia's 1st or 3rd husband, Decimus, Bato, Theophilus, Ania, and other characters (there are a lot!) but I tried my best. 

Man I wish this was a real movie!!! Are there any Hollywood directors reading my blog (haha)? Cause we could make this thing happen :)

Well this was fun! Thanks for nominating me Hamlette.

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? :)

The Sunshine Award

              

1. Do you have a favorite spring color?

I love wearing/flowers with light pink. And if someone could get the sparkling blue of the pond in the springtime.

2. One of the most riveting books you've ever read?

Oh... um....riveting? I'm blanking. Really sorry.
3. A favorite adventure movie?
I don't really watch adventure movies. Is Tarzan an adventure movie? Because the Disney Tarzan is a cute movie.

4. Mexican, Italian, or French cuisine… Do you have a favorite?

I like Italian I guess because I like pasta, garlic bread, and pizza. Is pizza even real Italian food? Hmm...
5. Do you like shopping for relaxation or would you “infinitely prefer a book”? Or either?

I would "infinitely prefer a book." I like when I get new clothes, but I do not find the actual shopping part fun or relaxing.
6. Do you like cranberries?
Sort of.... I just tried them this year. They are okay, but would not be my first choice. They are very sour!7. Do you enjoy hiking and camping?

Sad to say.... not really.
8. Working with animals?

Yes, I love animals. I have difficulty working with them though because I am allergic to cats. :(
9. Do you ever name places? Inspired by favorite literary locations?

Yes actually, I do. Especially after I read Anne of Green Gables. The pond is now the Lake of Shining Waters. :)
10. Do you enjoy dying your hands brown in garden soil? Or do you find worms unsettling?

I planted some flowers last year.... but then I saw a worm and made my dad help with the rest. Heh...
11. A specific instance of God’s kindness toward you in the past year.

Specific? Uh... I have had wonderful opportunities to visit with friends and family in the past year. And I started blogging in February of 2013, so I have been blessed with all the online friends that blogging has led me to.

This was fun! Thank you Heidi for nominating me! I hope to get some reviews up of some books I have been reading soon. But until then... TTFN! :)

Sunflowers and Fashions and Tags, Oh my!

So! Lots of tags have been floating around lately! I was tagged by Hamlette for the Sunflower Blogger Award. And I am also doing the Period Drama Fashion tag. So I thought I would just answer all the questions in one blog post. I hope you don't mind. On to the questions!
         

Here are the rules:

1. Share 11 facts about yourself. 
2. Answer the questions set by your Nomination Blogger 
3. Nominate 11 bloggers. 
4. Set questions for the nominated bloggers.

Here are 11 facts about myself you all may not know....

1) I am the eldest of my family

2)  I do not like green tea (Too earthy tasting for me)

3) I don't like Coffee (I only like the smell of it)

4) Right now my nails are painted dark pink

5) I used to have a black and white cat named Felix

6) I am reading A Room with a View right now (and quite enjoying it)

7) I have been a ring beareress at a wedding (there weren't many boys so I took the job, haha)

8) I have my ears pierced and am thinking about getting a second piercing on my ear, but am a little afraid to actually take the plunge and do it.

9) I have a teddy bear named Teddy Kent. (after Emily Starr's Teddy, you know)

10) In the same vein, I had a fish named Gilbert Blythe. I called him Gil and thought I was quite clever.

11) I don't know what I want to be when I grow up, and at this point I feel like I should... my cousin is only a little older than me and is heading off to college, seemingly knowing what she wants to do and how she will get there.

And now that you know 11 random facts about me, here are Hamlette's questions:

 If you had to spend the rest of your life in a different century of Earth's past, where would you spend it?
Oh... there are a couple I would love to live in, but if I HAD to pick just one, it would be Edwardian times in Prince Edward Island... or England.... or America. Okay, so I am not sure where, but that would be the time period. :)

What's your favorite salad dressing?
Ranch. It is actually one of the only salad dressings I actually like. Lately I have taken to putting it on sandwiches and it is really good that way, actually.

What's the worst movie (that you liked least) you saw in 2013?
Oh actually this is hard. I remember rather liking all the movies I have seen lately.

Do you paint your toenails?
Yes. Not usually in the winter though because no one sees them then. It is so nice to paint your toenails because unlike your fingernails, the polish seems to last forever.

What are your three favorite TV shows?
JUST three? Fine. But I do this under protest. I love Road to Avonlea, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Hogan's Heroes. That's quite a variety now that I look at it. :)

Are there any books or movies you own more than one copy of?  If so, what are they?
Yes. I have three copies of Anne of Green Gables, Anne's House of Dreams, and Anne of the Island. (I bought the books separately and then received the whole series from my aunt.) I also own two copies of An Old Fashioned Girl and A Rose in Bloom, and I have two copies of the movie Cinderella. (Disney's Cinderella and they are VHS tapes)

A lot of the Bloggers I follow have already done this.... so I will be annoying and say if you are reading this and you want to do it. I nominate YOU. :)

If you do this tag, here are my questions:
Chips or popcorn?
If you could be any fictional character for a day, who would it be?
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Why?
Do you like Classics better or Adventure stories?
Sherlock or Miss Marple? Why?
Who is your favorite villain? Why?

And now on to Emma Jane's questions for her wonderful Period Drama Fashion week. Click on the link in my sidebar to see what she is doing for it.

1. Tell us five random things about yourself.
More random things... as Pooh would say "think think think..." 1) I don't like Ketchup 2) I have 2 American Girl dolls 3) I love oatmeal raisin cookies 4) I play the piano 5) I am allergic to cats

2. What are some of your favorite dresses from period dramas? Pick three.

3. How would you describe your own style?
I usually wear jeans and a sweater in this cold whether, with my hair in a French braid. I hope my style is cute but comfy. I wish I owned a few more skirts though.

4. List (up to) five of your favorite period drama wardrobes.
Emma Woodhouse (Emma 2009), Mary Crawley (Downton Abbey), Bella Wilfer (Our Mutual Friend 2000), Olivia King Dale (Road to Avonlea), and Izzy Pettibone (later seasons of Road to Avonlea)

5. What are some of your favorite fashion eras?
Oh yay! Okay, Regency era definitely, I love Edwardian outfits, 1950s glamour is fun, and I like the big hoop skirts of the early 1800s, but would not like to wear them.

6. What are five things that make you happy?
My puppy Ollie, reading, watching my favorite shows, tea, and hand-written letters.

7. Do you like to wear hats?
Umm... I usually don't wear hats, as my school doesn't allow them and I don't have the nerve to stand out usually. If however, I had the lovely hats Edwardian ladies did, and also was in Edwardian times, I would have a collection of lovely hats and would probably want to change them many times a day! :)

8. Do you have a favorite fictional character who has the same name as you?
No :( Sadly, there aren't really any named Maddie, or even Madeline. Emma Approved named Miss Bates Maddie Bates, but she really isn't a favorite character of mine.

9. What is one of the ugliest dresses you've ever seen in a period drama?
There are several, I know but right now I am rather at a loss.. okay, I googled it and this seemed the worst of the lot:
                          

10. What is the most-worn color in your wardrobe?
Blue, I believe. I think I look rather nice in Blue and it is my favorite color.

11. What are your sentiments on the subject of tea?
I love it! I didn't always though. When I was younger, I did not like it. I tried it again three years ago at a tea my aunt took us to and fell in love with it. It is warm, comforting, and very British. What more could a person want?

12. Do historical inaccuracies bother you?
If they are very obvious, yes. If I don't notice them or they are very slight, I am fine with it.

13. What are some of your favorite eras of men's fashions?
Edwardian again. Yes, I really love that period. But top hats and all are nice too.

14. Have you ever read any books on historical fashion?
I read a picture book on fashions through the ages that a neighbor got me. It isn't very in-depth, but it is fun. I think I would really like to read up on it, now that I am into period dramas. So if anyone has a recommendation for me, I would love to hear it in the comments!

15. If you could pick just three fictional characters to have over for tea, who would you invite?
Philippa Gordon from Anne of the Island, the Dowager Countess of Grantham ("Granny" from Downton Abbey), and Lizzy Bennet from Pride & Prejudice. Goodness, those three would certainly make for an interesting tea party, wouldn't they?

Well these were fun to answer! I hope you all enjoyed reading them! And if you want to answer the questions yourself, feel free. :)

End of the Year Book Wrap-Up

Okay, so I originally got this idea from Miss Dashwood. She said in her blogpost this was past the date, and it must have been, because when I went on the notebook sisters blog to find the post about this, it was not even one of the first few posts there! But I shall not pay attention. I will fill it out anyway, because it looked like lots of fun to do! So, without further ado, here are the end of the year book questions: 

1. What was your overall favourite book this year? (Yes. Pick one.)
This is so hard! Must I pick just one? *Madd Rose pouts* Fine. I think I liked the Last Sin Eater the best. (And as a series I liked Miss Marple the best. Soary, as Gilbert would say; I had to throw that in there.)

2. Favourite debut(s)? (Author must have been first published in 2013.)
Uh.... I don't really read many modern books, so I don't think I have even read an author that has just been published this year. Bummer.. WAIT! I think Wish You Were Eyre by: Heather Vogel Frederick came out this year! So there it is, problem solved.

3. Which books did you reread this year?
Tons and tons! Alright, fine I will try to name them all:
Anne of the Island b: L.M. Montgomery
Anne of Windy Poplars by: L.M. Montgomery
Anne's House of Dreams by L.M. Montgomery
Rilla of Ingleside by: L.M. Montgomery
Emily Climbs by L.M. Montgomery
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by: Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
A Rose in Bloom by: Louisa May Alcott
An Old Fashioned Girl by: Louisa May Alcott
Little Women by: Louisa May Alcott
Heavens to Betsy by: Maud Hart Lovelace
Betsy in Spite of Herself by: Maud Hart Lovelace
Betsy was a Junior by: Maud Hart Lovelace
Betsy and Joe by: Maud Hart Lovelace
Betsy and the Great World by: Maud Hart Lovelace
Betsy's Wedding by; Maud Hart Lovelace
Emily of Deep Valley by: Maud Hart Lovelace
Emma by: Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice by: Jane Austen
Sense and Sensibility by: Jane Austen
Daddy Long Legs by: Jean Webster
....and that's all I can think of, but I think there were others.

4. Favourite cover(s) this year!

Note: not necessarily my favorite books, but I liked the covers

5. Worst cover(s)?
Um... I don't like to read or buy books with covers I don't like. I will say I dislike when publishers put the movie as the cover of the books.
                                                           

6. What self-published books did you read this year?
I've read Only a Novel by Miss Dashwood and I greatly enjoyed myself while doing so. :)

7. Which book(s) gave you a massive hangover?
The Last Sin Eater: because this book is just full of so many ideas and concepts and it is really good.

the Mitford series: because I loved this series to itty bitty pieces and when I finished the last book I just didn't know what to do with myself. I'd been "living" in Mitford for months, you know?

 Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: even though this was a reread, I was so happy when it ended and then very sad because there is no sequel. And cannot be, as the author, Mary Ann Shaffer, has since passed away. :'(

8. Best standalone you read?
This is hard, as I read several good stand alones this year. Um... the Last Sin Eater, I suppose.

9. Biggest book(s) you've read this year?
I think it might be Wives & Daughters. I started several big books this year, but I didn't finish them. (I know, I am very bad about that sometimes.)

10. Book(s) you followed the hype for and then loved!
the Help by: Katherine Stockett... I think that might be it, I really don't follow "hype" or "trends."

11. Most disappointing book(s) you read this year?
the Postmistress looked promising but turned out to be rather bad. There are others, but that is the most recent one I can think of. (And yes, I know Miss Dashwood also did that but sometimes I am not an original thinker...)

12. Favourite leading-female character?
This year? Miss Marple

13. Favourite leading-male character?
And... Father Tim

14. Best romance(s)?
Juliet and Dawsey from the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (is that how you spell his name? Eh... I am too lazy to look it up, so if it is wrong, be a dear and please excuse. Thanks.)
Father Tim and Cynthia from the Mitford series (And Dooley and Lace)
Sally McBride and Dr.Robin "Sandy" McRae from Dear Enemy
Rose and Mac from A Rose in Bloom
Polly Milton and Tom Shaw from an Old Fashioned Girl
Emily Webster and Jed Wakeman from Emily of Deep Valley
Betsy Ray and Joe Willard
Emma Woodhouse and Mr. Knightley
Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy
ANNE AND GILBERT from Anne of Green Gables
I think I covered most of them, but if I didn't, please excuse

15. What book(s) hit the DNF list? (Did not finish.)
Sadly, a lot. I won't even list them all, readers, because I am a tad embarrassed about how many there would be. More and more this year I found it difficult to get through books. And not always because they are bad. Just because I lose interest. I sort of worries me as I haven't really had long lapses like that before.

16. What book(s) did you read out of your comfort-zone?
 the Last Sin Eater (I don't usually read Christian fiction, because it usually turns out to be some silly romance) and Agatha Christie's novels (because I didn't think I would like murder mysteries. I still don't like many murder mysteries, but Christie's special)

17. Which author did you read the most from?
Probably Agatha Christie. I read all the Miss Marple mysteries and several of Poirot and some stand alone novels of hers.

18. Top 5 books you'd recommend from all the books you've read this year?
Can this include series? Well I shall make it include series (this is my blog you know; )) 
In no particular order
1) Miss Marple mysteries
2) the Mitford series
3) the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
4) Miss Pym Disposes by: Josephine Tey
5) Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by: Kate Douglas Wiggin (and if you want something similar, the Anne books by L.M. Montgomery)
5 1/2) I know I am such a cheater. Oh well... the Betsy Tacy series

19. How many books did you read this year all up?
I didn't keep a list... but quite a bit! You know what? That shall be one of my new years resolutions. I will keep a list of books I have read in 2014.

20. What's a book you're hugely excited for coming out in 2014?!
I wish I were hugely excited about one, but I am not. I am excited about the next Penderwick book, but I think that actually comes out in 2015 or later.