Can't wait... :)
Saturday, 28 August 2010
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
Agnes Grey
by Anne Bronte
Edition: Modern Library classics, paperback.
Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars
{let me know if there are typos or anything}
After her father's speculation leaves them in near-poverty, Agnes Grey is determined to leave her quiet life at home and become a governess, earning her own living and hoping to help allay her father's fear for his children's future. Her idea of heroic perseverance and independence is soon eclipsed, however, by the almost impossible task of teaching her first pupils, whose chaotic and rebellious behaviour goes unchecked by their parents. As the years go by, Agnes works hard to try to keep her jobs, but finds herself growing more and more miserable in the friendless life she leads...until she meets Mr Weston, a plain but kind young clergyman.
My thoughts: This was a really, really good read. I wasn't sure if I would like it or not, but it definitely lived up to everyone's positive reviews, as well as to the expectations you might have if you're a Bronte fan, like me. It doesn't matter if you're a girl or a guy; I'd recommend this book to just about anyone who likes classics!
Although the story is very similar to Charlotte Bronte's stories, this book still has a slightly different tone to it; and I think it is an important read for anyone interested in the Victorian era, because of its authentic depiction of a governess's life. I had no idea how difficult it really was until I read this book. This book has you look at the era and its people in a slightly different light--much like the perspective found in Jane Eyre, but in a more realistic setting.
The characters were good. I liked Agnes Grey a lot; she's the kind of heroine that you feel you can really understand, and the kind of character you keep hoping will have a happy ending. Mr Weston was nice, too. Most of the pupils were downright scary, and their parents weren't much better....
The story wasn't as dramatic as other Bronte books, but it was certainly interesting; and again, it seemed pretty realistic, almost like a real memoir. The writing style, by the way, is easier than Charlotte's. It's also not quite as gloomy as Villette or Wuthering Heights, so it would be a good Bronte book to start with. Highly recommended. :)
by Anne Bronte
Edition: Modern Library classics, paperback.
Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars
{let me know if there are typos or anything}
After her father's speculation leaves them in near-poverty, Agnes Grey is determined to leave her quiet life at home and become a governess, earning her own living and hoping to help allay her father's fear for his children's future. Her idea of heroic perseverance and independence is soon eclipsed, however, by the almost impossible task of teaching her first pupils, whose chaotic and rebellious behaviour goes unchecked by their parents. As the years go by, Agnes works hard to try to keep her jobs, but finds herself growing more and more miserable in the friendless life she leads...until she meets Mr Weston, a plain but kind young clergyman.
My thoughts: This was a really, really good read. I wasn't sure if I would like it or not, but it definitely lived up to everyone's positive reviews, as well as to the expectations you might have if you're a Bronte fan, like me. It doesn't matter if you're a girl or a guy; I'd recommend this book to just about anyone who likes classics!
Although the story is very similar to Charlotte Bronte's stories, this book still has a slightly different tone to it; and I think it is an important read for anyone interested in the Victorian era, because of its authentic depiction of a governess's life. I had no idea how difficult it really was until I read this book. This book has you look at the era and its people in a slightly different light--much like the perspective found in Jane Eyre, but in a more realistic setting.
The characters were good. I liked Agnes Grey a lot; she's the kind of heroine that you feel you can really understand, and the kind of character you keep hoping will have a happy ending. Mr Weston was nice, too. Most of the pupils were downright scary, and their parents weren't much better....
The story wasn't as dramatic as other Bronte books, but it was certainly interesting; and again, it seemed pretty realistic, almost like a real memoir. The writing style, by the way, is easier than Charlotte's. It's also not quite as gloomy as Villette or Wuthering Heights, so it would be a good Bronte book to start with. Highly recommended. :)
Friday, 20 August 2010
My attempt at replicating Arwen's Coronation Gown, from The Return of the King (2003). I must mention here that if you need a Lord of the Rings costume study for reference, you should visit this site! Their Arwen Coronation Gown page was very, very helpful. The detail of their costume studies is amazing, and they have some good photos, too, especially of those costumes which didn't have much screen time.
The butterfly on the crown. I think it kinda looks more like a flower or a bow, though.
The sleeves were a bit disappointing. I didn't realise till later that they were supposed to be much longer/bigger.
The crown was a lot of fun to make! :) I hadn't done any beading in years, so it was also quite challenging. Unfortunately, I don't have any pattern for it. I just experimented.... I can give you a hint, though: copper wire is much easier to work with than silver.
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
Updated: July 2011
My #1 sewing obsession is replicating or designing 11 1/2 inch doll-sized costumes of characters (usually from literature). So one daywhen I had lots of better things to do, I came up with a list of heroines whose costumes I'd like to replicate (or design):
My #1 sewing obsession is replicating or designing 11 1/2 inch doll-sized costumes of characters (usually from literature). So one day
- Jane Eyre. . .from Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
- Jane Austen heroines
- Elinor. . .from Sense and Sensibility
- Elizabeth. . .from Pride and Prejudice
- Emma (click here). . .from Emma
- Fanny. . .from Mansfield Park
- Anne. . .from Persuasion
- Catherine. . .from Northanger Abbey
- Marian Halcombe. . .from The Woman in White (Wilkie Collins)
- Esther Summerson. . .from Bleak House (Charles Dickens)
- Irene Adler and/or Violet Hunter. . .from "Sherlock Holmes" (Arthur Conan Doyle)
- Marguerite Blakeney. . .from The Scarlet Pimpernel (Emma Orczy)
- Catriona Drummond. . .from Catriona (Robert Louis Stevenson)
- Lucie Manette. . .from A Tale of Two Cities (Charles Dickens)
- Margaret Hale. . .from North and South (Elizabeth Gaskell)
- Joan of Arc
- Molly Gibson. . .from Wives and Daughters (Elizabeth Gaskell)
- Anne Shirley. . .from Anne of Green Gables (Lucy Maud Montgomery)
- Eowyn. . .from The Lord of the Rings (J. R. R. Tolkien)
- Arwen (click here). . .from The Lord of the Rings (J. R. R. Tolkien)
- Queen Victoria (click here)
- Alice. . .from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll)
- Alice Kingsleigh. . .from Alice in Wonderland (Tim Burton)
- Trixie Belden. . .from "Trixie Belden" (Julie Campbell Tatham)
- Jill Pole. . .from The Silver Chair (C. S. Lewis)
- Polly Plummer. . .from The Magician's Nephew (C. S. Lewis)
- Amy Edmonstone. . .from The Heir of Redclyffe (Charlotte Yonge)
- Tatyana Larin (click here). . .from Eugene Onegin (Alexander Pushkin)
Saturday, 14 August 2010
What do you like best--forests, oceans, or mountains? I've thought about that many times. For me, I'd always say "the ocean", but I do love our good old fir trees, and Mount Rainier... On a very cloudy day, it's perfectly invisible; and you couldn't discern the slightest hint that it ever existed. On a less cloudy day, when just its summit can be seen, it looks like a faraway mountain floating in the clouds themselves. At sunset, it's a painting in the sky, a painting in purple, blue, and pink. And on a bright, clear, summer day...well, as Sam would say, "Now there's an eye opener and no mistake!"
Another mountain in the distance (truth be told, I couldn't say for sure which one it is...)
"The road goes ever on and on...."
{Note: I own the copyright to all the above photos.}
Another mountain in the distance (truth be told, I couldn't say for sure which one it is...)
"The road goes ever on and on...."
{Note: I own the copyright to all the above photos.}
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
The Writer's Tag
Rules: Fill out the tag, and then add two of your own questions!
What do you write your stories on?
These days, I grab a notebook--brand-new (if I'm writing a novel), college-rule, standard size--and just start writing the first draft, numbering pages as I go along. I write single-spaced and only on one side of the page; that way I can use the other side of the page for editing if I need to. I LOVE using Pilot G-2 gel pens, but I also like BIC black ink pens (they last a long time!).
After writing a few pages or so, I type them up in OpenOffice Writer. And as I type, I add/change things to the story. When I finish a story, it gets the honour of being converted into a PDF. :)
What is your favorite kind of character?
Can't pick just one...I love writing about charming, scheming, greedy villains; and quiet, thoughtful, self-doubting or self-confident heroes. My favourite kinds of characters to read about tend to be swashbuckling patriots; people who do the right thing regardless of what others think; Charlotte Bronte heroines; and eccentrics.
When you're asked what your story is about, what is your usual reaction?
If it's my sister asking what the story is about, I usually give her a whole plot summary. If it's anyone else, I'll just give them the genre and some vague indication of how excited I am about writing it. Generally, the Sherlockian in me likes to surprise people with the end result, rather than show them the actual process.
What is your biggest writing pet peeve?
I hate being unable to find the right research information for historical fiction. It really bugs me because I know that it's out there, somewhere!
What is the biggest turn-off for you when reading a book?
Really bad language, especially frequent use of it, and anything else that I consider objectionable.
Your favorite era in history?
Just one? *cries* Because I find the 1700s to 1800s absolutely fascinating...but that's several different eras. If I had to pick only one, I'd probably say the Romantic Era.
How many words on average do you punch out in one sitting?
It varies a good deal. Could be anywhere from about 200 to 1000.
Are you a fast typist?
Yes, when I'm not changing/adding to the story.
What do you do for inspiration?
Inspiration, for me, usually comes at very random moments and usually as a result of something that's been on my mind. Dreams and classical music are also hugely inspiring. In fact, if I'm writing a story and need some more inspiration, sometimes it helps to listen to the classical music I associate with that story--the "soundtrack", if you will. ;) But when I have writer's block, I usually just have to make myself start writing again.
The truest writing quote you've ever heard:
Whenever I feel like I'm getting too sappy, I tell myself "Cut the poetry, Watson!" Gotta love Holmes's literary criticism...
What's your favorite genre to write?
Historical fantasy! Though I'm trying to get out of that habit. It's a fun, easy genre to write, but it usually means that I'm too lazy to do research. So my next book will be genuine historical fiction.
Favorite font to write with?
Georgia, 11px. Right now, however, I'm using good old Times New Roman, 12px.
I tag any of my readers who want to do this tag.....
Rules: Fill out the tag, and then add two of your own questions!
What do you write your stories on?
These days, I grab a notebook--brand-new (if I'm writing a novel), college-rule, standard size--and just start writing the first draft, numbering pages as I go along. I write single-spaced and only on one side of the page; that way I can use the other side of the page for editing if I need to. I LOVE using Pilot G-2 gel pens, but I also like BIC black ink pens (they last a long time!).
After writing a few pages or so, I type them up in OpenOffice Writer. And as I type, I add/change things to the story. When I finish a story, it gets the honour of being converted into a PDF. :)
What is your favorite kind of character?
Can't pick just one...I love writing about charming, scheming, greedy villains; and quiet, thoughtful, self-doubting or self-confident heroes. My favourite kinds of characters to read about tend to be swashbuckling patriots; people who do the right thing regardless of what others think; Charlotte Bronte heroines; and eccentrics.
When you're asked what your story is about, what is your usual reaction?
If it's my sister asking what the story is about, I usually give her a whole plot summary. If it's anyone else, I'll just give them the genre and some vague indication of how excited I am about writing it. Generally, the Sherlockian in me likes to surprise people with the end result, rather than show them the actual process.
What is your biggest writing pet peeve?
I hate being unable to find the right research information for historical fiction. It really bugs me because I know that it's out there, somewhere!
What is the biggest turn-off for you when reading a book?
Really bad language, especially frequent use of it, and anything else that I consider objectionable.
Your favorite era in history?
Just one? *cries* Because I find the 1700s to 1800s absolutely fascinating...but that's several different eras. If I had to pick only one, I'd probably say the Romantic Era.
How many words on average do you punch out in one sitting?
It varies a good deal. Could be anywhere from about 200 to 1000.
Are you a fast typist?
Yes, when I'm not changing/adding to the story.
What do you do for inspiration?
Inspiration, for me, usually comes at very random moments and usually as a result of something that's been on my mind. Dreams and classical music are also hugely inspiring. In fact, if I'm writing a story and need some more inspiration, sometimes it helps to listen to the classical music I associate with that story--the "soundtrack", if you will. ;) But when I have writer's block, I usually just have to make myself start writing again.
The truest writing quote you've ever heard:
Whenever I feel like I'm getting too sappy, I tell myself "Cut the poetry, Watson!" Gotta love Holmes's literary criticism...
What's your favorite genre to write?
Historical fantasy! Though I'm trying to get out of that habit. It's a fun, easy genre to write, but it usually means that I'm too lazy to do research. So my next book will be genuine historical fiction.
Favorite font to write with?
Georgia, 11px. Right now, however, I'm using good old Times New Roman, 12px.
I tag any of my readers who want to do this tag.....
Saturday, 7 August 2010
The past few days have been remarkably busy for me. I wrote a song, worked on my story (only 4 chapters to go!), and worked on pencil drawings, most notably the cover for my novella. :) Mom edited the book, which was really nice of her, and I might just get it self-published before this Christmas! Which would be appropriate, since it's a winter/Christmas story. I'm going to be using CreateSpace, which is neat because we know someone who has done it, it's FREE, and your book gets listed on Amazon. I've never done this before, so we'll see how it goes...
But doesn't get much better than that, in my opinion, especially since I don't care about making money. At the moment, I'm mainly interested in just getting my stories published and making them affordable to buy. I write because I love a good story, and I love being able to tell a good (hopefully!) story to others. I write because many of us still want to read books with Christian moral standards and good messages. I write because I think was meant to be a writer (and I say that quite humbly...I'm also my own biggest critic and can literally find a fault on every page).
I still have a lot to learn, a long ways to go, and by no means is it easy. I have other obligations which have to come first. But you know, I don't do it because it's easy. :D
Rebelling against stagnation,
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Click here
Holmes is very cold and arrogant in this version, isn't he? Even though he's supposed to be cold and arrogant (at the beginning of the series), and even though this is a 21st-century Holmes, I think they went a little too far with that. However, it looks interesting.... I love it when he says "The game, Mrs Hudson, is ON!" :) He really sounds like Holmes!
Holmes is very cold and arrogant in this version, isn't he? Even though he's supposed to be cold and arrogant (at the beginning of the series), and even though this is a 21st-century Holmes, I think they went a little too far with that. However, it looks interesting.... I love it when he says "The game, Mrs Hudson, is ON!" :) He really sounds like Holmes!
I've been working on various different sewing projects. I meant to post this sooner, but here are pictures of a doll dress I finished this summer:
Eventually I might add the daisy trim to the hem and sleeves.
Just when Ishmael, the narrator, finished talking about whales and whaling, and the book seemed to be returning to the plot, permanently, I thought I would finish Moby-Dick in no time at all, and that the last 100 pages would be really good. Wrong. The book took a turn for the worse. More about that when I write the book review. I will be very glad, indeed, to finish it; though I'm wondering now if the book really is a worthwhile read or not. I also re-watched part of the 1956 film, and the comparison with the book was very interesting. Am looking forward to re-watching the last part!
Another disappointment was Skybreaker, the sequel to Airborn. The plot seemed very exciting, but there was some objectionable content in the second chapter, so I'll be returning it to the library. It's too bad...the first book was pretty good.
I also started reading The Count of Monte Cristo. It has such excellent reviews on Amazon that I'm pretty sure I'll like it. Despite being longer(!!!!!) than The Lord of the Rings, it's very fast-paced and readable (I got the Oxford World's Classics edition). It's interesting, too, but already it's a sad story.
Finally, I should finish re-reading Alice in Wonderland, and also probably finish The Enchanted Places.
Eventually I might add the daisy trim to the hem and sleeves.
* * *
Another disappointment was Skybreaker, the sequel to Airborn. The plot seemed very exciting, but there was some objectionable content in the second chapter, so I'll be returning it to the library. It's too bad...the first book was pretty good.
I also started reading The Count of Monte Cristo. It has such excellent reviews on Amazon that I'm pretty sure I'll like it. Despite being longer(!!!!!) than The Lord of the Rings, it's very fast-paced and readable (I got the Oxford World's Classics edition). It's interesting, too, but already it's a sad story.
Finally, I should finish re-reading Alice in Wonderland, and also probably finish The Enchanted Places.
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
www.shieldmaidenthoughts.wordpress.com
(To the best of my knowledge, this image is in the public domain)
Another one of my favourite Alice in Wonderland characters is the Gryphon. He is one of the few authoritative characters in the books who is still likeable. With his self-confidence and dry sense of humour, he kind of reminds me of Sherlock Holmes. ;)
"And the Gryphon added `Come, let's hear some of YOUR adventures.'`I could tell you my adventures--beginning from this morning,' said Alice a little timidly: `but it's no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.'`Explain all that,' said the Mock Turtle.`No, no! The adventures first,' said the Gryphon in an impatient tone: `explanations take such a dreadful time.'So Alice began telling them her adventures from the time when she first saw the White Rabbit. She was a little nervous about it just at first, the two creatures got so close to her, one on each side, and opened their eyes and mouths so VERY wide, but she gained courage as she went on. Her listeners were perfectly quiet till she got to the part about her repeating `YOU ARE OLD, FATHER WILLIAM,' to the Caterpillar, and the words all coming different, and then the Mock Turtle drew a long breath, and said `That's very curious.'`It's all about as curious as it can be,' said the Gryphon.`It all came different!' the Mock Turtle repeated thoughtfully. `I should like to hear her try and repeat something now. Tell her to begin.' He looked at the Gryphon as if he thought it had some kind of authority over Alice.`Stand up and repeat "'TIS THE VOICE OF THE SLUGGARD,"' said the Gryphon.`How the creatures order one about, and make one repeat lessons!' thought Alice; `I might as well be at school at once.' However, she got up, and began to repeat it, but her head was so full of the Lobster Quadrille, that she hardly knew what she was saying, and the words came very queer indeed:--`'Tis the voice of the Lobster; I heard him declare, "You have baked me too brown, I must sugar my hair." As a duck with its eyelids, so he with his nose Trims his belt and his buttons, and turns out his toes.'`That's different from what I used to say when I was a child,' said the Gryphon.`Well, I never heard it before,' said the Mock Turtle; `but it sounds uncommon nonsense.'Alice said nothing; she had sat down with her face in her hands, wondering if anything would EVER happen in a natural way again."
Monday, 2 August 2010
www.shieldmaidenthoughts.wordpress.com
I love the Cheshire Cat! He's such a funny, eerie, and original character--one of the most memorable characters from Alice in Wonderland.
From Alice's Adventures in Wonderland:
"The Cat only grinned when it saw Alice. It looked good-natured, she thought: still it had VERY long claws and a great many teeth, so she felt that it ought to be treated with respect.
`Cheshire Puss,' she began, rather timidly, as she did not at all know whether it would like the name: however, it only grinned a little wider. `Come, it's pleased so far,' thought Alice, and she went on. `Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?'
`That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,' said the Cat.
`I don't much care where--' said Alice.
`Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat.
`--so long as I get SOMEWHERE,' Alice added as an explanation.
`Oh, you're sure to do that,' said the Cat, `if you only walk long enough.'"
From Alice in Wonderland (1951):
"Cheshire Cat: You know? We could make her really angry! Shall we try?
Alice: Oh, no, no!
Cheshire Cat: Oh, but it's loads of fun!"
I'll be posting about more of my favourite Alice in Wonderland characters, later this week!
Sunday, 1 August 2010
3When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.
4I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
5I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
- from Psalm 142, KJV
4I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
5I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
- from Psalm 142, KJV
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