Lucie Land

Lucie has died and gone to heaven.

2011-08-02T16:33:00.000-07:00

yes, my friends, I am afraid that my blog life here has ended, and so I must bid you all a fond farewell. Of course, I didn't really die, or I wouldn't be writing this, now would I? That was just my only idea as to how to get y'all to click on my blog post and read it. Maybe you did, and maybe you didn't. If you're reading this, you did; if not, you didn't. Moving on. I hope that I haven't completely lost everyone's attention because...

I saw my blog life HERE has ended...I am still blogging, but I decided that Lucie Land, the blog of my 12 and 13-year-old self is too unorganized and has lost its luster for me, at least. However, I appreciate all my followers and I would love more than anything to see you at my new blog, Begin the Beguine.

Again, I would love to see you again, hear from you and and reconnect!!! So come on over to my new home(page) and say 'hey!' :)

Ronald Reagan Centennial Youth Close Up Conference 2011

2011-06-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

Close-Up Ronald Reagan Youth Conference

2011-06-27T13:13:00.001-07:00

(Capitol Hill)

(a fraction of awesome people)

Last week was one of the best weeks of my life. You may remember that I mentioned in an earlier post that I had won a trip to Washington D.C. with Close-Up for the Ronald Reagan Youth Leadership Conference?

Well, that trip came and went last week and it was one of the best experiences of my life.

I just want to highlight the trip on a brief(ish) blog post because otherwise, I won't remember...what happened, and it will fade into a blurry daze.

In the post above, there's a video put together by one of the people participating. It perfectly sums up the week, so if you don't want to take the time to read the post, scroll up and at least watch the video. :)

After a three-hour flight on Sunday, I arrived at the Baltimore/Washington Airport and went to the beautiful Renaissance Capitol View hotel. This was specially funded, so we really got the best of the best. I settled into my room, met my roommate, met the staff and also some of the other people....and my week began full force

A typical day involved waking up at any time from 6-7:30 am. Got ready as fast as possible in order to avoid starvation and made it down to breakfast an hour or so later. after breakfast, we all loaded onto the buses for an incredible ride to the first stop on our itinerary, usually a seminar or monument. After a couple of these, we were handed vouchers or lunch money and all dispersed in the interest of satisfying our hunger.

After lunch, more monuments and seminars and then on to dinner. After dinner, the 102 of us split up into groups of 25 or so and did "workshops." Then the day was over and we had some time to play around...or wander around in an exhausted daze...

Oh the Places We Went and the Things We Did

-The White House (outside)
-The Jefferson Memorial
-Capitol Hill
-The Lincoln Memorial
-The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
-The Iwo Jima Memorial
-Teddy Roosevelt Island
-St. John's Church
-The British Embassy
-The Renwick Gallery
-Chinatown (or Chinablock, more like it)
-The National Archives
-The National Museum of Natural History
-Georgetown University

-Saw Dana Perino (former White House Press Secretary) at the Smithsonian portrait gallery
-Listened to to a panel of speakers at the National Archives, one of whom was Anita McBride. This -was filmed live on C-Span...complete with shots of us kids!
-Saw the Original Declaration of Independence and Constitution.
-Heard Susan Paige (she is sometimes on NPR) in a panel discussion at the Carnegie Institute.
-Crossed the Potomac multiple times (on a bridge, in a bus)
-Went to the Heritage Foundation and listened to Ed Meese, former Attorney General.
-At Capitol Hill, Illinois Representative Aaron Schock spoke to us. The youngest senator, 27 or 28. He was on June's edition of Men's Health. Moving on.
-Ate a finale breakfast at the National Press Club.

I met so many amazing people, saw so many things and learned so much. It was something I'll never, ever forget.

If you made it thus far, go and buy yourself a candy bar! ;

NookColor

2011-05-06T15:51:00.000-07:00

Guess what? Your resident cheapskate has bought herself a NookColor. That was $250 that I am most certainly glad that I spent.

I had originally wanted to get an iTouch 4th generation off of ebay, but honestly, it's not the greatest fit for me. There was never any gadget as perfect for me as this "reader's tablet." It wasn't as expensive as an iPad, there is a limited marketplace of Android apps. In fact, the general construction is much like a droid. But then, it has digital access to Barnes and Noble books. Which is wonderful. ;)

So, now that I have this Kindle/small iPad, I need to know of some things to read. I didn't have much time for free reading over the school year, and didn't even look into much of a summer reading list.

Any ideas? Please comment and tell me!

I'm using a highlighter on my life

2011-05-03T20:58:00.000-07:00

It's been over four months since my last post. Do you know why? I have been incredibly busy for this, the last semester of my sophomore year. I've wanted to post, but everytime I got enough time to, I didn't have the energy. But now, I've finished exactly one half of my highschool career and have an oppressive amount of free time. (Just kidding. My mother is very, very excited to have me back in the laundry room, and I'll find fun things to do.)

I saw the movie Tangled. I loved it. Review coming soon.

School: As I said before, I have officially finished my sophomore year of highschool. It was hectic, and I had so much more work than last year, but this break is all the more precious. I had my first real taste of finals, lab practicals, difficult assignments, weekly books and essays, Latin, speech and debate, and Philosophy. It was a valuable experience, and I loved it. But a brain can only take so much. Summer, hot at dry as it is in south Texas, is a welcome experience.

The Royal Wedding: I went over to a friend's house on the spur of the moment, and thouroughly enjoyed waking up at 4:15 am. The whole thing was definitely worth it. I love the whole British penchant for hats, and Kate's dress was the most stunning thing I'll ever see. I hope that the style comes into vogue...it was all about the feminine silouette, not the nakedness, you know? And I know from personal experience...wearing a strapless dress for a special occasion is really not a lot of fun. ;)

Earlier in the semester, I won a contest...the prize was an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. for a conference over the summer. I can hardly wait, as I've never been to the north-eastern U.S. I'm pretty sure that it will a highlight of the summer. It will also be the first time I fly alone, but I think I can handle it. Please pray, though, that going through the security checkpoint will be un-eventful. :/

There are a couple of other events that happened just after Christmas break that I'll post about later on...I need a chance to steal pictures off of my mom's memory card!

Voyage of the Dawn Treader: a review, bullet-point style

2010-12-16T20:50:00.000-08:00

I am on Christmas break...so I'm not even going to try to forming paragraph-type thoughts. You get what you get and you don't get upset.

I'm basically tagging anyone who I have perceived has some interest in Narnia, however remote. So that status you liked or that comment you made or that conversation you heard me have or had with me on the subject is getting you a tag on this note. ;)

Anyway, here is a review (bullet-point style) of VoDT:

- The 1940's sequences were wonderful. Of course, I love all things 40's. There were some pretty funny moments involving Edmund and Eustace here, too. Georgie Henley's acting wasn't at its peak (she was definitely better later on), but the other two were great. And there's the first of two appearances by Susan in this sequence, so I am happy. :) <--that's a happy face.

-I loved the sequence when they actually go to Narnia through the portrait...very inventive.

-The Dawn Treader--the actual ship--was GORGEOUS. I would like to sail on it, please.

-I was sort of disappointed that Lucy didn't get any other costume than the pants and shirt she borrowed from Caspian...but Isis Mussenden (costume designer, obviously) did a great job making it look good on her.

-About the music: all I can say is that I miss Harry Gregson-Williams. David Arnold was a great composer, don't get me wrong--but I missed the original feeling the Gregson-Williams gave to the film. There were parts of the VoDT soundtrack that reminded me a little too much of Charlotte's Web. However, I was glad to hear that Arnold recycled the original Narnia theme (duuum, dum dum duuuum, dum dum dum dum dum duuum!) quite a bit. :)

-The new actors were stellar; they picked the perfect person for Eustace and Drinian was pretty awesome...in a Yul Brynner, kill-joy sort of way.

-Narnia-movie-haters-yet-fans will be relieved to know that, true to the book, Peter and Susan don't actually go back to Narnia.

-They did add a couple of themes to the plot, nothing too huge though. A green mist was the biggest one, laying seven swords was the other. If you think about the latter, though, it's not too far-fetched from the book, since it also involves seven things. They also 'added' on the theme of temptation, if you can call it an addition. There's plenty of temptation in the book.

-The special effects were good...for the most part. I think they changed the shape of Aslan's face and the color of Reepicheep's eyes, so I wasn't happy about that, but otherwise, they did a great job animating Coriakin's garden and house and all the various interesting creatures. All the creatures except....

-The Sea Serpent. They overdid it, IMHO. The battle with it was very intense, and the creature itself was gruesome and uuuuugly. If you see it in 3D, that is going to be a VERY frightening part (what a magnificent understatement that was....)

-Ramandu makes no appearance, but his daughter does. She is blue, and I thought she was a little dizzy. But then that might just be because all girls hate her anyway...

-Caspian was good...of course. Improved: hair, accent (especially accent...British now) and overall acting (according to some. I personally didn't have much of a problem with him in the first movie but that's just me. I guess ;).

-I'm not going to commit the grave offense of giving away a spoiler (in writing, anyway. I have told a couple people..) but a very important scene from the end of the book was left in...a scene you'd never have thought the secular world would cut in. One of the perks of having Michael Apted direct, maybe?

-I had to stick the word "epic" in here somewhere. Might as well be at the end as a summary. ;) Here: EPIC!

I have talked to a number of people and read some reviews ..if you didn't like the other two (I understand how a purist wouldn't like PC, I can't process how anyone could find sonething wrong with LWW), don't rule out Voyage of the Dawn Treader. People who hated the other two (especially PC) are saying that this one is a vast improvement. Go see it. It's so different from the other two that chances are, you'll surprise yourself and love it.

K, shutting up now.

It's always a good idea to finish

2010-12-02T17:42:00.000-08:00

I finally finished my 1940's suit!!!! I finished it just in time for our annual Nutcracker outing downtown. Of course, my mother brought along the camera. So here is a picture.
The suit is from Simplicity 3688. I didn't really touch it over the summer, and when I started to work on it again...I found that I had lost the directions, as well as the pattern for the lining.
But winging it wasn't so bad...

I'm a terrible blogger...

2010-11-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

so I thought I'd post "a little round of catch-up....and explanation of why I don't post as often as I should" (read: Doings of a Young Lady.) So here goes:

Seeing: the second fire of the season. Because you know, in south Texas "below 80" temperatures are FREEZING. I'm freezing too, right now.

Listening too: My mother read a surreal book:"Water Babies." It's kind of weird to listen to a book where a character dies in the middle....

Thinking: where is Otis? I don't think I've mentioned it, but we got a kitten. He's "a positive darb" (definition of 'darb': made-up saying of Jerry Lewis that means simply 'cute' or 'wonderful' or simply an expression of approval).

Reading: Well, I'm about to start "The Pit and the Pendulum" by Edgar Allan Poe. I'm not looking forward to it. His writings tend to frighten me...and I don't frighten easily.

On My To-Do List: I'll give an 'abbreviated' version:
1) Finish 1940s costume
2) Read above mentioned book
3) Finish various and sundry assignments
4) bake SOMETHING this weekend

That's all.
The End.
Goodbye now!

Doings of a Young Lady; or, A Good Round of Catch-up

2010-08-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

Seeing: Liberty's Kids--the mater found a DVD collection of the old tv cartoon series and it is a gift from heaven. After all, you can only repeat Andy Griffith so many times. Also, a sleeping kitten. So sweet, so sweet.

Listening: to The Gael, a video music clip that a friend sent to me especially because of the violin solo. It's from Last of the Mohicans and I love it.

Thinking: about much. My sophomore year has begun and school now nearly consumes my life. With the weekend coming up, I'm also trying to think of things that won't involve me wasting my entire day on Facebook.

Reading: Good old War and Peace. But my brain has been--shall we say--fried by the end to the day, so that is going slowly.

Painting: a spanish lady in a scarlet dress. Sorry, that's just how I roll.

Writing: A character sketch for above mentioned school. And, of course, this.

Thanks for reading!

I Write Like...

2010-07-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

I write like
Charles Dickens

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Try this...just copy/paste a sample of your writing!

Susan's Night Raid/Battle Armor

2010-05-27T05:07:00.000-07:00

For this costume, I am just going to explore Susan Pevensie's armor that she wears during the much-discussed Night Raid scene and the epic battle, which is amoung my favorites. ;)

The main piece armor is a leather corset, called a cuirass. It is two pieces of hardened leather, each are sealed by piping at the side and laced to eachother. There are straps running across it and up over her shoulders, probably just for decoration (I don't see any reason for them.)

During the nightraid, Susan wears her purple outfit minus the bodice, which is replaced by this cuirass. For this sequence, she wears a leather vest that laces up the shoulders and is open at the sides (see the picture below). I've heard it said that it laces up the neck as well, but if you look closely, it actually just has a slit down the neck, with no closure.

For the battle, she wears the cuirass over a loooovely red dress (which I'll overview later) and a shirt of chain maille.

The chain maille seems to just be a shirt (think pullover)--made of metal. It has 3/4 sleeves that flare slightly as they go down. To protect her neck (and probably to add a little style) there is a gray-blue velvet collar, which could be connected to the dress itself.

Meg's Button

2010-05-26T15:55:00.000-07:00

MEG...here is your button for "The Gentlewoman's Almanac"

Go ahead and choose if you want to use a textbox or an actual post. I will refer to whichever you choose as a "white box. " ;)

Here is how to install:

1. Save this as an image
2.Create a post and add the button as an image. Make sure that instead of the automatic URL, you link it to "The Gentlewoman's Almanac" URL.
5. Now, you want to click the tab that says "HTML." Copy what it says.
6. now, you can choose either a textbox in your sidebar, or you could make a post (like I did with mine).
7. in the little box I have below, there is a code. Copy and paste it into your post (or textbox) and replace the following: YOUR TEXT HERE (type in the html code for you button here) with the code from your picture.
8. copy/paste the whole thing where you want it, and enjoy.

If anything goes wrong, or you have any questions, feel free to ask. I check the computer almost everyday, so there's not very much chance I'll miss it. ;)

I'll look forward to seeing it!

Just a Brief Logo...

2010-05-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture that I Gimped for the series of posts that I am making...it will appear at the beginning of each overview.

(Why am I posting this? Well...I'm not really sure.)

Susan Pevensie--Purple Narnian Gown

2010-05-25T17:04:00.000-07:00

After the children explore the ruins of their old home, Cair Paravel, they find their old chests of treasure, among which are clothes from their days as kings and queens.

As most of you know, the summer, fall and winter of 2008 was consumed with my making a replica of this costume. I learned a lot about it, as you can imagine, so this is probably going to be the most correct write-up of a costume that I shall do. ;) Above, just so you know, is the picture that inspired me to attempt such a complicated task.

The overdress of this costume(consisting of bodice and skirt) is lavender. The
bodice is separate from the skirt. It is boned (stiff synthetic material used for strapless evening gowns and corsets) and probably lined. It is princess seamed, but not in the usual way...it has 4 side panels instead of two. Constructed properly (:/) this makes for a better fit. The bottom is edged with peplum that is reminiscent of her motif, the daffodil. The peplum and sleeves are made of the same pinstriped material that the overskirt is.

There is a daffodil inset in the middle of the bodice, made with what looks like gold-colored suede. The neckline in rather square, yet still round at the corners. There is about a half inch of the blue underdress neckline peeking out all around it.

The skirt is rather simple, just an evening length skirt with two side seams and a back seam. There is a split in the middle, not anchored down to the underdress (in other words, not like a colonial dress, but more like two seperate dresses layered).

A good pattern for the both skirts would be Mccalls 4109. The only modifications you'd have to make would be to cut the front like the back, just without seaming it.

Unfortunatly, there are not many patterns that would work nicely for the bodice. The corset that goes with the above mentioned one would work rather nicely, but I wouldn't attempt it unless you are an incredibly experienced seamstress (I speak from experience :/). A place you could look would be Mom's Patterns--she sometimes has something. Or you could make one. Like me. And if I did it, you could too. ;)

I love to hear more ideas about this dress...please share them!

P.S. To see my attempt, click here: Susan Pevensie Costume

Susan Pevensie--1940s Uniform

2010-05-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

In the beginning of Prince Caspian, Susan wears a maroon, gray and white school uniform with a blue-and-yellow striped tie. The blazer has a pocket and a lapel. It falls to mid-hip. On the pocket, there is a signia, probably the symbol of her school. Her skirt is just a straight skirt, seamed on the sides and possibly the back. It has a waistband. The shirt is a dress shirt, but it is hard to tell what the cuffs look like.

Simplicity 3688 would be ideal for the blazer, since it is about the same length. The only difference is the lapel is rounded, as opposed to pointed. The skirt that goes with this pattern would be workable, or you could just fudge it. ;)

Narnian Wardrobe--An Attempt

2010-05-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

Hello, all! I haven't posted in much too long, mostly due to the fact that I haven't had much to post about...but I have a new idea. I was thinking that since I have in the past (and still do) adore Susan's and Lucy's Narnian costumes from the two movies, I thought I would add my two cents to the myriad of thoughts on the make and design of them. So stay tuned, and I shall attempt this task. ;)

~Lucie

News Flash

2010-03-18T18:15:00.000-07:00

...I am getting my own room! So...

I want you to do something, just for fun. I already know the basic layout of what I want to decorate it as, but I would like you to tell me what you think, based on what you know of my personality, it should be like.

I would also love tips if you have any on pretty much anything.

I'll look forward to hearing from you!!!

Oh, and the picture is unrelated...colorwise...

It's been much too long...

2010-03-05T16:58:00.000-08:00

...so I thought that I'd say "boo." Well maybe a little more than boo. I'll also say "how are you?" ;)
Here are a couple of pictures that I played with. The first one is a first try, since I think that I figured out how to do blends. Anyway...

And here is one of The Young Victoria. It was just such a magnificent movie.

so, I hope that I'll be on this blog much more....au revoir for now!

Gimped Post

2010-01-21T17:32:00.000-08:00

...and all my followers: as I look through my list, I see some people that I really can't remember if I've commented on your blog to thank you. If I haven't, please don't take offense. I sincerely appreciate that you follow...

40 Questions

2010-01-09T14:54:00.001-08:00

I happened to have some time on my hands, I was looking at Melinda's blog and saw that she had tagged me...way back in November! A pox upon me...

1- Have you been asked out? No.

2 - Where was your default picture taken? You mean my screen saver? Oh...somewhere on the set of LWW

3 - What's your middle name? My mother's maiden name.

4 - Your current relationship status? 14. What relationship status? Waiting...

5 - What's the first thing you do when you wake up from a nap? I can't sleep in the daytime. Nope. Nothing doing.

6 - What is your current mood? Dull and drowsy

7 - What color shirt are you wearing?Light pink

8 - Missing something? An earring.

9 - Current Favorite Quote? let me get back to you on that.

10 - If you could go back in time and change something what would be? I'd read my Bible this morning.

11 - If you must be an animal for one day, what would you be?What a question! i think it would be a cat.

12 - Ever had a near death experience? No, I've never had such a chance becuase I am such a very stressed person

13-What is something you do a lot? Talk about old movies, old movie actors, old movie sets...

14 - The song stuck in your head? For Me and My Gal...also The Calculation

15 - Least favorite household chore? Laundry.

16 - Name someone with the same birthday as you. Judy Garland. No, seriously. The Judy Garland.

17 - When was the last time you cried? When I listened to the end of Dark Victory.

.18 - Have you ever sung in front of a large audience? Yes, with my Mummy and sisters.

19 - If you could have one super power what would it be? To go back in time.

20 - What's the first thing you notice about the opposite gender? How they treat those around them.

21 - What do you usually order from Starbucks? Carmel Frappachino.

22 - What's your biggest secret? I like clothes.

23- What's your favorite color? Deep, regal, red.

24 - Do you still watch kiddie shows or tv shows? Occasionally, with kids

I babysit.

25 - What's on your walls? Green Paint.

26 - What are you? Well, I'm no beardless dwarf! I'm also a semi crazy artist. ;)

27 - Do you speak any other language? sadly, no.

28 - What's your favorite smell? A violin shop.

29 - Describe your life in one word! Fresh.

30 - Have you ever kissed in the rain? Yeah. NO. I haven't actually kissed at all, thank you very much.

31 - What are you thinking about right now? Do to that last question...Singin in the Rain.

32 - What should you be doing? Nothing.

33 - Who was the last person that made you upset/angry? Someone I know.

34 - How often do you talk to God? Not often enough.

35 - Do you like working in the yard? No. Sorry, but I'm just not that outdoorsy type.

36 - If you could have any last name in the world, what world, what would you want? Nice try, i'm not telling. I happen to like my last name!

37 - What is your natural hair color? Dark Brown. Confidentially, it looks nicer when it's not blow-dryed.

38 - Do you have many friends? Plenty of hey-how-was-your-week-goodbye-now friends, but only a handful of close friends.

39 - Who is your role-model? Jesus.

40 - Do you like your life? By and large, with very few exeptions, yes. ;)

I tag everybody who thinks this sounds like fun. ;)

Narnia Wallpapers

2010-01-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Anna Popplewell

Always Kings and Queens

Warrior Queen

Plain Susan

Queens of Narnia

Three of My Favorite Things: Susan, London, 1940s

Georgie Henley (Lucy Pevensie), Anna Popplewell (Susan Pevensie)

London Premiere, 2008

New Years: 2010

2010-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!

May God bless you and keep you...

Winter Formal

2009-12-29T11:02:00.000-08:00

Here are the pictures for the winter formal put on by our homeschool group. I was sooo excited to get to dress in something fancy and with plenty of "bling." ;)

Me and a friend...

Doing the "macarana" or "macaroni," or something like that. It was probably the longest dance ever, but fun...

Talking...

Laughing...

Posing with another friend...(this one is b&w on account of the blurriness)

More laughing...I really don't remember why. I just break out in laughter right in the middle of nowhere for no reason, apparently.

It was a really fun evening, and it was my very first formal. I hadn't gotten to dress up that fancy since I was about eight for a father-daughter dance. Thanks to my wonderful dad who took all these pictures.

A Line-Up

2009-12-04T15:01:00.000-08:00

I've been gimping Christmas stationary...these can be sent as picture postcards in the email attachments or put into blog sidebars. For email cards, you can edit them as you want. Feel free to grab them!

The Andrews Sisters: Part 2

2009-12-01T17:43:00.000-08:00

Fun Facts about the Andrews Sisters:

They were three sisters whose age difference was excatly the same as mine and my sisters.

They were actually Greek, their father's real name was "Andreos."

Usually, the solos and leads were sung by the youngest, Patty (blonde, in the center). Eventually, that made problems for the group becuase she took it into her head to try a solo career.

Only the oldest, LaVerne, (dark hair, on left) read music. And they still sounded good!
The middle sister was named Maxene (she's the other one.)

They sang quite a few compilations with Bing Crosby.

Have you looked up the songs I told you about? Well, get to it! ;)

Rena Rowan

2009-11-24T08:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, my mother and I embarked on a quest. We were looking for a formal dress. If you've ever done so, you will know well just how the racks and racks of dresses, all too expensive (I was going to pay for it myself), and all too immodest (don't even get me started). The long dresses tend to be long, but slinky, and the short dresses are full...but short. So our last stop was Sears where we found it. This lovely color of red that I had only imagined existed just popped out at us and I tried it on.

My dress is the Rena Rowan Short-Sleeved Taffeta Shirtdress. It's not quite as long as I would have liked, but it's much more versatile than a gown, so I can wear it to semi-formal events as well as formal. It also looks very 1940's (you've probably noticed that if I like something lately, it looks 1940's. Go figure.) Can't wait to wear it!

Favorite Blog Award

2009-11-21T18:45:00.000-08:00

Favorite Blog Awards:

The Rules:

-Acknowledge: write about the person who gave you that award and link to their blog.

-Pay it Forward: tag at least 4 other people and write about them and their blogs.

-Answer: ten random questions.

Joanna: She was my very first blog friend when I started blogging in August 2008. To this day, I'm not sure just exactly how she found my blog, but I'm very grateful that she did! I sincerely enjoy reading her blog. It just exudes this cleanliness and refreshment.

Jo March: She's a very encouraging blog friend, whom, sadly, I have not spent nearly enough time "around" (virtually, or course). She is a fantastic seamstress and designer (hey, she actually made a pattern from Butterick! That is a fantastic feat!). I was so flattered that she enjoyed my blog so much, and it's always encouraging to find her comments in my inbox.

I hate choosing just four or five, but if I didn't choose you it's either becuase I saw that you've already gotten it, or I just didn't remember.

Marian: I always enjoy reading her blog because she shares so many of my interests.

Moriah: Such a sweet girl who always gives me awards, and whose blog I really enjoy reading.

Sarah: I've always been encouraged corresponding with her, and wish that we could meet in real life.

Awel Prince: I've got to give it to her, those graphics that she creates are truly lovely and a joy to look at.

Meg: I really enjoy reading about her life...another Narnia fan! And she likes to read. And she loves good music...

1. Have you ever ridden an elephant?
Yes, I have!!!
2. Have you ever eaten squid?
Absolutely, POSITIVELY NOT!!! I gag even just seeing them.
3. What is something crazy you have done with your best friend?
Hmmm. I can't remember. Katy, do you remember?!?!?!
4. Have you ever held and alligator?
No. See me type?
5. Have you ever let a snake slither through your fingers?
No.
6. What is your first and foremost dream?
To do what GOD wants.
7. What is your dream vacation?
London, England-Paris, France-Rome, Italy-Madrid, Spain. In that order
8. What are your goals for this week?How about next week, since it is Saturday?
Get myself out of the "messy artist" rut.
9. What is the funniest movie you have ever seen?
Arsenic and Old Lace, then Bringing Up Baby. Then Pat and Mike. Then...
10. What is your favorite song?
(I'm getting) Corns for My Country. (Andrews Sisters...)

Doings of a Young Woman

2009-11-18T15:11:00.000-08:00

I haven't done one of these for a very long time, but I thought I'd give it a go.

I am wearing: pajamas and bathrobe. More on that in a moment.

I am listening to: the vacuum cleaner and Cuddlebug humming arrangements of Andrews Sisters songs.

I am feeling: sick. With a cold. Nothing serious, luckily, but that explains the attire.

I am watching: my cat attempt to eat my brand-new, hand-made fancy scarf. I just took it away

I am thinking about: formal dresses and how to make them modest.

Outside my window: sunny and crisp. Lovely weather.

A Trip to Pseudo New England

2009-11-14T15:08:00.000-08:00

For you people who live wherever there is such a thing as fall foliage, this post might not mean too much. But in Texas, the weather is mild and the trees are either bare or green. All year 'round. There is really no "fire" to speak of...except in Lost Maples State Park. This lovely little pocket in the midst of the hill country was at peak this weekend. So we bundled all five-plus-one of us into the van and drove. ("Plus-one" = Patience)

It reminded me of scenes in Narnia and the leaves just about make their own light.

All these beautiful leaves looked so much like those fall decorations they sell at hobby stores!

I'm always so thrilled when Patience wants to get in the water. It's funny, though, that she'll go to just about any measure to avoid swimming.

Walking in bliss...

A red carpet! So elegant.

Three sisters. The water was freezing but *looked* so clean!

More walking in bliss...

Patience looking at her idea of heaven (wide open spaces).

Fall foliage is absolutely gorgeous!

All the Andrews Sister's Greats: Part I

2009-11-04T13:52:00.000-08:00

This is a list of my favorite Andrews Sisters songs to date... so get your downloading program ready!

Bei Mir Bist Du Schon--their first hit.

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy--it's a piece of Americana now.

Is You or Is You Aint My Baby--so lively.

Straighten Up and Fly Right--absolutely hilarious to sing to.

(I'm Getting) Corns for My Country--you'd rather two-step with their horses any day!

Shoo Shoo Baby--very swing...makes you want to dance!

Oh Johnny--It was featured in LWW...it's just too obvious

Oh! Mama!--I don't really get the very last line, but the rest is so funny. I made the mistake of having my little sisters listen to it. Now it's non-stop.

Yes, My Darling Daughter--not necessarily the best message (yes, daughter, you may go a-dating) but a very fun tune.

This is a thing called catch-up...

2009-10-31T13:37:00.000-07:00

I've been gone too long...so I'll explain my long absence (at least in part).

1) Though I'm still home-schooled, I have a lot to do. Useless stuff like reading. You know. ;)

2) I've been toiling away at my 1940's suit and falling deeper in love with everything about that time-period every second.

3) I LOVE old movies. I'll just have to make up a list of my favorites. THAT was when they new how to make movies!

4) Listening to The Andrews Sisters: I found them through my infatuation with Narnia (they sang "Oh, Johnny" during the hide-and-seek scene in LWW). So now, the house vibrates with "Straighten Up and Fly Right," Bei Mir Bist Du Schon" and "Is You Is or Is You Aint My Baby." I know. I'm weird. But their neat, too. I'll have to do a post about them.

Well, those are the things that have been holding my up from blogging. Oh, and today, *dumdumdum* my sisters and I started FOLKLORICO!!!! It's fantastically fun. Hard work, though. Yes, that's the Mexican dance with the big skirts...only we don't get big skirts this time...we dress up as little old men...but that's ok. ;)

By the way, if anybody has seen Breakfast at Tiffany's, would you tell me if you would reccomend it, and why or why not? Thanks SO much.

Currently Creating...

2009-10-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

View A will go with beret and matching scarf.

Longing for Winter...

2009-09-19T15:57:00.000-07:00

You would, too, if you lived in Texas after this summer (right, Texans???? Of course right.) .

But not to complain.

Today, I got the extraordinary treat of getting to go to the Gil Shaham master class with my violin teacher. It was wonderful. It was like a lesson...only I didn't have to practice for it and be nervous because I wasn't playing! ;)

Oh, and by the way: I got three blog buttons up in the "Link to Me" under my header...check them out!

Update: My mom had a person put one of her photos on an improper webpage, so I am taking all the photos that are recognizably me off the blog. So that explains why all those pictures are gone.

Moriah Tags Me...

2009-09-19T14:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much, Moriah! You're always being so nice and tagging me, and I never actually do the tag. Sorry...I'll get better about that!

Do you like Blue jeans or black jeans better?
Blue jeans...because they're what I have!

Do you like Casting Crowns or Jump 5 better?
Christan Rock is just...not my cup of tea.

Do you like change?
I like going to places (especially blogs) that are aesthetically changed...beyond that, my motto is "if it's not broken, don't fix it!"

Do you like Math or Science better?
Science...don't even ask.

Do you like this Random tag?
Well...I'm not terribly far along yet...

Do you like Random stuff?
It completely depends on the mood I am in.

What kind of Internet browser do you use?
Mozilla Firefox

Do you like it?
On my net book. On the big monitor, I don't like anything. I affectionately call it "the dinosaur" *clenched grin*

This should be over soon- it's not that hard, right?
I am 4 questions in! It doesn't get much harder than that! (Ok, 8)

Do you like the title for your blog?
I do, actually. As Lucie is my pseudonym, I had to say "Lucie Land" instead of -- Land, which is where my mummy would say I was when I wasn't listening.

Do you enjoy chatting?
If the chatting has some interest to it, yes. If it is about totally stupid stuff--well, you get the picture.

Happy now? Because it's over!
Not really!

Beret: Hat in French

2009-09-12T16:15:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the beret I just made...It's turned out to be very 1940's. I just started a 1940's style skirt with this lovely fall suiting solids plaid. It's very classic--and classy. But back to the beret. It was very fun to make, as well as providing a way for me to learn to use four needles...or five. By the way, the second picture is more representative of its color, though. You can't really see in the pictures, but its worn to one side, almost over the ear.

Bartok's Roumanian Folk Dances--Wonderful!

2009-09-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

I've been working on playing Bartok's Roumanian Folk Dances...this is an absolutely stellar performance by Janine Jansen.

One of those "Random Mood" posts...you know how it goes.

2009-08-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to jot down a quick post to explain...

a) Why do I not answer comments right away? I've been really busy...you know, being a student and all. I think that I'm going to really love 9th grade especially because this is the year that I got into a British Lit. class. All that to say, I'm going to be incommunicado Sunday-Friday. Sorry!
But never fear, I've got all of Saturday to catch up!

b) well, I think that "a) " pretty much explained it all!

And now to explain the large pictures of redness above: I have taken knitting back up after a long time. It's partly because I fell in love with the 1940's, WWII and old movies and found this pattern for a lovely *1940's style* beret. I'll try to post pictures of it when I take them during my huge amounts of free time! ;)

Lucie

P.S. I've put a poll up in the sidebar...please answer honestly! :)

Two tags

2009-08-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

From Marian:

Do you like to write?

Sometimes...unless I'm up against a case of writer's block!

What genre?

Fantasy, Classic, Historical Fiction

Favorite books?

Sherlock Holmes, A Tale of Two Cities, The Chronicles of Narnia, David Copperfield...

Do you compose music/write songs?

No. I just play them.

Do you like poetry?

Not usually.

Love someone so much who made you cry?

No. Not that I don't love my family...

Broken a bone?
No.

Been in a police car?
Nope

Been on a boat?
No.

Fallen asleep in school?
Nope

Who did you last yell at?
My sister. *cring*

Did you sing today?

Not to my knowledge.

KFC, Popeyes, or Church's?

Church's

Chick-fil-a or What-a-burger?

What-a-burger! Funny thing...I used to think that it was called Waterburger...which I thought was GROSS!

Starbucks of McCafe?

Starbucks

What's your favorite time of year?

Winter, definitely. (Hey, if you lived in Texas, that's what you'd say, too!)

Do you ever talk to yourself?

Yes. In the store, especially.

Do you have a favorite treat you like to buy on occasion?

Hmmm. I can't remember the last time I bought myself a real treat! I guess that the closest thing would be make-up.

Do you believe the Bible is the literal Word of God and is infallible?

If by literal, you mean that it literally is God's word, yes. It is also infallible as it was inspired by God.

What's your favorite sport?

I've never been into sports...if anything, I'd have to say archery.

What color is your ipod?

I have an MP3...and it's black and blue.

---------------------------

From Meg...

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

LONDON, ENGLAND!!! Then I'd go anywhere in England. ( I bet that's one you'd never have guessed!)

If you could go to any fictional place, where would you go?

Cair Paravel, The Lantern Waste, Calormen

Do you love to write or do you just like writing? Or do you write at all?

I'm variable. Sometimes I'll be inspired, sometimes not. You can always tell if I'm inspired because that's when a post will appear.

What do you want to be when you’re a grown up?

I'd like to be a professional violinist...until I get married and have kids. :)

Favorite animal?
I love the cheetahs in Narnia. They're just so majestic. Of course, I wouldn't be too excited about meeting one from our world face-to-face.

Favorite song?

Ummmm... I think that I'll have to say "The Call" from Prince Caspian...it's perfect and really summarizes the entire feeling of the movie.

Do you like school?

Generally. I don't like math, but other than that...

Are you a people person because I’m getting the idea that you are?

Well, I live with a bunch of *guess* people, and I haven't gone mad yet so...yes.

Do you like to talk?

I do. My best conversations are usually with myself, though.

Favorite food?

Pasta! Then French Dip Sandwiches!

Hobbies?

Knitting, drawing volumes of the same nameless girl wearing different dresses, sewing.

Favorite author?

Charles Dickens, Sir A. Conan Doyle.

Favorite weapon?

(I'm NOT copying you, Meg!) Susan's bow and arrows. And quiver.

Is this a fun tag or are you getting bored?

That, I think, is a rather stupid question. No answer. (Hey wait a minute...)

Do you like Hannah Montana and all those girly people and movies like Highschool Musical?

I've never seen it, but from what I have seen floating around the world...no.

What are you scared of?

Snakes and heights and empty spaces and the dark and...(just kidding, I'm just scared of snakes and heights.)

Favorite flower?

I've got to say roses and daffodils.

Do you always use the same password or do you use different ones?

no comment!

What is the expression on your face?

A slightly dazed one, due to the light that the computer screen is emitting from the computer.

Color of your eyes?

Dark Brown.

That was fun!

Here's a picture I found on Awel's blog (I think) and really liked...I call it "The Dawn Treader"

She is Wearing the Cone of Shame!!!!

2009-06-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

Poor Patience, but it must be. She has a horrible rash and she is very uncomfortable. I feel so bad for her. :(

I just had to post this...have you seen 'Up?'

All About Books, Etc.

2009-05-26T16:58:00.000-07:00

So, in case you thought that all I ever write about is Narnia...I do have another blog! It's called All About Books, Etc., and it just recently underwent MASSIVE renovations. Now, instead of being exclusively "all about books" it now contains other topics related to my education (hence All About Books, ETC.). So please stop by!

Link: All About Books, Etc.

Are You Going to Scarborough Faire?

2009-05-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

This is what happened during our a wonderful 4-day getaway in Dallas/Waxahachie area:

The Mandatory high-speed spin in the hotel office chair...after all, what are hotels for?

You know, I could have sworn he died...several centuries ago.

The infamous town crier...yes, the bell-on-head act is singularly hers.

There was the town jester...with his dog Blockhead. That name really upset Dumpling.

Below is an amazing falcon. It is trying to eat the lure at the "Bird of Prey" demonstration. Believe me, it was really astounding.

At the end of the joust, the "knight" lost his lance and sheild....without falling off the horse. How did he manage that?

Me and Dumpling perched on the "Narnian Queen" throne. I was wearing my red costume, the one you can see the back of below

Now, we're off to archery. Yes! Finally, a bow that doesn't have that big clunky handle on it! (Yes, I bought one. No, I did not hit the target.)

*gasp splutter splutter* COSTUMES!!! *gasp splutter splutter* $400 each?

Bye!

My Favorite,copy Favorite, paste,paste,paste... award EVER

2009-05-12T16:31:00.000-07:00

I am so excited...and I'm sure that you'll never guess why! This is (drumroll) the Narnia lover's award. Thanks Marissa!

I award it to:

Becca@Rebecca's Ramblings
Sarah @ Just One Girl
Johanna@ Jo-with-it's Portfolio
CG Narnia
And ANY other Narnia fans that I may have overlooked.

London: An Acrostic

2009-05-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

London

Lovely in life, hardy enough to go

On. Though the enemies would

Not let it live, it rose again.

Down in ashes, to be built again. Home to many,

Once capitol of an empire. World of a country,

Not forgotten.

C.S Lewis and Mere Christianity

2009-04-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

As I read Mere Christianity, I am struck by C.S. Lewis’ writing style. It’s not only because he was an extraordinarily good writer (which he was), but because he writes his books—whether religion, fantasy, or other—in such a personable style that makes you feel as if you know him. One section from Mere Christianity in particular struck me .

“Theories about Christ’s death are not Christianity: they are explanations about how it works. Christians would not all agree as to how important those theories are. My own church—the Church of England—does not lay don any one as the right one. The Church of Rome goes a bit further. But I think they will all agree that the thing itself is infinitely more important than any explanations that theologians have produced. I think they would probably admit that no explanation will ever be quite adequate to the reality. But as I said in the preface in this book, I am only a layman, and at this point we are getting into deep water. I can only tell you, for what it is worth, how I, personally, look at the matter.”

This passage, especially the end, made me realize how true humility looks. He doesn’t put on a pretense of humility, prefacing an argument meant to sway your opinion with a “with all humility.” One of the most influential Christian writers puts himself on your level, and I don’t think that he was condescending. I believe that he truly understood that he was a person just like us and didn’t give it another thought. It is so hard to be humble enough that you don't know you're humble. He is. He merely presents his opinion, which you can take or leave. He tells you his views, but does not force them on you. But he is not afraid to push out of shadows the hard truths of life, not hiding anything. He doesn’t preach doom and gloom. He infuses a dry humor that truly makes it an interesting thing to read. That is a huge breath of fresh air. I haven’t even finished the book, but I am very impressed by it.

Narnia and JW Waterhouse

2009-04-04T11:20:00.000-07:00

Do these two dresses look alike? The one on the top is the Adult Susan Dress from LWW. The one on the bottom is a painting done by John William Waterhouse in 1905. Here are some of their similarities:

1) They are both zig-zag laced up the front.

2) Both have a boat neckline.

3) Both have a notch to allow for the lacing.

4) Both have a large embroidery around the "neckline."

Granted, the sleeves are not the same and the original painting does not have a split, but I just thought that it was SO neat how similar they are! AND--I found this one all by myself!

.................................................................................................................................................

This is what the people on The Wardrobe Door think that Susan's Archery Dress was inspired by...it's also a JW Waterhouse!
They both have a notch (about the same), a sleeve puffing through the middle arm and they're both fitted and the underdress neck is cut higher than the overdress. Both of these paintings of Pre-Raphaelite fashions.

Here is an interview with Isis Mussenden in which she states that the Narnian costumes were, in fact, inspired by this style. It is really great!

..........................................................................................................................

Just a side note: my orchestra is playing Holst's The Planets in May, so when I first listened to the recordings, I thought "hey, that sounds a lot like Narnia!" Well, to make a very long story short, it is really incredible if you listen to "Prince Caspian Flees" and "Kings and Queens of Old" on the PC soundtrack, and then listen to the beginning of "Mars" and "Venus." Tell me what you think...I find it absolutely UNCANNY! Many of the themes are almost identical. It's amazing.

Sense

2009-03-24T17:07:00.000-07:00

Sense is...

Something that everybody appreciates.

Something that everybody thinks they have.

Something that everybody is sure that nobody else has.

Something that everybody wishes that everybody who doesn't have it would.

Confusing is...

Something that means that it makes no sense.

What this post is.

Do the Actors Get it?

2009-02-20T17:00:00.000-08:00

"...or have you forgotten who really defeated the White Witch, Peter?"

Did Georgie Henley, when she said the above quote, know how it represents her as the childlike (in a good way) and undoubting Christian, who always trusts that God has a plan?

Did Skandar Keynes understand what he was representing when he betrayed his family and the Narnians for Turkish delight? And that he represented the sheep welcomed back into the fold when he came back?

Do any of them understand who Aslan represents? Did either Anna Popplewell or Georgie Henley understand what the significance was in Aslan's giving his life to save Edmund's?

I hope that they do. It just makes the movies so much more meaningful.

How strange it is to think that people who can play such allegorically spiritual roles might possibly not even know what they mean!

A Narnia Party

2009-02-17T02:54:00.000-08:00

A couple of Fridays ago, I held a Caspian viewing party, partly so that I could have a chance to wear the costume that I worked on for four months, and partly because it’s always more fun to watch a movie with friends.

Sorry, it's blurry.

So, the pizza was in the oven, numerous trips to the grocery store made, lists of plans constructed and subsequently forgotten (I am notorious for wasting time on lists, looking at them and stuffing them in my “drawer of surprises” where things go whose charm I want renewed…namely by losing and rediscovering them—months later).

And at last! We eat!

Don't even ask what went into this delicious chocolate paradise.

And yes, we did watch the movie, but in order to keep the peace, my mom refrained from taking pictures. :)

Seeing in Person...

2009-02-06T13:11:00.000-08:00

...Joshua Bell!

Have you ever heard of him? He was the Grammy-award winning violinist on the soundtrack of a movie called The Red Violin (no, I have not seen it). He came to San Antonio to do a recital, and my orchestra offered a great deal for members to get tickets. So three days later, there my dad and I were at the door of the Majestic Theater.

It was a wonderful performance, and the program was absolutely fantastic. He and his pianist made a very charismatic team--they were really a good duo. At the end of the recital, Daddy and I scooted for the table where Joshua Bell would be signing autographs. As we arrived there, he came back on stage for the encore, and what should he play other than the piece I am currently working on, Meditation from Thais by Massenet. Let me tell you, it was an incredible treat to hear a piece that I know played live by a professional!

Thanks for the Awards and the tag!

2009-01-27T16:37:00.000-08:00

I have been having this serious lapse in posting...not one real one in about two months!

Anyway, I have been getting these awards, and just wanted to go ahead and post them.

Starting with the awards:

From Joanna:

The "Your Blog is Fabulous Award"

And from both Joanna and Bria, the Kreative Blogger Award. Thanks for them!

Here are the people I give this award to for both:

Sarah
Becca
The King's Missionary
Mia
Ellie
Hannah Leigh
Carley Rene

Sorry, only seven...I need more bloggy friends. If there's anybody I missed, I'm so terribly sorry!

And I have been tagged by Carley Rene. Here are the guidelines:

1. Choose the 4th folder where you store photos on your computer.
2. Select the 4th photo in that folder (no cheating - cropping, editing, etc.).
3. Explain the photo.
4. Tag 4 other people to do the same.

Here is my photo:

Familiar? Yes, it is my header. I only have three places that I store my photos, so I had to leave good enough with good enough.

Anybody who would like to do this tag is welcome to!

If you do, I'd love it if you commented and told me that you did so I can come and see it!

P.S. I just wanted to say that I found a pattern that looks like it would work well for Susan's purple dress. It is almost exact, with a few minor adjustments. Sadly it is out-of-print. Here it is:

Here is one website that you can buy it off of: http://momspatterns.com

Drumroll, Please...DRUMROLL! Thank you.

2008-12-31T12:45:00.001-08:00

I have officially finished my Susan Pevensie costume!!! At last!

It all started when I saw Prince Caspian. I had been a huge fan of Narnia when the first one came out, so when I saw Prince Caspian, I fell back in love with it.

Anyway, I suddenly became very interested in making one of Susan's costumes. My original plan was to make her green LLW dress...but then I saw this picture:

Don't ask why, I couldn't tell you, but I really loved it. So I started looking around on The Wardrobe Door ( a great site if you want to make a Narnia costume). I checked out the page on Susan's purple dress, where I read about a lot of things that probably went into the real costume--on Isis Mussenden's budget, with her weavers, crew and experience--not mine. So...I started looking for a pattern that would work well and make the costume just perfectly, but I couldn't find one. So, being a perfectionist (strike that: a selective perfectionist) I decided to make my own. That equaled: "oops! I am tired! I just want to be done! I have this big mess to clean up now! Those pieces are uneven!"

Anyway, I made my own pattern. I started with just some newspaper, a tape measure and two and two makes four. If you do try this, however, try to make yourself a dress form, it would have really helped with measuring and fitting...trying to measure your own shoulders accurately is such a pain!

I gave in after a rather poor attempt of making a pattern for the skirt. I decided to use this pattern:

(sorry, it's a little big) I used petticoat D, which is the one without the ruffle.

Creating the split was really rather easy...after I had given it some calm, cool and collected thought. What I did was this: measure the front of the skirt and find the middle. Then, I sewed a seam with a very small seam allowance (to try to keep the skirt at the size I wanted it). One tip about that, though: don't be over-zealous about "small seam allowances"...make it large enough to serge, otherwise you'll get fraying. After ironing down the finished seam, I just cut very carefully through the little "loop" that was made by the seam and then seam ripped it. It worked very nicely.

For the bodice and bodice lining, I sewed the princess seams of the bodice up, but left it in two pieces (front and back). Then, I laid out the lining, cut it and sewed the boning too it. I sewed the lining to bodice right sides together and then turned them out like a bag, joining the front and back together.

For the sleeves, I made a pattern ( again, look at the write- up on this costume on the wardrobe door), sewed them together, and then sewed them to the armholes.

That was pretty much it, and the rest is very self explanatory. If you have any questions, please ask them in the comment form.

And here are some photos of the finished product:

I'm afraid that I need to stop smiling...my "beam" isn't very Narnian queen-ish :). It's not as perfect as the picture I had in my mind was, but I am pleased with how well it turned out, considering that it was my first real try.

Similar

2008-12-20T12:01:00.001-08:00

What's alike about these two images?.....Peter's always getting whacked over the head by Susan's bow!

Both images from the NarniaWeb marketplace

Thanks, Joanna!

2008-12-19T09:14:00.000-08:00

The Real Blog Award

Joanna has given me this, my first blog award. It's encouraging to know that somebody thinks that I have an uncanny knack for finding silver linings...

"THE LEMONADE AWARD: The concept behind this award is that the blog creators have shown an uncanny knack for silver linings and making the best of bad situations (i.e., lemonade from lemons)."

Rules: Name ten blogs that reflect silver linings philosophy

Sarah
Strongjoy
The King's Missionary
Mia
Megan
...I can't think of any more...I wanted to do so many people, but others got to them first!

Thanks for telling how to do the snow effect, Joanna!

Growing Christmas Trees, Mice kings, and Friends in the Nutcracker!!!

2008-12-13T07:22:00.001-08:00

So, yesterday, my dad and I went to the Nutcracker ballet given by a local company. You see, he often gets free tickets from work to the touring attractions in our town, so he got some last week for Sunday. I couldn't go then because of an orchestra rehearsal, so I was disappointed. I had really wanted to see a friend of mine who was dancing in it.

So, I hoped and prayed all week long. I really wanted to go and this weekend was my last chance. So, yesterday afternoon (which, by the way, was a l...o...n...g day in itself) he got tickets!

YAY!!!

So last night, we drove downtown, at last found a parking place, and started walking. I had mentioned seeing one of those tricycle taxis to my dad, just because I was talking about whatever came into my head. To my great surprise, when we had parked, we walked over to one and got a ride. It was SO much fun!

The ballet was really great to see my friend do her part with such relish and even more fun to see her get a moment of stardom. Great job, G. !

Well, the ballet went over well, and I loved it. Afterward, we stopped at a Starbucks and got a nice cappucino--decaf, of course. :)

All in all it was a wonderful night, and I had a great deal of fun with Daddy. I think that I'll always want to remeber it.

A little change

2008-12-11T14:49:00.000-08:00

Alright, for the Christmas season, I am going to change my blog and return the Narnia header after Christmas.

The Doings of a Young Woman

2008-12-11T13:54:00.000-08:00

Since I am not a " Simple Woman's Daybook" type (after all, I am thirteen) I decided to start my own. If you want to do it, feel free to use this picture. It's really pretty random, so if you think of other things that you are doing, just feel free to include them. Here goes:

I am wearing: a brown 3/4 sleeves shirt and dark blue jeans.

I am a listening to: a very LOUD mixture of my little sister playing her little $25 violin to the Celtic Woman Christmas CD and my other little sis' playing Narnia with her friend. It's getting quite brutal out there! (Narnia, I mean).

I am especially glad: that I am done with my schoolwork for the week.

I learned this week that: I can't be good ( for lack of a better word) just because I want to--God has to mold me.

I am working toward: a concerto competition in January, getting my math curriculum finished and finishing my Susan costume.

I have been thinking about: Lots of things, not the least of which being Christmas!

Outside my window: A lovely beginning of sunset, but still nice and cold.

I am reading: Jo's Boys and Plutarch's Twelve Lives.

Here ends this remembrance post.

It's Christmastime in Texas

2008-12-08T15:20:00.000-08:00

A Nativity set from Spain is part of the decor...

as is a fake Christmas tree. Hey, it holdsthe ornaments and does take any care whatsoever (and the cat likes it, too). :)

Shivering on a Bus Stop

2008-12-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

Picture this:

A man. A man shivering on a bus stop. He is wearing a pair or old khaki shorts and an old forest green polo shirt, both so worn that they look gray and could not possibly be very warm. Day in, day out, he either sits there, trudges through the shopping center nearby or he sits someplace else. He has a hard time talking, so he can't get a job.

He would like shelter, but he can't imagine where there might be such a thing for him. He is often hungry, but sometimes people give him something to appease his hunger. Life is this cycle of cold days, cold nights (or hot days, hot nights) with no end in sight.

He watches the cars speed down the freeway, not really caring anymore, having learned not to care or wish himself in that impossible to reach world of comfort.

Perhaps he never cared.

All he knows is that he is hungry, and cold, and uncomfortable and lonely. He knows, subconsciously, that almost nobody in the assortment of middle-class cars really cares for him, or even notices.

He might not even know that God loves him, that God made him. How is he to know this? Nobody has much of a desire to come in contact with him. Of course, God is absolutely capable of leading this man to Himself though he were on a deserted island in the middle of the Arctic ocean.

But God has directed his children to feed the hungry, for if anyone does this unto the least of him their brethren, they do it unto him. Why, then are Christians just standing by?

It's here!!!!

2008-12-02T16:15:00.000-08:00

So now, I'm going to go sit down and WATCH IT!!!!

(No, my costume isn't done, but it will be soon!)

Prince Caspian Blooper Reel

2008-11-24T16:08:00.000-08:00

Here's the blooper reel that is going to be on the DVD... It is just the funniest thing EVER!!! Prepare for hysterics!!!

On a Budget

2008-11-22T12:49:00.000-08:00

As I wrap up "production" of my Susan costume, I just want to remember the last months.

Things that I have learned:

-I don't actually like making patterns. It is back-breaking and at times seem almost impossible...especially when you are measuring yourself because you don't have a dress form that is your exact size (I don't even have a generic dress form).

-You can't really be picky about the type of fabric you use...look at me! I wanted a nice ribbed, purplish-pinkish wool/ wool blend. No such thing. It was a pain in and of itself to find a good color, so when I did, I bought it. Even though it was linen. Hey, it was half off!

- Don't just don't be picky about the princess seams unless you are prepared to make it from scratch. I mean literally.

-It is really, really hard to make a pattern. And, surprisingly, it is harder to make a skirt pattern than it is a bodice.

Moral: DON'T BE PICKY!!! ( I'm still working on that.)

Some pictures

I've been off this lovely brain-fryer for two weeks...

2008-11-16T11:58:00.001-08:00

And this is what I've been doing.

I am part of an orchestra down here in Texas, and it is so much fun! However, it mostly consists of public school students, so there are pluses and minuses. On the plus side is that I can feel more comfortable in my own skin (I know that that makes no sense, but at least I understand what I mean). It is really nice to know that if I make a sour note on my violin, they will laugh at me and most likely forget it 4 minutes later. On the minus is that most of them are very wordly... I have heard some things come out of their mouths that are much less than comfortable, much less proper. All this has made me really, really appreciate the way I've been raised.

Music is powerful

2008-11-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

Listening to "The Battle" on my playlist, I noticed something. I was listening to "The Battle" on my playlist. It just brought back that almost magical feeling of sitting in the theater, watching The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe for the first time. I used to be totally enamored with those movies. Now I realize why: it was the music. I think that it is the strains of the brass, the soaring of the strings and the vocal music in that particular song that so deeply entranced me. It literally did and still does give me goose bumps!

Book Blog Conversations

2008-10-31T11:19:00.000-07:00

I would like to try something new on my book blog. It is "conversations" via the commenting form.

Here's how it will work:

I'll have a little note in my sidebar with a link to the current discussion point. If you have read the book, or know someone who has, you can comment with you thoughts on the book. It can be an overview of the entire book or a review on a select scene. So, please, stop over and tell me what you thought.

The current point is A Tale of Two Cities.

Staycation Day Three: The Botanical Gardens

2008-10-31T07:36:00.000-07:00

Because I didn't take pictures of the place we went to for day two, that one might be a little late in coming because I have to wait for my mom to dump her pictures after she cleans them up-- and she has a notoriously long memory stick. :)

That being said, on to day three! We went to botanical gardens mainly for a parking lot farmers market, but since there were all of four booths, we moved on to the interior.

Oh, look, there's where Obama made his speech!

Staycation Day One: Gruene

2008-10-28T17:21:00.000-07:00

This year, instead of going to California for vacation, we decided to have a staycation. Our first destination was a little town called Gruene. Gruene is this VERY fun place just a little ways away from New Braunfels. It was founded in the 1800's by some German person, and is still pretty old-fashioned.

Most of it is made up of antique shops. It's really quite overwhelming, but there's some really old stuff. There were even buffalo bone earrings!

(No, these are not old. They're circa 2000.)

We got an old-fashioned portrait done at this place.

There was a mansion inn... pictured is their first attempt at a house. It looks like they forgot to include foundation and walls. ( It's really a root cellar).

A ship's wheel! Just like the Titanic!

This is the Mansion Inn. They actually fit 30 rooms into this little thing!

There was also an old- fashioned general store. They had license plates nailed into the floor. I personally don't think that it was such a fabulous idea-- they were slippery. Oh, and Texas license plates are not green. I messed up on photo editing.

I'm surprised that Daddy got out of the town with out a Coca-Cola something. He used to collect that type of thing and Gruene is like a heaven for Coke paraphernalia.

The general store also had some posters of 50's shows such as Andy Griffith...

...and I Love Lucy!

My favorite episode!

I'll try to post about day two tomorrow.

Georgie watching the TV

2008-10-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

've always thought that this was very funny.

Still more book reviews

2008-10-27T16:22:00.001-07:00

Go to All About Books to view my book review for the Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy!

A trip to the ZOO

2008-10-25T08:30:00.001-07:00

Playing with the Lions.

A very cute little bird...I love that color!

You can't go to the zoo and not see a toucan. :)

Now, these gibbons were a story. The small black one is a little baby about one and a half years old. It was so funny how he would fight with his dad. The blond one is the mother, to keep an eye on them. :)

The calmed down to love each other.

This-- this is the fattest squirrel on record. The zookeeper said that people often mistake them for otters. (The zoo used to have the fattest sparrows on record, but they had to thin out in order to fit between the fence mesh.)

Oh, look! It's Pumba!

Birds with Bad Hair Days.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And on a more serious note... the bald eagle. It was so sad how it would flap it's wings, wanting to fly.

This was a very lonely swan. It was all alone in a pool, so it came up to us to talk.

'Bye!

Have you read Pride and Prejudice?

2008-10-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

If you have, I would love it if you were to comment and tell me what you thought of it and if you would recommend it. I am especially wondering about any romance (appropriate or inappropriate). I can't wait to see your responses.

P.S. If you have anything to say about any of Jane Austen's other books, I'd appreciate if you told me about them, too.

A Weekly Round-Up: This week we...

2008-10-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

Bought some fabric for my Susan costume.

Fell back in love with Celtic Woman (at least I did, I don't think that my mom did).

Watched Fiddler on the Roof--because Dumpling was once again sick. As usual, I took pictures of the screen. I do that because I'm me. :)

And here's to banana bread--chocolate banana bread. And of course, because there are no little green fairies to do the dishes, I did them. Just thought that someday I might want to remember that.

We also went to Costco for dinner. And, after much eyelash batting, we talked our dad into getting us a frozen yogurt. My empty cup...after approximately 3 minutes. ;)

Beware of the Pit Bulls!

2008-10-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I've met up with some pit bulls. You have too? Then you know the routine lines spouted by the owners " oh, she's really a good dog...she just doesn't like other dogs, she's fine with kids... she won't hurt you." Don't you believe it! Now, I'm sure that much of the time, pit bulls are just fine dogs, possibly even sweet. But when they change their mind and become animals (you know, those wild things that have a reputation of being unpredictable) you had better be up a tree.

I say all this because I realized just today how strong and unpredictable they really were.

We were at the dog park were there was a pit bull puppy and a grown pit bull. The adult dog seemed to be just a normal, peacable dog, but the puppy took an immediate disliking to Patience, our beagle. It started to chase her, nipping at her flanks and on the whole terrifying her. This happened a couple of times, both of which the owners were able to call it off. Then, it happened once again. The whole thing was very fast, but it seemed to go in slow motion. The puppy started to attack. This time, it didn't just chase Patience. They stayed there, wrestling.Then, the adult pit bull got involved. That was when it really got scary. I remember seeing Patience pinned to the ground and the pit bull pulling at her ear, or neck, or both. Mommy was screaming at the owners "somebody help!" and somehow they pulled the pit bull off Patience. We picked her up and made for the gate. Luckily she wasn't hurt.

But that could have been one of the little girls. Somebody could have died. Pit bulls should be restricted from public places when unleashed.

So, take this warning: pit bulls are animals and are capable of killing!

This post has nothing to do with Sarah Palin. :)

Tagged... and I'm putting a new twist in it.

2008-10-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

Jo-snazz has tagged me, so here are the rules. Actually, you can pick either or both of the following two ideas. I made the second one up and I hope that Joanna will forgive me.

1. Tell 6 things that you learned this past month, then tag six other people.
2. Tell 6 things about books. It can consist of favorite books, favorite genres and authors. After that, make a book list of 6 books and tag six people (I'd say that you could tag books, but they don't have blogs, now do they?)

So, I think that since I am have made up another type, I will do half and half.

Things that I have learned this past month:

-I really need to work on my sight reading.
-I actually can do math. ;)
-You shouldn't use words like "rather, somewhat or very" when writing.

Books:

-I love Charles Dickens.
-I also love Rosemary Sutcliff .
-Ancient Britain, Ireland, Scotland or Rome are my favorite genres.

Six people:

Whoever wants to do it is invited. Please just leave me a comment because I want to see your answers. :)

Six books:

The Eagle of the Ninth
Oliver Twist
The Silver Branch
The Lantern Bearers
David Copperfield
A Tale of Two Cities

A flower

2008-10-09T15:21:00.000-07:00

Just thought that I should post something instead of staring at my computer screen and going "uhhh."

Yes, I took this picture...with my 4 megapixel camera.

Music

2008-10-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

I find music...

To be a friend (especially my violin). I can go and pick it up, I can get used to it and I can know it like the back of my hand.

To be a channel on which to direct my thoughts. Also, to be a channel on which I can express excitement, happiness or other feelings.

I can sing my heart out (with my voice) I love to sing along with my favorite CDs and make up a story to go along with the lyrics of the song.

I am so blessed to be able to play the violin and piano.

Tagged!

2008-10-02T16:39:00.000-07:00

Carley Rene has tagged me, so here is the result.

The rules go:

If somebody tags you, you have to tell 6 random things about yourself, then tag 6 other people. Then, you have to tell you tagger. (It's also a good idea to tell your tagged people).

First, the six random things:

1. When I am really bored at restaurants, I suck lemons
2. I HATE going into new places with new people.
3. I am a bit of a germ-o-phobe.
4. I don't generally spend money and I am always on the look-out for bargains.
5. I have a very noisy beagle. She is very sweet.
6. I can't stand summer...ahhh fall and winter.

Now for the tagging (mwahahaha):

Sarah at One Girl
Joanna at Jo-With-It's Portfolio
Raora at With God in the Bush
Grafted Branch at Restoring the Years
The King's Missionary at The King's Missionary

Can't wait to see the answers and thanks, Carley! :)

Maybe...If I Ever Get Past My Short Attention Span Susan's Cuirass

2008-09-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I am moving very s...l...o...w...l...y on my costume, but I have been thinking about how to make it multi-purpose. I noticed that Susan wore her skirt and under dress for the Night Raid, so I have been thinking about how to make her cuirass, or leather corset. We'll see, so don't hold me to it...

P.S. I hope to write a post about the purple skirt (above) mock-up soon!

Who Said This?

2008-09-27T11:40:00.000-07:00

The rules: comment with your guesses of the person who said the following quotes

1. " Oh David, I've lost my heel--look at me walk!" Hint: from a 1938 movie about a leopard and a scatterbrained heiress.

2." McCain thinks that we should improve relations with Narnia" Hint: A radio show that airs on NPR on Saturday afternoon. The host's name rhymes with a type of seabird.

3." Not True... Not True...Not True..." Hint: A celebrity very much in the spotlight right now. (Very Recent Quote.)

4. "That's not at all patronizing, is it?" Hint: A line spoken by a native Narnian. :)

5. "what's the difference between a hockey mom and a pitbull?Lipstick." Hint: A very popular quote, you should know this one.

I will post the answers sometime next weekend, Lord-willing. Until, then, feel free to guess! :)

Walnuts and Rice

2008-09-26T09:35:00.000-07:00

Today, my Mom told me this "word -picture" (after I had spent a lot of time on, well, the blog):

I have a jar, some rice and a few walnuts. First, I will pour the rice into the jar, so that it goes all the way up to the brim. With the jar filled, I try to stuff the walnuts in. What happens? The walnuts don't fit.

The walnuts are representing the necessities of life, like prayer. Or laundry. Or schoolwork. The rice stands for all the luxuries and things that are not necessities. If (and when) I put in the luxuries first, the necessities won't fit and hence don't get done.

Now think: if I put in the walnuts first, and then the rice, it all fits. Guess what that means! :)

More Reviews!

2008-09-16T17:58:00.000-07:00

I have a new book review on my book review blog ! Click on over! :)

My Costume Looks Better on Paper...

2008-09-16T17:16:00.000-07:00

...Trust me-- it does not look that good right now.

(Sorry the photos are not very sharp).

Soon!

2008-09-13T15:12:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to write a little blurb for all the Narnia fans out there... Prince Caspian comes out on DVD December 2nd!!! Here's a link to the NarniaWeb article

Remember

2008-09-13T02:00:00.000-07:00

Here it is on September 13th. Day before yesterday was September 11th. Seven years ago today, the country was still staggering under the blow of the attacks on 9/11.

Families were still holding out hope that maybe, maybe their loved one had survived the catastrophe. Victims were in the midst of the harsh reality of the fact that the co-worker at the next cubicle, had died, but they had lived. All across the nation, people were in a state of shock, the footage of a destroyed tower burning and then a the sudden terror of the sight of a second plane nosediving into its twin. And back in New York, the unbelievable horror of the people who had seen the planes crash, had told their stories, and had subsequently had to flee for their lives from the massive cloud of smoke that billowed through the streets. An employee from one of the towers had watched the plane heading directly for the tower, and had realized that he could not do anything to help himself, he was in the palm of God's hand. A wife across the bay had been watching the TV while the havoc was wreaked just a few miles away-- her husband was in one of those towers-- and talking to his friend whom he had just contacted. As he tried to reassure the distraught wife, she screamed, a horrible ear- shattering scream of utter grief, as she watched the tower that her husband was in crumble. Her husband was dead. Firemen rushed down the stairs as they realized that there was nothing more that they could do, but on meeting a bookkeeper on one of the landings, they decide to throw aside all selfishness and help her escape. Soon, a tower imploded, contracting floor by crushing floor like an accordion, killing people who still lived.

All this was in New York.

In the middle east, however, was a different story. They celebrated in their streets, rejoicing that they had devastated their enemy, America.

Recently, my parents heard a news anchor practically apologizing for airing footage of 9/11 during one of the conventions. He would like to forget as much as possible. He would like to only think of " change" and "hope for America". Well, I'm sorry, but we cannot afford to forget. Not only to honor the memory of the souls who died in the attacks, but because the enemy has not forgotten. The terrorists are just more patient than we are, and if we let their patience pay off, we will pay dearly for it. They are full of religious zeal and we have to hold strong. We have to remember that although we may want to forget-- it is a tear-wrenching memory--they won't. It was victory for them, and it will help motivate them for years to come. We must not let them gain another one. I don't know where we should be in the war, and I am not going to try to explain the reasons or the "should be" behind every current event, but I am going to assert that we cannot forget. We cannot afford to forget.

My mom wrote a great post about this on her blog. Here it is : Remembering that Day

Much of this was learned by watching History Channel's Countdown to Ground Zero.

Prince Caspian: The Call--Regina Spektor

2008-09-06T17:54:00.001-07:00

I love this song!

Good Line!

2008-09-04T12:08:00.001-07:00

These are just some of the quotes that I remember from watching the RNC the last couple of nights.

"If I were [Joe] Biden, I'd want that V.P thing in writing."

-Rudy Giuliani

I thought that was funny. I wish I could remember the rest of his quotes, but at that point, I wasn't writing them down.

"My fellow citizens, the American Presidency is not supposed to be a journey of personal discovery."

-Sarah Palin

I'm not sure where she got "the journey of personal discovery" thing but it sure sounds like something Obama would say.

And here is what I think was the best comment that Palin used,

"I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a 'community organizer,' except that you have actual responsibilities."

-Sarah Palin

Wow! I think that this was a retort to Obama and his campaign not thinking that she had enough experience, having just been a small-town mayor. She points out that he was just an organizer without any real accountability.

I had heard mention of Obama's not being able to make up his mind about what to vote in the senate. I remember someone (maybe Palin) saying something like "he can't decide whether to vote 'yes' or 'no', so he votes 'here.'"

Sadly, the McCain comments that I took down last night were virtually indecipherable to me in the morning, so I'm not sure what the exact words were. He made a great speech, though.

There was one comment that Fred Thompson made which I can't remember exactly, but it went something along the lines of " being a POW doesn't mean you can be president, but it sure shows character."

For some of the commentary after the speeches during the balloon drop, we watched MSNBC. The news anchors went down to the reporter on the convention floor (it was Andrea Mitchell). She was, for some reason, directly below the balloons. She proceeded to give what was, I'm sure, an excellent report on McCain's speech, but we heard not a word of it. Why? Laughter. Yes, we were laughing at her. You see, as she was giving her educated and serious analysis, she was batting away at balloons that continued to fall in between her and the camera. What made it really funny though, was that she remained so unruffled. You really have to see it to understand, so here it is...

The anchors apparently thought this very funny, so they would cut to her and then to one of the cameramen, who also was being buried by balloons. The next time we saw him, only his head was visible.

As this was happening, my daddy was talking about how the Republicans really don't like MSNBC and how somebody was shaking their fist at their booth. I wonder if it was choreographed so that they got hit hardest? Hmmmmm...

By the way, I remember that at the Democratic convention, they were trying to make a big deal of how many homes McCain has. Nobody mentions how many Obama has.

Announcing: All About Books

2008-08-31T17:20:00.000-07:00

I have started another blog ! It's all book reviews, so that's where you should look for them. I hope that you will stop by :).

Georgie When He Was Little

2008-08-29T13:27:00.001-07:00

This is Georgie, our little white cat. At our house, he is commonly known as Booboo Kiki (this is my sister's doing). Here he is missing his mommy when we first got him (at 1 year old, he has out-grown this habit, plus, we have since done away with that dog bed).

We got him for my little sister's birthday. Here he is liking my mom's warm laptop (she took this picture when she wanted to get back to it, but he had claimed his place).

This is my dog, Patience and Georgie (I'll tell all about her name...later, it's a long story). She and Georgie get along very well. When Georgie was a very little kitten, I think that Patience took on the responsibility of being his mother. They still like each other, although now probably more on a "friends" type of basis. We often watch them play together and Patience, being about 5 times as big as Georgie is very gentle.
I think that Georgie entertains no fear of dogs, because I have seen the next-door neighbor's beagle (who looks almost exactly like Patience) sniffing in our front yard while Georgie sits on the porch not 2 yards away. At that point, I went out and got him, because I don't know this dog's present temperament towards cats. Georgie has done some really funny things. Like this: He likes to get really excited and when he does, he bristles up and starts running around crazily, springing off of things (almost like he wants to fly). One day, I was sitting on the couch and all of a sudden, he got excited. He took a leap off of the arm of the couch and jumped on to my face, using it as a spring board. He then proceeded to go about his crazy ways and I was left to laugh for a long time and hope my face wasn't permanently scarred.

P.S. It wasn't.

My Susan Pevensie Costume

2008-08-25T14:37:00.000-07:00

I am currently working on Susan's purple dress from Prince Caspian. I had originally wanted to make the green archery dress from the first movie, but when I saw this picture, I changed my mind. I guess it was just the way the skirt flared just so (yes, yes, I know they probably pinned it that way, but I still like it).

The Bodice

Anyway, that started the train moving and pretty soon I was looking at every picture I could get my hands on of this dress. I also started looking all the pattern companies to try and find a pattern that would match what I wanted to make, how I wanted to make it. That shouldn't have been too hard, right? Wrong. Unbelievably, none of the pattern companies carried anything that matched what I wanted among their hundreds of patterns, so I set out to make my own (pattern, that is).

This is how the first one turned out. Something wrong here? Maybe it's the way the two sides of the different pattern pieces don't line up. Mmmmm. It didn't look so bad as all that on cloth, though.

Later, I found this picture. It shows the side pieces really well, so that was big help in understanding what to do wiht those. My last mock-up turned out very nicely and I would include a picture of it, but I lost it.

When I finish the other mock-ups, I will make posts on them.

All photos from the Narnia movie are from NarniaWeb.com, the pictures in the sidebar link to it.

Book Review II: David Copperfield

2008-08-24T16:00:00.001-07:00

David Copperfield: by
Charles Dickens
Rating: 10+
Age: mature 12 up

David Copperfield was an great book! A trifle long, perhaps,but I was by no means eager to see it end. This book started out very nicely, and the slower bits that I mentioned were in The Tale of Two Cities, were virtually non-existent, so if you have never read Dickens, this is the book to start with ( I've only read a few, so I reserve to right to change that!).

The gist of the story is this: a little boy grows in a normal childhood setting for the first few years of his life, with his sweet, young mother and doting maid, Peggotty. All to soon, however, his mother marries angry hard man and David's new father, Mr. Murdstone, hates him as does the latter's sister they persecute David until his mother dies when they send him off to a factory. Eventually, he runs away to an old aunt. He grows up in a happy family enviroment with his aunt and her rather eccentric companion, Mr. Dick, who is all but crazy. (This actually brings many chances of comedy to the story line.) This is just part of the beginning of the book, and the rest is very entertaining. There is some romance, and one time when he falls in love with a girl and her father is strongly against it, but they follow through and marry after he died ( I thought that that was sad). There is one other part when a couple run away together, but the author did a very good job portraying just how devastating it was to all concerned. On the whole, this was an excellent book, well worth reading.

Book Review I: A Tale of Two Cities

2008-08-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

A Tale of Two Cities: By Charles Dickens
Rating: 10+
Age: mature 13 and up

A Tale of Two Cities is a wonderful book written by the illustrious 19th-century author, Charles Dickens. It is a thrilling, fast-paced story set in England and France both before and during the French Revolution. While off to a rather slow start, do not let this discourage you. Press through, trust me. It's worth it.

It is a very exciting story, but it does do a good job *ahem* describing the cheerful and non-chalant blood-thirstiness of the French Revolutionaries. It has a very touching climax which is very sad and shows real love. It is, as the back of the book published by Cathay Books, "a story of injustice and betrayal, but also of love and supreme sacrifice."

The way Charles Dickens weaves together a plot with the use of wit and good writing, truly does make a story worth reading. I strongly recommend this for everyone. You'll see what I mean.

Image Gallery

2008-08-12T07:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my photo gallery. These are the pictures that have turned out best in my endeavors with gimp. Many are Narnia photos, so anybody can take them. The only exceptions are the ones that have "Property of Lucie Land" written under the titles. For those, please ask on my latest post before you use them. Otherwise, I hope that you enjoy looking at them and please grab any you want!

Playing the recorder
Property of Lucie Land

Evacuating London

Queen Susan the Gentle

A Mother's Love

Once a King or Queen

At the Piano
Property of Lucie Land

Winter Header
Property of Lucie Land

Simply Queen

Gentle Queen

Susan

Lucy's Memories

Susan's Courage

2008-08-08T17:48:00.000-07:00

Quotes

2008-08-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon!

Awards

2008-08-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

a Your Blog is Fabulous Award

The "When Life Gives You Lemons..." Award

The "I Believe in Narnia" Award

The " I'm a Narnian" Award

The Excellence in Blogcasting Award

Link to Me

2008-08-08T11:46:00.000-07:00

Portfolio

2008-08-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

If you like my work in this section or in the Photo Gallery, and would like me to make you something (blog button, header, etc.), just let me know!

Headers for Meg at Our Spare Oom:

Disclaimer: I reserve the right to deny my services for any reason. But never fear, I'm not arbitrary.