Um, okay, you know those people who you look at, and all you can think is, "...please get a tan now okay thank you?" Or maybe, if you're more of the polite, considerate sort, you kindly remark to yourself, "well, I'm sure they look a lot better in the summer."

Well, those people? They would be me. Or at least, I would be their leader/role model/archetype.

Yes, I've been sick, ladies and gents, and somehow, after spending a multitude of hours in bed, the color of the pillows has been transplanted onto my face. Lovely.

But, now, I'm WELL! Oh, I'm so well, and I am so happy to be well.

And yet, I've been in agony all week, because I kept seeing cool things to take pictures of.

Yes, that does not seem like a valid source of agony. But, considering that:

1) My camera is broken. Perhaps for good.

and

2) My photography skills are, well, bad.

and

3) Calling Justin Bieber Justin Beaver sends me into a hysterical fit of giggles

I am rather bad off.

Our family is considering getting a nice family camera. Which, I am completely in favor of. I drool and turned all green-with-envy-eyed when I see those amazing photographs taken by these amazing blogger/photographers. Drool and Envious Green Eyes don't do too much for the complexion.

If any of you lovely readers have a camera recommendation, I'd really love to hear it.

Oh, that reminds me. I've decided that poetry is, well, rather enchanting.

Poetry used to turn me off. I thought it was a kind of dumb way to over-dramatize and fluff up an idea that really wasn't that inspiring. But, after reading some really tremendous poets, I've been discovering poetry can convey meaning in a rather charming way. Who would have thought?

(And you know that famous line, "Oh, My love is like a red, red rose"? In the original version, the author wrote, and I quote, "O, my luve's like a red, red rose." Luve. Luuuuuve. Say it nice and slow. It sounds like a country singer. It makes me chuckle.)

Do your siblings and parents send you into insane fits of unstoppable laughter? 'Cause mine do. Maybe that fever did something to me. Hmm.

SONIC MAKES REALLY GREAT CHERRY VANILLA DR. PEPPER. My mama got some for me, after my piano lesson yesterday. It's really great.

Oh, and word of advice? Don't drink tea in bed while reading, despite how absolutely lovely it sounds. You could very well end up spilling the last drops on your owl duvet cover and flannel sheets and library book and pajama pants. And you could also very well end up hopping around your bed room trying to pull off the duvet cover and stripping the bed of the sheets and throwing them both into the wash, as well as waving the book around in an attempt to dry it off and searching desperately for a new pair of pajama pants. Just thought I should warn you.

Alright, I really, really, really shouldn't post this close to midnight. I get a little TOO crazy.

Sense and Sensibility (2008) Review

Beautiful, fresh, real, and natural. A fabulous adaption of a wonderful story.


The cinematography was stunning. I love the sea shots especially. From the beautiful opening credits to the shots which showed the ocean waves echoing the various moods of the two sisters, the water added a whole new depth of beauty and emotion. The music was breathtaking, as well.


As for the casting, Elinor, playing by Hattie Morahan, was perfect - demure, gorgeous in a quiet, natural way (and the colors of her clothing were amazing - the costumer did a great job), sensible, yet passionate. I admire her deep and careful acting - her eyes speak volumes.


Marianne (Charity Wakefield) was beautiful, sweet, and girlish (I want her hair so badly). Though the script didn't display her brains as much as they deserved (that is, as much as they were in the book), her performance was engaging and enjoyable. Really fabulous.


Mrs. Dashwood, played by Janet McTeer, was superb. Lovely, gracious, and bit overly-sentimental. The book emphasizes Mrs. Dashwood's similarity to Marianne, and this adaption displayed that well.

Margaret, performed by Lucy Boynton, was charming and cute. Not exceptional, just...cute!




Edward, played by Dan Stevens, was really better in the movie than he is in the book! But I'm not complaining. I loved his character. He was uber handsome (his blue eyes are inexcusably enchanting), kind, manly, and yet still Edward. HIS PROPOSAL IS THE BEST - and so is Elinor's acceptance. One of my favorite proposal's of all time, just because it was so simple and sweet and beautiful.


Colonel Brandon (David Morrissey) was quiet, protective, and brave, older, but still handsome and gentlemanly. Everything Colonel Brandon ought to be. I was much more resigned to his marriage to Marianne in this adaption than in the 1995 version.


Willoughy, performed by Dominic Cooper, was really the weakest part of the movie. His character was all off. Instead of being amiable, pleasing, and just plain irresistible, he was creepy-looking and obviously selfish from the start. It was waaay too obvious that he was a bad dude.


I won't mention all the minor characters, but I was a little disappointed with Mrs. Jennings, and a lot disappointed with the Lucases. Alas. Henry and Fanny Dashwood were great, and their son. was. hilarious. The Miss Steeles didn't seem *quite* right, but they weren't bad.


My favorite scenes were...
Edward's proposal
Elinor and Marianne in their room: Marianne tells Elinor of Colonel Brandon's proposal
Marianne and Willoughby visit their "future home"
Elinor lonely wanderings of the shore, mountainside, and market, when she thinks Edward has married Miss Steele


Funny, I'm raving about this film, but at first I didn't like it. There were a few weird camera angles at the beginning, Willoughy was creepy, the unneccesary first scene (just skip it - you don't need it to get the plot. Though it's very shadowy and you don't really see anything, it's worth skipping), and there were some things I missed from the 1995 version, all of which gave me doubts. But by the middle, I was completely and utterly won over, and I went back and watched at least twice more (during Christmas break...it was my bedtime story). It's one of my favorite movies now, and I like it JUST as well, if not better, than the 1995 version, (which saying a lot, since the 1995 version is SO great.)


You need to watch this movie. It's worth buying.

(images via http://englishtea.sweet-innocence.org/sensesensibility/picspam2.php)

empty mailbox

Oh Mr. Mailman, how you disappoint me.

Your faithfulness is a legend highly revered and sacredly clung to...at least by me.

In a world of change, you are one who is steadfast, determined, permanent.

Like the idolized knights of old, your profession is one of chivalry and immutability.

"Through snow and sleet, through rain and shine" - that is what you promised. And a promise is a promise.

Yet what is this? What can it be? The snow is falling, the ice is treacherous - the stage is set, lights dim, the audience holds their breath. Yet in what could be your most glorious triumph, you shy away, your courage dwindles, you stay at home in comfort and lethargy.

Oh where is your bravery? Oh where is your resolve?

The day is drawing to an end, and still that black box, so often brimming with glad tidings and exciting news, is empty and silent.

I sit in my chair, my head filled with disappointed hopes and crushed ideals.

my how time does fly

*awkward wave*

Hey there!

Yeaaah, it's been a while.

I won't bore you with the "oh but I was so busy" excuses, however true. But, the break was very nice :)

Now, it's 2011, and so much has happened - Christmas, the Christmas Ball, amazing sleepover(s), wonderful conversations with family, new dreams, exciting times.

BUT before I start jabbing away, let me say how encouraging and wonderful all the comments were on my last post!!! You have no idea what a special thing it was to hear such thoughtful, deep comments.

Excuse my mini rant here, but, you know what? I LOVE my heavenly father. And I LOVE my family. And I LOVE my friends. Oh boy am I blessed. There's been some hard times - are still going to be - but God's overwhelming power and love is so comforting. I can't believe how soon I'll be at college; really, after high school, it's going to be so different. Exciting, but sad. So I'm trying to enjoy every little moment I have while I'm still a homeschooled highschooler.

So to catch you sweet readers up, I'm going to post some pictures of the highlights of my December.

before flash and red lipstick

Oh dear. These are my homies, Amy and Ashley. We're tight, man. I can't even say how many fun, encouraging, crazy times we've had together - they're basically like my second family. :)

with flash and red lipstick

SLEEPOVER FTW!!!

Reunion! This is Khamley. We had a wonderful three day visit. This is before we went downtown to take pictures! (if you have never done this, do)

Christmas Ball!
I could rave forever about how wonderful this is. I mean SERIOUSLY, what girl wouldn't love getting all dressed up and dancing half the night? Hmm? I hope every girl gets to intend something this wholesomely, amazingly, thrillingly fun. It makes you feel like you're in a book! :)

My dear friend Haley. She is SO special - wish you could meet her! :)

Ahh, the infamous goofy picture! I just love it-all these gorgeous girls in gorgeous dresses having a blast making fools of themselves!

Ball hair! Bethany, my friend Amy's older sister, fixed our hair and did a great job - and she's insanely fast. That big, sparkly snowflake thing in my hair is a brooch for her Great Grandmothers jewelry that she so kindly let me borrow!

We's kindred spirits, forevah'! :)

What makes the ball especially wonderful is that it's a time that friends from ALL over can come and fellowship, and laugh, and make memories.

I think December is one of the best memory making months.

And this one was certainly worth remembering!

What special memories did YOU make in December?