Monday, April 30, 2012

Movie: The Count of Monte Cristo



My rating on a 1-10 scale: 9
Genre: Adventure (very exciting!)
Primary actors: Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce
Length: About 2 ¼ hours.
Based on: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas.
Time period: 1700’s (?)
Year it came out: 2002
My overall opinion: It was pretty good! Exciting. It had a lot of really cool locations! There was a tad of mystery and a ton of adventure. Just wonderful! I highly recommend it. It was mostly clean – a few times, it was clear that a couple was sleeping together, but nothing explicit was shown. I will watch this again! But first, I gotta read the book…it’s got something like 1000 pages. I kid you not. It’s huge. But hey – I CAN do it! (I think)




Sunday, April 29, 2012

Day 29 – Books

A Book I’m Proud I Read

Without a doubt, the book I’m proudest (or would it be most proud?) of reading is Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens. It was 969 pages long, and not rivetingly interesting. But I read the whole entire book. And I’m excessively proud of myself for doing so. J


Also…though this shouldn’t be mentioned here…I’m rather proud of myself for reading the four-book “Inheritance” series by Christopher Paolini. Each book had over 800 pages. And the twelve-book series by Brock and Bodie Thoene, called the “A. D. Chronicles” was also pretty impressive. Below, the first 8.

Into Thin Air



Author: Jon Krakauer
Genre: Wow. Ummm. It’s the story of a disaster on Mount Everest.
My rating on a 1-10 scale: 7.5
Type: Non-fiction
Number of pages: 289
Time period: 1990’s
My overall opinion: I’ve read better stories about disasters. This one was relatively interesting, though. Did include some swearing: the f word (at least four times), among others. Sometimes it was a little confusing, since Krakauer went back and forth, referring to people first by their full name, then just by last, then just by first, etc. I won’t read it again.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Day 28 – Random

A Holiday I Dislike

I know, you’re staring at me in shock – I dislike some holidays? Yes, but mostly just one. Other than Halloween (yuck!). April Fool’s Day. I strongly dislike practical jokes, and if there was ever a foolish and annoying holiday, it’s this one. Can’t stand it!

Cover Focus: Wings of a Dream

Wings of a Dream by Ann Mateer



Book blurb from goodreads.com : Rebekah Hendricks dreams of a life far beyond her family's farm in Oklahoma, and when dashing aviator Arthur Samson promised adventure in the big city, she is quick to believe he's the man she's meant to marry. While she waits for the Great War to end and Arthur to return to her so they can pursue all their plans, her mother's sister falls ill. Rebekah seizes the opportunity to travel to Texas to care for Aunt Adabelle, seeing this chance to be closer to Arthur's training camp as God's approval of her plans.
But the Spanish flu epidemic changes everything. Faced with her aunt's death, Arthur's indecisiveness, and four children who have no one else to care for them, Rebekah is torn between the desire to escape the type of life she's always led and the unexpected love that just might change the dream of her heart.”

Why I like this cover: I can’t say this is the absolute prettiest cover I’ve ever seen, but it makes me happy. It looks mostly peaceful, with the exception of that car – it’s going a little fast, with that cloud of dust. But otherwise! A white picket fence, a calm blue sky with fluffy clouds, rolling fields, and a strong wooden deck. And the girl, of course! Rebekah has such a pretty white shirt on. I love the lace work just above her elbow. And then the brown skirt too, very practical, not to mention perfect for the picture. She looks thoughtful. I doubt it’s early morning, her hair’s falling down a bit out of its bun. Speaking of which, did you notice the white collar? I want a collar like that, not for always, just for a day or two.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Day 27 – Random

Why I’m Doing This 30-Day Challenge

Because I love doing tags. And this is similar in some ways to a tag, you’ve gotta admit. I’m doing it in April because that was a month with 30 days…and while I could have done it in one without 30 days, I decided not to. You may be interested to know that I wrote 93% (or so) of these posts in late January and early February! They’ve been waiting in my drafts ever since.

We’re getting off the subject… As I write this, it’s February 10. It’s snowy outside, but not windy, and quite sunny. The cat is looking in the in the window, the dog is napping in the sun, and my sister is playing piano. Warned you this was off the subject! I’m happily thinking about what I’ll be doing on April 27, as you read this…a big conference that I get to help with. J Can’t wait!

Birthday: William Moseley

William Moseley


Birth: April 27, 1987
It’s his 25th birthday!
You know him because – he was Peter in the Chronicles of Narnia movies. He appeared in all three of the ones that have come out, but only a very minor role in the third one.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Day 26 – Random

What I Think About My Friends

What an excellent idea. Or something. Quite honestly, it’s a bit silly, I think…I mean, they’re my friends. What am I supposed to think of them?!? But yes, I love my friends. As previously stated, I am so lucky as to have four best friends, and they’re all different. However, they all know (and like) each other, so we get on pretty well. I think my friends are great for taking pictures of/having photoshoots with…one of my favorite things. I think my friends are wonderful Christians, all good role-models for me. I think my friends are girls who will support me when I need supporting, and they’re girls that I will do my best to help when they need it. I think my friends are perfect for me. I’m very glad that they’re my friends. Love you gals! You ought to know who you are… J

The One Hundred



Author: Nina Garcia
Genre: Fashion, how-to
My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8
Type: Non-fiction
Number of pages: 284
My overall opinion: This is a fashion handbook. It’s for younger women with bottomless purses and no problem with bikinis or immodesty. There are a few mild swear words. However, I enjoyed it, for the most part!  Some of the item that Garcia finds indispensible are definitely things I can do without, like the bikini. She lists the best places to buy each item she names (100 of them, all arranged alphabetically!), and in general, those places sell everything for outrageous prices that no normal girl can afford. Unless she buys nothing else. But it was an interesting book. I don’t recommend buying it, but if your library has it, it’s a fun quick read.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

The Silence...

I am afraid this blog will be quiet now until Monday, because my posts simply will NOT schedule. And I don't have time to tinker with it. Until then, enjoy voting in the Tournament! :)

Annoying Ladies Mini-Tournament Round 2!




I must admit that the number of people who voted in Round 1 delighted more! More than 60 voted, all told. The winners of Round 1 have been chosen by the voters – here are the poll results! The winners of each poll are bolded. The percents are what they were on Tuesday night.

Poll 1:

Kitty Bennet -- 38%
Fanny Dorrit -- 62%

Poll 2:
Fanny Thornton -- 36%
Mary Musgrove -- 63%

Poll 3:
Caroline Bingley -- 78%
Harriet Smith -- 21%


Poll 4:
Anne Steele -- 64%
Miss Bates -- 35%
Poll 5:
Jane Fairfax -- 24%
Louisa Hurst -- 75%

Poll 6:
Josie Pye -- 38%
Lucy Steele -- 61%

Poll 7:
Elizabeth Elliot -- 72%
Julia Bertram -- 27%


Poll 8:
Mrs. Elton -- 90%
Mary Bennet -- 10%

Now, on to Round 2! The contestants are (set against each other randomly) –

Poll 1: Elizabeth Elliot (Persuasion) vs. Louisa Hurst (Pride and Prejudice)

Poll 2: Mrs. Elton (Emma) vs. Fanny Dorrit (Little Dorrit)


Poll 3: Mary Musgrove (Persuasion) vs. Caroline Bingley (Pride and Prejudice)


Poll 4: Lucy Steele (Sense and Sensibilty) vs. Anne Steele (Sense and Sensibility)


Wow. I thought the last round had a few hard polls…this one is all hard polls! Did you notice that there are three siblings sets competing (but only two sisters against each other)? They are Elizabeth Elliot and Mary Musgrove, Louisa Hurst and Caroline Bingley, and the Steele sisters. I'd love to hear who you vote for!

The Lost Hero


Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Heroes of Olympus
Number in series: 1st
My rating on a 1-10 scale: 8
Type: Fiction
Number of pages: 557
Time period: Fantasy
My overall opinion: Well! This is a follow-up series to the “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” one that I just finished. I didn’t enjoy this book as much, though it’s got the same rating. It was fun, it was exciting, etc. J These books are still totally centered around demi-gods – the children of Greek gods and humans. So naturally, I completely disagree with that whole theology. But the books are enjoyable.

Day 25 - Books

A Creative Book Picture I've Taken

I've taken a lot of creative book pictures lately...but here are a few favorites. Y'all know I can't limit myself to one. ;) One night I was struck with the inspiration of taking pictures of books with objects that went with them...either with the story, the title, or the cover. Hence, all of these. :)







Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Day 24 – Books

Six Favorite Classic Authors

Classic books are some of the best ones out there. And naturally, that makes their authors some of the best ones out there too. J Note that Jane Austen isn’t mentioned here…I definitely consider her one of the best, but she’s been talked about so much on here, that I’m not including her here.
#1. Baroness Emmuska Orczy. She wrote most notably The Scarlet Pimpernel, a long time favorite of mine. She also wrote sequels for it, including The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel among others.
#2. L. M. Montgomery. Best known for Anne of Green Gables. She wrote a lot of other books as well, all delightful. Find more about her from when I had L. M. Montgomery Day! Herself, her books, the movies of her books.
#3. J. R. R. Tolkien. He wrote The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, along with some other smaller books. Learn about him from J. R. R. Tolkien Day! Himself, his books, the movies of his books.
#4. Louisa May Alcott. Known for Little Women. She also wrote Little Men, Jo’s Boys, and more. Eight Cousins is a favorite of mine.  
#5. C. S. Lewis. Especially notable are The Chronicles of Narnia, a seven book series. He wrote a variety of other books as well. Learn more about him from C. S. Lewis Day! Himself, his books, the movies from his books.
#6. Alexander Dumas. Known for writing The Three Musketeers. Also wrote other books, including The Man in the Iron Mask and The Count of Monte Cristo.

WINNER!


I have drawn the winner of the giveaway for Tessa Afshar’s newest book, Harvest of Rubies! The winner is…

 

Raechel!!!!!!!

Congratulations, Raechel! I hope you enjoy it lots. Please comment with your email (I won't publish it if you want) and I'll connect you with Tessa. :)
Incidentally, this was a wonderful book! I'm half-way through it now...riveted. :)
To the rest of you…never fear, there will be more giveaways someday! But note: posting about it on your blog really gets you quite a few entries! Incidentally, it was one of those entries that won for Raechel! Something to remember for next time.
Also, today is the last day to vote in Round 1 of the Annoying Ladies Mini-Tournament! If you haven’t voted yet, hurry and do so. Coming tomorrow, Round 2 with new polls!

Spotlight: Caspian



Played by Ben Barnes.



Oooo, interesting, from a different country!





Wow. Okay, that's a really nice picture from a photographer's point of view...




I like that picture. :)


Awkward...




Monday, April 23, 2012

Day 23 – Random

Something I Crave at the Moment
At the risk of sounding food-oriented…Doritos. I heart Doritos. They are one of my favorite things. And I really want some right now. *sigh* Too bad we can’t have everything we wish for... Then again, that’s prolly a good thing. But yes…Doritos are what I want!

So Sorry!

For the influx of posts just now! I discovered that apparently when blogger switched to this strange new format, they didn't include switching over all my scheduled posts... :P So, excuse the mixed up birthdays and other late posts.

Birthday: Elizabeth II

Elizabeth II, Queen of England

 

Birth: April 21, 1926
It’s her 86th birthday!
You know her because – she’s been Queen of England for many years! Ever since 1952, to be exact. She celebrated 60 years as queen on February 6.

Cover Focus: Pirate of My Heart

Pirate of My Heart by Jamie Carie

Book blurb from goodreads.com : When her doting father dies, Lady Kendra Townsend is given a choice: marry the horrid man of her cold, money-grubbing uncle's choosing or leave England to risk a new life in America with unknown relatives. Armed with the faith that God has a plan for her, Kendra boards a cargo ship and meets American sea captain Dorian Colburn. But the captain has been wounded by a woman before and guards his independent life. A swashbuckling man doesn't need an English heiress to make him slow down, feel again, or be challenged with questions about his faith-or so he thinks. It is not until Dorian must save Kendra from the dark forces surrounding her that he decides she may be worth the risk.”

Why I like this cover: Admit it – it’s a cover that makes you curious. While, to tell you the truth, it’s not the prettiest cover I’ve ever seen, it’s certainly intriguing. That boat, for example. Definitely brings up thoughts of pirates and danger and 1800s. J But of the course, the girl is what you really look at – Kendra. That blowing blond hair is one of the first things likely to make you interested. Though the hat may be most interesting. It’s quite a pirate’s hat, I think! Kendra seems to be trying to look at you piercingly, and is succeeding, in my opinion. Very blue eyes. This is definitely an exciting looking book.

Day 20 – Books

Five Awesome Non-Fiction Books

No particular order.





#3 – Triangle by David Von Drehle



#5 – Taste of Home Baking Book