may be years until the day

Where Heather is (still) obssessed with Penguin Books

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:04:17 GMT

Remember these books I gushed over before?

There's a second batch!

It's crazy how these are almost non-existent on the internet — I can't find them on the Penguin site, nor Amazon or Chapters... Yet, while I was doing my Christmas shopping today, they were on display in the bookstore I was in. I was so excited and it was all I could do not to pick up a couple for myself. I'm especially excited for Emma and Little Women — at least as far as them being favourite novels already. I love the colours but the designs is a bit bizarre (chairs and scissors). I love the clocks on the cover of Oliver Twist and Shakespeare's Sonnets looks so gorgeous. I really want to collect every single book!

Really, isn't this perfect timing for Christmas? You can pick one up as a gift and maybe another one for yourself...

It's hard to find out online where these are available but so far (in Canada) I believe the first set is at least at Amazon.ca, and I've seen the physical books of the second set at Chapters/Indigo/etc... So I hope that helps some. I'm not sure about other countries/currencies, but in Canada they're selling for $15 each — not bad at all.

The Many Faces of "Sense and Sensibility"

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:02:37 GMT

(I made this ages ago but never got around to posting it. I'm not sure why, except that I may have been planning to add more — though now I don't quite know what "more" was!)

A [very old] challenge from Weekly Geeks that I couldn't resist:

This week it's all about judging books by their covers! Pick a book--any book, really--and search out multiple book cover images for that book. They could span a decade or two (or more)...Or they could span several countries. Which cover is your favorite? Which one is your least favorite? Which one best 'captures' what the book is about?

My book of choice?

These are my favourites:

* * *

These are covers I'm fairly neutral about:

* * *

And these are rather horrid:

My absolute favourite is this hardback by Penguin. (And I own it! &hearts)

My least favourite — aside from the awful e-book covers — is this one by Broadview. I hate how they've used such dark pictures from the entirely wrong time period (though apparently it was purposeful).

I think this Red Classic version by Penguin captures the novel, showing the two sisters and their dress... But it also doesn't hurt that those copies are also my favourite covers of Austen's novels... (I don't own that one — I have the Red Classics of Mansfield Park and Persuasion.)

Which covers are your favourites? Least favourites? Do you own one (or more) of these? Or would you like to?

Where Heather wishes she could live in pictures

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:04:46 GMT

"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven... God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart.."
Ecclesiastes 3:1,11a (NLT)

I'm afraid I'm finding it very hard to enjoy the here-and-now and it's making me a little miserable. How does one keep perspective in the midst of midterms and papers and exams? Sometimes I wish I could skip the next couple of years... though I know I have a lot of learning to do during them.

Where Heather's Friday is looking up

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:12:32 GMT

I think we're spending our second class watching Pride and Prejudice (2005). We've already spent one class watching it, but... Not a bad way to spend a Friday. ;)

(I think it goes without saying that I could quote most of this movie, I've seen it so many times! I always love it.)

Where Heather updates her look

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:22:57 GMT

New layout @ ingenu0us

(Codes by nextuesday @ mintyapple. Background by me.)

I wanted a change from the other layout, and I wanted something autumn-like. Yes, this is a little too late, but I like it. It took awhile to find the right codes, though, but I finally found what I was looking for with the right colours. And dragonclouds's icon of Emma is so perfectly fall-like.

I've actually scanned some graphic cardstock/paper with autumn designs that I will probably be posting at netherfield_x. (One of them is the background I'm using. It's not a perfect pattern, but it was the best I could do and the only design I really liked.) They don't really translate into background patterns but are great textures. I just think they are so pretty!

I've also gone over my Photobucket bandwidth, so apologies for that. The good news is I believe it will refresh itself tomorrow. I think it's my fault, because I would be emailed every time someone commented on my picspam (which included all of the pictures) and then I used it to host my big background last night for my layout. Either way, it should be sorted for tomorrow!

~~P.S. Does anyone know where I can get the background pattern that looks like this, with the tree trunks/forest pattern in grey? I've seen it around but I can't remember where.~~ Thanks, smelltheflowers!

"Emma" (2009) Picspam — The End

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:30:42 GMT

Perhaps if I loved you less I could talk about it more.

Where Heather discovers a new music obsession, "Jenny & Tyler"

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:47:16 GMT

Jenny & Tyler

Official Website | MySpace
Who: husband and wife duo

Sound Style: indie, alternative folk pop...

If you're a fan of: Nickel Creek, The Weepies, The Hush Sound
(I find he sounds like Jack Johnson and she sounds like Stephanie Smith from the P&P 2003 soundtrack)

How I found them: Of all the ways, it was actually Facebook that brought them to my attention! (Because I've listed Nickel Creek as one of my favourite groups).

Sample: Nashville [hxxp → http]

Anything else: This video of them singing "God of Wonders" with Third Day. (I always get excited when favourite musicians are also Christians.)

Their latest album out is called "This Isn't a Dream" with a single of the same name, which I love. (That song actually reminds me of The Hush Sound!) I'm hoping it'll become available on Amazon.ca soon but NoiseTrade is offering an EP of their first album, so that's holding me over, as well as the songs on their site and MySpace.

I highly recommend checking them out, and if you like what you hear, NoiseTrade.com is offering a free legal download of portion of "A Prelude" in exchange for recommending it to five friends. I think they deserve getting their name out. :)

On another note, would anyone be willing to be on my list for Noise Trade? If there are any good albums that I think are worth checking out? Would anyone be willing to give me their email address? I promise I won't spam and it won't be very often at all.

"Emma" (2009)

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:37:17 GMT

The first episode has officially aired! It's quite entertaining to read people's reviews (i.e. at bbccostumedrama or AustenBlog.com) — it's either loved or loathed.
I find myself much too swayed by the opinions of others, but all in all I like it.
The fact that it has four hours — something neither of the last adaptations had — adds to its advantage but there are parts that are too modern for my taste. Dialogue, and modern body language... Though everything is very pretty and fun! I quite like Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller in the leads, too.

The BBC finally has the official site up, though it leaves much to be desired. It's more of a generic layout for any BBC program with less content than there used to be...

High quality promotional pictures are, of course, at Shootastic — definitely worth the registration!

And apparently Emma is featured in the Radio Times — you can find the scans here.

Official Promo:

Behind-the-Scenes:

I know I'm very easily amused but...

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:09:41 GMT

My prof just started playing the 2007 Northanger Abbey film! And I squeed. Or said "Yes!" quite loudly and spontaneously.

~~(And I don't have an NA icon...)~~ I remedied that.

I THINK WE'RE WATCHING THE ENTIRE THING.

I know, you guys are so jealous.

Right now everything is turning blue and right now the sun is trying to kill the moon.

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:30:08 GMT

There's a little nagging voice that is pushing me to write in my journal. That urge is then overcome by the sense that there is much too much about which to write. And then I do nothing.

I shall defeat my avoidance tendencies and post at some point! I promise.

For now I will just say that I love that I'm studying Jane Austen. In school. Northanger Abbey, to be precise. At least there's one class that I don't have to worry about keeping up with the readings.

I'm at camp!

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:17:46 GMT

I'm sorry I've just gone MIA in the last few weeks but I've had no access to internet... For the most part it's lovely (except when I need to get school stuff organized.) Just wanted to say hi! And let me know what you guys have been up to! I'll read everything at some point and it'll be much easier than me gong through pages of friends-list archives. Which won't happen.

Camp is awesome and I promise I'll share later. God is just so great and I've grown so close to him!

Where Heather becomes eight years old

Tue, 12 May 2009 03:07:32 GMT

The new Disney "The Princess & the Frog" official trailer!

I realize I love Disney movies way too much, and I might be too attached to all the princess movies, but I'M SO EXCITED FOR THIS! And it looks really good! Both traditional and new, and I'm so happy Disney is returning to classic 2D animation! Now I just hope this does really well so they don't abandon 2D altogether.

The frog reminds me of the frog from The Princess Swan — I think it's both the style and the accent. In fact it almost feels like a Don Bluth film than Disney, but still, so good!

Here's the official Disney site

Where Heather includes things of all sorts

Fri, 08 May 2009 01:47:37 GMT

Random updates! We'll see how this goes.

I'm slowly transitioning back into work. It's mostly good since I have a tendency of turning into a couch potato at if I'm left at home. Why is it I never have energy no matter how much or little I sleep? Anyway, it'll be good to be in a routine — except that I wish I was getting more hours at the daycare. I'm only working there five days this month, so it's back to the farmer's market for me! Seriously, I can't escape that place, but it's nice to work with my mom, and I'm really grateful I have any kind of job at all right now.

I need the money! I definitely bought those two Penguin Classics books that I posted about previously. I had to hold myself back from getting them all, but I did decide (and it wasn't a hard choice) on Sense & Sensibility and Jane Eyre. Next, maybe Tess of the D'Urbervilles, Wuthering Heights... eventually Pride & Prejudice of course. I'm so excited to even have the two considering I thought they were lost to me forever! Seriously these are the top "collector's items" to me, methinks.

With moving back home, I've been organizing my room a bit and upping the decorative style. (This is, of course, completely coincidental with my deepening ~~obsession~~ interest in design blogs and shows.) Unfortunately I can't do as much as I'd like with my bedroom because it is partly a storage space for my dad's stuff. My family has always been poor at living "lightly" and now that Dad has moved his office home, there's even more random stuff. Like two or three old computer monitors that, really, no one is going to use. Anyway I've still made progress and I love the little touches that at least I can see. Pictures to come (if only to show off my lovely books and other favourite things). I found a handkerchief that my mom embroidered and put it in a cream frame that has been sitting on my desk (empty) for years. It looks really cute! And I've moved my Grandma's Royal Daulton figurine to a place of prominence on the end of my display shelves where it stands out. I always loved her "girls" and she gave this one especially to me. (Her name is "Heather" — lovely.) It was given in secret, sort of... so that makes her even more special.

Click here for an awesome review of Twilight (the books).

When someone reads Twilight, it is the literary equivalent of eating a circus peanut. There is nothing there but pure guilty indulgence. You want drama, you want sex (but we're Mormons here so its very tame...err...did someone just hear a headboard crack?) and you don't want anything to get between them and you. Especially not big words or fancy, thought-provoking ideas.

Now I don't mean this to be offending — just interesting. And possibly entertaining. ;)

soteria recommended singer Lisa Hannigan. She's got such a pretty, natural voice and whimsical style. Check out her MySpace!

That's all for now... I'm watching Grey's Anatomy. Who the heck goes to work — especially at a hospital — on their wedding day?!

Pretty things that appeared on my Friends-list

Tue, 05 May 2009 04:08:41 GMT

Shared by poppytalk here

Shared by inishmaan — Francois Gerard, "Madame Recamier," 1805

Where Heather reveals her book collector geek

Tue, 05 May 2009 01:55:27 GMT

They're available in Canada!!!

"Fine Books" from Penguin

I think it was the lovely lalumena who brought these books to my attention first. You can see the Penguin Blog/Interview with the designer here to find out more and see all the drool-rendering copies of classics.

I can't help myself — I've wanted them so badly. And up 'til now, they've been virtually un-obtainable for me! I was even hoping my boyfriend would be able to get some for me when he visited England this month but THEN Penguin discontinued them. Arrrrrrrrgh >:(

But now I can get them with no fuss and no conversion rate! I'm definitely getting Jane Eyre and Sense and Sensibility. Yes, I have them both, but those are my favourite designs and I could really use a prettier copy of Jane Eyre. (And S&S is just too pretty to resist. Not as crazy about the Pride and Prejudice design, which is just as well.

Why oh why must I be the annoying combination of all graphic designer, bookworm AND collector? Add lover of all classic novels and it makes for a very expensive hobby.

Where Heather passes the time in 1973

Fri, 01 May 2009 02:50:02 GMT

I'm all finished exams! I don't feel finished, though, because even though my exam was done at 11 this morning, I have to wait here at school 'til tomorrow at 9:30 am to officially check out of my dorm room. It's painful watching everyone move out because I'm so ready to be at home for the summer!

In the mean time, I'm occupying my time with a Life on Mars marathon. It's about time I watch this series, really. And while I probably wouldn't watch it over and over again, there's no denying it is good. I mean, John Simm + Philip Glenister? Definitely good watching. And look who Sam's parents are:

Kate from Robin Hood, a.k.a. Joanne Frogatt. I have to admit, I prefer her hair in this. (Her braid always looks like it's riding too low as Kate...)

And Lee Ingleby is Sam's father. :D

They both think Sam is a little bit nutty.

Haha, the rolling of the eyes at the husband who never fixes things around the house. I think they're very cute. It's a shame — though very, very clever — in how it all works out...

I have to admit, I'm anxious to see how everything winds up. I always though it was bizarre that a TV show would only run for 16 episodes, but at the same time the premise can only be stretched so far. It starts to get boring in that I don't really care about the random phone calls and TV messages. I like how subtly and naturally the Sam/Annie relationship is developing — it's not shoved down your throat, like "this is the romantic couple of the show." They become good friends and only in the second season is it actually moving forward.

Can't wait to see Ashes to Ashes once this is finished. I'm very curious to see how that one is set up, and how it's connected to LoM, though I know the basics.

Anyone else watching these? I know there are definitely some of you! (*cough* Charlotte! /lulamena)

ETA: Did I forget to mention that I'm starting to think in a Manchester accent? I kid you not. Especially with long "u" and hard "-ng," etc. It's like listening to the lecturers at Capernwray for five hours a day and thinking in the Scottish accent, haha.

Where Heather is obsessed with picspams and British TV in general

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:15:46 GMT

Has anyone seen this new show Being Human? It's about a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost all living together as they try to live as normally as [un]humanly possible. Russel Tovey is a main character — the werewolf, in fact — and lo and behold, who should appear as his ex in the pilot but Claire Foy!

How cute is that? Except she's chasing him and he is trying to get away to protect her. I don't blame Amy for choosing Matthew Macfadyen in Little Dorrit but I still have a soft spot for Russel Tovey. I was hoping she would stay in the show but... oh well.

Also, do you know who makes the best picspams? three_nails. I've rediscovered them. The favourites: Casualty 1907 parts one, two and three, A Room with a View and JJ Feild.

I think you can tell how much I should be studying by the fact that this is my third post in one day. That, and I've started a Sophie and Frank/Cranford picspam.

"Our Mutual Friend" picspam — Lizzie & Eugene

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:24:12 GMT

We meet Lizzie Hexam and Eugene Wrayburn. One, a lowly girl whose father makes his way from the garbage from the river. The other, a wealthy aristocat who is bored to death with the upper class.

Gaffer Hexam: ...You hate the very sight of this river. As if it wasn't your living. As if it wasn't meat an' drink to ya. Lizzie, the driftwood fire that warmed you when you was a baby was pulled out of the river.

Eugene: [On everyone's interest in Mr Harmon's death] Society becomes restless when it smells a great fortune left unclaimed.

The two meet in grizzly circumstances — a corpse dragged out of the river. They don't speak to each other but the sparks fly!

Lizzie: I was so shy that first night I saw him I wished I could disappear!

Miss Abby (a.k.a. Mrs Jennings from S&S 2008 and Queenie from Lark Rise) begs Lizzie to leave her father and better her life.

Lizzie: You don't know him. The more my father is accused the more he needs me to lean on.

She knows she must send her [selfish, ungrateful, bratty] brother away so he can get a better life.

Eugene: How could I possibly undertake matrimony? I, so easily bored.

No — he doesn't want his father's choice of bride because he cannot get Lizzie out of his head!

David Morrissey!!! In all his creeper, crazy stalker glory. (Oh, that Lizzie's brother had found another teacher!)

Jenny Wren: Don't she look well? Everyone thinks so, don't they, Lizzie my dear?

Bradley Headstone most certainly agrees. No harm in letting Charlie visit more often.

Eugene: I propose to be of use to someone which I never was in this world nor ever will be again... Please don't be distressed. I'm afraid I'm a little disappointed... I'd rather set my heart in doing this little thing for you, and Jenny.

He's totally guilt-tripping her! For shame. ;)

Lizzie: I think I've hesitated long enough, Mr Wrayburn. I hope you won't think the worst of me... I thankfully accept your offer.
Eugene: [Grinning] Agreed. Let's hope we never make so much of so little again!

The looks! The smiles! I love how Lizzie transforms him. *swoon*

Lizzie: He's a very strange man.
Jenny: I wish he was so very strange a man as to be a total stranger.

Creepy, creepy, creepy! Why do guys think girls are these muses to be stalked and possessed???

Jenny: And now let's have a talk about Mr Eugene Wrayburn... If you were to meet him on equal terms, what would you think of him?
Lizzie: Well, he has his failings but I think it's for the want of someone to trust in. And if I were a lady — which I'll never be — I would help him. Maybe I could help him become more — even though I am so far beneath him — to even think of being beside him...

Mr Headstone: Most unfortunate for me that I wish you to see me at my best I know you see me at my worst... It is my destiny. You are the ruin of me... You are always in my thoughts.
Lizzie: I don't like you. I never have liked you. And no other living creature has anything to do with the affect that you yourself have produced on me.
Headstone: You may imagine how low my self-respect lies now. Lies under [Eugene Wrayburn's] feet and he treads upon it as he exalts in it.

Charley Hexam: You're a bad girl and a false sister and I'm done with you. I'm done with you forever!

Ohhh, poor Lizzie. And stupid, stupid brother! That's what has her most upset.

Eugene: Lizzie — Lizzie, what's the matter?
Lizzie: Mr Wrayburn, please leave me alone.
Eugene: Lizzie, you know I've come expressly to see you.
Lizzie: Mr Wrayburn, leave me. And pray, be careful for yourself... I've had a bitter trial tonight... I am wretched. Remember what I said to you, take care.
Eugene: Oh, Lizzie. You'll not tell me to go away. Lizzie — You will not send me away from you...
[Lizzie leaves and Eugene stays outside her window]

He stays by her window! And see how many times he says her name. Lizzie keeps calling him "Mr Wrayburn" but he calls her Lizzie.

~~Colonel Brandon pining for Marianne~~ Creepy stalker "in love" with Lizzie... and Eugene is pining for Lizzie and desperate to find her.

Girl talk time! This makes me wish we had more scenes of Bella and Lizzie. They'd be such good friends, and I think they could both use a best girlfriend.

Bella: I hope you forget about both these men. The violent one and the one who is not worthy of you.
Lizzie: Oh, no, I do not want to forget about him! If I should forget about him, I should lose my belief that if I had been his equal and he had loved me then I would have tried with everything I have to make him better and happier... I love him. I love him so much and so dearly...

Eugene: Hello, Lizzie. Pleasant surprise. I was out for a day on the river — actually, I was on business and who should I find.
Lizzie: Mr Wrayburn, you must leave this place instantly.
Eugene: I will. If you'll grant me an interview, a private interview. Then I will leave, I promise.

Lizzie: Will you walk beside me, Mr Wrayburn, and not touch me.
Eugene: I'll try. Lizzie, don't be unhappy. Don't be reproachful.
Lizzie: Mr Wrayburn, you must leave this place.
Eugene: Lizzie, you know I can't go away. You won't let me. Now I don't mean you design to keep me here, but you do it. You do.

Lizzie: When you said you were surprised to see me — was it true?
Eugene: It was not in the least true. I came here to find you.

Well, duh.

Eugene: Oh, Lizzie. I never thought there was a woman in the world who could affect me so much. You don't know how you hold me, you bewilder me. You don't know how the carelessness that helps me at every other stage of my life cannot help me now. You've struck it dead. Sometimes I wish you'd struck me dead with it.
Lizzie: You must think of what you're doing... Think of me.
Eugene: Tell me how not to think of you, you'll change me altogether!

Eugene: Are you so determined to run away from me? Answer me this: If we had been on equal terms, would you make me leave?
Lizzie: I don't know.
Eugene: Would you still have hated me?
Lizzie: You know me better than that! How can I think of you as being on equal terms? That first night I met you when you looked at me so attentively I had to draw away. Having so looked up to you and wondered at you since that night...

Lizzie: If you do feel for me in the way you've said this evening then there is nothing for us in this life but separation... Heaven help you and heaven bless you.

Eugene: Lizzie, I can promise you no more tonight except — I will try to do as you wish... I will — try...

Eugene: Who could believe this — ridiculous position. Ah, yes. I've gained a wonderful power over her. She loves me! ... Now suppose... I married her. Impossible! And yet I should like to meet the fellow who could tell me I do not love her. For her true beauty, her warmth. And in spite of myself I'd not be true to her... I'd like to hear any fellow say a word against her. Yet she begs me to go away. I'll not go away. I will try her again. She will not resist me. Eugene, Eugene, this is a bad business... Now the question to leave her or to marry her...

Not to put a damper on the romance, but am I hearing this right? He is planning to seduce her one way or the other — He just can't make up his mind whether or not he's going to marry her. I've heard it said that if it wasn't for his being attacked he would probably have just left Lizzie... :S

Lizzie: I think I could not [lift and carry his weight] sir but, I'm sure that I did.
Doctor: [To a nurse] Attend to the girl. She must be amazingly strong at heart, but I fear that she's set her heart upon the dead.

Are you really happy now, Headstone? Take heart, Lizzie — this is what will bring you your happily-ever-after!

Jenny: He's still alive.
Mortimer: If he were gone she would still be sitting by him.

Eugene: Mortimer... this attacker, murderer — he must never be brought to justice. She will be punished. Her innocent reputation... I've injured her enough. I would have injured her more, believe me. You must not avenge me at her expense.

Mortimer: Eugene, listen to me. Were you about to ask me... if I would entreat [Lizzie] to be your wife?
Eugene: God bless you, Mortimer.

No words, save for the rector's speech in Latin. And they are married! So bittersweet. (In hindsight, everyone could be a little happier, no?)

Eugene: I bless the day!
Lizzie: I bless the day!
Eugene: You've made a poor marriage, Lizzie. Shattered, graceless man. Next to nothing to leave you a young widow.
Lizzie: I've made a marriage I would've given all the world for.
Eugene: You've thrown your heart away.
LIzzie: No, I've given it to you most freely, most happily.
Eugene: If you should see me wandering, Lizzie, call my name and I think I shall come back.
Lizzie: Eugene, not so soon — come back!
Eugene: Lizzie, you call me back from the dead.
Lizzie: Live for me, live to see how hard I will try to improve myself.
Eugene: You cannot be improved upon my darling. Impossible! On the contrary, I was thinking dying is about the best thing I can do.
Lizzie: And leave me with a broken heart?
Eugene: You seem to think quite well of me.
Lizzie: Heaven knows I love you dearly.
Eugene: If I were to live, you might find me out... I'm afraid that if I were to live I would disappoint... [She kisses him]

Eugene fades in and out of consciousness and sees Lizzie by his side.

Lizzie: Don't let him get overexcited, Mortimer. Visitors bring up his spirits. [She leaves]
Eugene: ... [Talking about Bradley Headtsone] No, he does not live. And he did me a favour. Consider this: had he not attacked me, I don't know what I would've done. How I would've injured her in my reckless passion. I would've lost her respect. Any possibility of our love would've gone forever. Consider what I have now, and then tell me that the schoolmaster lives... knowing as he does that he brought us together!

First of all AHHHHH — Eugene would have ruined Lizzie. Not very romantic if you ask me. Thankfully, in this twisted way, Bradley was the catalyst that resulted in the happily-ever-after for Lizzie and Eugene! I don't think Eugene deserves it but Lizzie sure does.

These end shots are so cute! So happy and sunny and perfect. (And I just love Bella with the baby — but sorry, that's for another picspam.)

Eugene: My wife is somewhat nearer to my heart than society is. So if I should ever think to hide her away then you — who I love next best in all the world — will tell me, she would have done better that night I lay bleeding to death to turn me over with her foot and spit in my face... As for myself, come hell or damnation, I really couldn't care less [what society thinks].

Mr Tremlow: If this gentleman's feelings induced him to marry this lady then he is the greater gentleman for the action and she is the greater lady.

- Caps by tempest_icons (here) and nancherrow (here).

I didn't want to neglect Lizzie and Eugene with all my Bella & John love, so they got their fair due! I don't think it's my fault that there are slightly less caps than those for Bella & John.

I hope you enjoyed these as much as I enjoyed making them. :)

"Our Mutual Friend" picspam — Bella & John, Part II

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:33:09 GMT

Hope! A glimmer of hope — you can see it in John's face. Bella's true character shines through.

Bella: Will you be joining us, Mr Rokesmith?

Mr Boffin will not allow it. But the glance behind! She cares.

See? She is concerned at how Mr Boffin is treating John, comparing him to a sheep at market...

Bella: You think well of [Lizzie Hexam], Mr Rokesmith? ... There is something refined in her beauty, is there not?
John: She is very striking...

Ah! Is this jealousy I detect? So it is very subtle to almost non-existent, but still — I find it amusing.

Bella: Oh, Mr Rokesmith. Please do not be so hard on me. Don't be so stern! I wish to talk to you on equal terms.
John: I was forcing myself to be constrained as required by our agreement. But there — Let's go on.
Bella: Thank you.

He smiles! He really smiles! And the hand holding! So adorable.

Bella: Mr Rokesmith, it seems so long since we've spoken to each other naturally. I'm embarrassed to bring up another subject. It's Mr Boffin... You see, I've been watching Mr Boffin these past few weeks.
John: You? Watching? Surely not!

The smiles and the teasing... John really is wonderful once he gets past the stalker thing. And the way he looks at Bella as she talks about how Mr Boffin is becoming spoilt by his fortune... You can see it in his eyes that he's not thinking of Mr Boffin at all.

Bella: And I've seen the way he treats you and it gives me pain because I cannot bear it to be thought that I approve of it!
John: Miss Wilfer, if you could know with what delight I see that fortune is not spoiling you!

Bella is taking great notice of John! (She's seen how he represses himself to Mr Boffin.) And he's so happy.

Bella: I wish you could make a friend of me, Lizzie. I've no more character than a canary bird, but I know I am trustworthy. So tell me — me do you live like this?
Lizzie: You must have many lovers.
Bella: Me? No, not one.
Lizzie: Not one?
Bella: Well perhaps one. I did have one. Perhaps half of one.

They're so cute. It's too bad they aren't together more in this series.

Then Lizzie ends up telling Bella about Eugene and how much she loves him — and even though there's no gain, and she doesn't hope of marrying him, she is still glad to love him. You can just see it in Bella's teary eyes that she's seeing a side of John — that he probably felt the same way. And she spurned him. It's like Bella is hearing John's proposal all over again — and she sees its true value.

John: [In a mocking tone] You look rather serious, Miss Wilfer.
Bella: I feel rather serious. Would you believe, Mr Rokesmith, I feel that — that I've passed whole years today... I feel that much has happened to myself.
John: For the good, I hope. You're cold. You're trembling. [Takes off his jacket and puts it around her shoulders]
Bella: [Takes John's arm] What a beautiful sky. And what a glorious evening!

I think this is easily one of the cutest scenes ever. They're both so smiley and happy and it's like the beginning of the happily-ever-after John and Bella. And the jacket! And the hand holding! And the running to catch the train. Did I mention the grins?

Meanwhile, Mr Boffins' behaviour is getting worse and worse, and it distresses Bella to see John so unhappy.

John: My interest for Miss Wilfer began the moment I saw her, even before... I have borne my position here that I may not be separated from Miss Wilfer. And since she rejected me I have not urged my suit with one syllable or look. But my devotion to her has not changed except that now it is deeper and better founded. My feeling for Miss Wilfer is not one to be ashamed of. I love her. And when I leave her in this house I go into a blank life.

John: Miss Wilfer, goodbye.
Bella: Oh, God make me poor again! Someone, I beg, or my heart will break! Don't give me money, Mr Boffin, I don't want money! Mr Rokesmith, I'm deeply sorry for the reproaches you have borne on my account. I earnestly and truly beg your pardon. The only fault you should admit to is that you made yourself open to be slighted by a worldly, shallow girl whose head was turned and was quite unable to rise to what you offered.
John: [Takes her hand and kisses it]

Bella: You vicious old thing! [Rokesmith] is worth a million of you. I must go home for good.

John: My dear girl! [Hugs Bella] My gallant, courageous and noble Bella. You are my love?
Bella: Well I suppose I am if you think me worth taking.

There are no words. It's just too ridiculously adorable.

Lady Tippins: To lose the ward and the secretary in one afternoon! That is extremely imprudent of Mr Boffins. What is worse — Miss Bella and the Rokesmith fellow have run off together!
Mortimer: I hardly see how I can be to blame. When two people are inclined to run off with one another, a lawyer's the last person to prevent it.

John: Is there something wrong, my love?
Bella: No, nothing... I was wondering —
John: Yes?
Bella: Well, if one day I might go with you to the china house?
John: I'm afraid you find my office life in the city very boring.
Bella: No, it's just — I watch you pick up your briefcase in the mornings. I do not know where you go or what you do with whatever is in that important-looking place.

John: Are you bored, Bella?
Bella: No, of course not. Our own dear house. There's so much to do, how could I be?
John: But you are not regretting it? Hmm? Having married no money at all — absolutely no future whatsoever?
Bella: [Smiling] You must not tease me! It's clear I'm being tested in some way. [Turning serious] But you will not break me. No you won't.

These are my favourite shots. I love the glowing and the colour... And Bella and John are very pretty — such a cute banter they have, too.

I don't think Bella's regretting anything — I just think she feels that John is hiding something from her. Which is justifiable, considering that he is hiding something!

Bella: John dear? You will come with me to see Lizzie Hexam married?
John: No I cannot. You must go... Forgive me. Bella, my life... Don't you remember telling me you felt you were being tested in some way? Well I think the time will be coming when you will be tested. But for now, trust me, please.

And she does completely. No matter how odd or suspicious, Bella stands by John, though Mortimer finds it strange that he has never met Mr Rokesmith...

John: And how was Lizzie, my love?
Bella: Suffering in almost unbearable happiness.

And then Mortimer accidently sees John — and Bella finds out that her husband is closely and suspiciously related to the Harmon murder.

Bella: [Waking up from a nightmare] John Harmon is dead!
John: What is it, my dear?
Bella: John Harmon is drowned.

I think John's charade is unravelling rather quickly! And on an entirely different note, I love how John always calls her "my love" or "my dear" or "my life" — so cute.

Bella: I have something to tell you. You're not the only one with a secret. Only I'm ready to tell you mine.

GAH! So cute. Words are unnecessary and they're both so happy!

Bella: John! What's happening?
John: Nothing can harm us, remember. Don't distress yourself. [He kisses her] I'll be back by morning.

That's quite a strain on trust! Plus I wouldn't think he'd want to worry her so much considering her new condition.

John: I must ask you this, Bella — you've become fond of this cottage.
Bella: Well of course I have — it's our life together.
John: I'm afraid we have to leave, my dear. My new position has a dwelling house attached, rent-free.
Bella: John. Do you consider this a game, my dear?
John: Yes, I do!
Bella: And what about the baby? Will there be room in the house for the baby?
John: There will I'm sure be room for us all. But why should you take this on trust? We will go and look at it this morning.

And the suspense continues! He takes her to the Boffins' residence? Which results in Bella fainting like a good Victorian heroine.

Mrs Boffin: Bella, my dear. Tell me who this is.
Bella: Well, my husband of course.
Mrs Boffin: Oh my. His name, dearie.
Bella: Rokesmith.
Mrs Boffin: No, it ain't. Not a bit of it.
Bella: Well, Hanford then.
Mrs Boffin: No, it ain't. Not a bit of it.
Bella: His name is John?
Mrs Boffin: I should hope so, dearie! ...
Bella: John Harmon?! But that's not possible — he is drowned!

John: Forgive me, my darling. I was drowned, or as good as... I had nothing left to live for. I had nothing to lose by trying you out. And when I did I found I had the most worthy of wives. And then this new life growing within you. So when I did miraculously have everything I was afraid to lose it and determined to hold fast to it.

John: Can you forgive me? We might still be in Blackheath had it not been for Mrs Boffin and our friend the inspector.
[Bella smiles and kisses him]

I think Bella forgives John a little too easily, and accepts everything so quickly — but it's all so sweet. I love this moment by the window!

*swoon* There they are, the proper Harmons — Mr, Mrs, and baby. I think the late Mr Harmon had somthing with that will!

- Caps by tempest_icons (here) and wikidwitch (here).

One of my favourite things about Bella and John is that we get to see them as a married couple. It makes my fangirl heart happy.

And not to be forgotten:

Missed part one?

"Our Mutual Friend" picspam — Bella & John, Part I

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:49:39 GMT

I can't deny I'm procrastinating from studying... but this is much more fun. It's no surprise that I love Our Mutual Friend and it never gets enough love. I felt like making a picspam a couple of days ago and this felt like an obvious choice! A little stupid considering how long this series is, but I hope you all enjoy it!

Meet Bella Wilfer: bride grieving for a fiançée murdered on his way home to her.

Judge: We can only imagine how the poor girl feels, her hopes so cruelly dashed... The woman who waited patiently and silently.

Bella: How long must I wear this insufferable dress?

Bella: We never could have pretended to harbour any true affection. I was hardly likely to like this John Harmon — how could I? [She gets up to answer the door] ... And all this for a man I never saw and I should have hated if I had.

Meet Mr John Rokesmith — mysterious, brooding stranger who is eager to rent the Wilfers' apartment.

John: I'm very much obliged to you Miss Wilfer.
Bella: Obliged? And why should Mr — [looks at his signature] — John Rokesmith be obliged to me?
John: I've given you so much trouble.
Bella: By signing my name?

Bella: Mark my words, between Mr Rokesmith and myself there is an antipathy and a deep distrust. I don't know what will come of it.

A sweet moment between father and daughter. Mr Wilfer tells the story of how Mr Harmon met Bella. "That's a promising girl — a most promising girl."

Bella could live with the Boffins! And how do they know Mr Rokesmith?

Rokesmith knows these dust heaps well. But no matter, he can pull off the secretary disguise perfectly and Mr Boffin is very pleased to employ him. Yay!

Oh, the brooding!

John: The loss of your fiançée, John Harmon, may one day be repaired. Of course I speak merely of wealth. The loss of a perfect stranger whose worth you could not possibly have estimated beyond the inconvenience of their death is another matter...
You must have been absorbed by your book. Is it a love story—
Bella: Certainly not. It's more about money than anything.
John: And does it say that money is better than anything?
Bella: [She sighs] I really cannot tell you. Find out for yourself for all I care.

Both Bella and John take up their roles with fervour. She, the beautiful socialite, and he, the loving (albeit a little creepy) stalker. John: She is so trivial, so capricious, so mercenary. And yet —

—she is so beautiful.

Bella: His attentions were fitting — amusing even — in Holloway, but here... they are hardly appropriate.

John: And so, my dilemma — I have worked my way into a position of power in this house so that I may watch her every move, follow her every step. And yet she barely notices me.

Bella: There is something strange about Mr Rokesmith. He shadows me day and night.

Bella: Oh come, Mr Rokesmith. Surely you can cast off your mysterious disguise and join us.

John: I cannot keep my secret any longer. I must tell her my story.
If I were to come back to life, I would inherit that fortune, and with it, sordidly buy a beautiful creature who has little regard for me. I would buy her...
It is a dilemma of my own making, but I cannot keep silent. I cannot stay stranded in this limbo between life and death.

John: I'm sorry. I had something to tell you, but it can wait. It can wait until tomorrow.

John: She has me under her spell. She has made me powerless. I am nobody. If I tell her my secret now, I may lose everything.

Bella: You even play the mysterious stranger in private, Mr Rokesmith. No family likenesses or personal possessions. It's a very good pretense.
John: Speaking of family, Miss Wilfer — you do not charge me with any commissions for home. ... I should be happy to be the bearer of them.
And the battle continues! They can push each other's buttons. Sound familiar?

So Bella visits her father. I love how this was brought on by John — as if, they really do bring out the best in each other. And Bella really does love her father. She even gets him a new jacket and hat.

So cute! It's not Bella, the widow who has lost her fortune, or the socialite who wants everything — for a little while, she is daddy's little girl. (Though her mercenary self does peek through a little.)

Bella: Pa, I do have a confession to make. I'm the most mercenary wretch that ever lived.
Mr Wilfer: I should hardly have thought that of you, my dear.
Bella: I've made up my mind that I must have money. And as I can't beg, borrow, or steal it, I must marry it!

John: Are you not well, Miss Wilfer?
Bella: I'm quite well, thank you.
John: Perhaps you'd better stay indoors tonight...
Bella: I'm not a child. I think an evening's marauding and attracting is just the thing to raise my spirits.

John is so disappointed that all Bella wants is money and superficialities! Yet he knows there's more.

Bella: I shall choose my husband carefully and am prepared to wait, to find an equal match.

Mrs Lammle: [to her husband] For a stupid young girl, she has uncommon...
Mr Lammle: Good sense?

Bella: You must stop watching me. Stop... judging me.
John: Miss Wilfer, I — I think I must tell you... that I think I'm becoming... That is, I fear... that I'm becoming profoundly interested in you... I truly felt devotion. Forgive me, but I cannot— I-I will not retract my feelings—
Bella: I reject them, sir! ....You know every line of the Harmon will. Now knowing every penny of my worth, you feel yourself bold enough to speculate on me? Am I forever to be the property of strangers?!
John: You are wonderfully mistaken! Goodbye, Miss Wilfer.

Take heart, Mr Rokesmith/Harmon — all the great romances need the obligatory rejection.

John: Ah, well, John Harmon. You would find out. And now you know it absolutely. She has consigned you to the grave once more and now you'll stay buried forever for you have no chance of happiness in this life.

- Caps by tempest_icons (here) and wikidwitch (here).

Conclusion? Bella + John = love — they're very sweet with enough angst to compete with the more popular couples!

And because this is my journal this picspam would not be complete without:

Go see this if you haven't already!

(More to come — Bella & John, Part II and Lizzie & Eugene)

Emma 2009 — Cast News

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:27:58 GMT

Found out first through artic_fox, as well as AustenBlog.com and bbccostumedrama.

First there was this article at the Telegraph saying Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller are playing Emma Woodhouse and Mr Knightley (respectively).

Shortly after (at least, in my own discovery, not necessarily in publication) the BBC released this press statement with more news. Jodhi May is going to play Emma's (old) governess, the newly married Mrs Weston, and Michael Gambon will be playing Mr Woodhouse (Emma's father).

ALSO exciting: Sandy Welch is writing the screenplay! Seriously, why she doesn't get near the amount of recognition that Andrew Davies does, I'll never understand. I love her miniseries/adaptations.

Apparently this series will be four parts, each one hour long. I'm glad for that because three hours seems too short.

I'm very excited for Romola to be playing Emma, though she wouldn't be who I'd see first as Emma. My first reaction was that she's too old, but that's rubbish, I know. ;) Someone had suggested Carey Mulligan for the role, which would have been wonderful! Carey is everywhere, and yet she hasn't had a "breakout" role yet. But mostly I can very much see her as Emma. Of course, I'm excited to see Romola in an Austen piece! She's wonderful.

Not so excited about Jonny Lee Miller. He played Edmund in that movie adaptation of Mansfield Park ten years ago. Though, to be fair, Edmund as a hero is disappointing anyway, so that isn't the best thing to judge him on. It will be interesting, to say the least.

What do you guys think? Are you excited? I am so glad that Emma is getting its own 2000 update! I just loved S&S and the whole style and feel of it — so much different than the adaptations of the 90s, which all had their own 1990 flavour, if you know what I mean. It's nice to have different versions. Plus it will be nice and long! :D

Where Heather really wants to use subject titles like a Victorian novel (and lalumena!)

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:47:26 GMT

I guess to be original I could use "In which" instead of "where" — from what I remember, all the chapter titles in Vanity Fair follow that pattern. Anyway, Charlotte, not that this is anything new, but I like the idea. ;)

I will try to make this short and sweet but there are a lot of random things to share!

New layout! Well, since the past week or so. I love how the colours in the layout match so well with the background — I didn't touch a thing. And the Marie Antoinette icon (by dragonclouds) fits perfectly — soft and spring-like. It just makes me happy! (Layout by knotloved and background by appletooth.)

- I'm very tempted to have a Jane Austen movie marathon — but not her adaptations. Rather, the "biographies" — Becoming Jane and Miss Austen Regrets would be extremely fun together, methinks. This comes from my finally finishing Just Jane by Nancy Moser, a fictional autobiography/novel. It was very nice, starting from her early twenties (with Tom LeFroy, thankfully a minor event) to her blossoming success and writing of Persuasion. It is bizarre knowing how things go, though. I liked learning more about her family. Another wonderful novel is The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James. It's much more fictional and focuses on a smaller part of Jane's life (and "possible" love affair). I recommend it! I've also got Cassandra's Sister by Veronica Bennett still sitting on my bookshelf at home, waiting to be read. Yet one can never have too many Jane Austen-related books!

Oh, dear, I'm failing miserably with length already.

- I caved and bought this lovely bag from an Etsy shop, Pesky Cat Designs. Her bags are all so cute! I've had my eye on this market tote (pictured) and this purse. I love the bird design and they look so well put together. I love the different fabrics/patterns on the inside, too. I decided on the tote because a) It was on sale (YAY) and b) It fulfills my need for a new purse and school bag/backpack! I could still use my backpack if needed, but I think will be so adorable and fun to use every day. I'd also love to try and make my own pencil case like this one here. My mom's got tons of stamps, and I love this look. Right now I have a kiddie "LaSenza Girl" pencil case and I'd much prefer this. ;) It looks simple enough to play around with, and it'll be fun finding a nice plain fabric for the outside and a patterned one for the inside. (Ooh, look! A tutorial for zipper pouches.)

- I'm so excited: both Mandy Moore and Sara Watkins (of Nickel Creek) have new CDs coming out! Check out their MySpace pages (linked) to hear some new music. Mandy's album is called "Amanda Leigh" (her full name, I believe) which comes out on May 26 and Sara Watkins' is self-titled and set to release on April 7. They both sound so awesome! I think Mandy is a wonderfully mature and underrated artist — she's grown up so gracefully from her "pop princess" days, and my tastes have grown up with her. (I just wish she wasn't embarrassed about her earlier music. It's not on her site.) Sara Watkins' voice is so pretty, though there seems to be a bit more of a country twang. Also, it definitely sounds like Sean Watkins singing background on her MySpace songs.
And here's a piece of trivia that connects these two: Sara Watkins sings backup on two songs from Mandy Moore's "Wild Hope" album: "Latest Mistake" and "Can't You Just Adore Her." (Click to download, http to http.) I love those songs even more just for that. Mandy + Sara = heart.

- I've been browsing lots of blogs, and apparently crafts and blogs (and young moms!) go together. Seriously, though it's been really fun looking through, with craft ideas, decorating ideas, and sooo many pretty pictures. I can't imagine taking so many pictures throughout the day but it must be nice to look back through everything like a visual journal. And some of these kids are so cute!
Here are some faves: Cakies | Elsie Marley | Sugar City Blog | Kennedy and Friends | The Inspired Room | A Field Journal

This bring me to a question: Does anyone know if you can add RSS feeds to your LJ friends list in any way? I know that someone can created a syndicated LJ account that will post there blog here on LJ, but is there anyway to incorporate other blogs onto my f-list? I'd love a way to easily see updates but I'm not going to constantly be checking these individually.

- I've crawled out from the rock under which I've been hiding! I've started watching Twilight. It's too funny when it takes itself so seriously, especially the romance, but other than that I'm enjoying it. My favourite part is the Cullen family and seeing them in the flesh. Esme is so sweet and they're all so cute to Bella and just a normal family... almost. ;) Though it is bizarre that they're all coupled up. That would've had to have been hard for Edward.

I don't like the weird greeny-gray colouring of the film, though. Sure, it sets a mood but it's too much for me. I also found the part where Edward walked into the cafe and Bella saw him for the first time, with the swell in the soundtrack, incredibly cheesy. I guess I can just picture all these fangirls in a theatre squealing, haha.

I do believe that's it. I've got some real life updates but I'll post those separately — there's enough here as it is. (That'll make you think twice about wishing I ever updated more — not that any of you do, but in theory...)

Robin Hood is back next week!!!

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:14:25 GMT

March 28, to be precise. It's about time. (via robinhoodbbc)

I'm watching with mixed feelings, since what I loved most about the show has been stripped away — namely, Marian, and the chemistry between her and Robin. I am excited to get the show back, though, and most exciting is Toby Stephens as Prince John!

Still, ROBIN HOOD IS BAAAAAAAAAAACK! :D

Who needs school? I just want to make crafts!

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:34:34 GMT

Well, firstly, I am absolutely obsessed with Etsy.com. Everything is homemade and it's just gorgeous. I could just browse forever... *tries to stop drooling*

The good thing is it gives me some great ideas for things to try out! I've got so many ideas for journal covers that I can't wait to try them out. My mom is really into card-making (especially with the Stampin' Up! tools) and I'm getting into it too. I absolutely fell in love with this bird design and got the stamp set that has it. I'd love to have that on a journal. ;) In fact, I've got a thing for birds... it's slightly bizarre but I think they're pretty. (More examples coming.)

I'd also love to do some embroidery things with fabric covers as well as paper. Even something very simple would look lovely, methinks. At least we'll see when my first experiment is done, heehee.

Then there's my jewelry... like this hemp necklace with beads. I'm not a big jewelry person but I love making friendship bracelets out of hemp and embroidery floss, and I think they can look really nice, and you can add beads and charms to fancy them up.

(AW, my daisy picture frame! I forgot it at camp and I think it got thrown out. :'( I was really proud of that and I love how it turned out, lol.)

Unfortunately I have no supplies here at school. I am home most weekends, but I never end up doing much. I think it would be a great way to spend my free time and be productive and have fun — and I love that these kind of things could also make great gifts. And eventually... well, I think I can make things that people would want to buy! How fun to have a little shop on Etsy myself. ;)

The problem with my browsing Etsy all the time is that I want to buy everything! And then I get very materialistic. Right now I cannot buy any more — I've spent so much money in the last couple of months, heehee.

But everything is SO PRETTY.

Heart Strings Wool Felt Necklace
- I'd love to try felting little balls like that and make a funky-chunky neckace, and I found instructions here! I won't try the heart shape, but I love the button with it.

Button Folk Art Cuff Hand Embroidered with Vintage Buttons
- This kind of embroidery would be fun to try for a journal cover, though I'll try something simpler to start — I think that design might be harder than it looks. I've also got a thing for buttons. ;)

Silver Garden Branch Bracelet
- I just love the overall style of the jewelry — so clean and simply and pretty.

Little Modern Birds [Pillow]
- So cute! Birds = :) And also, I think pillows would be fun to try as something different with journals, and you could do the same kind of embroidery/design.

5x7 wc sketchbook - Dogs Day [Journal]
- Here's an example of the fabric/embroidery design on a journal. Mine would of course be a lot simpler — an outline of a heart or bird or something, or little flower scribbles — but you get the idea. I also like how the binding is open. I would like to try and figure that out sometime. Another example is here.

The Wayfarer Purse in Camel Corduroy with a Bird on a Branch Applique
- Another bird design. I also like the detail of the inside fabric, and the size/shape of the purse. I need a new purse but this is a little out of my price range...

Doily Clock
- How sweet! Although it might be hard to see the hands of the clock against the pattern of the doily.

Fern Lil Hoot
- I don't know why but I think this owl is adorable! I love the colour combination better than the other ones, with the green and blue.

Jane Austen Regency Style Dress
- GUH I want a dress like this! And somewhere else I saw an overcoat — like the one Rosamund Pike wears in P&P2005 — and the two would be lovely together. *sigh* I doubt I'll every get an outfit like that, sadly. I still like looking!

My absolute favourite is:
EWD Love Bird Number 1
- It's so cute! And I just love the little heart as a wing. So pretty and simple.

With all my browsing, I have bought one thing!
Newcastle iSockit Deluxe for iPod, iPhone, and BlackBerry by BlytheKing
- I originally found out about this little shop via soteria's own purchase. I enjoyed keeping my eye on what she had, and then I saw this design. I loved the colours and pattern of the fabric, and that crocheted button sold it to me. ;) Ironically I bought it thinking there was only one, but she has another one available now, heehee. But totally worth it!
Now all I need is the iPod skin and the classic iPod... But in the meantime it makes a nice home for my "vintage" pink iPod mini. ;)

P.S. If anyone signs up for an account at etsy, would you mind putting my name in as the referral-ee? My username is "heatherfield." Thanks! </ shameless plugging >

New layout for the New Year

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:38:37 GMT

New layout! ingenu0us

It's by minty_peach again — I love the pretty simplicity of her layouts. I've also used one her userinfo codes. I just replaced blue with green, and I love how it matches so well with this picture. It feels wintery to me. Not in an outside snowy kind of way, but a cozy up by the fire in your favourite knitted things way.

I've had so many things to post about that I think you'd find interesting but I never know where to start and I never have the energy. That sounds silly but lately — especially today — I haven't felt like doing anything. There's almost an anxiety, a looking forward to something good that's coming. Logically it's silly, because I don't have much to do and I can take the time to do some fun things right now but I don't know what to do, let alone what I feel like doing.

That being said, I'm staying at school this weekend and my good friend from camp is coming for a sleepover on Friday! So I am looking forward to that. The problem is this week is rolling by so slowly...

Christmas:
- Busy Christmas Day with my family Christmas, then my dad's family's Christmas, and my mom's family Christmas on Boxing Day
- Thomas was with me this Christmas — he didn't go home to England — so it was different but nice
- Had two retreats at camp (the same camp I work at) which were fun
- Lots of good presents, one of my favourites being the "Sleeping Beauty" DVD!

School:
- Only taking four courses instead of five because I never got into the writing course I was trying to take, but I'm not too disappointed 'cause I don't want to write right now anyway
- I'm taking two religion courses and in philosophy we're debating the existence of God, so my classes are exhausting emotionally as I argue in my head, and attempt at saying things aloud in philosophy
- The new course on "Paul" is frustrating as the prof exaggerates the problems with the Bible as a copied manuscripts and says that Paul's letters were only for certain groups at certain times. (Like we can't get anything out of them? They're no less true or valid! It's like giving advice to a friend — the letter could help others even if they're not in the exact situation, and the truth won't change in a few years.)