I have had the privilege, thanks to modern technology, to watch the newest adaptation of Emma by Jane Austen. Without keeping you in suspense as to my opinion, I shall just say: …”I loved it”. Amazingly, as a female, I do not match make, nor have I ever really had the knack or desire to. I may be just a little worse than dear Emma Woodhouse when it comes to that subject.

Romola Garai plays the new Emma, who I admit never really was a favourite heroine of Austen’s. For some reason I could not relate to Emma, but with such a personable and sweet portrayal by Romola, I feel like I’ve gained a new heroine. Plus, her charming beauty seems to fit the description of Emma to my mind. Many, in fact, thousands have decided that they did not like this adaptation, but I, like a sore thumb, am quite impressed with this adaptation. It may be a little modern, but then again, most of movie producers can’t help but add something that the viewers are more familiar with.

The rest of the characters were fairly well cast. Harriet was adorable and not portrayed as a complete goose. Mr. Woodhouse (Michael Gambon) did excellent in his role, and I enjoyed the way BBC showed their relationship throughout the movie, allowing you to see Emma’s loyalties and faults.

Mr. Knightley, played by Johnny Lee Miller, who was completely unknown to me before the movie, did very well. Many fans will not allow him over Jeremy Northam in their affections for the great character. I for one, thought JLM better than JN, for an all around spectacular performance.

The trailer gave me doubts at the beginning, but after the first two installments, I was converted. I loved the innocence and beauty of the film. The music was not as good as the Rachel Portman’s Emma, but the good qualities made up for that. Giving Miss Fairfax, Emma, and Frank Churchill’s life at the beginning was a marvelous idea, for when you do not know their situation, one is less inclined to feel for them.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the film.

Today is my mom’s birthday! We are celebrating by going out to eat and then heading over to a Russian concert (Rachmaninoff) where we will delight ourselves in a lovely aroma of music.

I am her first and last child, born later in her life. Being an only child, and for a time with just a mother’s love, we grew very close. We get along wonderfully and we know each others thoughts. She has always made decisions for my safety and welfare, which were sometimes very hard. She has made sure that I grew up with respect towards others, and has always kept me within distance for a hug. People have called me over sheltered, yet I call myself loved. And when we started home schooling we grew even closer. I thank the Lord for a loving mother who cares for me.

Go wish her a happy birthday, or go hug your mother!

Well, the time of year when stores stock up on candy canes, Christmas music, and flowery displays is fast approaching. This is the one time in the year that I enjoy going to the mall, for the Sinatra Christmas songs play over the speaker, and the trees donated by various organizations sparkle the hallways. Yet, this year we have begun a new tradition. Our family, being people who enjoy giving and receiving homemade gifts, are striving this year to have the majority of our gifts being handmade. Of course the variety will not be as great, for we of course cannot hand make items such as books, electronics, etc. but the items we do give will be of much more value sentimentally. Although that will not mean that anything not homemade will be excluded, for we do still enjoy the comfort of store bought gifts.

Around this time of the year, we can get a good start on homemade gifts that may take longer than some. Sweaters, afghans, quilts, clothing, etc will have a good amount of time starting now to be finished by Christmas time without much stress.

To get started, you can look through patterns, catalogs, craft magazines, etc and find all sorts of goodies through simple browsing. Christmas cards that are handmade are often valued above the store bought ones also

Some ideas of handmade items are: socks, scarves, mittens, gloves, hats, clothing, cotton dishcloths, leg warmers, handmade toys, soaps, baskets, paintings, portraits, and…look at etsy for some other ideas. The possibilities are endless. And if the men of the family enjoy working with their hands, Christmas will spark ideas for them also.

To see some handmade items of others just look through last year’s posts hosted by my cousin here.

“Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but omnipotence can break. And yet my love of country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly with all those chains to the battlefield.

The memory of all the blissful moments that I have enjoyed with you and I feel most deeply grateful to God and you, that I have enjoyed them for so long. And how hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes and future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and see our boys grown up to honorable manhood around us.

If I do not return my dear Sarah never forget how much I loved you, nor that when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains that I have caused you, how thoughtless how foolish I have sometimes been, but oh Sarah, if the dead can come back to this earth, and flit unseen around those they love, I shall always be with you in the brightest day and the darkest night, always, always. And when the soft breeze fans your cheek, it shall be my breath;  the cool air on your throbbing temple, shall be my spirit passing by.

Sarah do not mourn me dead, think I am gone and wait for me. For we shall meet again.”

- Sullivan (Ballou)

July the 14th, 1861

“abridged version”

Daughters of His Story Paper Dolls!

For a while now, my dear cousins have been using their God given talent to further spread the kingdom of Christ with their amazing new series of paper dolls. They are top of the line, well constructed, and very effective. The artwork will enrapture you and I am positive that young girls, who are seeking to serve their Creator will find these paper dolls encouraging. I wish I had these when I was younger

See the official website here. They are now available!

You can follow them on twitter. Or become a fan on facebook!

I love you gals!