A Dramatic Encounter with a Moth

I've always considered myself to be in sync with nature despite the fact that I live in a big city.

And then once in a while something happens to show me that nature from afar and nature up close are two entirely different things.

An example of this is what happened last weekend when I was with my parents in their country house.
It's a lovely little place where I have a tiny guest house all to myself.

I have gotten used to the facts that insects always manage to get inside the room when I am away and it usually doesn't bother me at all.

I mean, through the years I have shared that house with mosquitoes, flies, different bugs and the occasional spider (if it is not too big).

I was, however, not prepared to share the house with that giant moth (and by giant I mean completely normally sized) that suddenly started fluttering around when I made my bed the first night.
Firstly, it  made this really loud whrrrr-ing sound that was really distracting, and secondly the room is really small so it was everywhere.
Just the thought of it somehow hitting me made me immediately jump across the room and turn out the light - and when I got the idea to try and let the moth out I remembered the keys to the door was at the other end of the room.

So I had to walk across the room in darkness... with a killer moth swarming around!

Well, at last I got the door open and when I turned on the light again it was gone...or so I thought...

Imagine my surprise when suddenly the next evening the complete same scenario played out!

The only difference was this night it was raining heavily, so the chances of getting it out was zero.

I really tried to reconcile myself to sharing the room, recalling that I had done so the night before without even noticing, but when I turned on the light it started flying around like crazy again.

So I did the only thing I could do in the situation: turned out the light and disappeared completely beneath my covers - all in one sweeping motion.

There I lay, frantically listening for the moth - and letting out an undignified shriek when I felt it hit the outside of my duvet-fort.

I think it took me about 10 minutes before I dared to poke my head out (and it was 10 very hot minutes).
 And I spent further 30 minutes listening for any indication of a flying moth - alternating between telling myself how stupid I was and flinching back beneath the covers every time I heard a sound (which is not uncommon on a rainy night spent in a house with paper thin walls).

And that is what happens when nature decides to show me just how much of a city girl I am.

This time I let the moth keep the house. I hope it will live happily ever after.










   

Announcing Jane Austen Week

I have been wanting to do this for quite some time so now I just jump into it: my first blog party/theme week.

As I wanted it to be about something literary, what could be better than to spend a whole week dedicated to my favourite author: Jane Austen.

I still haven't planned the details but there will definitely be posts about her books, movie adaptions, characters and I'll probably also throw in a game and a tag.

The only way I can think of to make it even better was if I could get someone to write a guest post, so if anyone wants to write a post of anything Austen related I would be thrilled. (If you want to just leave a comment)

Now all that is left to announce is the date: it will be  from 25.-31 August.

If you want to participate in the week just leave comment. And if you want to, grab one of the buttons and put it on your blog so we can spread the word.


<a href="http://best-of-classics.blogspot.dk/2014/06/announcing-jane-austen-week_29.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbco-o_rVtGcqbIqMo7cYhtjACbJSWhpxN5dbmLSv_UotoAET-jO3xzPkIN0aPO_uWCJv0GvNaBdWUzte3_TjSRSNKrmVqMHQjPj7YPo8H713PE-4YDTIsxOvVUf3CXS7iImLoIrBGw8g/w200-h260-no/Jane-Austen-portrait-victorian-engraving.jpg"/></a>



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The Great Gatsby

As a part of my Back to the Classics challenge I have recently read The Great Gatsby.

I'm still trying to find out if I love or hate this book - it's an ambivalent relationship.

Let me illustrate...when I started reading it I spent the first 5 pages exclaiming:
why am I doing this to myself again? It is still not to late to stop reading.
But after 10 pages I was already caught completely up in the story.

And on one hand I didn't especially like the characters or the plot, but on the other hand I do not remember the last time a book left me so sad (and threw me into a post reading depression that lasted almost a month)

So I must conclude, while I didn't particularly like the story it still left a deep impact - but I guess that is what a good author can do. That is one thing I like about the book - it is really well written and gives a very good picture of  the Roaring Twenties.

The way it describes the life among the jet set and their everlasting search for new parties and amusement stroke me as very similar to the way many people live their life today - though it all happened 90 years ago. So I guess the themes are still relevant.

The thing I both like and dislike about "modern" classics is that they often focus less on making a plot and more on presenting themes and problems for us to think about. While I like stories that make me think after I put it down, I sometimes just want a good story I can lose myself in. If it also makes me think then all the better.

But I'll admit I look forward to going back to the "old" classics that describe a society and way of living long gone.
 

The Sunshine Award

I bring you another blogger award post.

This time I have been nominated for the Sunshine Award twice.  By Laura at Gazing Wonders, and by Anna S at A Cowgirl and A Dream.
Without further ado - here are the questions and answers.


Laura's questions:

1.  Do you have a favorite childhood book?

I don't have just one, but my favourite book series was The Famous Five by Enid Blyton (and probably all her other books too)

 

2. What is the worst book / book series you have read so far? 

I don't think I have read something that was really bad all the way through - but one of the more disturbing books I have read is "Wuthering Heights".

 

3. Do you speak any other languages or would you like to learn a new one? 

Well, actually English isn't my first language, so apart from that I speak Danish and German. But I would love to learn more languages, French and Russian are at the top of my list at the moment.

4. A country you would like to visit someday is...

USA

5. What do you like to do in your spare times? 

The question is more: what don't I do in my spare time? 

I have a long list of hobbies, but I love playing piano the most. I also like reading (obviously), drawing, writing (occasionally), watching movies/series, riding my bike, walking, spending time with my friends and family etc.

 

6. Your favorite childhood movie is ...

There was a movie adaption of "The Ugly Duckling" that I really loved watching. One day I watched it 4 times in a row. Sadly I don't know what company made it so I won't be able to find it again.

7. What is your favorite fruit to eat?

Oranges.
Though cold watermelon on a summer's day is a close second.  

8. Would you rather prepare a recipe from a cook book or from the Internet? 

A cook book. I like to be able to have the recipe lying just beside me at the kitchen table.

 

9. What do you like to do in a rainy day ?

Staying in doors, probably reading fanfiction on my computer.


10. Have you ever read the Bible completely or at least tried to?

Yes, I have read it at least 2 times - one time from the beginning to the end, an one time chronologically.


11. What book of the Bible inspires you the most?

That's a nearly impossible choice. But one book I really enjoy is the Psalms - there is so much that I can relate to on a personal level.

Anna's questions:

 

Dogs or cats? 

I like both, but my family has a dog that I just adore, so it must be dogs.

Eponine or Cosette?

Eponine in the musical.
Cosette in the book.

What is your favorite kind of cultural food? (Chinese, Mexican, Italian)

It's a tough choice, but probably Italian - you can't beat both pizza and pasta.
 

One dream role on Broadway? (yes one!)

 Eponine from Les Mis. She just have some awesome songs, and they are actually within my voice range.

 

"One Day More" or "Do You Hear The People Sing?"

Now, that's just mean...You can't make me choose between the 2 most epic songs in the musical...
 Well, I guess it must be "One Day More" - the placement of the song, and the way they sing 4 different melodies at once is just epic (I know I use that word in-proportionally much when talking of Les Mis)  

"The Phantom of the Opera" or "Love Never Dies"? 

The Phantom of the Opera - it's the true original. Nothing can ever compare to it.

Favorite Book?

Asking such a question to a bookworm is a sure way to get an hour long rant about how it is impossible to pick a favourite (and just 1) out of all the books I have read.
But I guess, some books I really love are: Anne of Green Gables-series, Little Women, Little House on the Prairie-series, Pride & Prejudice.   

What would your ideal first date be?

Well, I think that depends on the person the date would be with.
Dinner and a movie is always a classic, or maybe just dinner followed by a long walk where we could talk.

 
Where do you find the most beauty of God's creation? (sky, trees, your own home, etc.)

It's hard to choose. I think we are surrounded by beauty everywhere.
I do find the sea fascinating - it gives you such peace to just sit and look at it, and it's filled with so much life.
The starry sky is another thing that always strikes me with awe - I loved astronomy in school, and learning about it just makes it even bigger.

Iced tea or lemonade? 

I don't really drink either. But if I was offered one of them I would choose Iced tea.

Who are some of your favorite blogger friends?

I don't really have much contact with other bloggers yet, but I do enjoy reading the blogs of Miss Dashwood and Anna S


So..that was it. I hope to return soon. 

My favourite Disney moments

Thinking back on a life of Disney movies, there has been some unforgettable moments. These are a few of them.



Best snarky comeback:

And the runner up:

Best song sequence:

Most used quote:

"What we gonna do?" 

"I don't know, what you wanna do?" - The Jungle Book

(Used very frequently by me and my mother when we have an evening to ourselves)

 

Funniest moment:

Best first meeting:

Best ironic moment:

Best threat:

Best sidekick moment: 

 
Best awkward family moment:

That was just a few. I'm sure there are many more.
What is your favourite Disney moment?

When you wish upon a star blog party - tag

These days Anna S is hosting a Disney-themed blog party, and how could I ever resist participating in anything related to Disney?

So here is the tag:

1. Why do you love Disney?

Is it possible not to love Disney?
But some of the things I love about Disney are the fantasy behind the movies, the drama, the heroism, the songs... I could go on for ages. 

2. Who is your favorite Disney princess?

Definitely Rapunzel. She is so naive and wonderstruck by the world - and she is armed with a frying pan. Need i say more?

3. Who is your favorite Disney female character?

Probably Esmeralda. She is self confident, sassy and can take care of herself.

4. Who is your favorite Disney prince?

Actually I don't think I have a definite favourite. But if I have to say one, I choose Aladdin.

5. Who is your favorite Disney male character?

Flynn Rider, no question about it. I can't explain why. He is just the best in male character in all of Disney history.

6. Who is your favorite Disney Villain?

That must be Scar. He's evil I know - but he has a wonderful sense of sarcasm.

7. What is/are your favorite Disney Song(s)?

Well, my ultimate favourite is "I see the light" from Tangled.

Some of my other favourites are "I'll try" from Peter Pan 2, "When she loved me" from Toy Story 2, "Once upon a time in New York City" from Oliver & Co, "Beauty and the Beast" and many more.

8. What is your favorite Disney Movie?

It is almost impossible to choose....but I have loved Tangled from the very first time I saw it.

9. What was the first Disney movie that you saw (or remember for that matter!)?

The first Disney movie I owned was The Jungle Book.

10. Do you prefer the older Disney movies or the newer ones? 

I like them both, but I watch the newer ones more (mainly because they are the one I own on DVD). I also like how the characters seem to have more layers in the new ones and undergo bigger developments.

11. Tangled or Frozen? (Mwaaahhhaaahhaaa! ;))

That is an evil question as they are my two favourite movies right now. But if I have to choose, I'll say Tangled - for I have loved that one the longest.
 
12. Favorite Disney Pixar Movie? 

I generally love Pixar's movies. WALL-E and Up are the ones that touched me the most.


So that was the tag. I'll try to find time to make another Disney post before the party ends. Any wishes for a topic?
 

I've been nominated...The Sunflower Blogger Award

It's almost embarrassing how long it has taken me to answer these nominations, but I finally found the time to do it.

I've been nominated to the Sunflower Blogger Award...twice. Once by Anna S at  A Cowgirl and a Dream and once by Heidi at Along the Brandywine.
Thanks a lot to both of you.

The rules are: share 11 facts about yourself and answer the questions made by the blogger who nominated you.

So without further ado...

11 facts about me

1. My favourite season is spring

2. I am currently rereading Northanger Abbey for I don't even know which time

3. For the last 3 months I have been learning to play Andante Favori by Beethoven (the one played by Georgiana in P&P 1995)

4. Berlin is my favourite city of all times

5. This year I have managed to keep an orchid alive and make it bloom again, which I am very proud of, for I normally always end up killing every plant I have.

6. I am fascinated by anything old fashioned, be it clothing, music or furniture

7. I have a driver's license but hate to drive, and don't see the need to, when I could quite as easily walk

8. I love Disney movies - my favourites are Tangled and Frozen

9. I have a very wide taste in music (and no, it's not an exaggeration - ask anyone)

10. My ideal Saturday night consists of cozying up under blankets and watching a movie.

11. I like listening to, and singing musical tunes when I'm at home    



Here are the answers to Anna's questions:

Favourite animal?

Dolphin or horse. 

 

Ice cream or frozen yogurt?

Ice cream

 

Fruits or vegetables?

That's a tough one... I love fruit, especially in summer when they are fresh. But I eat more vegetables in general, so that is what I choose.

 

Books or movies?

Books! Definitely books!!!

 

Favourite Barricade Boy? 

Is it a too obvious choice to say Enjolras? 

 

Favourite Musical?

Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, My Fair Lady, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers - and that's just my absolute favourites..

 

Favourite Band/Artist?

Taylor Swift - and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

 

Favourite TV show?

Doctor Who. It is just the most brilliant thing ever made.

  

Sweet or Sour?

Sweet.

 

If you were to go back in time would you go to the 19th or 20th century?

The 19th. I have always wanted to see that time period for myself.

 

Meet one literary person, who would it be?

Again, a tough one...probably Anne Shirley from Anne of green Gables.

That is the end of part one. 

Here are the questions from Heidi.

Do you have a favourite fairytale? If so: what is it and why?

That must be "The Wild Swans" by Hans Christian Andersen. I'm not sure why, but I have always felt that story was special. I think what appeals to me, is that Elisa loves her brothers so much that she is willing to make so many sacrifices to save them. 

What are your thoughts on coffee? Tea?

Tea - a great liquid available in so many variants. I usually drink a pot a day and would find it hard to survive without it.

Coffee - something I have recently learnt to drink. A fine substitute if there isn't tea available.

Is there a good movie you’ve watched multiple times in the past year?

Les Miserables. 

At first when I saw it in the cinema I didn't think I would want to see it again, but after falling into the fandom I started a countdown to the DVD release, bought it as fast as possible, and have now lost count of how many times I have watched it.

What was/is your favourite children’s picture book?

I have a hard time remembering, but it was probably a book with Lady and the Tramp, for I loved anything to do with that when I was little.

If you were given the opportunity, would you rather travel to Hawaii or Australia? Why?

Hawaii...it is filled with amazing nature and history but still only a walk from the beach. Could it be any better?

(and you don't need any vaccinations to go to Hawaii)

What is a particular, specific way God has blessed you in the last week?

Well, beside the spring weather in general...I was walking in the city today when my companion suddenly made me aware of a big very beautiful flowering tree. I wouldn't even have noticed it if she hadn't pointed it out, and it really made me think about how much beauty we are surrounded by, and that it is something we must never forget to appreciate.

Well, that was it....hope you liked the answers.