The Bookshelf Tag

Nathalie from Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens has invented this delightful tag, and never being one to resist a tag I just had to do it.

Here goes!



Describe your bookshelf (or wherever it is you keep your books-it doesn't actually have to be a shelf!) and where you got it from:

My bookshelf is not so much a shelf, more a giant bookcase containing movies, cd's, books and anything else that can fit on the shelves. Apart from that I have a shelf by the window, which was empty when I moved here but is now filled with books too. (I also have 3-4 bags of books in the basement, but they won't feature here)


Do you have any special or different way of organizing your books?

I usually put books by the same author together, but apart from that I organise them after height.


What's the thickest (most amount of pages) book on your shelf?

That title goes to my lovely The Complete Novels Of Jane Austen at 1432 pages

What's the thinnest (least amount of pages) book on your shelf?

That took quite some research but I managed to find it. The thinnest book I own is a Tintin album (62 pages) called Explorers On The Moon (It's technically a cartoon, but it is bound as a book so I count it as a book)


What's the smallest (height and width wise) book on your shelf?

That's a tie between North & South and Cranford, though Cranford is the thinnest one.


What's the biggest (height and width wise) book on your shelf?

A guide to Edinburgh Castle. It looks more like a brochure than a book (hence the size), but it is 65 pages long so it is definitely a book.


Is there a book from a friend on your shelf?

Lots and lots! Half my window shelf consists of books I got from a friend when she cleaned up her own book collection.


Most expensive book?

It's hard to remember, but I think it is The Complete Novels of Jane Austen.


The last book you read on your shelf?

I honestly don't remember. I have been reading library books for so long.


Of all the books on your shelf, which was the first you read?

Probably The Little House In The Big Woods by Laura Ingalls.

Do you have more than one copy of a book?

Yes, I have 2 copies of Anne of Green Gables and These Happy Golden Years.



Do you have the complete series of any book series?

I have the entire Anne of Green Gables series, The Little House series and the Heartland series.

What's the newest addition to your shelf?

I can't pinpoint one book, as I got quite a bunch from my friend last summer.


What book has been on your shelf FOREVER?

Again, The Little House In The Big Woods. I think it was the first book my parents gave to me.


What's the most recently published book on your shelf?

Eleanor Park by Rainbow Rowell (published 2012). Haven't read it yet though.

The oldest book on your shelf (as in, the actual copy is old)?

A collection of Danish poetry I bought in a book sale once. (Published 1965) It contains a lot of the poetry I was required to read in high school. I didn't like it back then, but for some reason, as soon as it wasn't a requirement anymore, I suddenly wanted to read it again.


A book you'd hate to let out of your sight (aka a book you never let someone borrow)?

I consider myself quite generous when it comes to lending out books, but I would loathe to part with my Complete Novels Of Jane Austen.


Most beat up book?

One of my editions of These Happy Golden Years is an old library book, and it is in pretty bad shape with a lot of the pages loose. (Kind of the reason I bought another copy)


Most pristine book?

Most of my books are in pretty good shape, so any of my hardbacks.


A book from your childhood?

Most of my childhood books are at my parents' house. But I do have a Danish children's book that my grandmother always read to me called Kitty With The Blue Eyes (roughly translated).

A book that's not actually your book?

I realise most of my early book collection actually belonged to my mother before I adopted them. For instance my editions of Little Women, Rebecca, Wild Swans and The Collected Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen.


A book with a special/different cover (e.g. leather bound, soft fuzzy cover etc.)?

I have a Jack London book with White Fang and Call of The Wild, that has this pretty green cover decorated with gold patterns, and has a sewn in bookmark.

A book that is your favorite color?

My favourite colour is red... do I have any red books?
I have a german version of Treasure Island that is red. (Why in german? you ask. That is a long story)


Book that's been on your shelf the longest that you STILL haven't read?

That must be Cranford, it's been on my shelf for nearly a year now.

Any signed books?

No.

Couples and Musicals - A Game

It's time for another game, and since it went so well the last time I'm gonna stick with the musical theme.
The majority of musicals center around a couple and their love story.
I have picked a few of them, and you simply have to guess the name of the couple (character names) and which musical they are from. You get 10 point for each correct answer.

Have fun!



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Vintage Spring

It is that wonderful time of year again where life returns. Flowers are sprouting everywhere, the birds sing at night and the sun is starting to grow strong again.

These are just a few of the reasons why spring is my favourite season.

Every spring I get a lot of new energy which usually results in some new fancy project that I love planning out meticulously.

Last year I challenged myself to have different hairstyles each day for 30 days (and I succeeded), and besides being tremendous fun, it gave me a lot of go-to hairstyles for later use.

This year the project is vintage hair, more precisely hairstyles from the 40's and 50's. So yes - that means pin curls, victory rolls and up dos with ribbons and scarves.

Being quite a low-maintenance girl when it comes to my hair, pin curls seemed a very daunting task to me - and watching all those tutorials didn't ease my fears at all.
But I went through with it, and once you get the hang of the technique, it is actually surprisingly easy. Especially because no matter how sloppy you do it the result is still gorgeous (at least this far).

And no, my curls don't look nearly as tidy as the ones in the photo. They look more like a strange mismatch of hair and clips with tendrils sticking out everywhere. That is one of the reasons I am really happy that I live alone - I don't think I would have gone through with it if I knew people would actually see me looking like this.

But despite the time taken to fix it, the ridiculous look, the struggle of finding a good sleeping position with your head full of clips - the final look is worth it.
I can literally feel the 50's confidence coming at me when I walk around with my new curly style.
So the basics are mastered (kind of), next step is to try the up dos (if the courage/motivation doesn't leave me).

As the reason I first fell in love with the 40's was watching "Anchors Aweigh", I decided the second part of my project will be watching lots of old Hollywood musicals from the 30's, 40's and 50's. I love the colours, dancing and happiness of these old movies, but sadly I haven't seen that many. So that should keep me busy for a while.

I could use some help with some suggestions though. So if you can think of any iconic must-see movies from that time period or just some movies that are great, please let me know in a comment.

I couldn't possibly have a post about classic musicals without a Fred & Ginger picture

Fill in the lyrics - The answers

1  Don't throw bouquets at me
    Don't please my folks too much
    Don't laug at my jokes too much
    People will say we're in love 

People will say we're in love - Oklahoma




2  Cream coloured ponies and crisp apple strudels
    Doorbells and sleighbells and schnitzel with noodles

My favourite things - Sound of Music




3  All I want is a room somewhere
    Far away from the cold night air
    With one enormeous chair
    Oh, wouldn't it be loverley?

Wouldn't it be loverley - My Fair Lady




4  In the rain the pavement shines like silver
    All the lights are misty in the river
    In the darkness the trees are full of starlight
   And all I see is him and me forever and forever

On my own - Les Miserables




5  Oh they say when you marry in June
    You're a bride all your life
    And the bridegroom who marries in June
    Gets a sweetheart for a wife

June Bride - Seven brides for seven brothers




6  In sleep he sang to me in dreams he came
    That voice which calls to me and speaks my name
    And do I dream again for now I find
   The phantom of the opera is there inside my mind

The phantom of the opera - The phantom of the opera




7  See that pretty girl in the mirror there
    Who can that attractive girl be
   Such a pretty face such a pretty dress
   Such a pretty smile such a pretty me

I feel pretty - West Side Story




8  Hello young lovers wherever you are
    I hope your troubles are few
    All my good wishes go with you tonight
    I've been in love like you

Hello Young Lovers - The King and I




9  Now as the ladder of life has been sprung
    You might think a sweep on the bottommost rung
    Though I spends me time in the ashes and smoke
    In this 'ole wide world there's no 'appier bloke

Chim chim cheree - Mary Poppins




10  I'm as restless as a willow in a windstorm
      I'm as jumpy as a puppet on a string
      I'd say that I had spring fever
      But I know it isn't spring

It might as well be spring - State Fair

And here are the scores:

Arwen Undomiel                 50 points

Naomi                                  40 points

Thanks for playing, I hope you had fun.

A Game - Fill in the Lyrics

It's been way too long since I last did a game, and it was so much fun the last time, so I thought, why not do a series of musical themed ones?

The rules are simple...guess the missing words in the lyrics below. You get 10 points for each correct answer.



1  Don't throw bouquets at me
    Don't please my folks too much
    Don't laug at my jokes too much
    ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___



 

2  Cream coloured ponies and crisp apple strudels
    _____ ___ _____ and schnitzel with noodles





3  ___ __ ___ __ __ ___ ______
    Far away from the cold night air
    With one enormeous chair
    Oh, wouldn't it be loverley?





4  In the rain the pavement shines like silver
    All the lights are misty in the river
    __ ___ _____ __ ___ __ ___ __ _____
   And all I see is him and me forever and forever





5  Oh they say when you marry in June
    You're a bride all your life
    And the bridegroom who marries in June
    ___ __ ____ ___ __ ____





6  In sleep he sang to me in dreams he came
    That voice which calls to me and speaks my name
    __ __ __ ___ ___ __ ___ __ ___
   The phantom of the opera is there inside my mind





7  See that pretty girl in the mirror there
    __ ___ ___ ______ ___ ___
   Such a pretty face such a pretty dress
   Such a pretty smile such a pretty me





8  Hello young lovers wherever you are
    __ ___ ___ ____ __ ___
    All my good wishes go with you tonight
    I've been in love like you





9  __ __ __ ____ __ ___ ___ ___ ____
    You might think a sweep on the bottommost rung
    Though I spends me time in the ashes and smoke  
    In this 'ole wide world there's no 'appier bloke





10  I'm as restless as a willow in a windstorm
      I'm as jumpy as a puppet on a string
      I'd say that I had spring fever
      __ __ ___ __ ___ _____





I hope you have fun!

Literary Heroine Blog Party - The Answers

It has become that wonderful time of year where Kellie at Accordion to Kellie hosts her Literary Heroines Blog Party. Last year was my first time participating and I had so much fun that not even a month long writer's block could keep me from being a part of it again this year. 

I have really tried to give new answers this year, but there may be one or two recurring themes from last year's post.
But enough with the chitchat - let's get on to the questions.

Introduce yourself! Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!

Hello, I am Rose P. As I always find it very hard to describe myself when asked to I will just share a list of random facts that hopefully illustrate my character.

I love anything old fashioned, my current fascination is 40's hairstyles and 50's dresses, and I have an undying love of old mansions, castles and Regency England.

My hobbies include playing the piano, drawing, reading and daydreaming.

I love cultural things as ballet, plays and big stage musicals.

When I was younger I wanted to be a writer - still does, though I'm terrible at writing my stories down.

Hope that gives you an idea.

  

What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine? 

A true heroine has to be real - with strengths and weaknesses you can relate to, and she has to grow during the story. I admire heroines who are patient, kind, unselfish and has an inner strength while still maintaining their femininity.  

      Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to. 

A heroine I've really grown to admire lately is Margaret Hale. She is strong for her whole family when they need it, she is kind and patient with her silly relatives and overbearing with her sometimes troublesome parents. But through it all she is still a perfectly well mannered young lady.

I also love Amy Dorrit. I've only read the first half of the book but never have I met such an unselfish heroine with such a strong family feeling.

And I cannot write this post without including Ellinor Dashwood, my all-time favourite heroine. She is strong for everyone through hard times, and I relate so well to her personality.

                                         Five of your favourite historical novels? 

North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery 

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Emmuska Orczy

Out of those five books who is your favourite major character and why? 

Well....I set myself up for a tough one here.
I'm gonna choose Fanny Price from Mansfield Park, just because she is another of my favourite heroines. She has strong principles and no one can talk her into something she thinks is wrong. For more reasons why I love her check out this post. 

 Out of those five books who is your favourite secondary character and why? 

Mr. Thornton, without a doubt. Why? Do you even need to ask why? I could give you a long lists of reasons, but then I would never get this post finished, so let it suffice to say he is perfection itself and one of my favourite literary characters.

If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there? 

Right now I'm dying to go to London, and really have the time to see all the gorgeous architecture. I would of course have to see at least one musical in the West End (preferably Les Miserables), have tea in a real tea salon and do a lot of really British things. I would probably also fangirl a bit about seeing the locations of Doctor Who in real life.

                           What is your favourite time period and culture to read about? 

Definitely Regency England.

You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation, tap dancing… what is your act comprised of? 

I would probably play a classical piece of music on the piano.

If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent? 

It would be really fun to get to dress up as a Austen heroine with bonnet, ribbons and it all. I would probably choose Elizabeth Bennet, that way I can go around quoting Pride & Prejudice all evening.

                                                           Favourite author(s)? 

Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Louisa M Alcott, L.M. Montgomery, Jules Verne.

                               In which century were most of the books you read written? 

The 19th century.

In your opinion, the ultimate hero in all literature is… 

Mr. Thornton, definitely. I think I explained why above.

In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is... 

I really tried to come up with a new one for this year, but I can't think of any villain more evil than Iago from Othello.

Describe your ideal dwelling place. 

I'm thinking a little cottage near a forest and in walking distance from a stream. I would have a front garden filled with flowers and a couple of garden chairs. And the house itself would of course be filled with sturdy old fashioned furniture - and a lot of book cases.

Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence. 

Comfortable and simple with a hint of the 50's.

Three favorite Non-fiction books? 

I don't really read a lot of non-fiction books. I choose the Bible (of course), Oxford Advanced Dictionary (would never have gotten through P&P without it) and 200 easy cakes (contains the recipe of my favourite cake).   

Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon?

Reading, definitely reading. Probably outside in the sun - but inside reading on my computer is also good. 

Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character. 

A broad brimmed beige hat, with a long ribbon in either burgundy or Bordeaux.

Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year. 

For me this past year have been one big lesson of learning to not worry too much over things I can't change and instead taking it all one day at the time. It really eased the pressure when I learned to do that and now in retrospect everything turned out much better than I could have imagined.

Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.

Philippians 4:13 - For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power

1. Corinthians 13:4-8 - Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous.  It does not brag, does not get puffed up, does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests,  does not become provoked.  It does not keep account of the injury.  It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,  endures all things. Love never fails.

My introduction to Les Miserables

Or: Why you should read the book (or watch the musical) before seeing the movie.

I gotta admit, in the past I always kept my distance when I heard of Les Miserables - I mean the title sort of indicated it would be a depressing tale.

But when I saw a trailer for the movie, I decided I simply had to see it. And that is how I came to see the movie with no prior knowledge of the story, except for the trailer and a brief teaser summary.

Anyways...here are some scenes that confused me/got quite a reaction out of me:

When 1815 appears written on the screen: "Wait a minute, I thought this movie would be about the French Revolution." Yeah..misunderstanding no 1.

The bishops entrance:."Why is he singing half the lines?"

During Valjean's Soliloquy: "He is talking... no wait he is singing again, why does he keep singing?
Obviously, I had no idea of the entire concept of Les Miserables. (I think I accepted it halfway through "At the End of the Day")

When Javert appears again: "Oh no, he has found you, run Valjean run!! Or not.....he isn't very good at recognising faces."

When Fantine dies: "What? she DIES??? How can she die? She is on the poster...and we are only 20 minutes into the film."

During Stars: "He is very close to that edge...he is not gonna jump is he?"

At the reprise of Look Down: "This. Is. So. Epic... Best movie ever."  

When Eponine dies: "What? She dies too?? What happened (in the commotion I hadn't noticed she was shot until she started singing) This was not neccesary (Urge to rewrite her story with a happy ending rises)

At the end of the last battle: "Now would be a good time to surrender...War is terrible. So many deaths. This movie is depressing."

During Javert's suicide: (Flashback to "Stars") He is very close to that edge...is he gonna jump? He is gonna jump...why do every single person in this movie have to die?

During the Epilogue: Off course..he is gonna die as well. This is so sad. Ok... he's dead, now fade to black......wait, what is happening...wow this depressing ending suddenly turned into an inspirational feel-good ending.

While leaving the cinema: Now I have seen it. I am depressed, I don't think I'll ever watch it again. Can't wait to read the book though, and learn more about the characters.

Obviously that last decision didn't last. After reading the book (and watching the 25th anniversary concert uncountable times) I had an overwhelming urge to watch the movie again because I had a feeling I had missed a lot of what was going on.

So I counted down to the DVD release, bought it on the day it came out and it is now the movie I have seen the most times in the shortest interval (except maybe for Frozen).

And that my friends, was my introduction to Les Mis.