February 28, 2012

Bonnie Lass

i love dogs...
especially boxer dogs...
and in particular my boxer dog...
my Bonnie Lass.


this is Bonnie's chair.
it's situated quite cozily next to the fireplace in our daylight basement. 
the basement is our hang-out place and Bonnie's lair.


when Bonnie was a puppy...
she would hid under the chair to avoid punishment.


happy trails, y'all!

p.s. i may have had way too much fun editing these pictures.
p.s.s. i'm going to miss Picnik. :(

February 21, 2012

For You: Literary Heroine Wallpapers

Hello ladies...and any gentlemen who may be reading:)





In honor of Kellie's wonderful Literary Heroine Blog Party, I've designed some lovely (if I say so myself) computer wallpapers for your enjoyment.

Without further ado...

First, we have the sweet, compassionate Amy Dorrit from Charles Dickens Little Dorrit.

Next, the always popular Anne Shirley.  
No need to say which book she's from!

Followed by sensible Elinor Dashwood...

...and her music loving sister Marianne.

Dear, meddling Emma Woodhouse is next, from both the 2009 and the 1996 adaptations.


Now we have spunky, tomboy-ish Josephine March.

And what literary heroine wallpaper collection would be complete with out Miss Elizabeth Bennet?!
Both from the incomparable 1995 adaptation and the fun 2005 adaptation.
(I really can't stand Keira Knightly, but I do enjoy that adaptation very much, especially the soundtrack:)


One of my very favorite heroines, Margaret Hale from North & South.

And now we have Miss Cecily Cardew and Miss Gwendolen Fairfax from Oscar Wilde's play The Importance of Being Earnest.


And last, but certainly not least, little Molly Gibson from Wives & Daughters.

All of these wallpapers and more (including a few more from Emma 2009) are available for your use on the for {You} page.  Once you're on the page, just scroll down until you come to the Other Movies section.

Please do let me know what you think of them and which one is your favorite!
Have a wonderful, blessed day:)

February 18, 2012

Miscellany

I haven't had much to say lately, have I?  I guess that's because there just isn't much going on right now.
Winter is a slow time of year around here.  A time for resting...in between shoveling snow, feeding animals and hauling buckets of water from the creek. ;)
It's a time for curling up by the fire and reading a good book.  I've been reading lots of Nancy Drew and Beverly Lewis this year, a rather odd combination to be sure.  I also read the play The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.  I LOVED it!  So, so funny!!  And I'm working my way through our A encyclopedia.  Someday, I'll have read them all from A-Z.  At least that's the idea;)


It's a time for crocheting or sewing like mad while watching an indecent amount of classic films. =)
This week it's been The Major and the Minor (so, so cute and funny!), Guys and Dolls (Frankie!!!), The Caine Mutiny (awesome performance by Bogie), On the Waterfront (Brando), The Guns of Navarone (Gregory Peck), and The Razor's Edge (Tyrone Power).

Source: google.com via Ashley on Pinterest

I had a marvelous sleepover with Kellie in her wall tent the other day in honor of her 20th birthday.  We ate chocolate, drank chocolate mint tea, watched an awesome movie, laughed, giggled and squealed.  We may or may not have screamed a few times from sheer delight.  The little hoodlums (aka Kellie's younger sisters) were busy elsewhere, so we had the entire evening to ourselves. =)  The next day was spent driving up to Sandpoint for some window shopping and singing along to crazy songs in the car.  I might have some pics to share at a later date, but I'm not sure how many we actually got - having too much fun. :)

Speaking of Kellie...if you haven't already, then you really should go join in the fun over at her blog.
We're all having a simply marvelous time at the Literary Heroine Blog Party!
And you may be seeing some of my handy work over there sometime during the festivities...:)





I've been working on sewing a dress from the vintage pattern I bought.  I decided to make my first effort red gingham, like the one on the pattern envelope.  It's a pretty simple pattern, but I'm having some difficulty getting it to fit me correctly - thank goodness for Betty, my dress form!  I don't know what I'd do without her. :)

I'm planning a surprise for you all next month...but I can't tell you what it is.  I'll give you a hint though - it has to do with my Etsy shop's one year anniversary, my birthday and one of my hobbies.
Ok, so that was three hints.

As I was browsing through some of my old Wallpaper Wednesday posts, I decided that this wallpaper of Aragorn needed some help.  He looked rather green before...well, more green than he is now=)
Here's the updated wallpaper...


Much, much better! 
You can find this wallpaper, and over 40+ others designed by me, on the "for {You}" page.

And I believe that wraps it up - I can't think of anything else I absolutely needed to say.
Happy Trails, y'all!

February 16, 2012

Literary Heroine Blog Party {2012} - The Questions

First of all, a very Happy 20th Birthday to my dear friend Kellie! =)





~* The Questions *~

Introduce yourself!  Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!
 (I'm totally stealing this from the intro I wrote for Grace's Jane Austen blog party;)
Hey there!  I'm Natasha Marie. 
If this is your first visit to this crazy world of farm life, crocheting, movie watching and randomness that I call my blog - and my life - then welcome!
I live with my family in the beautiful mountains of North Idaho, about 80 miles from the Canadian border.
In general, I'm a very quiet, shy person, but I love to laugh and be crazy. :)
  I take pleasure in many things including, but not limited to, horses, raising sheep, crocheting, sewing, reading, watching classic films, living in the country, dancing, singing, playing the piano, drinking hot chocolate and enjoying the beauty of God's creation.
As my mother has had Lyme disease for the past 2 years and is confined to a wheelchair at present, I'm the one who takes care of the house and family by cooking, cleaning and grocery shopping.  My wonderful brother helps with the cooking - he's an excellent cook.  I also take care of my small flock of sheep, the horses and the llamas on a our little "farm".  It's not always easy but the Lord has been teaching me and helping me to grow in so many ways, for which I am thankful.

What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine?  
A true heroine puts the needs of others ahead of her own.  She is gentle and kind, always up for adventure, and always a lady no matter what the circumstances.

Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.
 ~Margaret Hale~
Margaret, I admire your strength, your gentleness, your willingness to take care of your mother and help others.

~Jo March~
Dear Jo!  Always getting into scrapes because of your tongue and hasty temper.  We are so alike - we are both learning to think before we speak.

~Kate~
Stepping Heavenward
Kate, for the same reasons as Jo March, you and I are sisters.  Thank you for inspiring me to keep moving forward one step at a time, relying on the Lord for my help and strength.

~Elinor Dashwood~
You're so quiet, calm and strong - I wish I were more like you.

Five of your favorite historical novels?  
The Scarlet Pimpernel (the entire series really, especially El Dorado), The Scottish Chiefs, Captain Blood, Little Women and Pearl Maiden.
Out of those five books who is your favorite main character and why? 
 Oh dear, oh dear...favorite main character.  Well, I picked Sir Percy last year, but this year I'm going to go with Miriam from Pearl Maiden.  She doesn't compromise her faith, even though it means giving up the man she loves.
Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why? 
Hmm...I really don't know. :)
If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there?  Scotland and Austria - I want to do and see everything in Scotland, including a horseback ride cross country over the highlands and on the beach (you really can do that!), and, while I was across the pond, I'd visit my relatives in Austria:)

What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?
 The early American frontier - everything was so new and exciting!  
That's one of the reasons I enjoy James Fenimore Cooper and Zane Grey's books so much.
You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of? 
 Singing, maybe with Kellie or the North Idaho Hat Band (my bro's band).
If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent? 
Probably Margaret Hale or Jo March.  Or Esther from Ben-Hur.


What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate?
Delicious stuff! =D
Favorite author(s)?  
Baroness Orczy, G.A. Henty, Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, James Fenimore Cooper, Rafael Sabatini, Lousia May Alcott, L.M. Montgomery, Zane Grey, Beverly Lewis...shall I continue?
Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land?
 My journal and scrapbook.

In which century were most of the books you read written?  
19th century
In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is… 
Sir Percy Blakeney, of course!!


Describe your ideal dwelling place.  
My house of dreams is...a country victorian style house in the country, surrounded by trees, with a pond and a stream gurgling nearby.  The house will be white with lilac shutters and trim, with a wrap around porch that goes all the way around the house, a bay window with a window seat, a window seat at the end of the upstairs hallway concealed from view by curtains with a "shh, I'm reading" sign, a library with shelves from floor to ceiling with those neat little rolling ladders to reach the topmost books, a kitchen with a cooking island and a big sink, an attic crammed full of old furniture and trunks full of delightful things from days gone by, lace curtains on all the windows, a laundry chute, a music room with a baby grand piano, wood flooring throughout the whole house, and a room set aside as the school room.  Also, no ideal dwelling place of mine would be complete without a barn, so a large barn with plenty of room for my horses, sheep and other livestock, a cozy place for me to sleep during lambing season, and a covered walkway from the barn to the house so I don't have to shovel a path through the snow.  And this ideal dwelling place will be located in the ideal, beautiful state of Idaho!  There - you asked for it;)


Sum up your fashion style in five words.  
vintage * simple * comfort * plaid * feminine
Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name? 
 Heavens, yes! but I can't think of an example at the moment. ;)
In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is...
  Lady Mar from The Scottish Chiefs - a completely odious, traitorous woman, to be sure!  I also have to say Mr. Wickham from Pride & Prejudice because he's so deceptively pleasant at first glance.
Three favorite Non-fiction books? 
God's Word (of course:), our set of World Book Encyclopedias, and Adam's Synchronological Chart of History.
Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon?
 Sitting on the glider swing reading, riding my horse, taking a nap on the glider swing (I love our glider:), exploring our forest, and drinking lemonade.

Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.
A crocheted slouchy hat/beret/tam or a newsie.
And a floppy straw hat for the summer.


Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year. 
 My mom being so ill with Lyme disease (duh;), going to the National Oldtime Fiddlers competition in Weiser (not competing, just listening:), wall tent sleepover with Kellie.

Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38 & 39

I'm looking forward to reading everyone's answers! =)
And I totally give-up on trying to get the spacing to work on Blogger.  It just won't work.  The end.

February 5, 2012

the Jane Austen Literary Garden Party

Come join the Jane Austen Literary Garden Party at Grace's Garden Walk!


{one} let us start by your telling a little bit about your own self. tell us a bit of your personality. perhaps, tell a bit of your interests and pastime. 
Hello!  I'm Natasha Marie.  I'm 22-year-old older daughter living at home with my family in beautiful North Idaho.
In general, I'm a very quiet, shy person, but I love to laugh and be crazy. :)
  I take pleasure in many things including, but not limited to, horses, raising sheep, crocheting, sewing, reading, watching classic films, living in the country, dancing, singing, playing the piano, drinking hot chocolate and enjoying the beauty of God's creation.
As my mother has had Lyme disease for the past 2 years and is confined to a wheelchair at present, I'm the one who takes care of the house and family by cooking, cleaning and grocery shopping.  My wonderful brother helps with the cooking - he's an excellent cook.  I also take care of my small flock of sheep, the horses and the llamas on a our little "farm".  It's not always easy but the Lord has been teaching me and helping me to grow in so many ways, for which I am thankful.

{two} what literary character {whether it be in a film or book} would you say, most describes your personality and mannerisms? 
I've always found it hard to answer questions like this...
I asked my brother what he thought, and he said Margaret Hale from North and South.
{my bro also watches historical dramas with me - he is a real treasure(:}

I think I can live with that...could I please have her wardrobe, too?  Her outfits are gorgeous. *sigh*

{three} what would you describe as the most lovely place to live in 1700's England? a cottage surrounded by woods or a mansion perhaps, to the same resemblance as Pemberley in Miss Austen's Pride and Prejudice.  
I'm completely in love with the cottage by the sea in the 2008 adaptation of Sense & Sensibility.  The crashing waves, the rolling hills, the loneliness - I could live there.
I would like more trees, though.  Other than that, it's perfect.

{four} list some of your favorite and least favorite literary works you have read. 

The Scottish Chiefs
The Scarlet Pimpernel series
The Last of the Mohicans
Little Women
Anne of Green Gables
Captain Blood
Girl of the Limberlost
The Chronicles of Narnia
Little House of the Prairie
Rob Roy
Ivanhoe
Aunt Jane's Hero
Stepping Heavenward
Sherlock Holmes
Books by Beverly Lewis
etc.

I really can't think of a book that I truly disliked...probably because I don't finish books I don't like.

{five} what would you describe as a most admirable heroine? 
A women who loves the Lord with all of her heart, who's fun, quirky, spunky, brave, feminine, a master of witty banter, kind, impeccable taste in clothing, selfless and loving.

{six} if you could spend afternoon tea in the company of your favorite literary heroine, whom would you spend it with? 
I'm quite sure that Miss Lizzy Bennet and I would get along splendidly.  I would also love to take tea with Marguerite Blakeney, Amy Dorrit or Molly Gibson.  Maybe we could all have tea together! :)

{seven} which is to your liking more :: tea or coffee?
I very much enjoy both, but caffeine does really, really weird things to me so I don't drink coffee anymore. :(

{eight} which of Jane Austen's couples are your more fond of?
Emma and Mr. Knightley are probably my favorite, but I also adore Bingley and Jane.


{nine} what is one {a few} of your favorite literary quotes?
"Tomorrow never comes." - Archibald Forbes, In Freedom's Cause by G.A. Henty 

"For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn?" - Mr. Bennet

"There is one thing, Emma, which a man can always do, if he chuses, and that is, his duty..." - Mr. Knightley 

"I don't play accurately - any one can play accurately - but I play with wonderful expression."  - Algy, The Importance of Being Earnest  


 {ten} are you fond of dancing or singing or reading a good book? 
All three, please!

{eleven} and lastly, as this event is also hosted in celebration of my garden's second anniversary, would you mind explaining perhaps, how you stumbled upon my little plot of earth?
I discovered Grace's lovely garden through Shelfari a few years ago and have been greatly blessed by her sweet words and beautiful posts ever since.

.....

I hope to "see" some of you at the garden party! :)
Have a beautiful, blessed Sunday, ladies!

February 4, 2012

Let's go for a walk...

The blue skies were calling my name.
It was simply too beautiful to stay indoors yesterday, so I went for a walk...


 I walked around the pond...



Through the orchard to the horse pasture...


I came around the corner of the horse barn, and found my Bobby boy sunning himself...


And stopped to take some pictures of him...




Then I walked down the lower logging trail past the horse pasture...
...past the small pond...
...past the sheep pasture...
...until I got to the sheep pen...


I visited with my girls for a bit...

Sweet Pea

Sweet Pea and Ingrid

Emma
Then I walked back towards the house, where I found Mitts waiting for me to give him some attention...


Bonnie finally stopped running around long enough for me to get a picture of her:)


And then I went inside, fixed myself a cup of hot chocolate and sat by the fireplace.

The End

February 3, 2012

Pinafore Promise

I promised that I would treat myself to something special next time I made a sale on Etsy.
So, tonight I bought myself this...
.....
Ok, so this is completely pathetic - our Net Nanny program is blocking the Blogger image uploader so I had to pin the picture to Pinterest and then embed it in the post.
*grrrrrrrr*
I've said it before, and I'll say it again - if Net Nanny were a person, I would strangle her.
Sorry to get violent there, but you have no idea how irritating she is!!!
Um, yes, I did say "she".
Send help.
End Rant.
.....
Ahem...where was I?  
Oh yes - I bought myself this...

Source: etsy.com via Natasha on Pinterest

*squeal*
Isn't it the most darling thing ever?!

I've been planning on making myself some simple, vintage style, cotton print dresses for this summer, and this pattern looked absolutely perfect.
So, I bought it.

And I will definitely share pictures of the finished dress/dresses. =)

Happy Trails, y'all!

Miscellany

Today is a simply gorgeous day!  Blue skies and sun! =D


Have you heard the news?  My dearest Kellie is hosting...




Yesterday, I discovered a marvelous blog - a blog devoted entirely to The Scarlet Pimpernel!  =D


The Day Dream


Sink me!

My latest obsession is the 60s TV series Mission: Impossible.
It. is. awesome. period.


The Impossible Missions Force team from seasons 2 and 3....
Cinnamon Carter, Rollin Hand, Willie Armitage, Barney Collier and Jim Phelps.

Rollin, the Man of a Million Faces, is completely awesome.


Even my incredibly picky friend Ani (Matthew), agrees with me on that. ;)

Fun Fact: Martin Landau (Rollin) and Barbara Bain (Cinnamon) were married.  It's always fun to see a husband and wife together in film. :)

Ok, enough MI...for now;)

My actor for this week is Charlton Heston.
I requested as many of his films as possible from the library.
I'm quite steeped at this point.
Recommended flicks:
Ben-Hur
The Ten Commandments
El Cid
The Big Country
Charlton Heston did much of his own driving in the chariot race.  Very cool=)

One that I haven't watched yet is The Far Horizons.  It's the story of the Lewis and Clark Corp of Discovery.  Highly fictionalized, I imagine, and with a rather interesting cast including Fred McMurray, Donna Reed and Charlton Heston.  I'll let you know how that goes. :)

I think it's time I got outside and enjoyed the delicious weather.
Have a wonderful, blessed day everyone!