the Literary Heroine Blog Party | The Questions

: : The Questions : :

1| Introduce yourself! Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!  This year, I'm going with the "something completely random" option...When I was a child I called my big toe my "thumb toe".  It actually makes sense when you think about it.  At least, it does to me...;)

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

Okay, I'm determined not to go back to last year's post and copy any of my answers.  I. am. not.

A true heroine strives to honor and glorify God by her every word and action.  She's is dedicated to seeking God's will in her life and serving Him all her days, in whatever situation she may find herself in, whether single or married.  She is strong (not necessarily physically, but mentally and spiritually), able to defend and take care of herself, yet she understands and cherishes her role as man's helper.  She is kind, gentle, feminine, but not afraid to get dirty.  All of that said, she is also human.  She isn't perfect, and because of that we can understand and relate to her.  She is real.  She has flaws and failings to overcome.   A sinner redeemed by Christ's shed blood.  Sometimes she falls, but is always moving forward, becoming more like Him with every step she takes.

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

Jo March | I've always admired Jo for being herself.  And we both have such trouble controlling our tempers and our words.  I can't remember how many times I've read Little Women, but I never get tired of it.  Marmee's words to Jo never fail to encourage me.

Margaret Hale | She's not perfect, but she cares so much for those around her.  Quick to stand up against injustices, quick to speak her mind.  And more than anything else about her, I know what it's like to care for your mother.  Day after day, it's not always easy.

Amy Dorrit | Everything that a heroine should be - loving, gentle, feminine, forgiving, selfless.  Amy encourages me to put my own wants and desires aside in favor of serving others.

Molly Gibson | So kind and gentle, but not afraid to tell you what is what!  But she always does it with such graciousness...well, most of the time. ;)  Little Molly Gibson...if it had been me rather than you, I would have strangled Cynthia, and then told Roger to go take a long walk off a short pier.  I admire her most for her selflessness and her relationship with her father.

4| Five of your favorite historical novels? 

The Scottish Chiefs, The Scarlet Pimpernel (the entire series, but especially El Dorado.  Sooo good.), Little Women, An Old-Fashioned Girl, and The Last Trail.

5| Out of those five books who is your favorite main character and why?

Last year, I no doubt said Sir Percy Blakeney, but this year I'm going to pick a favorite girl main character...and I have to choose Jo March.  Although I'm definitely not a tomboy or a writer of stories, I've always related to Jo.  Like I already said, we both have a hard time keeping our tempers in check. *sheepish grin*  But we keep trying to improve ourselves, no matter how many times we fall flat on our faces.

6| Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why?

Oh dear...okay, I'm going to go with Sir Andrew Ffoulkes.  An all-around good chap, steady and dependable.

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

Bonnie Scotland, of course!  What would I do there?!  Just...everything.  Okay, okay...visit all of the historical landmarks and museums (I LOVE reading plaques), buy something from Ness, send my extended family and friends postcards, just soak in the beauty and take lots of pictures! *bliss*

8| What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?

The early American frontier (1600s and 1700s).  Think James Fenimore Cooper and Zane Grey.

9| You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of?

Probably singing, maybe with my bro's Bluegrass band.  That would be fun!  Maybe...I'm not really into getting up and performing in front of an audience...you'd probably have to drag me up there, in all honesty. ;)

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

Lady Helen Mar from The Scottish Chiefs, or maybe Amy Dorrit.

11| What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate?

With mint or caramel, please.

12| Favorite author(s)?

G.A. Henty, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, C.S. Lewis, Zane Grey, James Fenimore Cooper, Beverly Lewis, Baroness Orczy, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle...shall I continue?

13| Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land?

A camera counts as an essential, right?  So does a good friend, at least in my book.  So...well, as cheesy as it may seem, I've always loved the idea of bringing along a stuffed animal of some sort and posing him/her and taking pictures.  Because those picture would be fun to look at later. :)

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

19th and 20th

15| In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is…

Um, duh...Sir Percy Blakeney aka The Scarlet Pimpernel!  Although, in all honesty, Aragorn from LOTR is very high on my list of literary heroes.  Just sayin'...but no one will ever surpass Sir Percy.  The end.

16| Describe your ideal dwelling place.

A simple, modest house, small-ish and cozy, nothing fancy.  A good sized garden, big barn for my animals, plenty of pasture space...and I'm still hoping for a covered walkway from the house to the barn. *please please please* ;)

17| Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence.

Feminine and vintage-y, but practical.

18| Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name?

Not that I can think of right now...although all of those French and Russian names in War and Peace get rather confusing at times.

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

I think I said George Wickham last year, and I'm going to stick with that.  Especially if you watch the LBD!  Oh my word!  What a creep!
Edit: Why do I always forget Rigaud from Little Dorrit?!  He's got to be the creepiest, scariest, most detestable villian EVER!  Just sayin'.

20| Three favorite Non-fiction books?

Aside from the Bible (because that really goes without saying...um, which is why I even mentioned it...:), Adam's Synchronological Chart of History (If you've never seen this, you are totally missing out!  It's a HUGE fold-out timeline starting with Creation.  So awesome!  I could look at it for hours...), Back to Basics, and Webster's 1828 Dictionary.

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

With friends.  Playing badminton, or sitting by the lake talking.  Or by myself, taking a walk with my dog or trail riding.

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

Kellie, this question always throws me.  You're mean.  But I love you anyway. ;)  Something vintage, from the 40s, nothing too fancy, just a sweet little thing perched on my head.  Although I would LOVE to find a hat like the one worn by Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca!  LOVE that hat!!  And yes, I would totally wear it.

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

Finding our church family, among other things.

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

Psalm 91

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

{emphasis mine}

.....

Make sure to hop over to Kellie's and check out the other ladies answers!  And the fabulous giveaway!!

Happy Trails!

Miscellany

Due to my life being incredibly full and busy right now, I didn't really watch anything besides Season 5 of Star Trek: Voyager (which I am LOVING!) last week, thus there was really nothing to share for Saturday Matinee.  There should be one this week though, so keep your eyes open!

Last week the Bonnie dog had to have eye surgery.  She is now the Nick Furry...er, Fury, of the dog world.

Yep, she's just got one eye now.  But she's cool with it, and so am I...sorta.  I'll admit that I was extremely upset when I realized her eye was not getting any better, and that the only option was to have it removed.  Extremely upset is really a bit of an understatement, to be completely honest.  My poor, patient brother can confirm that the day of the surgery I closeted myself in my room all day, and when Bonnie came home I spent the evening {trying} not to freak out.  Yeah...that didn't work so well, the trying not to freak out part...especially when there was a bit of blood seepage, which was completely normal, but it scared me just the same.  And sorry if that was TMI.  But we got through that, and I'm happy to say that Bonnie is doing very well.  And it really does not seem to bother her having just one eye.  The "cone of shame", now that's a different story. ;)

On February 13th, my baby brother turned 21.

Ouch.  That wasn't supposed to happen!  Happy Birthday, Alex!

And then three days later, my bestie also turned 21.

Happy Birthday, Kellie!

We met up with Kellie and Aubrey in Sandpoint and proceeded to have a simply splendid afternoon.  It included delicious food, "wicked" snacks, and watching The Princess Bride.  Friends, films, food - a more delightful way to spend an afternoon could not be found. 

Our "naughty" snack table...and Aubrey's foot. ;)

Here's a short film my brother just completed.  I think it's pretty awesome...

And the accent he used?  Totally awesome!  If for no other reason, like it for the accent...or the supremely cool score he wrote and recorded!  My brother...well, he's the best. ;)

Make sure to check out the HUGE giveaway going on at Accordion to Kellie during the Literary Heroine Blog Party!  It is without a doubt the giveaway and event of the year.  Just sayin'...

I'm totally looking forward to Bramblewood Fashion's... 

Judging from how life has been lately, I don't know if I'll have time to participate, but whether I do or not it's going to be a fun blog fashion event! And I think that's enough randomness for one day.  Have a lovely week, y'all!
p.s. I just finished responding to all of the comments from this past month.  If you asked me a question, it's been answered now. :)

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:)

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. ;)

Source: thelittlehermitage.tumblr.com via Natasha on Pinterest

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;)

Source: feelingstitchy.com via Jill on Pinterest

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!

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.

Disney Blog Party

 

 

I grew up watching the old live action Disney films - The Swiss Family Robinson and Herbie were my constant companions - so most of my answers will relate to them, not the animated films.

 

1.  What is your all-time favorite animated Disney film and why?  I'd have to say 101 Dalmatians.  It's hysterically funny...and Roger reminds me of my cousin, Ivan;D

2.  What is your all-time favorite Disney/Pixar film and why?  Either Ratatouille or Up...or The Incredibles...not really sure:)

3.  What was the first animated Disney film you remember seeing?  Snow White - I remember my dad taking me to see it at the theater (must've been a re-release or something...).  I don't remember much of the actual movie, but I do remember being fascinated by the Emergency Exit sign.  I was probably 6 at the time, and don't ask me why I found that so interesting, because I honestly have no idea.

4.  It's talent night at your school/job/etc...You have to perform a Disney song.  Which one would you choose?  Oh, my - no idea.  Cruella DeVille, maybe;D  No, probably something from The Happiest Millionaire or Summer Magic.

5.  Name your top 4 Disney heroes or heroines (or any character, for that matter) and talk a little bit about why you admire them.   Pollyanna {she always finds something to be thankful for}, Fritz from The Swiss Family Robinson {he was my first movie "crush"}, Lori MacGregor from The Tree Lives of Thomasina {I would be perfectly happy to spend all of my time with my animals, spinning and singing as she does} , and Davy Crocket {nuff said;) }.

6.  Who, in your opinion, is the most hideous Disney villain of all time?  Um, Cruella DeVille, I guess.

7.  If you could spend a day with any Disney character, who would you choose?  How would you spend your day?  Probably with Lori MacGregor.  We'd sing, spin, tend to the animals, talk only when absolutely necessary, and end the day with tea before the fire in her wee cottage in the glen. :)

8.  Which Disney character is the most like you?  I really have no idea, although I definitely have some things in common with Lori.

9.  What, in your opinion, is one of the greatest movie moments in an animated Disney film?  "Your not going to believe this, but it's a one-wheeled hay stack!"  -The Aristocats

10.  If you could pick which film Disney would make next, what would the film be?  No preference really. 

The Literary Heroine Blog Party - The Questions

~The Questions~

• 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.

-Jo March-

I'm not a tomboy, but we have the same quick temper and a knack for getting ourselves in trouble with our hasty words.

I treasure Marmee's advice to you, Jo.

Please note that I do not admire Jo's temper, I simply relate to it;)

  -Elizabeth Bennet-

I love your quick wit.

 

-Kate from Stepping Heavenward-

Same as for Jo.

My mom gave me this book just when I needed it most.

 

-Millie Keith-

Millie, I admire your faith, your strong convictions, and your willingness to share the gospel.

• Five of your favorite historical novels? The Scarlet Pimpernel (the whole series, really), The Scottish Chiefs, Captain Blood, Pearl Maiden, The Last of the Mohicans, and Little Women.
• Out of those five books who is your favorite character and why?  The Scarlet Pimpernel, aka Sir Percy Blakeney wins hands down, although Peter Blood runs a very close second because of his delightful Irish accent)  Sir Percy is the perfect gentleman, he loves is wife, and he's willing to lay down his life to save others.  I've heard, though haven't been able to verify this as a fact, that Sir Percy really did exist.  Wouldn't that be awesome?!

• 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!
• You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert.  Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of?  Probably Kellie and I singing...possibly including a yodeling monkey and a chicken on a bicycle!
• If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent?  Well, as I've already attended such a party as Marguerite Blakeney, I think I would go as either Arabella Bishop (from Captain Blood) or Jo March.
• What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate?  Chocolate is...creamy, delicious, goodness.  The only thing better than plain chocolate is chocolate paired with mint=)

• Favorite author(s)?  Baroness Orczy, G.A. Henty, Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, James Fenimore Cooper, Rafael Sabatini, Lousia May Alcott, L.M. Montgomery...shall I continue?
• As a small, imaginative, red-haired damsel might query; would you rather be divinely beautiful, dazzlingly clever, or angelically good?  Why?  Oh, dear me!  I think I shall have to agree with Matthew here and say "I don't know."  However, if pressed, I'd rather be either dazzlingly clever or angelically good, because I'd enjoy being clever and I'd love to be really good:)

• 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.   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;)

• Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name?  Well, I can't think of any at the moment... 
•  In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is...  Oh dear, this is a hard question - and I came up with it!  What was I thinking?;)  Okay, Lady Mar from The Scottish Chiefs - a completely odious, traitorous woman, to be sure!  I also have to say Mr. Wickham from Pride & Prejudice or Mr. Willoughby from Sense & Sensibility, because they're so deceptively pleasant at first glance.
• Three favorite Non-fiction books?  God's Word, Back to Basics, and Adam's Synchronological Chart of History.
• Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon?  Sitting in the pasture while my sheep graze, reading a new book, with my dog leaning against me, and a kitty or lamb in my lap.
• Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.  Either a sweet, little, creamy wool 1940s hat that perches on the back of my head, with ribbons and lace, or a big, wide brim hat, with ostrich plumes, yards of lace, and a small spray of flowers nestled in the lace.  I don't know that those portray my true character, but those are the hats I would most like;)
• Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.  Well, definitely my mom being so sick and finally discovering that she has Lyme disease.  Also, my cousin's wedding, serving on a jury (that was fun!!), and the Epic Pilgrimage.
• Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.  Hebrews 12:28&29 - Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
  For our God is a consuming fire. 
• And lastly, as I am a rather businesslike hostess, may I ask you your views regarding those adorable little items - namely pin back and mirror back buttons?  1). Where would you choose to display a button badge to best showcase your unique style?  2). What image and/or sentiment would most make you smile were it inscribed on your very own compact mirror? 1) I should add it to the collection already displayed on my laptop case, and 2) I'd like the picture of Audrey Hepburn on the bike with the text "Smile":)