tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288351794403275742024-02-07T15:23:30.033+11:00But when a young lady is to be a heroineMelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-85979293393281415902013-08-08T19:18:00.002+10:002013-08-08T19:18:44.941+10:00Moving Blog...As you may deduce from the post title, this blog is moving. Same content- book reviews, much needed updates on movies (*cough* When Calls the Heart *cough*), Robin Hood BBC, just a new name and url and regular posts :P The new blog will also be a little more personal, in terms of my artwork and myself (yes, I've decided that I've borrowed Robin and Marian's face for long enough). <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BpfEiItzlfFutKxCG-B14XWk5fWXaVWD8w833eJkzQ4Y91W5AFn3uVa5RRE-IlXog-Ll5ImZIiobR2bAOjqLOjD_nGCfPk7HmIxAji62-tkg9BtJaHsUmAxnuacsC500fkU5dxDws_6t/s1600/kengeandcarboys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BpfEiItzlfFutKxCG-B14XWk5fWXaVWD8w833eJkzQ4Y91W5AFn3uVa5RRE-IlXog-Ll5ImZIiobR2bAOjqLOjD_nGCfPk7HmIxAji62-tkg9BtJaHsUmAxnuacsC500fkU5dxDws_6t/s320/kengeandcarboys.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Blog: <a href="http://kengeandcarboys.blogspot.com.au/">kengeandcarboys.blogspot.com</a></td></tr>
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I do have some particular reasons for this change and the decision has not been easy or made in haste. (Thank you to the lovely people who shared their thoughts with me on this subject and supported me without question). As much as I hope to see you over at '<i><a href="http://kengeandcarboys.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kenge and Carboys</a></i>' please do not feel obliged to follow or visit. Either way I appreciate everyone of you and thank you so much for your support during the time I have been at this blog. I wish you all the best in the future with whatever path you take and wherever it leads you. I owe you all so much and I do not know how to thank you properly.<br />
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Perhaps 'I love you all' is sufficient enough.<br />
<br />
Mel xx<br />
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<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-84621199946632306172013-08-04T21:22:00.000+10:002013-08-04T21:22:28.397+10:00Where have I been?!The joys of juggling university, a job and other commitments have pulled me momentarily from blogging but thankfully I have a few little morsels of good news to share with you!<br />
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Firstly my Mum is doing absolutely fantastic! Thank you again for all your prayers, the doctors are still baffled that she survived but we just praise God :)<br />
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Secondly I have just been approved to finish my uni course via correspondence which means regular posting here from now on! YAY!<br />
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I have also (after a lot of prayer) started another <a href="http://breakingbutbreathing.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">blog</a>. This blog focuses on some issues that have been on my heart and that are very personal to me. I can tell you right now that it hasn't been an easy step but lately I feel as though I am being guided towards using my experiences to help assist and educate others. I apologise if this this sounds like a shameless plug but I thought it was worth mentioning, in the event it was helpful to even one of my followers here. Without going into too much detail I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety when I was 17 so with this blog I am basically sharing my experiences (with a Christian perspective) in the hope that I may impart something worthwhile or helpful to someone who is struggling or someone who may know someone who is.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8w9MD_eITqamtfITf8r8icLbXTY3w7fWVVA6_nnQL7DtRCNHnLdOYPZwk4yRfDGUlEegBozxRWnfhONzYYHzPC1kUXpVq1kvz9_sgGd3pcdQ5iUjd4A5B25nfCDG9QW9jezM_pey9WYJ/s1600/bannerbbb22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Breaking but Breathing" border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8w9MD_eITqamtfITf8r8icLbXTY3w7fWVVA6_nnQL7DtRCNHnLdOYPZwk4yRfDGUlEegBozxRWnfhONzYYHzPC1kUXpVq1kvz9_sgGd3pcdQ5iUjd4A5B25nfCDG9QW9jezM_pey9WYJ/s400/bannerbbb22.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you are interested in having a look, you can visit the site here: <br /><a href="http://breakingbutbreathing.blogspot.com/">breakingbutbreathing.blogspot.com</a></td></tr>
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I have also been reading a lot more than I should! I took advantage of the 2-hour train rides to uni :) So look out for a truck-load of reviews soon. Notable mentions are Melanie Dickerson (if you haven't heard of her go now and check her and her novels out. You won't regret it), Shannon Dittermore and Karen Witemeyer (as always her newest novel does not disappoint).<br />
<br />
Mel xx<br />
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ps. I have recently found a gem of a show called 'Horrible Histories' I cannot tell you how addicted I have become :PMelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-81260208538716577592013-01-23T12:23:00.000+11:002013-01-23T12:23:37.544+11:00Thank youMy dear friends it has been a while hasn't it! Now that things have begun to settle I feel that it is time that I start to blog once again.<br />
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I must thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your prayers during that difficult time when my Mum was very unwell. Things were very dark for quite a while there and it did look as though she would not pull through, but I thank God everyday that she is still here with us. There is still a large chance of her illness returning but we know the signs now and will hopefully be on top of things should it occur again.<br />
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I really cannot thank you all enough for your prayers, emails and kind words of encouragement I honestly don't know how I would have coped without you all there beside me, I am blessed to have such lovely friends. I only hope that I can one day repay your kindness.<br />
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xx<br />
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<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-23860402445014632122012-10-15T15:54:00.000+11:002012-10-15T15:54:09.388+11:00On HiatusMy dear friends,<br />
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I just wanted to quickly drop by and let you know I will be on hiatus for an unknown period of time. My Mum was unexpectedly admitted into hospital a few days ago and I do not have the time or the heart to be maintaining this blog during this difficult time. I hope you understand and I thank you for being such lovely friends/followers.<br />
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God Bless you all and I hope that you are all enjoying your week wherever you are and whatever you may be doing.<br />
<br />
Mel xx Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-77424181234448786132012-10-03T22:27:00.004+10:002012-10-03T22:55:17.611+10:00Just a little Robin Hood Post.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzEONK4rOOhBfrLfbe2HFc6AhFnGAcHLRePKC3bsbFtsdVAZwb3wl3c_UMqpOyF09D2caJrHU9zuR785_TWYg9d8qZuzpxQKK4K-2WbTgAgaW57O6UFhxWqtBFpADnnxJpOB8iC2jd2kE/s1600/Much.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzEONK4rOOhBfrLfbe2HFc6AhFnGAcHLRePKC3bsbFtsdVAZwb3wl3c_UMqpOyF09D2caJrHU9zuR785_TWYg9d8qZuzpxQKK4K-2WbTgAgaW57O6UFhxWqtBFpADnnxJpOB8iC2jd2kE/s320/Much.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much</td></tr>
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It feels like an age since I have posted anything even remotely related to this lovely series. Be assured however, my love for it is as unwavering as ever and there rarely is a day that goes by without my thinking about it or one of its characters or associated actors (*cough* Harry Lloyd *cough*).<br />
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A couple of weeks ago I tried my hand at some sketches of the Robin Hood characters. I posted these on my tumblr page but I thought why not post them here too.<br />
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I have yet to get around to drawing Robin's gang. I dare-say you are shocked that I have not drawn Will Scarlett- but in my defense Harry is so wonderfully good-looking I believe it shall be impossible to re-create his perfection in a sketch. And I am having the same problem with Carter to be perfectly honest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="
Guy of Gisborne, Lady Marian &amp; Robin Hood.
" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mae6m5PFLe1r3zipro1_500.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sir Guy of Gisborne, Lady Marian & Robin Hood</td></tr>
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This is my first attempt at drawing in this sort of cartoon style, so it is a little challenging but I hope you enjoyed them and perhaps sometime soon I can post up a few more different characters :) <br />
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God Bless,<br />
<br />
Mel xx<br />
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Note: You may have noticed I made two small changes to my blog today. I added two new pages just below the header labelled 'When Calls the Heart' and 'Gown of Spanish Lace'. By hitting these tabs you will be able to easily see if I have posted any updates on either of these films :) I hope this helps those of you who are visiting purely to find information on either of those films. Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-307276899891492592012-09-29T15:34:00.000+10:002012-09-29T15:35:30.598+10:00Book Review: A Promise to Believe In.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="http://www.bethanyhouse.com/Console/Common/Image.asp?image=/Media/PubComProductCatalog/9780764201486_1.jpg&width=223&height=0&quality=90" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="263" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Credit: <a href="http://www.bethanyhouse.com/" target="_blank">Bethany House</a></td></tr>
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<b>Title: </b>A Promise to Believe in<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Author: </b>Tracie Peterson<br />
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<b>My Rating:</b> 4.5/5<br />
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<b>Synopsis: </b><br />
The Gallatin sisters have only just started to settle in to Gallatin House when tragedy strikes the family, again. With death seeming to follow the sisters everywhere they go, the eldest of the three sisters, Gwen is sure that she is cursed.<br />
All alone and still in mourning, Gwen and her sisters, Beth and Lacy band together and work hard to manage their family's roadhouse. But with the next stagecoach arrival comes more heartache for Gwen when a stranger alights with a revelation which threatens to unravel past secrets. Hurt and humiliated Gwen begins to question whether those closest to her would be better off living away from her, posing the ultimate question can she move past the lies or will she continue to allow it to determine her future?<br />
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<b>My thoughts:</b><br />
I snapped up the three books in this series on a whim after finding them on (super) sale, not having heard of the series I bought them purely because I have nothing but the best to say for author Tracie Peterson- and she did not let me down! This book is filled with unique and loveable characters, humour, adventure and romance all woven together with a subtle yet beautiful message.<br />
All of the three Gallatin sisters are charming individuals who united together are a most formidable force. The younger sister's (Beth and Lacy's) antics make for some amusing reading and the minor characters are quick to steal your heart. And I cannot help but hope to see them feature as major characters in the next two books of the series. Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-40964829408111212182012-09-27T12:06:00.000+10:002012-09-28T17:54:57.310+10:00Gown of Spanish Lace Movie Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">*<i>Just as I stated a few days ago on my latest <a href="http://butwhenayoungladyistobeaheroine.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/from-now-on-i-wont-be-posting-any.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">When Calls the Heart post</span></a>- </i></span><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From now on I won't be posting any general updates about this film (Gown of Spanish Lace), as a new post but instead will be just updating this post. It's getting a little tedious re-writing and flipping back to my other posts on the same subject, plus this way we can keep all the new info in one tidy place. So keep checking this post for news on this film- any new information will be added to the top of this post with: <b>UPDATE (DD/MM/YYYY). </b></span></i></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9HKQrZMfAGPI6WBQhuUShNYu_HqEhRW5RaZg-mvbcVihN4Wg1qlLAxORWqQ96TK3GXFKlUQK4ohiTDsuA5GHUyMhIMf6f_-ouDAnsL18IVDVp7uTnN_NYLjkqfHB6unPmILM3vPdp8aY/s1600/gownofspanishlace2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9HKQrZMfAGPI6WBQhuUShNYu_HqEhRW5RaZg-mvbcVihN4Wg1qlLAxORWqQ96TK3GXFKlUQK4ohiTDsuA5GHUyMhIMf6f_-ouDAnsL18IVDVp7uTnN_NYLjkqfHB6unPmILM3vPdp8aY/s1600/gownofspanishlace2.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just my own fan-made edit for 'Gown of Spanish Lace'<br />
to brighten this post up :) (Edit: Pictures are not from the film )</td></tr>
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Janette Oke's<i> A Gown of Spanish Lace</i> follows the journey of a young school teacher, Ariana who is abducted and held prisoner by a group of outlaws. Her presence in the camp of desperadoes creates quite a stir- and none more so than in the life of the outlaw boss' son, Laramie, who is charged with her care. (For more information on the book you can check out my review <a href="http://butwhenayoungladyistobeaheroine.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/book-review-gown-of-spanish-lace.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">here</span></a>)<br />
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<i>A Gown of Spanish Lace</i> has been one of my favourite novels for quite a number of years now. I read it for the first time when I had just come through a particularly dark time in my life and reading this novel really helped me through it all. So if I seem over enthusiastic about the storyline, the characters and the upcoming movie you must understand that Ariana and Laramie have been some my closest friends in the most trying of times. <span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
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Moving on (I can almost hear you saying <i>'Just get to the part about the movie already'</i>) I wrote a<span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79;"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=128835179440327574#editor/target=post;postID=32278075800660393" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">post</span></a> </span>previously explaining that <i>A Gown of Spanish Lace</i> was listed as an upcoming project on Michael Landon Jr's website (who many of you may know from his success with the various film adaptations of Janette Oke's <i>Love Comes Softly</i> series) I also noted in this post that this film was not confirmed. Now I can quite happily tell you that it's <u>not</u> just a rumor and that after a little searching I found a <a href="http://brianbird.net/2011/04/08/beverly-lewis-the-shunning-premiering-april-16/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">comment</span></a> from Brian Bird (screenwriter and producer) below one of his posts to prove it: <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>"As for “Gown of Spanish Lace,” stay tuned for more news — a screenplay is in the works"</b></i></blockquote>
and a few days or so ago I noticed a another comment on the Facebook page for <i>When Calls the Heart</i> (Janette Oke's other novel which is been adapted to screen) in response to a fan:<br />
<span style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: center;"><b><i> "A script has been written for Gown of Spanish Lace... a film is in the planning stages."</i></b></span><br />
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Aren't we all excited!? I have to stop myself from breaking into some cheesy dance every time I think about it (hehe).<span style="font-family: inherit;"> With the news and updates looking to be far and few between as the film is still in early planning, I encourage you all if you haven't read the novel (or if its been a while) to grab a copy and give it a read. I'd love to hear what you thought of it, and i'd especially love to know which actors/actresses you'd dream cast for the various roles (and perhaps sometime in the future I can make a separate post detailing this). </span><br />
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God Bless,<br />
<br />
Mel xx<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: All mentions of the film refer to it as 'Gown of Spanish Lace', omitting the 'A' included in the book title. I missed this tiny piece of information last time I wrote on this topic.</span>
Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-28715105907829902712012-09-22T22:14:00.000+10:002012-10-03T19:44:07.090+10:00Update: When Calls the Heart Movie/Series<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>UPDATE (03/10/2012):</b></span><br />
New photos have been uploaded to the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WhenCallsTheHeartMovie" target="_blank">Facebook</a> account. The various pictures now confirm that Daniel Sharman is indeed playing the character in a red mountie uniform- who's name is Edward (not Wynn).<br />
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The <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2362991/" target="_blank">IMDb site</a> is now up and running, it lists both the cast in from the original filming and also those involved in the filming that has just wrapped up this year. The main surprise is that Maggie Grace who was cast as the original Elizabeth Thatcher is now listed as 'Aunt Elizabeth' while Poppy Drayton is listed as 'Elizabeth Thatcher' (see picture below). Although I have no information as to why this is, I cannot help but wonder if the TV series might be focusing on Elizabeth's brother, Jonathan's family. Those who have read the book may remember his youngest daughter in the first book was a baby by the name Elizabeth. Perhaps begins with Elizabeth and Wynn's story/relationship and then moves on as a series to focus on Elizabeth's niece, her life and her relationship with Mountie Edward (which would fit with the information/videos/pictures seen on the Facebook page). Again this is only my personal guess.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1znztTl6Xqwo80LikMx6xwRkyQnCoHnswNiiSol3wqABfcdTH1irc2JwjvNE9qJdsx9HlMuMvYZmT4DDtuyPOBtL4mMFN_v6V1DKgmfZvKWsIwwKdUpi7iVMR16xHHPcONGs1KjLzXEmy/s1600/wcast.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1znztTl6Xqwo80LikMx6xwRkyQnCoHnswNiiSol3wqABfcdTH1irc2JwjvNE9qJdsx9HlMuMvYZmT4DDtuyPOBtL4mMFN_v6V1DKgmfZvKWsIwwKdUpi7iVMR16xHHPcONGs1KjLzXEmy/s640/wcast.png" width="486" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">snippet of the cast list- as listed on the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2362991/" target="_blank">IMDb</a> site.<br /></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>*From now on I won't be posting any general information about this film as a new post but instead will be just updating this post. It's getting a little tedious re-writing and flipping back to my other posts, plus this way we can keep all the new info in one tidy place. So keep checking this post for news on this film- any new information will be added to the top of this post with: <b>UPDATE (DD/MM/YYYY). </b></i></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Xg-QKOFjhCFxFwyXCQAKR9QZc7UjVTmmXtst-qS9g7AMKnKK79vwgYzgaGH45KvL9N1HfwPOX3AJx5vz9kiINbVx05hi9qPSipSFnc3pI_8oCjONY9IWipstFw9k0kks8nsCacnCqCmf/s1600/wcth1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Xg-QKOFjhCFxFwyXCQAKR9QZc7UjVTmmXtst-qS9g7AMKnKK79vwgYzgaGH45KvL9N1HfwPOX3AJx5vz9kiINbVx05hi9qPSipSFnc3pI_8oCjONY9IWipstFw9k0kks8nsCacnCqCmf/s320/wcth1.png" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An edit I made from the first 'sneek peak' video staring <br />
Maggie Grace and Stephen Amell in the lead roles.</td></tr>
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If you aren't aware already, <i>When Calls the Heart</i> is the first novel in author Janette Oke's Canadian West Series (you can read my review of the novel <a href="http://butwhenayoungladyistobeaheroine.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/book-review-when-calls-heart.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">here</span></a>). Many of her fans have been aware for quite a few years now that this lovely book was being considered to make that exciting transition from page to TV screen. Production stills and cast lists began floating around and sure enough even an IMDb site popped up. Then articles regarding the filming in 2008/2009 lead eagerly awaiting fans to believe that the film had been filmed - and after a period of silence, the closure of the IMDb site rumours and speculations that it had been shelved arose.<br />
Then at the beginning of the this year things started to 'pick up' and there began sparks of hope that the movie may actually be released. Many of you may remember in March earlier this year that I posted (<a href="http://butwhenayoungladyistobeaheroine.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/update-film-adaptations-of-janette-okes.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">here</span></a>) an update detailing a flyer which made rounds, with beautiful pictures and a blurb as to what the movie is about.<br />
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Then July brought us the most exciting piece of news- a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151277560553266" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">video</span></a>, posted to the official <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WhenCallsTheHeartMovie" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Facebook</span></a> page for the movie along with the news we had been waiting for all this time, a release date: <i>...late spring or early summer, 2013, on the Hallmark Channel.</i><br />
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Since that last post there has been much 'commotion' on the Facebook Page, which I believe is run by screen-writer and producer Brian Bird. Firstly September opened with the status: <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><i>Filming of "When Calls the Heart" begins tomorrow! More news coming soon!</i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><i> </i><span style="font-size: 11px;">.</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"> </span>Throwing, some-what of a curve ball at longstanding fans who believed the film to have already been filmed. However a well-placed comment from the page stating<span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">the film was never finished in 2008 due to the financial meltdown in the US. It is all building to a world premiere on the Hallmark Channel in 2013 as the first two-hour episode of what we hope will be a long-running TV series! Stay tuned for more news!</span></i></span></span><span style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span>put me at ease.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQr07FLr4I_tEdq2MSi-BRs4oiiwob5Flhe_pp6GXYYIxLFf45rzc12LsZJlJAddJZo4P7EOKZyLbpkCvP0dmfzBp_N9lA4Owjg5t0J1h6x2V1gXBzRlQS9iE_MoS9wAV2HPsFwVJ_DRu/s640/when+calls+the+heart.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictures shown on the Flyer with Wynn Delaney (Stephen Amell) and Elizabeth Thatcher (Maggie Grace) in <i>When Calls the Heart</i> (Image Credit: <a href="http://www.abridgeinternational.com/downloads/mission-pictures/WCTH_flyer.pdf" target="_blank">aBridge International</a>)</td></tr>
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Those who in recent times have checked the page may have seen that it is now full of new 'on-set' photos and several 'behind-the-scenes' videos. Which is lovely for the fans. However it does not take one long to notice the change in cast, Maggie Grace who was originally cast as Elizabeth Thatcher and appears in the very first video has now been replaced by actress Poppy Drayton. In addition actor Lee Williams is featured alongside Poppy as Mr. Higgins in some of the photos appearing on the page, I am unsure as to who originally portrayed Mr Higgins but I believe that this is also a re-cast. It is highly likely that the rest of the original cast have also been replaced, which is, of course, to be expected after such a long gap in filming.<br />
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Knowing me as you all do you can be assured that I have been checking daily (perhaps more than daily) on any update on who may be cast as the 'new' Wynn Delaney. Actor Stephen Amell appears as the original Wynn alongside Maggie Grace's Elizabeth, I must admit that I will find it very hard to accept anyone as Wynn other than Stephen, because the last 3 times I have read the book I was aware of his being cast as Wynn and therefore my mental image of the dashing mountie is highly influenced by Stephen's physical appearance.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3UH6odIW80VQlVWVLcpAcIopbeAi9GLvOTAPcYrpPASixJmI0_9JSWkwcQ-oKREw149sK52vLSMWR6VBzAGEZ5tzSFOUS56XpppsCeZRGqC2HlI-C3E6iu4OvIqpQmFp9nYSvyzOtDUw/s1600/wcth.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3UH6odIW80VQlVWVLcpAcIopbeAi9GLvOTAPcYrpPASixJmI0_9JSWkwcQ-oKREw149sK52vLSMWR6VBzAGEZ5tzSFOUS56XpppsCeZRGqC2HlI-C3E6iu4OvIqpQmFp9nYSvyzOtDUw/s400/wcth.png" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A behind the scenes clip of WCTH shows Elizabeth<br />
and a young man in uniform being robbed.</td></tr>
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The only casting news I have thus far heard in terms of a male who may fit the 'Wynn' role is in a <a href="https://twitter.com/brbird/status/234793334663675904" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Twitter comment </span></a>from, the aforementioned Brian Bird on the 12th of August saying <span style="background-color: white;">'<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Teen Wolf's Daniel Sharman signs up for double duty as co-star of</span><a class="twitter-atreply pretty-link" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hallmarkchannel" style="color: #0084b4; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><s style="color: #66b5d2; text-decoration: none;">@</s><b style="color: inherit; font-weight: normal;">HallmarkChannel</b></a><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> series pilot </span><s style="color: #66b5d2; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;">#</s><b style="color: #0084b4; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">WhenCallsTheHeart</b>.</span></i>'</span> Daniel's bright blue eyes and sharp handsome looks do lead one to believe that the young man may indeed be our new Wynn. However there is no official word on the role, so of course I may be entirely wrong- I am just speculating. But please take a look, I'd love to hear what you think. Also keep in mind the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151447340943266" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">video</span></a> uploaded today (Aug 22) which shows a <span style="font-family: inherit;">'<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Behind-the-scenes [...] clip of Elizabeth Thatcher's stagecoach being robbed on the journey west to Alberta.'</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span> If you look closely you can see a young man lying on the ground behind Elizabeth (Poppy Drayton) dressed in what I can only assume to be a Canadian Mountie's uniform , which leads me to believe it is Wynn. I cannot see the actors face clearly but from a casual glance it is possible it could (I use that term very lightly) be Sharman?<br />
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The film is now a wrap and with the principal photography done it is in the stage of post-production. I am still a little confused as to how the movie/series will work. With the combining of the past footage with the new footage and with the numerous changes in cast (not to mention the obvious change in hair colour from one Elizabeth to the next)- but I am still eagerly awaiting this series and desperately hope that it stays as true as possible to the Janette Oke's original novel and wish all the best for it's success. <span style="background-color: white; color: grey; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
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God Bless and Much Love,<br />
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Mel xx<br />
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<i>Note:</i> I recently moved houses so here I am, once again, apologising for my neglect of this blog. Now that we have settled properly in, I will be able to get back to normal and within the next few weeks I will be posting some various book reviews along with, an update post about a Gown of Spanish Lace, a nice little Robin Hood (BBC) post and perhaps a more detailed post updating you all on my life (and the changes since moving).Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-33864038427378834502012-07-15T16:17:00.000+10:002012-07-15T16:17:52.177+10:00When Calls the Heart: Update and Video<div style="text-align: left;">
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I've been a little slow on reporting the news that has been flooding in of late concerning these films. You will all know by now how keenly I have been following the production of this film due to my love for the book series. So it will not surprise you in the least if I tell you I am fairly much about to burst as I write this blog post. But I'll try to repress these feelings of mine and get straight to updating you all with the new information.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Xg-QKOFjhCFxFwyXCQAKR9QZc7UjVTmmXtst-qS9g7AMKnKK79vwgYzgaGH45KvL9N1HfwPOX3AJx5vz9kiINbVx05hi9qPSipSFnc3pI_8oCjONY9IWipstFw9k0kks8nsCacnCqCmf/s1600/wcth1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Xg-QKOFjhCFxFwyXCQAKR9QZc7UjVTmmXtst-qS9g7AMKnKK79vwgYzgaGH45KvL9N1HfwPOX3AJx5vz9kiINbVx05hi9qPSipSFnc3pI_8oCjONY9IWipstFw9k0kks8nsCacnCqCmf/s400/wcth1.png" width="332" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was too excited not to include an edit using a few caps <br />
I took from the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151277560553266" target="_blank">video</a>.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2362991/" target="_blank"><b>IMDb Site</b></a><br />
This site appeared briefly when the films were first announced and then as swiftly as it arrived it vanished again. The site has, in recent history, been once again 'put up'. Despite it's rather empty appearance, this is a great sign that things are moving forward in terms of a release date- which according to the site is 2012.<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/WhenCallsTheHeartMovie" target="_blank"><b><i>When Calls the Heart</i> Facebook Page</b></a><br />
The film now officially has a facebook page! The page lists the film as a <i>Hallmark Channel </i>original film, so as most of us already deduced it will be airing first on the channel similarly to the beloved 'Love Comes Softly' series.<span style="background-color: white;">There is no still no news of an actual release/air date on the page (or on the<i> Hallmark Channel </i>site for that matter) but the page has commented that in will be:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"> '<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">Coming in late spring or early summer, 2013, on the Hallmark Channel'. </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Another interesting comment made on the page gives us a little hope in terms of future sequels:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">The first book will serve as the jumping off point for the series. Lord-willing, the other books in the series will foliow as sequel movies once the series has run its course. </span></blockquote>
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Now for the most exciting news, the above Facebook page has uploaded a video...YES A VIDEO. The caption boasts: <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">"When Calls the Heart"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">appetizer from the first stage of filming? This is never before seen footage, so enjoy! </span><span style="background-color: white;">The video itself runs for about 2 and a half minutes and...gahhh I want to tell to you all about it, but I'll let you all run off and watch it yourselves <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151277560553266" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">God Bless you all, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Mel xx</span><br />
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<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-84426723731619264752012-06-24T11:54:00.001+10:002012-06-24T11:56:19.330+10:00Robin Hood Action Figures<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkU_FonH_bHiM6tUQkv8KcZqxHbReov43j8i3mSbOna5uHP1oL_o09j4HDpZQ95abY8pVtXFmCyVa5r2Yu9HtnO1NX5g0zLmdhkgr5QM5xoZPIW1tdShFoCxdJOH0lAHnZBjgBS1IqtZ0R/s1600/RobinHoodFigurines.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkU_FonH_bHiM6tUQkv8KcZqxHbReov43j8i3mSbOna5uHP1oL_o09j4HDpZQ95abY8pVtXFmCyVa5r2Yu9HtnO1NX5g0zLmdhkgr5QM5xoZPIW1tdShFoCxdJOH0lAHnZBjgBS1IqtZ0R/s320/RobinHoodFigurines.png" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">A few days ago I posted that I had made some rather Robin Hood-ish purhases lately that I wished to share with you all. I know I have quite a few blogging friends on here that are fans of the wonderful BBC Robin Hood TV Show that aired from 2006-2009. So I thought you won't mind if I share my joy at finally having completed my action figure collection/family. It took quite a few months of searching online but I was able to piece by piece (or rather figure by figure) add to my collection and I now finally have all of the 5 inch figures. </span><br />
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I am a little disapointed that all of the characters were not made. How dearly I would have loved a Will Scarlett (*sobs*), or an Allan A Dale figure and I could not believe that they didn't make a Much! But nevermind, I'm glad they at least made these few characters.<br />
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Here are a few closer photos of the figures.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetDMxzqKOny2WMGCBskhF8yWipKJYR2VdL9MiBga2FjGcNjH5INp0C6cgfPZL61cmV8xPlpJBmomLoj8twqDX1bp9JE7PG0n5b1oJwRZld0G6gR2Wa3v7AAu_k0G76mlx2IS5mIkn7fKX/s1600/GuyandSheriff.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetDMxzqKOny2WMGCBskhF8yWipKJYR2VdL9MiBga2FjGcNjH5INp0C6cgfPZL61cmV8xPlpJBmomLoj8twqDX1bp9JE7PG0n5b1oJwRZld0G6gR2Wa3v7AAu_k0G76mlx2IS5mIkn7fKX/s320/GuyandSheriff.png" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Vaisey Sheriff of Nottingham <span style="background-color: white;">and</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"> his right-hand man Sir Guy of Gisborne</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG44gSTCAlAxwv4o709Zt-Eh11MsHOVo2tzJEZvfxJw5vMgJBcaz1iPzZuwCrR7jjBhsVXDPSQWyN8P10zPhqXi3pqT-PpmEJtN_o2UHC96iirihkuZA2wl-vUp5NQV_gPcuzbRdk99oh_/s1600/marianandrobin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG44gSTCAlAxwv4o709Zt-Eh11MsHOVo2tzJEZvfxJw5vMgJBcaz1iPzZuwCrR7jjBhsVXDPSQWyN8P10zPhqXi3pqT-PpmEJtN_o2UHC96iirihkuZA2wl-vUp5NQV_gPcuzbRdk99oh_/s320/marianandrobin.png" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady Marian and Robin Hood </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TTAYnRdIgMAWqme8TImk791-zmNRB1pOcSGXK1RFKLquSXDr-kHZK1Un7O8yWOzrwxBOlAD3xNqGjH3yBCIYdK8kb8o2XH5QdGw9T1mtNqTD5bOKGYznpr-xCF1jSzpjGwNC7HQw98DV/s1600/NRLJ.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TTAYnRdIgMAWqme8TImk791-zmNRB1pOcSGXK1RFKLquSXDr-kHZK1Un7O8yWOzrwxBOlAD3xNqGjH3yBCIYdK8kb8o2XH5QdGw9T1mtNqTD5bOKGYznpr-xCF1jSzpjGwNC7HQw98DV/s320/NRLJ.png" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Nightwatchman, Robin and Little John.<br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Note: This 'Robin' differs to that of the one in the<br />above photo with Marian.</span></i></td></tr>
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<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-90164318491126200862012-06-17T11:17:00.000+10:002012-06-17T11:17:42.888+10:00Exams are over!I have finally finished up uni for this semester. Exams are all done and dusted and I am settling in for a nice long break and where I can finally get back to doing some of the things that due to course work and study had to be shelved for the time being.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qCYvmOC7OANmAJ6S2scZJhZ5XUlxXJEERRpgyqBxxPITBu7GEbMR1abEVa7GQEH6eq4Q2g_KXkwu5Z3P6AdVYM8htfks03UWE-H-sws-qe3kB_TjCRLYoOirWatSA7ueuxPXgwlwHCW7/s1600/JE.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qCYvmOC7OANmAJ6S2scZJhZ5XUlxXJEERRpgyqBxxPITBu7GEbMR1abEVa7GQEH6eq4Q2g_KXkwu5Z3P6AdVYM8htfks03UWE-H-sws-qe3kB_TjCRLYoOirWatSA7ueuxPXgwlwHCW7/s320/JE.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The day after my exam I snatched the chance to watch this<br />
2006 adaptation of Jane Eyre with my Mum. <br />
(Minus a few scenes) I really enjoyed it. </td></tr>
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As I sit here typing this post I am wondering whether I should have simply posted one of the many reviews sitting patiently in my drafts to celebrate this glorious extra time on my hands. I guess sometimes it seems much easier to write an informative and rather impersonal piece than something like this.<br />
But nevermind, I am just so excited to finally have some free time, I have a mountain load of blogging to do, a large stack of books on the floor just waiting to be read (I even had to buy <i>another</i> bookshelf a few days ago to prevent tripping over them and breaking my neck!), ohhh and I may finally be able to fit in some painting (I love painting, and drawing. I don't think I've ever spoken about that here).<br />
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Well I must run, my brother is coming down today for a visit and I haven't so much as brushed my hair :)<br />
<br />
Love Mel <3<br />
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ps. I made some rather Robin Hood-ish purchases since I last posted. I'll be sure to take some pictures in the next few days to share with you :)<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">pps. Harry Lloyd (It felt weird coming back and not even mentioning him in the post, so there, my heart is now satisfied)</span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-31479368441833773012012-05-03T22:28:00.003+10:002012-05-03T22:28:44.374+10:00Book Review: When Calls the Heart<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzA3nNNE2y-NypRlNNXenPsQF2utTLpcLFUgapfYa00KngLu__widNDULEQoJcSEz31_noyo3aQvjV28KHGmSGIDsAEGv3DT-ytFSzp1Ko3TvT6fjYFDX3bcz_OKLgSSlWZkevHiYJ0dt/s1600/whencallstheheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzA3nNNE2y-NypRlNNXenPsQF2utTLpcLFUgapfYa00KngLu__widNDULEQoJcSEz31_noyo3aQvjV28KHGmSGIDsAEGv3DT-ytFSzp1Ko3TvT6fjYFDX3bcz_OKLgSSlWZkevHiYJ0dt/s320/whencallstheheart.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/389827.When_Calls_the_Heart" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></td></tr>
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<b>Title: </b>When Calls the Heart (Canadian West Series Book #1)<br />
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<b>Author: </b>Janette Oke<br />
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<b>My Rating: </b>4/5<br />
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<b>What is it about?</b><br />
Elizabeth Thatcher has enjoyed a cultured Eastern upbringing with a loving family yet her spirit is restless. When an opportunity for a teaching position in the Canadian West is presented to her she begins to believe it is an answer to her prayers. Upon arriving a twist of events forces her further away from the only life she knows but she is determined not to let it get in her way.<br />
As she attempts to win the hearts of the schoolchildren and the local families she slowly begins to lose her own heart to a dashing young member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.<br />
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<b>My Thoughts: </b><br />
With the upcoming film adaptations of the first two books in this series I thought it would be a perfect time to begin re-reading the series. This first book was everything I had remembered it to be; charming and full of characters who came to life with each turn of a page. Unfortunately it was also just as slow to start as I remembered too. The first handful of chapters, although they set the scene for the whole series, seem to drag on and fall into (I feel so terrible for saying this) the dangerous territory of borderline boredom.<br />
But I assure you it does get better, much better. As the story progresses there is a slight shift in the story and I found I couldn't keep turning the pages fast enough. I wouldn't call this story adventurous or fast-paced as such but it's a beautiful story that is heartwarming and has the ability to make you both smile and tear-up as you follow the journey Elizabeth takes.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-86378310775430653702012-04-21T22:31:00.000+10:002012-09-29T18:08:28.734+10:00Book Review: Masquerade<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhca8H5Z9Z88hRVKBOqTNXgctbfJRQEdY7qvtTWpbLUn4ovXtP2NyOi1fdhpnzc1ZE8jw8hgJeTwhmFHqSd_hBKqjJ1vGRwrO3DIDfqQcfPBmIu_KIcT9Y1fraxL7nayiZcB-gfQma51I/s1600/Masquerade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhca8H5Z9Z88hRVKBOqTNXgctbfJRQEdY7qvtTWpbLUn4ovXtP2NyOi1fdhpnzc1ZE8jw8hgJeTwhmFHqSd_hBKqjJ1vGRwrO3DIDfqQcfPBmIu_KIcT9Y1fraxL7nayiZcB-gfQma51I/s320/Masquerade.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Credit: <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/time-lottery-nancy-moser/1102627048" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></td></tr>
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<b>Title: </b>Masquerade<br />
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<b>Author: </b>Nancy Moser<br />
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<b>My Rating:</b> 2/5<br />
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<b>What is it about?</b><br />
It's 1886 and Charlotte Gleason, the only child of one of England's finest families embarks on a voyage to America to marry a wealthy heir to secure her future amid a family crisis. Never having met the man intended for her, and desiring a life of adventure and love Charlotte persuades her only friend- her maid, Dora to switch places with her.<br />
While Dora enjoys the fairytale lifestyle she has only ever dreamed of- with ballgowns, suitors and mansions. Charlotte's world comes crashing down around her, her social standing and her wealthy upbringing hasn't prepared her for a world where she is forced to live as a pauper. <br />
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</b><br />
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<b>My thoughts: </b>I opened this book with high hopes due to the intriguing maid/lady role reversal but as I steadily moved through it I was quite disappointed, which makes for a hard time writing a review. Unfortunately as a narrative I felt that it never quite lifted off. The author seemed more invested in detailing the fashion and the economic and social issues of the period than the characters and their development. What could have made for an interesting riches-to-rags (and visa versa) became more of a slow progressing historical piece that was teetering on the edge of boring.<br />
The main characters both lacked proper character development, and by the end of the novel any moral was found wanting. I was also disappointed by the rushed ending which attempted to tidy up all the remaining issues without properly 'fixing' anything or showing any sort of consequences relating to the actions of the main characters. However there were several secondary characters introduced throughout the novel whom I found quite likable. These characters throughout the course of the novel slowly opened up and gave me a glimpse of the hidden potential of the story. However despite these minor character's progress I was disappointed to find that they had come so far only to be- in a matter of speaking 'burnt' in the last pages and then never heard of again.<br />
I feel terrible writing a review of this nature, I did really want to like this novel but I simply cannot get past the fact that after reading this I didn't care a single bit about either of the main characters or wonder about what happened to them beyond the last page. Both of which I find are extremely important factors to me. Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-55625452877781479012012-04-01T17:02:00.000+10:002012-04-01T17:02:05.415+10:00Blog Changes and New Buttons.Slowly but surely I've been pottering around my blog over the past week making slight changes here and there. (Giving the poor darling a makeover and a little attention seemed like the least I could do for it.) While I admit I am much happier with the way it looks now, I terribly miss my Northanger Abbey banner which faithfully greeted me each time I opened my blog. But it was definitely time for a change and after spending a rather frustrating day at my editing program I was able to finally come up with a banner I felt happy with.<br />
Despite the pictures being of Pip and Estella from the 2011 adaptation of<i> Great Expectations</i>, I felt that rather than simply have my blog title, I wanted to use the whole quote from Jane Austen's <i>Northanger Abbey:</i><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 19px;"><i>"But when a young lady is to be a heroine, the perverseness of forty surrounding families cannot prevent her. Something must and will happen to throw a hero in her way."</i></span></blockquote>I suppose my use of that quote makes me seem quite...I don't know what phrase to use but I imagine if my brother were to find that this quote was my favourite he would proclaim that I was 'such a girl'. But I can assure you I don't flit or flounce around weighing up every man I see as a potential husband/hero. Neither do I sit at home raising a fist to the sky crying '<i>When will that something happen to throw a hero in <b>my</b> way!</i>' I just like that quote for the simple reason that I love Austen's sense of humour and I just find it to be oddly reassuring. And so what better reason to have the whole quote across the banner.<br />
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Also in changing everything around I decided to add some new blog buttons, the older ones didn't seem to fit with the updated look.<br />
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</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Bright Star (2009): </b>John Keats & Fanny Brawne<br />
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<center><a href="http://butwhenayoungladyistobeaheroine.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank" title="http://But when a young lady is to be a heroine"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/2re1h79.jpg" /></a> <center><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Great Expectations (2011): </b>Pip & Estella</div><br />
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<center><a href="http://butwhenayoungladyistobeaheroine.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank" title="But when a young lady is to be a heroine"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/hs5kp5.jpg" /></a><center><br />
</center> <center><textarea cols="13" id="code-source" name="code-source" rows="3"><center><a href="http://butwhenayoungladyistobeaheroine.blogspot.com.au/"><img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/hs5kp5.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" /></a>/></center></textarea></center><center><br />
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I hope you all like the changes as much as I do and I pray that you all have a wonderful upcoming week, especially as we move into celebrating Easter.<br />
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Much love from you friend,<br />
<br />
Mel<br />
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ps. I am finally getting around to writing some reviews so you will see some soon :)Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-35787565640779345622012-03-19T14:34:00.000+11:002012-07-16T11:11:07.032+10:00Update: Film Adaptations of Janette Oke's Canadian West Series<u><b><span style="color: red;">UPDATE 16/07/2012:</span> If you are interested in newer news on this film series (and a short video preview) see this new post</b> <a href="http://butwhenayoungladyistobeaheroine.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/when-calls-heart-update-and-video.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">here</span></b></a><b>. For those of you who may be interested in reading the book, I suggest checking out my review</b><a href="http://butwhenayoungladyistobeaheroine.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/book-review-when-calls-heart.html" target="_blank"> <span style="color: red;"><b>here</b></span></a><b> too. </b></u><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I was reminded this week of some posts I wrote a while back regarding some beloved Janette Oke novels, which were said to have been picked up by several film companies. The lovely </span><a href="http://regencydelight-janeaustenetc.blogspot.com.au/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Melody </a><span style="background-color: white;">was asking in particular about the possible adaptation of Janette's novel </span><i style="background-color: white;">A Gown of Spanish Lace. </i><span style="background-color: white;">I plan to do a post sometime quite soon focusing on that wonderful novel but for now I'm going to share some news I found regarding the film adaptation of another series of Janette's novels- the </span><i style="background-color: white;">Canadian West Series</i><span style="background-color: white;">. I first wrote </span><a href="http://butwhenayoungladyistobeaheroine.blogspot.com.au/2011/03/when-calls-heart.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="background-color: white;"> about this back in March of last year (wow- last year! wait a minute *goes off to look at blog dates*.... my first ever post was the 13th of March 2011, I've been here for a year now!).</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2iUxpJ2FCHTsb8llwaR1PcyzIwICUjpkAHIvvptEIoJB9YlqZ-jbt4FBaXy6M1W6xm6-4U2jUgHy-vz6QKcGi8Nyv185K7uMNdr4M5aUUav6Ickr1cMsQtowxeDye1hhFw5Xf1iIP1wO/s1600/WhenCallstheHeart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2iUxpJ2FCHTsb8llwaR1PcyzIwICUjpkAHIvvptEIoJB9YlqZ-jbt4FBaXy6M1W6xm6-4U2jUgHy-vz6QKcGi8Nyv185K7uMNdr4M5aUUav6Ickr1cMsQtowxeDye1hhFw5Xf1iIP1wO/s200/WhenCallstheHeart.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Credit: <a href="http://www.christianfilmdatabase.com/review/when-calls-the-heart-canadian-west-series-by-janette-oke/" target="_blank">Christian Film Database</a></td></tr>
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If you are a fan of Janette's work you may have noticed that for a while now there have been production stills, cast lists and quite a lot of information regarding the film <i>When Calls the Heart </i>floating around. It even appears that the film itself is already filmed and is only awaiting distribution. At one point there was even an <i>IMDb</i> site which was unfortunately taken down almost a quickly as it appeared. This lead to many speculations that the film had been cancelled. However thankfully due to a little digging I found this <a href="http://www.abridgeinternational.com/downloads/mission-pictures/WCTH_flyer.pdf" target="_blank">flyer</a> (<b><u>There are spoilers on the flyer, so if you haven't read the book I would advise not following the link. See Below for my attempt at a spoiler free version of the flyer</u></b>) and some information to prove the contrary.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQr07FLr4I_tEdq2MSi-BRs4oiiwob5Flhe_pp6GXYYIxLFf45rzc12LsZJlJAddJZo4P7EOKZyLbpkCvP0dmfzBp_N9lA4Owjg5t0J1h6x2V1gXBzRlQS9iE_MoS9wAV2HPsFwVJ_DRu/s1600/when+calls+the+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQr07FLr4I_tEdq2MSi-BRs4oiiwob5Flhe_pp6GXYYIxLFf45rzc12LsZJlJAddJZo4P7EOKZyLbpkCvP0dmfzBp_N9lA4Owjg5t0J1h6x2V1gXBzRlQS9iE_MoS9wAV2HPsFwVJ_DRu/s640/when+calls+the+heart.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wynn Delaney (Stephen Amell) and Elizabeth Thatcher (Maggie Grace) in <i>When Calls the Heart</i> (Image Credit: <a href="http://www.abridgeinternational.com/downloads/mission-pictures/WCTH_flyer.pdf" target="_blank">aBridge International</a>)</td></tr>
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The flyer not only displays some lovely pictures from the film (as you can see above) but also has a detailed blurb. I have carefully cut out large spoiler sections in the blurb and added the non-spoiler-ish parts below (well as much as non-spoiler-ish can go) so those who want to know more about the film can read it. I cannot promise that it is spoiler free as such, but believe you me it has less spoilers than that blurb in the above flyer link. <br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Young, pretty, cultured and educated, Elizabeth Thatcher’s big-city eastern upbringing in a rather well-to-do family has not prepared her for a teaching position on the Canadian frontier. But when a love-spurned school superintendent in Toronto manipulates her into the only teaching opportunity available, she has no choice but to embrace her destiny and head west. Elizabeth chooses to face her fears of the frontier and journey far away from her family, friends, and comfort.<br />
When she arrives, she must learn many tough lessons about living in the Canadian wild west, but she is not alone. Amongst the farmers and townspeople of Pine Springs, she meets Wynn, Delaney a very handsome and charming man who immediately sparks her interest, but also seems to have his own family. As Elizabeth becomes acclimated to the frontier and welcomes the local children into her classroom, she faces many obstacles, including wild animals, mischievous students, and misunderstandings with the townspeople [....] </i><i>she soon </i><i>realizes that Wynn</i><i> is not only not a farmer, but actually a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. [...]A</i><i>s the school year winds down, and Wynn and Elizabeth grow closer, she soon realizes that Wynn is in deep conflict with himself. [...] is in love with her [...] but he is [...] sworn to the dangerous duty of a lawman – a job not suited to a man with a wife. </i></blockquote>
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The Dvd release date for this film is marked as TBA (to be advised) on each site I have come across, however, Annelie at the Christian Film Database site has very kindly answered some questions regarding the date saying:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><i>'According to Believe Pictures, the production of this film will be in the Summer of 2012. There is still no release date at this time.'</i></span></blockquote>
This comment was posted quite recently on March 11, 2012 so it does give me hope that despite the long wait this film will eventually be released sometime in the near future :) (you can read the rest of Annelie's comments <a href="http://www.christianfilmdatabase.com/review/when-calls-the-heart-canadian-west-series-by-janette-oke/" target="_blank">here</a>)<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOva_jyOaGVbcOtMfctVu6NwzK0oGuz5vBdlcNCggAKjrv6p19b_E3vr8vinP9VU_rhDdvhW_4rOFuh2qKKKNwzBCn_K66_8jgmhezTFJJEY4-y5KnUYPdibGFZloqzYBhMs4gnBH7vnlj/s1600/when+comes+the+spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOva_jyOaGVbcOtMfctVu6NwzK0oGuz5vBdlcNCggAKjrv6p19b_E3vr8vinP9VU_rhDdvhW_4rOFuh2qKKKNwzBCn_K66_8jgmhezTFJJEY4-y5KnUYPdibGFZloqzYBhMs4gnBH7vnlj/s200/when+comes+the+spring.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Credit: <a href="http://www.christianfilmdatabase.com/review/when-comes-the-spring-canadian-west-series-by-janette-oke/" target="_blank">Christian Film Database</a></td></tr>
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In my search I also stumbled upon the picture to the left on the <a href="http://www.christianfilmdatabase.com/review/when-comes-the-spring-canadian-west-series-by-janette-oke/" target="_blank">Christian Film Database site</a>. <i>When Comes the Spring </i>is the second book in this lovely series and therefore would in essence be the sequel to the above film <i>When Calls the Heart</i>. So yay, we now have two films to eagerly await and again the Dvd release date for <i>When Comes the Spring</i> also stands at TBA.<br />
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I have subscribed to the site's newsletter which is the best way to hear of news on upcoming films. So as soon as I hear word of an actual date on either of these films I will be sure to let you all know.<br />
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I hope this post was of some use, most of the information is quite new to me but since I have been absent from blogger it is quite possible someone else has posted all this and you all already know about these films. Either way I enjoyed writing this up so.... :)<br />
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All my love,<br />
<br />
Mel xx<br />
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ps. I'm really looking forward to seeing Stephen Amell as Wynn. I remember seeing Stephen in the <i>Heartland</i> tv series and a rather enjoyed his performance, he was quite charming.<br />
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pps. If only Harry Lloyd was going to be in these films. Actually scrap that if only Harry was in every film I plan on watching in the future. *sigh* If only I could make it through a post without saying 'Harry' or referring to him in some extremely obvious way or worse- getting stuck on this dream cast I'm trying to put together and finally deciding the perfect cast is one with Harry in all roles- male and female. I'm rambling. Sorry. Bye.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-17958096546070678132012-03-17T16:47:00.004+11:002012-03-17T16:54:05.714+11:00A Few of the Additions to My LibraryI thought my first official post back should be a book catch-up sort of post. During my absence I have added significantly to my growing 'library' of books particularly with thanks to Christmas and then my Birthday having past in January. Considering a few days ago I was blessed with the opportunity to buy an iphone I thought I would take some pictures of some of the beautiful 'children' I have been given lately.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLpcQkkt0nsKjVbcAqKaZGX17-XdhwlEF0sKi-rbNF0yvBqmdnqPlc-qUING3btePCriiGfEkp-scCtTKLI2CPd4uS2tVv_VlvT3DIJi1wnQCOAXL6bZmd1Kf6cIHUsR196PuaeS5TVcI/s1600/2nd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLpcQkkt0nsKjVbcAqKaZGX17-XdhwlEF0sKi-rbNF0yvBqmdnqPlc-qUING3btePCriiGfEkp-scCtTKLI2CPd4uS2tVv_VlvT3DIJi1wnQCOAXL6bZmd1Kf6cIHUsR196PuaeS5TVcI/s400/2nd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
One of the first books I found at the beginning of this year was the <i>'A Secret Refuge Series</i> by Lauraine Snelling. Lauraine Snelling was one of those authors whose name I saw popping up when I was on the look out for my favourite Christian authors (such as Janette Oke and Tracie Peterson) so I was very excited when I found this series in a 3-in-1 book for a small $4 at a second hand book store. I finally had the chance to start it 3 days ago and I could hardly put it down. I read until 3am last night and then awoke early this morning to read the remaining pages. I'm still sitting on a buzz after it and I cannot wait to review the series sometime in the future. <i>The World of Downton Abbey</i> was given to me by my wonderful parents for Christmas, it is full of glorious pictures and loads of information about both seasons of the tv series. I haven't had much of a chance to look through it in detail as I hadn't seen the second season and didn't want to spoil it. But I finished season 2 this week so I can finally begin to read it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOe9booYViKtEKpLbaOljJ6gnxBpqBbMr7H3gfu5B0y9NJzCk6l2-qWYtu7sRUalVlkoiWg_YF_x05VdNvU83qGwq_o8Ywe_TSJ3RzYFnJGaO5zNnS57_Z1yjAadSzP9GmUYcp5I_g5_2d/s1600/1st.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOe9booYViKtEKpLbaOljJ6gnxBpqBbMr7H3gfu5B0y9NJzCk6l2-qWYtu7sRUalVlkoiWg_YF_x05VdNvU83qGwq_o8Ywe_TSJ3RzYFnJGaO5zNnS57_Z1yjAadSzP9GmUYcp5I_g5_2d/s640/1st.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The first picture is a copy of <i>Northanger Abbey </i>by Jane Austen. Although I tend to favor the older ones- you know the editions that smell and have yellowish pages and little notes from the previous owner but this brand new one is material bound and is my absolute pride and joy. The second picture is of a lovely Jane Austen journal I received from my parents for my birthday, inside it has beautifully lined pages and every so often a page may have an illustration from one of Austen's novels along with quotes from her various works. The 3rd picture is of two copies of <i>Lorna Doone </i>by R.D Blackmore. The top copy is one of my favourite buys to date. I bought it for 50c at an Op shop, it is material bound and almost falling to pieces. It is a 1957 edition and is an absolute treasure. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYLOCARONsk-JLcDjywgNAr_Eag_L8w_tgJM-4hc7pFSif7kqdpRIckhTxvudCg4fw_-EdCKJOxIDKMBsJj7BtLU9mXlQS6JGAEMWkJRUSDhq626RbUn0ljwUf8h3KuaQkIRCQnJO7TMo/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYLOCARONsk-JLcDjywgNAr_Eag_L8w_tgJM-4hc7pFSif7kqdpRIckhTxvudCg4fw_-EdCKJOxIDKMBsJj7BtLU9mXlQS6JGAEMWkJRUSDhq626RbUn0ljwUf8h3KuaQkIRCQnJO7TMo/s320/013.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
And I know it isn't a book but I have to include my <i>Great Expectations</i> (2011 TV Mini-Series) DVD. When it arrived in the mail I just about fainted on the spot (for quite obvious reasons *cough cough*). Again this is something I cannot wait to review although I do not have a clue how I am going to write it in a 'proper' way. I'm sure it will all be a collection of my sighing, and ohhh- ing and ahhh- ing over the series in general and one very talented actor in particular.<br />
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All my love,<br />
Mel/Missie (whichever I am now) xx<br />
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<div>ps. My Austen collection has grown so much too! I'm amazed at how many copies I have now. I can't wait to share about them but I'll leave that to another post :)</div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-51170121453798160722012-03-07T15:46:00.001+11:002012-03-07T15:47:43.978+11:00Hi, I know it's been forever.I've been writing and re-writing this post for a month now deciding how to apologise and explain my absence for the past however many months. But I woke up this morning and decided I had better just jump in and type something because time is just flying past.<br />
I had contemplated deleting this blog but I came to the conclusion that I love this blog and I'm going to stick at it. But I will be making a few changes to the layout and running of this blog. In addition to this I've decided to keep this a mainly period drama blog and leave my fangirling (particularly the Harry Lloyd fangirling) to my tumblr page. So thank you to you all for sticking with me, give me a few days to organise this blog and we will be ready to go back to normal.<br />
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I love you guys,<br />
<br />
Mel xx<br />
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Ps. Obviously I won't be able to catch up on everything I've missed but I will be flicking through quite a few of my favourite blogs and commenting on some of your older posts- so don't mind me.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-43044404444156093302011-10-03T21:43:00.001+11:002011-10-03T21:44:26.746+11:00Which Jane?Firstly I am so so so sorry for the delay in posting this, I had an extremely busy week last week (I will tell you all about it in another post) and then the silly poll widget/gadget thing wouldn't work, so I had to use an external poll thing (yeah, I have no idea what half the stuff on computers are called so 'thing' is the best I can do). Anyway the new poll <em>Which Jane?</em> is now up on the sidebar. There are 10 Jane's in the poll, they are as follows:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jane Eyre</strong> from <em>Jane Eyre, </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jane Bennet</strong> from <em>Pride & Prejudice</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jane Fairfax</strong> from <em>Emma. </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Miss Laurie of<a href="http://old-fashionedcharm.blogspot.com/"> Old Fashioned Charm</a> suggested:</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Miss Jane Marple </strong>from some of Agatha Christie's novels</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jane Andrews </strong>from the Anne of Green Gables series</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jane Murdstone </strong>from <em>David Copperfield</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Lady Jane Crawley </strong>from <em>Vanity Fair</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> Lady Jane Grey</strong> from <em>Lady Jane</em> (1986) </div><div style="text-align: center;">and <strong>Jane Banks </strong>from Mary Poppins. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Abby from <a href="http://newly-impassioned-soul.blogspot.com/">Newly Impassioned Soul</a> also suggested:</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Miss Jane Marple </strong>from some of Agatha Christie's novels.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and Melody from <a href="http://regencydelight-janeaustenetc.blogspot.com/p/blog-buttons.html">Regency Delight- Jane Austen etc</a> suggested:</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Jane Austen- </strong>here I am going to go with the character from <em>Becoming Jane</em> (2007)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you ladies! and have fun voting :)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" title="Anne"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" title="Anne"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGq2Ky1EoNUscf2x2fBgntLYzbxQRrnKwjsETPPWK9pUGD0K_-b8W0TKVnNImDFcvLiSyLEFEq8M-nv6EtpOxe3vf5WeVr9-SmT052j5ia1P5NXtJv4GeGYUtKtGQxczUYug4K14CHn_Q/s1600/thejanes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGq2Ky1EoNUscf2x2fBgntLYzbxQRrnKwjsETPPWK9pUGD0K_-b8W0TKVnNImDFcvLiSyLEFEq8M-nv6EtpOxe3vf5WeVr9-SmT052j5ia1P5NXtJv4GeGYUtKtGQxczUYug4K14CHn_Q/s640/thejanes.jpg" width="369" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;" title="Anne"><br />
</div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-88297827946755364422011-09-22T21:27:00.002+10:002011-09-22T21:30:59.539+10:00I now have a Tumblr page (?)Yesterday I did something bold...I created it a <em>Tumblr</em> page! I know crazy right! (Especially when I was so convinced I would never have one!) Well it wasn't a spur of the moment thing I have actually been thinking about it for the past month or so and finally came to a decision yesterday. Despite having no idea how it all works! But it has been a lot of fun designing and developing my page, and I think the next few weeks are going to be quite exciting working it all out.<br />
Anyway the point of this post was to let all my followers know that I have created this page mainly so I can post my fan art pieces and post other random pictures I find on that <em>Tumblr </em>page rather than clogging up this blog. So if you start to wonder where the fan art has gone- well its there :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xMSHYk4F3_Y43OfYjUJ89Y28IGlXPY1dOuvJhIaK-NKC4oKavZ6mOz4dbrB1-qczVXg95D4d93CLrbA3ynY1ZG-vAgepht-IQUOvwAUJIjpVMwI6WbBjizv_XXrQg7NyFar9xsNbKmN7/s1600/tumblr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xMSHYk4F3_Y43OfYjUJ89Y28IGlXPY1dOuvJhIaK-NKC4oKavZ6mOz4dbrB1-qczVXg95D4d93CLrbA3ynY1ZG-vAgepht-IQUOvwAUJIjpVMwI6WbBjizv_XXrQg7NyFar9xsNbKmN7/s320/tumblr.jpg" width="280" /></a><br />
If you are interested you are welcome to check it out if you like. There is not much on it now, I am still finding out how things work. Oh, and I decided to use a separate title to this blog choosing the title from one of my favourite poems, "<em>The Good Morrow</em>" by John Donne<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://itwasbutadreamofthee.tumblr.com/">http://itwasbutadreamofthee.tumblr.com/</a></div><br />
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Love<br />
Mel xx<br />
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ps. It also means I can post Henry Tilney pictures, Robin Hood Screencaps and Harry Lloyd pictures to my hearts content without annoying all of you :)Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-26679592878628952472011-09-20T16:00:00.001+10:002011-09-20T16:04:11.012+10:00An Introduction to Herbert Pocket;<em>Note: I wrote this about a week ago and posted it on another site dedicated to Harry Lloyd. However lately I have been noticing I am getting a lot of Harry Lloyd related searches here on this blog, so I have also decided to post this here. In other news I plan on having a Harry Lloyd page on this blog up and going in the next few days so that those who are interested can quickly find film information, pictures and posts about him. </em><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>An Introduction to Herbert Pocket; </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Harry's character in Great Expectations</strong></span> </div><br />
I recently began re-reading 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens purely so I could learn a little bit more about Herbert Pocket- the character Harry Lloyd will be portraying in the upcoming 'Great Expectations' TV series. I am not sure if this is of any interest to anyone but I thought I would post a little of what I learnt about the character for any fans of Harry who like me want to know a little about who this 'Herbert' is. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFZVsmS9EXDEnG1sBcd-_iWfBxZorCIr502KfUpat4YGRXIIwaIGlrRf5fVdV23bp925TJpg4A_CiBjUuM_kUig1Or8po_ootTOMZ1yQIf4RC509UmqGhg6Yk5odX-ke1Upw0JaOOKmWL/s1600/pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFZVsmS9EXDEnG1sBcd-_iWfBxZorCIr502KfUpat4YGRXIIwaIGlrRf5fVdV23bp925TJpg4A_CiBjUuM_kUig1Or8po_ootTOMZ1yQIf4RC509UmqGhg6Yk5odX-ke1Upw0JaOOKmWL/s320/pic1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harry Lloyd cast as Herbert Pocket in Great Expectations<br />
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</tbody></table><strong>NOTE: I have tried very hard to keep this article free of any major spoilers however in order to get a grasp on the character it is necessary to describe certain events and happenings in the novel.</strong> <br />
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The classic story 'Great Expectations' details the life of the young Phillip "Pip" Pirrip. To say the novel is told by Pip, follows Pip and is mostly about Pip is...well true. However while Pip is indeed the lead or title character there are also a handful of major characters in the novel and Herbert Pocket is one of them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzkLN3HdAVrarlblHqRjREppXTAodJeR1b_CYtyPDFJ3CWL39_PQT4a7hruF0AqBNj1kUSDUaN4tENPa59edIPUucJcp4i7XTDS7g63BzWkEYeNU8_F4Clg8pnUFT8cYhDdNE9edHRpkl/s1600/pic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzkLN3HdAVrarlblHqRjREppXTAodJeR1b_CYtyPDFJ3CWL39_PQT4a7hruF0AqBNj1kUSDUaN4tENPa59edIPUucJcp4i7XTDS7g63BzWkEYeNU8_F4Clg8pnUFT8cYhDdNE9edHRpkl/s320/pic2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eros Vlahhos to play the young Herbert (aka little Harry)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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Herbert first enters the story as a young boy whom Pip by chance meets at Satis House. He is described by Pip as <i>"a pale young gentleman with red eyelids and light hair"</i>. Pip also notes that <i>"...he did not look very healthy-having pimples on his face, and a breaking out on his mouth"</i>. Herbert in this scene proceeds to challenge Pip to a fight. Due to Herbert being quite young in at this first meeting, the young Herbert Pocket is to be played by actor <i>Eros Vlahhos</i> not Harry Lloyd.<br />
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The story continues for quite a while and it seems as though we have seen the last of the <i>'pale young gentleman'</i> however certain events take place which lead to the arrangement of the adult Pip staying in London with Mr. Herbert Pocket. They both soon realise that they had once met as young children and quickly strike up a friendship which is maintained during the entirety of the novel. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1g-IkuyauPV1xWy9LU2qNP14EVCJDKfMRuObGjvTBKUHtJGA2Ygccdw80wn0Pf_f92x9I6mvLestu5TcLh6qiEgYK6wgUEaqGg6C5zSI19HeQTBkwtU8DT4_del0ZfnZ8WZNlGBp5-sz/s1600/pic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1g-IkuyauPV1xWy9LU2qNP14EVCJDKfMRuObGjvTBKUHtJGA2Ygccdw80wn0Pf_f92x9I6mvLestu5TcLh6qiEgYK6wgUEaqGg6C5zSI19HeQTBkwtU8DT4_del0ZfnZ8WZNlGBp5-sz/s400/pic3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herbert (Harry Lloyd) and Pip (Douglas Booth) become close friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The adult Herbert is described to the reader once again through the eyes of Pip:<br />
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<i>"Herbert Pocket had a frank and easy way with him that was very taking. I had never seen any one then, and I have never seen any one since, who more strongly expressed to me, in every look and tone, a natural incapacity to do anything secret and mean. There was something wonderfully hopeful about his general air, and something that at the same time whispered to me he would never be very successful or rich. I don't know how this was. I became imbued with the notion on that first occasion before we sat down to dinner, but I cannot define by what means.<br />
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He was still a pale young gentleman, and had a certain conquered languor about him in the midst of his spirits and briskness, that did not seem indicative of natural strength. He had not a handsome face, but it was better than handsome: being extremely amiable and cheerful. His figure was a little ungainly, as in the days when my knuckles had taken such liberties with it, but it looked as if it would always be light and young. Whether Mr. Trabb's local work would have sat more gracefully on him than on me, may be a question; but I am conscious that he carried off his rather old clothes, much better than I carried off my new suit."</i> (Chapter 22)<br />
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I love these two paragraphs; I included them because I believe that the words used here to describe Herbert are a great representation of his character. It was also when reading these two paragraphs that the realisation sunk in that Harry really could <i>be</i> Herbert. It seems to me to be a great casting choice (particularly when taking into consideration the physical look of Herbert and comparing it to Harry's). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWsMWyKQCCM9Eb1TV8X0vjd79NZTNK9YYUeF9HS7kU8z4xWuc-1dyMZm__n-Rn_FU3yOrEFafF0YTWV03rZ8-XUfECp8lnLvTYbGc2zIzC1pU1MlxST7RNu8SQfMQ8L3BXaUtFRdc5Mpu/s1600/pic4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWsMWyKQCCM9Eb1TV8X0vjd79NZTNK9YYUeF9HS7kU8z4xWuc-1dyMZm__n-Rn_FU3yOrEFafF0YTWV03rZ8-XUfECp8lnLvTYbGc2zIzC1pU1MlxST7RNu8SQfMQ8L3BXaUtFRdc5Mpu/s640/pic4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think Harry is perfect casting for the 'pale young gentleman'</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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I don't particularly want to go any further into the life Herbert due to spoilers and the such but I would like to just give a short overview on my thoughts. While I was reading the novel, I will be honest in saying that, I did not find Herbert to be the most interesting of characters, but what is great about him is that he is true- in the most pure of forms. He remains friends with Pip - throughout all his adventures and misadventures and is for the lack of a better word a very adorable character. And I think it will be very easy to love Harry in this role. <br />
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So from reading the novel can we determine how much 'screen time' Harry may have as this character- unfortunately no. As any book-to-film adaptation many things sometimes have to be cut or are condensed to fit in the allotted time frame. Therefore it is impossible to tell at this point how often Harry will appear. However in the novel he is a key character and has many lines and has an important role in educating the adult Pip. Also so far it also appears that Harry is listed as being in all of the three episodes of the series which is a really good sign that he shall be in the series quite a bit. <br />
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I did not add this on the post on the other site but I thought for those of you who have already read the novel and were not too concerned about spoilers I would add this <strong>SPOILER ALERT </strong>Herbert in the novel admits to being quite in love with Clara, he keeps this quite secret as she is considered below his station. With this in mind I have been quite excited to see who would be cast as Clara Barley, Herbert's love interest and it appears that actress Perdita Weeks is to portray her. Some of the Jane Austen fan's may know Perdita from her role in <em>Lost in Austen</em> in which she played the role of Lydia Bennet. I really enjoy her as Lydia and I am looking forward to seeing her in the role of Clara. <strong>END OF</strong> <strong>SPOILER </strong><br />
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Much love,<br />
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Mel xxMelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-15683860196668922402011-09-20T14:07:00.002+10:002011-09-20T14:12:26.633+10:00Polls: Results and FutureA little while ago the poll <span style="font-size: large;">"Which Austen heroine has the best first-name?"</span> finished. Before I list the results I just want to say thank you to everyone who voted because I am very pleased to say we had 54 votes, the highest amount of votes I have ever had on a poll. <br />
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Now to the results:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9xYssDwNHffaiZW4VXuGShakllb-wgZDi88mz368ZBKJdCkEg3rYWwcjml1GUdGztOexPJrhwi1eZwHfjCl3blCcPCZ9QCddl91OHYU4VDMDJJYqhuCAa7NlTEzkHnZxfOWXXaBT9Wra/s1600/lizzie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9xYssDwNHffaiZW4VXuGShakllb-wgZDi88mz368ZBKJdCkEg3rYWwcjml1GUdGztOexPJrhwi1eZwHfjCl3blCcPCZ9QCddl91OHYU4VDMDJJYqhuCAa7NlTEzkHnZxfOWXXaBT9Wra/s320/lizzie.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The winner, in first place was</span></span><strong> Elizabeth</strong>- 18 votes (33%)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne">There was a four-way tie for second place:<br />
<strong>Elinor</strong>- 7 votes (12%)<br />
<strong>Emma</strong>- 7 votes (12%)<br />
<strong>Jane</strong>- 7 votes (12%)<br />
<strong>Marianne</strong>- 7 votes (12%)</div></div><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne">3rd was <strong>Catherine</strong>- 5 votes (9%)</div><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne">At 4th was <strong>Anne</strong>- 2 votes (3%)</div><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne">and in the final position, <strong>Fanny</strong>- 1 vote (1%)</div><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;" title="Anne">I thought the results were very interesting, I did not expect that Elizabeth would rate so much higher than the other. Don't get me wrong it is a beautiful name, and is definitely one of my favourites here but I thought it would be a much closer result between 1st and 2nd since I had so much trouble picking a clear favourite. I loved the fact that 2nd place was a four-way tie, It shows that Jane Austen picked so many beautiful names for her heroines and it was obviously very hard for all of us to choose from!</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;" title="Anne">If you enjoyed these poll's and would like to learn more about the names Jane Austen used in her novels I encourage you to check out these blog posts that Miss Laurie over at <a href="http://nameenthusiast.blogspot.com/">Name Enthusiast</a> wrote:</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"><a href="http://nameenthusiast.blogspot.com/2011/09/jane-austen-and-english-nicknames.html">Jane Austen and English Nicknames</a></div><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"><a href="http://nameenthusiast.blogspot.com/2011/09/english-nicknames-in-jane-austens-day.html">English Nicknames in Jane Austen's Day</a></div><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne">Both of these posts are extremely informative and enjoyable to read!</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"> </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;" title="Anne">Now that the above poll is finished, It is prime time to start thinking of a new one. I wanted to continue on the theme of names but have decided to stray a little bit from the meanings and the which name do you like better theme and focus on the character in reference to a name. </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;" title="Anne"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;" title="Anne"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigVFtP5Ww3j8FkX9nLqCb25COFZFfxX27dZgHwt1h-8e_VMtcIWOhX7GoRCKu89_v6VyuDvgJmCHlC-R7XCMtJ5jS7e6Zlu6hKh271fQxTO-eRAs3-uAmCLbX783aEAtNKbgJSERDOB1P/s1600/elinorandeward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigVFtP5Ww3j8FkX9nLqCb25COFZFfxX27dZgHwt1h-8e_VMtcIWOhX7GoRCKu89_v6VyuDvgJmCHlC-R7XCMtJ5jS7e6Zlu6hKh271fQxTO-eRAs3-uAmCLbX783aEAtNKbgJSERDOB1P/s200/elinorandeward.jpg" width="200" /></a>So this is what I plan to do, it is going to be a series of Poll's titled </div><div style="text-align: left;" title="Anne"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"><span style="font-size: large;">"Which ______ ?"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;" title="Anne">I know that makes no sense at all right, so let me explain...where the line/blank space is I will substitute it with a name, for example the first one will be <strong>Jane</strong> in honour of the lovely Jane Austen.<strong> </strong>Therefore the first poll is: Which Jane? I will then list a selection of characters who are named Jane in literature or in a period drama film and create a poll to see which Jane is the favourite.</div><div style="text-align: left;" title="Anne"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;" title="Anne">Now I have been thinking I may need your help with this poll series so a week before I plan to post the poll I will include the new name along with a list of those I characters I have thought of and leave a few spots open for you to come up with any other characters to add (of course I will credit you with your submission, when I officially post up the poll). </div><div style="text-align: left;" title="Anne"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;" title="Anne">Anyway so the first one as I said above will be: Which Jane? so far the contestants are:</div><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"><strong>Jane Eyre</strong> from <em>Jane Eyre</em> </div><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"><strong>Jane Bennet</strong> from <em>Pride & Prejudice</em></div><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"><strong>Jane Fairfax</strong> from <em>Emma</em></div><div style="text-align: center;" title="Anne"></div><div style="text-align: left;" title="Anne"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;" title="Anne">I have a few more to add later on if we don't get any suggestions, but I am going to leave it open for now so.... <em>Can you think of anymore "Jane's"</em></div><div style="text-align: left;" title="Anne"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;" title="Anne">ps. I will also post up small profiles on each of the characters who are contestants in the poll, so that we know who they are. And also each poll series will alternate between a female character name and male character name. </div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-18941000224021048832011-09-13T16:52:00.001+10:002011-09-13T17:22:21.983+10:00Update: Closer to the Moon (2013)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rdhroZb1sWq0-o1pmDd-d8ImRda8CL8USvmM50oAsd7BVM2fvwsVXCkvHdwgkmElWuNghe6_iYT3RrY-ANdyNbQTiJuRANhHY-J3oDn9UKeM3ZyF5qhsPog7vnqQ_ceQcdJG_r495003/s1600/Will+and+Allan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rdhroZb1sWq0-o1pmDd-d8ImRda8CL8USvmM50oAsd7BVM2fvwsVXCkvHdwgkmElWuNghe6_iYT3RrY-ANdyNbQTiJuRANhHY-J3oDn9UKeM3ZyF5qhsPog7vnqQ_ceQcdJG_r495003/s320/Will+and+Allan2.jpg" width="281" /></a>Big news for <em>Robin Hood</em> (BBC) fans with two actors from the series lined up to appear in the period drama <em>Closer to the Moon</em>. The news was released at the end of August that British actor Harry Lloyd had won the lead role, and now his Robin Hood co-star Joe Armstrong is named to play the character of Razvan. <br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Harry and Joe starred together in the first two season's of <em>Robin Hood</em> as Will Scarlett and Allan A Dale respectively. </div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">read more information about <em>Closer to the Moon</em> <a href="http://butwhenayoungladyistobeaheroine.blogspot.com/2011/09/harry-lloyd-cast-in-closer-to-moon-2013.html">here</a></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-26359483746109442592011-09-10T20:10:00.002+10:002011-09-10T20:14:39.010+10:00Period Drama Week Tag Question- Part 2<center><a href="http://elegance-of-fashion.blogspot.com/2011/08/period-drama-week.html" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjmb0RwRmlkkinUGquyVxl4b1ImwTOXGPN4r_AiTKzZN5KzdjhbYIcFjhBGAEq9TIgwwRGTgoyXS4_rk2e6cY97B_UPtLgJfu_7_82UcX2O94ff6pCrwmHMUyKVuUqxZbHfZ1iRYzpDke/s320/button-amazinggrace.jpg" /></a></center><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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Here is the 2nd (and last) Part of the Period Drama Week Tag. For those of you who haven't heard yet Miss Elizabeth over at her blog <a href="http://elegance-of-fashion.blogspot.com/">Elegance of Fashion</a> has been running <a href="http://elegance-of-fashion.blogspot.com/2011/08/period-drama-week.html">Period Drama Week</a>. One way to join in the fun was to participate in this tag, you can also check out her blog for some great posts including a trivia challenge.<br />
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<strong>11. Which period drama which you haven't seen yet do you most want to watch? </strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrP8IgVgNxqaOIBR1NrQQS5jgRJ-NgD0_pzlp3RPYBYkprPqDPtxKG6WEsSFraNVOO899kZ1mbw4D3Z3JAswC50CXe_cdGqPJuGQ9vbsjlhwCzsZpkgDlsp3Yhki1c5FmLbNTTzDcV0kjc/s1600/q12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrP8IgVgNxqaOIBR1NrQQS5jgRJ-NgD0_pzlp3RPYBYkprPqDPtxKG6WEsSFraNVOO899kZ1mbw4D3Z3JAswC50CXe_cdGqPJuGQ9vbsjlhwCzsZpkgDlsp3Yhki1c5FmLbNTTzDcV0kjc/s400/q12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">There is actually quite a few but I really want to see these three: Cranford (2007), Sense and Sensibility (2008) and Jane Eyre (2006)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<em>NOTE: I typed this up 2 days ago since then I bought Sense and Sensibility (2008)! I hope to start watching it tonight :)</em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-J7u7McvMU2-vRF1oQfFWiRYaWhckWqk5SCJ_Syf9U2LqwYLVRH8LgI43fO7x1-CORhyphenhyphen0zBatnzTWgO9Tk1TcyYSJP8QAc5ZOeCk_sTRBWOK9_RvuHslw3hOefiAOs3A5JQgOeQY5Mg82/s1600/thornton+%2526+margaret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-J7u7McvMU2-vRF1oQfFWiRYaWhckWqk5SCJ_Syf9U2LqwYLVRH8LgI43fO7x1-CORhyphenhyphen0zBatnzTWgO9Tk1TcyYSJP8QAc5ZOeCk_sTRBWOK9_RvuHslw3hOefiAOs3A5JQgOeQY5Mg82/s1600/thornton+%2526+margaret.jpg" /></a></div><strong>12. Which period drama has the prettiest soundtrack or background music? </strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love the background music in <em>North & South </em>and <em>Downton Abbey. </em> I also love the music in <em>Tristan & Isolde </em>(note: my version of the film is edited of the inappropriate scenes), I own the soundtrack and I play it constantly in my room. It has a beautiful Irish sound to it that I love. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>13. Which period drama has your favourite screenplay/script? Why? (e.g if it is similar to the original text, if there is one, or if it has been improved in some ways) </strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">This question is a little hard because there are so many great ones. A few I love include <em>The Young Victoria, The Abduction Club, Ever After </em>and <em>Bright Star. </em>But my favourite would have to be <em>Lost in Austen, </em>simply because before I began watching it I was absolutely convinced I would hate it. I'm not a big fan of modern Austen adaptations or anything that strays too far from the novels but I loved it. It was funny, original and completely separate from Jane Austen's work so I felt I could love it without feeling I had somehow wronged Jane and her work. There were a few things I didn't like about it but largely I thought the script was great.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEz9qGM5yw3MX3XFyvK7aEqhwKPGBA3Mp60W-hB9r8csKoAkuYTbJgSwNgEapArx5erAFaMFIXfFfs3zuULBbTaSePnTsl-fFMD0NK8_gpiHzB6Jtndg6YLB7KJWRScoaNHfoL38-OrMR/s1600/lostinausten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEz9qGM5yw3MX3XFyvK7aEqhwKPGBA3Mp60W-hB9r8csKoAkuYTbJgSwNgEapArx5erAFaMFIXfFfs3zuULBbTaSePnTsl-fFMD0NK8_gpiHzB6Jtndg6YLB7KJWRScoaNHfoL38-OrMR/s400/lostinausten.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>14. Do you like having multiple versions of some period dramas? Do some period dramas need a newer version? </strong><br />
I definitely love having multiple versions, I find I love them all for different reasons. I do think some of them need a newer (longer) version, but it doesn't entirely bother me right now I'm pretty much content. Oh come to think of it a new mini-series <em>Persuasion</em> would be nice though.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>15. What is the longest period drama you've seen? </strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5iLPxJpCssBupq2L8jklSGBLXEhqYg3Be3sc9Vlg7LDXhLZYUkPKbZlgutmRsghA6dGe1Wg8Iq25933qBQgukO0-YancrROYIi3e3HOu4Bspoq4uiQ2lN4i1C6qxevcI9fI3xjXKDI2Y/s1600/series.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5iLPxJpCssBupq2L8jklSGBLXEhqYg3Be3sc9Vlg7LDXhLZYUkPKbZlgutmRsghA6dGe1Wg8Iq25933qBQgukO0-YancrROYIi3e3HOu4Bspoq4uiQ2lN4i1C6qxevcI9fI3xjXKDI2Y/s320/series.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am not entirely sure, just thinking off the top of my head I think it may be <em>Middlemarch </em>(1994) However if TV series' are included I am sure I have seen plenty that run longer than Middlemarch. Namely Robin Hood (BBC 2006) with its 39 episodes long at around 45 minutes each.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>17. Do you prefer watching a regular-length movie or a more in-depth mini-series? Why?</strong><br />
A mini-series without a doubt. I think as an audience we are able to connect more with the story and the characters. <br />
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<strong>18. What period drama has one of your favorite actors/actresses in it?</strong><br />
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One of my very favourite actors is <u>Heath Ledger</u>, he was my favourite actor (before I knew of Harry Lloyd) and when I was growing up <em>A Knights Tale</em> was my all time favourite movie, I thought Heath's performance in it was wonderful. It is definitely my favourite performance in a period film. Unfortunately I haven't seen the film in a long time because the day Heath passed away was my 18th birthday, I was so upset I made sort of like a vow to never watch <em>A Knights Tale</em> again. But recently my Mum brought me home a magazine all about <em>A Knights Tale </em>and I was able to look at it without crying (see its all about baby steps) so maybe soon I will try and watch the film again. Anyway not only does this film have Heath Ledger but also has some of my other favourite actors including <u>James Purefoy</u>, <u>Paul Bettany</u> and the amazing and awesomely talented <u>Rufus Sewell.</u><br />
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<strong>19. Which heroine from which movie was your least favorite? Why? </strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Definitely Catherine Earnshaw from <em>Wuthering Heights, </em>she is my least favourite simply because I don't think she is a good role model or character. I don't like to sound too negative or put people into boxes but for me personally she doesn't fit my ideal of a good heroine. </div></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><strong>20. Which three period dramas are your least favorite? </strong><br />
I'm not sure whether I am supposed to list my 3 least favourite period drama films I have seen or the ones I don't want to see. So I'm just going to list the ones I<em> have </em>seen:<br />
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1. <em>Jane Eyre</em> (1983)<br />
The one huge reason I hated this mini-series was Timothy Dalton's Rochester. Okay so I disliked Rochester in the book, but seriously that was nothing compared with the Rochester in this film. I watched the entire thing through something i would never do ever again- I would rather stick pins in my eyes!<br />
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2. <em>Persuasion</em> (2007)<br />
It wasn't that this film was particularly bad, but the chemistry was off I didn't believe in the whole Anne and Wentworth relationship. I really disliked Sally Hawkins' portrayal of Anne, but I actually think she is a great actress she just didn't suit the character of Anne. And the I can't stand the end scene where Anne runs all around the world only to run all the way back again! Seriously!<br />
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3. <em>Northanger Abbey</em> (1986)<br />
Thankfully I had read the novel and seen the 2007 adaptation before this one because if watching this film was my first introduction to Northanger Abbey I would never ever consider reading the novel or going anywhere near Henry Tilney (now that's a bad thought!). Needless to say I really didn't like this adaptation, it was creepy, freaky and way too Gothic. Catherine annoyed me, Henry creeped me out and I didn't like anything about it at all. <br />
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<strong>16. Who are your favourite actors/actresses from period drama? </strong><br />
You may have noticed that I skipped this question before, I wanted to end on a more positive note so I left this one till last. I found this question so hard because I love so many of the actors/actresses that are in period dramas. Anyway it was a painful process but I narrowed it down to my favourite 5 actors/actresses from period dramas.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFYQFNP1KCSuHDoa5I4BjcceZvkbulZ3X078oA3nJPVwvxx1lHFm1jdXK2OOSJn9F0KfCji2CY5ieiSNs6ylP8HzVYahxgh4ReO9t0yCJE4pNIU7n3op5acWjiEuX8fJAHRnz9RR_DFhY/s1600/favperioddramaactors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFYQFNP1KCSuHDoa5I4BjcceZvkbulZ3X078oA3nJPVwvxx1lHFm1jdXK2OOSJn9F0KfCji2CY5ieiSNs6ylP8HzVYahxgh4ReO9t0yCJE4pNIU7n3op5acWjiEuX8fJAHRnz9RR_DFhY/s640/favperioddramaactors.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
1. <strong>Harry Lloyd</strong> [<em>Robin Hood </em>(BBC),<em> Jane Eyre</em> (2011) and in anticipation of <em>The Iron Lady</em> and <em>Great Expectations </em>(TV Series)]<br />
2. <strong>Justine Waddell</strong> (<em>Wives and Daughters</em>, <em>Thomas Hardy's Tess of the D'Urbervilles)</em><br />
3. <strong>Richard Armitage</strong> <strong>[</strong><em>North & South</em>, <em>Robin Hood </em>(BBC)]<br />
4. <strong>Rufus Sewell</strong> (<em>Middlemarch</em>, <em>Tristan & Isolde</em>, <em>Amazing Grace</em>)<br />
5. <strong>Dame Maggie Smith</strong> (<em>Washington Square</em>, <em>Becoming Jane</em>, <em>Downton Abbey</em>)<br />
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and I couldn't help it, I had to give a special mention to <strong>Hugh Bonneville,</strong> <strong>Julia Ormond</strong> and <strong>Jonathan Firth</strong>.<br />
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I hope you enjoyed reading my answers,<br />
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Love Mel</div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-71795813361719094872011-09-07T21:26:00.001+10:002011-09-07T21:26:33.541+10:00Harry Lloyd cast in "Closer to the Moon" 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuU7iHtCRYgHH9kqQwWVMn3scXv3i8JfahMKtXKqRnMM6UVRGcJf1-A9WJuy0rUfshnWyuevRRVf7tBARXh7FfamgLnuZxf54m1QO74aiUCASt3G2fQg3yz2Nv4McNZnXWBKbkkEzDyay/s1600/harry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuU7iHtCRYgHH9kqQwWVMn3scXv3i8JfahMKtXKqRnMM6UVRGcJf1-A9WJuy0rUfshnWyuevRRVf7tBARXh7FfamgLnuZxf54m1QO74aiUCASt3G2fQg3yz2Nv4McNZnXWBKbkkEzDyay/s1600/harry.jpg" /></a></div>I am always quite excited when I hear my favourite actors picking up roles but none more so than Harry Lloyd.<br />
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<em>Deadline Magazine</em> released the exclusive news on August 31st that Harry had been cast in the <span style="font-size: large;">lead role</span> in the period drama <em>Closer to the Moon</em>. He will be starring alongside the likes of Vera Farmiga and Mark Strong. The film, set in Bucharest 1959, follows a group of anti-Nazi revolutionaries as they rob a bank under the pretense of shooting a film. They are subsequently arrested and sentenced to death but not before being forced to reenact the robbery for a propaganda film.<br />
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It sounds like quite an interesting storyline however, naturally I wont be deciding on whether or not I will watch this film until further plot and rating information is known, so at present I am just <em>reporting</em> this information rather than promoting it (if you understand what I mean). Anyway with the film set for release in 2013 we still have a while to wait.<br />
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Thankfully for all us Harry fans out there we still have much to look forward to in the nearer future with many countries still awaiting the DVD release of <em>Jane Eyre</em> (in which he plays Richard Mason) and his upcoming roles in <em>The Iron Lady</em> (as the young Denis Thatcher) and BBC One's <em>Great Expectations</em> (as Herbert Pocket).<br />
Love,<br />
Mel xxMelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128835179440327574.post-14928552702473846822011-09-07T14:04:00.001+10:002011-09-07T15:27:57.283+10:00Period Drama Week Tag Questions Part 1<center><a href="http://elegance-of-fashion.blogspot.com/2011/08/period-drama-week.html" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RrNFbte_5wTwxIpu7dVKqwU38mpBRlO_C9BIsyBqojDY1tXwKymwsSVWFJDhzvxIBMsS3ww2KVP9lzLLQmIzn05gQi0TTSiYaAILHxOmi5GVKhwo51r_OfyATMMqOzxEjOHDLgoaMQQY/s320/button-wivesanddaughters.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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It's <a href="http://elegance-of-fashion.blogspot.com/2011/08/period-drama-week.html">Period Drama Week</a> over at Miss Elizabeth's lovely blog <a href="http://elegance-of-fashion.blogspot.com/">Elegance of Fashion</a>. One way in which to get involved in this special event is to participate in this tag, which is compiled of 20 questions relating to Period Drama's.<br />
I really enjoyed answering these questions and hope that you enjoy reading them. Don't forget to stop by <a href="http://elegance-of-fashion.blogspot.com/">Elegance of Fashion</a> to see what other exciting things as happening throughout the week.<br />
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<strong>1. How did you get into period dramas?</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I remember as a child staying at my grandparents and seeing <em>The King and I. </em>I became entranced by the costumes and language which seemed so foreign as child who mostly grew up on <em>Disney</em> films. So it started there but it really wasn’t until about 5 years ago where I became trapped in the period drama world. </span></strong><br />
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</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>2. What is it that you like about period dramas?</strong></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59-BPqTiKuFs4hcegTrlJzq1uQWpQA-UaWtBSs1PhGEY1TfH9fXwBJ93oPeK1gZssn_WsMbJ1iMPrnzJgkylvDkGF0Gqg8OV_T3RrU6oLrAvAF2X75fUD1DcvP3RdrOkQuo0bnwEqvXeK/s1600/Darcy-Amanda-lost-in-austen-5234591-650-350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59-BPqTiKuFs4hcegTrlJzq1uQWpQA-UaWtBSs1PhGEY1TfH9fXwBJ93oPeK1gZssn_WsMbJ1iMPrnzJgkylvDkGF0Gqg8OV_T3RrU6oLrAvAF2X75fUD1DcvP3RdrOkQuo0bnwEqvXeK/s320/Darcy-Amanda-lost-in-austen-5234591-650-350.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This is a hard question, really its everything about them, I suppose the simplest way to put it is to borrow a few words from Amanda Price from the mini-series <em>Lost in Austen</em> : </span></strong></div><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></strong><br />
<blockquote><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><em>"I love the love story. I love Elizabeth. I love the manners and language and the courtesy."</em></span></strong></div></blockquote><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><strong>3. Do you usually read a book and then watch the adaptation or do you watch the adaptation and then read the book?</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Usually try to read the book first and in most cases I have read the book before I have even heard of the film adaptation. But I think as time goes by and as more novels are made into films and as life gets busier I think this will change.</span></strong><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>4. What are your top three period dramas and why?</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Another hard question. I don't have a top 3, I have a top 15 or 20 I think. I am going to leave out the Austen adaptations because I have already spoken enough about them. So here are 3 films I love from my Top 15 :)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0PHtm4rYyXtpzd4brWUvXsytRAHw1O92zBxFISGxLKxhFTW3JXevgIR1tmgoPT8CPQ5xjyZ2TrVL_x4CKtg8HGWApxxX8hDSjTGyMYWXeRjliWKmAxt8zmpU9lvEsB2bIHAarvMa825i/s1600/toppd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0PHtm4rYyXtpzd4brWUvXsytRAHw1O92zBxFISGxLKxhFTW3JXevgIR1tmgoPT8CPQ5xjyZ2TrVL_x4CKtg8HGWApxxX8hDSjTGyMYWXeRjliWKmAxt8zmpU9lvEsB2bIHAarvMa825i/s400/toppd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>1. <u>The Abduction Club</u> (2002)<br />
This one was an easy choice. I love this film, it has action, adventure, romance, a little comedy, exquisite costumes, dashing gentlemen, feisty young ladies, gorgeous scenery and a Irish-styled soundtrack- what more could you want! It is my favourite movie to sit down and watch with one of my sisters (the one closest to me in age), we both adore it and spend hours, literally, speaking about it afterwards. <br />
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2. <u>Lorna Doone </u>(2000)<br />
I watched this film for the first time earlier this year, since then I have watched it so many times I don't even want to think about it. I love the time period in which this film is set and the scenery is lovely.<br />
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3. <u>The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas </u>(2008)<br />
Picking the 3rd one was a little harder but when it came down to it I knew it was going to be this one. This film is gorgeous but terribly sad, I think it has some of the most amazing acting performances in a movie. Two of the lead characters are young boys who have to carry the film and they do it magnificently. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>5. From those three period dramas that you picked, who are your favorite characters in each one?</strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBScDavQD_LwiDafpIQabbpRShwwJ8U6aNndU5pUv_WwjQBimh7LKxnFVmIJZdhrmxGi-IB-lRyOp9OkpIIL1tNoXGMMt117xSJAJ262mkRd1BWXo79TNozF_vGcBKS8Ka5rLNKVrFwvv/s1600/top3char.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBScDavQD_LwiDafpIQabbpRShwwJ8U6aNndU5pUv_WwjQBimh7LKxnFVmIJZdhrmxGi-IB-lRyOp9OkpIIL1tNoXGMMt117xSJAJ262mkRd1BWXo79TNozF_vGcBKS8Ka5rLNKVrFwvv/s400/top3char.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><u>Catherine Kennedy</u> from <em>The Abduction Club. </em>I love Anne, Catherine's younger sister too so it was hard to choose but I love Catherine because she reminds me so much of Elinor Dashwood from <em>Sense and Sensibility </em>(Anne's a lot like Marianne too). Catherine is protective, sensible, beautiful and responsible. She cares so much for her family that she is willing to set aside her own feelings to try and do what is best for them.<br />
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<u>Lorna</u><em> </em>is my favourite character from <em>Lorna Doone.</em> She is strong, feisty but also<em> </em>beautiful, serene and kind. I loved Amelia Warner's portrayal of her, I thought it was very captivating and the emotion she put into her performance was so believable.<br />
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<u>Shmuel</u> from <em>The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas,</em> he is seriously the cutest little kid ever. I just wanted to take him home! I cried almost every time I saw him on the screen, he was so gorgeous. And seriously who cannot love a kid with huge eyes and a name like "Shmuel" it is such an awesome name!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>6. Which author do you like the adaptations of their works best?</strong><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fxlM5O9HD9YIBZX4wb-Dc7oCxp9IuM2m93Jq7PAAprgAJJ3GZlF7Oqe9Q75y7dvcbClz5YQsmGcUtnHmayJTdNSJ0Fepl0rAsaUvZWoGCyq-lnSTx-FryFcn4Xx6tUdLJzOLwM2RjRwk/s1600/2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fxlM5O9HD9YIBZX4wb-Dc7oCxp9IuM2m93Jq7PAAprgAJJ3GZlF7Oqe9Q75y7dvcbClz5YQsmGcUtnHmayJTdNSJ0Fepl0rAsaUvZWoGCyq-lnSTx-FryFcn4Xx6tUdLJzOLwM2RjRwk/s320/2.png" width="320" /></a><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Jane Austen, I suppose because she is my favourite author, its just so hard not to like the<em> good</em> adaptations of her work. But I still think that adaptations of Elizabeth Gaskell’s novels are the most well adapted films from novels- <em>Wives and Daughters</em> and <em>North & South</em> were so beautifully filmed and scripted and stayed so faithful to the novels. And although I haven't yet seen <em>Cranford</em> (but I just bought the novel so once I have read it I plan to see it)<em> </em>but I have heard it too is very good. </span></strong></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>7. Which period drama characters are the funniest to you (Keep it under three)?</strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjjEqzAohf0o4IJyIEm7qeLvOnqQUfQ4R7m4NvImyYvijZOS7xHyfEc30XAYPvdIHQbO7Se3Wl46bmHAvD_A36eOgjSZVXR_24zAbRO8oBCk2N-_ttaSb6HEimdJ4TDwdw_6hiKvq8tL1/s1600/top3funny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjjEqzAohf0o4IJyIEm7qeLvOnqQUfQ4R7m4NvImyYvijZOS7xHyfEc30XAYPvdIHQbO7Se3Wl46bmHAvD_A36eOgjSZVXR_24zAbRO8oBCk2N-_ttaSb6HEimdJ4TDwdw_6hiKvq8tL1/s400/top3funny.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><u>Squire Hamley</u><br />
I cannot help but laugh at almost laugh at almost everything he says in <em>Wives and Daughters</em>.<br />
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<u>John Thorpe</u><br />
I know that he could easily fall into the 'most annoying' category but I just find him hilarious. He has no idea that no one cares at all about what he is saying or that his gig has this or that. I loved William Beck's portrayal of him in the 2007 adaptation, I must admit that although he was super creepy I found that it only made it all the more funny for me.<br />
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<u>Mrs. Hyacinth Gibson</u><br />
I don't think I ever laughed so much in a period drama movie than in one particular scene in <em>Wives and Daughters</em> where Hyacinth Gibson (played by Francesca Annis) at almost the very end of the film does some quite hilarious waving actions through the window (I don't want to give away too much for those of you who may not have seen this film). Anyway it had both my Mum and I in tears. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>8. Which period drama characters are the most annoying (Keep it under three)?</strong><br />
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<u>Mary Musgrove</u> <br />
She is the reason that I don't often watch the 2007 adaptation of Persuasion- well along with the marathon scene at the end. Mary really annoys me, I will leave it at that because I already wrote about it here during <a href="http://butwhenayoungladyistobeaheroine.blogspot.com/2011/08/jane-austen-week-questions-part-2.html">Jane Austen Week</a>.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>9. Which period drama characters are in your top three?</strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOim6W_lHR2dCMosGMKp0ihW8GkHVlrHUjIs5V3_qz-GWAoazes9HCVNNFdO1lN1QYlCwfxBSdwA8gu7lXGY2GQ6SJlCZqdTsVyEc_ecmLATc3eM8TgcMvk3jzaWWUNvBsS0Y8AZBQY2Tu/s1600/top3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOim6W_lHR2dCMosGMKp0ihW8GkHVlrHUjIs5V3_qz-GWAoazes9HCVNNFdO1lN1QYlCwfxBSdwA8gu7lXGY2GQ6SJlCZqdTsVyEc_ecmLATc3eM8TgcMvk3jzaWWUNvBsS0Y8AZBQY2Tu/s400/top3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
1. <u>Catherine Morland</u> from <em>Northanger Abbey</em> (2007)<br />
The heroine of my favourite novel, just as I said during Jane Austen Week "I adore Catherine, she is the un-heroic heroine of literature. She possesses little of the "traits" that a heroine is expected to. She is not wealthy, or exceptionally beautiful or altogether intelligent. And I feel she is just so easy to identify with because she comes across at the beginning of the novel as an ordinary young girl who in general is nothing special. But as the novel progresses we see such a transformation of her character where Catherine becomes a heroine in her own special way."<br />
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2. <u>Scarlett O'Hara</u> from <em>Gone with the Wind</em> (1939)<br />
Okay, this one seems a little strange but she has always been high on my favourite characters list. I love her despite and because of her many obvious flaws, to me she is so human and so easy to identify with in many ways. I admire her determination and sympathise with how dearly she holds onto the old life/world as everything changes around her. And Vivien Leigh was simply beautiful in the role, she really is Scarlett.<br />
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3. <u>Will Scarlett</u> from <em>Robin Hood</em> (TV series)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Harry Lloyd's Will Scarlett is my favourite male character in any Period Drama (followed closely by Richard Armitage's Mr. Thornton). He is one of those characters who rarely does anything for himself, its all about the people he can help and what he can do to ease their pain and suffering. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbh71QYoQokIE73VuYJFt0wUnxC8EC6py3TDLQReclmN6LJgB0lctOLHOtUVo1Enyaj7sbHHYW1yH3T7rD6SlDRhwY2FQ_CSSG-mqftoxIW0H6ymWVI_IK0xVyuoBdPUg5EXg6auPVGoCc/s1600/tuckeverlasting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbh71QYoQokIE73VuYJFt0wUnxC8EC6py3TDLQReclmN6LJgB0lctOLHOtUVo1Enyaj7sbHHYW1yH3T7rD6SlDRhwY2FQ_CSSG-mqftoxIW0H6ymWVI_IK0xVyuoBdPUg5EXg6auPVGoCc/s320/tuckeverlasting.jpg" width="320" /></a><strong>10. When you watch period dramas, what is it that you pay the closest attention to (ie. costuming, scenery, etc.)?</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I suppose it is faithfulness and chemistry. Firstly if it is based on a novel I tend to get extremely frustrated if they deviate significantly from the original storyline. I also pay close attention to the chemistry between characters. For me costumes, hairstyles, make up, scenery and music all play a huge part in a film but if one is lacking I don't ever feel the movie is bad- it can usually be compensated for however if their is no chemistry between the two lead characters, there is nothing in my opinion that can fix the film, from there it just...flops.</div><br />
Love Mel xx</div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210949601658438992noreply@blogger.com4