Literary Heroine Blog Party

Hmm, I've had this post all ready to publish for days. I've just been waiting to get the pictures organised - but I can't do that because my computer is out of order at the moment! So you can just have the post without the pictures, LOL.

How delightful - a Literary Heroine Blog Party! Please join in, if you feel so inclined.

~ The Questions ~

Compiled by Miss Kellie and Miss Natasha

What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine? A true heroine should be someone who I can relate to and admire. A true heroine should be strong, yet feminine.

Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to. Oops, I've just realised that I used those two words in my first answer, above! Oh well. . . Okay, four heroines who I admire and relate to:

~Fanny Price from Mansfield Park. I first read this when I was about 14 or 15. I think I was even more painfully shy then than I am now. I don't have Fanny's moral strength and steadfastness, but I sure could relate to her quiet nature and sometimes crippling shyness!

~Catherine Morland from Northanger Abbey. Perhaps there isn't much to admire about Catherine, aside from the fact that she is a genuinely sweet, good-natured girl, but she's probably the Austen heroine to whom I can most relate, aside from Fanny. I found it so lovely and refreshing to read a Jane Austen novel with a heroine who was. . . well, just an ordinary teenage girl, who I could identify with! Young, a bit silly, very gullible and naive, a great bookworm, part of a big and happy family, totally in love with Mr. Tilney. . . Yep, Catherine and I have a lot in common!

~Emily Starr from the "Emily" books. Emily has always been the L.M. Montgomery heroine to whom I could most relate. More on this when I get to the letter "E" in my fave books series. Much as I adore Anne, we're almost complete opposites, in terms of temperament, LOL.

Oh, and I just remembered my "Top 15 Heroines" post that I did a while ago - I'll refer you to that post for more of my favourite heroines!

Five of your favorite historical novels? Historical as in historical fiction or historical as in books that were written a long time ago? Oh well, I'll assume it's the latter. I've picked these at random; these are five OF my favourites, not my five favourites.

Rose in Bloom - Louisa May Alcott
North and South - Elizabeth Gaskell
A Girl of the Limberlost - Gene Stratton-Porter
Our Mutual Friend - Charles Dickens
The Enchanted April - Elizabeth Von Arnim

Out of those five books who is your favorite character and why? Hmm, I'm going to say John Thornton from North and South. Because he's one of the sweetest, kindest, manliest heroes. . . ever! He's even nicer in the book than he is in the miniseries.

If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there? The British Isles. I'd visit as many castles, stately homes and historical sites as possible. :D

What is your favorite time period and culture to read about? Ummm. . . I like reading about ALL different historical periods and cultures! Oh well, I'll say the Regency Era for now.

You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of? (!!!) Well, NOT singing. I couldn't do comedy. Maybe recitation. Or perhaps I'd play something on guitar.

If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent? Lady Percy Blakeny!! LOL, that was just the first thing that popped into my head. I recently read The Scarlet Pimpernel for the first time, and am going through a second phase of SP fandom. . .

What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate? I can live without it, but. . . I do like it. :-) Dark, but not too dark (i.e. not the 85% cocoa variety). I like most chocolate things too (cake, brownies, etc.), but generally not chocolate ice cream.

Favorite author(s)?
Jane Austen
Charles Dickens
Jane Austen
Charles Dickens
Jane Austen

Okay, okay, let's try that again. . .

Jane Austen | Charles Dickens | C.S. Lewis | J.R.R. Tolkien | L.M. Montgomery | Elizabeth Gaskell | Charlotte Bronte | And many more. . .

As a small, imaginative, red-haired damsel might query; would you rather be divinely beautiful, dazzlingly clever, or angelically good? Why? I'd say "angelically good", except that the phrase somehow smacks of hypocrisy and goody-two-shoes-ism. And I'd pick it for partly selfish reasons, I'm afraid. I think being truly "good" would be more likely to help me find happiness and contentment than being beautiful or clever.

In which century were most of the books you read written? 19th century. . .

In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is… It's a toss-up between Henry Tilney and Sir Percy Blakeney.

Describe your ideal dwelling place. Hm, hard! Umm. . . wherever my family is!

Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name? Yes, sometimes.

In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is... Oooh, another hard one! I can't pick just one, but here are a few: Rigaud, Carver Doone, Chauvelin, Heathcliff. . .

Three favorite Non-fiction books? The BIBLE, So Much More, Castles of Friuli.

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

Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character. Oh, I don't know. . . something broad-brimmed and utterly romantic. :-)

Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year. 1. Our big road trip last year. 2. My 18th birthday (not so much the day itself, just. . . getting older).

Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently. God's and Moses' admonitions and encouraging words to Joshua in the book of Joshua, and towards the end of Deuteronomy.

And lastly, as I am a rather businesslike hostess, may I ask you your views regarding those adorable little items - namely pin back and mirror back buttons? 1). Where would you choose to display a button badge to best showcase your unique style? 2). What image and/or sentiment would most make you smile were it inscribed on your very own compact mirror? 1). I'd proudly wear it on my shirtfront, to declare to all the world my passionate love of books! LOL. . . Seriously, I don't really know. But I do think they're adorable. I especially like the "Bibliophile" badge. 2). I don't know! I do love the design on the compact mirror in the giveaway, though.

Two lovely awards :-)

~Sisters in Faith Award~

Thank you so much, Gae, for this award. :-) 

The rules are:

1. You need to pass it on :)
2. Pass it to several sisters who have been with you on your blog(s) from the beginning or almost beginning of your blogging days.
3. Pass it on to at least one new sister in faith.
4. Be sure to give the links to their blogs.

I award:

Erin 
Lynn 
Theresa 
Cathy 
Siminy
Livi 
Emily 

A big thank you and cyberhugs to these wonderful bloggers who have been around from almost the very beginning of Ribbons of Light - I think Theresa was the first person ever to leave a comment! 

And right now I can't think of anyone who fits the third category - sorry! 

The Beyond Your Imagination Award

1. List 8 stories or books that you would like to live in (for two weeks?)

1. The Chronicles of Narnia

2. Pride and Prejudice

3. The Lord of the Rings

4. Anne of Green Gables

5. The Lost Baron

6. Christy

7. Lorna Doone

8. Through the Looking-Glass

2. List 8 other bloggers who deserve this award

Only 8??

Siminy

Livi

Jono

Anna Maria

Autumn

Eden

Vellvin

Annie

Grace

Naomi

Okay, I cheated. . . What a fun award! Thanks, Nibs!

3. Comment on their blog, and tell them they won an award

Shall do. . .

An award

Thank you, Vellvin!

I award: Grace, Naomi, Annie, Esther, Bria, Siminy, Lydz, and Alexandra.

Christmas tag

My sister, Grace, tagged me!

What do you like about Christmas?

I like Christmas because it reminds us (or should remind us) to pause for a while and reflect on the amazing fact that God's son came to earth to bring us salvation - to rescue us, and bring us back into a real relationship with God! I also like Christmas because it is a time for giving, caring, and spending time with family.

What do you really want for Christmas?

I don't know! Maybe a good book or two. Other than that, I'm not sure. . .

How do you like to celebrate Christmas?

With my family!

What do you like to eat on Christmas?

Lots of Christmas sweet treats! Yes, I do have bit of a sweet tooth. . .

What colors do you wear on Christmas?

I have no idea! Something comfortable, and maybe also colourful.

Do you put Christmas lights on your house?

No

Do you have a Christmas tree?

Yes

Do you like Santa?

No

Do you like to make Christmas decorations?

Yes

Do you like to have Christmas at home with your family or do you like to spend the it with your Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles and other family?

I don't mind. It's fun to have a big family get-together sometimes, but it can also be nice to have a quiet Christmas at home with only your immediate family.

~~~~~

We're running out of time before Christmas, so I won't officially tag anyone, but if you would like to join in the fun, please go right ahead!

Another award

I've been very awarded of late! Thanks so much, everyone!

Alexandra and Emily both gave me this award! Thank you! :-)

The rules are as follows:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award.
2. Copy the award.
3. Post it on your blog.
4. Tell your readers 7 things they didn't know about you.
5. Link 7 bloggers as recipients.
6. Notify winners of award with a comment on their blog.
7. Keep being awesome.

* * * * * *

1. I don't like pretty, pastel colours or things! I love deep, rich colours - blacks, greys, dark blues, reds, greens. . . 

2. I love Aardman Animations movies! They're the folks who made Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run, etc. I post mostly about costumes dramas on here, but I do watch other movies from time to time! :P

3. I would dearly love to visit Italy one day. *sigh*

4. I almost never wear pants. I don't have a single pair of jeans in my cupboard! It's just personal preference - I like skirts better. :-)

5. I was born in Brisbane, but I tend to dislike large towns or cities. Definitely a country-town girl!

6.  I sleep on a triple bunk bed, with my twin sisters.

7. I hate fish! I am no longer allergic to fish (used to be when I was little), but I still can't stand the smell or taste!

* * * * * *

And now I am going to break one of the rules! Rather than award 7 people. . .  if you are simply a regular visitor on Ribbons of Light, please accept this award - From Me to You! :-)

An award + Nanowrimo

First of all, many thanks to Siminy for giving me this award! :-)

I award: Erin, Lynn, Laurie, Anna Maria, Enna-Rin, Gae, and Autumn.

Once again, I have to apologise for the lack of posting lately! Still, we're more than halfway through November. . . another couple of weeks, and everything will be back to normal - hopefully! ;-)

And finally: Ribbons of Light now has 80 followers! Wow! Thanks so much everyone for following!!

The Emma Award

Thank you so much, Jo March, for this award!

I award: Erin, Anna Maria, Laurie, Alexandra, and Barbara.

P.S. - I'm so sorry that I haven't been posting much lately. Nanowrimo eats up all of my time!! Sanity will have to wait until December, as will regular blog posts. But hopefully I'll have the next post in my "Adaptations" series up today or tomorrow.

Tags

I've been tagged by three people in the last week or so! Thanks, everyone. :-)

First up, the 8 Question Meme. Anna Maria tagged me for this.

1. Six names you go by:

Elise
Teebie
Miss Lovely (my grandfather has called me this since I was about four years old. . .) 
"Zha-zha" (what my baby sister calls me - she can't pronounce my name yet),
"Elii-i-iise" (what my siblings call me when they're annoyed with me).

2. Three things you are wearing right now: 

Long skirt
Cotton top
Uhhh. . . a smile! :-)

3. Three things you want to do very badly at the moment:

-Finish reading Lorna Doone
-Re-read The Lord of the Rings
-Read ALLLL of Dickens

4. Three things you did last night/yesterday/today:

-Watched Monsters vs. Aliens
-Wrote some more of my story (11000 words now)
-Played some U2 songs on guitar (badly, I might add :P)

5. Two things you ate today:

LOL, I just got out of bed, so: cereal and milk. That counts as two things, right?

6. Two people you last talked to one the phone:

Not sure. I don't talk on the phone much. . .

7. Two things you are going to do tomorrow:

-Write some more of my story
-Read some more of Lorna Doone

8. Your three favourite beverages:

-Water
-Fruit juice
-Chai

* * * * *

Now, Siminy tagged me for this next one (not sure what it's called).

~Do you like to write? Sort of. . . it's hard work though, as I have discovered this month! I always love writing on my blog, though. :-)

~Favourite books: Haha, you're asking for it here. For a fairly comprehensive (but by no means exhaustive) list of my favourite books, see my profile.

~Do you compose music/write songs? Sort of, not really.

~Do you like poetry? Sometimes. I haven't read much poetry, I should probably read some more.

~Loved someone so much who made you cry? No, thank goodness! (Which, however is a disadvantage when it comes to story-writing. How are you supposed to write a romance novel if you've never been in love? :P)

~Broken a bone? Thankfully, no!

~Been in a police car? No. . .

~Been on a boat? Yes

~Fallen asleep at school? LOL, that would be kind of impossible. . .

~Did you sing today? No

~KFC, Popeyes, or Church's? None!

~Chick-a-flick or What-a-Burger? Huh?

~Starbucks or McCafe? Neither

~What's your favourite time of year? Autumn, but I love all of the seasons.

~Do you ever talk to yourself? All the time - though not necessarily aloud.

~Do you have a favourite treat you like to buy on occasions? Haha, I have to agree with Siminy - a new book! Or a period drama DVD. :-D

~Do you believe the Bible is the literal word of God and is infallible? Yes.

~What's your favourite sport? Cricket!! But I love Aussie Rules, too. And Rugby. And tennis. And pretty much any sport, though I'm not a big fan of soccer.

~What colour is your ipod? I don't have one.

~If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Europe

~If you could go to any fictional place, where would you go? Narnia

~Do you love to write or do you just like writing? Or do you write at all? Depends. But for the most part I love it.

~What do you want to be when you a grown-up? A wife and mother! But career-wise, I have no idea.

~Favourite animal? Hmmm. . . almost any Australian bird species.

~Favourite song? Impossible to say, there are so many. . .

~Do you like school? I like homeschooling, but to be completely honest, I don't like schoolwork, no matter where it's done. . .

~Are you a people person? Because I'm getting the idea that you are! Uhh. . . well, I like people, but I'm very shy. . .

~Do you like to talk? Not generally, no.

~Favourite food? Anything Indian - as long as it's not fiery hot.

~Hobbies? Reading, writing, playing guitar, baking, knitting, crocheting

~Favourite author? Jane Austen, and C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien, and Charles Dickens, and Charlotte Bronte, and Elizabeth Gaskell, and etc. etc.

~Favourite weapon? Uhhh. . .

~Is this a fun tag or are you getting bored? It's fun, but it's long!

~Do you like Hannah Montana and all those girly people and movies like high school musical? No way! Don't get me wrong, I'm not a Miley Cyrus-hater, but I'm not a fan either. . .

~What are you scared of? Public speaking, trying to make conversation with strangers. . .

~Favourite flower? Too many to name

~Colour of your eyes? Green

* * * * *

And this last tag was given to me by Jo March. Do any of you remember this post? Well, the ginormous long post that I wrote and then lost was this very same tag! But I'll have another go at it now. It's a really fun tag, unfortunately I don't have the wit or brains to do it justice! Someone clever could make something really hilarious out of this. (If you're clever, and you're reading this, do this tag!)

List twelve fictional characters that you love from any fandom, and then answer the following questions.

1. Inigo Montoya (The Princess Bride)

2. Darth Vader (Star Wars)

3. Mr. Collins (Pride and Prejudice)

4. Cinderella

5. Mrs. Bennet (Pride and Prejudice)

6. Legolas (The Lord of the Rings)

7. Reepicheep (The Chronicles of Narnia)

8. Buzz Lightyear (Toy Story)

9. Bilbo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit)

10. Maleficent (Disney's Sleeping Beauty)

11. Prince Charming

12. R2-D2 (Star Wars)

~~~~~

1. Who would make a better college prof, 6 or 11? (Legolas or Prince Charming)

Hmmm. . . that's a tough one. These two characters have quite a bit in common. I'm going to say Legolas.

2. 12 sends 8 out on a mission. What is it? Does it succeed? (R2-D2 and Buzz Lightyear) I'm don't know what the mission was, but I'm sure it succeeded.

3. What is or would be 9's favorite book? (Bilbo Baggins) His own book, of course!

4. For some reason, 5 is looking for a roommate. Should (s)he share a studio apartment with 9 or 10? (Mrs. Bennet and Bilbo Baggins or Maleficent) Maleficent.

5. 2, 7, and 12 have dinner together. Where do they go, and what do they discuss? (Darth Vader, Reepicheep, and R2-D2) Hmm, what would those three talk about? It would certainly be a very interesting dinner party. . .

6. 3 challenges 10 to a duel. What happens? (Mr. Collins and Maleficent) ROFL! Maleficent would win, of course.

7. If 1 stole 8's most precious possession, how would she/he get it back? (Inigo Montoya and Buzz Lightyear) Haha! What a duel that would be. :-D

8. Suggest a title for a story in which 7 and 12 both attain what they most desire. (Reepicheep and R2-D2) "Rodents and Robots"

9. What kind of plot device would you use if you wanted 4 and 1 to work together? (Cinderella and Inigo Montoya)

10. If 7 visited you for the weekend, how would you get along? (Reepicheep) Splendidly! I'd love to meet Reepicheep!

11. If you could command 3 to perform any one task or service for you, what would it be? (Mr. Collins) Marry Mary Bennet, not Charlotte Lucas! Get married to someone who will appreciate your intelligence and talent for letter-writing!

12. Does anyone on your friends list write or draw 11? (Prince Charming) Hmm, maybe. . .

13. If 2 had to choose sides between 4 and 5, which would it be? (Darth Vader and Cinderella or Mrs. Bennet) Probably Cinderella. She's got marginally more brains thatn Mrs. Bennet.

14. What might 10 shout while charging into battle? (Maleficent) I don't know. . . maybe she'd do her cool evil villainess laugh.

15. If you chose a song to represent 8, which song would you choose? (Buzz Lightyear) The West Coast Eagles club anthem. Non-Australian readers won't get that. . . oh well. . .

16. 1, 6, and 12 are having dim sum at a Chinese restaurant. There is only one scallion pancake left, and they all reach for it at the same time. Who gets to eat it? (Inigo Montoya, Legolas, and R2-D2) I've got a feeling it would be Legolas.

17. What might be a good pick-up line for 2 to use on 10? (Darth Vader and Maleficent) ROFL! Those two would suit each other really well.

18. What would 5 most likely be arrested for? (Mrs. Bennet) Uhhh. . .

19. What is 6's secret? (Legolas) Contrary to what he told Gimli, he actually only reached a count of 41 orcs in the battle for Helm's Deep

20. If 11 and 9 were racing to a destination, who would get there first? (Prince Charming and Bilbo Baggins) Bilbo! He's a much more seasoned traveller than Prince Charming.

21. If you had to walk home through a bad neighborhood late at night, would you feel safer in the company of 7 or 8? (Reepicheep or Buzz Lightyear) Reepicheep.

1 (Inigo Montoya) and 9 (Bilbo Baggins) reluctantly team up to save the world from the threat posed by 4's (Cinderella's) sinister secret organization. 11 (Maleficent) volunteers to help them, but it is later discovered that s/he is actually a spy for 4 (Cinderella). Meanwhile, 4 (Cinderella) has kidnapped 12 (R2-D2) in an attempt to force their surrender. Following the wise advice of 5 (Mrs. Bennet), they seek out 3 (Mr. Collins), who gives them what they need to complete their quest. What title would you give this fic?

*Is laughing so hard she can't think of a title*

Well, I'm not going to officially tag anyone, but if you'd like to do one or more of these tags, please go right ahead!

Tagged

Thanks for tagging me, Anna Maria! :-)

What is a very interesting fact about you? - hmm. . . can't think of anything right now. Guess I'm pretty boring. . . 

What are two things in this world you love very much? - only two? God and my family 
 
What was the last thing you ate? chocolate-coated ice-block. 
 
Who is your favourite movie/book character? This is hard. . . in fact, it's impossible to answer. But I like manly, courageous heroes and strong, yet feminine heroines.
 What is your favourite colour? Blue, blue, blue! (Notice my blog background? :-) )

Are you random? Huh? o_0

Do you have a totem animal? What?

How many people follow your main blog? Last time I checked it was 61 (big thanks to everyone who follows! I appreciate it) 

 
What is you favourite animal? White-bellied Sea-Eagle. Beautiful and majestic. 
 
VS

Downhill or Cross-Country skiing? Urmmm. . . neither 

Soda or water? water

Weekends vs. School days? I like both for different reasons

Trees or flowers? Trees - but I love flowers, too!

Regular Questions

What is your favourite movie? Lord of the Rings!

What is your favourite book? Apart from the Bible? Impossible to answer. Oh, okay. . . possibly the Chronicles of Narnia.

How long have you been on blogger for? Mmm, can't remember. I think it was July or August 2008.

Who are you going to tag? Absolutely anyone who wants to do this tag!