Lizzy and Gene.

Emily over at Grace Like Rain is hosting a blog party! Emily's blog was one of the first ones I ever came across, back before I even started blogging. For the blog party, you answer some questions and link up, and then you're entered for some great giveaways. :) Sounds fun, right?

What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine?
A true heroine is godly, kind, clever, humble, etc. Basically, all of the characteristics of the Proverbs 31 woman. But most importantly, she is an imperfect human. How else would we be able to relate to her?

Share (up to four) heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.
1. Lucy Pevensie. She always has a childlike faith, even when she's all grown up. She trusts Aslan completely and is always the first to see him.
2. Elizabeth Bennet. I want her cleverness, but also the ability to hold my tongue when necessary. :)
3. Elinor Dashwood. I probably relate the most to her. We're both quiet introverts who tend to be listeners instead of talkers.
4. Anne Elliot. I love that she's loyal and constant. And even though she was easily persuaded and misled when she was younger, she recognizes her mistakes and makes an effort to change.

Five of your favorite historical novels?
1. Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
2. Emma, by Jane Austen
3. Persuasion, by Jane Austen
4. Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte
5. Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott

Out of those five books, who is your favorite character, and why?
Probably Lizzy Bennet. She's witty, kind, loyal, and honest. She speaks her mind when necessary (I'm talking about you, Lady Catherine) and won't do the "proper" thing when she knows it isn't the right thing (I'm talking about you, Mr. Collins). She loves to laugh, especially at ridiculousness. And she gets Mr. Darcy, right? :)

If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there?
I would go on a tour of Europe. Most of my vacation would be spent in England, but I'd also want to go to France, Ireland, Scotland, and Italy. I would plan on visiting all of the places associated with my favorite books and movies. The country houses where my favorite Austen adaptations were filmed, Jane Austen's house, the room where C.S. Lewis and the Inklings met, places where Roman Holiday scenes were filmed, etc. And I would visit all of the gorgeous places I've only seen pictures of- the Yorkshire moors, English gardens, castles, the Eiffel Tower, etc. This vacation would likely take several months. :)

What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?
Not necessarily to read about, but my favorite time period is the 1930s-1950s (sometimes 60s). Especially the 40s.

You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of?
Ha. Nothing. I am terrified of doing anything in front of a crowd. I can't sing, do comedy, or recite. The only thing I can do is play the piano, and I don't like to do that in front of anyone other than my family. :) Maybe I could help with some behind-the-scenes stuff?

If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent?
Maybe Elinor Dashwood, just because she's the Austen heroine I relate to the most.

What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate?
I'm addicted to it. If I got my hands on Aladdin's genie bottle, one of my three wishes would be that chocolate, even in excessive amounts, would be healthy for you. I eat chocolate {nearly} every day of my life.

Favorite author(s)?
Jane Austen and C.S. Lewis. I enjoy many different books and many different authors, but these are the two that I consistently love.

How would people describe your personality? (If they could only use ONE word.) Are they right?

Probably "shy" or "quiet," at least until they got to know me really well. I am quiet, but I open up once I know you better or if you get me in a conversation involving sewing, old movies, classic TV shows, or Frank Sinatra. So people who know me would probably say "unique." I don't like that word, but it sounds nicer than "unusual." I might describe myself as "quirky."

What is your favorite thing to snack on while you're blogging?

I don't really snack while blogging, but sometimes I might munch on some Goldfish while I'm on the computer. Reliving my childhood, I guess. :)

Do you have a hidden talent or a deep desire to learn something that you've never had a chance to learn? What is it?
I don't think so? Actually, I do wish I could dance. Ever since the first time I saw Gene Kelly, and he made it look so incredibly fun, I've thought that it would be awesome to know how to dance. Not ballet or whatever style is popular now, but like Judy Garland-or-Ginger Rogers-dancing. It's not that I never had the chance to learn- I never wanted to take dance lessons as a kid. I don't want to take lessons now. I just love to watch people dance (like I said, old-fashioned dancing. Even Jane Austen-style dancing. Not modern dances).

Describe your ideal dwelling place.
An beautiful old farmhouse. There's a long driveway leading to it, lined with trees on each side. The house is two stories, with a wrap-around porch. There's a little orchard off to one side, and a tire swing hanging from a tree in the front yard. The inside is decorated in a vintage style, with a library and lots of windows. Can you tell I've put a lot of thought into this? :) Anytime I see something beautiful about a house, I store the idea away for later.

Apparently I love "plantation" style houses, with the porch downstairs and upstairs and the tree-lined driveways. Like this, only a little less...extravagant? :)

Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer?
Reading, sewing, watching old movies, and eating ice cream.

Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.
College graduation. Yay! More on that in a later post. :)

Until next time,