True Blue Too

My sincerest apologies for not putting this post up sooner. My grandfather was in the hospital for a couple weeks from gall bladder surgery & when he did finally come home, my mother & I took turns staying with him. He is now back on his feet & capable of doing most things by himself. Besides everything that is going on with my grandfather, I am in the process of starting up my own sewing business. As my first venture into the world of sales, I am tackling a three day bicentennial reenactment, where the expected crowds could reach upwards of 2,000. Please pray for me that I will be able to complete everything on time & without going bonckers. Needless to say, life has been quite frazzled & confused. So, without further ado, here is the second half of True Blue.

















































God bless, Sarah Grace

True Blue

Inspired by another blog, I thought a post focusing on shades of blue, one of my many favorite colors, was a nifty one:). So without further ado (not that there was much ado to begin with:p).






I simply love the stripes!


I would love to go back in time & snatch, er borrow her lacy blue dress.


Not as blue-centric as some, but the bodice details are so flattering.


This is the kind of dress that is created in dreams, mine at least, of Victorian balls & coming out parties.



This gown by Worth is called a fancy dress. Isn't it simply luscious?



The is sideview is just as wonderful with a full bustle poof.



I am not as crazy about this shade of blue/grey, but I do so love the style.



A delicious shade of blue & such a lovely pattern for a sweater, simple, yet elegant.



When I found this image, I wasn't sure if I liked it & the jury is still out.


I love the fact that this dress is pretty & practical. I think it would be a wonderful style for a picnic.


Any one who has seen Downton Abbey, has probably seen Sybil's Turkish inspired trousers ensemble. Normally I do not like trousers, but hers are in such alluring shades of blue & the peacock portion of the bodice (which happens to be part of an original dress) is growing on me.



Finally, this pattern would be a wonderful dress for working at home if done in a simple, sturdy fabric. But it would also be stunning as a going to church dress when made from silk & adding a lace collar.

You might have noticed that I stopped at the 1910s. I had too many images for the entire post, so I will be posting the second half of this within the next few days, I hope. I pray that you find these images inspirational & perhaps they will spark a desire for a new frock.

God bless,
Sarah Grace

Anne of Green Gables Week Tag Answers

Miss Dashwood at Another Period Drama Blog is hosting a Anne of Green Gables Week. As I simply adore L.M. Montgomery's creations, I had to take part. I have never answered tag questions before, but thought for Anne I would give it a go.


1. How many of the Anne books have you read, and how many of the films have you seen?


I have read all eight of the books in the Anne series, as well as Chronicles of Avonlea (if you like the Anne series, you would love Chronicles of Avonlea). I have seen all three of the films. Although the third is not my favorite, it still has wonderful costumes & some very fine performances.

2. If someone yanked your hair and called you carrots, what would you do to him?


Depending entirely upon my mood, I might give him a sound tongue lashing, or if I were having a simply Jonah day, I may well follow Anne's example & smash a decidedly none too comforting slate across his crown.


3. What would you do if Josie Pye dared you to walk the ridgepole of a roof?

I agree completely with Miss Marilla Cuthbert upon this matter. Let Miss Pye turn blue with her daring.



4. If you had the opportunity to play any AGG (I'm abbreviating from now on because I am a lazy typist) character in an AGG play, which role would you choose?

I would choose between Miss Muriel Stacy & Miss Marilla Cuthbert. I believe that I contain several of their character traits.


5. If you were marooned on a desert island, which AGG character would you want to have as a companion? (Anne, Gilbert and Diana are not options. Let's keep this thing interesting. Not that they're not interesting.... oh, yay, now the disclaimer to this question is longer than the question itself. Lovely lovely lovely.)

Miss Muriel Stacy, for she would be practical when need be, but could sympathize when one is in THE DEPTHS OF DESPAIR!!!


6. If there was going to be a new adaptation of the Anne books and you could have any part in making the movie, what would you choose to do? (screenwriting, acting, casting, costume-making are a few possibilities)

(Raises both hands & jumps up & down in anticipation) THE COSTUME-MAKING!!! I am a seamstress & I think the costumes of the AoGG films, as well as the Road to Avonlea series are simply delicious ("You speak as if it were something to eat").


7. What are, in your opinion, the funniest AGG book/movie scenes? (choose one from the books and one from the movies)

There are almost too many to choose, but one that I always enjoy is the scene in Anne of the Island, when Anne & her three chums, are entertaining callers at the boardinghouse & there are sooo many cushions & pillows about that one cannot even go up the stairs without tripping over one. The scene in the film where Anne declares "Don't eat it Miss Stacy" & "I suppose it was a romantic way to perish for a mouse" are simply marvelous in their hilarity.


8. What are, in your opinion, the saddest AGG book/movie scenes? (choose one of each again)

I find quite a few of the scenes to be sad, but when Anne turns Gilbert down after the clambake, it always makes me tear up. Also when Anne is crying alone in her misery over Matthew's death & Marilla comes to comfort her. In the book I can never help but cry when Anne loses her baby Joyce. It is so sad.


9. Which AGG character would you most like to spend an afternoon with? (again, Anne and Gilbert and Diana are not options for this one--think secondary characters)

Miss Lavendar Lewis, she reminds me so much of Anne that it would be almost as nice as spending the day with her. Or Miss Rachael Lynde to catch up on all the old news.

10. What is your definition of a kindred spirit?

Someone who shares your faith in Jesus Christ. One with whom you need not speak to communicate. Whose morals & ideals are alike in most respects. Though you may be apart you are separated, because true friends are always together in spirit.

God bless,
Sarah Grace

Happy Birthday Theodor Geisel aka Dr. Seuss

Born 105 years ago, March 2nd, 1907, Theodor Seuss Geisel came into this world. His imagination is one I long to have. He may have been unusual to some in his mind's wonderings, but what an amazing gift that God gave him, to write for & capture the imaginings of children everywhere. Though he didn't stop at writing, he illustrated with such panache that you are inherently drawn into his world. He used those skills to create political cartoons for WWII & advertisements for companies such as Flit & Standard Oil.
I began reading Dr. Seuss books when I was about 8, but even at my advanced age of 23 :), I still enjoy poring over his tongue twisting phrases that tickle your brain.
The world would not have been the same for me without Green Eggs & Ham or The Cat in the Hat.
What are your favorite Seuss books?



So Happy 105th Birthday Dr. Seuss!


God bless,
Sarah Grace

P.S. Did you know that he also wrote under the psuedonym Theo LeSieg, Geisel spelled backwards for several of his works?

Charles Dickens Unscramble Game Answers

Hello,
The time has come so they say to....give you the answers to the Charles Dickens Unscramble Game. I am grateful to those who participate & those who took the time just to look. Thank you to Miss Laurie of Old-Fashioned Charm for spreading the word.

Now to the answers:

Female Characters:

1. Lady Snuphanuph (The Pickwick Club)
2. Miss Henrietta Nupkins (The Pickwick Club)
3. Nell Trent (The Old Curiosity Shop)
4. Dolly Varden (Barnaby Rudge)
5. Cherry Pecksniff (Martin Chuzzlewit)
6. Miss Betsy Trotwood (David Copperfield)

Male Characters:

7. Artful Dodger (Oliver Twist)
8. Sir Thomas Clubber (The Pickwick Club)
9. Daniel Quilp (The Old Curiosity Shop)
10. Soloman Daisy (Barnaby Rudge)
11. Ebenezer Scrooge (A Christmas Carol)
12. Seth Pecksniff (Martin Chuzzlewit)

Novels:

13. Barnaby Rudge
14. The Mystery of Edwin Drood
15. The Old Curiosity Shop
16. Dombey & Son
17. The Adventures of Oliver Twist
18. The Pickwick Club

Scores:
Miss Laurie: 60
Melody: 46

Thank you again to all & God bless,
Sarah Grace

Happy Belated Valentine's Day To Everyone

(The pink roses are in memory of my late Grandma Virginia, who passed 21 years ago on the 13th)

I hope everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day. I spent several hours writing a short story for the blog Inkpen Authoress' contest Heigh-Ho for a Husband. I only heard about it today & just barely made the deadline. Below is the story if you wish to read it.

MR. COLLINS UNREQUITED LOVE:

Mr. Collins stood in stunned amazement as Miss Elizabeth Bennet proceeded to remove herself from his presence, closing the door on his proclamations of love. He could not fathom that she would be so insensible to the advantages of a match with one whom had the favor of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
A quizzical expression crossed his comical features. He could not return to Hunsford & face Lady Catherine's scathing displeasure for failing to secure a suitable wife. He was willing to concede that Couisin Elizabeth might well be too strong-willed for Lady Catherine's approval. Perhaps, he thought, one of his other couisins would be more to Lady Catherine's liking. He began going over the Bennet sisters, trying to gauge which would be acceptable to Lady Catherine & her requiem.
Tittering laughter broke into Mr. Collins thoughts. He knew that likely it was the laughter of his couisins, Catherine & Lydia. He began to contemplate Couisin Lydia, who was more pleasing to the eye than her elder sister, Catherine. Couisin Lydia, he reflected, sadly is too fickle & not easily led. Lady Catherine would not be amused by Couisin Lydia's inappropriate outbursts & reckless behavior.
Couisin Catherine, while nearly as fickle as Couisin Lydia, could if given into Lady Catherine's capable hands, be molded into an amiable, demure wife, one whom, Lady Catherine would be pleased to give her condecension.
"Yes," Mr.Collins said aloud, to no one in particular, "I shall address my attentions to Couisin Catherine." Having resolved to a course of action, Mr. Collins began to prepare & rehearse his decrees of ardent admiration, as well as those of his future bride. For Mr. Collins was assured that Couisin Catherine would not be so insensible as Couisin Elizabeth. When he had commited to memory his speech of affection, he betook himself to find Mrs. Bennet, that he might be granted an audience with Couisin Catherine.

Mr. Collins did not need to search far. Mrs. Bennet burst forth from Mr. Bennet's study, a look of exceeding consternation written upon her brow. A facade of apologetic sympathy rushed over her features as she spied Mr. Collins coming towards her.
"Oh, Mr. Collins, I do wish to deeply apologize for the behavior of my foolish daughter." Mrs. Bennet barely paused for breath before opening her mouth to continue.
Mr. Collins raised his hand with an attempt at a smile, though twas more like unto a sneer. "My dear Madam, do not fret yourself. I desire an audience with your daughter, Catherine, if I may be so forthright." The sardonic smile remained throughout his pallid plea.
"Oh, Mr. Collins, Oh! I will fetch Kitty straightway." Mrs. Bennet said with hardly concealed glee, as she rushed about, calling in an ear-splitting cord, "Kitty! Kitty! Kitteee! Where are you child?!"

"What is it, Mama?", came back from the vicinity of Kitty & Lydia's bed chamber.

Mrs. Bennet's day cap bobbed up & down as she took the steps as rapidly, as her age & less than lithe figure, would allow.
"Kitty, Mr. Collins wishes to speak with you. Your sister has been foolish & refused him. Go down, be considerate of my nerves, & accept him."

"But Mama-"

"Do not cross me on this Kitty! Do as I say & go!" With this Mrs. Bennet half pushed, half dragged Kitty down to the parlour.
Mr. Collins looked up, the leering, sneering smile of condecension permeating his entire being. With one final push & a look of threatening, Mrs. Bennet withdrew, closing the door behind her. Being Mrs. Bennet & also wishing to ascertain that Kitty received Mr. Collins with favor, she pressed her ear to the solid oak plank door, straining to hear & not be heard.
Kitty watched her mother leave with a sense of trepidition & uncertainty. The sensation of needing to cough came so forcibly over her, that she could not suppress it.
Mr. Collins stepped closer.
Another cough.
"My dear Couisin Catherine, I wish to request the honor of your hand."
Two consecutive coughs.
Mr. Collins tried to recall where he was in his speech. "I am...assured that you will be sensible to the immense advantage that of a connection, that would bring you into the presence of Lady Catherine de Bourgh."
Cough, cough.
An expression of irritation briefly crossed Mr. Collins face, but the patronizing sneer triumphed. "My dear Couisin Catherine, your discomfiture must be the result of your awe of Lady Catherine & the magnitude of her position."
Cough.
" Do not disquiet yourself on this matter. You are just of the sort that Lady Catherine.."
Cough.
" shall approve."
Cough, cough.
Then, sounding harshly & brisquely through the door, the voice of Mrs. Bennet resounded, "Kitty! Kitty! Cease that infernal coughing. Take into account my poor nerves!"
Coughing proceeded for several seconds.
A look of complete exasperation took up residence upon Mr. Collins face. "Obviously, my attentions are not as welcome as I had perceived they would be."
Mr. Collins marched to the door & ignoring Mrs. Bennet's pleas to reconsider, he retired to his quarters.
Meanwhile Mrs. Bennet burst into a symphony of wailings & a fountain of tears.
Kitty ran to be consoled by Lydia, coughing all the while.
Amongst all the mayhem, Miss Charlotte Lucas entered. Thus with her entrance, so ends our tale of tragic unrequited love.

By Sarah Grace

God bless to everyone,
Sarah Grace

Happy Birthday Charles Dickens Unscramble Game

Born 200 years ago upon this date of February 7th, 1812, Charles John Huffam Dickens, was birthed to John & Elizabeth Dickens, his destiny to be the second in a row of eight children. He passed away on June 9th, 1870, mourned by many.

Mr. Dickens was an exceedingly influential writer of the 1800s, affecting everything from TV to our speech patterns (ie,What the Dickens! lol). I didn't begin reading his literature until I was in high school & I have admittedly not read as many of his works as I should have. I am in the process of slowly, but surely devouring his Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, an interesting array of tales that amuse with the satirical irony that seems to envelope much of the plot.

In honor of his birthday I have decided to do an Unscramble Game (Miss Laurie of Old-Fashioned Charm was the inspiration with her Unscramble Games of late). It will consist of characters from his books & book titles. The number of letters in each set denotes the amount in the answer.

Points: 5 points for every correct answer & an additional 2 points for every character you can name which book they are from.

Charles Dickens Unscramble Game:

Female Characters:

1. YLSN UNHAPDUHAP (2 words)
2. HNRI EATETMSIS SNPINUK (3 words)
3. TENT LELRN (2 words)
4. LVRED NALYOD (2 words)
5. HYEPKN CSICEFRFR (2 words)
6. TWOD OTBTE MSYSRSOI (3 words)

Male Characters:

7. DDGATF RUOLRE (2 words)
8. TMA LBEBUC SRHOSIR (3 words)
9. QLADNE IUPIL (2 words)
10. MONDAY ISALOS (2 words)
11. BSROGOEC ENEZEER (2 words)
12. THES FIFECPNSK (2 words)


Novels:

13. YARDEGB ABNRU (2 words)
14. MID EWNDOYO ST YEREH ROFDT (5 words)
15. POH OTL YTSHEDCUR SIOI (4 words)
16. ASOBED MYO NDN (3 words)
17. OTW FAISRTLIEV EN OESRUV TDEHT (5 words)
18. PLB ITEHCWKI KCCU (3 words)

Good luck to everyone!

God bless,
Sarah Grace

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a joyous & blessed holiday! I have been a bit under the weather with an upset stomach. I pray that the New Year will be rich with new memories & experiences.

God bless,
Sarah Grace

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart & lean not on thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him & He shall direct thy paths. Psalm 3:5-6