Thursday, February 24, 2011

Snowbound


I did Chinese with the girls today - we made flash cards with the chinese character on one side, and the English translation on the other.  I passed each girl a little stack of nouns, verbs, and adjectives, then we each took turns creating sentences with our words.  It was hilarious - one of mine read "Three old men of the population sold cow's milk and candy to the King's seven running daughters."  Then I attempted to say it in Chinese.  Ever played Mad-Libs?  Try it in another language.  It's ten times the fun=)  
However, I'm not up to saying much away from my books, so please don't ask me any words just quite yet;)
Snow fell in a furious, blinding mass most of the day - Aubrey got out the tractor to plow the driveway, and I went to help him with something to get it started.  I was only outside for about fifteen minutes, but by the time I came in, I was completely, deeply, covered with snow.  And how! :D
Now, the driveway's plowed.  The snow's still howling though.  Animals fed.  Dinner cleared away - wonderful egg noodles from a family-owned factory in Montana, and topped with homemade garlic scape pesto. . . mmm!  Butterscotch pudding stirring on the stove while little girls hurried to get ready for bed, then a special treat - a Harold Lloyd silent movie=)  We were laughing so hard - I'm afraid I slapped my knee in a peculiar way that I have so hard that it's bruised:)  Completely unladylike. . .
After the movie, I finished up another apron for the shop - now to get pictures of my entire apron stash and list them!
Well, I've been enjoying each and every entry in the Literary Heroine Blog Party so much.  Thank you to everyone who's entered so far!  And if you haven't yet, why not head on over and join the fun?  I'd be thrilled to have you!
Auf Wiedersehen, Meine Freunde!
 So long, friends!
.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.
Well, no sooner than I finished typing the above, that the real excitement of the evening occurred.  It's much later now - and I have a whole 'nother story to tell;)
Current weather forecast:
-*---*---*-

It was really my fault.  I brushed my teeth.  
And as the water has to be kept constantly running or freeze in the pipes, I wickedly forgot and turned the water off when I was done.  Then I sat down to make my nice little post above.  And just as I typed the exclamation mark, my Mom spoke the dreaded words: "The water's stopped!"  I ran to the tub, the lowest part of the water system, to see if it was still running there, but nothing was coming out of the faucet.  Alright, one drip.  Then nothing.  

I turned on all faucets, then called poor Aubrey on the phone, who came running from his little bus to save the day.  He got out the propane torch and tried to light it, but the wind was blowing too hard to light a match.  I got a wad of napkins, lit them with a match, then shoved it out the door to Aubrey and the torch, which was then able to take hold and light.  Aubrey thawed out the frost-free outdoor water faucet, then by a miracle got the hose, which was already almost frozen through, working again.  I was hunched in front of the indoor pipes, with the blow dryer trained on them.  Then, that joyous sound - running water!  Pouring out from every faucet!

You really cannot truly appreciate something until you've had to do with out it.
Praise God for everything, and in everything give thanks - running water is a blessing, but God is still good when it ceases to flow.
Aubrey came inside and I fixed him some hot chocolate and cheese-and-crackers as a peace offering.

The end.
I know, I usually don't share stories like that here. =)  Well, I've decided that I've not been sharing the entire picture on this here web journal.  You might as well know me as I am, not as I "type" myself up to be.  I'm sure none of us intend to portray ourselves in a different light in the blogosphere as we are in real life, but it to happens to every one of us sometime or another.
I want to make an effort to charge that - I want to be able to truly share what God has been doing in my life, so that others can be edified.  
To God be the glory!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Literary Heroine Blog Party - The Hostess Joins


 
 
~ The Questions ~
 
  • What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine?
I believe the essence of a true heroine stands in the fact that she is a true lady, in every sense that wonderful word stands for.  She embraces femininity in all of it's glory - regardless of her situation in life, she is an innate homemaker and source of comfort for those she loves.  She is brave, because no matter what trials or dangers she must overcome, she knows her treasures are stored up where moth nor rust can corrupt - and that all she must do to conquer is follow God's leading faithfully, to the end.  She is selfless, supporting those in her life rather than pulling them down, as she knows that true love gives all without expectation of return.  And as God designed love to run in this marvelous way, she is loved in return for illustrating this by her relationship with those around her.
And lastly, when, as a human character, she stumbles and falls, she has the grace to acknowledge her imperfections and the faith to ask for forgiveness, ever learning from her mistakes. 
 
A tall order, no?  But by God's grace, each and every one of us has the power to become that true heroine - a woman after God's heart.  
 
"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God."
-1 Peter 1:15-21
  • Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to. 
1). Margery MacDougal Forbes, from In Freedom's Cause.  She was charming, brave, and strong, and supported her husband wholeheartedly in the cause he fought for. 2). Helen Herriot from All Things Bright and Beautiful, etc.  According to Seigfried, it was common knowledge that she was intelligent, an excellent cook, and nearly caused a pile-up on market day with her warm, caring smile.  Also, she was wonderful with animals and loved the outdoors!  3). Maggie Wheeler, from Aunt Jane's Hero.  She was thoughtful, self-sacrificing, and an encouragement to those around her.  She loved Jesus Christ above all else, which made her life a thing of rare beauty and joy.  4). Clotilde from The Young Carthaginian.  She was spirited, charming, loyal, and tenderhearted, and aside from being lovely and intelligent, was capable of marching, and if need be, fighting alongside her clan to maintain their right to live in freedom from oppression.
  • Five of your favorite historical novels?
Not counting G.A. Henty. . . I couldn't pick just five favorites out of his works=) The Scottish Chiefs, El Dorado  
(the whole 
Scarlet Pimpernel series
 
, really;)
 
, Pride and Prejudice, The Chestry Oak, Ben-Hur - oh, must I stop now?
    • Out of those five books who is your favorite character and why? 
    Well, I love nearly all of the characters from my favorite books, so it will be hard to choose just one. . .!  However, Sir Percy it is.  Although I love all of the Scarlet Pimpernel books, I think El Dorado shows Sir Percy Blakeney at his finest.  He is absolutely brilliant.  Besides the charms of his excellent sense of humor, his perfect manners, and his indomitable spirit, he is always brave, incredibly cheerful, and possesses a driving vision which nothing can make him stray from.   Although his love for his wife, Marguerite (who is also a favorite character!), seems to be the strongest passion earthly man could fathom, there is yet a call still louder - and he is steadfast and indomitable in his chosen course. It is sometimes hard to remember that if I am ever to one day meet the man God has chosen for me, he probably will not quite match up the ideal I have in my head of this most perfect, gallant, and magnificent of heroes;)  The one thing Iwill measure him by the Scarlet Pimpernel's standards on is that his convictions and beliefs will give him the vision to follow God's calling the way Sir Percy followed the course he set for himself - unswervingly and unfalteringly, to the end.
    • If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there?
    Anyone who knows me will know what's coming next;)  It's been one of my lifelong dreams to visit the bonnie Hieland home of my ancestors - Scotland.   What would I do there?  Everything!  I'd hike along the path from Lowland to Highland that Francis Osbaldistone trod on his journey to meet the famed Rob Roy of Sir Walter Scott's work.  I'd visit Stirling and Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Frith of Fourth.  I'd go on a week-long horseback tour (without a guide;) across the heather hills, and I'd stuff my suitcases with wool tartans, old books, a Robert Bruce medallion, and sweet-smelling gorse.  I'd take a thousand pictures:)  I'd visit my relations in the little Scottish hamlet of Pitlochry.
    And yes. I'd even try haggis.  With a little salmon to be on the safe side. . .!
     
    And, in addition to all that, I dream of visiting the other European countries - England, France, Germany, Austria, perhaps I'd even end up in Moscow!  And I'd love to go to Australia.  
    In short, some day I dream of traveling.  Everywhere.
    • What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?
     Ancient history, 19th century England, and the early American West
    • You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert.  Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of?
    I love this question - so much "scope for the imagination!" =)  I think it would be fabulous to have an opportunity such as this... My act would consist of the Russian song I "composed" with Tasha, inspired from the movie "Fiddler on the Roof".  Performed by a select group of talented musicians I happen to be acquainted with - accordion, mandolin, guitar, banjo, and fiddle (and a kazoo) would round out the orchestra nicely... and all of the musicians would wear those wonderful knee-high boots and red sashes the Russians sported in the movie. ;D  
     
    Unless, that is, the banjo and accordion get thrown off a cliff. . .
     
    Inside joke.  I couldn't resist=)
    • If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent?  
    Here is the question that inspired the Literary Heroine Blog Party!  For my birthday last year, I held such a party, and it was wonderful.  I attended as the Lady Marguerite Blakeney.  If I ever attended such a party again, I think I would choose to represent either Rowena of Rotherwood (Ivanhoe)  or perhaps Clotilde of Gaul (The Young Carthaginian). 
    • What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate?  
    Dear me, what a question.  My sentiments are such that they quite overcome me, at times. . .*faints*  
    Seriously, I adore chocolate, and consider it something to be savored, not gobbled.  It is magnificent alone, awe-inspiring paired with cherries or ginger, and a masterpiece when combined with mint. . .
    • Favorite author(s)? 
    G.A. Henty, Sir Walter Scott, Jane Austen, Baroness Orczy, Kate Seredy, and James Herriot, to name a few...
    • As a small, imaginative, red-haired damsel might query; would you rather be divinely beautiful, dazzlingly clever, or angelically good?  Why?  
    Why do little girls ask such impossible questions?  Really, how to choose?  Now I know just how Matthew felt when Anne Shirley popped him that question! =)  When pressed, I believe I would rather be angelically good, as that would be of most use to those poor individuals that must live with me in this world. . .
    • In which century were most of the books you read written? 
    19th Century
    • In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is… 
    As another participant in the blog party has mentioned, there are many kinds of heroes.  However, the enigmatic, brilliant, selfless, and daring Scarlet Pimpernel - Sir Percy Blakeney, is my personal ideal of a true hero!
    • Describe your ideal dwelling place.  
    I am in love with architecture.  My father, being an excellent architect, among many o ther things, has always provided me with old, discarded house plans to draw on, and I have a whole box someplace filled with my own hand-drafted "house plans".  When my sister Ellen and I were small, one of our favorite games to play was "House Plan", where Miss Ellen would come to my "office" as a customer, and I would design her a dream house, complete with a price bid...=)  I think our houses were always fabulously expansive, as I recall one with the staggering sum of two hundred dollars!
     
    Anyway, my dream house is a combination of many styles, as I love such a variety of houses.  The main style would be best described as "Victorian Farmhouse" with an inviting white front porch, many gables, a sloping green lawn and orchard, with the dark, wild woods merging on the back pasture.  A fruitful, expansive garden, stone walls, climbing roses, a great big clothesline, and an outdoor canvas wall tent in the woods out back are to be seen in the summer, while everything sleeps under a hushed blanket of white, the huge, ancient red barn standing out in relief when the snow is on the ground.
     
    Shining, companionable horses, a few goats, a colorful flock of chickens, and  two loyal dogs also call this place their home, as do the cuddly, prowling barn cats.  
    As for the house itself, old barnwood, sanded to rustic smoothness, is my ideal flooring throughout, made warm and inviting with hand-braided rag rugs.  A library/ music room with floor to ceiling bookshelves and a bay window feature prominently on the main floor, while quaint, cozy bedrooms are waiting upstairs for family and friends to come visiting.  And a room. . .oh! what a room is in this house.  Filled with fabric, antique sewing machines, inspiring pictures, and a vintage dress form, this room is my studio.  Friends come over and have "sewing days," where we stitch on diverse projects and fellowship.  A walk-in panty filled with row upon row of home-canned goodness, winding, picture-lined halls, and a vintage redwood baby grand piano are important elements in my dream home, as is the buttercup yellow claw-foot soaking tub, a delightfully high, cluttered attic, a long, long driveway out to the populated country road, and good fishing, boating, and riding trails within walking distance.  A "Pie Cottage" sits out at the end of my lane - a small stone structure where friends and family can sell home baked pies and hand-crafted goods along the road front.
     
    I could go on and on, but I'll spare you.  
    Can you tell that I've given this house o' dreams quite a bit of thought over the years? =)
    • Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name?  
    Not particularly, though I often amuse myself by naming the people around me with fictitious titles:)
    •  In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is...
    There are so many villains broadcast throughout literature, that I'm hav ing a difficult time selecting one!  I'm going with Messala, the loathsome Roman traitor of Lew Wallaces' Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.  
    What a villain. . . If you are not already acquainted with this charecter, I'll let the author himself introduce him to you in far better words than I could.
    • Three favorite Non-fiction books?  
    (Besides that most precious of all books, The Holy Bible) MaryJane's Ideabook, Cookbook, Lifebook - Adam's Synchronological Map of History - and A Chance to Die
    • Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon?
    Mmm... Summer.  How I long for thee!  There are many things I enjoy doing on a carefree summer afternoon, but right about now, I'd be sitting on the bank of a small, shady wooded lake with my toes in the water - a fishing pole in one hand, a book in the other.  Sunlight playing over the surface of the water, fish rising out in the middle of the lake.  Friends and family scattered about, happily occupying themselves.  Our drift boat spinning around on the other side of the lake, children splashing with the oars as they practice rowing.  Perhaps a picnic would come afterwards, then music, hymn singing, and laughter in the circle of firelight in our campfire in the dusk.  Bliss.
    • Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.
    No pun intended, but I'm a girl of many hats;)  One is very unique - a rattan pith helmet with leather strap.  Cool, comfortable, and flattering, this is the one you'll see me in when I'm adventuring.  I've had it called my Indiana Jones hat in the past (though I've never seen that film and don't intend to:).  The term makes me feel very daring and competent, however...=)  
    Another, a handmade, low-crowned, wide brimmed, quite lavishly decked brown silk and gold brocade sisal topped with rosettes and peacock plumes, is the one I wear when I'm in a historically-minded mood.  
    Still another, (and I don't own this one yet;), would be one of those cunning little hats from the 1940s - mine would be a white wool number, I think, with little silk rosebuds and grosgrain ribbon encircling the band, and a small bit of netting stitched around it.  Perched in the left side of my head.  And worn on all day in town.
     
    I just love hats!
    • Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.
    So many significant things have happened this year that it's difficult to decide on the most significant!  Well, for starters, I've graduated from high school.  I travelled down to Arizona for a week in March with some dear friends, and my cousin from Maryland, whom we've not seen for four years paid us a wonderful visit in August, promising to bring his sister this year!  My Mother had a serious hip injury in December, and is still recovering - this event has truly deepened my trust in God's providential care.  Many other things have occurred that I am not at liberty to share here, but suffice to say that the Lord has done myriad mighty works in my life the past year.  Vive Ut Vivas!
    • Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.
    "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. 
    Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 
    The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 
    Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all."
    -Ephesians 1: 13-28
    • 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?
    Yes, my dear, certainly you may! =)
    1). I'd put it on my ukulele case with the rest of my collection! (actually, I have;)
    2). Well, besides what I have in the shop already, I have several new designs in the works that all make me smile hugely, as I hope they will you, also!
     
     
    .:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.
     
    Thank you for reading, friends!
     
    And don't forget to join in the fun with your own answers!

    Keeping it Classy {Day 7}


     
    Well, today's outfit is really the one I wore yesterday.  
    But, as my photo hosting service has been "crashed" since yesterday morning, preventing me from posting my pictures, I've ended up sharing it for day 7, the last day of Keeping it Classy fashion week.  I hope no one minds. . .=)
     
    A big thank you to the girls behind Bramblewood Fashion for hosting this delightful event!  It's been such fun! :)

    Off to the Post Office to ship my very first Etsy Order!  Quite a milestone=)  My customer has such good taste, too - having ordered the "A Lovely Smile" pin back button badge=)
    You know, it was my intention to create my own website e-commerce store, and promote that as my main business plan.  I've started to change my mind, and am leaning more and more towards getting established as an Etsy store first, then, when I have a good customer base, to focus on KellieFalconer.com.  
     
    Have I mentioned that I love Etsy?  Or that I adore getting orders. . .? =)
     
     
    This is another take on the green Fair Isle sweater of my last entry.  During the winter, it's rather hard to get a lot of laundry done at our place as the washing machine motor freezes up, and has to be thawed out each time we do the washing.  Hence, I get to be quite creative with a limited wardrobe=)
     
     
    I love my saddle purse to pieces - It's just to cunning for words!  I saw one of these on some western boutique store online for about $130, and fell in love.  When I saw this gem, exactly the same as the other, on Ebay for considerably less ($25!) I just snapped it up.  It's become one of my signature pieces. ;)
     
    And yes, like any good cowgirl, I carry everything I might need in an emergency on my saddle.
     
    Chocolate goes in the miniature saddlebag behind the cantle.
     
    Fair Isle Sweater {Tiara Sweater Company, thrifted}  Burgundy Six-Gore Knit Skirt {Anonymous...lol}
    Italian Leather Belt {Thrifted}  Cream Wool Scarf {Totes La.}  L.L. Bean Flats {Thrifted}
    Leather Saddle Purse {Handmade in Mexico}

    Friday, February 18, 2011

    Keeping it Classy {Day 5}


    Bramblewood Fashion
     
     
    Today was lovely.
     
    It included a gathering of several of my favorite people, over at a friend's home - snuggling on the sofa, snow whirling out the window, with sisters and friends doing needlework while watching the original The Day The Earth Stood Still was sublime.  Playing pit with ten players (we had teams;) while singing This Song over and over, laughing and actually playing the game by turns.  Tramping through the woods together in a wild, impromptu game that could only be described as something between sardines, tag, and indian tracking. . .and snowball war.  The boys thought that one up=)  
    Than we all stood in a line in the snow, singing Row, Row, Row your Boat in semi-harmonic rounds.
    Two birthdays celebrated, with two scrumptious cakes, was pretty fun too. . .especially as one of them was mine=)
     
    And, since we're both participating in Bramblewood Fashion's Keeping it Classy Modest Fashion Week, Tasha and I decided that it would be perfect to take today's picture together!
     

    ~Ellen, Tasha and I~
     
    Ellen and I found matching green and rose-colored Fair Isle sweaters at a thrift shop last week, and when Tasha appeared wearing Fair Isle, I knew it was foreordained.  As Tasha and I practically share a brain, we weren't surprised a bit.  It's a regular occurrence, and we often end up wearing similar outfits, or even the same outfits, on the same day without planning to.  It's quite special:)
     
    Fair Isle Sweater {Tiara Sweater Company, thrifted} Denim Half Circle Skirt {sewn by me}
    And though not pictured, I also wore my beloved pink Carharrt coat and warm boots.
    Stylish simplicity. . . creating a cozy, comfortable, yet classic ensemble. 
     
    Happy Trails, Y'all!
     

    Tuesday, February 15, 2011

    Keeping it Classy {Day 3}


     
    I won't able to link up every day of the event, but I had to put in for at least a few shots - this is such fun!
     
     
    The girl was feeling blue.  Green, actually, in a blue sort of way.  She was also feeling rather elfish, mischievous.  She wanted to go outside - but the snow was rushing down in great, slushy sheets, making her plan rather unfeasible.  It had been for some time.  Suddenly, with a toss of her quaint, elfin-like scarf, which she had been wearing in an attempt to battle the blue-green cabin-fever-day sort of feeling, she beckoned to her sister.  "We're going out to have a photo shoot.  Come!"  The one sister, shaking her head with an indulgent smile, started putting on wraps - while the other fetched the camera.  She never wore a coat in the snow when she didn't want to - regardless of temperature.  They hurried out in the wet, blinding whiteness that was the wood behind their home.  The fun was on!
     
    The girl imparted her elfish mood to the fact that this was the last day she would ever be eighteen.
    She felt it was a fitting send-off celebration.
    Green Crocheted Scarf {handmade by Tasha}  Rose Chintz Top {thrifted}  
    Blue Sweater {thrifted} Green Circle Skirt {sewn by me out of a thrifted curtain}
    Wool Socks {Cabella's}  L.L. Bean Flats {thrifted}  Silk Flower Headband {gift from my dear Tasha}
     

    My fathomless gratitude to Ellen for the fun photography! 
     
    Happy Tuesday, Everyone!

    Monday, February 14, 2011

    Happy Valentine's!


    zwani.com myspace graphic comments
     
     
    Accordion to Kellie, the day is shaping up to include sweet sister smiles, a crisp, warm-breezy, grey "pretending-it's-spring-when-it's-really-not-quite-yet" walk, and baking festive pink cookies.  Among other things.
     
    I hope your day is just as sweet!
     
    "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."
    -1 John 4:7

    Tuesday, February 08, 2011

    Cath Kidston designs - charming


    A couple years ago, I made an epic discovery in the U.K. designer, Cath Kidston.  Her designs are so delightful, so unforgettable, and so cutethat I've been hooked ever since.  I'm enthralled with the colourful ;) designs, the adorable styling, and the evident quality I see on the the web shop - Cath Kidston.co.uk.
    When I see a handbag like this, My first thought is "I love that!  I want it". . . Then; "I'd never buy that - don't even look at the price, Kellie - I'll make my own!"  I get the itch to make one of my own.  Not only one of my own, but a hundred of them, and sell them, and start designing the next handbag line!  It's in my blood, I suppose.  I love the thought of selecting the shape and style of that cunning little leather buckle.  I want to decide where the pockets go.  I think this one is simply crying out for contrasting slate-coloured piping. . .  
    Someday, if the Lord wills, I have the vision to create my own design "empire", like Cath has done.  She started out small.  She exercised her God-given creativity, and today she is a smashing success! 
     
    ". . .Gradually Cath began to design her own prints and products. One of the first was a printed ironing board cover – practical, quirky and with a distinctive floral print, it has come to epitomize the Cath Kidston look. The product base has expanded steadily to include an extensive range of homewares as well as women’s fashion and accessories and the 2008 launch of the Cath Kids brand.  Various ranges are manufactured under license by companies including Churchill China and Fulton Umbrellas.  Cath’s aim has always been to create well-priced, good quality products that are fun, practical and original. . ."
     
    Someday I might even get up the nerve to overcome my Scottish penny-pinching ways and buy something.  Though I haven't any idea how I could decide what to get=)  If ever I discover a dear rich uncle in Scotland, I'll ask him to help me out of my dilemma!
    Sounds like a plan.  In the meanwhile, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite items so that you can go and dream of a dear rich Scottish uncle, too.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    This one is too much. . . why am I torturing myself like this? ;)
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Oh, dear.  I'm not strong enough for this. . .  Ahhh!  Too cute!
     
     
        
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
             
     
     
     
     
     
     
      
     
    The most darling stationary in the world.  Ever.  *Sigh*
     
     
    .:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.
     
     
     
    Thanks for stopping by!  Have a lovely Tuesday, friends!

    Monday, February 07, 2011

    Literary Heroine Blog Party - Join the Fun!


    {This event is now closed}
    You are cordially invited. . . 
    To the Literary Heroine Blog Party!
    ~ February 16-28 ~
    Are you enthralled with the charming stories of heroines of yesteryear?  Do you t hrill at the sight of a lovely, century-old book?  Have you ever read a favorite novel up in the airy retreat of a graceful tree?  Do you often catch yourself thinking of the inhabitants of Avonlea or Longborne as not only very real, but intimate friends?  If so, I hope you will plan on joining me for this exciting online party!
    The pleasure of your charming company is requested to grace this event, inspired by the myriad captivating heroines of literature.  
    Commencing on February the sixteenth {a special day, by the way!}, and extending to the end of the month, this event is one you will not want to miss!  
    * As your hostess, I will provide a linky at the end of this post, which will be activated the morning of the 16thAll you must do is answer the questions below, making them your own with your unique personality and way with words.  Then, sign the guestbook at the end of this post in the form of the link to your blog post!
    * Then, via the guestbook/link pool, have fun mingling, visiting each other's blogs and getting to know one another better!  Delightful, no?
    The best part of this event is yet to come!  
    I have just launched my newest entrepreneurial endeavor. . . namely, pin back and Mirror back button badges, now for sale at The Shop, as well as on my Etsy store!  
    In celebration of this milestone, I will be hosting a scrumptious Giveaway!
    You have the opportunity to win any one of the three following prizes!
    .:.:.:.:.:.:.
    First, Kellie Falconer Designs is offering a set of two adorable pin back buttons, which are the perfect accessory for the literary minded heroine.  Pinned to your sweater or book bag, these little badges will brighten your wardrobe and put a smile on your face!
    Second, a cunning little button mirror with matching hand-sewn felt case by Kellie Falconer Designs is an essential accessory for the prepared heroine.  This charming, high-quality looking-glass will prove an indispensable aid for everything from personal touch-ups, entertaining a fractious child, or signaling rescue aircraft.  Don't miss out on a chance to win!
    Third, my dear friend Tasha, of Day by Day, has graciously teamed up with me for this fabulous event by offering one of her gorgeous hand-crocheted laptop sleeves!  She is preparing to soon open an Etsy shop, where she plans to offer these darling cases, among other things.  Be sure to stay tuned for the grand opening of her shop!
    A true heroine well knows the integral part beauty plays in our lives.  She knows how to incorporate it into everyday life in a thousand ways, thereby blessing those around her with the joy that such beauty brings.  
    This lovely laptop computer sleeve, with its vibrant colors, expert craftsmanship, and delicious granny-square design, is the perfect accessory for your prized electronic.  Imagine the delight of keeping your computer in this lovely case, where it will be protected from scratches and dust - at the same time enhancing the beauty of your home!
    .:.:.:.:.:.:.
    By participating in the Blog party, you will be entered in the giveaway to win any of these three wonderful prizes!
    Please make sure, when adding your links to the blog pool, to simply leave a comment on this post with some way for me to contact you.  You will need to sign up for a PlexPedia account (my brother's site hosting service that supports this blog) when commenting for the first time, but it only takes about 20 seconds!  Looking forward to hearing from you!
    Don't forget to comment for additional entries!
    ~ For additional entries, you may: ~
    1. Follow my blog (Google Friend Connect, just like Blogger, is located in the right sidebar on the home page, as well as the bottom of this page for your convenience). (1 entry)
    2. Follow Tasha's blog (1 entry)
    3. Post about the giveaway and/or put the event button on your blog. (1 entry)
    4. Share on Facebook, Twitter, and/or other social networking medium. (1 entry/each)
    5. Heart my Etsy shop, or either of the Button/Mirror listings. (1 entry)
    6. Visit my Official Shop, and tell me what your favorite item is! (1 entry)

    {Note: readers who do not have blogs may complete one or more
    of the other means of entry, leaving a comment for each}

    The giveaway ends on Monday, February 28th. I will select the three winners by random number.
    *Please make sure to leave a separate comment notifying me of each additional entry!*
    ~ The Questions ~
    Compiled by Miss Kellie & Miss Natasha
    • What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine?
    • Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to. 
    • Five of your favorite historical novels?
    • Out of those five books who is your favorite character and why? 
    • If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there?
    • What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?
    • You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert.  Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of?
    • If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent?  
      • What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate?  
      • Favorite author(s)? 
      • As a small, imaginative, red-haired damsel might query; would you rather be divinely beautiful, dazzlingly clever, or angelically good?  Why?  
      • In which century were most of the books you read written? 
      • In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is… 
      • Describe your ideal dwelling place.  
      • Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name?  
      •  In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is...
      • Three favorite Non-fiction books?  
      • Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon?
      • Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.
      • Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.
      • Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.
      • 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?
      Please, take the event button above and put it on your blogs (linking to this post) - even do a post of your own about it if you feel so inclined!  Assist me to spread the word of the party so that everyone has the opportunity to join in this delightful event!
      I look forward to the pleasure of your company!
      Yours sincerely,
      ~Miss Kellie~
                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~