Miss Grace's literary garden party

February seems to be the perfect month for lovely blog parties!  My sweet blogging friend Grace of Grace's Garden Walk is hosting one as well - the jane austen literary garden party!

And because I do love them so, and because this is such a lovely one, I had to share with you and take part.  Enjoy!

(I'm listening to the Miramax Emma soundtrack, sipping chocolate-mint oolong tea and nibbling a chocolate orange with my sister as I type... it's been ages since I had one of those.  Used to be my favorite.  Now I'm recalling why;)  Please tell me I'm not the only one who adores whacking the chocolate ball open and savoring each orange-infused segment!)

{one} let us start by your telling a little bit about your own self. tell us a bit of your personality. perhaps, tell a bit of your interests and pastime. 

My name is Kellie Ann.  I only learned to accept that my name does NOT have an 'E' a few years ago...it was a sore vexation, I assure you!  I am a farmgirl, an aspiring designer, and a bibliophile who learned to read at the tender age of four.  I've read all of my favorite books up to twelve times or more.  I've consumed thousands of books in the ensuing sixteen years!  I am striving to take every moment of my life captive for the glory of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

I have recently been feeling a passionate longing to purchase a DSLR and take up photography in earnest;)

I love history, sprigged muslin and plaid, old books, copper chestnut Morgan horses, historical costuming, long walks in the rain, wild Russian music, long flowing hair, floral prints, and practical daydreaming.  

And I don't like chocolate.  Oh, you don't believe me?  I really don't blame you...

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{two} what literary character {whether it be in a film or book} would you say, most describes your personality and mannerisms? 

Have you read Georgette Heyer's The Grand Sophy?  That book. . . is adorable!  I was never able to relate so fully to a regency character before - not even dear Lizzy.  Sophy is me.  I'm quite convinced.

 The grand Sophy is unconventional, lively, witty, unashamedly feminine yet bold, a fearless and competent horsewoman, crack shot, loyal friend, and is ridiculously tall and strong for a lady of the age;)  And. . . green is her favorite color! ♥ The plot, by the way, is a delightful read for a cozy rainy day. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

(The above is the perfect version of me, as a disclaimer - and I am far from perfect!)

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{three} what would you describe as the most lovely place to live in 1700's England? a cottage surrounded by woods or a mansion perhaps, to the same resemblance as Pemberley in Miss Austen's Pride and Prejudice. 

A toss-up between Pemberley and Barton Cottage!  I could be sublimely content in either.  I would delight in the wild beauty yet lavish cultivation of gorgeous Pemberley, and I always fancied the duties  tendant as mistress there would suit me nicely=)  But the sweet homeiness of the Cottage by the sea, with it's pianoforte and kitchen garden, would be a kind of paradise as well!

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(On second thought, I'll take Pemberley, please.  The sight is having the same effect on me as on another lady I know of...;D)

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:...Refills tea cup...:

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{four} list some of your favorite and least favorite literary works you have read. 

random favorites:

The Chestry Oak

Wives & Daughters

Flowers for Mrs. Harris (reading)

The Elusive Pimpernel

Any of Henty's works

Betsy-Tacy

Quentin Durward

least favorite:

The Black Pearl

Hmm... if I don't like a book, I'll usually just put it away without finishing!

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{five} what would you describe as a most admirable heroine? 

She is a true lady, in every sense that 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.

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{six} if you could spend afternoon tea in the company of your favorite literary heroine, to whom would you spend it with? 

I would love to take tea with Mrs. Tiggywinkle, actually!  We would discuss the best kinds of muslins and cambrics, go taste things from the garden, and dine on orange marmalade with crumpets.  I wouldn't be surprised if we were to sing some duets in the back room around the spinet made from thistledown, either.  

And I wouldn't loose my pocket handkin.

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{seven} which is to your liking more :: tea or coffee?

Herbal tea, please!  I do love the smell of coffee, but I never got used to that taste that I describe as 'liquid burnt.'  (Have only sampled my dad's black coffee...)  I've never been to Starbucks in my life, though I suspect that if I ever tried some of their 'fancy' coffee drinks, I would become an addict like everyone else=)

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{eight} which of Jane Austen's couples are you most fond of? 

I think Bingley and Jane are so adorable!    And Anne and the Captain, though so slow and stupid, made up for it all at the end by the beauty of their discovered true love.

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{nine} what is one {a few} of your favorite literary quotes? 

“It may be possible to do without dancing entirely. Instances have been known of young people passing many, many months successively without being at any ball of any description, and no material injury accrue either to body or mind; but when a beginning is made -- when the felicities of rapid motion have once been, though slightly, felt -- it must be a very heavy set that does not ask for more.”

Jane Austen (Emma)

“I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens, but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.” 

― Anne, L.M. Montgomery

"All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his."

Oscar Wilde

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{ten} are you fond of dancing or singing or reading a good book? 

You have just described the perfect day.

Singing in the morning, reading in the afternoon, and dancing till dawn.

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{eleven} and lastly, as this event is also hosted in celebration of my garden's second anniversary, would you mind explaining perhaps, how you stumbled upon my little plot of earth? :wink:

I 'met' Miss Grace on Shelfari about two years ago, and have enjoyed following her growth as an inspiring blogger and daughter of the King ever since!

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Be sure to go say hello to Miss Grace and see for yourself all of the lovely things she has for you!