Sunshine Blogger Award ☆ (warning : wordy)

Hello, friends!
Emily from Altogether Unexpected tagged me for the Sunshine Blogger Award! I kind of feel like I've maybe done this tag before, but I don't really care if I have because, 1. I'm too lazy to search my published posts and see if any post comes up under "sunshine", and 2. I wouldn't care anyways because the questions change with each blogger!
With that said, here we go!

Below are the rules for this award:

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link back to their blog so others can find them. See above! :)
2. List the rules and display an award logo on your blog post.
3. Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.
4. Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and notify them by commenting on any of their posts. I can already tell you it's not going to be 11 bloggers XD
   
5. Ask the nominees 11 new questions.

The Questions:

In what city were you born?
St. Louis, born & raised, and still living here. I've always liked STL!

Which book made you a bibliophile?
All of them. Haha, just kidding. But for real, there was no single book that created a love for reading in me. My love for books really began to take off when I was around 12-14, and some of the most notable books that I enjoyed during that time were the Anne of Green Gables series (which I adored), The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and Elizabeth George Speare's books (she only wrote four in her lifetime.. which I am forever remorseful about).

Photo Credit: Me

What is your favorite film?
FOR-REST. GUMP. (*claps on each syllable for emphasis*)
Seriously tho, it's the best, in my opinion. At least so far. There are so many amazing movies out there that I have yet to see.

What is your favorite Bible verse?
I don't really have one specific verse. The LORD has used so many unique and wonderful passages in my life during the last few months to speak to me in a special way.
A few that have been close to my heart lately are:

The righteous cry, and the LORD hears
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:17-18

Many plans are in a man's heart,
But the counsel of the LORD will stand.
Proverbs 19:21

Photo Credit: Me

Favorite episode of Sherlock? (I know you have all seen it)
UUugh I can't even really talk about my favorite episode cause I know I'm gonna spoil it.   O.o
But I loooove the one in Series 4: The Lying Detective. I haven't seen that particular episode in awhile but the acting is so brilliant and the plot so riveting it gives me chills just remembering it. The Final Problem was also astounding. Stunning. Awesome. Just... all the amazing adjectives. Bless that show.

First foreign country?
I haven't traveled much; I went to Niagara Falls when I was, like, 5. So, Canada. That's it. I'd love to go to Paris someday.

Favorite food?
That's a very hard question! I have many foods I like. The LORD has been laying it on my heart to eat healthier the past few months, so my tastes have all rather changed! I still love me a good bowl of ice cream. And I've been cooking more, so homemade foods are always good. I love cooking with limes. Just, anything that has lime juice in it, I love.

British accents or Scottish accents?
I can't really say because I haven't heard enough of Scottish to distinguish it from British. I can tell you this, however: whenever I watch a show with a British accent I have to put on subtitles. *shrug*

First Marvel film?
I tried Captain America a few years ago and *hated* it. In fact, I kinda hate the whole Marvel franchise. I feel like it's just a big money-maker anyways. But there are some things I like. Spider-Man, for one. Take any Spider-Man and I could watch it on any evening chilling at my apartment and that would be an enjoyable time for me. Any other Marvel movie.. can't say the same thing.
But anyways, to answer the question, the first Marvel movie was Captain America, but the first one I liked was the first Spider-Man with Tobey Maguire.

Who is your favorite British actor/actress?
Aiden Turner // Ross Poldark. I never thought he was great as Kili, and then when I saw him as Ross I was absolutely sure of it. The man was BORN to play Ross. UuGgh I just get chills thinking of how freaking good he is as Ross. Let me put it this way; you haven't gotten the full Aiden Turner experience until you've seen him as Ross Poldark.
With that being said, here are a few notable others:
Helena Bonham Carter (A dazzling and uniquely lovely woman of the industry)
Benedict Cumberbatch (because Sherlock and The Imitation Game)
Among others. I know I'm probably forgetting a few that I love.

Photo Credit: Me

When did you start blogging, and why?
When I was around 16-17, my best friend told me about Hayden Wand's then current blog, The Story Girl. If you can believe it, at the time I didn't really know what a blog was. But I started reading Hayden's and soon others, and became fascinated with the book-reading, period drama-watching, story-writing girls who put their thoughts and little tags on blogs to share with their small corners of the internet world. I thought "I like to write, I like to read, I like period dramas. This looks rather fun, I could do it." I was a bit nervous to start and wanted my writing to be like everyone else' I read, so I set everything up and published my first post in September of 2015 (here it is if you're interested notice how much different and rather fake and airy the writing is compared to now because back then I was writing like all the blogs I loved because I didn't know how to express my own voice [which I'm still learning, btw]).
So yeah. I've been blogging since without being consistent at all, but I think I've come a long way, and I'm happy with my current 30 followers. It's never been about numbers for me; I definitely wanted the bloggers I loved most to love my blog (namely Naomi Sarah from Wonderland Creek and Hayden Wand from her blog back then The Story Girl), but as the years have gone by and God has taught me many things about the various social medias I have been apart of, it doesn't really matter who loves me or my writing and who doesn't.
I'm blogging and writing what I want to say because I enjoy it and God sometimes speaks to my heart things to write. Maybe you're encouraged by what you read here, maybe you're not. I will keep blogging until the LORD says stop. <3

Well that turned into a huge backstory, haha.

But anywho, that is the end of the list of questions from Emily! Thank you again, Emily! :)

For this award, I nominate:
Tessa // This Great Adventure
Natalie // Starry Eyes
Abbie // Chronicles in Bloom
Lissa // An Attempt to be Classic
Mary Liz // Sunshine and Scribblings
Rachel // A Girl's Place

I'm very behind on my blog-reading (I've got all I can handle just to post on my own blog every once in awhile, haha), so I don't know if any of the above bloggers have answered the questions for this award before! If you have, feel free to skip. Or you can do the award again with my questions!

Here are my 11 questions: 
1. What is your favorite season of the year and why?
2. What do you want to be "when you grow up"? (and if you're already grown up, what are you doing or what do you want to do someday?)
3. What's the most obscure and unique song you love to listen to?
4. Do you prefer sunshine or rain better? (I expect a detailed explanation as to why you feel the way you do! *insert intellectual emoji here*)
5. How do you usually listen to music (Spotify, YouTube, Google Play, Apple Music, etc.)?
6. Favorite black-and-white 'old timey' movie?
7. A fun fact that most people don't know about you?
8. Best memory of 2019 so far?
9. What's your favorite thing to do on the internet?
10. What's the longest you've ever gone without internet?
11. What's the most obscure piece of information you remember from school?

Photo Credit: Me

~ Amaris // ☆

Spring // 2019

I got to hang out with my best friend:
It was really good to connect again because our busy lives kept us apart for almost 3 months... which is too long. We also decided to read 'The Circle Series' at the same time (a re-read for me) so that we could compare opinions. It's quite a series to swallow, but I am excited to go through it again.

I went to my third ever baseball game and rather enjoyed it:
Watching baseball in real life is more fun than I remember, and definitely more fun than watching it on TV. Apparently the STL Cardinals haven't been doing well this season; but I wouldn't know. All I know is they creamed the opponent on the night I went with my mom and sister and it was very enjoyable.

I spent a lot of time sick:
I endured a miserable three weeks with nausea, constipation, and jaundice, and it eventually put me in the hospital. They never did figure out what it was, and I got better naturally soon after the hospital visit. Most of the doctors thought it was Hepatitis A, but every time they tested for that it was negative. I am feeling great and I'm back to normal now, so... whatever it was it's gone now *shrug*.

We moved:
This time last year we moved into an apartment, but but as soon as our one year lease was over in May, we moved to a slightly larger (and nicer) townhouse, which I'm very happy with. I have my own room again! And I have a perfect view of the Western sky, and have been enjoying the sunsets every evening I'm home. God has truly blessed me in many ways.

I watched some movies and shows:
Five Feet Apart (2019)
It was ok- but not great. Pretty cliche and melodramatic. I feel like I would've liked it better had I seen it when I was closer to 16, but I'm 21 and it didn't do much for me.

The Office (2005-2013)
Not the cleanest show, and I'll probably not re-watch certain episodes, but it's very funny and extremely quotable. I can see why millions of people like the show. I feel like it's almost worth a one time watch-thru at least. For appropriate audiences. Idk.

Breakthrough (2019)
It was ok. It was kinda surreal watching a movie about an event that happened very close to my own hometown. It wasn't great but it wasn't a bad movie altogether.

Julie & Julia (2009)
What a sweet and heartwarming movie!! I watched it late one night with my mom, who also loved it.  I love Amy Adams soo much! I don't love Meryl Streep as well but she was good in this movie. I think there was a few cuss words but definitely worth a watch.

Smokey & The Bandit (1977)
Kinda funny, a little bit exciting, a tiny bit sweet, overall not really my thing. Sally Field helped a bit, as she is one of my favorite actresses. Overall, probably won't watch again.

The Matrix (1999)
Very intriguing. It wasn't my type of movie, and it didn't "change my life" the way some male family members told me it would, but I can see why it was revolutionary for it's time and why it was a huge hit, and it did get me thinking a little bit. Also I'm a Keanu Reeves fan now. Bless.

The Founder (2016)
SO FRUSTRATING AND UNFAIR. But also good. I loved it an hated it. Ugh.

Julie & Julia (2009)

I started reading books again:
~The Complete Sherlock Holmes, Volume II - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (currently reading)
~Scarlet - Marissa Meyer (finished)
~Cress - Marissa Meyer (currently reading)
~Sex, Purity, and the Longings of a Girl's Heart - Bethany Beal & Kristen Clark (currently reading)
~Conscience - Andrew David Naselli & J. D. Crowley (currently reading)
~Where We Belong - Lynn Austin (finished!) Here's a post about it.
~The Circle Series - Ted Dekker (just started)

I am writing VBS lessons:
My VBS partner and I will be teaching the VBS lessons at our church again this year- we are teaching from the book of Acts about Paul's second missionary journey! The theme of this year's VBS is Athens - so everything is Greek themed! We're going to wear togas and leaf headpieces. It's coming up soon.. on July 15th. I can't wait!

On June 19th, my favorite job I've ever held had to let me go:
A small post is coming soon about that.

I tried being positive:
A post is coming soon about that as well.

A Few Other Things:
~It rained a lot, and some tornadoes almost tore apart my city. But we survived.
~God is faithful when I am faithless. He's also unchanging.Thank God.
~I have the best friend I could ask for.
~I discovered arguably the greatest most practical YouTube channel for introverts and people with social anxiety (like me...): Charisma on Command. Check it out. The psychology is super intriguing. And there's a recent episode on Keanu Reeves and introversion... i am cri.
~God used 2 Samuel 11-12 and Psalm 32 to change my life.

Music:
~Bee Gees "Too Much Heaven". I love those chill vibes. ☀
~Studio Ghibli Piano Music. Perfect for taking a walk with a twilight sunset.
~BTS "Make It Right". Pretty much any BTS song is guaranteed good vibes.
~Queen "Spread Your Wings". A newly 'discovered' Queen song for me.

Spring Words:
Sunsets
Crescents
Chills
Chopin
Ablaze
Golden
Quiet
Change
Wait

☆ // Amaris // ☆

How was your Spring? Did you do anything you've never done before? What has God done in your life lately?

I Wrote This Review 3 Years Ago...

Hello, bloggy friends.
I was looking at my old drafts (a dangerous place to explore...) and I found this old review.

I wrote it before I posted anything on this blog, and somehow, once I did start posting, I never got around to making this one public. It's an ok review, so I thought you might like to take a look into my 17-year-old self once again (ahh, the good ol' days) (Ha. I say "the good ol' days" like I'm 83 instead of 20).

So yeah. I also am pretty sure this movie is not as morbid or 'grown up' as I'm making it sound here, but *shrug* you know how it is when you're only 17 small years old. (No offense to any 17-year-olds reading my blog right now... I love you too).

So. Pardon my previously naïve self. I was trying to sound really professional, and movie critic-ish... and yeah.

Enjoy. 

---

"Welcome to Alcatraz."
That's what the guards say after locking up a new prisoner.
I watched this 1979 movie last night because some of my friends went on a tour of the notorious prison, and they mentioned that the movie was good. Also, because I happen to like watching prison escape movies.
I found it a very intriguing film.

Ok... That's a little scary.

First off, you must know that Alcatraz is a unique prison. As the Warden told us:

"If you disobey the rules of society, they send you to prison; if you disobey the rules of the prison, they send you to us. Alcatraz is not like any other prison in the United States."

In other words, Alcatraz (while it was open, from 1934 to 1963) was a place to keep the 'bad eggs' all together in one prison. It was, essentially, escape proof.
That is until a rough and stoic criminal, Frank Morris, (played stupendously by Clint Eastwood) came, noticed that the concrete in his cell was wearing down, and decided to bust out.
The movie follows Morris from the time he comes to the prison until he attempts escape with three other prisoners.

If you decide to watch it, these are the things you need to look out for:
Some language: These are prisoners, after all, and there's pretty much no reason to talk clean. Their bad language is definitely not overwhelming, but some of their rough talk includes words like: sh**, a**, d**n, and unfortunately, the name of the Lord God is misused several times. Some black prisoners are referred to as 'ni**ers'
Some nudity: We see the nude backs and behinds of men taking showers, and we see the unclothed back and chest of Morris as he is marched to his cell at the beginning of the movie.  
 Blood: There is not much to speak of here, fortunately, except for one scene, where a prisoner uses a hatchet on his hand after his painting privileges are taken away. We see a brief view of his blood.
Some of the prisoners fist fight with each other in a few scenes, including once in the shower.

I wasn't really sure what to expect with this movie, at first. But, I found that it delivered. I was never at a lack for suspense. I saw the prisoners work on their little escape plan, and slip little things past the guards to dig with in the cells. There was some great acting talent displayed too. In spite of Morris' notorious reputation (he's a criminal!), he manages to make friends in the prison, and we see that even Alcatraz prisoners know how to work together for a goal. There are also a couple of funny moments with these prisoners. Clint Eastwood, though I have never seen him in a movie before, did a great job in the movie being angry, brilliant, criminal-minded, and (I have to say), handsome. :)

If you're looking for an interesting movie to watch, that is maybe a little out of your comfort zone, 'Escape From Alcatraz' won't disappoint you. I don't think it's the best kind of 'family movie' to watch with little kids, but if you're just a couple of teenagers and some grown ups, I would say, "definitely watch it!"

"King of the Mountain."

If I watch any more movies, I will definitely write a review about it, if I have time! See you later!

--

Oh look, my old 'Phoebe' button. Boy, times have changed.
I hope you enjoyed that, because I didn't change anything. This is exactly the way it has been all those three years sitting all alone in the darkest corner of my blog drafts...
Maybe I should watch the movie again to see if my opinions have changed. We'll see.

Thanks for going down memory lane with me!
-Amaris

Problems I Have With Pride & Prejudice 2005

I am not a negative person by nature, but I would like to present these thoughts of mine for your reading pleasure. Let us see on whether or not we agree!
I did a rather old post kind of like this awhile back, but my opinions have changed a little, so I wanted to update from a fresh perspective. So here you go.

Disclaimer: These are my own personal opinions, they are not meant to bash anyone who might think differently than me. Let's keep this fun, peeps.

To begin.

~It's too short

This story is not one to be taken in a small amount of time. The story requires a good deal of thought and pondering to enjoy it thoroughly. When watching P&P '05, we cannot do that. It's too painfully short. It's so short it hurts my brain to watch it.
I really wish they would've:
1. Made the movie into a miniseries, or at least
2. Made the movie super long.
This would give us much more time to spend with the movie's beautiful aesthetics and appreciate things such as acting talent. *sigh* But alas.

~Elizabeth Bennet's makeup isn't accurate- and it just bugs me in general

This "I love you" rainstorm scene in particular (completely setting aside the fact that this scene in this setting wasn’t supposed to happen anyways) just bugged me because of how dark and sultry Elizabeth’s makeup was. I am not a ‘costume’ expert, but I do know that back in these times, makeup was very faint, natural, and light. The only people who wore makeup enough to see was women of ill repute, or... (dare I say it on this clean blog…) prostitutes, who were essentially outcasts.
Not to mention dark, smudgy eyeliner bugs me in general. But that’s just me.
(Also, this is off the makeup biz, but why is Elizabeth such a ragamuffin in general? Certainly neat hair and ironed clothing were a must, even for someone of her class?) (Help me out, history peeps.)

~The costumes aren’t accurate either

This one I can’t say much about, as I am not a ‘costume’ expert, as I said. But in spite of my thoughts on this movies’ costumes, I have been in the discussion of other people who know much more of the subject who also think the costumes are historically lacking. And who am I to argue with a history person?
Plus, I just don’t understand Caroline Bingley’s dress in this ball scene at all??? In the 19th century, I always figured that women didn't wear night gowns to balls...
But perhaps I'm wrong... anyone?

~Mr. Darcy is the opposite of attractive (*whispers* aka he's ugly)

I know, I know. Some women think otherwise. This is my personal opinion (and no offense to the actor as a person), but I do not care for this Darcy’s looks. He’s supposed to be handsome, right? Isn’t that what the book suggests? Help me here, people. It’s been awhile since I read the book. P&P 05’s Darcy is not how I imagine a handsome-suitor-with-a-gazillion-pounds to look. Also, his hair is weird.

~The Bingleys are weird

Caroline does alright at acting high-and-mighty and all, but her costumes are horrid (again with the nightgown ball dress), but she's not even in the story enough for me to even have an extensive opinion about her.
That scene when Caroline was supposed to have caused her brother to leave town to keep him away from Jane? Like, for real that scene just happened so fast and without very much explanation at all. If I hadn’t read the book already, I would’ve been completely confused, as my mom was because she hadn't read the book. *frustrated groan*

And I haven’t even gotten to Charles Bingley yet. Let me just say this; I think Hollywood/other movie making people are getting confused about what the term ‘handsome’ means. He’s friendly enough (I rather think his personality is on the ‘ok’ side), but he’s just not attractive. At all.

~Mr. Collins isn’t ridiculous enough to make me hardly notice his existence at all

This Mr. Collins is just kind of there. Like, hardly anything happens with him until he proposes to Elizabeth and gets rejected, and even then he’s still not much of anything when it comes to ‘personality’. As I remember it in the book, Mr. Collins was supposed to be somewhat ridiculous and comedic, while he tries his best to be serious. You could take this Mr. Collins out entirely and it would effect the movie very little.

~The Bennet family isn't ridiculous enough either

In the true spirit of Jane Austen's writing, the Bennet family (apart from Jane and Elizabeth) are supposed to be ridiculous enough to make you laugh to yourself, and even out loud. P&P '95 captures the hilarity splendidly, but in 2005... I honestly can't remember laughing once, to myself or otherwise.

Mrs. Bennet is okay. Not funny, but okay. Mr. Bennet I probably like the most. But the rest of them are filled with many non-laughable moments (or perhaps they ARE laughable, but the moment is too short that I can't notice / enjoy it?) that leave me more bored than amused. Sad, but true.

~*~

Well, that's about it. 
Let's end this barrage of negativity with some positive notes:

A Few Things I Do Like:
~Jane Bennet (I love Rosamund Pike in this role)
~The soundtrack (I live and breathe the music from this movie no joke)
~The sets and props and aesthetics (such a beautiful movie really)

~*~
There you have it. My true thoughts on a movie controversial among period drama lovers around the world. I did re-watch this right before I wrote this so that I can remember all of my thoughts (gotta be accurate, you know?), and was not entirely bored, because in spite of it's flaws, I do enjoy watching it.
It's not terrible by any means.

On another subject, I feel like I've been posting a lot of period-drama related posts lately? Or is that just me? I certainly enjoyed the period drama tag all the bloggers did awhile back. :)
But if I'm not careful, I might end up one of 'those' period drama-obsessed blogs.
*shivers*
Anywho.
Let me know which of these sentiments you agree or disagree with. :)

See ya.
-Amaris

A Period Drama Tag

I was tagged by Rachel over at A Girl's Place, and by Miss Woodhouse at Notes From a Hartfield Girl (both lovely blogs, btw) for this lovely Period Drama tag!

Thank you, ladies!

Rules: 
1. Answer the questions.
2. Link back to the person who tagged you. (I shall point you up there ^^ for that)
3. Tag at least one other blogger to do the tag. (See the end of the post, please!) 

Just a side note before I begin: I have not watched a legit "period drama" movie or series for almost a year, except Poldark (which I just discovered but I love it). So bear with me as I TRY to remember my favorite this and thats of period dramas.
In any case, I love these questions!
Let us commence.   

1. What was the most recent period drama you watched? Share what you thought of it.
As I said, I just discovered the show Poldark a couple of weeks ago. While I am only just starting Season 3 (out of...4 I think?), I am really loving it. There are a couple of things in the *ehem* content department, but other than that I wholeheartedly recommend!
(Note: After this was written, I did watch another period drama. The Young Victoria (2009). My opinion? Beautiful.)

2. Do you generally prefer period dramas in the form of a movie or a TV series/mini-series? Why? 
Most good period dramas are good no matter what form they are, but I think I would choose TV/mini series. There are generally more good cliffhangers that way, not to mention the story is longer.  
 

3. What is your favorite musical period drama?
I...actually... severely... dislike musicals.
So.
I guess none.

(unless u count the greatest showman. then that's my favorite.)

4. Read the book first or watch the movie first?
I have enjoyed it both ways, actually.
Pride & Prejudice I read first, but North & South (2004) I watched first.

5. What is a valuable life lesson you learned from a period drama? 
Uuhh... "Reject all the proposals"?!

Just kidding. I wouldn't say I've learned a 'valuable life lesson' from a period drama, but I would say that watching/reading period dramas has improved my writing in some ways.

6. Which period drama hero would you likely to fall in love with in real life?
That's not hard at all. Definitely this guy: Dr. Enys from Poldark. He's noble, loyal, faithful, brave, and selfless. 
And I love him.
(He's the guy on the right)

7. Do you ever like to binge-watch a period drama series?
 I think I binge-watched North & South BBC the second time around, but I usually prefer one or two episodes at a time (yep imma boring fangirl).

8. What things go best with watching a period drama?
Being wrapped up in a fluffy Sherpa blanket.
Whilst drinking tea.
Scooted way up close to the TV.
Whatever says 'comfort'.

9. Which period drama do you think you would fit into best?
Probably a setting from one of Jane Austen's novels. They are usually so bright and airy. Perfect for me, I say. Also, Prince Edward Island sounds lovely in Anne Shirley's time. Oh, and don't let me forget Barney and Valancy's home from The Blue Castle! It sounds great.

 
10. If you could have any period drama character for a best friend, who would it be? And why?
1. I would not change my current 'real-life' best friend for anything, but
2. If I had to, I would probably choose Margaret Hale from North & South BBC. That girl needs a female friend.
3. I would also probably choose to be George Warleggan from Poldark to be my other best friend, because even though I hate him and he's disgusting and terrible, being my best friend means that I have an advantage because he's not my enemy, plus he's super rich so he can throw me an epic birthday party, which is way more than he would do for his enemy.

11. Show us a picture of a period drama costume you wish you could wear in real life
I'm not into costumes as much as I used to be (pun intended), but here are a few that I like.

-I love pretty much all of Elizabeth's gowns in Poldark.

-Then we have the airy, breathtaking beauty of Belle's dancing gown from Beauty and the Beast.

-I love Trixie's style in Call the Midwife (that's a period drama... right? I think?). 

-As a child especially, I loved this dress of Maria's from The Sound of Music.
0

-I also love the color of blue with this dress from Amazing Grace. It would have to be less low-cut to suit me, however. :) (Also, I don't think I could dye my hair red enough to look as good as Garai in it).
(Tbh I've always kinda liked the hairstyle here too).

I've shown a lot here, but there are many other outfits besides this. :)

12. Are there any period dramas you like to watch during a particular season or holiday?
I like to watch Bleak House BBC and North & South BBC during the winter, and the more light-hearted, airy dramas like Pride & Prejudice during Spring and Summer. I also like watching Call the Midwife Christmas specials during Christmastime. :)

13. Which period drama has your favorite soundtrack?
Definitely Poldark has my favorite opening theme. Pretty much all of that show's music is my favorite. I love all of Demelza's songs. I have been enjoying Pride & Prejudice (2005) music as well lately.

14. Dream cast your favorite actor and actress in a period drama of your choosing; tell which parts they would play and why.
I'm going to be boring with this question; I never really thought about switching any actors in my favorite period dramas, because I like the actors who play the parts already. As far as books go... I have no ideas. :)

15. Are there any period dramas you like more than one version of?
Actually, no. (I know; boring again)

16. What are the top three period dramas that you haven't seen on your to-watch list?

• Wives & Daughters
• Sense & Sensibility 
• The Crown

17. Show a picture of your favorite period drama hairstyle.
It's hard to pick a favorite, but I've always liked Elizabeth's hairstyle from the ball scene in P&P 2005. 

18. What was your favorite wedding in a period drama?
Actually, none of them really stood out at me. P&P '95 was ok, except for the weirdness caused by it being a double wedding. I kind of liked the wedding in The Young Victoria too, now that I think of it. :)

19. What is your favorite biographical period drama?
If either The Imitation Game or The Greatest Showman count as period dramas, then I choose one of those. If not, I do not have one. :)

20. Which historical novel will you forever recommend to anyone and everyone?
I loved reading North & South, by Elizabeth Gaskell and Bleak House by Charles Dickens (for a more hefty read). They were both so good. 
For beginners to period dramas, I would recommend Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austin. :)

Thanks for tagging me, Rachel and Miss Woodhouse! I loved answering these. It's been awhile since I've done any sort of Period Drama tag. So it was fun.

I tag:
Natalie
Hayden
Lissa
Cordy

If any of you guys have done this before, I'm sorry I didn't notice! Feel free to pass me by...or do the tag again if you wish. :)

Here is the list of questions!
1.What was the most recent period drama you watched? Share what you thought of it.
2.  Do you generally prefer period dramas in the form of a movie or a TV series/mini-series?  Why?
3.  What is your favorite musical period drama?
4.  Read the book first or watch the movie first?
5.  What is a valuable life lesson you learned from a period drama?
6.  Which period drama hero would you be likely to fall in love with in real life?
7.  Do you ever like to binge-watch a period drama series?
8.  What things go best with watching a period drama?
9.  Which period drama do you think you would fit into best?
10. If you could have any period drama character for a best friend, who would it be?  And why?
11. Show us a picture of a period drama costume you wish you could wear in real life.
12. Are there any period dramas you like to watch during a particular season or holiday?
13. Which period drama has your favorite soundtrack?
14. Dream cast your favorite actor and actress in a period drama of your choosing; tell which parts they would play and why.
15. Are there any period dramas you like more than one version of?
16. What are the top three period dramas that you haven't seen on your to-watch list?
17. Show a picture of your favorite period drama hairstyle.
18. What was your favorite wedding in a period drama?
19. What is your favorite biographical period drama?
20. Which historical novel will you forever recommend to anyone and everyone?

 ~*~
 -Amaris

Superheroes Week // Comparing the 3 Spider-Men!

This is my post for Hamlette's Superheroes Week! At first I wasn't going to join in the superhero fun, but then I remembered (how could I forget) my partiality to Spider-Man, so I decided to write a post featuring him.

I also had trouble deciding WHICH Spider-Man to talk about...
So I took 'em all.

My favorite button. ^^
So! Without further fuss, I am going to talk about a few differences between the three movie Spider-Men and their respective movies.These are far from all of my opinions, but for the sake of this post, here are a few thoughts.

Tobey Maguire // Spider-Man (1, 2, + 3)

Ah yes. Bringing it back to the ol' Maguire Spidey. 

I'll come right out and say it. I love the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man. Watching his first movie inspired me to be a Spider-Man fan in the first place. And it was the first Marvel movie that I ever decided to like, so it deserves a special place on my 'Favorite Movies' list! :)

PROS: Tobey Maguire does a good job in all three movies. He brings a sort of wackiness into the character, while still doing a decent job of making me care about him as an individual. He did good being weak yet strong, handsome yet weird-looking (have you seen some of the memes out there of his face? I'm telling you), kind yet still young and immature. Brave but scared. In other words, he made me care. And that's saying something, judging by my high standards.

CONS: I'm not a huge movie expert or anything, even though I enjoy watching lots of movies and critiquing them. But I have to say. The Tobey Maguire Spider-Man movies have some of the most awkward moments in television history. Ever.
It's so awkward it's funny, and that's why I think most people don't mind. So maybe this shouldn't even be a con. *shrug*
 But seriously.
For real. What was even happening during this whole emo segment in Spider-Man 3??? I'm still utterly confused.

That girl on the right is me. XD

Like. Just. #im out
 *literally walks away*

~

Andrew Garfield // The Amazing Spider-Man (1 + 2)

Be honest, what girl does not like Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man, at least at one point? He's definitely got those mysterious teenage boy charms, as well as looks (Those eyebrows tho. That hair. *nods approval*) and a not-too-shabby personality. None of those things do much for me personally but I know a lot of female viewers who DO like him for those reasons. Anyways.

PROS: Andrew does a decent job in the acting department. He's no Benedict Cumberbatch (who represents the epitome of acting brilliance in my opinion fyi), but I really appreciated him during certain parts that touched me personally *spoiler* especially after you-know-who dies and he's just learning to live and breath without her *end of spoiler*. I also like how the AG Spider-Man is a hugely contemporary as opposed to the TM Spider-Man. Everything seemed way more modern, more realistic, more attainable, if you will, in spite of most of the villains being far-fetched. It was less of a throwback.
Another note I have to throw out that has nothing to do with Garfield, is a shout out for this version of Harry Osborn. I simply loved that guy. He was great, and his acting gave me chills.

CONS: I didn't care much for Peter and Gwen's relationship. Shocker, I know. Most people think they're super adorable together, but to be honest I find Emma Stone's acting to be annoying (no offense to her as a person). I could do without them together overall. But then of course, the movies would probably way more dry and violent without the contrast of a relationship to keep the balance.
I also was conflicted with AG's Peter being a teenager. For one, he looks older, but he's disrespectful to elders like a teenager. He has the fighting skills of an adult, but the immaturity of a teenager... like what? Which is it? I don't know. Maybe I'm the only one slightly annoyed by this. I just found it choppy, personally.

Their relationship did level him out as a character, so to speak. Bringing a touch of softness to his morbid calling as a superhero.

~

Tom Holland // Spider-Man: Homecoming (+ others)

Why do I like Tom Holland as Spider-Man? Because he is a sweet gumball, because he is an adorable British smol bean. His was the first Spider-Man I ever saw in theaters, so he will always have a special place, if only for that.

Can we take a moment to appreciate the adorable-ness of this pic...

PROS: Tom's acting really brings out the 'young, boyish Spider-Man'. The kid who is innocent as you can get... but has superpowers, and tries to use them well...even though it messes up sometimes. He's gotta cry a little, yet make me laugh, and be brave at the same time. Tom's Spider-Man did all of those things. Plus, I'm always low-key impressed when a British actor uses an American accent. :) Anyone else?

CONS: Of course, we have the annoying 'teenager-won't-listen-to-elders-even-tho-they-know-better-because-that's-not-cool' thing again. Tobey Maguire Spider-Man didn't do this as much. Andrew Garfield did it some, and Tom Holland did it a small bit too, in Spider-Man: Homecoming. It's really quite annoying. I guess I'm the only one who wants to watch movies where the teenager is .. like.. a good teenager who doesn't think authority figures are stupid and don't want to listen. In all fairness, though, this isn't a huge thing in this movie, and right now it's the only thing 'bad' I can think of for this section. I love this movie, peeps.

~
I think it's pretty apparent now that there is no Spider-Man I hate. I really love all of them, just in different ways, and some are definitely better than others in certain areas.
I prefer Tom Holland as my younger Spider-Man, and I like Andrew Garfield when I want something a little more downbeat, but Tobey Maguire is special too, because he's the first one I 'fell in love' with (if you can call it that. I still would prefer a period drama over any one of these movies. But hey. I can't change).
Take it from a non-Marvel fan. If you don't like superheros, but you want some action once in awhile, Spider-Man is the way to go.

I hope you enjoyed! Go check out Hamlette's list for more Superhero posts and to join the fun!!!