Pride & Prejudice 2005 and 1995: MY Opinions

Ahem. And now, dear readers, I come to one of the most conflicted subjects from around the internet: Pride & Prejudice.

To begin, I would like to say that I like the 1995 film version best of all. But, I don't think that the 2005 (Keira Knightly) version is entirely bad, it just has some issues... with accuracy, and that sort of thing.
So this is a little post I wanted to do to share my opinion on the movies. Perhaps you will agree with me, perhaps you won't.
Thus I begin.

I started the whole thing by reading the book, and found that Jane Austen is a great story-teller. The only problem I find with any of her books is that it takes me so long to get through one. Even though they aren't super long (Like Dicken's Bleak House!), they are written in such a way that I have to be in the right mood to read them, or else I just don't absorb it. And even though the chapters aren't very long, it still takes me awhile to get through them.
British people talked weird in those days, let's just say that. Elegant, sure, but weird. Anyways, I eventually got through P&P, and I really enjoyed it.

I saw the 2005 one first. We found it for $5 online, so we just went ahead and bought it and watched it. And then we rented the 1995 one, because the 2005 version sort of left a void in my expectations, and I heard it was better.

I couldn't decide how to write this post, I wondered if I should just do a whole review on each movie, but that sounded kind of boring. So, here is what I'm going to do. I shall name a few of the biggest things in each of the movies (like characters and events), and tell what I think from each movie. There. Now you know what to expect, including looong descriptions. I hope you can bear it.
BTW, if you haven't seen the movies or read the book, I wouldn't recommend reading this, as this is NOT a review, and it would probably be hard for you to compare your own sentiments with mine if you're not familiar with the story. Just throwing that out there.

Elizabeth Bennet:
1995: I think we can all agree, Jennefer Ehle is perfect as Elizabeth Bennet. She pulls off the sweet yet wise element of her character from straight out of the book. Mrs.  Bennet claims that Jane is the prettiest in the family, but I completely disagree with her and would venture to say that Elizabeth is definitely the prettiest of them all.

2005: There's no doubt of Keira Knightly's acting ability. She definitely pulled of that cute/fun side of Elizabeth Bennet. I was surprised, however, to find her not as wise as the Elizabeth was in the book. True, Elizabeth is supposed to be prejudiced, and misunderstanding, but Keira's Lizzy just seemed a little more... not stupid, exactly, but almost naive. She also looked like a ragamuffin a lot of the time, which is an interesting touch, I suppose, but unlike how I imagined her in the book.

Mr. Darcy:
1995: Ahh, everyone's in love with Mr. Darcy, and I agree with the rest of the world when I say that Colin Firth definitely did the best job being this proud Englishman. The role actually made him a popular actor, and anyone can see why. He's quiet, has a deep attractive British voice, and he's handsome. That's pretty much everything you need in a Darcy. He also did a good job being proud. When I watched this version the second time around, I noticed how often he got up and looked out the window whenever he was embarrassed or shy. It's something I missed the first time. *shrugs*

 

I like windows too, buddy.

2005: I'll just be brutally honest and clear about this: I don't really like Matthew McFadyen as Darcy. I don't HATE the man, he just doesn't do a single thing for me. I didn't find him very handsome, and he talks too fast. WHY DOES HE TALK SO FAST. TELL ME THAT. I could barely process what was happening during several scenes, because he just talks so fast and low and... British-in-a-non-attractive-way. I think they tried to make him look all sexy and manly, but to me he just ended up disgusting. For the record: I hate THIS picture.

Jane Bennet:
 1995: I know it is strange, but Jane Bennet is one of the only things I didn't care for in the older version. I think Susana Harker did an ok job as Jane, I just didn't find her very pretty. She had a small head and a long neck, but she did had nice eyes, and her voice was nice and sweet, just like Jane is supposed to be.

2005:On the other end of the spectrum, I absolutely love Rosamund Pike as Jane in 2005. She's so sweet and pretty, and perfect for the part. She's got a real nice friendly face, and she looks and talks and behaves almost exactly like I imagined her in the book. If we could just pluck her out of 2005, and stick her into 1995, everything would be perfect and dreamy, don't you think?

There. 1995 Jane gets no pictures, and 2005 gets two, what do you think of that? Mwuahahha.

Mr Bingley:
1995: To be honest, Mr. Bingley was never among my favorite characters. He's perfect for Jane's husband, of course, but besides that he's just too perfect. Always too happy, not much happens with him. 
Usually the kind of character who is most loved by the reader is the one who has problems. I'm not saying Jane Austen failed with Bingley just because I don't like him, he isn't even supposed to be the main character, so it's all right. 
Anyways, 1995 did a better job out of the two. He actually looks like someone I know.

2005:As for THIS Mr. Bingley...
 *cough* Really, people? Really?

Moving on.
Mr. & Mrs. Bennet:
1995: Ok, let me just say I looooove Mr. and Mrs. Bennet in 1995! Mrs. Bennet is HILARIOUS. I mean, really. She did a great job complaining and criticizing people, and being the matchmaking mother that she is. I think Mr. Bennet was great too, and gave me much reason to like him. After all, he's the only one who seems to have any sense in the Bennet family, besides Jane and Elizabeth. I always liked his tender relationship with Lizzy. 

2005: Meh. This is another shrug moment for me. Mrs. Bennet was ok in 2005, but not GREAT. She wasn't hilarious, and she didn't have a lot of screen time. Mr. Bennet was ok too, but I didn't like his hair, and he didn't seem to have AS MUCH sense as the Mr. Bennet in 1995.
 I feel like the entire 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice would be better all around if they just hadn't tried to mush everything into 2 hours. One reason I think that the older 1995 series is better is because characters actually have significant TIME on screen to make us love them. In the movie, we're pretty much rushed along, and there's no time for us to care about anyone. :(

There now. I think that covers most of the characters. Now onto everything else!

Darcy's First Proposal:
1995: To be honest, neither film version captured exactly what I had imagined in the book during this scene. But, that's no matter. 1995 was the most accurate, all the same. I do think that Darcy showed feelings LESS in this version than in 2005. But, this scene is one of my favorites in the series, and I just think their whole discussion is quite interesting.

That wallpaper tho. XD

2005: *sigh*. You're going off the trail again, 2005! You're not being very much like the book, and not everyone likes that! Shame, shame, shame! Seriously though, if you're the type of person who likes the mushy, romance-y, young-adult-romance-type scenes, then you'll probably love this one. I, for one, think it's entirely unconventional. What are the chances that two people walk through the rain, and take shelter under a pavilion thingy, and that those two people just happen to be crossed in love, "and so the stage is set for a dramatic argument in the rain..." It just seems almost cheesy to me. 
Why should Darcy all of a sudden exclaim his feeling for Elizabeth out of the blue? In the 1995 version, and in the book, Mr. Darcy went to visit Elizabeth ON PURPOSE to express his feelings. But in the '05 movie, they just HAPPEN upon each other, and Darcy just HAPPENS to tell his true feelings then and there. What if that chance had never come? Do you see what I'm saying? I just found the whole thing weird. :P
Plus Keira Knightley's eye make-up drove me crazy in that scene. PEOPLE DIDN'T WEAR EYELINER LIKE THAT IN THOSE DAYS DON'T YOU GET IT?!?!

FYI, on a separate note, my favorite (failed) proposal scene EVER in ANY FILM that I've seen up until now is from North & South, BBC. :) 
 
The Balls and Dances:
1995: Ok, I like what happens during the balls in 1995. The first ball, when Mr. Darcy is first introduced to us all, and the ball at Netherfield when the Bennet girls are embarrassing the daylights out of Jane and Elizabeth, it's all very well done. The dance between Darcy and Elizabeth was certainly intriguing, too, and another one of my favorite moments. I also like how you heard more of people's conversations during these dances. In 2005, the balls went by so quickly, you could hardly have the time to get to know people by what they are saying to each other. You know what I mean?

What nice eyes, eh Darcy? *snicker*

2005: Due to modern lighting and cinematography, I do think the balls are a bit prettier in the movie version, even if they are so short. I don't really like the first ball, when Bingley and Darcy first come in, because it looks like a bunch of peasants dancing around. I realize that that might be more accurate historically, but I didn't like it very much. I also like it when there aren't so many people. Besides, why would people like Darcy and Bingley show up at a crowded, scummy place like that anyways? Aren't they supposed to be rich people who wouldn't dare rub elbows with the lower class?

"I hear such different accounts of you which puzzle me exceedingly."

Longbourn:
1995: The Bennet Household in the 1995 version is exactly like I imagined it in the book, which gave me great pleasure in watching it. The house is not super fancy, but it's not a barnyard, either. It's just nice. The Bennets aren't supposed to be peasants on the streets, even if they are lower classed people.

2005: On the other hand, I liked nothing about Longbourn in the newer version. It's a pig pen. I'm not sure why the makers of the movie found it necessary to make it a junk heap. I don't know, it just wasn't like I imagined it at all.

Couch: Wrong.
Windows: Wrong.
Blue walls: Wrong, wrong, all wrong.

Pemberly:
I looooooved reading about Pemberly in the book. I loved it when Elizabeth goes to see Pemberly, and how she is embarrassed, but she finds that Darcy isn't quite what she imagined him to be. This is an important part in the story, because it is when Elizabeth's opinion of Darcy begins to improve, and THAT'S important.
1995: The Pemberly scens are done so well in this version. I love how Elizabeth slowly walks around the rooms with her aunt (who I like better in this version too, by the way), and solemnly gazes at the vast and majestic glory of the man she rejected. This, my friends, is when the story gets good.

I really like that hat too.

2005: I must admit, the Pemberly scenes in this version aren't so very bad. Like everything in this movie, though, it's so short that we aren't given enough time to enjoy it. Like I mentioned with the balls, the filming and lighting is very good. And I feel like they did a good job with the locations. I love gold trimming in a mansion. I didn't, however, care for the scene when they were looking at all of the statues. That part just bugged me. :P I liked it better when they were in the hallways, or with Georgiana in her piano room (Parlor... I think that's called a parlor...). Which reminds me, I kind of like Georgiana in this version better. She plays piano better, and she's prettier. I like the brother/sister relationship she has with Darcy in both versions, though.

I just love all the Pemberly parts in all the versions and the book. :)

Costumes:
1995: I really think the dresses are cute in the 1995 version. A little too revealing at times, but cute. I especially like the white one that Elizabeth wears with the yellow-ish flowers all over it. Her pink dress is a favorite of mine also, and I think it looks the best on her.

2005: I think the costumes are definitely historically accurate in this movie. I wish they were nicer though. I mean, especially in the Bennet household, everyone pretty much dresses like a ragamuffin. I like a few of Lizzy's dresses, however. The green one is pretty nice on her, and I also like the cream striped dress that she wears when she is looking around Pemberly. Overall, the costumes aren't bad in either version.

Soundtrack/Music:
1995: Meh. Ok. The music in this series is nothing special. 


2005: THIS is the section I've been waiting to write about! The 2005 version seems to have very little going for it, except THE MUSIC.
 THE MUSIC IS SO GOOD. It's sweet and touching and romantic and emotional and I just love it.
 *hugs soundrack*
I went to a wedding a few weeks ago, and they had a real live piano player, who played the soundtrack music from Pride & Prejudice 2005. After the ceremony I asked to see her music books, and there was the soundtrack sheet music, plain as day. I went home and promptly ordered my own book on Amazon. :) 
I'll tell you one thing, if I ever get married, whoever does piano is going to play two things for sure: This soundtrack, from Pride & Prejudice in 2005, and the soundtrack from Cinderella, 2015. And that's THAT.
Whoever is going to play piano at my wedding better be taking notes!
Seriously, even when we first watched the movie, the music struck me as the one completely perfect element in the story. I love picking out the notes on my own piano, but to imitate such perfect emotion and harmony and romantic soul in the music, I cannot. 
Yes, to be sure, 2005 WINS with the soundtrack. 

Conclusion:
One last scene I must compare is the "Conclusion" scene. *clears throat*
1995: THIS PART IS JUST SO SWEET. Lizzy and Darcy finally set each other's mistakes, judgements, and rejections behind them, and it reminds us that all humans make mistakes, but it can turn out alright in the end if we're just not so picky with everyone. At this point, we're all thrilled that everything's cleared up between Lizzy and Darcy and we can take a deep breath and finally be happy, and this version set us up for that feeling really well.
This scene is not mushy or kiss-y or sexy, just like a CERTAIN OTHER VERSION I'm talking about. They don't even kiss, they wait till they're MARRIED, which makes me ecstatic, because you don't often see that happen in movies. Plus, this part is almost word-for-word from the book, and THAT'S something too.

"Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth."

2005: Okayyyyy the 2005 version of this scene is not-so-much-my-favorite. Honestly, the whole scene just annoyed me. First of all, it's a chance meeting again! Just like the proposal scene, they just HAPPENED upon each other, and what comes next drives the story along to the conclusion. That gives me the feeling that nothing ever happens in this movie except by chance, which is NOT a good feeling for me. 
The whole thing was mushy and weird and Darcy is disgusting with his shirt down (was I supposed to think he was handsome? Because I didn't find him that way...) and Lizzy's makeup is ONCE AGAIN unrealistic, and the fog looks completely fake.
Just look at it:
 

 
Weird and fake, fake and weird.
 

I kind of like this pic though. *shrug*

And So:
My overall opinion of the two movies is this: 1995 is the absolute best version you could ever hope for. But, 2005 isn't completely rotten. It has good points, truly. It's just not as accurate as some period drama fans would like it to be. Personally, I'm not bothered by a movie, any movie, being different from the book. I do have my limits, but I think that some movies can be more interesting if the story or the characters are played with a little bit. One needs to switch things up a bit occasionally, wouldn't you agree?

Here's a small conversation between my friend and me about the inaccuracy on Pinterest: 
   

Really cute and adorable, but not really accurate. Yes, I think that describes Pride & Prejudice 2005 pretty well. The question is, whether it bothers you or not.

 
I feel like perhaps the 2005 version would be the best choice between the two ONLY IF you didn't have a lot of time on your hands, and you just want to remember how the story goes. Like, if you didn't want to dedicate yourself to 6 hours of watching the 1995 version because you don't remember why Elizabeth loathes Mr Darcy, or something like that. 
If you think about it, 2005 isn't all that inaccurate with the overall plot, it's just not very accurate within certain scenes. Like, the last scene, when Darcy and Elizabeth go on their little walk. That definitely happens in the book, just in a different way. It's not like they changed things around so much that someone dies, or Elizabeth cusses, or Darcy is a thief, or something outlandish like that. The movie is not exactly poorly-written, I just feel like if the whole movie was SLOWED DOWN just a little, it would be much improved.
Basically, if you don't really mind inaccuracy in movies, and if you don't even think about the book AT ALL while you're watching it, and keep your mind completely open, 2005 is a fairly decent movie, as far as movies go in general.

Still, even if you consider the fact that 2005 CAN be a good movie, that doesn't mean that it IS, or that you should like it. I know some of you think it's TERRIBLE, and that's ok. These are only my opinions. Do you see what I'm saying?

I guess my final word is this: I own both versions, and like them both.
But the only version I LOVE, is Pride & Prejudice 1995, and I would say I have good reason to. :)

Goodbye, my lovely people. :)

 What do you think of the two versions?! I'd like to know!

My O-PIN-ions

And yes I just stressed the "PIN" in "Opinions" because I wanted to share my thoughts on a few pins and I just realized that "opinions" has the word "pin" in it.
Ahem. Yes, I'm a little bit of a dork, thank you.

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I found this pin rather interesting. Where is this girl at, where's she headed, what is her situation? Is that a graveyard? It is early in the morning, and she looks quite distressed. Maybe her step-family hates her. Maybe her step-sisters make her do all the work. Maybe she shall meet a handsome prince in the woods. 

Just maybe. What do you think?

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From 'Giphy'

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Let me take a second to appreciate this gif, which is from one of my favorite I Love Lucy episodes (actually I lied. They are all my favorite). It is "Lucy Wants a Paris Gown". It is one of the episodes when the Ricardos and the Mertzes are in Europe. Needless to say, Lucy and Ethel decide they want designer dresses from Paris, so Fred and Ricky stick fancy labels on potato sacks and feed bags and tell the girls they're designer gowns. 

So in the gif, Lucy is flouncing proudly around wearing her 'designer Paris gown' in public, while Ricky is relishing this moment of his deception. I LOVE her earrings, btw.

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This adorable picture from 'The Sound of Music'. I never really enjoyed that movie too much, to be honest. Which is surprising, as I'm supposed to be the huge WWII fanatic and all that. I don't know. Maybe I just don't absolutely LOVE Julie Andrews. 

But this picture! His smile is so nice, and her dress was my dream outfit as a child. Look at those walls too! Is he rich or is he RICH?

Still, it's been awhile since I've seen the movie, so maybe I ought to watch it again now that I'm a little older before I go around saying I dislike it. Ah well. :P 

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From 'Buzzfeed'.

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So let me tell you something funny: When I first saw this pin on my feed, I thought that it was one of those old-fashioned dance card thingies, like they have in the Anne of Green Gables movie. So I thought, what kind of question is that for a dance card? Who wrote that anyways? Is he/she trying to propose in a really weird way or something? "Here's a dance card for you. DARLING. Now before you even ACCEPT my proposal, just lemme ask you this question." 

And then I saw my error and realized it was an idea for a wedding. :P  There's me for you. I know I've got a funny little brain.

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From Photobucket

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THIS GIF. AHAHHAH. I find this immensely hilarious. I don't even watch Doctor Who. Sure, I know it's British and timey-wimey, and all that jazz, but it's just not my thing, you know? But I still manage to know all about it because some of my siblings watch it. 

Just look at the way the Doctor's ears stick up over the hat. XD And River's hair... it's so curly and gorgeous. She always reminds me a little of Sharona from Monk in appearance. And Rory is just standing there being cute.

I feel like no one even knew what a fez was until this show came along. *puts on fez because fezzes are cool*

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From El Ojo Lector

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This painting intrigues me. It makes me think of the Scarlet Pimpernel (which I NEED to read again... *bangs head on table because I have little time to read these days... much less things I've ALREADY read*). I always like paintings if they speak to me somehow, or if I like something about them. For example: I really like the tulle-looking-stuff on her hat. And her little cat. Or is that a dog? *shrugs* She's obviously out for a pleasure walk. 

And the man there, gazing at her. Or is he just glancing? What do you say? Is he gazing or glancing? Perhaps he is in love with her, but afraid to say so to her face. Or perhaps she has rejected him, and is now ignoring him, which pains him mightily. Or perhaps they are just passing by each other and he tipped his hat and is now about to return into his home.

Say, what's the name of this painting, anyways? I don't know. :P

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I must say I appreciated this pin when I saw it because now I will never have to wonder why ghosts pass through walls. Isn't that the most handy piece of information? Seriously, I could use this for a story or something. Even though I don't write ghost stories. : / But still.

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This gif.

From The Lord of the Rings.

Which is amazing.

Because that guard person looks completely amused.

And Viggo is looking very serious.

And Peter Jackson is wearing a pink boa. A PINK BOA.

And these people obviously had WAY TOO MUCH FUN on the set during the making of these movies. 

Yep, I'm a fan. Such a fan.

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From FanPop

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Melting into a puddle of sparkling happiness because I found this pic of Mr. Firth being made into Mr. Darcy, and he's even got his serious face on. 
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Ok, one last pin. For the Queen of England's birthday, which was a few weeks ago.

From Quickmeme

You're welcome, Queen. Now pardon me while I go have tea and crumpets.
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So yeah. Now my secret's out and you all know what I like to do in my spare time when I'm not reading books or working on my novel or doing crafts.
 It's called PINTEREST, and WE GOT IT.

Have a nice day. 

-Phoebe

~April is my Favorite Month~

So, you might as well know, April is my favorite month of the year.

To me, April means:
The anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, on the 14th. It was a very sad event. But, I remember it every year. This year, I am listening to Adam Young's RMS Titanic album in remembrance of it.Click here to listen to the album.  My favorite tracks are probably "Distress Call", and "Lifeboats". I also really like "Maiden Voyage", because it sounds so pretty and energetic and Irish-y with the pipes playing. :) It also has some piano playing, which is very pretty. Anyways, listening to the songs just remind me of the sinking in 1912.

So yeah, I'm going to be listening to the album while I finish writing this post, do you mind?
Oh, and one more thing about Adam that I will mention at the end of this post. :)

Flowerrrrrrrs! And birds! And green grass! I'm just so ecstatic that the green color has now returned to the world, at least for awhile yet. Until September or so. Thankfully I'm not one of those people who get really allergic to the fresh wildflowers or the pollen, so I enjoy taking walks with myself and seeing the flowers (or weeds... if there are dandelions. I like to think that they're flowers. : / ). It was a bit rainy today, but I got to take some nice flower pictures. :)

 They look pink rather than purple, because of being so unhealthy last year.

We have a lilac bush in our yard, and last year we were upset because we thought it was dying. The leaves had a strange powdery texture, and there were no blooms on it. Fortunately, we have had some lilacs this year, but only a few. As you can see, the color isn't very vivid or bright, and it's a little brownish in some places, but hopefully the bush is almost through with whatever disease it had last year.  

And then of course, we have those romantic little purple flowers that cover the ground like a carpet.

  
I always look forward to those. :) Don't mind my fingernail in the picture, I went to the store earlier and was testing some nail polish out. 

Rain! I just love rain. Rain is romantic. It sounds amazing, it smells amazing, it feels amazing. Seriously, have you ever gone walking in the rain before? In the olden days, people thought you got a cold by being in the rain (Jane Bennet, anyone?), but that's absurd. Well, not absurd. It's true that being in the rain lowers your immunity, or some other such fact that I don't remember. :P Ah well. I just love rain, people.

 
 And no, I did not take this lovely picture. I find it very difficult to take pictures of rain. :P 

School is almost over! And I will miss it, like I do every year. Yes, it is a thing to be had, for here is one who enjoys her schoolwork! I know I'm not the only one. Shout out to you if you're reading this and you miss your school mid-summer. Well, at least when I miss it too much I can work on my book to stave off the feeling. 

Sure is.

 Ok, one little last fun thing about this April being special, that I mentioned up at the top, is that Adam Young  just came out with a new worship song, Come Thou Fount! I don't know about you, but that was always one of my favorite hymns. I like how he didn't mess with the lyrics like a lot of artists do nowadays. He also sings In Christ Alone , and , How Deep the Father's Love For Us, if you like those. 

Anyways. That's my post. :) I am almost finished with the HUMONGOUS Circle series by Ted Dekker, and if I can possibly write my thought on such a huge series in under 50,000 words, you should see a review up on the Ol' Blog pretty soon. :) 
Bye! 
Oh, and here's a pic of Vivien Leigh. :)

 

Not My Typical Journal Entry...

Dear Journal:
I know it's been awhile since I've written in you, and I apologize for that. : / But you know how it is. Anyways, I decided to write about today, because I did something I'd never done before, and had a splendid time of it. That's worth writing in a diary, isn't it?

You know how I love "The Book Thief". I got it for Christmas because it was recommended to me, and at the time I was beginning to be interested in the WWII era (and I still am). To be honest, however, the first chapter I found a little boring. And I was wondering if I had made a mistake by putting it on my Christmas list.
Of course, I kept at it (persistent reader that I am), and a few more chapters into the game found me interested. And it just kept getting better, and better.
I read it slowly, savored every word (except for the OCCASIONAL swear word. :P), and devoured the book whole.
By the end of the book, I was SOBBING. I mean, wow. What a book. What. A. Book. It was a work of art, really. I started to respect that guy, Markus Zusak, who wrote it. You don't read a book like his every day. And for that, I'm grateful to him.

Um... actually, in Nazi German she would NOT have been dressed that nice. That coat... those shoes...nope. It wouldn't have happened. Just sayin'.

Well, diary, you know I've never met a famous person before, or else I would've written about it.

It just so happens that Markus Zusak came to a library in my town. Thank heavens for my friend who told me, or I never would've known about it at all.
The event started at 7 pm, but the little flyer thingy said that 'early arrival is recommended'. Well yeah, the guy's famous, for Pete's sake. So, I grabbed my Book Thief (and my camera), and we headed to the library. We got there quite early, so we were almost at the beginning of the line. As we waited for the doors to open, the line of waiting people behind us became longer, and longer... and longer. We got a seat up front thankfully, because we were one of the first ones in, but even 45 minutes after we got seated, I kept turning around to check the empty seats, and every time I looked, fans just kept on filing in.
And filing in.
And filing in.
There were over a thousand fans.
To see the guy who wrote The Book Thief.

Again, her clothes are WAY too nice for the era.

Time wore on, the fans kept filing, and the anticipation built. By this time, I'd been waiting for 2 1/2 hours, and I was pretty sore from staying in the same place for so long.

Finally, the whole board of whatever director of the library came up, and did her little shpeel about "being so grateful blah blah for our sponsor.... and these great blah individuals who blah blah made this event possible blah blah blah..."
...until FINALLY.
The guy came on stage!
And I set my own eyes upon him in person! And he had the most glorious Australian accent... which I enjoyed immensely... and he told funny stories... and he talked about the book thief (of course)... and he answered our questions. It was a great presentation. I really, really enjoyed myself. I brought my little notebook, to write down my inspirations from his speech.

"People think you have to have a good imagination to be a writer.

Not true. You just have to have a lot of problems."

-Markus Zusak

"I've written five books. Four of them mean something me, and one of them 

means everything to me. And that's The Book Thief."

-Markus Zusak

(When asked which character from the book he actually loves the most)

"I love Rudy more than anyone in the book. By no means would I let him live through the end.

I know that may sound cold, and hard, and evil. Well, that's just because... I am."
-Markus Zusak

That one brought the house down.

I also finally realized that his last name is pronounced with the z sound, and not the s sound. There is no s sound in his name, in case you ever wondered.

If you can't tell, dear Journal, I had a wondrous blessed time listening to his presentation. But that wasn't even the best part!

After he finished speaking, and we finished asking our many questions, we all got to stand in line and get our books signed, one group at a time. Since we arrived pretty early, not only did we get in the building first, and get our seats first, we got in the book-signing line sooner than most. We were in group 2 out of 17, which isn't bad.

I have to admire that guy Markus because HE PROBABLY SIGNED OVER A THOUSAND BOOKS AND HE DREW A LITTLE PICTURE INSIDE EACH ONE.

I saw each person in front of me get their books signed, and then, finally, it was my turn! I gave him my book, and while he signed it and drew his little thingy inside, I mentioned how much I enjoyed his book.
I know he probably forgot about me by the time I walked out of that room, I mean, he was probably just focusing on writing... writing... writing... WRITING IN A THOUSAND BOOKS! Still, I was glad to tell him how much his book meant to me. Even if he'll never remember what I said for the rest of his life. :) Well, at least he knows that his fans love him. :)

And then, after all that, we finally went home. Occasionally, in the car, even in the dark, every so often I would open up my little book, and gaze at the title page:

It made me so happy, and I was beaming all the way home. :)
It was a splendid time, and the whole thing really was like a dream.
But after all, I'm very glad that it WASN'T a dream!
Signing off now...
Yours Truly,

p.s. This is my only signed book other than the one my friend signed, which I talked about in THIS post!

The Struggle is Real for Writers

Me: *taking a deep satisfied breath* Aaaahhhh a whole evening all to myself! What shall I do today, on this fine Sunday evening? I think I'll work on my book. Yes, that's what I'll do. 

Computer: Wait. What did you just say?

Me: I said, I'm going to work on my book.

Computer: Oh. That's what I thought you said.

Me: Leave me alone, computer. I have important work to do.

Computer: Are you kidding me?

Me: No, I'm not, now go away!

Computer: I will not! You love me, remember?

Me: Nevermind that. Just keep quiet. *turns back on computer*

Computer: Oh come on! Let's hang out for awhile! You can finish that stuff later.

Me: No.

Computer: C'mon, pleeeeeaaaase?

Me: No.

Computer: But you know writing is TERRIBLY hard on your brain. You need to relax. Just come over here and spend some time with meeeeeeeee.

Me: But my brain ISN'T tired.

Computer: Why not?

Me: BECAUSE I HAVEN'T WRITTEN A SINGLE WORD YET.


*Pause*


Sister: *walks in* Why are you yelling at the computer?

Me: ...

Sister: ...

Me: I-

Sister: Sometimes, I think you have some serious mental issues.


THE END

And that's the story of my mental shortcomings.
Ahem. That's all I have for you today, because, well, I gotta go write now. Today, I'm setting aside distractions. Meaning YOU, computer. (which is really quite strange because I'm on the computer right now. Fancy me talking about getting off the computer while I'm on the computer).
Ok, now I'm seriously getting off. BYE, PEOPLE!
-Phoebe

Books, Writings, Happenings, etc...

What am I doing with my life? I'm making (and saving) memories. I do that everyday.

 

 ~Listening to the Cinderella soundtrack and being able to name every scene that goes to each song.

*listens to the music* Oh yes, this is when her mother dies. Such a sad scene. I always loved her mother. Never cared too much for Ella's father, actually. He's awfully ridiculous to marry someone so heartless and self-centered like Tremaine. What? He wants another chance at happiness? With HER? What's the matter with that guy, anyways? *scoff*

~Wishing it was Spring. *sigh* And I know everyone is wishing that just as much as me. But still, I can't help looking forward to it. After all, seeing the little sprouts of green around the yard after a long, grey winter has GOT to be one of the best feelings in the world.
Wouldn't you agree?
Moving on.

~This video:

 

Gets me every time.

~Finally getting up the nerve to start my latest reading project: The Circle Series, by Ted Dekker, which I got for Christmas.
It's actually four books in one, but the whole series together is HUGE. I can't even hold the thing to read it, I have to set it on a table or my bed because this thing is bigger than Bleak House and it's bigger than my Study Bible, which are the two biggest books I own.

Aaaaaand here's a pin I created from one of the quotes! Hopefully the forest picture is ok to use. : / But hey, if you've seen one forest picture, you've seen 'em all, right?

So, I just finished the first book in the series, "Black", and I'm on to the second book. I don't usually read thriller/suspenseful novels, but this one is actually really good. A little weird, a little scary, but quite interesting, yes.
And while I'm still on the subject of books... wait, aren't I always on the subject of books? o_o

~Getting especially excited/passionate about writing my story after taking a long break (and it's been going pretty good so far).
Hey, I'd love to share an occasional scene with you all. But first, I would have to share the basic context of The Hidden Queen. Writing all that would take a post all for itself, but here's just a small smidgen of context for you:

The Hero: Lillian, the Queen.
The Plot: Lillian's brother, the King, is captured, so she feels obligated to find and rescue him because it was her fault that he was captured.
So, she obtains the help of a former kingdom spy, and together with his team, they set out to find the lost King.

 I'm really excited about this story, as I'm sure you can understand if you're a writer. The work is going slowly, but I think it will make a great story when it's all finished.

 ~Working on my list of 100 memory verses. I sense that God has been telling me to store more of his Word in my heart lately, so right now I'm just focusing on a simple goal: 100 verses. I'm combining a few verses of my own with a list I found online. It's going pretty well so far. I forgot how easy/fun it was to memorize. Here's my most recent verse:
1 Corinthians 1:18
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.

Hooray for me.

~Watching BBCs North & South once again. Seriously, I love this series. Watching it for the third time, I realized that it is very similar to both Jane Eyre and Bleak House. So if you like either of those two, you'll probably like North & South. I sure do. :)

I mean look. The guy has a top hat. How can it be a bad series?
 And I can't WAIT to read the book (which I'm going to get with some of my Amazon money from Christmas. Yay.)! Which brings me to my last point in this post (wait, does this post even have a point? *shrugs*):

I'm going to buy one more book with my leftover book money from my birthday and Christmas. But I'm not sure what book to get. Do you have any suggestions? If so, do tell! The comments are open!

That is all, friends. :) Goodbye for now! I shall speak to you again, perhaps, when Spring is finally upon us. Or maybe sooner. 
Bye!

Just a Cute Little Tag...

I was grateful when Cordy tagged me because I've been looking for something to blog about, but strangely, I wasn't having any good ideas. It always happens that way.  :P
So. Here are the questions.

 1. Do you have a favorite fictional couple? (If so, why do you like them?) Well now, this is difficult to answer. I'm not really the type of person to go around squealing over fictional boyfriends and girlfriends ("Shipping", is what it's called, I believe). To be honest, I think I could probably find a better use for my time than that.
However, I like to read books, and I do love characters, so I have to say that over every other team of characters in a book, I enjoyed reading about Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester the best. I read the book for school, and thoroughly enjoyed it. (Yes, I am one who enjoys her school-work). Unlike period dramas by Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte is a much deeper storyteller. Jane's story is very dark and deep. It isn't a continual question of 'who will fall in love with who'. It is a tragic tale of the dark mind, of forgiveness, of decisions.

2. If you could have any animal (safely), as a pet you would have a...
A fennec fox. I heard about these things a couple of years ago, and decided I wanted one. People actually do keep them as pets.  They are like a combination of a dog and a cat. The only set back is that they're nocturnal, which would make it hard for me to sleep if they went around playing at all hours of the night. :P

3. You get to live in Middle Earth, what race are you a member of?
That's easy. I'm an elf. Back when I first became a Lord of the Rings fan, I even took a bunch of internet quizzes, and they all said 'elf'. I haven't the slightest doubt of it, either. Elves are quick, light-footed and agile, they love the trees of the forests, the sea and stars, they hate evil and they love arts and music. So yes, I am definitely an elf. 

4. In an ideal situation (you don't have to worry about living too far from family or money concerns) where would you live? (It can be fictional.)
Well, when I was a kid I always wanted to live in a big, fancy mansion, with my own swimming pool and movie theater and chauffeur. I guess in an ideal situation, I would want to live somewhere similar, but I would want halls and halls of books. Beautiful books. It would still be a mansion of course, set in the middle of some quiet forest (see? There's my elf side coming out again...), and there would be lots and lots of windows, and the ceilings would be very high (I've always adored those high ceilings. Quite majestic, they are.) It would be a very beautiful house. Complete with a springy pinky vintage-y wardrobe, and a place to do my crafts, and all that good stuff. I could go on and on but I don't want to make this answer be the longest. 

*clears throat*

5. Do you have a favorite 'vintage' movie? (As in, filmed before 1960.) What is it?
Well now, it would be hard for me to narrow it down to only ONE favorite. :P I enjoy lots of old movies. A few that stick out in my head are: It's a Wonderful Life, Forever Darling, Harvey, Roman Holiday, Singin' in the Rain, Ben Hur, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Fuller Brush Girl, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Charade. I also really enjoyed Gone With The Wind. :) And anything that Jimmy Stewart plays in is good, just saying. :) Harvey is especially my favorite.

6. When you were a little kid what did you want to be when you grew-up?
*reaches down into the deepest crevice of my brain in an attempt to recall those particular sensations as a child*
I think it changed a lot. I'm sure it does for everybody. I can't seem to pin point anything for a good answer. :P Hm.

7. You can be 'the best' in any sport (e.g. gymnastics, curling, synchronized swimming etc.) what do you choose?
Well now, that wouldn't work out at all because I don't do any sports at all whatsoever. The closest I ever come to 'doing a sport' would be to go ice skating whenever it's cold enough. But not for sport, actually. Just skating round and round the rink. But if that counts, then I would like to get better at ice skating, yes.


8. List three things that you wish people knew about you but will never ask. (Or just three random things. ;))
1. My mom had a revelation one day while reading her Bible, and it was God telling her she was going to have me.
2. I don't like fanfiction.
3. I know a family with 17 kids (no adoptions). And no, it ain't the Duggars.

9. Share a favorite quote!
I'd love to. I'm not a huge quote person, actually, but when I read/hear a good one, I like to remember it if I can.

"It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time others waste."

-Henry Ford

 There you go. :)

10. What is your favorite thing about wintertime? (Besides Christmas.)
I would have to say snow and cloudy skies. I just love cloudy skies, I don't know why (I don't have a cold soul or a black heart or anything like that, I promise).
 

I hope you enjoyed my answers! Here is the list of questions if any of you want to do it.

1. Do you have a favorite fictional couple? (If so, why do you like them?)
2. If you could have any animal (safely), as a pet you would have a...
3. You get to live in Middle Earth, what race are you a member of?
4. In an ideal situation (you don't have to worry about living to far from family or money concerns) where would you live? (It can be fictional.)
5. Do you have a favorite 'vintage' movie? (As in, filmed before 1960.) What is it?
6. When you were a little kid what did you want to be when you grew-up?
7. You can be 'the best' in any sport (e.g. gymnastics, curling, synchronized swimming etc.) what do you choose?
8. List three things that you wish people knew about you but will never ask. (Or just three random things. ;))
9. Share a favorite quote!
10. What is your favorite thing about wintertime? (Besides Christmas.)

If you like, you can think up ten of your own questions to post at the end of all of your answers. I hope you have fun with this!