In keeping with the romantic theme for February...let's talk proposals

Hey, girls!  Here's a question for you.  Have you ever considered how you would like your future husband to propose to you?  You HAVEN'T?!  My dear girls, WHY NOT?  This is essential to your happiness.  You'd better think it through and come up with a good plan--and then be sure to let all your closest friends and family know so that they can give the proper hints to your intended whenever he happens to come on the scene--because a proposal is a HUGE big deal, and it must be special and memorable and absolutely perfect. 

(Don't tell me I'm being sarcastic.  I know that.)

 

Let's consider a few options.

 

~The Scenic Walk Proposal~

 

This one's a definite winner.  Nice and simple.  No fuss and feathers.  Just thank him profusely for some gentlemanly act of his, and then make it as clear as clear can be that the bad opinion you once had of him is now entirely reversed.  He may not go down on one knee and say all sorts of silly romantic things to you but...who cares?  The look of relief and happiness on his face when you say "yes" is sure to make up for all that.

 

~Romance in the Rain~

If you're going for a more epically romantic setting, I suggest you order in some rain.  Because who wouldn't choose to have this conversation of conversations while drenched to the skin, huddled under a tiny umbrella, with water dripping from the ends of your hair and down into your face, and...I mean really!  What could be more pleasant and delightful than that? 

 

~The Living Room Proposal~

 

 

Some may say this is not a proper proposal at all simply because it's too simple, but I say simple has it's place and sometimes simpler is better!  Just make sure you have a mom who's an expert at winking or this set up may not work for you all that well.

 

~The Picnic Proposal~

 

 

Now here's a nice setting for you.   Sitting down for a picnic under a large spreading tree, in front of a babbling, rippling brook.  You can't miss.  Your man is sure to be in the mood for proposing in such an environment.  Plus you will remember that place fondly for the rest of your life.  (Which is a key ingredient for a good proposal.  The place, the time, the day, everything, must be remembered vividly...forever.  Really.  It has to be that special, or it's a no go.) 

 

~The Well Thought Out, Overly Ambitious Proposal~

 

 

This is the kind of proposal every girl dreams of right?  Where the man puts so much thought and effort into the occasion that...ahem...one begins to wonder whether he didn't hire a film crew to arrange the whole thing for him.  But oh the romance of it!  And he even goes down on one knee.  Which is just so romantic because like nobody ever does that, am I right?!  *sigh*

 

(But what I really want to know is...how, when, and where did he scrounge up all those jars of candles?  Talk about being proposed to by candlelight.)  (Talk about excessive.)

 

 

 

 

~On Stage Proposal~

 

 

Speaking of going big on proposals, some men like to make a real slam-bang show of it.  Like taking you up on stage and proposing to you in front of a huge audience.  This is really romantic, especially when you had no idea it was coming.  I mean I know I've always wanted to have a thousand pairs of eyes on me as my man bursts into a romantic song (or simply goes down on one knee in that oh so original fashion.) 

 

~That Stranger in the Barnyard~

 

For those of you who are getting older and more desperate, do consider setting aside your romantic ideals.  Just say yes to that outspoken stranger who comes upon you as you're milking the cow in the dirty old barnyard.  Who cares about appearances and beautiful settings and all that?  Grab that man up and deal with the consequences thereafter.  (Because, you know.  As long as you don't get that sinking feeling after saying yes, you should be good, right?)

 

~The Prison Proposal~

 

 

Alright I admit, this one is leaning strongly on the side of the unconventional.  But you're really desperate now.  So forget about waiting for his proposal.  Propose to him!  And don't take into account the fact that he's in prison and extremely depressed about his current situation, just do it.  After all, not every proposal can end in a happily ever after, and what's life without a little risk?  (Hint: After this failed attempt go and find some way to lose all your money.  I guarantee, it'll help tremendously.)

*****

 

Well I guess that about covers it.   You should be able to come up with a satisfactory proposal idea from these examples, I should think.  And if not, well, write to me and I'll try and come up with something better.  There's always the "carrying the girl off by force" technique.  That's proven to have good results.

 

Take it from the Pontipees.

And maybe after all you would prefer such a unique approach.  (Girls have been be known to prefer sillier things.)  In which case, give me your guy's contact information and I'll let him know how things stand.  Just leave it to me.  I'll arrange everything.  I only suggest that you be on the alert for cat calls in the night, open windows, and other similarly dangerous situations.

 

Okay enough of the silliness.  Let's be serious. 

 

If you had to choose between the above mentioned proposals (the settings, not the situations...like if you want to be proposed to in a barnyard by someone you actually know that can definitely be an option) which would you choose? 

 

Do you like the idea of a public declaration in front of loads of people, or do you prefer something more intimate, just between you and your man?  Do want your guy to put a lot into it and plan out a whole big event, or would you prefer something simple and spontaneous?  We really must hash out these details because you never know when they might come in handy.

 

For me personally, I'm very much leaning toward the relaxed, spontaneous approach.  And furthermore, I think I'm pretty much decided that I do not want him to go down on one knee.  I know that's supposed to be the proper, romantic way to do it, but when everybody does it, it kind of loses it's romantic charm.  (In my opinion anyway.) 

 

So yeah, if I had to choose, I think it would be a toss-up between the Scenic Walk Proposal and the Living Room Proposal.  Because I like simple.  And if he doesn't give me a ring right away I'm okay with that, too.  In fact, my sisters and I have decided that it would be rather fun to have your guy propose to you and then say, "Alright.  Now we're going on a date to pick out your ring!"  And you'd get to go and pick it out with him.  I mean, wouldn't that just be really sweet?

 

Okay, I think I've rambled on long enough.  If you're still in doubt as to the purpose of this post well...that makes two of us.   I propose we end it here and think no more of it.  What do you say?
 

Ten things you may or may not have known...

First off, hello everybody!  How are you all this fine January day?  I hope each and every one of you is doing well and having a marvelous week.

 

How was your Christmas?  Mine was quite nice.  I stayed home all day and had a fun and relaxing time with my family.  Just right.  <3

 

 

And now, I just have a few things to say.  And I've decided to conquer my inexcusable habit of taking far too long to write a post so this one is going to be a quicky.  Ready.  Set.  Go.

 

 

TEN THINGS YOU MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN

 

1.  It's a new year people!  If you are yet unaware of that fact, I suggest you "get aware"--and right quick, too--because if you want to get any sort of a good look at 2018 you need to take advantage of every single moment.  Judging from past experience it's not going to stick around long.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR, FOLKS!

 

 

2.  It's cold here.  I think maybe it's wintertime?

 

3.  Going to work in the cold is not my cup of tea. 

 

A day off?  Maybe? 

 

Bummer.

Note:  Actually, to be honest, I've had quite a few days off lately because work at the motel has been slowing down of late.  (It's not the season for traveling apparently?)  So yeah, I really have nothing to complain of.  Still it's an awkward fact that the less you work the less you want to work.  And I confess I've been suffering from that malady a good deal lately. 

 

4.  I changed my blog look.  (Like no!  Never would have guessed that!)  ("Thank you for pointing that out, my dear.") 

 

 

What do you think?

5.  I got some really sweet presents for Christmas this year.  Two sets of super cute birthday cards (one from my parents and one from my sister), a lunch bag (with a beautiful floral design), earrings, and lots of candy!  How about you?  What did you get for Christmas?

 

6.  I bought a set of Jane Austen books last month and I'm super happy about them.   I finally own all of them!  That is to say, all except Pride and Prejudice.  That one wasn't included but I figured I'd be able to find a matching copy another time and the price was good for the other five books so...yeah.  HAPPY!  :D

 

 

 

 

7. Believe it or not, there is actually a point at which one's stomach can not handle being stuffed with any more candy.  (Sad, but true.)

 

Trust me.  I know.  It happened to me
just the other day.

 

 

8. However!  There's also a point at which one's stomach comes to it's senses and gets back to the normal routine.  (Oh, happy day!!!)  ("More sudar, marmer.")

 

 

 

9.  What do you know?  I can't think of anything for number 9.

 

10.  Or number 10 either.
 

BUT GUESS WHAT?!!  I wrote this post almost in the space of an hour.  (And that's really something for me, so yay!  I'm so proud of myself right now.  ;)) 

 

 

Well, that's it!  So long everyone!  See you next time!

 

 

 

 

Yours truly,

Miss March
 

At this moment I have...

Six emails I need to write
(But too little time and energy to write them)

A looooong "Ask Me Anything" answer post which is clamoring for my attention
(and not getting any of it)

A good book which I should be reading
(but which I can't seem to concentrate on for all the thoughts of what else I should be doing)

Dozens of blog post ideas in my head which are itching to be written
(while lack of motivation and inspiration do their work of sufficiently hindering that process)

The opportunity to go for a walk on a gloriously fine day
(and an appalling lack of will to do it)

A cold--which is stuffing up my nose, dulling my sense of hearing, and scratchifying my throat. 
(Yes, I said scratchifying.  Yes, I know that's not a word.  I made it up!)

Dark circles under my eyes I'm guessing
(if staying up till midnight is how one gets them)

A veeeery low functioning brain
(which you've no doubt gathered by this point)

And a satisfied smile on my face
(for having published a post with all that against me.  *chuckle*)

(But not a literal smile, you understand.  A figurative one.  'Cause literal smiles are too much of an effort to produce just now.  Doncha know?)

This has been random posts with Miss March.

Tune in next time to hear Miss March say...

"Zzzzzzz..."

P.S.  You know what?  I think I could go read that book now...or maybe take that walk...but no writing.  Definitely no writing.  My brain can't handle it.  (And this post is ample proof of that.  Haha.)



Things that make me happy

 

~Sharing amused and knowing looks with my siblings.

~Watching All Creatures Great and Small and laughing heartily over all the hilarious and lovable characters. (Seriously that show is SO good.  And we just bought all seven seasons so...lots of happiness to look forward to!! :))

~Quoting movies with my siblings, and one brother in particular.  "You go into the kitchen and prepare me a chicken dinner."  "Super stuff."   -big huge grins-

~Listening to The Happiest Millionaire soundtrack while driving to pick my siblings up at school.  Honestly, people, that music makes me SO happy!  The first sound of it and I'm filled with these enormous feelings of inward delight.  Don't ask me why.  It's just the way it is.  (On a side note, something that makes me sad:  When my siblings start watching The Happiest Millionaire without me, and I'm forced to listen to the opening song while stuck in the dining room, wiping the table after dinner.  Yes.  This actually happened.  And yes. It was terribly, TERRIBLY sad.  My poor little heart was crying, "NO!  That's my movie! You can't watch it without me."  I missed some of my favorite songs and...*sob*) 

~Receiving letters emails from my friends.  Puts a smile on my face every single time. :D

~Finally wearing the new dress I bought earlier in the summer.  It's knee length, flared skirt makes me feel like a girl from the 50's or something. 

~When I realize that clothing stores do sometimes have some very nice clothes, and that it is actually possible for me to find something that fits, and that I like, and...yeah.  Wonder of wonders!  Shopping isn't always a tedious waste of an afternoon.  ;)

~Watching The Donna Reed Show.  Over and over again.  It's sort of my happy place, you might say.  And oh!  How I wish the sixth, seventh, and eighth seasons were available!  (That's another thing that makes me sad, you know.   :(  Ahem.  But enough of that.  This is supposed to be a happy post, right? Right.  -Miss March hears the cue and bursts into song, "Well, well, well, let's have a..." NO.  We're not going down that bunny trail.  Pull yourself together, Miss March.)

~The cute things my preschoolers say.  "I'm never going to scribble again.  You know that?"  Says Girl no. 1 to Girl no. 2, after finally learning how to color properly under Girl no. 2's professional tutelage.  ;)

~Crying out my woes upon my mother's shoulder, and feeling her arms around me. (Yes, you can be happy even in the midst of being miserable.)

~Watching Angier Duke grin at Cordelia Biddle and waltz her away across the dance floor.  Ohhh! Such happiness!  (And yeah, in case you were wondering, that's another reference to The Happiest Millionaire.  Sometimes I get the feeling that I rather like that movie...) 

~Eating a big heaping spoonful of oatmeal cookie dough.  Or perhaps two.  (Okay, three or four.)

~Having the energy to rush about from one chore to another, feeling thoroughly industrious.

~Writing.  (Sometimes. Heh.)

~Singing.

~Ironing clothes while listening to music. 

~Seeing my little Rolls Royce Silver Ghost car sitting on the wooden shelf in my room.  

My brother gave it to me and it's especially dear to my heart because (are you sure you want to hear this?) it's my Happiest Millionaire car.  (Yes, clearly I have that movie on the brain.  But you needn't laugh.  Just because I mentioned it three times in one post, doesn't mean I'm obsessed over it or anything.  I mean, how could it be called an obsession?  I'm not even a real fan yet!)  But, anyway, about my car.  I call it my Happiest Millionaire car because THM happens to have a Rolls Royce Silver Ghost in it. Yes, it does.  And that's how I know it's such a great car.  Because after all, it's a "masterpiece of engineering."  "Practically sewn together."  And all that. 

~Evening discussions with my family on varying topics, silly or serious.

 

~When we decide to order pizza instead of making supper ourselves.  And when we buy potato chips to go with it.  (Or sour cream and onion chips.  That's even better.)

 

~When my little brother informs me that it makes him feel "homey" to see me knitting.  (Awww.)

 

~My nephew's adorable little grin.

 

~My family.  (We have so much fun together!)

~Good music.  Such as this for example...

~Those moments when I experience a more tangible sense of God's presence, and a deep thankfulness for who He is, and for all that He's given me, wells up inside me.  

 

"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is not variation or shifting shadow."  James 1:17

 

God is so good to us!  All the time.

 

Random Observations on Sense and Sensibility '95

(I love the word random.  It's such a perfect excuse for writing anything that borders on jumbled and disorganized.  Just tack random on the title of your post and you're free to make it a completely muddled conglomeration of thoughts which fit together--or don't fit together--as the fancy strikes you.  Yes, it really is a very convenient word.)

 

Anyhow, that's what I'm here for today, to throw some very random thoughts in your direction; and as I have no clear idea where I'm going with this, be prepared for a barrage of confused babbling.  Just so you know, this is not the first time I've seen this version of Sense and Sensibility.  However, it had been quite a few years since the last time I watched it, so there actually were a few new things which stood out to me this time around.  This post therefore will be a collection of old and new thoughts inspired from our recent viewing of this film. 

 

Shall we begin?

 

~ [Opening scene: John Dashwood talking to his father.]  Hold it a second!  Isn't that Uncle Frederick from Little Dorrit??  It IS!  It really IS!  John Dashwood is Uncle Frederick!  Goodness.  And he's so much younger!  And oh my!  That means Uncle Frederick's married to Mrs. Gowan.  Dear, dear.  Poor Uncle Frederick.  I do pity him.  To be married to such a lady as Mrs. Gowan!  :(

 

 

~ *sigh*  Edward is so stiff.  As always.  Do you think perhaps his collar is too tight?  And he does have such trouble saying what he wants to say.  I do wish he could talk without a mile long pause between each and every word.

 

~ There goes Colonel Brandon, talking in a monotone again.  Couldn't he, please, just put a little bit of feeling into his words?  His blankness is driving me nuts.   And he talks too slow, too.  It's giving me anxiety attacks.  (Haha.  Just kidding.  But I do wish they could get their words out a little more quickly.  If you're going to talk, talk!)

 

~ Mwhahaha! Willoughby is so ridiculously charming when he comes in with that bouquet!  Typical rat-like behavior.  You'd think someone would catch on to the fact that he's too good to be true. 

 

 

~ Oh look!  It's Beeeertie!!  Talk Bertie, talk!  We want to hear you taaalk!  Haha!  Thank you.  You're so funny when you talk so seriously!!  Okay, you don't even have to talk.  We're cracking up just looking at you.  Bertie with that solemn, grumpy face...oh! it's too much.   It's just too much!!  

 

 

(By the way, have any of you ever imagined what would happen if Mr. Palmer and Bertie Wooster were to meet?  Because, honestly, I think it would be a riot.  Mr. Palmer fixing Bertie with one of his  death-threatening stares, and Bertie returning the look with one of his innocent, goofy little smiles.  I just know Bertie would drive Mr. Palmer berserk.  And that's why it's so totally hilarious to think that they really are very closely connected.  ;))

 

 

*Ahem* Getting back to Sense and Sensibility...

 

~ Wow.  Willoughby really is a RAT!  I'd forgotten how very bad he is, and now I find that I don't pity him nearly much as I thought I did!  Not even in that last scene when he looks so pitifully down over the hill.  (Actually, I've never pitied him in that scene.  That was pathetic.  You brought it on yourself, buster!  Now get over it.) (Ahem.  I admit, though, I do still pity Willoughby somewhat in the book.  However, my reasons for doing so are too complicated to go into at the present moment, so that's all I'm going to say on the subject just now.) 

 

~ Oh my goodness!  That scene where Edward walks into the room and addresses himself to Elinor, failing to notice that Lucy is standing right behind him!  And then Elinor kindly makes him aware of his situation and...oh!   AWKWARDNESS!  Poor Edward. 

 

Wake me up, someone, please.  This has got to be a nightmare!

 

~ Okay, Fanny.  You're reaction to Lucy Steele's confidence was just a bit over the top.  Seriously?  Dragging her out through the window?  I find that hard to believe.  (Yes, that was a very uncomfortable, groan-worthy scene, in my opinion.)

 

~ Well, Marianne certainly knows the secret to finding herself a man.  Just walk outside in the rain and whichever man carries you home, he's the one!  Wala!

 

~ Look at that!  It's Mr. Wickfield!  (From David Copperfield 1999)  I'd forgotten he'd gone into the medical profession.  Nice to see you, Mr. Wickfield.

 

~ Someone please tell me.  Why does Marianne fall in love with Colonel Brandon?  I don't get it.  I mean, he's awfully nice, and a real gentleman and all that...but he has NO expression when he talks.  If she couldn't bear listening to Edward read without expression, how is she going to bear living with a  husband who can't even talk with the teeniest bit of feeling in his voice?



 

~ Lucy, I dislike you very much.  You're an obnoxious, creepy person.  But I do love how you make things so nice and convenient at the end.  First we hear that you and Edward are married.  And oh! poor Elinor!  But then we hear, what?  You and Edward are not married?  You went and married his brother instead?  Oh, nice.  That was an easy fix.

 

~ One final thing.  Colonel Brandon, why are throwing money into the air? I mean, I know you're super happy since you just got married, and I can't deny it is a cool camera shot, but honestly  isn't that an awful waste of one's resources?  And if you meant for it to be a gift of charity to the poor, then why didn't you just hand it to them straight?  That way they wouldn't have to go breaking their backs looking for it all over the ground?  Just a thought.

 

See?  I told you this was going to be a random post.  You were fairly warned.  And now I just hope you made it safely through this whole confused mess.   Sorry.  I'm afraid I just wasted several minutes of your life.

(Just so you know, I don't dislike this movie.  It's not a perfect adaption of Sense and Sensibility, but it's still highly entertaining.  And in case you were wondering, I've seen the '08 version, too; and while I liked some things about it, I still maintain there's a lot of room for improvement.  They haven't hit on a perfect Sense and Sensibility yet, in my opinion.)
 

 

Have you ever seen this movie? 

What are some of your random thoughts about it?

Do you agree with me that we could still use a better version of S&S? 

 

Jack Thornton goes to our church

All right, so maybe it isn't the real Jack Thornton who goes to our church, maybe it's just someone who looks like him, but I liked the above title because it was more exciting.  Don't you think?  (Sorry if I got all you fans of When Calls the Heart excited for nothing.  Ahem...actually, to be honest, that was sort of my intention in choosing that title.  *sheepish grin*  I wanted to get you excited for nothing.  By the way, did it work?  No? Oh, bother.  That lessons the triumph of my joke quite considerably.)

 

Anyway, to get back to my story...there's this guy at our church who really looks like Jack.  I'm not kidding.  I've never actually met him, but he plays on the worship team so I've had time to observe him, and one Sunday I just couldn't help leaning over to my sister and saying, "Doesn't he look like Jack?"  And she answered back, "Yes, he does!"  So it was official. 

After this  I got to thinking about all the other people we've come across who look like characters in movies--and there have been quite a few, believe me.  In fact, at almost every church we attend we inevitably run into someone who looks like a character from a movie.   So, just for fun, I thought I'd share a few examples with you. 

Let's start with the last church we attended.  There we had Lord Dundas from Amazing Grace (you might also know him as Mr. Meagles from Little Dorrit), William Wilberforce, and Frodo Baggins!  Lord Dundas attended the church with his wife, and they were both very nice.  They would often give us eggs from their chickens.  As to William Wilberforce, he came with his wife and four kids, and was very good at playing baseball.  (Bet you never knew William Wilberforce could play baseball!  Haha!) 

And then Frodo.  He didn't actually attend our congregation, he attended the larger one which ours was an offshoot of, so we didn't see him very often.  But when we did see him, we were all in profound agreement.  He looked very much like Frodo.   Big blue eyes and everything...except well, his hair was more trim, not so long and curly, but that was a minor detail. 

Going further back to the church we attended before that one...

 

Here we had Danny Kaye as our pastor, only he was a bit older than in this picture and not quite as goofy as Danny Kaye is in the movies.  (Scratch that.  Not nearly as goofy as Danny Kaye is in the movies.  ;))

 

We also had Messala (from Ben-Hur).  He played on the worship team.  Don't ask me what he was doing in such a position, all I know is the singing time was very nerve-wracking, as we were all terribly afraid for our lives.  (Haha.  Just kidding.  ;))  Actually, once we'd seen him closer up, and more often, we agreed that he didn't look nearly as much like Messala as we had originally thought.  I think it was mostly his dark, curly hair that caused us to make the connection. 

Of course, it's not only at church that we see these familiar faces, because honestly you can run into movie characters anywhere.  For example, just the other month my mom and sisters and I were having lunch at a restaurant when Pancks walked in. 

Yes!  Pancks himself!  (Or maybe it was his younger brother...does he have a younger brother?)  Anyway, there he was with his wife, his little girl, and his teeny tiny little baby.  And oh!  It was so cute.  Pancks with a family?!  Adorable! 

Well, that's about all I've got for today.  I hope you enjoyed this little "what's-it" of a post.  And as a bonus, and just so you all know that I've got an adorably cute nephew, I'm telling you now that he looks quite a bit like this little chap here:

Cute, right?

 

Have you ever come across someone who reminds you of a character in a movie?

Which characters have you "met"?

 

So long, everyone!  I hope you're all having a wonderful day!  :)