Life, Literature, and Loveliness ♥ {plus an award}

Where have I been? Frankly, life has whirled around me so quickly, I don't really know. However, duty beckons me, and I must update this blog with all the delicious details begging to be written. :)

I just found a series of photographs from Vogue,
and I am enchanted. The vintage twist, gorgeous
clothes, and lovely hair have inspired me in my
style.... I just love the outfits :)

I know... the length... but ignoring that, this
ensemble is quite gorgeous.

I need this outfit. Anyone have a million dollars
I could use? ;) {uh, please, ignore that guy. What
is up with male models these days?}

The second time watching it actually. What can I say? I
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this movie :) It is a sweet, wholesome
love story. Well, it has two love stories wrapped up in one. :)
I absolutely recommend this movie, it is one of my favorites
now. If you are careful with movies, you can look at plugged
in online for a more thorough review, but I hope you do watch
it, then tell me how you liked it!

I succumbed to the temptation and watched it. :) My reaction?

It was sweet, but I really don't like the end. I have a "thing" for

blonde hair, and although Flynn's act was sweet, I would have

preferred keeping the hair. ;) But other than that, I really enjoyed

it. Flynn was just amazing, and I actually liked how conceited he

was... of course, I preferred him in the end! But his "smolder" look

cracked me up... She had no idea what he was doing :)

Yes, I have been reading "Gone With the Wind". And yes, I have a 

love-hate relationship with this book. I love the south {I mean, hello! My 

name is Southern Belle}, but Scarlett is beyond annoying. I admit, I love

how human she is, but it is getting to the point where I wish she would 

just show a bit of compassion and human decency. But Melanie is amazing, 

and Rhett is so.... ..... ..... .... epic? Really, I cannot find words to describe

him. But I *love* the ending of the book. However, I won't spoil it for 

those of you who haven't read it. :) Altogether, it is a phenomenal read. 

I think I have a new fascination.... Frankly,
I like this movie a lot. But I know a lot of
people don't. So let me explain why I do:

1. Because of....

Raoul. He is my new favorite hero. :) He wasn't that great in
the book, but in the movie he was a protecting, caring, strong,
powerful, loving, sacrificing, faithful man. On top of that,
he is amazingly handsome, and a young man ought to be so,
right Miss Elizabeth Bennet? ;) As proof of his devotion and love,
just listen to these lines he sings to Christine:
Raoul:
Let me be your shelter
let me be your light
You're safe, No one will find you
your fears are far behind you...

Christine:
All I want is freedom,
a world with no more night
and you, always beside me, to hold me and to hide me...

Raoul:
Then say you'll share with me
one love, one lifetime
let me lead you from your solitude
Say you need me with you here, beside you...
anywhere you go, let me go too
Christine, that's all I ask of you...

Christine:
Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime...
say the word and I will follow you...
Share each day with me,
each night, each morning...
Say you love me...

Ooh... the words combined with the music creates
such beauty. Please go and listen to it right now!
{the version with steve barton and sarah brightman}
I don't like the theology, but it is truly a 
beautiful love song. :)

~I also like it because....

the clothes are beautiful and lovely. Especially Christine's
dresses. *swoon* There is a pink one I especially love ♥
I hope to wear one like it someday :)

~Lastly, because.... {all right, there are thousands more reasons, but I have to keep it to 3}

The end is the best ending EVER. Huge emphasis on ever. I
just love the end. I won't spoil it, but the end is a beautiful
one of sacrifice and how light prevails over darkness. The
music at the very end completely emphasizes this, weaving
different themes together. But if you watch the movie, I would
recommend having the lyrics on hand to know what they are
singing. Especially for the "Phantom of the Opera", "All I ask
of You," and the song from the final lair. I *love* the end more
than any other fictional book I have read or movie I have seen.
It is truly beautiful.

Do I recommend you watching it? If you like pyscho-horror movies with an emphasis on love, then I think you should. But, some parts were inappropriate for young audiences, and I really wouldn't recommend anyone younger than 14 watching it. On top of that, most people HATE the ending with as much fervor as I love it. So, it is not for everyone. :) But I would still watch it at least once in your life. It is worth the risk if you end up loving it as much as I do! {for a more thorough review, you can check plugged in online}

Oh, yes. I am re-watching 1985 P&P. I really love the Lizzie in this
version, and Mr. Darcy is so handsome and regal; he interprets his
character very well. Jane is perfectly gorgeous, and I love how
Mr. Bingley isn't better looking than Mr. Darcy, unlike some versions.
*cough* 19 *cough* 95 

Now we get to the place you are all waiting for! :) I was awarded the Most Stylish Blogger Award by Ashley! Do go look at her blog, it is very lovely and she is introducing me to many new books. :)

The rules:

1. Thank the person who awarded you.

Thank you so much Ashley! I am so honored to be awarded this, and glad to have found your blog :)

2. Write seven things about yourself.

~I love hats :) I follow hat blogs, collect them, wear them, try them on, and obviously swoon uncontrollably over them. 

~I hate getting tan. Yes, I am revolutionary and countercultural. Even in small details :)

~I love Japanese food more than any other in the world. It is just amazing. Oh it is so delicious! Suki-yaki, oyako-don, onigiri, curry rice, ramen, tako-yaki... the list goes on and on. 

~I try not to be, but I am prone to vanity. 

~I hardly ever wear jeans or pants.

~I hate cake.

~I very much want to see Les Miserables in any form. {movie, play, or youtube} Any suggestions?

3. Pass it onto seven bloggers. {and tell them about it}

Ooh, so hard! But here goes:

~Anna from Roman Holiday.
~Marie from The Joy of Fashion.
~Michaela from The Last Rose of Summer.
~Alexandra from Of Trims and Frills and Furbelows.

~Miss Laurie from Old-Fashioned Charm.
~Mary from Sue Sue's Stories.
~Gabrielle from Cinderbella's Diary.

I hope all of you will take a look at their beautiful blogs, and be inspired as I always am. :)
Blessings!