Yet Another Romantic Tag || Valentine's Day Period Drama Blog Party

Happy day after Valentine's day! I'm a little late, but here are my answers to Heidi's Valentine's Day Period Drama Blog Party Tag!

1.) Your current three (or up to five!) favorite period dramas?

Emma (2009), Pride and Prejudice (1995), Downton Abbey, Anne of Green Gables, and Enola Holmes.

2.) What would you recommend to someone who’s never seen a period drama as a starter?

Probably Emma (2009) because it's so happy and pretty. It's quite long, but that matters not. (If you want to get into the period drama world, then you better get used to looooong movies.)

3.) A favorite couple that wouldn’t be included in answer #1 (cause I’m figuring those are already top favorites ;)) and/or a favorite secondary character romance? 

PERCY BLAKENEY AND MARGAURITE!! 

I recently read the Scarlet Pimpernel and I LOVE THESE TWO. They are both such strong characters who are really meant for each other (even though SOMEBODY is quite pigheaded for awhile! *throws a snuff box at Percy*)

4.) What do you consider foundational qualities for a healthy romance? 

Probably trust, patience, and good communication.

5.) Worst villain/antagonist?

Probably Rigaud from Little Dorrit. That man is straight up terrifying. 

(He doesn't get a picture, because no one wants to look at him.)

6.) A favorite proposal scene?

Aaaaaaaaalways Emma (2009). Nothing beats "If I loved you less I might be able to talk about it more."

I also really love Laurie's proposal to Amy in the book! It was so sweet and simple, and I am quite put out that all the movie versions saw fit to cut it!

7.) Favorite period drama characters based on a real life couple?

Katherine and James from Hidden Figures. They are so cute! (it's also an excellent movie!)

8.) Any classic b/w period dramas you like?

Hmmm, none are coming to mind. 

9.) Most mature romance in a period drama? (mature as in age and/or characters who are consciously and wisely ripened by life experience, etc.)

Janet and Alec from Road to Avonlea. It's a much lesser known period drama show, but it's lovely, and Alec and Janet are lovely. They have a firmly built relationship, and even though we see them go through marital struggles throughout the show, they always come back around. They are always there to love and support the other. 

10.) Most excruciatingly long, slow burn romance in a period drama?

Amy and Arthur from Little Dorrit. Like COME. OOOONNNNN. I love you Arthur, but OPEN YOUR EYES!!!

11.) A story that has multiple film adaptations where you love more than one of them?

I'm usually more of a One Film Adaptation Only kind of girl, but I recently saw the Sense and Sensibility miniseries (2008) and I loved it!! But I will still always love the 1995 version.

12.) A book you think needs to be made into a film (or a new adaptation)?

Sooooo many. But right now The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery and Rilla of Ingleside also by L.M. Montgomery are at the top of my list. Their both so good and so deserving of a well done film!

Thank you so much for hosting Heidi!! I do love any chance to rave about period drama couples ;) 

Yours Truly,

Miss Woodhouse

Period Drama Romances that Ironically Deserve More Love || Valentine's Period Drama Blog Party

We interrupt this program to bring you a second blog party, namely the Valentine's Day Period Drama Blog Party, hosted by Heidi! 

I'm starting off this second party with a little nod to a few of my favorite period drama couples! I decided to go with some lesser known couples who really deserve more love, although I couldn't resist throwing in some more popular ones, because sometimes they're just too cute!

Minnie and Alfie || Larkrise to Candleford

"See Minnie, you make me laugh."

These two are just cinnamon rolls. Yes, Minnie is a little silly. But that's who she is. I really appreciate that the writers didn't feel the need to change her character when she and Alf became a couple. Alf is just a sweetheart who's got the weight of the world on his shoulders, and Minnie helps him carry that weight. She is the one who makes him smile.

Enola and Tewkesberry || Enola Holmes

"At least we have each other."

I have already talked about my love for these two, but all the more chance to fangirl talk about them. Theirs is a relationship built on trust, which coincidentally started with Enola asking, "Do you trust me?" to which Tewkesberry emphatically replied, "No!" 

Their relationship never gets further off the ground than a strong friendship (although sparks flew HARD) but they know that they have each others backs. And I have high hopes for a sequel in which they fall in love ;)

Emma and Mr. Knightley || Emma (2009)

"If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more."

Yes, they are a very popular couple, but they are so worth the hype. Emma is a flawed heroine, and Mr. Knightley is the ultimate gentleman. Their lifelong friendship is something that endears them as a couple. Emma teases, Mr. Knightley scolds, and together they have a bond that makes them such a beautifully functional couple.  

Peggy and William || Return to Cranford

"We have always been equals. Love makes people so."

Even though they are a lesser known couple, these two are REAL cute. REAL CUTE.

Peggy is a dear girl, who (because she is an ANGEL) takes care of her mother (who is horrible to her) and her brother (who is Trouble with a capitol T). 

She stumbles upon a young man named William (also a sweetheart) (played by Tom Hiddleston, himself)

 (of course that's not why I love him so much) (what a notion) 

William takes it upon himself to rescue her from her horrible family, and the rest is history. There may or may not be an angsty, dramatic scene where he rescues her from a train wreck *swoons* and a perfectly darling waltz to bring everything to a close.

Mary and Matthew || Downton Abbey

"I won't be happy with anyone else, as long as you walk the earth."

Another more popular couple, but I can't help it. Mary Crawley is a handful. She can be bitter, frosty, judgmental, and just plain mean. Until she meets Matthew. Matthew sees through the layers of prickliness to Mary's soft side, and she falls hard for his gentle yet determined manner. Theirs is a bumpy road to romance, but they are a couple who bring out the best in each other.

Juliet and Dawsey || The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

"Do you think it's possible to belong to someone before you've even met them?"

This is one of those soft, quiet relationships. The reassuring handholds,  the heartfelt letters, the kind encouragement. Dawsey and Juliet just have such a sweet connection from the very beginning. Their love of books and writing, and their strength to stand up for what they believe in makes them such a lovely couple.

Are any of these couples your favorites? Were there some that I didn't mention that you love? I've got sooooo many posts planed between both romantic blog parties, so I will be back very soon ;)

Yours Truly,

Miss Woodhouse

Some Thoughts on the new Emma

Well Friends. I went back and forth quite a bit on whether I wanted to actually see this movie or not. The preview did not look very promising, and it appeared as though they were trying to turn my dear Emma into, well... a spoof. So I was very apprehensive going into this.

Yesterday I caved and watched it. 

And... I didn't hate it. I actually quite enjoyed much of it.

Does it replace my beloved 2009, Ramola Garai, Absolute Perfection, Johnny Lee Miller aka THE KNIGHTLEY, Emma? 

No it does not. 

But. I liked it more than I was expecting too. 

I will try to keep this post organized, but it will probably end up being a thought dump, so please bare with me.

To start, the overall aesthetic of the movie was veeeeery lovely. The colors, the houses, the clothes, the scenery, I loved it a lot. In fact, that was probably my favorite part of the whole movie. Nice aesthetics always make me happy, and as far as I am concerned, this movie nailed it in that department. 

Let's move onto Emma. This particular Emma was definitely a little too... sharp for my liking. And I don't mean that in a mean way, Anya Taylor-Joy is just not what I picture Emma to look like. Also, what was with the tight, miniscule curls? Those were a little weird. 

However, I certainly didn't dislike her portrayal of Emma. But I did find that her Emma was much more dislikable as a character. I don't know if this was a good thing or not. Even Jane Austen believed that not many people would like Emma. And half of the point of this story is to see Emma go through a character transformation from self centered, slightly spoiled young lady to someone who genuinely cares about others and their feelings. And while we do see this, I don't feel like the change was as noticeable as it could have been. Emma only got a little bit nicer, and a little bit more conscientious of others. But I didn't feel like the ultimate transformation was there.

However, I did really like other aspects of Emma's character, including the relationship between her and Miss Taylor, as well as her and Harriet. We got to see a much softer and emotional side of Emma. Her love for Miss Taylor was really very sweet, and her friendship with Harriet was much more genuine, and I really appreciated that!

There were several little vignette's that gave us a peep into Emma and Harriet's friendship and I really liked those scenes. It showed us that there was more to their relationship than Emma just wanting someone as a plaything. She genuinely cared about Harriet and their relationship, which I think was a very nice touch. 

On that note, I was much more inclined to like this Harriet. She was very sweet and naive, but she seemed a little less stupid then the other Harriet's I have seen, which was refreshing. (But also, her obsession with Mr. Elton, was slightly creepy...?)

And I feel it should be noted, even though he's a minor character, that Mr. Weston was much more likable in this adaptation! He came off as bit silly and stupid in the 2009 Emma, but I really liked him in this one! and no it is not just because he is played by Lestrade whom I also happen to love. that has nothing whatsoever to do with it. what a notion. 

Ahem.

Mr. Woodhouse was also rather funny. I quite enjoyed his character. I found his first little entrance hop quite amusing. Also his barricade of fire shields was funny. And that is all I have to say on his account.

As for Mr. Elton, you couldn't even see his face behind that collar that was something like two feet tall. But he was a good Mr. Elton. I just found it irritating that he had no neck to speak of.  

And of course, we mustn't forget Mr. Knightley.

hhhrrrrrmmmmmm...

I honestly can't make up my mind. There were many times when I did like him (the badly done scene was well done, if you will. haha.) But there were other times when he just wasn't working for me. Maybe it was because I couldn't even really tell what his face looked like behind all that shaggy hair and two foot collar...? I don't know. But for now, Johnny Lee Miller will continue to remain intact as THE Mr. Knightley. 

And it should be noted that I Am Concerned. What, if I may ask, the heck was with the bare rear ends??? 

That is not cool. No one needs that. So please, movie producers, chill.  

Also, can we talk about the proposal scene? They almost had it!! They were so close! I almost loved it! And then... and then...

HeR NoSe sTarTs tO blEEd??? 

Whaaaaat was that??

Weird, that's what it was. 

I also have very mixed opinions of the soundtrack. There were several times when it was just a rather loud choir singing old hymns and folk songs and while in a different movie I think I would have liked it, it just really didn't fit here. Whenever it was instrumental music I thought the soundtrack was lovely, but the loud singing was not for me. 

And that draws us to a close. It seems that I have a few more negatives than positives on my list, but I promise that I do not despise it. All in all, there was actually quite a bit here that was Good Stuff. I would certainly watch it again simply for the pleasing aesthetic, but I also wouldn't mind seeing it again just because I did find myself enjoying it quite a bit.

So! Have you seen the new Emma and what are your thoughts? Do you have a favorite adaptation? Let's chat!

Yours Truly, 

Miss Woodhouse

Lovely Blog Party Kick Off!!

Lizzie! Mama! Guess what! Oh you'll never guess so I shall tell you! Mrs. Forrester has invited me as her particular friend.... Oh wait... I believe that's the wrong announcement...

What I meant to say, is that Cordy is hosting a Lovely Blog Party for the entire month of February!!

*Throws confetti and blows up some of Gandalf's fireworks*

So! You can go to Cordy's blog for all the details, but basically, we are all going to be writing about some of our favorite couples for all of February (cause y'know, Valentines Day and stuff ;))! I'm super excited, so to kick it off, I'm going to start by filling out the lovely tag that Cordy created!

Rules:

Using the prompts below, answer the following questions as creatively as you please

None of the questions require you to answer with a favorite in the category, only to find a fitting answer. They can be old, they can be new, they can be borrowed or they can be blue... they can be known or they can be unknown. You can explain your answer once you've given one.

Ivanhoe and Rebecca: Name a couple that should have been together

Oh, this one's a no brainer for me. Bella and Vernon from This Beautiful Fantastic should have toootally been a couple. I believe I have mentioned my opinion on this before, but one can never talk to much of good thing (or what could have been a good thing *ahem* scriptwriters!!!) They were super cute together and I think Vernon kind of liked her, but unfortunately, Bella's affections were already taken *sigh* Alas for what could have been!!

Jo and Laurie: Name a couple that should have stayed friends...or did stay friends...

Ummm... I kinda drawing a blank on this one. Alf Arliss and Laura Timmins maybe? Although I don't think Laura ever felt that way about Alfie, Alfie liked her for awhile. And they always remained good friends, even when Laura told Alfie that she could never feel that way about him. And I'm glad it worked out that way, because later Alfie found a much better match whom I will talk about in a minute!

Jane and Mr. Rochester: Name a couple that looked like the chances of a happily ever after were next to none!

These two! Elinor and Edward had a bit of a bumpy road to romance, because Edward was a little on the silly side in his younger years and proposed to Lucy Steele (whatever was he thinking!) But it seems Lucy's affections took a little turn, to everybody's satisfaction, and Elinor and Edward got their happy ending :)

Jane and Mr. Bingley: Name a couple that is just sooo happy!

Umm, I think I'm gonna go with Emma and Mr. Knightley. This gif totally shows it, they are so in love. I love these two, so sweet!!

Kit and Ella: Name your favorite fairytale couple

I've got the same answer as you Cordy! I looooove Kit and Ella. They give me happy fuzzies!!

Molly Gibson and Roger Hamley: Name a couple where the woman is basically ignored by the suitor until the end of the story (frustration at it's finest!! :P :P)

Amy Dorrit and Arthur Clennam. Oh, poor, poor Amy!! I feel so sorry for her. She is the sweetest thing, and she really deserved his love. And I really liked Arthur too, but come one! Like poor John Chivery says, "How do you not know it! The walls in this room know it!" *sniffles for poor John* Anyways, they did get a happy ending, though it took them awhile to get there!

Sarah and Jacob Witting: Name a couple that found love later in life

I think I'm gonna go with Dorcas Lane and Gabriel Cochrane. I could never quite decide if I liked Gabriel or not, but I was glad that he and Dorcas ended up together. They made a cute couple :D Also, there is a shocking lack of pictures of them together, so I had to settle for separate picture of each. *sigh* 

Don Lockwood and Kathy Seldon: Name a couple from a musical

I'm gonna go with P.T. Barnum and Charity. I loved their relationship sooo much. They were absolutely adorable.

(I love Kathy Seldon and Don Lockwood too, but Cordy stole it ;))

Anne and Gilbert: Name a couple that didn't start out on the right foot

Kathleen Kelly and Joe Fox! These two are hilarious!! And what makes it so funny, is that they are best friends online, but when they meet in person (without knowing that they are each others internet friends) they hate each other!! But of course, they eventually grow on each other ;)

Faramir and Eowyn: Name a couple with the sweetest love story

MINNIE AND ALFIE FROM LARKRISE TO CANDLEFORD!!! THESE TWO!!!!! They are so stinkin adorable!! I will say no more, because I plan to devote a post to them sometime during this blog party!

So, what do you think? Who are some of your guy's favorite couples? Any of the above mentioned? Thanks so much for this awesome tag Cordy!! I had a great time filling it out, and I hope to have some other blog party posts out soon! TTFN, ta ta for now!!

Another Period Drama Tag

Hello all!! I'm alive!! And I'm here with a tag! Elanor from Musings of Jane Austen Wannabe

created this lovely period drama themed tag, and as I've been tagged by Molly, Rachel, Ruth, and Elanor, I figure it's time I go ahead and do it! Thank you to all you lovely ladies for tagging me!! :D

Of course, like any respectable tag should, this tag has rules...

Rule #1: Answer the questions (obviously)

Rule #2: Link back to the person who tagged you

Rule #3: Tag at least one other blogger to do the tag 

Onto the questions!

1.  What was the most recent period drama you watched?  Share what you thought of it.

I've been re-watching this lovely jewel of Period Drama on YouTube. Wives and Daughters is a lovely movie, even though it's a little sad at parts *sniff sniff, Osborn*. Molly is an absolute doll, and Roger is a sweetheart too, even though sometimes I feel the need to throw a microscope at him. I mean, really Roger? Have you no eyes? Everyone knows that Molly loves you, except YOU!! But despite Roger's obvious blindness, it's a wonderful movie. 

2.  Do you generally prefer period dramas in the form of a movie or a TV series/mini-series?  Why?

TV series/ mini series definitely. It gives so much more time for details and plot lines from the book that would be left out in a movie (if the particular period drama you are watching is based on a book). 

3.  What is your favorite musical period drama?

But, there are so many!!! How can I choose just one?! I guess I'll go with The Sound of Music, because it's simply lovely!

4.  Read the book first or watch the movie first?

Well, I'd like to read the book first someday, but I usually end up seeing the movie first somehow.

5.  What is a valuable life lesson you learned from a period drama?

Ahhh the life lessons of a period drama. Well from Anne, I've learned that even though red hair is bad, green is ten times worse, Frank Churchill taught me that going to London to have one's hair cut is imperative business indeed, and Miss Deborah taught me the importance of observing calling hours ("Importance of observing calling hours, Madame") Oh, you want me to be serious? Alright then. Little Dorrit taught me to never give up hope, Pride and Prejudice taught me not to judge appearances, and Little Women taught me the importance of family :)

6.  Which period drama hero would you be likely to fall in love with in real life?

Haha well I think I'm going to shock you all by saying that it would probably not be Mr. Knightley. Even though I really admire him as a hero, I think he would be a little to, I don't know... serious for me? And all my readers collapse in a dead faint!

No, I think the hero that I fall in love with will have to be Jim Craig. I talked a little about him in this post. Jim is the best, and he has much more of the rugged personality type that I like. He's very loyal, hard working, rides a horse like nobody's business, and on top of all that, he's amazingly handsome <3. 

(Gilbert Blyth gets 2nd place though ;))

7.  Do you ever like to binge-watch a period drama series?

Of course!! I believe I've watched Emma in one sitting before, and I'm sure there's been others :)

8.  What things go best with watching a period drama?

Chai tea, a fuzzy blanket, rain, and my mom and sister are all lovely things to have around when I'm watching period dramas :D 

9.  Which period drama do you think you would fit into best?

Oh, that's such a hard one! Probably, either Anne of Green Gables, Road to Avonlea (even though those two are pretty much the same thing), Emma, or Pride and Prejudice. See how good I am at narrowing things down!!

10. If you could have any period drama character for a best friend, who would it be?  And why?

I think Elizabeth Bennet and I would get along quite nicely. We have very similar personality's, and she would be a fun friend. I also think Laurie and I could be capital friends! It's such fun to have someone you can be goofy with!

11. Show us a picture of a period drama costume you wish you could wear in real life.

JUST ONE!?! BUT, BUT THERE ARE SO MANY!!! HOW COULD YOU POSSIBLY EXPECT ME TO CHOOSE!?!

Alright, Emma's ballgown has always been one my favorites and  I would love to wear it!!

12. Are there any period dramas you like to watch during a particular season or holiday?

Well I love watching Little Women in the Winter and at Christmas time, I like to watch Emma in the Spring and Summer, but usually most period dramas I watch year round.

13. Which period drama has your favorite soundtrack?

Oh well I love the Emma soundtrack, Pride and Prejudice (1995), Poldark, Little Women, Man From Snowy River, and Sense and Sensibility (1995). 

14. Dream cast your favorite actor and actress in a period drama of your choosing; tell which parts they would play and why.

Hmm, well I don't have a particular favorite actor or actress, but I would really like to see someone make The Blue Castle into a movie, with Jessica Brown Findlay as Valancy, and JJ Field as Barney Snaith. They both look very much like how I imagine Valancy and Barney, and they are two of my favorites as far as actors and actresses go. The book was sooo good, it really needs a well done movie adaptation.

15. Are there any period dramas you like more than one version of?

Ummm, nope I tend to to stick to only one favorite per period drama :)

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

Oh I really want to see Victoria, Testament of Youth, and Far From the Maddening Crowd.

17. Show a picture of your favorite period drama hairstyle.

I've always thought Elinor's braided bun was lovely, and I found a perfect picture of it!

18. What was your favorite wedding in a period drama?

Oh my, there's a lot of good ones, but I guess I'll go with Colonel  Brandon and Marrianne's wedding. The lovely music, Marrianne's gorgeous dress, and Edward and Elinor's happiness all makes for a lovely wedding!

19. What is your favorite biographical period drama?

Does the Greatest Showman count? I'm just gonna say it does cause it's close enough and this movie was AMAZING. I have a review of the Greatest Showman in my drafts right now, btw, (although several people already beat me to it ;)) so keep an eye out for that soon!!

20. Which historical novel will you forever recommend to anyone and everyone?

Pride and Prejudice forever!!! Also the Anne of Green Gables series is a must read! <3

Thanks so much for this lovely tag Elanor!! I had such fun doing it! 

I tag...

Olivia
Amaris
Evie
Natalie

I'm not sure if any of you four ladies have been tagged already, but if you have consider yourself double tagged ;) And anyone else who would like to do this tag is welcome to!!