Must be in Want of...

How-de-do lovely people! 

I believe that you all are going through a similar predicament as myself. That's right, I along with the rest of the world, am stuck indoors due to this oh-so-lovely social distancing quarantine! And I believe that we can all agree, that when one is stuck indoors for weeks on end, one is very likely to get bored. And it is a truth universally acknowledged that a young lady with nothing to do, must be in want of a bookstagram.

That's right my lovely people! I have finally made the leap and decided to start my own bookstagram Instagram account!!

If you'd like to check it out, my handle is @_quite_bookish! I hope to see you all around! And I hope you are all doing well and not getting too bored in your time at home! :) TTFN, Ta-ta for now!

Sense and Sensibility // Book Review

How-de-do peeps! I hope you are all doing great on this lovely Saturday! (I mean, it's Saturday, how could you not be doing great? ;))

I'm kicking off my blog return with a few bookish thoughts! But first, I must preface these bookish thoughts with a confession.

I'm afraid that I have been sorely lacking in the reading department for awhile now. I just went through a weird slump where nothing really kept my attention and I was struggling with even finding good suggestions of what to read and I just... didn't really read for way longer than I like to admit. 

But I think that that long period of no reading had a reverse affect on me. Maybe I got a little bit book starved.

Because I then suddenly switched from not being in a reading mood, to all of a sudden wanting to read every book I could possibly get my hands on. All of a sudden every time I walked past my bookshelf or into the library it just got me excited!!

And my goodness, you have no idea how much I've missed books! For the most part, I was reading whatever friends recommended, or whatever random book came my way. But these past few weeks, with rain and snow and cozy evenings and such, have really had me in the mood to read all the old books. Like the classics that I had always neglected. I'm very sorry indeed to admit that the only Jane Austen book I'd read was Pride and Prejudice. And I thoroughly enjoyed it, but at the time, none of her other books really intrigued me enough to get me to read them all the way through. 

But the other day, I was scouring the bookshelf for something that I hadn't already read (or reread. many. many. times.), when Sense and Sensibility caught my eye. "Why not?" I thunk to myself. So read it I did. And Oh. My. Goodness.

It is the absolute loveliest book!! The characters, the humor, the story line, just *happy/excited fuzzies*

I've always been a huge fan of the 1995 Sense and Sensibility movie (aka the Emma Thompson one). It is a perfectly lovely movie, but I've heard that it alters the story line a bit (but what movie adaptation doesn't?), so I was looking forward to the different twists of the book! 

So! Now that I have rambled for a good while, let us proceed! 

To begin, the characters were magnificent. The amount of detail that Jane Austen puts into sculpting each character and making them their own person is really fascinating.

I hope to one day have half as much sense as Elinor has. The way she conducts and carries herself, her kind spirit, and her loyalty to her family is something to be admired. And though Marianne often assumes it, Elinor is certainly not out of touch with her emotions, but rather prefers to keep them hidden (which to Marianne is quite the conundrum. Why on earth would you not want the sympathy of every neighbor and his third cousin?)

"I was quiet, but I was not blind...and sometimes I have kept my feelings to myself, because I could find no language to describe them in." ~ Elinor, Sense and Sensibility 

Elinor has a quiet (though not at all timid) spirit, and she has a strength of character that helps her to guide and counsel her mother and sisters, who all seem to be much more emotion based. 

As for Miss Marianne, despite her flare for the dramatic and her oh-so-expressive temperament, I can't help but love her. Her deep emotional connection to people and the world around her is very endearing.  

"It is not everyone Marianne," said Elinor, "who has your passion for dead leaves." ~ Sense and Sensibility

She is also relatable in so many ways. Marianne tends to be led by her emotions, and can get very caught up in herself at times. But she has such a sweetness of spirit and happy outlook of the world that really speaks for the good intentions she has at heart.

Edward is just stinkin' adorable. He's quiet and socially awkward (hmm, kinda sounds like someone I know XD) and fiercely loyal, and I just love him to pieces!!


"I wish as everybody else to perfectly happy, but like everybody esle, it must be in my own way." ~ Edward, Sense and Sensibility

Can we also talk about how adorable Mrs. Jennings is!! When Marianne got sick and Mrs. Jennings refused to leave them, I wanted to hug her. 

"Mrs. Jennings however, with a kindness of heart which made Elinor really love her, declared her resolution of not stirring from Cleveland as long as Marianne remained ill, and if endeavoring, by her own attentive care, to supply to her the place of the mother she had taken from her; and Elinor found her on every occasion a most willing and active helpmate, desirous to share in all her fatigues, and often by her better experience in nursing, of material use." ~ Sense and Sensibility

Of course, she is a bit silly at times, and is quite the gossip, but I found myself loving Mrs. Jennings more and more as the book went on. 

And I must say, Lucy is perfectly horrid. Ugggghhhh what a little schemer... That is all I have to say on her score. 

And of course, one can hardly get through a post about Sense and Sensibility without mentioning that one person. 

Mr. Willoughby. Reading the book just makes me dislike him even more. Ew. Just ew. Ugh. So many ugh. Good day Sir. 

Colonel Brandon was a dear. That poor guy. He's gone through a lot, and Marianne wasn't much help on that score, for a little while anyways. But he deserves the world and I am glad he got the happy ending he deserved.

On that note, I have to say that I was kind of disappointed that we got so little coverage of Colonel Brandon and Marianne's relationship once Marianne actually fell in love with him! Only a paragraph or two was devoted to them actually falling in love and getting married, and I wanted details!!! 

And another slight complaint while I'm at it. WE DIDN'T GET TO HEAR EDWARD'S PROPOSAL!!! Noooooo!! I wanted details on that too!! 

However, we did get a look into Edward and Elinor's life after marriage and it just made me love them as a couple that much more. They have a quiet, happy existince, and this little excerpt made me smile...

"Mrs. Jennings's prophecies, though rather jumbled together, were chiefly fulfilled; for she was able to visit Edward and his wife at their Parsonage by Michaelmas, and she found in Elinor and her husband, as she really believed, one of the happiest couples in the world. They had in fact nothing to wish for, but for the marriage of Colonel Brandon and Marianne, and rather better pasturage for their cows." ~ Sense and Sensibility

Another scene that deserves a mention would be when Willoughby showed up at Clevealand after he heard that Marianne might be dying. Yes. You read that correctly.

But I gotta say, I absolutely loved that scene. It gave us some explanation for Willoughby's actions, as well as maybe made me feel just a teensy bit bad for him. But just a teensy bit. I still despise him (scowls at Willoughby). 

Also, may I say that the way Elinor handled Willoughby, herself, and the entire situation in this scene was A+++++!! You tell him girl. 

As for the book itself, it was practically perfect in every way. I was really happy to find out that there was actually a lot of really funny parts. I don't know why, but I've always had this idea that old books are always serious and have no humor in them, but it's a lie my frens.  Jane Austen has a lovely sense of humor!

And I believe, since I have clearly rambled long enough, that I will stop here. But to finish, I will say that if you haven't already read S&S, please go do it now!! Also, one more side note, (bare with me, my thoughts are a little jumbled XD), I have never seen the 2008 S&S miniseries, but now I plan to watch it and do a little compare and contrast between the book, and the two movie adaptations! So I may make a post out of that in the future if anyone is interested! Hope you are all doing well!

So! Have you read Sense and Sensibility? What did you think of it? Let's chat!

Yours Truly, Miss Woodhouse

Hello There!

Hello there my lovely friends! I am indeed, alive! *Sends you all really big virtual hugs*

It's been awhile! A year and 18 days to be exact. Whew. I'm afraid I took a rather unintentional and unplanned hiatus. Life, frens.

But I've been really missing the bloggy life, and it is high time I came back! To start, a little housekeeping was long overdue. The blog needed a little face lift, some page updating, and some overall touch-ups. So that was fun to play around with :) Pray, what do you think of the new look?

I've got sooooo many new post ideas, and several posts coming up, and I'm literally so excited to get back into the flow of things! I've missed the blogging community so much!!

So, without further ado, welcome back to Notes From a Hartfield Girl!

How have you all been? I'd love to chat in the comments!

Yours Truly, Miss Woodhouse

Lovely Blog Party 2019 // Branson & Sybil

WAIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!!

I'M HERE!!! FEBRUARY ISN'T OVER YET!!! 

So sorry for how ridiculously late this is, but work and school have just been eating my time up and writing has been sadly shoved aside. But I am determined to not let Cordy's Lovely Blog Party pass without writing up the post I've been dying to write! Now if you aren't already participating (or have no idea what this party is of which I speak (what a ridiculous notion!)) then head to Cordy's blog to find out what to do is about!

So, because this is a party all about couples, and love, and adorableness, I immediately realized a post devoted to our adorable Sybil Crawley and the ever amazing Tom Branson was the only way to go. Now I will do my utmost to make it through this post without fangirling like crazy, but I make no promises... 

These. Two. 

(help i can already feel the fangirl fuzzies coming on)

So if you have watched Downton Abbey, you know all about these two. For the benefit of those who have not seen it, I will give you a quick rundown.

Sybil is the youngest daughter of the Earl of Grantham. As such, she is expected to marry well, and live out the life of a fine lady moving in the best social circles. And Branson? He's a chauffeur from Ireland, and a revolutionary chauffeur at that! He is hired by Sybils's father, and you can imagine how things go from there...

I don't think I can even put into words how crazy much I love these two. I mean, from the beginning, Branson falls like a ton of bricks for Sybil. He sees what a kind, and caring and beautiful person she is, and and falls so in love with her. *squeeeeee!!!*

It takes Sybil a little longer, because after all, marrying Branson would mean leaving her entire life behind. But slowly, Sybil begins to realize that she is falling in love with Branson (and who could blame her, pray?). And of course... the news must be broken to Sybil's parents...

  
And then. THEN.

HORRORS!! SHE CANNOT MARRY THE CHAUFFEUR, OF ALL PEOPLE! THE SCANDAL! THE ABSURDITY! SYBIL WILL BE DISGRACED, TURNED AWAY FROM THE BEST SOCIAL CIRCLES!! THE WORLD CRUMBLES!!

And yet, Sybil is unmoved. But then!

Then comes Lord Grantham's worst threat...

"There will be no money."

Sybil simply smiles and replies with what could possibly be her best best line in the show...

"Well... Bully for that!"

The devotion that Sybil and Branson show for each other is probably one of the things that stands out the most to me. Despite the possibility of being disowned, and possibly never seeing her family again, Sybil stands steadfastly by Branson's side. And we all know that Branson could care less about the riches and all such rot, but he's never shy about standing up to Lord Grantham, something that most working class men would be terrified of. 

Even though we don't get to see much of the two while they are married there are the few scenes where we get to see just how crazy much these two love each other.

Like, this one... (cutest scene evah, evah, evah!!!!)

Sybil is always fast to support and defend Branson against the attacks of her family. And Branson? That dear darling boy has nothing in his heart to give but so much love. The way those two care for and love each other is just soooooooooo adorable and I just loves my wittle babies so much!!!! 

*squinches up face and squeals* 

  THIS. SCENE. 

DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED

I. CAN'T. EVEN.

*SOBS*

They would go to the ends of the earth for each other and that is why I love Branson and Sybil. Their love and devotion for each other is so strong and they will forever and always be one of my most favoritest ships. Branson and Sybil forever, please and thanks!!!

So I suppose that brings us to the end! Again, So sorry that this is ridiculously late, and that I practically didn't participate at all, but life has been crazy. Do hop over and check out all the lovely posts everyone has contributed to Cordy's party!! TTFN, ta ta for now!!

Yours Truly,

Miss Woodhouse

Yet Another Exciting Announcment!!

Well. This is going to be a very very short post, as I am on my way to work and I just wanted to get this down real quick :)

So...

You’ll never guess what I have to say!

*drumroll....*

Yet another one of my very good real life friends is starting a blog!!!

Two real life friends in two months, who woulda thunk it!

Anyways, pop on over and give her blog a peek!! She’s a photographer and a writer and is a lovely person in general!!

Here is her link, so do go take a look!

Aesthete Journals

Yours Truly, 
Miss Woodhouse

The Taylor Swift Book Tag

Hello hello! Tis I! I return to kick the New Year off with a tag!! Olivia has tagged me with the Taylor Swift Book Tag!  

"We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" ~ a book/series you thought you were in love with but ended up disliking ♪♫

Ok so this is kind of a younger kids book, but Miss Hickory started out really cute, and then just took a sudden turn and... what...? No... just no...! It turned out to literally be one of the weirdest books I've ever read, I definitely do not recommend...


"Red" ~ a book with a red cover ♪♫

Ummm... I'm afraid I can't think of one.


"The Best Day" ~ a book that makes you feel nostalgic ♪♫

The Island of Blue Dolphins. I first read it when I was about 9, and I've probably reread it about ten times since then. I've always loved it, and it kind of just makes me think of when I was young and things were way simpler.

"Love Story" ~ a book with forbidden love ♪♫

Funnily enough, I can't say I've ever read a book that involved a forbidden love. I probably did at some point during my long book reading life, but right now I can't think of anything. 

"I Knew You Were Trouble" ~ a bad character you can't help but love ♪♫


Well I do have a soft spot for that occasional evil character who just somehow captures your heart, but I can't think of any particular character at the present moment, though I know there have been a few.

"Innocent" ~ a book that someone ruined for you ♪♫

I accidentally read a spoiler for Fire by Night from the Refiners Fire series on a blog when I was about half way through the book, and it killed me :( Like "WHAT DO YOU MEAN TED DIES!?!?!"

It was a sad day...

"Everything Has Changed" ~ a character who goes through extensive character development ♪♫

Julia, the main character also from a Fire by Night started out as a self centered, spoiled and generally unlikable character. Throughout the book we see a major character arc during which Julia grows into a caring and capable woman, and by the end, becomes very likable indeed.   

"You Belong with Me" ~ your most-anticipated book release ♪♫

Well, it just so happens that all my favorite authors are, well... dead. So no waiting here :)

"Forever and Always" ~ your favorite book couple ♪♫

That's so hard!!! I suppose I'll narrow it down to two and say Valancy and Barney from the Blue Castle *squeeeeal!!!*, and Juliet and Dawsey from the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society *double squeeeeeal!!!*

"Come Back . . . Be Here" ~ the book you would be least likely to lend out ♪♫

The Little Britches Books are a series that I have been reading since I was young and they're such good, sweet books, I don't think I could bring myself to let someone else borrow them for fear I wouldn't see them again. 

 "Teardrops on My Guitar" ~ a book that made you cry ♪♫

A Candle in the Darkness from the Refiners Fire Series made me bawl. The characters were all just so miserable and it was rather sad and painful :(

"Shake It Off" ~ a book that you love but that other people hate ♪♫

I'm afraid I'm drawing a blank on this one too...


"Stay Stay Stay" ~ a book you wanted to go on forever ♪♫

Catrin in Wales was one of the sweetest, most beautiful books ever, and I didn't want to close the book. 


"All Too Well" ~ a book series you wish could go on forever ♪♫

The Chronicles of Narnia is so gorgeous and transports me every time and I never want to see the children leave. 

"Ronan" ~ a book with a tragic character death/the death of an innocent ♪♫

When Walter Blythe in Rilla of Ingleside died it was so sad and tragic and he didn't deserve it... *sniffle sniffle*

 "Out of the Woods" ~ a book that had you worried about the characters up until the very end ♪♫

I'm going to say Candle in the Darkness again, because I was so worried all the way to the last page because there was so much wrong and everyone deserved to be happy, but nothing was going right. It was quite frustrating.

"Getaway Car" ~ a book with a tempestuous romance ♪♫

The Emily of New Moon Series was full of tempestuous romance. I mean for crying out loud Emily and Teddy, pull yourselves together and work it out! Yeesh my poor nerves were all over the place while reading those books...!!

"Clean" ~ a book that taught you something profound ♪♫

The Blue Castle was such a good book and will always be close to my heart. It taught me that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, as if every minute is your last. 

"Long Live" ~ a book that transports you every time ♪♫

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society made me feel as though I were walking the cliff tops of Guernsey, and exploring the woods and beaches with the characters and you could smell that salt air, and feel the wind blowing and hear the waves crashing and it is just such a masterpiece of a book.

And there we are!! Thank you for the tag Olivia!! Now I don't know who else in the blogging community likes Tay except for Olivia, so if you so desire, consider yourself tagged!!

Hopefully I will pop back in with a bit of an update/New Years post soon!! I hope your 2019 has been going wonderfully so far!! 

Yours Truly,

Miss Woodhouse 

A Rather Exciting Announcment!!!

Hello Peeps!! I'm popping in briefly with a rather exciting announcment!!!!!

One of my very bestest real life friends IS STARTING A BLOG!!!!!!

She's suuuuuch a talented writer, (not to mention she's an awesome person as well) and I can already tell the blog is going to be amazing!!!! (Also the name of it is just great to begin with so it's already set up for awesomness)

So head right on over and give her a follow at.... *drumroll*

Imagination's Edge

Now go go!! Make haste!! Let us storm the gates and fill  her followers list!!

Yours truly,

Miss Woodhouse