"In My Life"

This is past tense, since I started writing last week. Life gets in the way of blogging, sometimes. Anywho, I like this too much to erase it all and start over. Enjoy, and I'll try to bring you up to date with current events SINCE last week as well (since at this point the post is only half finished. Confused yet?) Also--you might want to check the Rafflecopter widget below (Giveaway "300"). The winners have been announced! Congrats, ladies. I hope you had as much fun as I did. :)

{me. with my friend Bilbo. and his friends.}

I loved today. One of those grey, overcast, dreamy sorts of mornings (brings out the blogger in me,) as dreary as my heart was heavy--I didn't want to go to work. So I prayed, and I trusted, and all at once, almost literally, things were better. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, yes? Work (nannying, for any new followers,) went quickly and uneventfully. Really, is there anything like a chubby, bubbly new baby to mend  a broken smile? I think not. :) The twins were fun, Mimi (aka, Yours Truly,) ran around, read books, made strange faces, danced, sang. . .and ultimately behaved like the perfect 2 year. . .and all is well with the world. Like I told a friend the other day, it's all about attitude.

Now I'm enjoying the solitude of a grey, overcast, dreamy sort of evening; my younger sisters are listening to Adventures in Odyssey {part of every day life} downstairs, mom's cooking, and Anna is ripping seams from a one-day skirt. And instead of reading North and South (more on that in a minute,) I'm writing a much needed blog post.

Something happy:

 

{Anna, our friend Hannah, and me, outside the theater}

Last week a group of friends surprised a friend by showing up opening night at A Christmas Carol. Of course I spent all that afternoon making a skirt to go with my new shirt from The Loft (be still my heart, that store! o.o) And of course that's because I forgot to wash the fabric the day before and then realized I didn't have enough fabric. . .which of course usually happens to perfectionists-in-a-hurry. It turned out perfectly, in the end, and I'm really excited to wear it all winter (can't go wrong with black corduroy). We drove down with our friend Hannah, and snuggled with everyone into the most adorable little theater ever. Sigh. Need I say how much I LOVE plays and theater and curtains and theater-chairs-that-don't-stay-down and pomp and circumstance? Because I do. Having a good friend star as Fred made it all the better. The look on his face when he saw us was worth all the "lying" and facebook threads. Really--after my surprise birthday party (has it really been almost two years ago? o.O ) everyone has become excellent liars. Only this time I got to lie too. hehe

{yay! Sneaky, awesome friends. B) }

Something sentimental:

Last weekend my family hosted our monthly meetup--when all our "local" (meaning, all over Ohio and PA,) friends get together for some type of activity and fellowship. It's new and fun and makes for awesome memories. Anyhow, it was a night of laughs, way too much pizza and chocolate, utterly failing at Guesstures, learning (or *trying* to learn ;) ) The Charleston. . .and losing a baby corn snake under the piano. Which meant of course ripping my ancient upright apart looking for it. It was quite the adventure (after we found the snake. . .it was in it's bag the whole time!) discovering the beautiful  insides of my 90 year old player piano. All the valves, bellows, strings, hammers. . .parts I can't name, so intricate, so detailed. I almost didn't want to close the cover. Best of all, the player *isn't* actually broken. With a little help, it still plays--1903 ripped paper and all.

Something sappy:

All the frantic hype over The Hobbit made me watch North and South again. Which made me fall in love with Richard Armitage--I mean, Mr. Thornton--again. Which made me read the book. Which has made my heart incredibly happy, sappy, swoony, and all and everything that makes the proper fangirl.

The book and minstries are almost alike--the casting is sublime. Actually, the few things that were added to the mini series compliment and add character to the story. ie, Margaret "meeting' Mr. Thornton in the midst of beating a worker, the explanation of WHY Mr. Hale left the clergy, the stunning "Northbound Train" ending, and a couple of other things.

Besides loving every single atom of the book, I've come to truly understand and appreciate Margaret--the one "heroine" I've always despised. I won't say much now, in case I decide to write a proper review of the book and characters, but I think I've finally found the heroine I can most relate too. She's amazing (coming from me, that's a big compliment.) Daniela Denby-Ashe IS Margaret, down even to her looks. She pulls the  haughtiness, confidence, and ultimate ignorance and final humbling of the character together beautifully--as though she's stepped right from the pages of the book. And Richard. . .need I even say anything? He is perfect, perfect, PERFECT in every sense of the word--except that the "real" Mr. Thornton is supposed to be homely ("he doesn't LOOK like a bulldog, surely." :P ) Someone in a facebook comment said they wished Mr. Thornton would have shown more gentleness (in the mini series)--that he seemed too unattractive until the very end. I ahem beg to differ. Strongly. :P They couldn't have cast a better actor to show--just through his eyes--all the pent up passion of a rejected, misunderstood lover--of the human being under all the stiffness and starch. Mrs. Thornton is perfect too. . .no, beyond perfect (of course.) And Higgins. And Bessy--though she's a lot more likable on screen; in the book she's just morbid.

I am on Team Gaskgell. Thank you very much, Jane Austen, but your stories do nothing for me.

Something recent:

Two nights ago I attended a Regency Christmas Ball. . .in a gorgeously-restored Victorian mansion.  It was just as beautiful and movie-ish as two years ago, only this time I made and wore a costume that actually fit and that I didn't cry over. Ok, cutting a hole in the neckline is a different story, but otherwise--after all the experience sewing for Beyond the Mask, the dress went together smoothly. I even finished a gown for Anna in ONE DAY. Yes, you may congratulate me.

 

{had to snatch a picture or two on the story-bookish balcony overlooking the main floor of the mansion. There are three floors in all, but what makes the "balcony" (for lack of  a better name,) so adorable is how it branches right off the staircase--so, you can stop and rest on your way up, or just continue up the stairs.}

It was great to catch up with out-of-state friends, wander around the mansion, dance, eat, and be merry. Here's a video of some of the more advanced dancers demonstrating 'Waltzing to Iowa'--I'm in the purple gown with champagne sash, in case you can't tell from the above photos. ;)

Something simple:

And because this is a sappy post, I will mention the Elephant Vanilla Chai tea I had at our local tearoom last week. It was one of those afternoons when I REALLY needed to get out of the house, and made me extra grateful for a mom who notices and cares. We had a great time chatting and oohing and ahhing over girl-stuff (aka, teapots, laces, pink, yada yada,) North and South (since I cant' seem to talk about anything else right now,) and such. Chai tea, btw, is out of this world. Just in case you were wondering.

{yes, it was topped with whipped cream.}

Soooo that is current life in a nutshell. Crazy month--usually we don't have so many events, weekend after weekend. Right now, blog-wise, I am trying to make a vlog, and I REALLY need to write about Beyond the Mask. Sometimes I stop and remember--actually, every day I stop and remember. . .and really, it doesn't feel like it ever happened, it was such a satisfying, once-in-a-lifetime experience. To think that John Rhys-Davies was on set of The Hobbit only months before coming over to little 'ol MI to shoot BTM. And to think that. . .well, that's for another post. ;)

For sewing and Narnia!--an Awkwardly Awesome week {#4}

{via}

aka--the adventures of returned warriors. Get ready--this is going to a huge, information-packed post. Have fun. ;) Note that all the pictures (unless otherwise specified,) were taken by my highly-talented photographer friend, Brandon Pieplow. 

 

{part of the Beyond the Mask costume production team hard at work} Photo courtesy of Brandon

As my sister Anna said in her facebook status: we went. we saw. we SEWED. Yes folks, I have returned from one of the most beautiful "retreats" ever--in all my 21 years. Sorely missing my long morning walks. . .I'm convinced it's impossible not to feel spiritual in the country. Go ahead, laugh--country is in my soul. I realized that all the more when I was alone; me, my prayers, my voice, and my God. Corn fields hedging me in on every side, open skies, a huge, over-grown puppy of a lab for company, a house full of amazing young people, and costumes waiting to be sewed. Oh, yeah. Remember my fears? Point made--the dresses weren't completed, but that may have to do with all the breaks Anna and I took--I mean, it was perfect outside--and there were kittens. Hey, there is more then a month more of costume production--so, even though we can't get the time off (for another week-long trip,) we should be heading back a couple of weekends. 

{gorgeous countryside--I so miss my morning walks.} Photo courtesy of Brandon 

So I'm turning this post into a review-of-the-trip AND Awkward and Awesome Thursday, since there were thousands of Awkward (some Awful) and Awesome  moments. Which, btw, before I continue, we finally--finally--saw all three Narnia movies. :gaspanddoublegasp: The books are great--the movies. . .are incredible. Except for The Dawn Treader--sorry to any fans out there--that is probably one of the worst movies I've ever seen. It reminds me of a computer game. But to quickly sum up--(this is going to be hard)--Prince Caspian was by far my favorite. Detest the romance to every degree possible--but the movie had just the right amount of dark and dramatic and suspense and reality and more dark and some funny. . . to make it reach into the depths of my soul. Which means it was good. ;) I need dark. Not gross dark--tragic, beautiful dark. :cue Les Miserables: 

 

{via}

Aslan was terrific--really loved putting the allegory into visual-perspective (though I have very mixed feelings in that department). He gave me the same choked-feeling I get whenever his name appears in the books. Very powerful character. Ok, now that I think about it, Eustace made The Dawn Treader. . .digestible. Best casting EVER. (quick, quick Michaela, sum up--get to the point!) Caspian's accent was AWESOME. Much approved. Reepicheep--"You people have no imagination!" Anna and I should have never heard that quote. ;) Lucy is adorable. . .but here's the big question: who was my all-time favorite character (next to Aslan, of course) ? So hard for me not to spill it all over this post. But this character belongs in a post of it's own. Loved this character in the book--loved this character before I saw the films--and loved this character ever more after watching the films. Just GUESS. Shouldn't be too hard. 

Awesome

  

Photo courtesy of Brandon

• Finally knowing where The Vacation will take place--North Carolina. And my beloved Tennessee. The Lord worked the details out so perfectly--and gave us a completely new route/destination. I can hardly wait--2 days exploring NC beaches, a longish drive up to Pigeon Forge, then a few more days in a Smokey Mountain cabin. Hopefully I'll be able to recruit those guest posters this time. 
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• Spending time with old friends--and bonding with several new ones. 9 days sewing together will do that to people. And yes, there was massive sewing--the basement was crammed full of machines, racks of historically accurate clothing, conversation, teasing, and MUSIC. Soundtracks, The High Kings, and Les Miserables reigned. I was satisfied.
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• Instantly connecting with someone then being asked, "do you know each other?" Kindred spirits!

  

Photo courtesy of Brandon

• Getting caught in an "almost tornado". Frightening while driving through wind and flying debris, but incredible to see our God's mighty hand! The long, wet walk in the woods that followed was magical--I loved discovering a civil-war era cemetery, piecing together the lives of a man who had 2--or was it 3--wives? o.O That and ice cream totally made up for the storm. 
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• English and Scottish country dancing almost every night.
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• Watching The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe and Prince Caspian with a room-full of armored, sword wielding homeschoolers {at midnight}. 
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• Random bursts of  "Onnnnneee daaaayyyyy moooorrreeee!" 

 

Photo courtesy of Brandon

• "Adopted brothers". The Lord has really blessed us as we've gotten older--with male friends who treat us as sisters, with respect and brotherly love. It's a special thing.
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• Standing outside in 90 mile per hour wind. 
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• Cheesy-bread-pizza-and-pop night around The Guns of Navarone. I forgot how much I liked Gregory Peck. Acting just isn't acting nowadays.  
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• Completing my petticoat, stays (curse those wretched things!) and shift. 
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• Being called "a little girl" by a 4 year old, then later told, "you aren't my friend, your my family!" Our "secrets" every afternoon (aka my precious strawberry-cool mints. . .I was nice and offered the "to share" side :P ) were really special. . .to both of us. 

 

{yes, there's a sneak peek of Anna and I!--watching the Ultimate game. Told you I'd bow out. ;) } Photo courtesy of Brandon

Awkward

• Announcing "yeah, I started crying when Andrea Bocelli SPOKE" {at the concert}--to be met by blank stares. 
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• Finding ones hosts cleaning spilled coffee--overflowed from the full pot YOU made. (totally hooked on Hawaiian and Peruvian coffee, btw. Yes, the fast is broken!)  
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• Waking early for my morning walk. . .this time with Anna . . .only to be chased by a stray dog. (mind you, this is a very abbreviated version.) We walked three miles barefooted--fleeing for ones life and flip-flops don't mix--in 100* weather with no cell phones. Lovely. Thankfully an older woman stopped us from her porch (I could hardly walk at this point--literally,) offered us water, then drove us the rest of the way back. The Lord is so good! 
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• Stopping every couple of minutes while sewing to ask "how do I do this again"? 
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• Forgetting to pack ones toothbrush. Serous panic-time.
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• Random cries of "ow!" when ANOTHER person stepped on a needle, punctured a limb with pins, or sliced into an exposed finger. {battle-wounds of sewing}   

haha. . .sorry, had to include that above pic. ;) This post is awkward enough with sewing and Narnia all mixed together. Two huge highlights of the week, obviously. :sigh: These aren't half the pictures or half of what we did--the baseball game and fireworks and out-doing a poorly done "comedy" act. . .and musket demonstrations and trying to get ready before 7:30 AM. Talking to oneself in an otherwise quiet room. Going completely off my diet and not caring. Stealing (ok, I had permission) a friends book light for late-night reading purposes. Hymn-singing in the van. The M&M party. But I shan't bore you any longer. 

I probably won't be "seeing" you again for the next week or so. Be good, and keep a look-out for guest posters.

keeping our heritage alive: English Country Dancing Volume 1*~

"What a charming amusement for young people this is, Mr. Darcy!--There is nothing like dancing after all-- I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished societies."

Pride and Prejudice 

Easy to follow, step by step instructions. Jaunty, fast paced Celtic fiddle music. Whimsical pastel skirts and neat Civil War uniforms; English Country Dancing Volume 1 is a fun introduction to English Country and American folk-style dancing. Recently Garret Stowe, a homeschooled filmmaker, asked me to review his documentary on my blog--and as a fellow ECDer, I was more than thrilled with the opportunity!!

In the films intro Garret mentioned something that is very dear to my heart. . .Unlike most dance styles, English Country Dancing (aka ECD) is an absolutely clean, modest style of dance--an historical art--that the entire family can participate in, from the littlest child to the oldest grandfather. As the documentary continues, we are swept on a Victorian journey outlining Ball etiquette and customs {that are often still followed today.} 

Garret explains his mission here: 

As homeschoolers, many of us love studying about that span in history - from the eighteenth century up through the Civil War - that gave rise to so many great events and brilliant minds.  Most also enjoy the beautiful dances from that era.  With so much anti-family recreation out there, the old dances are a wonderful way to have good old fashioned fun!  Recently, I completed an instructional documentary that combines the beauty of the Civil War/Victorian era dances with my love for history.  This 30 minute film covers 6 period dances complete with step-by-step instructions, dance excerpts, and historical information on etiquette and customs of the day.  For pictures of the production process and screen shots of the finished product, visit the following site:

www.christianfilmmakers.org/forums/viewthread/9526/P10

If you'd like to purchase a copy of your own, you can email me directly or visit my website www.repairingthebreachmedia.wordpress.com and click theBuy it Now button on the right hand side-bar.   The DVD  is $13 with free s&h. Payment is accepted via check or PayPal (sorry, orders placed via my website are PayPal only - we appreciate your understanding).  Thanks so much for your interest.   

~Garrett Stowe

gstowe@hughes.net  

You've more then likely watched videos from the various Balls I've attended (if you read this blog regularly, you're at least familiar with ECD. ;) ) If you've seen any of the Jane Austen movies (ie Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Sense and Sensibility, etc,) you KNOW exactly what style of dancing I mean. English Country Dancing Volume 1 is you're guide to learning simple dances such as the Virginia Reel, Patticake Polka, Solider's Joy, and several more. The step-by-step instructions and visuals are VERY helpful. . .and it is a treat to watch this talented group of young people perform each dance. Seriously, I can't get over how much I love the ladies skirts! They lend something special to the free-spirited, folk inspired feeling of the video. . . Because these dances are truly steeped in tradition, social graces, the natural inclination to socialize, tap our feet to a fast-paced tune--join together as families and friends in good old fashion fun. 

This is what English Country Dancing Volume 1 is all about--keeping the art of a begone era alive, the stuff that we still enjoy today: dancing. In the most beautiful, wholesome way possible. Check out Garret's site and order you're own copy today! I'd love to hear about you're ECD adventures. Trust me, once you begin, there is an itch that begs for more--another Ball. Another excuse for taking out that old fiddle.   

Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

Psalm 149:3

if i had a british accent. . .

. . .i'd never shut up.

isn't everything happyful about this picture? you see it and HAVE to smile. what does it have anything to do with british accents? nothing. except that i'm infatuated with them (british *including* irish and scottish,) and they make me smile. very wide. i don't shut up anyway, and i put my mastered falsetto accent/s to use often. so the quote almost counts. . .oh, and if you noticed, i changed my header/theme again. earlier this week anna and i ventured into "the shire," a scrumptious, open field behind our house - covered in golden rods and bright orange poison ivy. it's our very own magical place, a tiny bit of the country, even though tops of houses peak through; we ignore them. because it truly is a sacred place, where one enters silently, breathlessly. . .then gives way to frolics and photo-shoots and all manners of sisterly goofiness.

i've decided i'm part hobbit. (notice part. hairy feet and too many meals don't count.) that would explain  the shortness and anna's sudden infatuation with frodo. i think she wants to marry him. o.O and i'm starting to adore him too. it's all her fault. which reminds me - 'into the west' is probably the worlds most gorgeous song. . . .the instrumental version gives me goosebumps and thrills and makes me cry. so does the braveheart theme, 'the love of a princess.' the music store should be getting a visitor soon. . .btw, i'm so glad you enjoyed 'my heart will go on.' :) i really appreciated everyone's comments/suggestions. thank you so much! - film scores are my latest craze, listening and playing them; i can't get enough! any recommendations? 

a sneak peak of the photo-shoot. here you can see a bit of "the shire" in all its painted yellow . 

there is nothing more beautiful then a reenactment by torch and candle light, on an island in the middle of the ohio river, under a blanket of clear, star-filled sky. siiggh. a ferry ride from bank to bank, costumed interpreters, "ghosts" roaming among the ancient walnut grove, carriage's drawn by ponies at full canter; wood smoke, gingerbread and irish sea chanties. only this time i wasn't a spectator. together with a group of good friends, donned in our finest regency garb - we were at blennerhasset island. . .to dance. {click}

just amazing. (yes, i overuse that word.) but it's true. english country dancing in a tiny roped off area of the mansion, boiling to death in our costumes, nervous as groups of tourists flocked in to watch. it was like stepping into a movie. . .as if it were a real, moving, living story - our little story, swept back in time, imagining, experiencing. there aren't words for the thrill of it all. spending that special evening with such wonderful ppls made it all the better. . .eating enormous oatmeal cookies, talking theology until 2:30 AM, waking up to a Southern Ohio country morning, more conversation around the breakfast table. . .then the long drive home, more talking, and way too much chocolate. like yesterday, when mom and i had our little shopping date. what could possibly be better then chocolate, sushi, more chocolate, adventures at a candle warehouse. . .and a coffee brand stating: "coffee, chocolate, men. . . the richer the better." perfection.

  

celebrating fall. thinking of (and wearing) knee length boots, eating crunchy-delicious Melrose apples, loving my little nick, who is getting so big and obedient, praising the Lord for a new part-time nanny position. and even though i have to fake a british accent. . .smiling. {don't worry. . .i'll never shut up anyway. ;) }  

sincerely, me

Dear Goldfish, I really shouldn't be eating you, especially after drinking a Mocha Frappe earlier today - but thanks for bringing back the childhood thrill of your cheesy, cracker-goodness. I approve of you. Especially right now, after a very stressful evening. . .you and The Dutchman [stuck in my head] are a yummy combo.

Dear Civil War Ballgown, you were the source of much of my stress, and you fell apart at the OSR Ball, but I'll try and forgive you. . .since you DID look nice, so long as no one got too close. You were marvelous under that [painful] swishy hoop, even though I kept stepping on the skirt hem. I will admit there is nothing so awkwardly-amazing as dancing in a huge, hallow bell. . .really, that's what it felt like. o.O

{Yours Truly in rosy-pink gown, Anna in buttercup-yellow}

[not so] Dear Creepy Man at the coffee shop, it makes me so sad that Anna and I couldn't enjoy our mocha frappe's without you creeping us out. Not only did you frighten us, you ruined our deliciously rainy, care-free afternoon. And our trip to the library. [library computers are so much more fun then PC's. ;) ) Thank God for mothers who rescue unnerved daughters [who don't drive.] :shiver:

Dear Nick, thank you for being such a good boy, even though part of the skin is missing from my finger. You are really a wonderful, obedient puppy. Working with you every day - training, training, training. . .is finally paying off. I see a therapy dog in the making, I really do. Bravo little guy! keep making mama proud.

Dear Seth and Alyssa, welcome to the official "novel-family." You are lucky. . .the Confederate solider [mentioned in a previous post] and countless others have died distant, forgotten deaths. But you, dear, beautiful, [SETH!] incredible, awesome-Nano twins [YES, I am doing Nanowrimo again this year] shall live to change the world. At least I hope. Remember, as your co-creator, I can ditch you at any time. . .

{photo via Pinterest}

Dear Ohio Summer Rendezvous, thank you for giving me the opportunity to help bring so many people together from around the country. As a friend said once, "homeschoolers are. . .AWESOME!"  But of course. And to think that some of these awesome people meet each year at a wonderfully-woodsy camp to play, sing, talk, laugh, dance, play, sing, talk, laugh, and dance some more. The memories are priceless; hastily thrown together [and hilarious] skits, waving at random "boat guys" from a "giant" lifeguard chair. . .

{Yes, that is moi making that horrid face. . .and yes, they waved back ;) }

Dear Horrendously-Frightening Vintage/Costume shop, I love you. Even though your employees are Goth and the aisle-ways are so smooshed together I feel claustrophobic. Your racks and racks of costumes are breathtaking, [literally] and that white, lacy 50's dress was superior. Just sayin'.

Dear readers, I hope this didn't bore you too much. What has been happening in YOUR life? How are you enjoying the colder weather so far? Leave me a comment. :) AND, keep in mind, a giveaway is coming soon.

~ Mich

Regency Christmas Ball...including ECD videos and pics of the finished gowns!

elegant ladies. dapper gentlemen. swirling gowns. tapping feet. english country dancing.  it was like stepping back in time, or into a period movie set.  truly the whole evening i felt in a dream, wearing the regency gown i thought would never be complete, and watching anna float about in hers. (it went through a last-minute, and might i add very emotional creation...)

- and the mansion! i am a huge history enthusiast, so having the run of a victorian home-turned-museum almost meant heaven for me. all the intricate woodwork, restored furnishings and details. but the most exciting part was just being there in costume, without a tour guide, walking throughout all the broadway-themed rooms. :faint:

{you can see our gowns fairly well in the above picture. i am on the R, anna the L.}

{an easy, whimsical, and fun scottish country dance, or scd, called by a friend, gabe.}

 

{ball attendees and their incredible costumes}

{i had the privilege of calling a couple of the ecd's. such fun, as always. this dance is "spanish waltz," one i've featured on my blog before, and a personal favorite of mine.} 

{my lovely sister anna. did i mention i had the worst of time  finishing her gown? lol } 

{many of you might recognize this dance from the 1995 movie version of 'pride and prejudice'. my friend debbie called this elegant english country dance.}

{the wonderment of a child*~}

{you can see some of the gorgeous stenciling on the ceiling in this pic. yum.} 

{ok. so everyone who follows my blog knows i'm not a "phan" of  'the phantom of the opera'. but i'll admit, the "phantoms ballroom" and themed tree were breathtaking.}

{yours truly. most likely going through another infamous ditsy spell. ;) hehe}

{a very small snippet of me calling 'childgrove.'}

{last but most certainly NOT least, my dear, sweet friend hannah and i saying goodbye.}

~ and there's just a sneak peek! sorry for the poor quality of the videos.

special thanks to brandon pieplow and hannah michelle l. for the amazing photos! awesome job, you two! :)