movies, a river, and quesadillas: the SAICFF 2013

Hello lovely blogger world! I must apologize for coming off as a bit downhearted in my last post. You know how sometimes your so inspired--so moved--maybe by prayer, that you MUST share the deepest part of your soul? That's how I felt then. And today? Well, God is beautiful. And life is beautiful. . .more beautiful than I can express. And homemade macaroni and cheese inside me (with this morning's coffee,) makes it THAT much more beautiful. I have a great and awesome Lord. The sun isn't shining, but I feel it within me. The windows are open--letting in that first, subtle spring-tinged breeze. Best yet, I was invited--no, my way is being paid (k, I'm going halves, but that's just fair, ;) ) to visit my bestie on the West Coast. THAT could be nothing but a work of divine providence. He knows our every need! And now I say, goodbye discouragement!--I'm 22 (more on that in a very-near-future-post,) and yes, trials come, but there is good lurking around the corner of every faithful heart. Can't wait to write this new chapter. Big things are happening.

So. I have trillions of blog post ideas running like crazy through my head. . .which means, lucky for you--I won't be sitting here struggling for inspiration. . .for several months at least. ;) The Hobbit review I promised is nearly done. . .and I WILL vlog at some point (am I the only person who HATES themselves on camera? Ick.) And well. . .I'd better splurge every detail of the hugely-awesome SAICFF NOW while it's still fresh and living and in everything I think, feel, and say.

As some of you have probably figured out, my big adventure--my fernweh--was the 2013 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. You might also remember that Anna and I attended last years festival and had the time of our lives. In a very different way. See, we drove last year--a grueling 24 hour drive that left us deeply bonded, pumpkin-headed, and on a granola-bar-and-M&M-weight-loss-program. ;)

This year we flew. . .alone for the very first time.

Of course we did a lot of nonsensical fretting, because truly, the Lord planned every detail of our trip. We even survived the TSA (I'll refrain from further comments,) and both layovers in Atlanta. Flying alone was actually very satisfying--it forced us to fend for ourselves in a big world that isn't always thoughtful or kind. It forced us to keep our cool when running like two orphaned children to catch a connecting flight. . .alllll the way across the basement of an airport, (over 30 gates!) up two (unbelievably slow) escalators, and over three floors. Not to mention downhill-roller-coaster-turbulence from SA to Atlanta.

Anna made a comment to me this morning--"since when did we grow up?" It's thought provoking. When do we grow up? When do we become adults?--maybe Peter Pan was wrong after all. (horror of horrors!)  Because overnight I've turned 22. Overnight I've gotten so much experience flying that I'm confident enough to travel to Washington. Overnight my married friends are inviting me to visit them. Overnight the way I view the world is changing. . .

It was breathtaking, seeing my San Antonio again after a year. Because when Michaela loves something, she throws away chunks of her heart. It's scattered over various people, Disneyland, The Graveyard in MI, our restored Victorian square. . .and the highly spiced, colorful, whimsically Latino San Antonio Riverwalk.

I'm firmly convinced that the riverwalk is one of the most magical places on earth. Something like Louis L'amour meant when he asked, "what is romance?" The Riverwalk does that for me, especially at night, when lights dance over the water, everything is still, everything so dreamy and peaceful. It makes me quiet (maybe I'll just move there and spare my family the constant chatter :P )--strolling under bridges, admiring crooked palm trees, seeing the riverboats and people-friendly ducks. . .knowing that at the end lies one of my favorite events of all time: the film festival. And all the people I love.

  

It started with lunch at the cutest little Mexican restaurant in the cutest historic area. Big brick mansions, 70 degree weather, friends, and quesadillas. Doesn't get much better than that. :) Afterward we checked into our hotel, had deep philosophical discussions, and spent a whirlwind of a first day jet-lagged, immensely happy, full of Charlie Zham and good fellowship. 

 
{Sneak-peak of lunch and lunch people. aka, Anna and I with our friends Stacy and Josh. Josh actually doubled as our escort (and official coffee supplier ;) )  for the weekend. Very, very grateful for my "adopted" brothers. :) }

We didn't make it to any movies that day, but it was such a blessing hanging out with new and old friends, I didn't care. Which, btw, this SAICFF was doubly amazing because SO many of my special film people were all together in one place. It was like a huge Beyond the Mask reunion. (to all of you who couldn't make it--especially my sewing girls--you were there in spirit!) 

 

A good big breakfast was much appreciated in the morning. ;) Granola bars are somewhat of a trend when Anna and I travel. Anywho--we shared our hotel room (on the 19th floor! Amazing view of the city from up there,) with three of the lovely young ladies we sewed with over the summer. 

{yes. . .I was sad. This was our last night in SA. Though it may have helped if the photographer said WHEN to smile. ;) On another note, the costumes you see? They are everyday, usual attire for these ppls. Pretty awesome or what? }

 

{Friends. I didn't get photos with everyone--so much hustle and bustle from one movie to another, lectures and  whatnot-- but here are a couple. Shout out for Hedrick Brothers Productions and For Heaven's Sake! Productions.}

To make a very long story short--the remainder of the weekend included coffee (because smart people know there is no life without it, ;) ) music, trying to remember to eat. . .and of course dozens of inspiring films (including Indescribable [neat seeing so many friends on the "big screen"] and The Lost Medallion,) but especially the SAICFF's Audience Choice, Best Feature, and runner up for Best of Festival: Return to the Hiding Place. I may or may not have seen it twice. #oneofthemostincrediblywellmadeandheartrendingmoviesI'veEVERseen

{and I may or may not have been so excited to see John Rhys-Davies I  announced to the lady sitting next to me "I was hugged by that guy TWICE!"}  

Oh yes, and the crew party for Beyond the Mask. And the sneak-peak clips we watched. And the fact that I saw my mom. . .and myself. Twice. Totally humiliating? You bet. :P Especially since I look all blotchy and very obviously have a cold. *ahem* Otherwise, this is going to be a stunning film (running out of adjectives. . .I think I've used every one in the book in this post, ;) ) And I'm not just saying that because it's "our" movie. 

{Oscar DeGrate--aka the official mascot of Beyond the Mask}

The closing ceremony was beautiful. I was very inspired by the Best of Festival winners testimony (The Drop Box) and so blessed to meet him at the San Antonio airport the next day! (God works in mysterious ways.) Mr. Phillips and Faith sang Time to Say Goodbye (which was more than slightly breathtaking since Andrea Bocelli is my favorite singer in all the world,) and the Lord was praised and glorified throughout.

  

Have I caught the vision of Christian film making? YES a hundred times. Movie people are special. . .and the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival does the powerful work that brings them together. Not only to revolutionize the world, but in fellowship and Christian bonding. I may have only been a very small fraction of one Independent movie, but I am so proud, so excited to see what God will do in the history of Christian film. . .and to be one small voice promoting and cheering my teammates on.

I miss you, San Antonio. And I miss you, my dear, beautiful brothers and sisters in Christ. More then you will ever know. Thank you for making this girl very happy, and thank you Vision Forum for making the magic happen!

Beautiful Bloggers #1 // Danielle

Here is "the story" of one of my dearest friends, blogging buddies, and "sissies". I met Danielle through blogging a couple years ago, and had the incredibly blessed privilege to meet, stress, laugh, and play with for 9 days while working on Beyond the Mask. She is a beautiful person, inside and out! Her loving heart, passion for life, sunshiny face, loyalty, joy, mad photography skills, and all and everything that makes Danielle, well, Danielle--is truly inspiring to me. :) I love you so much, girly! Thanks for letting me interview you. (This, btw, Beautiful Bloggers--is a new feature that I'm really excited about! If YOU are interested in being interviewed on Rhapsody in PINK, please feel free to contact me!)

Introduce yourself, and tell us a little bit about your family, life, and home.

(Thank you so much Michaela, for choosing to feature me on your blog. I feel special)

If you were to have just met me, I would tell you that my name is Danielle, and you would notice that I give good hugs, enjoy meeting new people, and love to laugh and smile! :D I’m blessed to be the eldest of 10 soon-to-be-11 kidos. We yive happily ever after, togevah, on 7 ½ acres, with a few bunnies and chickens that the littles enjoy. We’re a family that is positively fond of game nights and radio theaters~ anything that draws us closer together. For myself, I enjoy playing my violin (especially the Ashoken Farewell)~ listening to good music~ art and calligraphy~ home décor & colors~ writing letters~ pretty journals~ all things photography~ scrapbook paper and stickers~ and a new one, working on movie sets. :D

How did you first get into photography? Do you have any tips you'd like to share with aspiring photographers? What are some things that inspire you (people, places, things, etc,) in your work? What is your goal (career?) in becoming an accomplished photographer?

 

Though I didn’t know I’d end up where I am today, I just really liked taking pictures, and my ‘eye’ for photography started to develop when I was about 16 or 17. A year ago for my birthday, my grandparents bought me my first DSLR camera, which I’d been hankerin’ for fer a long time. Since then I’ve taken 7 weeks of classes, and I’m currently taking a collage course, which has proven so far to be wonderfully breezy. I have the goal of starting a business in the new year, but we’ll have to see what happens. At present, I’m trying to build up my equipment and gain experience. Aaaannndd, while I have the microphone, *grins widely* if you’re interested, visit my fb page.

As far as inspiration, I dearly love Arielle Elise Photography. Did I mention Ah-mazing? I guess you could say that I endeavor to ‘copy’ her style. Her pictures just make me smile, and I want that for my pictures too. :D I could go on and on with tips and pointers, (and this is cliché, but true) but I guess what I’d have to say is that if you want it badly enough, and are willing to work for it, you can reach your goals.  And I’m still climbing. There are many much better than I, but I enjoy photography for what it means to me~ I like that others like my pictures, I like that I can capture memories, I like that God has given me a talent for it, and I’m glad that I can bless others with it.

 

How long have you been blogging? Do you have a favorite topic and/or post? What puts you in "the blogging mode"? In other words--how do you blog? Pop in earbuds, find a place to think in solitude? On a whim, specific topics, or other?

I have been blogging for close to two years now, in April. And I love doing it. The hard part for me though, is that blogging is always the thing that gets put on the back burner, if something else comes up or whatever. I’m constantly telling myself, “Well, I didn’t get to it today, but I WILL do it tomorrow”. I surly hope that I’m not the only one that struggles with this. And I wish it not to be so. I’m wreally pwromising myself to do better!

And yes. I do pop in earbuds and listen to music while I blog. That’s one of my favorite parts! I usually make myself a yummy cup of coffee too. But blogging on a whim is pretty close to how I do it. I just blog what Iv'e been thinking and doing, a favorite recipe, pictures, quotes etc.

I know (because I was there part of the time) that you worked in costuming for Burns Family Studios 'Beyond the Mask'. How would you, in a sentence, describe the experience? What are some especially good memories--a happy time, stressful time, or downright hilarious time? What did you learn from the months of living and working with a houseful of ladies? In what ways did you grow on your Spiritual journey?

#crazyhappytiredoutofthisworldlacefabricsleepgranolabarlaughsmilemoviesmusicactorsfuntiredicecreamlightspeanutbutterwalksjoggsoutsidepicturesgraveyardseamripperlatenightsfriendsskype. How’s that? :P You’ll know what I’m talking about, but unless you’ve been there, there’s just some things you can’t explain. Plain and simple. Tears and stress one moment, and hysterical laughter the next. Emotions all over the place in one big mash up. There are so many special moments and memories that I will carry with me until my dying day. And I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat; not to erase the memories I already have, but to experience it again.  So I guess that’s to say, “I’m REALLY looking forward to next time”. 

Living and working with a lot of people in a small space may be hard for some, but at least this time ‘round I found it quite easy to adjust to. I’m a people person, and so I like that. It doesn’t really bother me I guess. But boy did we have fun! I can think of so many funny times, and ridiculous things we did, but it would fill a volume to type it all. Suffice to say, that if you ever have the opportunity to contribute to something like a movie set, you won’t be disappointed. There is one thing that I’m still trying to wrap my mind around, and that is that I got to work with the famous John Rhys Davies. It truly was amazing! 

And the Bible studies that we would have on Sunday evenings. Nothing compares to singing God’s praises loudly with everyone! That is the one thing I am very much missing. If only to be there and sing “All I Have is Christ”.  What a wonderful time.    

If you could drop everything and go anywhere in the world, where would that be? What would you do there?

Eventually, I’d like to visit Ireland, (from whence our family hales, among other places ;)) and a few other villages in Europe. But if I could drop everything right now and go anywhere, I’d come to your house Michaela! Surprising or no, I seriously would! We’d go out for coffee, browse a favorite bookstore, visit quaint shops, take a ton of pictures, and probably end up devouring some Lindor truffles. But we don’t want to give everything away do we? *wink*

How did you become a Christian? I'd love hearing your testimony!

Well, I haven’t always grown up in a Christian home. My parents got saved when I was 6-7. But when I started believing for myself and repented of my sins, I was 12. I started to read my Bible in earnest, and have loved it ever since. :D There have been those hard times, and I seem too often to get easily discouraged. But God gives grace, and He frequently uses my dear friends to encourage me. :D  

Do you draw inspiration from fictional characters? If you could compare yourself to any book-heroine, who would it be?

Honestly, I can relate the most with Much Afraid, from Hind’s Feet on High Places. Not necessarily with her character, but with what she went through. She’s not exactly my ‘favorite’ heroine though. I guess I would have to say that my fave is Libby Connors, from ‘Dawn of A Thousand Nights’.  She’s a pretty neat girl. :D 

What are some of your favorite pastimes and hobbies? 

. I have lots of those! ;) I love card making, teaching myself to play new instruments,  editing photos+coffee+good music, calligraphy and art, writing letters, growing flowers, making herbal concoctions. Embroidery, sewing, singing, all things violin, and all things photography. I also really enjoy walking through the home décor departments in stores and designing the interior of my house. Putting colors and pictures and furniture together = happy. ;)

Does your family have any special holiday traditions?

Yes! For Thanksgiving, we usually like to go all out and have all the special dishes. Day after Thanksgiving, we put up our Christmas tree, as a family. Then for family time on some evenings, we’ll all sit around the tree with hot cocoa & toast and reminisce about years gone by, telling all our favorite stories. And we always dip our toast in our hot cocoa. We spend Christmas Eve with my Grandparent’s at their house, and always really enjoy that. Then we all usually suffer through that night, trying to sleep lol. IF we make it until 5 in the morning, then we all get up and open each present one at a time, to make it last as long as it possibly can. :D Come New Years, we stay up until 12 am and snack all the way, playing games. This time of year is very special to our family, and we build so many heart strings. 

So. You love Adventures in Odyssey (because you and Rebecca are the "Odyssey girls" and because you are amazing like that.) Tell the world who your favorite character is and why--I'll pretend I don't already know.
Lol, Jason is my most fave. There are others of course, but I like him best. Apparently I’m not the only one *winks*. I like him because I think he's a realistic character, (more realistic than Eugene? Not that Eugene isn't realistic, I just haven't met anyone quite as eccentric!) and I like all the adventures he has as a secret agent. Besides that, I just like his voice. :P 

 

If you could step back in time and have lunch with any historical person, who would it be? 

Oh I don’t know! That’s a hard choice~ but it’d probably be someone like Bell Boyd or Antonia Ford; both southern woman spies in the American Civil War. I think that would be very interesting, hearing their stories and all! Though, I might just change my mind and go with a WWII fighter pilot. I’d like that too! 

Tell me about some of your favorites? Movie. . . book. . .food. . .season. . .

Books: (btw, terrible question to ask someone who loves to read ;)) Nothing beats an old book, which has stood the test of time and remained a treasure. My favorite? Nevah. I like them all! :D We’re reading ‘Fair Margret’ right now, and it has proven to be excellent, even in the first two chapters. Movies: Beyond the Mask of course! Well, when it comes out that is. :D Currently, it would have to be Courageous. Being able to personally hear Steven Kendrick speak about movie-making for the glory of God, I have a new appreciation for the films they’ve done! Food: Chinese! Lately I’ve been craving orange chicken and Panda Express. So good! Season: I’d have to say summer. And fall. Summer because of the lovely warmth and gorgeous sunset-light in the evenings. Fall because of the beautiful bright colors, perfect for delightful portrait taking. Also the crisp, chirpy air and clear blue skies.
What stand-by passages in scripture help you cope with tough situations?

I have particularly come to love this Psalm. It has been such an encouragement in these dark times! I’m in process of painting it on canvas for my bedroom wall.

Psalm 20

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.
Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.
We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.
Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years? (besides being married.) Do you have any plans to continue working in the Christian film industry?

Anything. As long as I can see my BTM friends again. Lol, just kidding!  I’d love to work on many more Christian film sets, and even be more involved in other departments besides costuming!  I’d also like to see myself successful in my photography business, and a few other things.

If I came to visit you, what are some of the things we'd do together? Where would you take me, what would we see, what memories would we HAVE to make? (good idea to start planning early, yes?)

:D If you came to visit, we would have a big sleepover, and snuggle under piles of fuzzy blankets while we ate chocolates and drank sweet & spiced chai tea~ we would text each other from across the room~ we would stay up late and listen to our favorite music, radio theaters, and AIO ;)~ I’d take you for a spin around town in my slick ride, ( our 15 passenger van :D) and we’d end up going shopping at all the wonderful stores, buying each other gifts~  we’d dress up in all our period costumes and spend exorbitant amounts of time doing each other’s  hair and watching youtube tutorials  to make sure we got it just right. Then we’d go dance on the green, and have a big photo shoot~ And when you leave, I’d go with you so I wouldn’t die of missing you! :D

One of your passions is playing the violin. What are some favorite pieces?

Well I've had classical violin lessons for a few years now, but my very favorite pieces to play (and forever will be), are fiddle pieces. Ashoken Farwell, Red Haired Boy, Black Nag, Maiden’s Prayer and etc. I also really like to play hymns in a fiddle style. And Irish fiddling!!!

Who inspires you most in life? How would you like to inspire and impact our world?

I’d have to say that I am inspired daily by my parents, sisters, and closest friends. Lately though, (since we’ve been listening to ‘The Hiding Place’) I’ve been very inspired by Corrie Ten Boom and her sister Betsy. Their heroic courage in the face of such evil is invigorating, and I admire their faith. I’d like to impact the world by raising a Godly offspring, and witnessing to those around me through word and deed! I also aspire to glorify God through my blog, and tell of His marvelous works!

Danielle (aka, Dani Marie) blogs at Love Lifted Me, where her writing is an online journal to express her thoughts, aspirations, and life. But mostly, she wants it to reflect her heart and love for God and her family. She hopes that as you read you'll be encouraged and edified. 

"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.