sewing in the past

guest post - jane austen and sewing

2012-02-06T15:24:00.001-06:00

i feel oh so honored to introduce a guest poster on the blog today!! shannon winslow, the author of the pride and prejudice sequel "the darcy's of pemberley" (a book i have read and throughly enjoyed) has put together a post that has to do with two of MY big loves: jane austen and sewing.

Thanks, Rebecca Jane, for inviting me to make a guest appearance here on Sewing in the Past! I’m delighted to say hello to your readers. And I never pass up an opportunity to talk about two of my favorite subjects – writing, and Jane Austen – around which I’ve built a blog and a burgeoning career as a novelist. For this post, I’m happy to add sewing to the mix.

So, what does Jane Austen have to say about sewing?

As a reliable source of timeless wisdom, I naturally started my research by asking her opinion on the subject, expecting to find dozens of references in answer. After all, learning needlework was part of every girl’s upbringing in Austen’s day (1775 - 1817), and I was sure I remembered it being mentioned in her writings. But when I did a search for “sew,” I came up completely empty! The term wasn’t used even once in any of her novels or preserved letters. How was that possible?

A little more digging and I had my answer. The subject is mentioned, only using different words. A maid is described as working well at her needle, for example. And whenever a lady is said to take up her “work,” that’s her current sewing project – something decorative, utilitarian, or something done for charity.

Mrs. Allen, while she sat at her work, if she lost her needle or broke her thread…she must observe aloud, whether there were anyone at leisure to answer her or not. (from Northanger Abbey)

I found this charming quote in a letter Jane wrote to her sister Cassandra in 1808: “I wish I could help you in your needle-work. I have two hands and a new thimble that lead a very easy life.”

She also wrote a poem to accompany a gift she made for a friend when she was barely sixteen:

This little bag I hope will prove

To be not vainly made

For if you thread and needle want

It will afford you aid.

And as we are about to part

T’will serve another end,

For when you look upon the bag

You’ll recollect your friend.

Wouldn’t you have loved to be the recipient of such a special gift?

From Jane Austen’s words on sewing, I moved on to my own. Sadly, I found I hadn’t even alluded to that noble occupation in my first novel, The Darcys of Pemberley, (a sequel to Pride and Prejudice, which was published last August). I had better luck when I searched my short story, Mr. Collins’s Last Supper (now available exclusively for Kindle). Therein Charlotte Collins is said to have laid her sewing aside upon the arrival of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. And in another place, she settled in the parlor to address herself to some mending.

The reference to sewing that tickles me most, though, comes from my second Austen-esque novel, the soon-to-be-published For Myself Alone. The heroine, Josephine Walker, confesses in the opening chapter that she was a trial to her governess in her youth – not very studious and a bit of a tomboy to boot. In truth, she’s still not enthusiastic about the role assigned to her as a woman. She says with sarcastic overtones:

“Nevertheless, to her great credit and my parents’ supreme relief, Miss Ainsworth somehow managed to equip me with all the basic skills society considers essential for a lady of my station. Thus, I can play and sing passably, hold my own in trite conversation, pour tea without disaster, and do every kind of needlework imaginable. Still, although the word is often very liberally applied, no discriminating person would be tempted to call me truly accomplished.”

Poor girl! Will she never learn to love sewing in all its variety as we do? Perhaps I should have made that a part of Jo’s story arc – “how a young lady comes to terms with her place in the world and finds fulfillment and true happiness through her relationship with her local fabric store.” A missed opportunity, I suppose, because instead I went with the more cliché happy ending: finding true love in the arms of a great guy. What was I thinking?
___________________
Visit Shannon Winslow at her website/blog www.shannonwinslow.com
Follow her on Twitter (as JaneAustenSays) and on Facebook

ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE!

2012-01-23T15:08:00.000-06:00

life is going way too fast for me right now. when you start having meetings about your highschool graduation (graduating class pictured above)...and you realize it's not that far away...there's a strange little feeling that starts creeping up in your stomach.

i took the spanish CLEP test last week and got a surprisingly good score! i officially have 6 hours of spanish in my back-pocket (and was ONE POINT AWAY from getting 12 hours). my first college test. eeek!

this weekend i have an interview for the presidential scholarship award at a college...aaaaaand a big audition for the theatre department there. i'm kind of terrified. then next month i have an audition for the music department at a different college.

by march, i'll have turned 18.....18!! is there an age past 18?? it seems like that's the last number i ever envisioned myself being...and here it is creeping up on me. april is the last cotillion (think prom...but not) at JOY as a highschool student. the theme is a 1940's USO tour...there will be much swing dancing. by may, my final JOY show (godspell) will be over and i'll be officially graduated.

cherishing these last few months and anticipating the next ones!

ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE!

rebecca jane

p.s. i've renewed my passport...i'm ready for anything!

today.

2012-01-22T20:25:00.000-06:00

today...i filled out 2 pages in my new journal.

today...i started a new book.

today...i accidentally matched two of my best friends.

today...i wished my niece a happy second.

today...i discovered that my brother watches and likes "downton abbey."

today...i ate a cupcake.

today...i saw a really terrible play.

today...i saw a play that was so terrible it evoked "the ugly laugh."

today...i had starbucks with friends and reminisced about aforementioned terrible play.

today...i sang along to "on the street where you live"...in my man singing voice (it was beautiful).

today...i was so full, i made cookies.

today...was a very interesting day.

on obsessions.

2012-01-18T13:26:00.000-06:00

i don't know about you, but i get obsessed very easily.

and when i'm obsessed...it's a really INTENSE obsession.

all i can think about. all i can talk about. all i can do.

i dream about it.

i write lists about it.

it's kind of unhealthy.

t.v. shows.

books.

food.

movies.

broadway musicals.

i'm good for nothing else until i get absolutely sick of it and unable to watch/read/eat said obsession for a very long time.

my latest obsession: sushi.

i had never tried it before and obsessed over researching a place to go get some.

i saw sushi EVERWHERE!

facebook. twitter. instagram. blogs.

and i had dreams about eating sushi.

i finally got some sushi...and i'm not going to lie...i didn't love it like i thought i would.

well...on to my next obsession: godspell (our next show at JOY).

do you obsess over things?

ta-ta!

rebecca jane

little letters.

2012-01-03T14:33:00.000-06:00

dear new yellow galoshes...i love you.

dear sky...please rain.

dear friends...my giant reece's, mustache cup, and pretty wall decoration were perfect gifts. you know me well.

dear 2012...you're going to be the best year ever, i can feel it!

dear anthropolgie tea cup...i'm somehow okay with my sudden obsession with tea now that i get to drink it from you.

dear mom...watching lord of the rings with you is funny (his name is "saruman" not "sour man").

dear list journal...so much i love you.

dear hair...you've gotten way too long. after getting caught in someone else's teeth the other day, i think it's safe to say you need a little trim.

dear january 27th...you scare me. college audition AND interview on the same day? *can't breathe*

dear column awards...thanks for nominating the scrooge costumes for an award, this makes me happy.

dear applesauce...when all other foods fail, i know you're there for me.

dear passport...i'm ready for an adventure.

giving gifts is my favorite thing to do.

2012-01-02T17:59:00.000-06:00

...especially when they're handmade tea bags with original tea blends made up and named after the person receiving the gift.

in love with this tutorial.

now that scrooge is over...and the holidays are over...i'm a little confused about what to do with myself. lately i've been working on my theatre portfolio, going through hundreds of pictures from 2007 to now...such memories! i've been so very blessed these last few years with amazing new friends i've met through theatre...especially this last year. 2011 was an incredible year and i'm so very excited to see 2012 unfold...it's held a special place in my heart my whole life...so i just know it's going to be swell!

xo,

rebecca jane

p.s. HAPPY 2012!

the many faces of rebecca.

2011-12-27T23:23:00.000-06:00

"pouty" rebecca -

scrooge is over and i am terribly, terribly sad.

cast party soon...?

please...?

"hair in curlers" rebecca -

when you find yourself going around the house with curlers in your hair talking to the cat...you know things have gone too far.

i refuse to become a crazy cat lady.

"obsessive reader" rebecca -

reading backstage during intermission is probably one of my favorite introverted hobbies that i enjoy.

don't judge.

"coffee drinking" rebecca -

don't worry...it's diluted with so much sweetener and flavor you wouldn't even know it WAS coffee.

gingerbread latte.

oh yes PLEASE.

ahem. until next time.

adieu,

rebecca jane.

a little tour.

2011-12-26T14:55:00.000-06:00

go here for a cute little "instagram" tour of my upstairs sewing room! it's one of my favorite places to be!

happy christmas!

2011-12-25T15:57:00.000-06:00

from rebecca, michelle, andy-cat, and millie-bug.

have a lovely LOVELY day!

xo,

rebecca jane

scrooge-ish happenings.

2011-12-12T15:34:00.001-06:00

i am so constantly blessed by this cast and crew. being able to perform so many times with all of these people is such an amazing opportunity. they encourage me everyday with kind words and actions especially when i'm unsure of something. the amazing review we recieved only confirmed my assumption that this show is really and truly...amazing. we've even been blessed with a sold out show! and had to add a new show...this new show is going to be a very special show to me because i'm stepping in for a different part (isabel) and, though i'm terribly nervous, am so VERY thankful i've been given this chance! eek!

well i'm headed to the theatre...have a very lovely week!

xo, rebecca jane

maybe...

2011-12-08T15:13:00.000-06:00

maybe i feel like tuesday, wednesday, and thursday should be the weekend because i don't have a show on those days.

maybe i make lists about making lists.

maybe i read 7 books in 7 days last week.

maybe i have a new iphone case that's "bob the builder" yellow.

maybe i still squeal about getting interviewed by BBC two months ago.

maybe i'm thinking about auditioning for another show on sunday.

maybe i want an accordion or dulcimer for christmas.

maybe i love seeing all my family so much over the holidays.

maybe the good review for scrooge made me cry.

maybe i unconciously decide to watch a depressing movie every sunday.

maybe i'm a terrible audience member.

maybe i've been applying for college and scholarships (and maybe i'm freaking out about that).

maybe finding out that coconuts kill more people a year than sharks do is frightening to me.

maybe this is all true.

scroooooge.

2011-11-24T16:33:00.000-06:00

since september my mom and i have been working on a very special project - "scrooge: the musical"

after performing "the importance of being earnest" at the artisan center theater, my mother was contacted to co-direct this show with the founder/owner of the theatre!

of course we were all thrilled, and after MUCH prayer...she decided to do it!

since then, I was lassoed into not only performing in but COSTUMING the show!

and let me tell you something...a show that's double cast and has 80+ people total (most of which have over one costume change)...is a big BIG responsibility.

big.

the show opened last weekend...and runs until december 23rd...six performance a week.

EEK!

i'm so excited to be a part of this...aaaaand we got reviewed monday night!

i've been not so patiently awaiting the arrival of the review...sort of kind of scared to death.

i've met some AWESOME people and each person i've gotten to work with is so special to me.

i'd been dreaming of simply auditioning at the artisan for years...and now i've worked, acted, and had an amazing time there...and i've still got four weeks of shows left!!!

i'm thankful for the artisan theatre.

what are you thankful for?

happy day of thanks!

xo, rebecca jane

my halloween.

2011-11-02T10:02:00.000-05:00

every year i like to spend my halloween a little differently than other people (be it a ball, etc.).

this year was no exception:

this halloween i spent the day...

sewing christmas costumes.

watching charles dickens movies (that's about the scariest movies i like to watch).

going, with two of my dear friends, to a diner. in 40's garb. and getting a chocolate shake.

watching episode 7 of downton abbey (season 2)...with much commentary from the viewers, mind you.

and listening to my friend read "sherlock holmes" aloud...and with a very terrifying accent (actually...it was hilarious).

i quite liked this halloween.

how did you spend yours?

go team raoul!

2011-10-28T19:11:00.000-05:00

we are an obsessed group of people when it comes to phantom of the opera.

we have t-shirts (designed by ME).

we sing the songs...mimicking the voices...in public places.

and have debates on the true nature of the characters.

and i've no shame in saying...

GO TEAM RAOUL!!!

*ducks*

who's team are YOU on??

pumpkins! aka...i love fall.

2011-10-26T14:31:00.000-05:00

last weekend, after an all day rehearsal (what? rehearsal? oh right...i forgot you didn't know...more on that soon!) we went to pick up some pumpkins and head to a fall party!!

this was my first pumpkin picking out experience.

and, consequently, my first pumpkin carving experience.

so don't judge my "mustache" pumpkin which happens to look like two fish kissing.

stop laughing.

i think it's beautiful.

fall is kind of my favorite season...ever. and i'm so ready for it this year, after such a HOT summer.

i love wearing tights, long sleeves, sweaters, leg warmers, hats, boots...eee! just thinking about it makes me excited!

unfortunately...it's still in the 80's here.

sigh.

but fall is here (technically), and i am still wearing my leg warmers, tights, long sleeves, sweaters, and hats...even if it's still hot outside!

HAPPY FALL!!!

jane austen festival!

2011-10-25T11:28:00.000-05:00

two weeks ago my dear friend atlanta and i had a little adventure.

alright...a HUGE adventure!!!

so much happened that atlanta is doing a series of blog posts.

all about our booth at the jane austen festival!

i'll just fill you in with the most exciting moments!

photoshoots in costume.

driving downtown in a huge pick-up.

setting up a BOOTH! *so cute*

meeting people from wales, scotland, england, and australia.

being offered a glass of port by a british gent.

hearing said british gent say "jolly good" "hello, what's this?" and "three bells"

meeting the sweetest ladies selling tea.

having a booth right next to juliet mcmaster.

being interviewed by BBC TV!!!

seeing people shopping/looking through your wares.

the list goes on and on.

probably the most exhausting/exciting weekend of my life.

for more details and pictures...visit atlanta's blog!

painting leaves. pies. and surprises.

2011-10-24T11:10:00.000-05:00

two weeks ago i got to be a part of planning a surprise birthday party for one of my dearest friends, maddy. at first it was to be a picnic...but then it rained...so it was changed into an indoor picnic/tea party. the night before the "big day" i remembered my promise of producing two pies for the event. so at 11pm as it was raining and everyone had gone to bed...i stayed up baking pies. it was kind of the most peaceful, happy moment of my life. next time it's late and it starts to rain...i'm totally baking some pies.

the next day, after church, i drove maddy to my house and we painted leaves as her mother and sister rushed home to set up the party at *her* house. i'm just going to say...those were probably the most stressful hours of my life. i HATE keeping secrets...so it was hard not to burst as we were painting leaves and she was talking about still trying to figure out what to do for her birthday. she was...clueless.

after splashing in some mud-puddles, i drove her home. she wanted to go into the house through the garage...and i, knowing everyone was by the front door ready to yell "surprise" made up a silly excuse of not liking to go through other people's garages because it made me feel awkward. somehow she believed me...and we walked through the front door. everyone yelled. someone grabbed her from the side. she squealed. and i began to shake violently because it was over.

the party was a hit. she was surprised. and i was exhausted. but it was so worth it...!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BEAUTIFUL, WHIMSICAL FRIEND!!

goodbye summer internship.

2011-10-01T18:06:00.000-05:00

this summer i had the most AMAZING experience interning at casa manana. i learned more than i could have imagined. i met wonderful people. and i really strengthened my love and appreciation for theatre (and especially the people that work behind the scenes).

it would be impossible to fully describe what all i participated in...but here's a little sampling.

betty buckley awards: i was smiled at by a famous person. and taped microphones on stranger's faces.

dark week: i helped clean hundreds of stage lights. swept the stage more times than i could count. helped with a deep clean of the costume warehouse. helped clean the set shop. saved a baby bird and was nearly killed by a hobo (...possible exaggeration).

into the woods jr camp: acted as assistant stage manager (ASM) for a week. helped fit costumes. was a backstage quick change helper. fixed hair, did pincurls, and put on wigs.

AND secret garden: helped fit and alter costumes for the show. quick change helper, again. helped with wigs (WAY TOO MUCH FUN!!)

ryleigh came to see a show of secret garden. so sweet.

i'm hoping (and have been asked) to go back soon and help again in costumes.

however, i won't be able to until january.

why?

i'm busy with another show right now...

what is it...?

well...that's a secret...until tomorrow, that is.

xo, rebecca jane

p.s. don't you love suspense?

a painting. (i feel famous!)

2011-09-29T16:31:00.000-05:00

this april, at the last civil war reenactment i attended, i was asked to pose for a painting.

i was mounted on to a demon horse (in costume!!) and sat ready to have some pictures taken.

i haven't seen the actual painting until last night!!

it is so incredible and detailed.

LOVE IT!!

i kind of feel famous...

this is one of the pictures taken while we posed.

SUCH FUN!

for the story behind the painting (about the nellie and melvina grandstaff saving the ediburg, va mill) you can go here.

i think it's terribly fascinating!!

xo, rebecca jane

p.s. i'm the one in the hat ;)

puppy dog.

2011-09-27T12:06:00.002-05:00

little millie has become my new little companion.

as i type this she is napping in my lap.

millie bug is the sweetest, lovable, cuddly pup around

she enjoys sleeping on my projects.

eating my pencils...while i'm trying to write.

getting terribly comfortable in the middle of my bed...while i get a little edge.

but i can deal with it...

we love little millie and she is the perfect addition to our family.

is she not the cutest thing EVER?!

xo, rebecca jane

p.s. to you puppy owners out there: we are having a little trouble potty training...suggestions??

horrible histories...teehee

2011-09-15T13:40:00.000-05:00

my new favorite online videos are "horrible histories" on youtube.

there's about a thousand of them.

but these are my favorites.

OH SO FUNNY!!

getting to know you! :)

2011-09-15T13:32:00.001-05:00

i've been seeing these floating around and thought it would be such fun to write one!

soooo...a-z about me.

(would love to hear yours too!)

A. Age: 17

B. Bed size: Twin! (with a lovely quilt and big fluffy comforter...in case you wanted to know)

C. Chore that you hate: laundry...oh laundry. and folding socks (CURSE YOU SOCK MONSTER!!)

D. Dogs: we have a new puppy named millie. she is my pride and joy.

E. Essential start to your day: lately it's been a small puppy darting all across my room...very pleasant...

F. Favorite color: yellow. yellow. yellow.

G. Gold or Silver: uhm...gold i suppose! it has a more vintage feel to it, i think. (and is very similar to YELLOW!)

H. Height: 5’3" not terribly short unless around tall people.

I. Instruments you play: let's see guitar, fiddle, clarinet, and ukulele.

J. Job title: student...up and coming seamstress and photographer

K. Kids: i hope to have many! someday. :)

L. Live: TEXAS...where everything is larger than life.

M. Mother’s name: eve...like adam and eve...though it's supposed to be pronounced evie.

N. Nicknames: becka, becky, becky sue sue, becs, rebe, and rebeccabellaruski (little sister...don't ask)

O. Overnight hospital stays: about two weeks in south america...an IV in one hand and i had just broken my arm, so a cast on the other. miserable...miserable.

P. Pet peeves: going up the down side of the staircase is one...but i have oh so many more.

Q. Quote from a movie: "i'm not saying she was very silly...but one of us was very silly...and it wasn't me." wives and daughters. probably one of my favorite movies EVER.

R. Right or left handed: right!

S. Siblings: an older brother, two older sisters, and a younger sister. (plus a sister-in-law...if that counts)

U. Umbrellas: i really really REALLY want a bright yellow umbrella. really a lot.

V. Vegetable you hate: sweet potatoes. GAG ME WITH A SPOON!

W. What makes you run late: picking out something to wear. oy.

X. X-Rays you’ve had: teeth. foot. arm.

Y. Yummy food that you make: cookie dough cupcakes are my best and my favorite. and pumpkin cookies. and MINI PIES!! yesssss.

Z. Zoo animal: llamas and camels. squee! i love them so.

i love making lists and filling out questionnaires.

and i would love to hear your a-z's and get to know you better!

please share a link in the comments section if you do it too! :)

xo, rebecca jane

p.s. it's 60 degrees outside today...and i couldn't be happier!!!

p.p.s. michelle is having a birthday party tomorrow...nancy drew style...mom and i are working on creating a mystery for them to solve...it's going to be fabulous.

the search for the perfect pup.

2011-09-03T13:22:00.000-05:00

my little sister michelle is turning 10 in a few days and what she wanted more than anything else was a pet.

we narrowed down "a pet" to "a puppy"

and we narrowed down "a puppy" to three very special pups.

pup 1 (above) was a pound puppy.

so very cute and sweet...

unfortunately we had no way of knowing how big she was going to get, and we were really wanting a tiny dog.

pups two and three (above) were cute little papillion pups.

they have the biggest ears...and are just precious!

i don't know if you've ever heard of a papillion...but apparently they're a very old breed...and it seems that marie antoinette had one that went all the way to the guillotine with her.

(no they didn't guillotine the pup too.)

p.s. we got puppy three. her name is millie and she is a doll...we've had a LOT of different dogs, but this one is already definitely in the top three!

tinfoil kite.

2011-08-30T10:49:00.000-05:00

lately i've been a little crafty obsessive...about anything from blanket forts to kites.

i really, REALLY am dreaming of making a kite that's absolutely perfect and flying it.

alas, there is no wind...and have not had the chance to make one as of yet.

so there's only one thing to do...make a fake one from tinfoil at freebirds.

it's kind of magnificent.

(i made the bows!!)

and according to a reliable source...it is still hanging there.

pretty sure if our real kite turns out as amazing as our tinfoil kite...we'll have the best kite in the whole entire universe.

of blanket forts and pies.

2011-08-29T16:24:00.000-05:00

have you ever seen anything quite as magical as this beautiful blanket fort??

no?

i thought not.

some tea sipping, blanket fort building, list making, barbie game playing, apple pie baking, and all of the usual frivolities and whimsical fancies that are to be expected at a slumber party.

i think it was possibly the most beautiful thing i've ever seen/been a part of.

final thoughts.

2011-08-24T08:56:00.000-05:00

now that i've shared some of my stories pictures of the joplin trip, here's a short video i made using my 8mm camera app.

i'm totally in love with the way it looks!

after radio interviews, television interviews, and even newspaper interviews...i'm pretty used to answering any questions about joplin pretty quickly.
however, this hasn't changed my attitude for joplin and the stained glass theatre!
i've still got such a heart for this place and these people.
i had NO idea this summer would bring so many new friends...in a completely new state!
what a blessing.
being able to do something i love (theatre) to help other people do something *they* love (theatre) is very exciting!
God has already set in motion things from this benefit...not only for JOY, but the stained glass theatre now has a temporary building!
through this benefit/trip i've also grown so much closer to my fellow actors/actresses.
i've seen all of their beautiful hearts in this project...and i'm proud to know each and every one of them.
this project has brought *me* closer to God, and i've become a stronger prayer warrior.
so many prayers...so many answered prayers.
it's a wonder to see God work so clearly right in front of my eyes.
i can't wait to see what God has in store next!!

xo,
rebecca jane

of yellow doors, movie projectors, and old trucks.

2011-08-23T16:35:00.000-05:00

one of the nights we were in joplin, we were invited to an old barn to watch cartoons on an old movie projector.

on the ride over there i saw many of my dream homes.

check out the yellow door.

is that not magical?!

even more magical was the amazing movie projector.

one day i WILL have one!

it was soooooo amazingly fun.

and watching cartoons has never been quite so funny or entertaining.

how could the night get even better?

seeing this DREAMY turquoise antique truck!!

can you say dream car??

maddy and i "ooo-ed and ahhh-ed" until we were literally shoo-ed out of the barn by my mom.

it was a magical night.

wall of hope.

2011-08-19T14:54:00.000-05:00

in joplin there's a BEAUTIFUL graffiti wall called "the wall of hope."

isn't that a beautiful name?

volunteers from all over america have signed with wall.

and our group is NO exception.

Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT) "If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me."

isn't God cool?

finding verses like that that would usually mean one thing...but can also be totally relevant to something else.

when putting on "the importance of being earnest" our goal was to perform to an audience of one:

God.

bowling night

2011-08-18T13:40:00.000-05:00

while in joplin, we went to $2 bowling night...it was a BLAST!

i hadn't gone bowling in ages...so i got a little lesson.

check out what happened my first try!!

i'd like to say that was only the beginning of my many victorious strikes...

but it wasn't.

i'm a miserable failure at bowling.

i will say, however, that i get strikes at VERY opportune moments.

and i got another one later...

right after being told i couldn't.

it was a lovely moment.

however...it was SUCH a blast.

i nearly went hoarse that night from screaming.

and i did the splits after every "bowl."

(splits as it slide until i can slide no farther and then struggle back to the upright position)

ahem.

and guess who's headed to go bowling again...in just a few minutes...

yes.

that's right.

me.

*wishing for more amazingly victorious strikes*

do you have any tips for me??

the orange leaf.

2011-08-16T09:27:00.000-05:00

the first night we arrived in joplin, we headed over to the "orange leaf" to meet some members of the stained glass theatre.

in case you don't know...that's the theatre in joplin that was destroyed that *my* theatre group has been raising money for.

it was so great to finally meet some of them...and we hit it off real fast!

this place had a lot of my favorite things:

frozen yogurt

nutty bar toppings

orange spoons

and bright and colorful walls

YES PLEASE!

in which we cleaned and organized...and were glad to do it.

2011-08-15T11:31:00.000-05:00

we're back from joplin, mo!

i have so many memories carried with me from this trip.

and all of the amazing friends i spent this time with.

it was a lovely week.

going to joplin wasn't just to perform "earnest" (though that was our main objective).

the church we were staying at had been housing thousands of volunteers all summer long, and were sorely in need of some help cleaning up.

there was much sweeping, cleaning of windows, etc.

the church also housed a very large distribution center, where LOTS of donations were constantly being left to give to the tornado victims.

thus, there was much organizing of donations as well.

morgan and i tackled the diapers...and, with assistance from others, created a very lovely display...organized by size and everything.

we were very proud of the orderliness of it all. :)

this is how we spent tuesday and wednesday.

and we were SO glad to be able to help this church.

however...this was only the beginning of our many adventures.

stay tuned for more!

the importance of being earnest.

2011-08-05T13:00:00.000-05:00

after radio interviews, newspaper articles, and many rehearsals in the middle of summer in an old theatre that has a terrible air conditioning system...the importance of being earnest opens tonight!!

this cast has been such fun to work with...i don't think i've ever laughed so hard with any other cast!

the fact we're doing this show for such a wonderful cause gives such a worthwhile meaning to all our work.

and the fact that we get to perform the show in joplin for members of the theatre we're raising money for....is SO EXCITING!!

i cannot wait to meet them all...and be able to give all of the money raised these past few weeks.

what a lovely summer this has been.

publicity shots :)

2011-07-23T21:21:00.000-05:00

publicity shots for earnest were taken yesterday.

it was such fun seeing everyone in costume.

sigh.

i love this time-period.

oh.

my frothy pink dress makes me feel JUST like "cecily."

and my huge hair bow!

love love LOVE!!

down-time in between pictures.

i've been frenemies with maddy (pic one) in about every show we've done.

and i've been daughter, sister, mother, and now student of morgie (pic two) in the past shows.

theatre is so fun.

what do YOU think about the costumes?

want to see more...?

check out our website!!

(pictures taken by michaella elliott)

earnest updates! :)

2011-07-21T20:28:00.000-05:00

such excitement concerning the joplin benefit my family/theatre buddies have been working on.

as i have mentioned before...the artisan theatre is letting us perform one of our shows there.

and we have also been asked to perform a show IN JOPLIN!

eep!

we got some spectacular costumes (at a very discounted price...thanks dusty's!)...

some of the set has already been painted (AND looks beautiful!)

and tomorrow we are taking publicity pictures.

i will most DEFINITELY be sharing them with you!

meanwhile...please check out our website.

and if you feel so inclined, display our button on your blog or even donate (even the smallest amount is ABSOLUTELY welcome!)

thanks in advance! :)

xo,

rebecca jane

antiques are my one weakness.

2011-07-20T19:14:00.000-05:00

i love antique shopping TERRIBLY.

and...i found some of the COOLEST antiques at my new favorite antique store!

i didn't get EVERYTHING i found...but i just HAD to have a few! :)

take for instance the above robin hood book...

cutest book EVER!

these are all the "unpurchased but greatly desired" items.

especially the yellow bike!!

but, oh! the store was closed...and it was probably only a display item anyways.

*sob*

i also got some fun other things...

but a few are to be given as gifts.

and i could HARDLY share them quite yet.

5 happy things - blanket fort style

2011-07-19T11:53:00.000-05:00

thanks to my friend maddy...i've become terribly obsessed with the idea of building a blanket fort.

not only have i been saving pictures like crazy, but putting things together to MAKE one!!

we have the perfect location.

the perfect tools to build one.

and now all that remains...is to make it!!

(it's on our summer list)

but for now...here are some of our inspiration pictures!! :)

the ukulele. the teapot. the typewriter. oh my.

all of the adorable sheets make this perfection.

bunting and giant flowers?!?! yes. it's going to happen.

loooove the lights draped around the inside.

such a cute slumber party idea...! no...i haven't grown up.

costumes, shows, and food.

2011-07-18T10:50:00.000-05:00

those are kind of my three favorite things.

add friends...and it's the best day EVER!

after a lovely "importance of being earnest" rehearsal on thursday night, the girls in the cast (excluding one who was on vacation) came over to my house to have a mini-slumber party!

we had a blast playing the barbie game (MADDY AND I WON...of course).

eating lemon bars.

and watching the lovely gene kelly in brigadoon.

*swoon*

on friday, the whole cast of "earnest" got together to go try on costumes...!

eep!! it was the most fun EVER!

we are now fully costumed...and we all look super turn-of-the-century.

afterwards we went to grab some lovely (late) lunchies.

that afternoon/evening we got to see two shows at the artisan theatre.
exciting nexs...WE'VE BEEN ASKED TO PERFORM EARNEST THERE!!!
we are so exceedingly thrilled about this wonderfully opportunity we've been given.
AND we got to tour backstage!
in between the two shows we saw...we took one of the guys in our cast to starbucks to try something (he's never tried ANYTHING there)...needless to say, he loved the drink we picked out for him.
we even named our drinks after our characters in earnest!
such larks!

i love this cast mucho.

a winner.

2011-07-17T16:04:00.000-05:00

best way EVER to spend a sunday afternoon.

i never win giveaways.

ever.

but i sometimes i like to enter them...just in case...

but nothing ever happens.

never.

until...friday.

sitting at the artisan theatre.

intermission is nearly over, and they're choosing the name of the person who gets free tickets to the next show.

me: *sigh* i NEVER win anything...

announcer: rebecca __!

me: SCREAM!!!!! (literally) I NEVER WIN ANYTHING!!!

audience: *all staring at rebecca*

morgan (sitting at my left): *completely mortified*

me: *hysterically laughing*

it was one of the best moments...ever.

even though now i'm completely and totally embarrassed that i screamed.

more about friday later.

anyways...

congratulations to KRISTIN!!

the winner of the latest giveaway hosted on sewing in the past!

thank you so much to everyone who entered.

and i'm very excited for you kristin...i can literally feel your excitement!

please contact me for more information on how to claim your prizes!! :)

special fourth of july giveaway!!

2011-07-04T13:02:00.000-05:00

happy fourth of july!!
in honor of america's (and my mom's!) birthday...two lovely etsy stores have agreed to collaborate with me in creating a wonderful giveaway for you!

this week i've partnered with restless hearts crafts and the little illustrator to bring you this amazing giveaway package!

i am absolutely in LOVE with both of these stores...you should definitely check them out.

restless hearts crafts is a collaboration of treasure hunting and sewing.
they have been so kind as to offer these ADORABLE bunting napkins!!!

(bunting is my new favorite thing.)

the little illustrator is an etsy store that sells unique and custom art work and t-shirts with original prints.

you can win any two prints from their shop!

to enter:

1) become a follower of "sewing in the past" (worth one entry)

2) "heart" the "restlessheartscrafts" and/or "thelittleillustrator" etsy store (one entry each)

3) leave a comment and let me know your favorite "restlessheartscrafts" and/or "thelittleillustrator" item (one entry each)

4) heart your favorite item (one entry)

5) twitter, facebook, blog about this giveaway (one entry each)

6) just comment on this post with contact info.

please leave one comment per entry so all of them will be counted.

good luck!

giveaway will end friday, july 8th at midnight.

the barbie game!

2011-06-22T20:51:00.000-05:00

there's been a certain classic family game that i remember playing all my life.

it's called...the barbie game.

it's a reproduction of an actual game from 1961!

mom, michelle, and i have been playing this game all week.

and i must say...i got a pretty fab hand the other day:

president of the drama club.

going steady with tom.

and wearing the blue gingham to the prom.

life is good.

i've yet to win this WHOLE week...but i'm off to play again.

wish me luck!!

summer lists (and giveaway winner!)

2011-06-21T21:05:00.000-05:00

i like making lists.

ok...LOVE making lists...

as does my dear friend.

so we make lists together!

and this is my favorite one...EVER!

i'm seriously dying with excitement!! :)

doesn't it sound like the best summer plans?!

yay-ee!

what are your summer plans??

xo, rebecca jane

p.s. random name/word picker chose madison as the winner of the giveaway!!

congrats! please email me and i'll get you the details asap!

please share what you decide to get!

i'm super jealous... :)

boogie to the 70's.

2011-06-20T19:27:00.000-05:00

saturday night i got to boogie with some of my cousins as we celebrated their 50th birthdays 1970's style. everyone was asked to dress disco...and you know me and dressing up...i couldn't resist. bright colors are a speciality of mine. i will admit...i'm not a big 70's, disco, boogie fan. i'm much more of a 40's, big band, swing type person. but a party is a party. and there were yummy delicious foodies and fun times with family.

i was so blessed to be able to see my aunt janet who lives up in massachusetts. it has been over 10 years since i saw her last...and i'm definitely hoping for a trip to visit her soon! perhaps this summer or next semester!

this week is a chick-flick day/week...so far we've watched persuasion and finding neverland...aren't those such sweet movies?

have a great evening!

xo, rebecca jane

skirt: goodwill, belt: thrift store, blouse: target, shoes: my little sister's closet (insane! she's only 9 and wears the same size shoe as me!!)

day of fathers :)

2011-06-19T16:52:00.001-05:00

father. dad. daddy. papa. male parental unit.
i call him "pops."

so happy day of fathers (or day of pops...whatever floats your boat)!

i hope you all have a glorious day!

(i'm the one in the pink)

happy {early} father's day!

2011-06-17T12:52:00.000-05:00

my two older sisters and my niece and nephew came over last sunday to celebrate an early father's day! it was such fun to see my beautiful family...sadly i only see them rarely.

after eating quite our hot dogs and hamburgers (oh how i love them), chips, and PIE...we all agreed it was a very lovely {early} father's day.

i hope you all have a very lovely {actual} father's day this weekend!! :)

p.s. don't forget about the awesome giveaway going on!! it ends sunday night! don't miss out!!!

purple...tailcoat?

2011-06-16T14:49:00.000-05:00

i was commissioned to create a purple tailcoat for a REALLY old friend (REALLY old friend...as in...since birth) and it was SUCH fun that i couldn't resist sharing.

it turned out so cool...i've added it to my etsy shop as a custom listing.

(check it out!!)

apparently it was for a show he was going to be in (batman).

he was playing the joker.

yikes.

;)

p.s. don't miss out on the AMAZING giveaway going on until sunday on the blog!

$30 gypsy skirt vintage (giveaway!)

2011-06-15T10:06:00.000-05:00

i've partnered with gypsy skirt vintage to bring you an amazing giveaway!

remember when i promised a giveaway once sewing in the past reached 150 followers...?

well...here is the long awaited promise...and SO worth the wait.

i'm in love with their crazy cool vintage clothing!

the winner of this giveaway will receive a $30 gift certificate to gypsy skirt vintage!!!

gypsy skirt vintage draws upon over three years of vintage selling experience to present you with lovely and unique hand selected vintage clothing and accessories ranging from the 1940s to the 1980s.

to enter:

1) become a follower of "sewing in the past" (worth one entry)

2) "heart" the "gypsyskirtvintage" etsy store (one entry)

3) leave a comment and let me know your favorite "gypsyskirtvintage" item (one entry)

4) heart your favorite item (one entry)

5) twitter, facebook, blog about this giveaway (one each)

6) just comment on this post with contact info.

please leave one comment per entry so all of them will be counted.

good luck!

giveaway will end sunday, june 19th at midnight.

of tornados, theatres, and prayer.

2011-06-14T11:29:00.000-05:00

if you will remember a couple of weeks ago my mother, some friends, and i all traveled to joplin, mo to volunteer there for a couple of days.

ever since then...the people of joplin have remained on our hearts.

julie and i made a video documenting our time in joplin.

very recently, my mother made a connection with a Christian theatre in joplin that was not only completely destroyed in the tornados, but who's director and several other members were killed and injured.

because of my mom's connection with theatre (being the director of our own theatre group), she felt a strong pulling from the Lord to join with them in helping rebuild not only their theatre, but their livelihoods, and lives.

go here to read a testimony of the tragic day written by a 17-year old girl who had just finished performing a show that afternoon.

to make the long story short...after much prayer alone and with friends, the wheels are now in motion to mobilize the residents of our county and around our nation to raise $50,000 for 30 families of the stained glass theatre who have experienced traumatic injuries, lost loved ones and/or total loss of home and possessions.

JOY drama group will be doing a benefit production of "the importance of being earnest" to help support this theatre in joplin.

ALL income from the show will go straight to them.

we are SO excited to, not only be doing this show, but doing it for such a good and worthy cause.

we can already really feel God's hand in it...and we cannot wait to see what the future holds.

meanwhile...can i ask you for your prayers?

they mean MORE than i can possibly say!

for more information on the cast/location/ways to help...go here.

weddings should be colorful.

2011-06-12T20:14:00.000-05:00

i attended a wedding last week and wore this:

colorful right? flowered dress. green tights. oxfords. whabam!

guess what everyone else was wearing......

black.

the bridesmaids. the guests. even the photographer!

why....?!

i think weddings should be colorful.

like this:

p.s. my mother and i are working on a super dee duper awesome secret surprise for this summer. it is such a lovely plan and i simply PRAY it turns out! i'll let you know more as soon as i can!! :)

three days in joplin, mo.

2011-06-02T20:49:00.000-05:00

as i mentioned in the previous blog post...my mom and i (plus two friends) took an impromptu trip to serve in joplin, missouri for three days. i cannot tell you what i have seen these past few days. such devastation and damage. but one things they have...is hope.

pictured above: joplin high school. the j,p,l,i&n were blown away. h and e were added. "hope"

spending two days serving and ministering in joplin was a life-changing experience. i've never seen things like this in my life. brief snigbits on movies and the news...pictures here and there. but those could NOT have provided me with what i saw. mattresses shredded. roofing wrapped around trees. metal poles broken in half. glass broken. cars smashed. and houses non-existent. and it went for miles and miles.

pictured above: metal roofing wrapped around the bare trees.

the first morning we got to the "samaritan's purse international relief" building late so we were unable to attend orientation until that afternoon. so we were sent to work in the relief station where clothing, food, toiletries, etc were being donated by others, organized by volunteers, and given out to victims. me and my friend julie were able to work in the toy section and help take care of small children as their parents were finding household necessities. they got to take whatever they wanted home with them (there were OODLES of donations) and the sheer joy of getting toys was such a pleasure to see!

pictured above: one of the thousands of homes destroyed in the tornado

that afternoon, after the long awaited orientation, we were sent off to a team to start working in the field. we got on a bus and for the first time got to actually see the damage. it was heartbreaking. it was overwhelming. where to start?! we had been assigned a home that wasn't too terrible. as in, it had to be demolished but some was still standing. we were told the owners of the home were looking for the family Bible (very old). so we spent all afternoon clearing the front of the home and going through the house looking for anything the family might want to keep that wasn't destroyed. we ended up finding the Bible (very exciting!) and we got to give it to the owner and prayed with her and her husband. samaritan's purse also donated Bibles for all of the workers to sign and give to the owners. it was very special and we got to hear their story (they were in the CLOSET and survived!) about what happened during the tornado.

pictured above: a church not ready to give up even though completely destroyed. they're still meeting!

today was spend cleaning rubble all day. there was a lot of raking, shoveling, sweeping and picking up of branches and logs. we cleared several yards of homes not quite destroyed and the foundation of a house which had been COMPLETELY destroyed. interesting things of the day: an egg still whole with no cracks and a butterfly amongst the rubble (who loved me and would not leave me alone).

pictured above: even after all of the troubles and struggles, american flags were flying EVERYWHERE. i loved the patriotism that could be seen on every corner.

i shall end with this.

1. please keep ALL of the people of joplin (and the volunteers) in your prayers! there are so many needs and problems that still need to be addressed.

and

2. if you can, try to go and volunteer for a few days. there were people from ALL over the US. it was such a beautiful thing.

pictured above: a map with all the samaritan's purse volunteers and where they were from. support was coming from EVERYWHERE!

of snow, microphones, and a famous lady.

2011-06-01T10:00:00.002-05:00

three days of working at casa manana. oh it's been such fun!

tuesday i went up there...and i will confide in you...my stomach had such butterflies. i was simply terrified. i didn't know what to expect. i didn't know what i would be expected to do. i didn't know anyone else that would be there. and if you know me...i don't do well in situations like that.

so i got there...went through the backstage door (THE BACKSTAGE DOOR AT A FAMOUS THEATRE!!!!), and sat down in the green room. luckily there was another intern already there. and i found out she was also going to be working in the costume department. *sigh of relief* another intern entered as did the "main guy" in charge of us.

we went backstage and saw some "set guys" working on taking down the set of their last show "wizard of oz." we were told to grab screwguns and start unscrewing some wood panels on the stage. the other girls started...and i was left in a confused state of panic. holding a screwgun. and yet knowing nothing about how to use a screwgun. luckily one of the "set guys" noticed the confused look in my eye and asked if i knew how to use a screwgun. i shook my head. he responded by showing me how.

I NOW KNOW HOW TO USE A SCREWGUN! HURRAH!

the rest of the day was spent in all manners of unscrewing, sweeping the stage (oh how i dislike the man who invented snow machines), and working upstairs in the lighting booth labeling light gels.

we were told we could leave early. an hour and a half early. unfortunately my mother had not been told this. we live an hour away. so there i was. sitting in the green room. preparing for an hour long wait. however, "main guy" came and saw me and realized his mistake. he asked if i would mind coming back onstage and helping pull up tape and sweep (that fake snow will NOT be swept!) since i was still there. of course i didn't mind! it was actually quite a bit of fun. "lighting guy" was still there too. and he and "main guy" started peeling through the layers of paint on the stage and telling stories of each show they'd done there. i laughed quite a bit.

day two. wednesday. more sweeping. oh me oh my. however after an hour of that "costume lady" (EEP!) came and asked if there were interns available to help. SCORE! we spent all morning in the fabric trailer (THEY HAVE A TRAILER SIMPLY FOR FABRIC!) going through some old curtain fabric that had been donated from the prop department.

that afternoon, however, was spent doing a spring cleaning in the costume warehouse!! she was literally throwing out (for goodwill) all of these old costumes they didn't want/use anymore. it hurt my heart as i filled up trashbag after trashbag with costumes. she saw our faces and said we could take whatever we wanted they they were throwing out. me = "AAAAHHH!!! YES!!!"

i brought home three costumes that dearly needed a home.

day three. thursday. i woke at 5:30 am. i left the house by 6:00 am. we got there 7:15 am. what was the game plan for the whole day? a giant awards show rehearsal in the morning...and the actual show that night. i was assigned to "costume lady" all day! DOUBLE HURRAH!

the betty buckley award show. named in honor of the tony award-winning actress, the betty lynn buckley awards celebrate excellence in high school musical theatre. all local high schools that produce a musical are eligible to participate in the program. a panel of judges votes for a winner in each of 16 award categories. each school nominated for "best musical" is able to perform one of the numbers from their show at the awards show.

each high school was allowed to use ten microphones for the main singers/performers in the number performed at the awards show. there were rehearsals that morning/afternoon and then performances that night. i was given the opportunity to help tape microphones on the performers for rehearsals and shows.

one. i had no idea what i was even doing at first.
two. i'm far too short to be taping microphones on tall people.
three. putting tape on stranger's faces...is awkward.
four. I LEARNED SO MUCH! what an awesome learning experience.

and you know what made the day even better...? BETTY BUCKLEY SMILED AT ME!!!
oh, happy sigh.

longest day ever (after returning home at midnight)? possibly. but such fun! since then i've been resting up. however, today i started a whole new adventure. my mother and i (and two friends) decided on an improptu road trip to joplin, mo to help the tornado victims from the devastating storm last week. please keep us and the residents of joplin in your prayers this week as we work in the debris.

xo,
rebecca jane

hello summer :)

2011-05-23T16:47:00.000-05:00

summer OFFICIALLY started for me today!

i had my last class this morning and am finishing writing papers this afternoon.

so i guess *technically* it begins tomorrow.

but those are mere details.

even though summer has only begun for me today...that hasn't stopped me from already starting with the summer-esque activities.

such as:

being with friends.

going to see plays.

reading a book outside (on my new AWESOME mat).

and wearing bright colors.

hello summer!! :)

this week starts a new chapter in my life with the completion of my final high school class and the beginning of the internship with casa manana. i must tell you...i'm scared to death. but, hey, just keeping up with my "one scary thing a day" goal (not really goal...it's just happening like that), right?

pictures and stories. because they're the best.

2011-05-15T21:38:00.000-05:00

these past two weeks have been INSANE! and when i say that, i mean it in the best possible sense...! take a look:

closing night for music man. i kind of love mixing patterns.

costume stores before the play began. i am in love with those ridiculously awesome changing rooms!

tell me this looks like a dolphin cloud. i think it's so FUN!

my twitter followers can attest to my agony in wondering about a certain "secret admirer" rose i received friday night. oh who oh WHO could have sent it?! (MAKE YOURSELF KNOWN!!)

a true sign of summer beginning is when the snowcone stand opens (HURRAH!) and you get cake in class (WITH YOUR NAME ON IT!!). must i tell you how excited i am?

oh, star gazing after striking the set. bittersweet.

these past two weeks have been crazy, but these past two days...even crazier. it all started friday with the biggest crowd we've ever had at a JOY show. such excitement! and afterwards, an exciting trip in an antique elevator that included it getting stuck, a lot of screaming, and a hoarse voice afterwards. it may have only lasted a minute...but it felt like a lifetime.

the next day began with some intense prayer time. there is no greater joy than praying with good friends. what could follow except the best performance of music man ever? afterwards, the arrival of some very dear friends (the shannons, of course) to see the final show. opening scene. a cast member gets sick. dreadfully sick. after a few songs we had to stop the show. an early intermission was called. and the echoes of prayer and praise to God was heard all throughout the backstage. if anything, it drew us all closer to the realization we can do nothing without Christ. and then the even bigger realization of God's mercy and love when our fellow cast member was energized by the Holy Spirit.

God is good.

we finished the show. got a standing o. took down the set (all hands on deck!). and headed to my house for star gazing, hot chocolate, sweets, and, best of all, some epic swing dancing. after which there was quite a bit of talking and laughter until the wee hours of the morning (4am to be exact).

today was even crazy as i drove with my mother to casa manana to the intern/apprenticeship orientation and free seats to the matinee of wizard of oz that was showing there afterwards. i am so thrilled to be working there this summer in the costume department. i mean, they have a whole trailer dedicated to FABRIC and another to shoes and wigs! have you heard of anything so grand?

saturday night ended one chapter in my life, and today began a new one.

what does God have in store for my life?

i cannot wait to find out!

indian tunics DIY

2011-05-13T15:04:00.001-05:00

for the music man show we've been putting on we required six indian tunics.

basically...we have NO costume budget...so we didn't have a lot to spend on these since they're only onstage for a few minutes...i say we...i mean me.

i was given six brown t-shirts and some red ribbon.

that's all.

step one - three...cut off collar, sleeves, and hem.

step four - cut strips from the bottom up (a few inches).

step five - turn shirt inside out (where any writing is facing the inside)

step six - tack on and sew red ribbon where desired. i did a v-neck and put some across the top of the fringe. i didn't put any on the back.

what do you think? easy peasy, right?

off to a performance tonight!! woohoo!

xo,

rebecca jane

p.s. do you foresee wanting more DIYs on the blog??

opening night...ah the thrill.

2011-05-11T18:04:00.000-05:00

is there anything better than opening night jitters?!

if you haven't an idea what opening nigh jitters are like...i pity you.

if you do...i'm sure you can understand the excitement!

i truly, TRULY love every part of the theatre.

the performance...and then the fun after the performance!

last weekend we had three AMAZING shows.

this weekend we have three more.

and i KNOW they'll be even more amazing.

absolutely CANNOT wait!

lots of love to my fellow cast mates!

i could squeal!!!

2011-05-10T12:36:00.000-05:00

...ok...i did.

several weeks ago i found out about a summer apprenticeship available at casa manana (a really big, prestigious theatre here in north texas) and applied. i wasn't really sure what it would encompass...and if i would even be able to be one.

last week i got an email from the man in charge saying i had been ACCEPTED!! he said usually they only accept college age kids and that i was going to be the youngest...(eek!).

*dying*

the very first meeting is next sunday, when i'll find out exactly what i'll be doing. but this is what the website page said:

The Production Department of Casa Mañana is now accepting applications for Apprentices for Summer 2011.

Apprenticeships will encompass the following design and production areas:

Costumes/Wigs/Make-Up

Lighting Design and Stage Electrics

Sound Design and Engineering

Technical Direction, Stage and Shop Carpentry

Stage Management

Scenic Art and Properties Design

Production Management

does that not sound like the most exciting thing ever?! i'm SO thrilled about learning, learning, learning everything concerning theatre design/production! such. excitement.

so instead of trying out for anne of green gables at a smaller theatre, like i had planned, this is what my summer looks like! and i can not wait.

xo,

rebecca jane

p.s. picture above from music man last weekend! more on opening weekend soon! :)

a quick hello.

2011-05-06T13:30:00.001-05:00

a quick hello before opening night, tonight!!!

this has been one of the BEST weeks in the history of "tech weeks".

i wish they were all so calm, peaceful, and fun.

tonight we open.

and i've developed some "opening night jitters."

but that's ok!

i am just THRILLED to be on stage.

p.s. i have some THRILLING, EXCITING, "JUMPING OUT OF MY SKIN" news to share (twitter and facebook friends already know)...but it's SO awesome...it deserves a post all by itself.

until tomorrow!

xo,

rebecca jane

MM update - rehearsals and mini performance

2011-05-01T14:40:00.001-05:00

i haven't been talking too much about "music man" rehearsals lately...but get ready for overload because TECH WEEK starts tomorrow (EEP!) and that will be just about ALL i will be speaking of...

i love theatre.

we've been having final rehearsals at JOY and they are going so great. i just LOVE seeing characters being developed and beautiful singing/dancing.

musicals are the best.

i also got to do some sewing/crafting for the show!!! some indian tunics (as seen above). made from plain old brown tshirts we got for a dollar each. super fun. super easy. and super cute!

tutorial coming soon.

i must just tell you how hard my mother works for each of our shows. she is an awesome director (who is in charge of practically all aspects of the show!). from music, choreography, blocking, advertisement, props, costumes, scenery, and playbills....she does it all.

impressive, i must say.

we were given the chance to perform for our county's "lion's club" just last wednesday! we gave them a preview of our show and got thunderous applause.

*sniffle*

i'm so proud of this cast. they are the best.

and for the very first time...i got to play a mother in this show! it is such fun. i have a son and a daughter. they are such wonderful children. *sigh*

i shall miss parenting when this show is over.

i cannot wait to share costumes, scenery, etc posts with you very soon!

this is probably our most colorful show yet!

and i LOVE color.

xo,

rebecca jane

5 happy things - royal wedding style

2011-04-29T20:36:00.000-05:00

the royal wedding...oh what a fairytale-ish day...

no i did not wake up at 3am...that's what DVRs are for.

however. i *did* watch as much as i could the second i awoke!

sigh.

what a beautiful event!

priceless.

that TRAIN!!!

this is the sweetest thing.

b&w shots...sigh.

i LOVE the grace kelly-esque of kate's dress! oh my goodness!

what a fairytale...

college people...!!!!!

2011-04-27T07:44:00.000-05:00

my dear friend and i did something quite brave last monday. i seem to be doing that quite a bit, lately. you see abilene christian university was having junior day on their campus. being a junior...and very interested in acu...mom and i just KNEW we had to go! ryleigh and her mom decided to come along for the ride (even though she's only a sophomore).

oh, blog readers. we were so nervous. i mean...there were COLLEGE PEOPLE EVERYWHERE!! and we felt so small...and tiny...and YOUNG. well...ok we were. but that's not the point.

we walked into the building and were greeted by some very nice...college people. we sign in and sit down and watch other people sign in. and, i must tell you, i liked everyone's look! no one looked creepy, intimidating, or mean! (yes...i'm a sheltered homeschooler...DON'T JUDGE ME!)

the rest of the day was just as awesome. i mean, when you've got a christian school, with an AWESOME (and wholesome) theatre department, friendly people, a beautiful campus, a starbucks in the library (EEEK!) and a CHICKFILA in the cafeteria (i'm sold)...what more could you wish for?!

acu. what an amazing college. the next step? prayer. scholarship after scholarship applications. prayer. work on theatre audition pieces (they only accept TWELVE people into the program each year). prayer. study study STUDY for the SAT. and, oh, did i mention prayer?

it seems...impossible. i know that with God nothing is. so i'm dedicating the whole thing to Him. and IF it doesn't happen...well...it was a nice dream.

auditions.

2011-04-26T08:26:00.000-05:00

that single word can bring forward the greatest fear in all the world.

AUDITIONS.

my legs start to shake.

my handwriting gets quivery.

i say the wrong things.

and i run INTO things.

two weeks ago i got to do something i'd never done before. sure, i've auditioned for shows before...but that's always been in front of people i know...at a homeschool school.

i auditioned for a community theatre.

i auditioned thinking:

a. i wouldn't get the part (hey. this is my first audition!)

b. i can't do the show anyways because i've got another one going.

c. i can't even attend callbacks!

d. we're doing this show at JOY next spring!

e. but, hey, it'll be a good experience.

so i did it. i auditioned for the sound of music.

and it WAS a good experience.

i got to get all my nerves out...and find out how auditions are done there.

i even had wishful thinking afterwards and named my starbucks cup liesl!

no. i didn't get the part.

yes. i'm okay with that.

i'm so relieved that my first audition is OVER!

yes. i was a nervous wreck!

but not really until after i sang...

after the audition you have to be measured. the costume lady asked me something...i didn't hear. i (politely as possible) responded "sir?"

i got a strange look.

i realized my error.

"I MEAN MA'AM!!?"

she then reasked the question...in a male voice.

good thing she did not easily offend!!

after which they take a headshot of you (so as to remember you by).

he had those light reflector/umbrella things set up.

i had to walk past them.

wouldn't you know...i ran INTO them.

sigh.

all in all, however...i'm glad i auditioned.

and even more importantly...i cannot WAIT until auditions next month!

for what show...?

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES: THE MUSICAL!!

singing contest.

2011-04-23T15:15:00.002-05:00

two saturdays ago i attended a singing contest (of sorts). basically what you do is prepare 3 classical songs and when you arrive at your specific appointed time (mine was 10:03...how fun/exact is that?), go into a room that has three judges (other voice teachers from texas), and you have eight minutes. you choose your first song, they choose the rest.

my experience was fairly easy, and though i didn't get a high enough score to go to the next round, it was an awesome experience! i'm so glad i got to go and try something new.

lately i've been all about trying new things. i have a really big problem with nervousness. and my legs were violently shaking throughout the entire process. however. i did not die, faint, or forget everything. and it's something i can add to my list of experiences.

anyways...these are the songs i sang at the contest! if you get the chance you should look them up on youtube or itunes...i LOVE them! :)

Se tu Mami, Giovanni Battista Pergolesi

The Singer, Michael Head

Adele's Laughing Song (from Die Fledermaus), Johann Strauss

p.s. the contest was right before the cotillion that evening. check out my day to evening transition! just took off the belt and let down my hair. super easy and convenient!

an ideal reenactment.

2011-04-22T21:25:00.000-05:00

this time last week i was in mexia, tx enjoying perfect weather and lovely companionship. oh how i miss it already!

some exciting things that occured over the weekend:

i shot a gun for the first time!! sure. i looked like an idiot (as evidenced by the above pictures)...but it is a nice thing to have finally done! :)

i won my first croquet game! ever! it. was. epic. there i was...trudging along at the back of the group...as the people at the front started getting knocked out...i kept going. and WHABAM! out of nowhere...there i was. sigh. it was loverly.

i posed for a painting with my dear friend sophie! we were asked by a "world famous" painter (who happens to be the captain of our group) if he could use us as models for a painting he's doing. it's on a story set in edinburg, va during the civil war! go to this link for the whole story! apparently the painting is going to be on display IN virginia!! very exciting.

the balls are always extra lovely too! i had such fun dancing (the guys even outnumbered the girls in our group!) and it seemed so terribly short...even though there were nine dances. if the caller would spend less time explaining the dances...i feel we would have gotten many more in before calling it a night!! alas.

an old tradition we have is to make pies on sunday right before the battle and eat them right before packing up to go home. such a lovely (and yummy) tradition, i must say. those covey girls are so talented! :)

reflecting back on last weekend i can see how terribly lucky i am to have such wonderful friends in my life. i know i keep saying it, but it becomes such a bigger realization everyday. i've never had a more happy time in my life than i do now. and i'm cherishing every second of it.

xo,

rebecca jane

this weekend.

2011-04-19T20:32:00.000-05:00

this past weekend i got to do something which makes my heart SO full with joy and happiness. and i must just tell you...it was one of the best weekend to date.

can you guess?

more pictures are on their way, i assure you.

however...here are two to entice you back! :)

p.s. (YES I SHOT A GUN!!!!)

costume for the day - yellow and polka dots

2011-04-14T08:58:00.001-05:00

i got some headshots taken by the AMAZING michaella elliott a few days ago. SUCH fun...and she took some full length shots as well...so i thought i'd share my outfit with you...even though you've seen every piece i'm wearing before :)

blouse: mother's closet

skirt: thrift

tights: mother's closet (hehee)

belt: thrift

shoes: corina's boutique (LOVE!)

and i just think that this is the best costume for the day :)

shall we dance?

2011-04-12T11:38:00.000-05:00

last saturday was a homeschool cotillion that i was excited to attend! luckily the amazing shannons got to come as well. it was such a lovely time.

the theme was unity and so each of the tables were set up as different countries. our name tags were passports. and we were given chopsticks and fortune cookies.

i was so glad to spend such a fun evening with good friends. i CANNOT tell you how awesome i think they are, and how fortunate and thankful i am to have such friends.

and though i would have preferred more swing dancing...and less "freestyle" (i'm hopelessly flawed when it comes to modern dancing)...it's always such fun to have the opportunity to dance! :)

tummy butterflies.

2011-04-07T17:27:00.000-05:00

wow these next few days...well...they're going to be awesome!

crazy? maybe. scary? probably. but awesome? YES!

here's a little preview of my next two weeks... ;)

friday, april 8 -

voice lessons practically all afternoon (12:30-3:10)

seeing friends in "pride and prejudice"

saturday, april 9 -

NATS (singing contest)

homeschool cotillion/dance

sunday, april 10 -

leave for abeline for a visit at ACU

monday, april 11 -

junior day at ACU (eep!)

tuesday, april 12 -

music man enticer at a local women's club (singing a few songs from the show, etc.)

wednesday, april 13 -

audition for sound of music at a community theatre (squee!!)

thursday, april 14 -

hopefully relax and do homework?! lol.

friday - sunday, april 15-17

civil war reenactment!

sigh.

i'm exhausted just thinking about it.

and SO nervous and jittery!

ever so many scary/new/fun things coming up.

so if i become an absetee landlord for a few days...well...you know why! :)

velveteen rabbit musings.

2011-04-05T13:00:00.001-05:00

the drama jr production of "the velveteen rabbit" is over! it was such a fun experience being backstage. i'd never done that before. and i'm so glad i got to see a different side of theatre...instead of the one found ONstage. i can't wait to try even more things, such as tech, etc.

i'm also excited to learn more about stage makeup and hair. i don't hardly know ANYTHING about it, so when little kids would come up to me for bunny noses, etc. i'd have to send them to maddy (pictured above) who is a natural at those sort of things. by the last performance, i was doing pretty well...but i'd LOVE to take some classes and get some really professional instruction about stage makeup and hair.

theatre is my favorite.

p.s. more pics/info here

how to style - "cable car tour" dress (look two)

2011-04-04T10:00:00.001-05:00

remember my new modcloth dress?? and remember my promise for different styling options?? HERE'S LOOK TWO!! :)

it was my mom's idea to head over to the old, abandoned mansion in my town. there's some very big secrets about it...and it was very exciting to take some pictures in front of it. there were so many PRIVATE PROPERTY and NO TRESPASSING signs...we were both a little nervous about being there.

i wore my "cable car tour" dress with:

red short-sleeve shirt (underneath, not pictured).

red sweater.

black tights.

and my new grey oxfords.

p.s. modcloth featured my first look on their tumblr blog!

lovely. lovely. friends.

2011-04-03T15:42:00.000-05:00

last night i was privileged to go see my lovely friends emma and johanna ramsey perform with their family band "rambellwood." it was SUCH fun seeing them again (we only see each other about every two years) and they are all so very talented.

if you've never heard any of their music head over to their band's website and take a listen. (i like leaving the page open while i'm on the computer). it's just beautiful.

backstage VLOG during tech week!

2011-03-31T20:39:00.000-05:00

this has been (and still is) one of the craziest weeks YET! one of the biggest reasons is because it's TECH WEEK! not for music man, but JOY's drama jr group who is putting on "the velveteen rabbit."

they are SO adorable, and it's such fun working back stage as one of the back stage managers. i am actually really enjoying it.

anyways, in response to some of y'alls indication of desiring a vlog...me (and some friends) have put together a "behind-the-scenes" view of day 1 and 2 of tech week! let me know what you think!

i've had such a hilarious time putting this one together...be expecting many many more!

plus, if you have any ideas for some...PLEASE let me know! :)

scottish accent attempts...?

2011-03-27T15:02:00.001-05:00

my attempt at a male scottish accent. FAIL! i did manage a good cockney, italian, and german one, though. :)

i was narrating something and there was a scottish guy and i felt bad that all the others had a cool accent except him. and i seriously sat around for ten minutes trying to do a male scottish accent.

this is just an excerpt.

p.s. are y'all interested in any future vlogs?? this is kind of a "sampling" of vlogging.

i love cards... :)

2011-03-26T11:25:00.001-05:00

making cards is my best and favorite crafty thing to do.

thank yous. invitations. valentines.

they can always be so fun and unique.

p.s. recieving cards is another favorite of mine... :D

we be cooks. hair curlers. & shoppers.

2011-03-24T14:26:00.000-05:00

during atlanta's visit we had a grand time shopping, baking, and hair styling...to name a few. but i must say...the end results were oh-so pleasing! we found some WONDERFUL oxfords (pictured above)...which i've been aching for, for the longest time! also, a vintage dress, more shoes, a pretty purple dress, leather journal, etc.

as for baking. well. may i just tell you that peanut butter brownie truffles are possibly one of the best, richest desserts around?? my word.

also. we experimented with pin curls. they turned out really awesome. i'm kind of addicted to curly hair now...such a hassle...but wonderful end results! totally worth it :)

world war 2 reenactment.

2011-03-24T11:59:00.000-05:00

while my dearest friend, atlanta, was visiting she remembered a world war two reenactment was going on very nearby during her visit. we said, "why not!" texted and called a few people and put together a fun group to go visit the reenactment.

now, atlanta and i are NEVER spectators at reenactments. we are always a part of the event. more oft than not, making FUN of the spectators. and yet, we became ones. (i must say we were the coolest spectators EVER.)

all in all, a very exciting day. we are also quite excited about the possibility of getting into ww2 reenacting! how fun would that be?!

the oh-so-lovely anthropologie. etc.

2011-03-23T10:00:00.003-05:00

my dearest friend atlanta was able to come over this last week and we had SUCH a wonderful time. everything from a trip to anthropologie, getting to see "the king's speech," exploring barnes and nobles, antiquing, CHICKFILA, old movies, world war two reenactment, baking, crafting, more movies, late nights, secrets, the DPS, and A BIG HUGE GINORMOUS SURPRISE (which some of you read about HERE)!! i don't really know how it's possible to share each bit with you...but i sure will try!

DAY ONE:

chickfila.

anthropologie.

outside the movie theatre.

we had some nommy chicken and ice cream at...none other than chickfila! then headed over to the amazing, lovely, and beautifully wonderful anthropologie store. oh my word. i could just spend hours in there. we tried on quite a few things, i must say.

after that we got some starbucks at a barnes and noble store and went to see "the king's speech." we were a bit hesitant to see it...because of it's rating: R. however, holding our ears in one scene, and it was one of the best movies ever! i loved absolutely everything (save that one scene) about it. i could write a whole post with my review...but i'll end it here saying we thoroughly enjoyed it.

that night we started...dum dum DUM...downton abbey.

i really, really wish you didn't have to always say "it was awesome except for that one scene"...but that comment applies to this movie as well. BUMMER! but still...i love it.

my birthday, surprises, and the like.

2011-03-22T15:25:00.000-05:00

yesterday was my birthday. i turned a lovely 17. these past few days when people would ask me "what are you doing for your birthday?" my response would be "oh...just some small things with a few friends."

well.

i never ever in a kabillion zillion years...EVER thought i would have a surprise birthday party. ever. honestly, i thought i would never be fooled into going someplace and then see a bunch of people jumping up and saying SUPRISE! it just never occurred to me to even be suspicious.

well...that was silly.

yes. i said "aw shucks."

turns out they thought i had seen them so they weren't as loud and enthusiastic...but i was completely taken by shock. lol.

apparently the secret/lie/deception had been going on for quite some time! i can't believe that i had no suspicions! YOU GUYS...are awesome.

the food was just DELISH! fried chicken. cheese fries. sweet tea. YES!

and the company was simply to die for... :)

posing with elvis was very lovely. he was so ever so kind.

apples-to-apples and catchphrase at the house was simply hilarious. even though i'm, sadly, dreadful at both games. haha!

i blew the candles out with one breath. oh my voice teacher should be SO PROUD of my lung capacity!!

and receiving german chocolate (mine had a hint of cinnamon!) was just the perfect touch to end the day off with.

i'd like to end this birthday post with a thank you to all of these wonderful people, along with my facebook friends, twitter friends, and JOY friends who have wished me a happy birthday! i love each and every one of you SO much. and it means quite a lot that each of you took time to either jump up from behind the bar at a restaurant or simply wish me well on a brand new year of life.

i hope this next year is simply the BEST!

17!!

YAY!

5 happy things...and YAY!

2011-03-13T14:54:00.001-05:00

time for another 5 happy things! yay. woohoo. and all that.

some lovely finds for you today! :)

is this not the most perfect picture? all the way from the scenery, to the gorgeous black dress, and the bright colorful balloons!

perfection.

uhm. is this not the coolest crafty idea ever?! EVER?! gah..

love.

ok friends. how do you make buns messy?! mine always turn out so neat and tidy. and flat. and well...not cute. please enlighten me!

messy buns are cool.

have you ever seen an outfit that more personifies spring than this one?!

i. am. excited.

pumpkin drop doughnuts?! whaaa? YES!

pumpkin is my favorite.

oh. oh. oh! one more follower until 150!!! be expecting a ridiculously awesome giveaway post coming up very, extremely soon! :)

happy almost spring!

woohoo! yay! and huzzah!

2011-03-10T18:13:00.002-06:00

3 more followers until we reach 150!! i've got a very special giveaway, etc. that i cannot WAIT to announce...but i can't until three more people follow "sewing in the past!" hehehe...i know...so mean. but if you really love giveaways. help spread the word about this blog! :) and do it fast because i'm super excited to share what it is you'll have a chance to win!

in other news...i've been at home sick for the past few days. but hopefully this cough will go away and my voice will sound normal again. that will be good. meanwhile i sound like this:

"we don't fight unless provoked."

pahahaha!! oh..each time i watch this video it gets funnier!
lot's of silly videos lately. sorry. but what's a sick girl stuck at home to do?? :)

how to style - "cable car tour" dress (look one)

2011-03-08T10:00:00.001-06:00

i got my very first modcloth dress in the mail on friday...! woohoo! and i've been thinking of ALL the different ways to style this dress. here is look one:

i wore my "cable car tour" dress with:

white long sleeve shirt (underneath)

purple tights

white knee high socks (bunched down)

and black lace up boots

i had such fun with this dress...and got SO many compliments. be ready for some more style options coming soon!!

my cat could be "simon's cat"

2011-03-07T17:20:00.002-06:00

i've spoken to you about andy, my cat... well. i saw this video "simon's cat" and had to share! if you were interested how crazy my cat truly is...this is a good example. andy is EXACTLY like silly "simon's cat." and even if you don't care how crazy MY cat is...this video is hilarious!

in love with this adorable feline.

what fools these mortals be!

2011-03-04T19:43:00.000-06:00

two rather amusing things have caught my eye in the past few weeks.

#1: i must tell you...i'm a grammatical/spell check nerd (but i must ask your pardon in my lack of capitalization...). whether i'm reading a book or a sign...i find every possible error. here's a sign from a dressing room which wasn't too hard to catch, however.

(well i'm glad all of the shoplifter will be prosecuted and not just some of him...?)

#2: i have been getting a RIDICULOUS amount of emails and letters from colleges the past few months. i must say, it's rather annoying...but this one definitely caught my eye and made me laugh out loud!

(is it pronounced "your sinus"?)

have you found anything amusing lately? i love a good laugh...do share!

of friendly giftings.

2011-03-03T18:41:00.000-06:00

i just found a post from christmas that never made it on the blog! *gasp*

soooo....without further ado, here are some pictures from a lovely christmas party i had with some lovely friends.

"a party is a party...but a christmas party...mm!" to quote the illustrious mr. elton.

when i celebrated christmas with a few of my chums, we exchanged gifts, made cookie dough (i say dough...because no actually cookies were cooked), watched movies, and giggled to our heart's content. we really had a wonderful time.

anywho...i'm sharing a few of my favorite gifts that i found/made...giving gifts is one of my very favorite things to do! i get more excited about giving than i do about receiving. well. okay...i like receiving gifts too... ;)

to my friend ryleigh, a book (made by me) to write a story in. for the past few months we've somehow made up a country that doesn't exist. where i'm the queen, she a peasant, and a great catastrophe occurs. i really don't know how it's started, but i figured it should be put to paper so we exchange this book and we each write every other chapter. it's ever so much fun...and quite hilarious.

to my lovely maddy, i bestowed a very loving card and a book called "the works of balzac". this is also an inside joke as her character in "music man" tells harold hill that the librarian advocates dirty books (an exaggeration) such as balzac. i found it in an antique store...and couldn't resist.

to my lovely morgie. a godey's picture i found at an antique store (well, not truly godey's i believe it is from a french magazine of the time, but very lovely, nonetheless). and an antique sewing box. isn't it the cutest?! i'm also very jealous of both her gifts and really feel like stealing them from her ;)

literary heroine blog party...! :)

2011-03-01T12:05:00.000-06:00

i started answering these questions for the "literary heroine blog party" last night but didn't realize it ENDED last night! here are my answers anyways. as i love answering questions...and these were very fun questions :)

~ The Questions ~

Compiled by Miss Kellie & Miss Natasha

What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine?

a true heroine has to be realistic. has to be caring and loving. sensible. able to accept criticism and learn from mistakes. clever. love God. and have a beautiful heart.

Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.

emma woodhouse - why? because she makes mistakes, and acts stupid...but learns from them. and i feel like this happens to me way too many times. but it helps to build character, i believe.

jo march - i never want things to change. i want life to stay in the perfect state it's in right now. and yet i want to do something special with my life.

molly gibson - because roger hamley is my favorite. wait. does that count? ;)

catherine morland - i can sooooometimes get carried away with my imagination. only occasionally. cough.

Five of your favorite historical novels?

well...uhm...i really...really...really love:

pickwick papers - charles dickens (stop laughing)

eight cousins & rose in bloom - l.m. alcott

northanger abbey - jane austen

jane eyre - charlotte bronte

Out of those five books who is your favorite character and why?

in pickwick papers: totally sam weller. he is hilar! although snodgrass is very sweet. and mr pickwick is awesome too.

eight cousins & rose in bloom: rose is so lovely and sweet. the most perfect person ever. and with so many cousins...i'm totally jealous. AND i am in love with mac. he was always my favorite from the beginning. and he turns out as the best cousin of the lot. he. is. awesome.

northanger abbey: mr tilney. oh my goodness. he is the best. i really can't tell you in so many words. but he is one of my favorite austen heros. just sayin.

jane eyre: jane :) of course.

If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there?

scotland and ireland! visit castles and discover a way to travel back in time.

What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?

1800s...victorian age...!

You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of?

most likely singing...maybe a comedic monologue?

If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent?

elizabeth bennet would be fun...but not too terribly original. or jane austen! but she's not a heroine...she's a writer of heroines. would that count?

What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate?

perfectly sinful.

Favorite author(s)?

jane austen. charles dickens. sir walter scott (i've never actually finished any of his books...but his writing style is THE best). louisa may alcott. etc.

As a small, imaginative, red-haired damsel might query; would you rather be divinely beautiful, dazzlingly clever, or angelically good? Why?

i have often pondered this. i would have to say dazzlingly clever. beauty fades with time. angelically good people are annoying. i'd much rather be witty and clever.

In which century were most of the books you read written?

victorian or medieval i suppose.

In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is…

god-fearing. charming. a good conversationalist. witty. dreadfully intelligent (not specifically in knowledge but common sense). respectful. pure heart. amiable. cheerful. brave. as for a specific fellow...i believe roger hamley is pretty awesome (even if he is distracted by cynthia's flirtations). i also QUITE prefer mr. tilney. and mr. knightly! oy.

Describe your ideal dwelling place.

cottage in ireland or scotland by the sea. a lovely picket fence. and a garden in the back right out the kitchen door. the front door is bright yellow. and there are quite a few flowers. *sigh*

Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name?

i've accidently pronounced a character's name for about half way through a book...and then realized it could not possibly be pronounced the way i had been saying it...does that count?

In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is...

mr. guppy. totally. HA! no. uhm...the frenchman from little dorrit is pretty creepy. i'd say that any of the villains from charles dickens books fit the "dastardly" description.

Three favorite Non-fiction books?

Bible. but of course. the civil war diary by sarah morgan (still reading...but LOVE!). i also just read the second american revolution by john whitehead...that was really good.

Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon?
reading. outside on a blanket. a soft breeze would be nice.

Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.
my dream hat...small. probably yellow, or at least yellow flowers. simple. but lovely. something i could wear modern day...but with a vintage feel.

Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.
i turned 16. i got my braces off. i got my driver's license. woohoo! it's been a good year.

Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.
tuesday i was reading 2 timothy and chapter 1 verse 7 caught me: "for God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline." when we are shy or timid, our excuse should NOT be "because it is in our nature", because God does not give us a spirit of timidity. rather, we listen to the teachings of the world and we become timid as we "realize" we are not good enough for society. we should NOT be timid, but sue God's gifts of power, love and self-discipline for His glory.