miss kellie's literary party.

{giveaways are closed.  thank you to all the young ladies who entered. please join me on the morrow to read the announcements. I also have two product reviews I am very excited to be posting!}

donning my simply darling bonnet {adorned with a few sprigs of fresh lavender and tied with a cream bow}, to-day I am visiting Miss Kellie's charming corner of the blogging world for a sweet little gathering she has prepared. dear Miss Kellie is a sweet acquaintance of mine, who has kindly invited all to gather in her sweet parlour for her annual lovely literary heroine blog party! 'tis positively delightful, no? 

Introduce yourself!  Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!

well, my name is Miss Grace. I am the keeper and tender of this garden I have come to call my own.
I simply cannot tell everything about myself as there is too much to tell, but I can tell you that 'tis not about me; 'tis about Him. And only through His merciful grace do I have the blessed opportunity to write to my readers. my aspiration in life is to please and serve Him and bless/encourage/inspire other young ladies through the process of my triumphs and struggles. 

a few of my favorite things would be...faraway friends, letters sealed with wax, raindrops on roses, the wind whistling through the pines, old books and new, pinterest eye candy, seasons of spring and gold, vintage clothing, historical dances and reenactments, a cat's sweet purr, a garden filled with herbs, jars filled with lavender, whimsical nature pleasures, teatime delights, drawers filled with card making supplies, vintage lace and wooden spools, antique shopping, travelling to distant lands, a basket brimming with yarn, words to type, almond trees laden with spring blossoms, the sea's beckoning, the little glen I call home, and so many more things I delight in this beautiful life! 

    

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

the true heroine is of noble spirit but most importantly places God first in her life. she encourages and uplifts her sisters in Christ, and is kind and of sweet spirit. she aids those in need, and although meek spirited, she is strong when duty calls. she stands firmly for what she believes in, yet does not force her opinion's upon one unbecomingly. she is feminine and graceful and admired by many.  

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


Miss Molly Gibson from Wives and Daughters

Miss Amy Dorrit from Little Dorrit 

Esther Summerson from Bleak House

Laura from Larkrise to Candleford

Five of your favorite historical novels? 

The Goose Girl 
The Apothecary's Daughter
A Heart Most Worthy 
My Heart Remembers 
The Princess Academy
{you may view more of my favorites here} 

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

Of course, 'twould have to be Miss Lillian Haswell! She is very knowledgeable in the art of herbal remedies, being an apothecary's daughter, and stays by her elderly father's side when times became difficult.

Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why?
I think I very much liked reading Miss Lucianna's story in A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchel. Although a bit skittish, Lucianna perseveres to survive in America, doing everything within her power to keep her elderly aunt {who does not treat Lucianna very kindly} safe. read the full review of the book here.

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

most definitely Italy. yet I often suffer from many occasional bouts of wanderlust and imagine travelling to England, France, New Zealand, Austria, Germany, and so many more places in this world! In Italy, I should like to walk the cobblestone streets of olden days {with my scoop of gelato of course ;)} and stroll down the beautiful Almalfi Coast. I would also very much like to visit Verona where Shakespeare's Juliet's balcony is supposedly said to lay and the Venice canals.

What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?
my favorite time period I do so love to read about is the Regency era, Victorian era, French Revolution, the Dark Ages, and Edwardian era. culture? probably either English, Italian, or Ancient Greece/Roman periods.

You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of?
my act comprises all three, although singing is not my forte. I do so enjoy making people laugh merrily and acting is a passion of mine.

If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent?
hmm...I suppose I would very much like to either Miss Esther Summerson or Emma Woodhouse.

What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate? 

my sentiments are this : I do not believe I could abide living in a world without the wonderful aroma, silkiness, or dark enchanting taste of chocolate. {how's that for poetic}

Favorite author(s)? 

Julie Klassen
Siri Mitchel
Golden Keyes Parsons
L. M. Montgomery

Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land? 

my camera to be sure, my journal so that I might record the day's adventures, and my dearest friend.

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

it depends upon my mood. as of late I have been reading more books written during the early 1900's, but I do love to read a scrumptious {historically inspired} contemporary book as well. 

In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is…

Describe your ideal dwelling place. 

I do so admire Miss Woodhouse's Hartfield with it's lovely gardens and beautiful countryside...

yet I would be very much content with a simple cottage similar to that of the Dashwood's with lovely countryside like that of Anne of Green Gables surrounding it...

{and we musn't forget the sea is to be nearby ;)} 

Sum up your fashion style in five words. 

elegant, classy, vintage, quirky, and dainty.

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

yes, I have. on very few occasions, although I cannot remember a particular time or book 

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

Three favorite Non-fiction books? 

I am afraid I have little taste for non-fiction books, which I know is terribly wicked of me, but I do love devotional books to which I am very fond including that of...
Before You Meet Prince Charming by Sarah Malley
Preparing to be a Help Meet by Debi Pearl
How to be a Lady by Henry Newcomb
Beautiful Girlhood

Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon? 

oh, there is so much to be done! but what specifically appeals to me at this very moment is to lazily sit amongst the wildflowers and feel the wind and sunshine dapple upon my face {that is, if it is a relatively cool day in June}.

Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character. 

my bonnet would be a most becoming little thing, made of satin and always adorned with fresh flowers. cream satin ribbons drape down to tie about my neck.

Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.

perhaps, one of the most significant events that has marked this past year was the meeting with my dearest of dear friends, and the making of so many new ones. I am looking forward to what the future of this year, hardly begun, will hold and what adventures I shall pen thereafter. 

Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.

For the Lord God is a sun and shiled: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee. 
{psalms 84:11-12}

now 'tis your turn to join! but hurry...there are only two more days! 

xoxo,
the girl in the garden. 

{photographs via pinterest and google search}

be sure to enter her giveaway found here.