Don't Mind Me.....Closing Thoughts on Downton Abbey

Well, last Sunday marked the end of Downton Abbey, Season 3. While I enjoyed the show enough to watch all three seasons, I definitely don't think Downton Abbey will be making it onto any 'top ten' list. Well, at least not my Top Ten List. Though it featured wonderful characters, superb actors and set, as well as an unusual time period (strange how most things focus on WWII instead of WWI...), overall I felt it to be a bit unoriginal and soap-opera-ish.

(No Source) Cast of Downton Abbey.

With that in mind, I thought it be fun to do a little round-up of my thoughts for Downton Abbey. I'm not trying to be malicious or mean in any way, but these are my honest thoughts without any embellishment. 

Note: From here down, they'll almost certainly be many spoilers thrown into the mix.....read with caution!

The writing: Though there are certainly many witty one liners and twists in the plot, I do feel that the writing could have improved greatly. In many ways I thought the script rather predictable. It may be mean to say it, but I think that one of the reasons Downton Abbey has gotten such a following is because it's so much more...modern...than other, similar mini-series. It's easy; not deep or thought provoking. Unfortunately, that type of material is appealing to the world.

Lady Edith: You would think I've already said everything about Lady Edith after a whole post on her, wouldn't you? Nope, I've got more! First off, hats off to Lady Edith for standing up to her father and writing to the paper! She has opinions, the resources to research her opinions, and the skills to say something. I even liked her editor; until he started flirting with her and we found out he's married. Yes, I pity his situation of being married to a mad woman and feeling lonely, but that doesn't give him the right to just drop his marriage. What ever happened to 'in sickness and in health'?

via

Branson: I've grown to love his character even more than I did in Season 1 (if that's possible...). He was certainly trapped after Sybil died; he was still an outcast to most of the family, so staying with them would be awkward. At the same time, he couldn't raise his daughter above a garage in Dublin without help. I was very scared he was going to have to leave Baby Sybil with the family and go on his own way, which would have made me very mad. In the end, though, I was happy to see that he was able to settle in to the life of Downton Abbey, without loosing his identity. I'm also very happy he stuck to his guns about having Baby Sybil christened as a Catholic. It's his daughter, therefore his decision, and nobody else's.

The maid that flirts with Branson and his reaction: Yes, this requires its own section! I was seriously screaming at the TV during all of this. Who does she think he is? First off, even if he used to be a driver, it still wasn't her place to speak to him in that way. It shows absolutely no respect for her work, much less respect of the family and his late wife. Secondly, how could she come out and even say those things in the first place? Even if they still were the same 'station', what she said was plain rude. "Are you embarrassed because you've risen above us?" please. I was very worried Branson would go do something idiotic and rash, but thankfully he didn't. I don't blame him at all for being lonely; here he had his entire life out in front of him with Sybil, and then he's left with just the baby in a country he hates with a family who obviously don't like him. I love when Mrs. Hughes talks to him after she makes the maid leave. He did go through a lot, and he did handle it well.

Lord Grantham: If you heard me yelling at the TV, you could assume that the father was at it again. Apparently Season 3 was the season for one rude comment, stupid decision, and whiny speech after another. First off, I do believe he was the one mainly responsible for Lady Sybil's death. He should have given the decision to Branson, since he was her husband, in the first place, instead of acting like it was his responsibility. Then there was situation when Mathew tried and fix the money issue. Is Lord Grantham just going to ignore the fact that Downton is dying, and the only reason it's still alive is because of his wife's money? Speaking of which, he is always talking about being happy in your marriage. He believes that Sybil will not be happy with Branson, or Edith with Sir Anthony. And yet, he apparently felt the need to send of to America for a wife so he could marry for money...interesting.

How they treat Americans: Sorry, couldn't resist. Maybe I should just expect it now that I've been watching BBC for years, but do they seriously have to bash us in every mini series they do? No, we're not all rude floosey's with no repspect for tradition. I especially dislike how Lady Mary is always saying to her mother, "well, you're American and I'm British." No, Mary, you're half American, and you owe us a lot. While your father's family was out sipping tea and spending their old inheritance, your mother's family was out working and prospering to create a fortune that would eventually save your precious Downton. A little respect, or at least gratitude, please.

via

Mathew and Mary: I'm not going to lie, both their characters had to grow on me. I didn't like either in Season 1; she was too rude and he was to wishy-washy. But by Season 3, I absolutely loved both of them, specifically the great couple they made. They're perfect together. Did anyone else cover there eyes when Mathew's car crashed? Dreadful. And then that scene with his head bleeding, followed by the footage of Lady Mary with their baby? It was awful. They put you through mental trauma when he dies, and then leaves you with Mary's last moment of pure happiness. What was the point? Why kill him? There was absolutely no need! Although Lady Sybil was my favorite sister, I was much more mad about Mathew dying than her.

So, do you think they'll be coming out with a Season 4? I certainly hope not, but it seems rather likely with the huge following they have now. Thank you so much for reading! As I said before, I'm not trying to be rude to the writer, actors, or others involved in bringing Downton Abbey to us. These were simply my honest opions--and I'm curious--what do you think?

Your Thoughts?: What were your overall thoughts of Downton Abbey? Which was your favorite sister? What was your opinion on the writing quality, and what would you have changed? During the show, did you ever find yourself yelling at the TV? Were you more upset over Lady Sybil's or Mathew's death?

Thanks for reading! :)

Adventures in Creating the Green Satin Prom Dress

Yes, I've been a bad little blogger.....it seems every time I set my mind to do all these posts, be creative and of course very witty, I just end up in a blogging rut. :) I have had this blog for about 8 months now, but still struggle with the actual writing. I really admire the bloggers who post tutorials, recipes, link parties, outfits, all with gorgeous photos; but putting that in action on my blog is a totally different story! Unfortunately, my life is too busy to commit to a regular posting schedule, and camera issues always affect my outfit photos! But through all the frustration of not being one of *those* blogs, I've realized what kind of blog I can be. I've discovered that posts that focus more on writing, whether it be book reviews, movie suggestions, or general musings, are the way to go. It's been a long time in making this decision, but it's one that I know will be the best for me!

Believe it or not, that's not what I intended this post to be about! My friend, Deanna and I, recently took a trip together to Joann's and had way too much fun! I've been scheming for awhile about this year's prom dress, and this year I'm going for a very vintage look (not like I didn't last year....(:) 

I'm going to be using V2962, by Vintage Vogue. I actually bought this pattern last year, with the intention of making it for 4H Fashion Revue. I ran out of time, however, and ended up saving this pattern for later. I feel that this dress will not only be fun to sew, but be perfect for wearing to Prom AND submitting for 4H Fashion Revue 2013! 

This is the first time I'm going to be working with a fancier fabric, and the first time I'm using a Vintage Vogue pattern! I'm very excited, but also a little worried; I've heard mixed thoughts on their pattern fit/sizing/instructions. So wish me luck!

I've bought 9 yards of satin fabric, in two slightly different shades of dark green, for the lining and main fabric (the color is rather similar to this). 

I may start cutting fabric tonight or tomorrow, and am so excited to get started! Keep your eyes out, as I hope to be posting about the dress at different stages during the making!

Thanks for reading!

Your Thoughts? Do you have any sewing projects planned, or in the making? Have you ever used a Vintage Vogue pattern? What were your thoughts about the pattern? Do you often sew more formal dresses, or casual go-to pieces?

Currently Loving...Fan Art

Evening, everyone! I thought today I'd share something I've been absolutely loving lately...Fan Art! Thanks to Pinterest, I've found all these lovely drawings made by talented fans! Unfortunately, the original links are often gone, so I'm not always able to give credit where credit is due!

Why do I love fan art? Some of it's funny, some of it's sweet, and some of it's is plain accurate. Mainly, though, I love that fan art always embodies the idea that someone was left with after reading or seeing something. It's how many fans show the feelings a certain book, or movie, left them with.

via

How about this adorable one inspired by Sherlock? "Psychopath!" "Freak!" "Who let you in here?" "Amazing!" "I'm keeping you!". Too cute!

via

Painting of Faramir from The Lord of the Rings. I just fell in love with it instantly...what talented person did this? I REALLY wish I was this good!

via

I've already admitted to you guys that I am absolutely obsessed with Tangled, and I'm pretty sure this picture was in a previous post, but I couldn't resist sharing it again! I love this so, so much.

via

This is probably my favorite from out of all the ones I'm showing you! I love how many people have really gotten into the Heirs of Durin! It's so easy to forget that Thorin actually raised his nephews, Fili and Kili. 

via

This one almost brought me to tears. "Fili and Kili had fallen, defending him with shield and body, for he was their mother's elder brother." It's ironic how part of the reason Thorin wants to reclaim Erebor is because of his line's rights to rein there, and yet, all of the Heirs of Durin are slain.

via

'A Memory of You'. Bilbo, reflecting on Thorin, and Fili and Kili while he writes 'There and Back Again.' 

via

After all those deep and sad pictures, I thought I'd share this way too adorable one. :) Teeny, chubby little hobbitses! I just want to squeeze Sam. :D

Don't know abut you, but good fan art never ceases to make me happy. :) I wish I was better at drawing, so I could attempt something on my own...even if they're only simple sketches! I really should start drawing again....

Your Thoughts? What is your opinion of fan art? Do you ever draw your own? Which was your favorite out of the ones I posted? Any others you'd like to share with a link in the comments? What have you been loving at the moment? Please leave a comment!

Thanks for reading!

~Gillian

A Year In Photos...August 2012

Whoa! Haven't done one of these in ages! I want to finish them out before the end of January, though, so let's go! Not much happened in August....so here are some pictures of lazy, summer days.

A typical summer outfit....

My attempt at knitting with my own 'repurposed' yarn....not really a success!

Biking.

Here's a video of me skating!

That's it for now! Hope everyone enjoyed. :)

Thanks for reading! :)

Don't Mind Me.....Downton Abbey, Season 3, Lady Edith

Note: This post may, most likely will, contain spoilers! You've been warned!

Hello! How many of you have been watching Downton Abbey, Season 3 (you lucky ducks in England already had it ages ago!)? Now I'll admit something right now; I haven't really gone all gaga over Downton Abbey in general. Season 1 was okay, but not my favorite Masterpiece Classic, and Season 2 seemed a little bit...cliche...at times. I'm almost watching Season 3 as some 'duty' to myself to see how it finishes up. That's not to say I haven't enjoyed it, but Downton Abbey won't be making my top favorites list...

With that mini rant out of the way...which is your favorite sister? Lady Sybil has always been my favorite, and I loved her even more when she married Branson. He is amazing! For some reason, my favorite characters always end up being some revolutionist driver.....

Today I'm not going to talk about Sybil and Branson, though (they're coming later!). Instead, I thought I'd focus on the lovely Lady Edith!

I've definitely liked Lady Edith's character more in this season than I have ever before. She's a quiet person, used to not really asking for anything and living in her sisters' shadows. How can she compete with perky, rebellious Sybil, or outspoken, dramatic Mary? To the family, she always seems to fall to the wayside, and as a result, usually does to the audience as well.

All these characteristics should make you feel sorry for her, right? Love her because she's misunderstood? Pity her when her people disregard her? Well, the funny thing is, it doesn't. We may feel sorry for her, but we don't love her as a martyr.

To me, it's because I don't see her as having many redeemable qualities. She doesn't stand up for herself, form her own opinions, or have any confidence in her own abilities. Worst of all, she always feels sorry for herself. Rather than getting up and actually doing something, she just moans and becomes more bitter.

In the last episode (episode 3), however, she finally showed some grit. Recovering from the shock and disappointment of being jilted at the alter, she has trouble finding a purpose. I just love this quote from Lady Violet Crawely, as played by Maggie Smith, "Edith Dear, you're a woman with a brain, and reasonable ability. Stop whining, and find something to do."

And she does! Taking her opinion on the English woman's right to vote (in light of America ratifying the 19th amendment)  she writes to a local paper, more for the sake of something to do than to actually have anything published. A lady, write to a paper, on women's rights? Suffice it to say, it came as rather a shock to Lady Violet and Lord Grantham. I can't wait to watch Sunday's episode to see what more they have to say about that!

The fact that Edith wrote that article really improved my overall opinion of her. For the first time I can remember, she did something totally independent, seemingly without qualms, and didn't back down when confronted by her family about it. I think that her break up with Sir Anthony left her fed up and rebellious towards her life in general, and writing to the paper was her way of doing something outside of Downton Abbey and all it signifies.

Though Downton Abbey isn't my favorite Masterpiece Theatre, I am genuinely enjoying the third season! And who knows, if they keep developing Lady Edith, I might just have a new favorite character!

Your Thoughts? What are your overall thoughts of Downton Abbey and/or Season 3? Which is your favorite sister? Do you like Lady Edith's character, or feel that she's too 'whiny' or 'need'? What was your opinion of Sir Anthony leaving her at the alter? Do you think she wrote to the paper for a want of something to do, rebellion, both, or neither? Who would you like to see me feature in another 'Don't Mind Me....' post? Do leave a comment!

Don't Mind Me...No 1: Tangled

Note: This post may (most likely will) contain spoilers! You've been warned. :)

Good evening, ladies! I hope you are all having a wonderful Saturday so far. :) If any of you follow my Pinterest page, you've probably noticed that I've been going through a major Disney obsession lately. Pinning quotes, watching songs on Youtube, everything: my love for Disney is just hitting me all at once. :) 

via Pinterest

I've decided to add a new, ongoing series to the blog, called 'Don't Mind Me...' It's where I'll pictures, quotes, and my overall thoughts on movies/TV shows that I love (and probably a little obsessed with). Might as well warn you now: There will be a lot of gushing, rambling, and ranting!

via Pinterest

After obsessing over Tangled for quite awhile, I finally borrowed the movie and watched it again! It is by far one of my favorite Disney princess movies (tied with The Little Mermaid, to be honest....), and would probably make it into my Top 5 list. Rapunzel is a really unique character; strong in her own ways, yet by no means perfect. In fact, all the characters are great: Mother Gothel is complexly wicked, Pascal (the chameleon) plays both a protective and friendly role, and Maximus (makes me laugh so hard....) switches between horse like, dog like, and human like personalities. :)

via Pinterest

One thing I realized while watching the movie last night is how much the dynamics have changed over time. Early on (think Snow White, Cinderella...), the prince was a very minimal role. He hardly spoke, didn't really have much of a personality, and was almost rather 'perfect'. In roughly the middle (think Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast) the princes serve a much larger role, with much more dialogue and interaction between the prince and princess. You get to know each one as more of an individual, but they're still rather distant, with very little back story (with the exception of Beast, I suppose....). More recently, (Aladdin, Mulan, and of course Tangled) the princes are a very large role, and in the case of Alladin, they're the main character! I just think it's so interesting that as time has gone on, the prince in each Disney movie has become more and more a part of the story. Your thoughts?

via Pinterest

While on the subject of princes, can I take a moment and obsess over Flynn (or should I say Eugene?)? I had forgotten how madly in love I am with him! He is THE BEST ever! Well, he isn't technically a prince...but I suppose he becomes one? How does that work? Any way, he's the best. Totally himself, he loves Rapunzel for who she is. He makes mistakes along the way, but in the end turns away from his 'rather shady' life and actually becomes part of a family, something he had never experienced before. Not to mention he's just hilarious. I want to say more about him, but I run the risk of obsessing too much and rambling on forever and ever....but if you love him and want to go all girly, just leave a comment and I'll reply!

via Pinterest

Another character worth a mention is Mother Gothel. She is extremely wicked, and yet, there is something telling me that she is more complex than just that. She stole Rapunzel out of pure vanity and selfishness, but yet, rather than enslaving her or treating her cruelly, she actually raises her as her own. Though the roots of her action are in vanity, it makes you wonder if she couldn't have had some motherly feelings, even love, towards Rapunzel. Of course, you could throw a wrench in the works and say that she started to mistreat her at the end, when Rapunzel started to fight against her, which definitely gives you more to think about. 

via Pinterest

I seriously think this movie has to be one of the most genuinely romantic Disney movies. At the end of the movie, Eugene has been stabbed by Mother Gothel and is about to die. She tries to drag Rapunzel away, to hide her at an even more remote location. Rapunzel declares that she will never stop fighting her, and will always be searching for a way to escape. However, she bargains, she will give in to Mother Gothel if she only allows her to save Eugene before they leave, and Mother Gothel agrees. Before Rapunzel can sing the healing incantaion, though, Eugene cuts off her hair with a shard of glass, knowing that if her hair is cut, it will no longer possess it's magical powers, making her useless to Mother Gothel. He gives up his chance of being saved so as to save her from a life of enslavement. You know how in most of the other princess movies, they're always talking about 'true love'? Well, Tangled never says that in so many words; it shows it instead! Eugene and Rapunzel are very close to being the best Disney couple...

via Pinterest

Truth is: you're never too old for a Disney movie. In many ways, they're made not just for kids, but for teens, and adults. The characters go a lot deeper than any 5 year-old could understand, and the plots are sound. Perhaps most importantly, all the villains have strong motives! I hate it when they just assume somebody's going to be evil, just because they want to, and bring misery to the lives of others because they need a villain. Villains are human, too, and therefore must have motives!

Of course, I have to include something about the music. Everyone loves a good Disney song, right? I was very excited to get both the Tangled soundtrack and piano music for Christmas, which just shows you how obsessed I am with these songs in particular. In my opinion, it's some of the best Disney music since the Little Mermaid (didn't really care for Tarzan or Mulan, although Mulan has some exceptions...). Definitely go on Youtube and look them up! I love how they have a mix of rock/Broadway feel to them. In the meantime, though, here are some videos that I thought rather cute...

Tangled AMV-Enchanted. Get ready for tears!

Tangled [Rapunzel & Eugene] -Fireflies. Love the song, love the movie!

Your Thoughts? Have the feel/characters/plots of Disney movies changed over time? Who's your favorite couple, princess, song? What do you think the the size of the Prince's role says about the society of the time (wow, that sounded deep...)? Did you cry during the Tangled Enchanted song (I'm guilty...)? What do you think about this series idea?

Thanks so much for reading! :)

Love,

Gillian

A Year In Photos...July 2012

Happy Monday, dearies! Did everyone enjoy the organizing post I put up on Saturday? I had a lot of fun writing it. Anyhow, I've got another photo post for you today, while I prepare something rather fun to get out to you next Saturday...so stay tuned! 

We're more than half way through, now! To celebrate the fourth of July, we visited Strawberry Banke Museum with our friends! Need to catch up on photos? Go here: January, February, March, April, May, and June,.

The gardens there are so beautiful!

Flags...

Pretty wallpaper....I'm a sucker for wallpaper!

Spiral staircase...

AJ and Caleb trying some revolutionary war jackets on for size...

That's it for now! I hope everyone had a lovely weekend.

Thanks for reading! :)

Note: All photos taken by myself.