Random Things

A few random things.

First a few pictures that I have taken recently.

Wild Sunflowers.

Sunset taken on a smoky evening.  I always marvel at the beauty that smoke filled air creates.   Until I stop and think about what the cause of the smoke is doing to people.  Then it makes me sad.

A random picture of the mountains that I took with the camera sitting on top of an old table that my brothers were tearing the paper covering off of.

'Just A Song At Twilight'
  I have read the Laura Ingalls books for many years.  These Happy Golden Years has always been my favorite.  A few years ago I was introduced to Celtic Thunder.  And one of their songs that my older sister Billie and I would sing together was, 'Just A Song At Twilight'.

Then a few months ago I was re-reading These Happy Golden Years.  When I reached the night before Laura and Almanzo's Wedding, I found something interesting.  That night Pa asks Laura what songs she wants him to play and she tell him that she wants to hear all the old ones.  So he plays them all and then plays a special song for the girls.   It is 'Just A Song At Twilight'.  I almost cried!!!  (Billie had just moved away and I was really missing her.)

And some of our kittens.  These pictures were taken a few months ago so they are now a lot bigger.  Most of my family are VERY big LOTR fans so it was very natural for us to give these kittens the names of some of Tolkien's characters.  Since The Hobbit is the only story my little siblings know and they were helping name the kittens, they all got Dwarf names.

Kili

Kili

Fili

Fili

One problem is.....I think that Fili and Kili might be girls.  I know.  And then this cat's name fits him perfectly.

Bombur

Bombur

And because they were absolutely too funny, these pictures of Bombur and my little sister Joni's dog.  These were taken one right after the other.  I love them because they capture the attitudes of the cat and dog towards each other perfectly!

Bombur

Daisy

I have found that random things like that, often make my day.

Favorite Five

This week's quotes are from some of my favorite chick-lit (yes I do read it, but only Love Inspired which is technically Christian Romance).

  "Oh, he's not a pet.  Are you kidding?  Who keeps a moose for a pet?  He's a wild animal."
                                                                                    ~ Blessed Vows by Jillian Hart

  "Maybe we should invite Spence," Ava suggested loud enough for her voice to carry across the gravel driveway where their big brother was climbing into his truck.  "He needs to spend more time with Lauren, so he can love her, too.Will you come, Spence?  C'mon.  It'll be super-duper."
  Spence tossed Ava a glowering look, did not answer, then slammed the door of his truck.
                                                                                    ~ A McKaslin Homecoming by Jillian Hart

  "All right , Ms. Willliams.  I'll accept your terms.If you could put that in a letter to me, I'd appreciate it."
"You have my word."
  "In the business world, it's better to have things in writing."
He could hear the anger nipping at the edges of her voice when she spoke.  "Fine.  I'll put something in the mail today.  Would you like it notarized as well?"  He ignored the touch of sarcasm in her tone.
                                                                                    ~ The Best Gift by Irene Hannon

  "Hey, look who's back in town. Goldilocks."
Melinda whirled.  Shock slammed into her like a runaway truck.  Her eyes widened and she took a step back.  Gazing down at her was the original bad boy of Potter Creek, Montana. 
                                                                                    ~ Big Sky Reunion by Charlotte Carter

  "To be honest, she turned me down at first.  So I called Kit, and her powers of persuasion did the trick."
Pete chuckled.  "Your could charm a moose out of his antlers."
                                                                                    ~ The Unexpected Gift by Irene Hannon

Liebster Award

I wasn't specifically nominated for this tag, but Melody of The Splendor Falls nominated anyone who read her post and wanted to to answer the questions.  And I wanted to so I decided to do it!  Also this is my first tag.

Rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you and link to their blog.  Thank you Sister and there is a link to her blog above.
2. Give your readers 11 random facts about yourself.
3. Answer the 11 questions from the person who nominated you.
4. Nominate 11 bloggers to receive this award.
5. Invent 11 questions for you nominees.

11 Random facts about Me

1. I do not like sleeping with lights on.  It ruins the atmosphere for dreaming.
2. I like star gazing.
3. I am part Irish.
4. I want to learn tap dancing.
5. I have met the Contemporary Christian singer Josh Wilson.
6. I have been to a Steven Curtis Chapman concert.  (That was like a dream come true.  I had dreamed of going to one ever since I was little.  I grew up listening to SCC.)
7. I don't like the chunks of frozen fruit in fruit Ice Cream.
8. I would like to spend 2 weeks (or longer if possible) in a rambling old farmhouse in the Vermont hills.
9. I have never been on an airplane.
10. I don't know how to swim.
11. I am obsessed (slightly) with Web Series.

Melody's Questions

1. What is your middle name?
Raina.  Erudessa Raina Aranduriel

2. Can you play any instruments?
No.  But I want to learn how to play the Violin.

3. How many books have you read this month?
I don't know.  I would have to go and count them all up.

4. Polka dots or stripes?
I don't really know.  I like Plaid or Checked better.

5. Do you like bikes?
I love them.  And I really need to fix mine so that I can ride it.

6. What is your favorite country (Outside of the U.S.)?
Ireland.  I am proud to be part Irish.

7. Do you like tape or glue better? :)
Tape. 

8. What do you like best? Swimming or hiking?
Hiking. 

9. If you could choose any career what would it be?
I have never really thought about that.

10. What is your favorite genre to read or write in?
I can't say that I have a favorite genre to either read or write in.  I love lots of genres. 

11. How many animals do you want? (If you want any, lol).
Oh I don't know.  A couple of horses, a dog or two, maybe some cats.  It all depends really.

I nominate:
Anyone who wants to do this!

My Questions:

1. Hot or cold shower?
2. Hot dogs or hamburgers?
3. Favorite Genre of Music?
4. Do you know how to Knit or Crochet?
5. Can you drive a car?
6. Favorite color?
7. Favorite Male name?
8. Favorite Female name?
9. Do you like Thunderstorms?
10. Have you ever gone bike riding in the rain?
11. Do you like to paint your nails?

I hope that you all enjoyed getting to know me a little bit better.  Thank you for reading my blog.

Green Valley Line

'The story of a back country railroad in the early years of the 20th century.'

Those are the opening lines to the old radio show, Green Valley Line.  It is the story of a small railroad called the Green Valley Line.  The story mostly takes place in the little town of Morristown in the Green Valley.  I'm not quite sure where the Green Valley is supposed to be, but I've always imagined it in Colorado or somewhere around there.  The Green Valley Line has very good grades through the mountains, while a neighboring and much bigger railroad, the CK&W, has very poor grades.
   The CK&W is owned by multi-millionaire J.J. Reed.  The Green Valley Line (or GVL as we call it) is owned by several more prominent people in the Green Valley including, John Graham, who is also the President of the road and Henry 'Pop' Harkness, Superintendent of the road.
  Owing to the GVL's shorter and better line through the mountains, J.J. Reed wants to buy the GVL, however all of the Green Valley folk are against it....except for John Graham.  He thinks that it is a good idea.  In his plan to acquire the GVL, J.J. Reed buys up all the GVL's mortgages.  And then threatens to foreclose on them if the money isn't paid by a certain time.  He also sends his son, Bill Reed, out to act as Assistant Superintendent to Pop Harkness, but.........that is where J.J. Reed makes his mistake.
  Bill Reed, traveling out to the Green Valley in the disguise of a wandering tramp (he wants to 'drift in on his own and kind of size things up') meets up with Spider, a wandering trainman known as a 'boomer' and from Spider hears the truth about what his father is doing to the GVL.  Bill won't stand for that sort of thing and throws in with Pop Harkness and the Green Valley folk.  At first the Green Valley people are wary of Bill because he is J.J. Reed's son, but when they find out that he is on the side of the Green Valley, they are behind him solid.  That is all but Caroline Graham, daughter of John Graham, who is convinced that Bill, is a crook.  Bill and Carrie do not hit it off at all.  Carrie is convinced that Bill told Pop that he was on the side of the Green Valley just to get on the inside and that makes irritates Bill. But, can they get along?  Listen to it yourself to find out.  And if you have any questions, go ahead and email me.

Here is the link to it on Internet Archive: Green Valley Line 

It is one of my favorite radio shows and I hope that you all enjoy it as well.

Favorite Five

“You see,” he said, “I—we—Miss Macdonald’s from my home town and——”
  “I see,” said the doctor looking quizzically from one happy face to the other, “but hasn’t she always been from your home town?”
                                                                                   ~The Search by Grace Livingston Hill

  "Oh, because you're so handsome, and I an't handsome a bit. I heard Ellen Chase tell Lucretia Davis, the other day, that she thought Gerty Flint was the worst-looking girl in the school."
  "Then she ought to be ashamed of herself," said Willie, "I guess she an't very good-looking. I should hate the looks of her or any other girl that said that."
                                                                                   ~The Lamplighter by Maria S. Cummins

  “Well,” she tossed her red head proudly, “I’m glad I’m one!” A sudden thought came to her--"Come in, Phil, while I fit and then we’ll set in the kitchen and count how often Aunt Rebecca says, My goodness.”

  “Um-uh,” he agreed readily, “come on, Manda. That’ll be peachy.”

                                                   ~Amanda: A Daughter of the Mennonites by Anna Balmers Meyers

"What about iffen ya lose something thet ya already had an' had sotra set yer mind on?"

   "Ya mean like Clem or Ellen?"

Marty nodded slowly.

  "He doesn't take away the hurt, But he shares it with ya."

"Wishit I woulda had me someone to share mine."

  "He was there, an' I'm a thinkin' thet He helped ya more than ya knowed."

"But I didn't really ask Him to."

  "I did."

                                                                                 ~Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke

  Sara June was staring at Laverty.  There were two spots of red on her cheeks and her eyes were blazing.  "Golden Boy isn't a scrub," she said.  "But that word fits you!"

                                                                   ~The Golden Stallion's Victory by Rutherford G. Montgomery  

Favorite Five

"Oh, no," came her voice, honey-sweet and calm. "Shoo that cow this way again, will you, Mr..Weary? I like to watch J. G. shin up the fence. It's good for him; it makes one supple, and J. G.'s actually getting fat."
                                                                                    ~ Chip, of the Flying U by B.M. Bower

He gave a final dig with his knife, then turned to look down into her wistful eyes. "Lloyd Sherman," he said, slowly, "you're one girl whose friendship means something. You don't measure up very high on this old locust, but when it comes to doing the square thing—when it's a question of honor, you measure up like a man!"
                                                                            ~ The Little Colonel: Maid of Honor by Annie Johnston

   Suddenly . . . a sound . . . the strangest, undoubtedly, that these lonely cliffs of France had ever heard, broke the silent solemnity of the shore.
   So strange a sound was it that the gentle breeze ceased to murmur, the tiny pebbles to roll down the steep incline! So strange, that Marguerite, wearied, overwrought as she was, thought that the beneficial unconsciousness of the approach of death was playing her half-sleeping senses a weird and elusive trick.
   It was the sound of a good, solid, absolutely British "Damn!"
                                                                                     ~ The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy

Then as if from nowhere-as if from another world-the tall white sail appeared!!
                                                                                    ~ Watch for a Tall White Sail by Margaret E. Bell

"We're all entitled to make brassbound jackasses out of our selves at least three times in our lives," he said.  "It's written in that Constitution we've overthrown"
                                                                                   ~ In My Father's House by Ann Rinaldi

Note: Apologies for the swear word.  You kinda can't remove it from that quote.

July QQ

This is for Melody Muffin's July Quote Quest.  Unfortunately I wasn't able to post it in July but here it is now.

 

 

 "Where is that boy?" Molly MacDonald wondered aloud.  It was 10:00 in the morning and she was doing her Saturday baking.

  "I'll go see," volunteered her younger son, Colin, from the table where he was reading a book.  Since her back was to him, she failed to see the naughty twinkle in his brown eyes.  A few minutes later, over the sound of the electric mixer, she heard a heavy body hit the floor upstairs.  Turning off the mixer, she dashed quickly upstairs.  Coming to a halt in the doorway of her oldest  son's bedroom, she rolled her eyes at the sight inside.  Colin lay on the floor with his older brother, Duncan sitting on top of him pummeling him with a pillow.

  "What is going on?" she asked, not sure that she wanted to know.

  Duncan stopped whacking Colin long enough to answer.  "I couldn't sleep last night and it's all his fault."

  "Colin?" Molly gave him the eagle eye.  "What did you do?"

  "I had a dream about him," her younger son explained.

  "You had a what?"

  "A dream.  Haven't you heard of the legend that if you can't sleep at night it's because you are awake in someone else's dream?  Well I had a dream about Duncan and someone else last night."

  At the teasing tone in which he said someone else Duncan started whacking him again.  Molly crossed her arms, pretty sure that she knew where this was headed.  "What was Duncan doing in the dream?" she asked.

  "He was on a date with Roberta!" and ducking another blow from Duncan's pillow, Colin grabbed another pillow from the bed and began hitting back.

  Right.  "Why did the fight start?" she asked.

  "Colin was teasing me because I wouldn't call Roberta and ask her if she was awake last night, too."

  Duncan, at 25, was more reserved then his younger brother.  He had been dating Roberta McLean for a year and half and hated being teased about her.  So of course, Colin teased him unmercifully.

  "Alright.  Enough," Molly confiscated the pillows.  "One of these days, Colin, when you find a girl, don't be surprised if Duncan pays you back, with interest."

  "That's why I haven't found myself a girl, Mum," he grinned and kissing her cheek as he passed, he went whistling out of the bedroom and down the stairs.  Shaking her head, she smiled at Duncan and then left, closing the door behind her.

The Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Edition

First I will tell you all about one of my goals for this year.  I wanted to watch and read The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy 3 times each this year.  Read The Hobbit one month, watch the movies the next. Read LOTR one month, watch the movies the next.  So the schedule looks like this:

• January: Read the Hobbit.  ( I read it out loud to my little brothers, Spiffy and Shorty.)
• February: Watch the Hobbit Trilogy.  (BotFA wasn't out on DVD yet so I could only watch the first two.)
• March: Read the Lord of the Rings.  ( BotFA was out so I also watched it.)
• April: Watch the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.  (I technically finished it is May because I was up until 1:30 in the morning of the 1st finishing Return of the King.)  I also watched AUJ again because we showed it to our little siblings, Spiffy Shorty and Jill.
• May: Read the Hobbit.
• June: Watch the Hobbit Trilogy.  Spiffy, Shorty and Jill watched AUJ with me and then Mel joined us for DoS because it was the younger ones first time.
• July: Read the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
• August: Watch the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.  Watch all the Extended Editions!!!!
• September: Read the Hobbit.
• October: Watch the Hobbit Trilogy.
• November: Read the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
• December: Watch the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

So last Saturday I watched Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Edition (that is what this post is really about). We were not able to watch it on our 21" screen iMac (much to my displeasure), but at least we were able to watch it.  I isn't the first time I have seen the EE of FOTR though.  I think that it is the 6th time.  And I loved it as usual.  So prepare yourselves.

Via Pinterest

So first.  Preparing for the Party and the Party.   Gandalf and Frodo are really funny.

Via Pinterest

  Oh and we can't forget Gandalf's fireworks.  I really want some of them.  And Frodo making Sam dance with Rosie.  And Merry and Pippin stealing the Dragon firework.  I think that that is the best part of the Party.  And the music!  I can never sit still when that music is playing!!

Then we have 'At The Green Dragon'.  I LOVE that scene!
  "Young Mr. Frodo here, he's cracking!" "And proud of it!  Cheers Gaffer!"

"Oi mind who you're sweet talking."
  "Don't worry Sam, Rosie knows an idiot when she sees one."

And 'A Short Cut to Mushrooms'.  .

  "Sam! We're still in the Shire.  What could possibly happen?"

The disgust on Sam's face when he pulls Pippin off of Frodo is priceless.

Merry: "Dunno why he's so upset.  Its only a couple of carrots."
Pippin: "And some cabbages and those few bags of potatoes that we lifted last week.  And the mushrooms the week before."
Merry: "Yes Pippin, my point is, he's clearly over reacting! Run!

And the look on Merry's face when Frodo says that he has to live the Shire.  Then he nods and says, "Right. Bucklebury Ferry.  Follow me."

And then ssssssqqqquuuuueeeeeeeeaaaaaallllll!!!!!!!!! (I do a lot of squealing when I am watching these movies).  'At the Inn of the Prancing Pony'.

"It comes in pints?  I'm getting one!"

" He's one of them rangers. They're dangerous folk they are.  Wandering the wilds.  What his right name is, I've never heard, but round here, he's known as Strider."

Via Pinterest

"You draw far too much attention to yourself Mr Underhill!"

"You have a stout heart little hobbit! But that will not save you.  You can no longer wait for the wizard Frodo. They're coming"

'A Knife in the Dark'
 I love how the Hobbits stand back to back.  And Strider!!!!  Just in the nick of time!!!!

Via Pinterest

'Flight to the Ford'
"What's this?  A Ranger caught off his guard?"  And the look on Aragorn's face!!

"If you want him.  Come and claim him!"

"No!  Frodo!  No!  Frodo don't give in now!"

In Rivendell.  I love everything about Rivendell.  The scenery, the architecture, the costumes.  It is all amazing.  I particularly love Elrond's cloak when he is talking with Gandalf and Arwen's Bridge dress.  Also the changes made to Elrond's character and his doubt of Men is kind of annoying.

Boromir!!!  Legolas!!!!!  Gimli!!

Boromir: "You are no elf."
Aragorn: "The men of the South are welcome here."

'The Council of Elrond'
Sharing all my thoughts on all the amazing costumes her would take far to long.  Lets just say that Elrond's is amazing and I love Legolas's cloak.

"This is no mere Ranger.  This is Aragorn, so of Arathorn.  You owe him your allegiance."   Aragorn's face right here is...I can't think of the right word.  But I love it.  And the look that passes between Aragorn and Frodo.

"I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf!!"

And sssssqquueeeaaall again!!!  Lovey this part of this scene!! 
Frodo: "I will take it.  I will take it!  I will take the Ring to Mordor.  Though I do not know the way."
Gandalf: "I will help you bear this burden Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear."
Aragorn: "If by my life or death I can protect you, I will." kneels before Frodo "You have my sword."
Legolas: "And my bow."
Gimli: "And my axe!"
Boromir: "You carry the fate of us all little one.  If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done."  And Aragorn's hand on Frodo's shoulder right here.
Sam shouts and comes running in: "Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me!"
Elrond, smiling: "No indeed.  It is hardly possible to seperate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not!"
Merry and Pippin run in: "Wait! we're coming too!"  Gandalf's face is really good.  He knows Hobbit's so well.  These Hobbits in particular. 
Merry: "You'll have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us."
Pippin: "Anyway you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission......quest.......thing."
Merry: "I guess that rules you out Pip."
Elrond: "Nine companions.  So be it!  You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring!"
Pippin: "Right.  When do we start?"

Via Pinterest

'Gilraen's Memorial'
This is a really cool scene but again Elrond's attitude annoys me.

'The Departure of the Fellowship'
I love this scene. Aragorn and Legolas especially.  And the look between Aragorn and Arwen.

Also: "Mordor, Gandalf, is is right or left?"  "Left"

'The Ring Goes South'
The interaction between Boromir and Merry and Pippin is really cool.  I love how he is teaching them swordplay.  And then when the tackle him and then throw Aragorn is really funny!  Another thing I love is that when there is danger (i.e. when the birds come) Boromir immediately yells/grabs Merry and Pippin and Aragorn goes for Frodo.

'The Pass of Caradhras'
When Boromir picks up the Ring, Aragorn's protective attitude is really, really cool.

'Moria'
Although the scene with the Watcher is slightly scary it is one on my favorites.  Not only do I love how, when the are in danger the Hobbits always immediately yell for 'Strider', but it is also one of the few scenes when you see Aragorn and Boromir working together.

'A Journey in the Dark'
I really like the scene when Gandalf can't remember which way to go.  Merry and Pippin are concerned, but Aragorn knows Gandalf and isn't worried.  And everyone is sitting there smoking except for Frodo, Legolas and Boromir.  And Boromir and Aragorn are sitting together and it looks like they might be talking.  Not to mention the scene between Frodo and Gandalf is probably my top favorite Frodo/Gandalf scene.

'Balin's Tomb'
"Fool of a Took!"  Poor Pip!!

I LOVE the fight scene in The Chamber of Mazarbul.  The Hobbits are amazing (we get to see Merry and Pippin's awesome rock throwing skills), Aragorn is using a bow, Legolas is as amazing as usual.  Plus he shoots two arrows at once.  Sam and his frying pan are hilarious!  And Gimli.  I love all of Gimli's fighting scenes.  He is so funny when he is fighting.  Especially the things that he says!   Oh and when Boromir is knocked down and and Aragorn kills the orc that is about to kill him, the look that passes between them is so cool!!!  (In case you haven't figured it out) I really, really like the Boromir/Aragorn moments.

And: "You should be dead!  That spear would have skewered a wild boar!"

'The Bridge of Khazad-dum'
I love the music from this scene, the jumping across the break in the stairs, everything about this scene!!!  But it is sad.  I don't always cry at this scene but I do sometimes.  Again Boromir's care of Merry and Pippin.  And Aragorn and Frodo.

"Nobody tosses a Dwarf"  "Not the beard!"
"I am a Servant of the Secret Fire.  Wielder of the Flame of Anor."

And then outside.  It seems like Aragorn is being 'harsh' kind of, but he isn't.  I love how he treats Sam.  And Boromir comforting Gimli is really sweet.

'Lothlorien'!!!!
Ah!!  The Golden Wood!!!  Who doesn't love the Golden Wood?!!!

"Well!  Here's one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily.  I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox."
"The Dwarf breathes so loud we could have shot him in the dark."  I adore Haldir!!!! 

Everything in Lothlorien is amazing.  Galadriel's dress is gorgeous and so is Legolas's tunic.  And I love it when Gimli is snoring and Aragorn whacks his pillow.

Also the Aragorn/Boromir scene.  Out of all the Aragorn/Boromir scenes, this is my favorite. 

And the interchange between Celeborn and Aragorn when Celeborn gives him the dagger is really, really, really cool.  And the Lembas scene!!  To funny!!!

And then we come to the end.  The Argonath are amazing.  The scene between Frodo and Boromir and so sad.  But then we have the scene between Aragorn and Frodo.  That scene is AMAZING!!!  And it makes me cry.

"I would have gone with you to the end, into the very fires of Mordor."

And then Boromir's Death.  This is my second favorite Aragoron/Boromir scene.  I know, I know its a death scene, but its also really, really sweet and sad and amazing.

"I would have followed you, My Brother, My Captain, My King." 
I LOVE it and ADORE it and......it always makes me cry.

Via Pinterest

And then of course there is the credit song.  It is one of my all time top favorite songs.  And not just credit songs.  Songs period. 

Well folks.  There are my thoughts and feelings on The Fellowship of the Ring: Extended Edition.  I know this is a very long post, but hey, its not my fault that it is an amazing story/movie.  That is all J.R.R. Tolkien and Peter Jackson's fault!  :)  

Favorite Five

So this weeks quotes are from Louis L'Amour.  I love Louis L'Amour's books.

  "This is very nice of you, Mr. Conagher, but I am afraid we can't pay---"
  "Didn't ask you to.  These here supplies were the wages of sin, ma'am, an' the woebegone sinners who pursued the path of Satan have seen the error of their ways.  You take that grub and be glad."
  He drew a six-shooter from the sack.  "You keep this, too, you might have use for it."
  "What happened, Mr. Conagher?"
  "Nothing to speak of.  Those sinners came upon evil times, but if they're wise they are headed east now, and makin' good time."
                                                                                    ~ Conagher by Louis L'Amour

  He was seated by the window when he saw Quince and Saul ride in, and a few minutes later Dan Cooper and Cain Brockman.
  Brockman went to the Palace and apparently had a drink, then came out and began to loaf on the porch.  There was a bench there, and he sat down and lit a cigar.
  Kilkenny swore softly to himself.  Nita looked up.
  "Whats the matter?"
  "That lot...they think I need protection."
                                                                                   ~Mountain Valley War by Louis L'Amour

  There was coffee on a fire, and bacon frying, and then a voice spoke.
  "Stand where you are, señor, or I shall put a bullet where your breakfast is."
  My hands lifted cautiously.  There was no mistaking the ominous click of the cocking gun...but the voice was a woman's voice.
                                                                                   ~Killoe by Louis L'Amour

  "In Ireland we have heard of Southern gentlemen," Cris spoke carefully, "and it is a fine thing to be one, sir.  I envy you."
                                                                                   ~The Man from Skibbereen by Louis L'Amour

  "Like you said, the War's over and he's not a Johnny Reb any longer.  But I've a better reason.  He's my brother."
                                                                                   ~The Shadow Riders by Louis L'Amour

Claddagh Ring

I have wanted a Claddagh ring ever since I found out about them a couple of years ago.  It was when I got into everything Celtic.  To tell the truth though, I never really expected to have one.  Well imagine my surprise when I opened a birthday package from my older sister and found a Claddagh ring inside.  I was speechless.

Here is a picture of mine.  Also so people will not think that I am wearing it upside down:

'According to Irish author Colin Murphy, the way in which a Claddagh ring was worn with the intention of conveying the wearer's relationship status:

1. On the right hand with the point of the heart toward the fingertips, the wearer is single and may be looking for love.
2. On the right hand with the point of the heart toward the wrist, the wearer is in a relationship.
3. On the left hand with the point of the heart toward the fingertips, the wearer is engaged.
4. On the left hand with the point of the heart toward the wrist, the wearer is married.'

 Taken from Wikipedia.

Favorite Five

Ok.  So I decided to post once a week, five of my favorite book quotes.  I have enough to do ten years worth and not repeat any!  :)

"Jack, ye rascal, what do ye mean by hugging and kissing me wife under me very eyes?"
                                                                                ~ The Black Moth by Georgette Heyer

  "Aye, but I know thee," I went on again, "by thy sly and crafty look, by thy scallopped cape and chain of office, I know thee for that same Sheriff of Nottingham that hath sworn to our undoing. Go to! didst' think to take Robin—in the greenwood? Out upon thee! Thy years should have taught thee better wisdom. Out upon thee!"
                                                                              ~ My Lady Caprice by Jeffery Farnol

"Me know..me know!" cried Kate in exasperation.  "All right, Grigori.  But if there is one dead chicken here when I come back, there'll be a dead Russian!"
                                                                             ~ The Singing Tree by Kate Seredy

  "Thee doesn't truly know how to weave and invented star-shaped pattern of woolen twill cloth on thy loom as thee told Sarah Gardner Mendenhall, does thee, Martitia?"
  "No Jonathan."
  "I thought thee was lying a little bit, Martitia." 
                                                                            ~ They Loved To Laugh by Kathryn Worth


“Wal, that feller certainly ought to be strung up an’ walluped, now, fer sure,” remarked Miranda, “an I’d like to help at the wallupin’.”  
                                                                          ~ Marcia Schuyler by Grace Livingston Hill