~Literary Heroine Blog Party~

This is my first opportunity to take part in Kellie Falconer’s Literary Heroine Blog Party, and I’ve had such a great time pondering my answers to her unique questions over the course of this last week.  If you’re not familiar with Kellie’s blog, Accordion to Kellie, I highly recommend a visit, as it is often my joy to do so.  Sadly, with life being the lovely—yet busy—way it is, I have been unable to answer all of these questions.  I’m hopeful that I can update this post over time, though.  In any case, I hope you enjoy reading what I have completed.  Cheers!

~ The Questions ~

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

I’m an aspiring heroine always seeking perfection through Christ and learning from my many moments of humility along the way—thanks be to God, I’m not alone in my quest!

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

The center of a heroine’s heart is the knowledge that her total surrender to God is that which allows her to fulfill her role.  She knows that her potential is only so deep when relying on her own strength and devices alone.

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

Anne Elliot, from Jane Austen’s Persuasion

Upon my first reading of Persuasion, I found myself peering into mirror-like descriptions of the second Elliot daughter.  Appreciative of the natural world and passionate in a quiet manner, Anne is the only Austen heroine with whom I have ever truly identified.

Luthien, from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion

A strong, loving woman, Luthien Tinuviel is the inspiration that lies with my blog’s title.  Her devotion to Beren and her bravery in times of trial are two qualities I seek to perfect every day.

Eowyn, from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Two Towers and The Return of the King, of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Another example of a strong and loving woman, Eowyn undergoes an admirable and identifiable transformation over time.  Her outward passion for life mirrors my own more inward passion for the same, and her growth and maturity are worthy of aspiration.

4. Five of your favorite historical novels? 

Persuasion, Jane Austen

Little Women, Louisa May Alcott

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

In Little Women, I must say that Marmee is my favorite major character.  She represents a solidly good example of motherhood, and on a long and varied scale of time.  Alcott paints the portrait of a woman who is equally patient, compassionate, and strong during happy and trying times.

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

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

I would plan a vacation to Prince Edward Island, and there I would enjoy the landscape and culture to the fullest extent of my senses, much like a certain ginger heroine I’ve come to know and love. . . .

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

I tend to go through phases of obsession with a certain time period, culture, or author whose work opens a window into a certain time and place.  I just recently checked out three books that shine a light on the life of Beatrix Potter, one of my own role models, so she remains my current object of fascination and study.

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

I can most certainly see myself performing a dramatic recitation of a deliciously epic poem, Megan Follows-as-Anne Shirley-style. 

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

11. Favorite author(s)?

J.R.R. Tolkien

Jane Austen

Brian Jacques

L.M. Montgomery

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

While I do not confine myself to one century or another, some of my favorite works were written between the 18th and 19^th centuries.

13. In your opinion, the ultimate hero in all literature is… 

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

15. Describe your ideal dwelling place. 

My ideal dwelling place . . . This is most certainly a small house (designed to our unique specifications—I have a studio!) in the countryside, distantly surrounded by a lovely mountain range.  I have plenty of space in which to cultivate a garden, and there stands a wood nearby that serves as creative inspiration during long springtime walks. 

16. Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence. 

I usually don comfortable, modest, and muted outfits with the echo of early 1940’s fashion and a dash of whimsy. . .

17. Three favorite Non-fiction books? 

Tasha Tudor’s Garden, Tovah Martin

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

First, I would make a small cup of tea, pick up a book, and enjoy the adventure in a comfy chair in the shade of a lovely group of trees.  Once the heat of the day has passed, I would take pleasure in some gardening, and then prepare dinner using the fruits (and vegetables!) of my labor.

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

A deep cranberry color, this structured, felt-like hat has a thick navy sash and a small bunch of flowers and berries—this I would choose for Sunday Mass during autumn.

A floppy straw sun hat—this I would choose for a day of gardening, yard work, and overall enjoyment of the outdoors!

Both would have their work cut out for them staying on my head, though.  While I think both types represent me—sometimes attempting a more controlled appearance and at others allowing myself to be carefree (but always at least slightly vintage-inspired)—my unruly hair tends to have a mind of its own. . . .

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

The beautifully, profoundly obvious answer to this question would be my marriage to my dear Jeffrey on November 1^st, 2014.  I have found the honeymoon phase to be growing and deepening with each passing day, and that the journey we undertook when we met about three years ago has taken on a new beginning.  Life is most assuredly a wonder worth cherishing.    

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

"There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens."  --Ecclesiastes 3:1