An Austentatious Giveaway!

With the Christmas holiday coming up, I thought it was about time to host my first giveaway on my blog!



This may be the best Black Friday deal you can get -- after all, it's free! *wink*



So here's how it works:

I'm giving away a set of cards from my Austentations shop on Etsy. The winner gets to pick the set that they'd like! They'll also get 15% off a future purchase in the shop. Just leave a comment on this post to enter your name for the drawing!



If you'd like to have a second entry, you can try the Jane Austen quiz below and e-mail your answers to me at maidenoftheking@ymail.com (yes, it is "ymail"). If you get the questions correct, you'll get an extra entry!



The drawing will close on Friday, December 4th (one week from today).

Now on to the quiz!


~ Bonus Entry Quiz ~

(By the way, it's okay to "cheat" by looking up the answers! *wink*)

1. What are Jane Austen's birth and death years?

2. How many brothers did Jane Austen have?

3. What was the name of Jane's older sister?

4. What was the original title of Pride and Prejudice?

5. Which of Jane's novels is a satire on the Gothic novel?

6. Which city played an important role in Jane's life (it's also the place where her father died)?

7. In which town does Louisa Musgrove have her famous fall?

8. Mr. Darcy's estate of Pemberley is located in which county?

9. Which two novels were published posthumously?

10. In which town did Jane Austen die?


E-mail your answers to maidenoftheking@ymail.com



As I mentioned before, the winner will receive one set (six cards) of their choice from my Etsy shop, as well as 15% off anything in the store.


Thank you for entering!

Bygones

Several times a year, our town historical society offers free admission to the museums in our historic district.



We took advantage of that to enjoy a peaceful afternoon learning more about our town's past, and to take in some of the beautiful sights to be found in Florida at this time of year.



There were several trees positively laden with oranges! I know oranges are a "winter" fruit, but it still seems odd.



It's always fascinating to look into the past. I love to see the faces of people whom God used in the course of history -- some paintings and photographs capture their subjects in a way that makes them seem real when I look into their eyes. I have an enduring love for anything antique, for the tangible objects that can tell so many stories about times now distant and foreign to us.



So why let bygones be bygones? We may not be able to live in the past, but there's so much to learn from it. Sometimes beauty, sometimes tragedy; sometimes triumphs, sometimes mistakes; but always God's sovereignty over man's affairs.

"For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places."
~ Psalm 135:5-6

Real Comfort

"There is nothing like staying at home for
real comfort."

~ Jane Austen, Emma ~

Many thanks to glamorous Maggy for graciously allowing me to take a snapshot of her. She owns a family that attends our church, and recently allowed me to come as "Substitute Servant" while her family was out of town. There's no doubt that this prissy feline is royalty -- she refuses to drink out of a waterbowl; instead she demurely dips a paw in and licks the water off to rehydrate herself!

Millenia of Faithfulness

"Blessed be Thou,

O Lord God of Israel our Father,

forever and ever.

Thine, O Lord, is

greatness and

power, and

glory and

victory, and

praise:

for all that is in heaven and in earth is thine:

thine is the kingdom, O Lord,

and Thou excellest as head over all.

Both riches and honor come of Thee,

and Thou reignest over all,

and in Thine hand is power and strength,

and to give strength unto all.

Now therefore, our God,

we thank Thee,

and praise Thy glorious Name."

~I Chronicles 29:10-13~

Our great God was faithful when David prayed these words shortly before his death. He was faithful before then, and He has been faithful since then. Even when His people rebel against Him, He is faithful to His gracious promises. As we measure time, God has been faithful for several millenia. But the truth is, His faithfulness is not bound by time; it is infinite.

Praise be to God for His unfathomable faithfulness!

Goodness

"How great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee! and done to them that trust in Thee,
even before the sons of men!"

~ Psalm 31:19 ~



"Come, let us rejoice unto the Lord: let us sing aloud unto the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His face with praise: let us sing loud unto Him with Psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods, In whose hand are the deep places of the earth, and the heights of the mountains are his. to whom the Sea belongeth, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land. Come let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand."

~ Psalm 95:1-7 ~

Owning Things or Things Owning You

Hannah over at Cultivating Home has written a wonderful post about "stuff." How is it that even in the Christian community, I've never heard this perspective on whether or not to keep something?

~ Owning Things or Things Owning You ~

What a good reminder of how we should use God's physical gifts -- and that it's not all about me! It's given me fresh vision for getting rid of those things that aren't blessing anyone but me (not that clutter "blesses" me anyway!), or that won't be a blessing to my future family! I hope you are as encouraged by it as I was.

Goodies in the Shop

I've been listing some new Austentatious goodies in my shop over the past few days.

Like this:




And this:



Plus several collections of cards, including some new designs!

I'm loving the mini journals I've been doing recently -- after all, it involves a book, delicious paper, and Jane Austen. I just doesn't get any better! This one is probably my favorite so far, but it sold too fast to post about. I guess I can't complain about that. *wink*

Caramel Apples

My father is the king of caramel apples. While he was attending Covenant College on Lookout Mountain, he worked in the Candy Kitchen at the top of the Incline Railway. Two elderly ladies owned the shop then, and they got a kick out of the way he pronounced "pecan" -- "Are they peekin' at you?", they'd ask.

But they also shared their recipe for caramel, and even though it's been a few decades, my dad still isn't rusty:



Sweet, sticky, never-give-up caramel apples -- after eating half of my apple, I had to give my jaw a break to finish the rest!

Just another thing to love about fall. And long live the king!

Review: Noble Rose Press Paper Dolls

I have only entered a few giveaways in my life, and when I do I never expect to win. I'm the type who considers how unlikely it is that my name would be picked, so I usually decide that it's not worth the trouble. But this giveaway was worth the trouble. And wouldn't you know it, I won!



Dawn over at My Home Sweet Home hosted a giveaway of the new Daughters of His Story paper dolls from Noble Rose Press.



These have to be the most beautiful paper dolls I've ever seen -- they're realistic, yet beautifully whimsical.



I've had the pleasure of meeting both Breezy and Emily Rose -- they're incredibly sweet, and incredibly talented!



It's so delightful to see their talents combined and used in such a wonderful way! The paper dolls are just the right size, are beautifully designed and presented, and come with historical information. And the dresses that go with them are both modest and lovely! But don't take my word for it -- see what others are saying, or better yet, see them in person!



Five stars, two enthusiastic thumbs up, A+ -- none of the typical signs of "approval" seem to do justice to Breezy and Emily Rose's work! These paper dolls are going to be lovingly kept in my theoretical hope chest, saved for the little girls I hope the Lord gives me one day. And if there are more collections to come in the future -- as I'm hoping there are -- they'll be joining the three I already have!

Get Lost!

No, that is not meant as an insult to my kind readers -- rather, it's a description of what I did a few weekends ago! Fortunately, getting lost was the whole purpose of the outing.

Does this give you the idea?



Tiffany, Pablo, and I headed out into the country and met up with a few of Pablo's friends and coworkers at a corn maze.



We were concerned by the appearance of the corn field -- short, ragged stalks that couldn't be considered green by any standard!



But as it turned out, it was still a fun and challenging adventure!

The weather was just right -- sunny, crisp, and cool. It actually felt like fall (compared to this week's 70 degree temperatures!).

One of the occupants of the field, which we toured via hayride:



We finished it off with a turn each at the corn cannon -- yes, someone has invented a way to shoot ears of corn out of tube using compressed air. Go figure.

Yours truly:



Tiffany (notice the ear of corn in flight!):



There were Corn Cops present to keep the marksmen under control:



And this, my friends, is an ear of corn whizzing past the moon:



Unfortunately, it didn't whiz past the target...

We've decided to go back next year -- but a little earlier in the season!

A New Winter Nightgown

After two winters, my "Victorian Trading Co." nightgown decided it had fulfilled its term of service. So with a sigh I pulled out my seam ripper, salvaged my vintage buttons, and gave it a decent burial.

So now that the nights have turned chilly, I needed a replacement. This time I used Butterick 5299. Take a look at the robe and nightcap options for that pattern -- just a little disturbing! *wink* Fortunately, the nightgowns are quite nice.



I didn't really have the time or desire to put a lot of effort into this project -- I just needed something fast! It went together in an afternoon, and came out better than I expected. The fabric was a $2 per yard quilting cotton that was sitting in my stash -- I had exactly the right amount for the nightgown.

I altered several things -- the first of which was the sleeve. I prefer elastic at the wrist to give me some flexibility, so I cut two bands (the same length as the bottom of the sleeve, and double the width that I wanted). I sewed the bands to the bottom of the sleeve, sewed the sleeve together, and then turned up the band. Since I had cut it on the selvage, all I had to do was pin it over the sleeve/band seam and stitch a casing for the elastic.



Also, I tried a new sleeve technique -- sewing the bodice shoulder seam, but attaching the sleeve to the bodice before sewing the bodice side front and back together.

And lastly, I used pre-gathered eyelet trim instead of gathering my own lace or fabric. Much simpler! I had three wood-look buttons just waiting in my stash, making this a completely "stash project." I think my favorite part of this whole project is the V-neckline!



So what's the price that you pay for quick delivery? Well, I should have cut it out a size larger (but it works), and I didn't notice that it was a one-way design until I had already cut it out -- but I won't tell anyone if you won't!

Creative Inspiration

I always look forward to our town's art festivals -- row upon row of booths set up in the quaintest and loveliest park in town.



I'm always amazed by the variety of different talents that are represented --photography, glass blowing, knitting, pottery, art, wood carving, jewelry, basket weaving, and everything in between!



It's especially fun when you get to go with family:




Ironically, the only thing I bought at the art festival doesn't really count as "art."



I love realy vanilla extract, but it's so expensive! So when I saw "Perpetuals" at an herb booth, I was thrilled.



All I had to do was cut the three vanilla beans in half, fill it up with vodka (which I already had, since I use it to make scents with essential oils), and wait for four weeks! Every time you use it, you just add more vodka or rum. Supposedly it lasts for several years, and when it starts to weaken you just add more beans. Loverly!



Now I'm inspired to take up dozens of new crafts -- but I think I should just stick with the (too many) crafts that I already pursue!

The Felicities of Rapid Motion

I love November. I love November for many reasons (cooler weather! Thanksgiving! Almost-Christmas!), but I must admit that my primary reason has to do with exercise. The most delightful exercise I've ever encountered, in fact!

This happens to be a photographic record of the most energetic part of my evening, otherwise known as "The Polka:"



The various twists and turns of the Virginia Reel:







The Sweetheart's Promenade (could they have come up with a sappier name?):



It's so convenient having a partner all to myself! Pablo loves to dance as much as I do, so we spent the entire night on the dance floor. Some dear friends of ours started their own ball last spring, and we're hoping they make that a tradition! It's so wonderful to gather with other Christians and enjoy good fellowship, admire lovely dresses, and see all the happy faces (well, mostly happy faces! *wink*).

What a handsome couple! My dear parents are so generous to undertake the rather lengthy trip to the ball every year:



And of course, my beautiful sister, Tiffany! I have her (and her Nikon!) to thank for all of the pictures above!





"It may be possible to do without dancing entirely. Instances have been known of young people passing many, many months successively without being at any ball of any description, and no material injury accrue either to body or mind; but when a beginning is made -- when the felicities of rapid motion have once been, though slightly, felt -- it must be a very heavy set that does not ask for more." ~ Jane Austen

The Measure of a Man

This is a rather lengthy excerpt from Sarah Morgan’s Diary (pg. 61-63), but it's so simultaneously amusing and thought-provoking that I just had to include it! For one thing, it's amazing to be able to read the thoughts of a young woman who lived a century and a half ago. And for another, some of the requirements she lists for her future spouse are well-worth considering!


"Shall I say here, if not aloud, why it is I have never yet fallen in love? Simply because I have yet to meet the man I would be willing to acknowledge as my lord and master. For unconfessed to myself, until very recently, I have dressed up an image in my heart, and have unconsciously worshipped it under the name of Beau Ideal. Not a very impossible one, for doubtless there are many such, though the genus is not to be found in Baton Rouge; but still I am ashamed to acknowledge such a schoolgirl weakness, even to myself; for I know if any moonstruck girl described her beau ideal to me, the only sympathy she would get would be a slight elevation of the nose. I hate sentimentality; but way down in my heart, I am afraid I rather like sentiment.

Do you remember the distinction? Well, my lord and master must be some one I shall never have to blush for, or be ashamed to acknowledge; the one that, after God, I shall most venerate and respect; and as I cannot respect a fool, he must be intelligent. I place that first, for I consider it the chief qualification in man, just as I believe a pure heart is the chief beauty of a woman. Yes, and he must be smart enough for two; his brains must do duty for both, and supply all my deficiencies. Now that is settled, I hardly know what comes next; I place all other qualifications on a single level. Oh! I forgot amiability! That ranks immediately after intelligence; sometimes I am inclined to give it the precedence, for I am satisfied that no home is a happy one where it is not an inmate. He must be amiable enough to set me a good example, and philosophical enough to teach me to laugh at the petty annoyance of this life. I could be forever cheerful where I had a kind smile to meet mine; loving hearts and kind words are as necessary as the air I breath[e], so my Master must be amiable. He must be brave as man can be; brave to madness, even.

I could marry no other than a gentleman. I do not mean gentleman in the vulgar sense—handsome young fellow with well oiled hair, and even more impudence than pomatum; such a beauty, and so rich! (although he may have been a shoe black when very young)--, no; I mean gentleman in my signification of the term, which, to the qualities mentioned a while ago, adds principle as firm and immoveable—as the rock of Gibralta [sic], a sense of honor as nice and delicate as a woman’s, and a noble, generous, pure heart. That is what I call a gentleman; how many of my present friends answer to the description? There are many such in this world, though.

I would not wish him to be rich; “poor and content is rich enough…” Above all, he must have—a Profession! If he is rich, smash! go the Banks some fine morning, and Master is turned adrift on the tender mercies of the world, without the means to turn an honest penny, even if he had the inclination or energy, which most rich men do not…If he is poor, the Banks may fail without hurting him; his profession gives him a position until he can claim and sustain it by his own exertions; success crowns his efforts at last. Poverty, with such a person as I have described, is infinitely better than wealth in abundance, with a fool of a parvenue. I am satisfied that it is the life for me.

Woe be to me, if I could feel superior to him for an instant! Black misery would drape the rest of my young days, and settled despair grace my old ones. I need some one I would delight to acknowledge as the model of all goodness and intellect on earth; some one to look up to, and admire unfeignedly, some one to lead me upward, and teach me to be worthy of his regard.

I have described such a man as I firmly believe exists, such a one as I believe I should marry, if I expect to be happy. One that I could respect above all others; one, whose children (I may here say I have the greatest penchant for widowers and lawyers) I could bring up in the belief my mother taught hers, that their father was the greatest and best man in the world. When I meet such a man, then… I will tumble heels over head in love, and get married forthwith, even if I had to do the courting! Until then, Cupid spare my heart! I will need it all for him, and am inclined to believe that hearts and eggs are much the same: they keep fresh enough if you let them alone, but get woefully addled by being tossed about. Cupid spare my heart, I say! I prefer an omelette of fresh eggs, and perhaps he does too! “Go thy way; when I have a more convenient season, I will send for thee!”

Sarah did eventually marry, but she had to wait for her "Beau Ideal" -- she married Frank Dawson in 1874 at the age of 32.

How to Store a Rainbow

Step 1: Find a rainbow




Step 2: Find a goblet



Step 3: Combine

Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle Has an Adventure

Once upon a time, not so very long ago, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle decided to have an Adventure. She ventured out into Big Unknown, where the sky stretched big and blue overhead and the breeze ruffled her prickles.

Oh, the delights of freedom! Mrs. Tiggy-winkle enjoyed the feeling of grass under her paws. There were thousands of new aromas to smell -- and some boxes to sniff, too:



She scampered about, weaving around the various obstacles she found in her way. She bumped into golf clubs and climbed into shoes. She even made herself a nice little hammock in a pair of pants that were conveniently folded over a box.

But then she spied an enormous giant with a big black box held up to its face!



And being a rather timid little hedgehog, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle decided to hide from the scary giant:



Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle was quite exhausted by her Adventure, and was happy to nestle down among the pine shavings in her little house. She decided that as exciting as Adventures can be, there really is no place like home for a wee little hedgehog.

~ The End ~


That's what happens when you bring a hedgehog out to a yard sale. By the way, do you have any idea how fast those little things run? They're quite athletic! They're also very popular with yard sale customers...