Things I Liked About Age Of Ultron

        I love this movie so much. I saw it once when it came out on my birthday, and again on Thursday evening. It was the first time I saw a movie the day it premiered, and the first time I saw a movie more than once in theaters. Also the first time I saw a Marvel movie in theaters. It was pretty special, and the fact that it was so wonderful made it even more so. 

        I'm not going to do a full review because I don't have time right now - rather I'm just going to talk about several things that I really liked. That's the best part, anyway. Let the fangirling commence. Oh, and spoilers ahead.

        The movie starts out with the Avengers attacking a Hydra with the intention of retrieving Loki's scepter. Usually I don't really like when movies start out with a big fight scene, but the way they did this one made it seem more like they were just catching us up on that the Avengers were still a team after all this time. A big plus is that it's a really cool fight scene as well. There's Cap on a motorcycle (and hurling it into a Hydra jeep when he has no further need for it :P), Hawkeye with his new suit and bow and arrows, Natasha's amazing Black Widow skills, and everyone else being over all very awesome as well. It was definitely a 'welcome back' moment. 

        Next come the twins. I love them so much. Precious babies. As well as being really cool superheroes, their characters were great as well. I loved how Pietro totally took on the big brother role (even though he's only twelve minutes older), and their relationship was absolutely adorable. I also really liked how it was made clear that they had good intentions throughout the film, even when they were still working for Hydra and Ultron. Right away when Wanda looked into the Vision's mind and saw Ultron's true intentions, she left. They were trying to do the right thing all along.

        Pietro is a darling. He's so wonderful. He's funny - his sass is to die for. His accent is also adorable. And he loves his sister an awful lot. And I'm sorry, but...

        About Wanda. I know a lot of people are upset that she wasn't completely tough and don't-need-no-man. I personally find it weird that it's perfectly acceptable to have weak and wimpy male characters, but as soon as a weak female character appears people take it as an attack on women. Not at all to say that Wanda is a weak character - I don't agree with people who think that. And I thought that her vulnerability and fear, and then her finding her courage and joining the Avengers in the final battle was great. And THIS.

        Which brings me to my favorite thing in this movie. Clint's family and his amazing ranch are my favorite. My FAVORITE, get it? Since I saw the movie the second time, I noticed even more details, and fangirled even more. Like did you see the straw bale archery target in the barn?!?! I died of fangirling. I was paying super close attention to those parts because I'm writing fanfiction and needed extra information, and even after I'm done I know I will watch that part over and over once I get the DVD. Laura is such an amazing wife. I love how she payed so much attention to everything that went on between the rest of the team and was encouraging and supportive of Clint's avenging. They were just all around adorable together. And I kind of flapped my hands and squealed when she said, "I can feel the difference" because that's just so perfect.I'm just going to put a bunch of pictures here for you to fangirl with me over.
        I thought the caption on Pinterest for this one was perfect: This moment though. I was worried Natasha didn't know about Clint's family, but of course she did. There was no animosity between Laura and Nat, and that just proves how perfect platonic Clintasha is. 

        The kids were beyond cute as well. It was so precious when Lila drew the picture for her 'Auntie Nat', and when Thor stepped on the lego and then kicked it under the couch I giggled. Out loud.I regret nothing.
        The last thing I think I'll mention is Vision. Because THE THING.

         He was such an unusual character and I'm glad we'll get to see more of him (I'm guessing that's guaranteed because of the mindstone). It was interesting how his uncorrupted artificial intelligence was contrasted with Ultron's derranged ideas to show humans as they really are. Of course, there was no Christian worldview involved, but the movie emphasized man's complete and utter inability to save himself, yet the value of life was, at the same time, stressed. AND VISION HAD SASS TOO!!!

        Okay, I know I said that would be the last thing, but I was looking through my pictures and found this and I just have to put it here. So many feels.

         Oops, there's more I have to say. Just some lines that I loved. :)

Please be a secret door, please be a secret door... Yay! - Tony Stark

My appointments are too hectic, unfortunately. (pauses) Will Thor be there? - Helen Cho

I'm glad you asked, because I wanted to take this time to explain my evil plan. - Ultron

Well, you amazingly failed. - Natasha

You did not see that coming? - Pietro

        That's all I can think of for now, and I want to get this published. Comment and tell me what you thought of Age of Ultron!

Blessings,

Reyna

10 Favorite Screen Characters Tag

        Heidi from Along The Brandywine tagged me a few days ago for the 10 Favorite Screen Characters Tag, and I'm so excited to do this! (Also slightly concerned about figuring out my favorites, but I'll figure it out.) 

        I know several of you have tagged me for various things in the past month or so, and I am honored and will finish the drafts up and post them as soon as possible - I just needed something quick to throw together and post. That's why this one is taking priority. Now don't throw anything at me, but I'll admit that even before I was tagged for this I planned on doing it anyway, just because it looked so fun! It is quite handy that I don't have to steal it now, though. :) Here goes (these aren't in any particular order of importance because that would have taken way to long and probably would have made my head explode):

Molly Gibson (Wives and Daughters)

        Molly is probably the screen character that I identify most with (although I'm not nearly as wonderful as she is). She's the good girl of the story; quiet yet friendly, intelligent, kind, and willing to do anything for those she loves.

Bilbo Baggins (The Hobbit)

        I never thought I could like Bilbo Baggins this much. Martin Freeman (who I'm convinced is a hobbit himself) portrayed this character perfectly, and his facial expressions are to die for. Bilbo is a home-body, yet he ends up enjoying his adventure and becoming a better person - err, hobbit - from it. He's funny and beyond cute, yet isn't wimpy at all. He has brains and courage, and I love his part in the story.

Steve Rogers (Captain America 1 & 2, The Avengers 1 & 2)

         Because obvious reasons. He has manners. He has morals. He wears smart 40s army uniforms. He believes there's only one God, Ma'am, and I'm pretty sure he doesn't dress like that.

Gilbert Blythe (Anne of Green Gables & Sequel)

        Oh, Gilbert. He's an adorable tease, a loyal and caring friend, and knows when Anne needs to be pulled down out of the clouds for a reality check. And he doesn't give up. 

Ivy Walker (The Village)

        I know many of you probably haven't seen this movie, but it's really good (and it's on YouTube). For those of you that don't know, Ivy is blind, yet she has great intuition, wisdom, and courage in spite of her disability. I don't want to give too much away - it's a movie that's best unspoiled - but when someone she loves is in danger, she doesn't hesitate to risk everything to save them.

Mr. Knightley (Emma 2009)

        Another one of those characters that's just good. I love his and Emma’s relationship all throughout the movie – how he loves her so much yet doesn’t pamper her and gives her a good scolding when she needs it.:)

Miss Matty Jenkins (Cranford & Return to Cranford)

 

        Miss Matty is one one cute old lady. Amidst the bustle and gossip of Cranford, she is quick to forgive and benevolent to those who need help. My cow is named after her (and after he servant's baby who is named after her :P).

William Buxton (Return to Cranford)

        Yeah... This was the first movie I saw Tom Hiddleston in, and the one I like him best in. William Buxton has had everything he wants all his life, yet he isn't spoiled by it. When his father forbids him (for selfish reasons) from marrying the girl he loves, he give up his comfortable living and finds work elsewhere. He's not above getting his hands dirty, yet that doesn't roughen his manners or his morals. He has such a sweet romance with little Peggy Bell, and treats her like a real lady. Also, CURLS.

Minnie Mude (Lark Rise to Candleford)

        Minnie is the funniest character on this show. She isn't in Season 1, and I don't watch those episodes nearly as much as the others for that reason. Minnie is the maid at the post office, taken in by Dorcas Lane for reasons later revealed (I won't say anything for those who haven't seen it), and is probably the worst person for the job. She's clumsy and has her head in the clouds most of the time, isn't very tactful, nor the brightest girl out there, yet she has a kind heart and her escapades make for some good laughs. (Also, Alfie!)

Clint Barton (The Avengers 1 & 2)

        I couldn't not put Clint on here. Because his family and his farm and he's just the most perfectest superhero ever. The end. I won't go on and on, but if you do want to hear my ravings on this topic read THIS.

        Okay, that's it! I managed to do this all in one sitting without too many interruptions, which is a plus (and the reason this is getting posted now). Most of the people whom I would have tagged have already done this, so I'm just going to leave it open to anyone who wants to do it! Comment with your thoughts or let me know if you do a post of your own!

Blessings,

Reyna

Ain't We Got Fun Review

        Peeps, it's out! This lovely book (which I had the privilege of reading before it was officially released), is now available for sale! You've probably seen the cover already, but here it is again in all its glory. I just love those polka dots and the vintage suitcase. :)

           About the book:

        It was never much of an issue for Bess: living contentedly on her family's farm, despite the Depression which loomed around them. But when her older sister Georgiana takes off to New York City to make a fortune and help Papa out, feelings of adventure and wanderlust strike Bess at home. Through their lively letter correspondence, the sisters recount to one another their adventures, surprises, and heartaches, leaving little room for depression. For in a world of such wonder, ain't we got fun?

          And about the authors:

EMILY ANN PUTZKE and Gi Rowland have two big things in common: their love for God and coffee. Besides writing historical fiction, Emily enjoys being an aunty, photography, Irish dancing, spending time with family, attempting to play the guitar, reenacting, and reading. She loves polka dots, war movies, and all things vintage. Her first novella, It Took A War, was published in December of 2014. You can learn more about Emily Ann Putzke and her books at http://www.authoremilyannputzke.com/ and www.facebook.com/authoremilyannputzke. 

EMILY CHAPMAN, also known as Bess Rowland, is a young hobbit living in the dear old South, and she is entirely bonkers. She's a dreamer, and optimistic pessimist, and an introverted people person. Blue skies, dancing, Disney, and whipped cream make her happy, and she swears she's once been to Narnia. She's been a reader all her life, became a writer because of that, and published her first novel, Cry Of Hope, in March of 2014. But without her Savior, this would been nothing. It is in Him that she puts her hope. You can learn more about Emily Chapman and her books at http://www.emilychapmanauthor.com/ and www.facebook.com/emilychapmanauthor.

Okay, on to my thoughts. It's very simple, actually. I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK. The end.

        Just kidding, I have more to say. But it really is wonderful - I can't think of a single thing I disliked about it. It's one of those books that makes you feel all warm and happy inside, yet is not at all lacking in serious elements of sickness, family issues, and a bit of danger as well (very mild; nothing scary). The thing I really loved was the writing style. The authors' writing styles were distinguishable from each other's just enough to make it really seem like two sisters writing to each other, yet the story still had a nice flow. Also, it felt real! I was completely engrossed in the lives of these two girls living during the economic depression of the 30s. It felt like I was in crowded, loud New York with Gi one moment, drinking coffee, cleaning fishy dishes, and trying to avoid a certain journalist, and then back home on the farm with Bess, Donny, and Tom the next. The characters were relatable and everything was time-period-accurate. Although historical fiction is my favorite genre, inaccuracy is something that often throws me off, and this had none. This book made me laugh, worry, sigh contentedly, and yes, fangirl a lot a bit too. 

        Content-wise, there is nothing yucky in this book. The romance is mild and very sweet; no unnecessary mushy-ness or impropriety. There was no language that bothered me - nothing I wouldn't put on my own blog or other writing. A few 'course' words that parents probably tell their four-year-olds not to say (such as stupid and the like), but nothing that bothered me in the least. That's what I love about books by Christian authors! That being said, I would recommend this book for ages 10+. Most young girls probably won't get the full benefit until they're 12 or so, but if they're anything like I was at that age, they'll love it anyway, and read it over and over again, loving it more each time!

You can purchase Ain't We Got Fun through:

Amazon (Paperback)

Amazon (Kindle)

Createspace (Paperback)

Smashwords (Ebook)

        The authors are also hosting a giveaway! Included are an autographed copy of Ain't We Got Fun, Bess' flower headband, Little Women (Puffin in Bloom edition), Bess' peppermint sticks, Gi's finest coffee blend, and Gi's ice skate necklace.

Giveaway (only open to people in the U.S.)

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I'm not sure if this widget thingy is going to work - if it doesn't, you can head over here or to either of the authors' websites. 

Blessings,

Reyna

My Favorite Videos // #1

         Hello friends! Since I haven't had a whole lot of time to post as much as I would like this past semester, I decided to start a new series - one that will allow me to post more and still keep up with y'all without taking hours away from homework that needs to be finished. :) My school will be done soon, so I hopefully will be back to posting more frequently, but I also just really wanted to share some of the hilarity I've been finding on YouTube lately. You know how wonderful it is when you find a new channel with amazing videos that you just love? Which happens, like, never? Yeah, it's a breath of fresh air after all the other nasty stuff on there.

        Anyway, here is video Number One! Studio C has been a favorite of mine ever since I came across a video that I watched and loved on a blog I follow. The authoress described the channel as 'always clean and funny', so I thought to myself, "That seems like just my kind of thing!" This one is probably my favorite, although it's hard to pick. Don't worry, you'll be seeing a lot more of these in the future. ;) 

Favorite Parts: "High on a hill were some goats who did nothing so we ate them and used their fur for bedding!" (in a German accent, of course.) "Ooh, this hills are quite steep, no? Maybe I could just be carried up the hills - by that man. He's not doing anything!" "Don't forget Gretel! She's the worst of them all!"

        Let me know what you think!

Blessings,

Reyna

Dear Reyna - An Answer

         To my younger self...

        I changed a lot this past year. Not so much in personality as in preferences. The land had a lot to do with it, but more on that later. How would I describe myself now? Well, I'm like you, but a bit wiser, I hope. I think I've gotten better at dealing with feelings, but still haven't mastered it. Definitely a lot more countrified. Stronger physically. More serious (not necessarily a good thing). I finally have real-life friends here that I get along with, but I long for someone I can do something more than fangirl with. Talk deep stuff, and ramble about fields and cows and hunting without getting a blank stare. God, please send someone like that into my life. I think I'm a bit calmer than you, looking back on some of my older posts. I don't stress as much as I used to, and I've finally come to a place where it's easier to trust the Lord for my future and not feel the need to make everything go my way. James 4:13-15 is a wonderful reminder.

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

        However, just in the past month I have found myself having trust issues about something I've never really struggled with before, but God is gracious and I'm getting over it. See, I'm not perfect after all. :P

        Hey, I have a lot more animals than you do, as well as the family 74 acres. You never dreamed I'd have a cow, did you? Or an alpaca? Or a rabbit? Okay, you probably did think about the rabbit. Yes, you did. Yes, I have one!

         All right, I'll answer your questions. 

• No, I haven't gotten excited about driving yet, although I did start the online portion of the drivers' ed.
• Heh, my first semester full time at the junior college... It's been good. I'm ready to be done, let's just say that. I'm totally motivated to get it done even more quickly now. :) And yes, I still have your box kite and admire it almost every day.
• Yes, I'm still working at the bakery. Also, I'm the official cleaning lady for the yarn store - I even have my own key - as well as babysitting a lot. 
• How many shop samples have I knitted? Oh, a lot; I don't really know. Although I'm procrastinating like mad on the one I have now - it's a top-down shawl and these beginning rows are taking f o r e v e r. This sample was my favorite:

• Yes, I'm still teaching piano lessons. She's learning a beginner version of Pachelbel's Canon, Goodbye (form Hachiko), and various other songs.
• I never did master Test Drive, although I learned this song, which was a feat. Also this one which I love. The recital was different this year - she did and honors recital for her advanced students. I played the second song I linked to, a duet with a girl from my church who also takes lessons with my teacher, and sang In His Eyes from Jekyll and Hyde with another girl.
• I occasionally pick up my brother's guitar and play a bunch of songs, learning chords as I need them, but I haven't played my fiddle in a while.
• What do I like now? Cows. Rolling hills and seeing the whole sky. Fences. Flannel. Boots. That's my country side, which has been growing. My fangirl side has too. The third Hobbit movie was good - there were many things I didn't like, but there was no possible way I could have disliked the movie. Yes, I cried. A lot. No, I haven't gotten over the sadness yet. What do you expect? Marvel is a big thing. I saw Age Of Ultron when it came out on my birthday (which I still need to review), and IT WAS AMAZING ASDFGHJKL okay I'm done. Ehehehe... So many feelings. This was me rushing to the theater with too much excitement.

•  No, I haven't read Sherlock again *adds to list of things to do this summer*. So far they are:

1. Get my driving permit.
2. Get my hunting license (I've just taken the online class.)
3. Start an Etsy shop.
4. Build my cow a pasture.
5. Get angora rabbits (I put this on here because it was on my summer list before I accomplished it early.)
6. Read The Complete Sherlock Holmes.

• How many skirts do I own now? Probably about the same amount plus a half dozen. I've gotten rid of some since last year so I'm not sure about the difference. I did a huge clothes clean-out since my style is based on necessity now, so I don't have a ton of clothes.
• No, I haven't sewn a corset yet, although I'd like to. That kind of went to the bottom of my list when we got the land. Oh, my hair is pretty long. To my waist; I think it has grown close to two inches. I wear it up in a bun, yes. Lately, though, I've been braiding it more, as like this. Sorry for the blurry face, but, ya know, flying fluffy purple internet monsters and other creepy things. :)

• Ah, yes, I need a fishing license. That was the thing I was most dreading about this birthday. :/
• Yes, I bought a bow! And it's lovely.
• Yes, I love milking Eponine. :) She had three gorgeous babies and her milk is absolutely excellent.
• Do I still want to live in Tennessee? Well, I still think it would be nice, but I'm not like MUST. LIVE. THERE. or anything. I've also acquired a love for the Northern Plains, like Montana, Nebraska, etc. 
•  Am I different? Yes. But not too much. I don't regard you with any more embarrassment than I do some of the things I've done quite recently... No, I still think that drawing of Eponine is very nice; I haven't been able to draw one any better to this day.
• I haven't finished my novel yet - haven't worked on it at all this semester. It's a good thing my friend talked me into NaNo last year because that will not work out this fall. 
• Oh, letters. I haven't done any of those either this year. All my friends probably think I've dropped off the face of the earth. I feel really bad for neglecting them so, but I hope to start up again soon. 

        It's been fun, little me. Although I'm way cooler because I have a cow, just sayin'. ;)  

Blessings,

Reyna 

Behold, Mah Bunny

Meet Quicksilver. He's a French Angora rabbit. He's adorable.

        The night before my birthday (so on Thursday), my parents told me they were giving me present early. My mom brought in a cardboard box wrapped up, but with the top slightly open, and when I saw it, I jokingly said, "It's a bunny". (It's an ongoing thing in our family that we make an outrageous guess as to what our presents are going to be - I didn't actually think it was a bunny. But then I opened the box and saw all this fluff and a little nose and ears and exclaimed, "IT'S A BUNNY!" Yeah. It was not my most dignified moment. 

        Our rabbit hutch finally has a permanent tenant! We don't have things entirely sorted out yet, because I apparently have another one still at the farm. I get my pick out of a litter once they're sexed, and I'm pretty sure I'm getting a 'pearl' colored one; very light gray. In the mean time, though, I'm having a blast with my little Quicksilver. And yes, I did name him after this fellow. Because he deserves it. You did not see that coming? *SOBS*

         Anyway, I'm now going to bombard you with fluffy bunny pictures. You're welcome.

Blessings,
Reyna