Dating or Courting?

Honestly I think the only people who have ever heard the word 'courting' are home schooled. Just an observation. ;) Then there is the word 'dating' that I believe most everyone knows about. ;) What are the differences you may ask? Well I'll give you a little run down on courting:

Courting: Basically it's dating but with subtle differences. Courting is where the guy in question asks the girls father if he may court her. If the father says yes the guy begins courting the daughter. Strangely enough I have seen the guy have to answer a list of questions. Not that asking questions is bad, but the questions they were asking were just plain strange! Anyway this relationship between them is consider very "forward". From the first "date" you are looking at the other as the person you may likely marry. Also it is unlikely for these courtships to be broken off. If it is broken off it's slightly uncomfortable... The guy will have to go to the girl's father and give him a reason for wanting to break up with the girl. Isn't that awfully awkward! They are not allowed to be alone together. As far as this I don't know much more and this information is just from what I have witnessed. I'm sure it varies.

Fortunately my family does not do the courting thing! Yay! lol Anyway we don't do the normal 'dating' thing either. We have our own little system called Christian dating. If I go on a date it doesn't have to be determined that I'll marry this person. I'm allowed to date as many guys as I want. That doesn't sound right... lol Nonetheless it is true. I don't have to settle just because it was the first guy I went out with. Though I do have to look at the guy as possibly the guy I could marry. In other words I wouldn't date a guy that I knew I couldn't marry. Another thing, I am not allowed to be alone with the guy. Public settings are a good thing. :) Oh, did I forget that we have to get to know one another. lol That's basically it. I like that it's simple.

How would/do you go on dates? Do you have your own little system? Do you court? (Btw I have quite a bit of friends that court) Do you just do the regular dating thing? I would love for you to comment and tell some reasons why you do a specific kind.
God bless and have a wonderful rest of the week.

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"Downton Abbey"

After watching the second to last episode of season two, for Downton Abbey, I was hooked! I just love this show for some reason! Some characters I love, hate, and am thoroughly amused by. Recently I just finished season one. Yes, I watched season two then the first season. :) Actually it didn't really ruin anything. :D I have to give a word of caution though, there is some "adult" content. :P Mostly in the form of couples kissing. In season two there is less of that, at least from what I can remember. Unfortunately in season one they had a "gay" scene! I was shocked and totally caught off guard! I believe it only shows them kiss. When it first happened I fumbled for the remote and it would not work! Every time I fast forwarded and pushed play it would stop right at the kiss. I was grossed out and honestly considered not watching it anymore. Though I do love this series.

Downton Abbey is about the Crawley family during the early 20th century. Their lives revolve around getting Mary, the eldest daughter, an eligible suitor and petty things like this consume their lives. Sister rivalry also takes part and is quite shocking to see what people will do to one another.  Not only do you view the lives of the "rich and famous" but also what the lives are like below, among the servants. Their desires, wants, and ambitions. All this takes place in England during a very important time in the world's history. Lives will be lost, wars won, but family and the ones around you make up your memories...

The head lady! I love her quick and witty remarks. She's strong and ready to take action, and certainly won't be pushed aside. 

The dresses are gorgeous! Left: Lady Edith, who is kind of the odd one out among the sisters and is basically forgotten by everyone. Middle: Lady Sybil is a strong willed girl and is for women's rights! Also she doesn't care what everyone else thinks and does not have a hunger for money. Right: Lady Mary, who is decidedly fixed on making her fortune by marriage. Despite her hard outer layer there is a kinder soul beneath. One moment you'll think "what an atrocious women!" and the next you'll love her. 

And here is the main guy, a little hero in his own respects. Matthew Crawley, destined to inherit Downton Abbey! Honor and virtue hold him true to his word and he is always a gentlemen. 

Anyway I just thought I would introduce you to some characters. :)

I know that was a very short review of two seasons of a show but honestly you just have to watch it for yourself.  Several characters that I liked in season one I don't like in season two, and vise versa. Did I mention that the fashion is impeccable! From every hat pin to the very shoes, I love it all!

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"North and South"

(Not my picture)

After finally ordering this book from Barnes and Noble, and having it arrive, I was acting like a total fan-girl! Just holding "North and South" in my hands and looking over the names was pleasure. If you have seen the movie, BBC version that is, you will understand why I had to end up reading it. A friend of mine asked if I was able to imagine Richard Armitage as John Thornton while reading this book. Actually I did imagine that actor from time to time, while reading it, but I more frequently imagined Daniela Denby-Ashe as Margaret. Perfect casting for the movie, just had to say.
Surprisingly I was a slightly disappointed with this book. Honestly I was looking forward to any new little details it could give me and just to be able to soak it all up. Not to say that this book was not lovely or anything like that but once you have watched the movie I believe it stripped the pleasure away from reading it. But first my review. I tell you more of what I thought after I tell a bit about the book.

"North and South" was written by Elizabeth Gaskell and it showed how love blooms. Whether the party receiving this love wants it or not. You are introduced to Margaret Hale, a respectful and opinionated young women. Once her cousin, Edith, is married off Margaret comes to reside with her parents again. Although there is bitter turmoil beneath the surface. Mr. Hale, Margaret's father, has a turn of conscience and gives up his living as a parson. With this overshadowing her, she also has to leave her beloved home Helstone. Leaving the trees and glades and forests wander, Margaret must accustom herself to living in Milton. Dreary and so far away from her home, the dirt and smug do little to lift her spirits. Meeting the manufacturer, Mr. Thornton, stretches her mind to not think so ill of a manufacturer. Although she finds the most friendship in the slum places of town among Mr. Higgins and his daughter, Bessy. Struggles hit everyone when a strike breaks out and Margaret is caught in the middle. Doing what she thinks is right, Margaret puts herself in harms way to protect Mr. Thornton. Later when Mr. Thornton professes his unabashed love for her, she turns him down forthright! Determined to always love her, John Thornton is brokenhearted as it appears that she will never return his affections. As financial circumstances change will it continue to separate them? Will his love conquer all, or will she never marry?

Well I went on a rampage of info, didn't I? ;) The reason for such disappointed feelings for "North and South", is because the ending was so short! I was shocked! After a book that spares no expense in telling what kind of floors they had, I was dully shocked by how quickly it was wrapped up!  Despite the fact that it was romantic I was really hoping that it would be dragged out. lol Another reason I was disappointed is because I basically knew what was going to happen at every turn, which can be a little boring. I really liked this book, but wished I hadn't watched the movie first. Basically in that sentence I gave you my advise: Read the book first! If you have already watched the movie I wouldn't really bother reading it. Although that is up to you.
God bless and have a wonderful week!

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"The Double"

I really liked this movie! Very interesting and upbeat! Before I continue I have to tell you that the cursing was very bothersome! In other words they included to use God's name in vain, around 7 times. Mostly in the first 30min. :P Also there was this one scene where they, the main characters, were interrogating this one women who was scantily dressed. Other than these set backs I would totally recommend this movie.

"The Double" is about two agents, Paul Shepherdson (Richard Gere) and Ben Geary (Topher Grace), who both devoted their lives to finding Cassius. These two men are thrust together after a soviet assassin, Cassius, kills a senator. Former CIA agent, Paul, tries to talk Ben out of trying to find this cruel killer, but his attempts fail. Ben has been searching and learning all he can about Cassius for too long to give heed to caution. Should Ben give up when it hits a little closer to home? Although not all is as it seems. With murders popping up here and there, Ben believes he has the killer. Or is it all just a mask to an even bigger plan?

I watched this movie on Netflix! Honestly I love Netflix! I will be spending all month, for that's when the free trial runs out, watching movies! Soon, once I'm done reading "North and South" by Elizabeth Gaskell, I will watch the BBC film! So excited! Should I mention that it wouldn't be the first time I have watched it, or even the second time? lol

God bless and have a wonderful week! Guess what? This is my 200th post! Not very exciting is it? ;) Anyway thank you all so much for the encouraging words that have given me the drive to give you 200 more! :)

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Memorable Yard Sale

This is the first time I had actually gone to a yard sale. Other than the times as a very young child. I am so pleased with my purchases! The yard sale was a fundraiser for the youth, in our church, to go to a youth retreat. Despite my efforts to pay more I got all this for just 10 bucks! :D

All of my purchases together. The picture didn't focus too well. Sry.

I love this!

"The Columbia History of the World" just looked too interesting not to get! It has a ton of history in it and I can't wait to pour over it. The book on the right is on of my favorites and I'm so glad I found it! 

I got this for my brother since his room is the "travel" theme. Mainly consisting of Ships. :) 

I was trying to get a good angle on it. I love the little details. 

I was ecstatic when I found these! They're so intriguing! 

The entire set!

As you can see I don't think I did too bad shopping. ;) God bless and have a wonderful week!

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