Movie Review: Anne of Green Gables (1985)

Mm-hmm, you guessed correctly! 'Tis time for another movie review, and not surprisingly, another adaption. Sorry, ladies--I'm a bookworm through and through, even when it comes to the films I love. :)

Anne of Green Gables (1985)

*Directed by Kevin Sullivan and starring Megan Follows*

Description from PluggedIn.com

An orphan since infancy, the disarmingly precocious Anne arrives on-screen as a 12-year-old with fiery red hair (which she views as her own personal trial) and a tongue that never rests (which others see as their trial). To compensate for being passed over--and around--her whole life, she has fixed on a simple plan: Look for the best in everything. And if there isn't anything good, imagine it, then work to make it reality.

Placed in the home of elderly siblings Marilla and Matthew, Anne, for the first time in her life, receives unconditional love. And with that love comes instruction and discipline. Lessons learned include respect for elders, submission, forgiveness and godliness. Marilla even models the value of prayer and a consistent walk with God, stating, "God does not want you for a fair-weather friend."

As Anne grows and matures into an elegant young lady, she forges a cherished friendship with a neighbor girl, works hard to succeed at her academic ventures, learns that wealth doesn't ensure happiness and masters responsibility (on one occasion her thoughtfulness and presence of mind save the life of her friend's baby sister).

My Thoughts: This is an amazing film. It follows the original story by L.M. Montgomery closely without being boring or excessively long. We watched it as a family yet again last week, and Daddy watched it with us for the first time. It was such an enjoyable experience watching it together, and I remembered once more everything I love about this movie, the main one being the fact that Megan Follows practically is Anne. Her portrayal is so perfect, and she really makes the film feel delightfully authentic, as if I was watching the book play across the screen. Diana Barry was slightly off for me, but I've grown accustomed to the "movie Diana" and it doesn't bother me anymore like it did the first time I watched the film. Altogether, I declare Anne of Green Gables to be a wonderful treat for everyone, especially those who love the original stories, i.e. myself. :)

Pros: Memorable characters. Christian faith. Wonderful dialogue. A plot with lots of little twists and turns. Absolutely beautiful scenery and music. This movie has it all. 

Cons: Not much inappropriate language that I can think of (Anne calls one character a "devil," but only in teasing). It is rather long, but that makes it much more enjoyable because it gives the viewer the chance to really get to know the characters. There is a bit of rude language in the beginning from Mrs. Hammond, but not really anything about which to be concerned. Anne speaks of "not caring for God" in one scene, but 'tis when she does not yet know who He is--her outlook changes before the end of the movie.

~Memorable Quotes~

Aunt Josephine: "Make a little room in your plans for romance again, Anne, girl. All the degrees and scholarships in the world can't make up for the lack of it."

Mrs. Cadbury: "Tell me what you know about yourself."

Anne Shirley: "Well, it really isn't worth telling, Mrs. Cadbury... but if you let me tell you what I imagine about myself you'd find it a lot more interesting."

Anne Shirley: "And I promise I'll never do it again. That's the one good thing about me. I never do the same wrong thing twice."

Anne Shirley: "Wilt thou give me a lock of thy jet-black tresses?"

Diana Barry: "But I don't have any black dresses." 

Anne Shirley: "Your hair."

Diana Barry: "All right."

Anne Shirley: [after saying her prayers] "Did I do alright?"

Marilla Cuthbert: "Yes, if you were addressing a business letter to the catalogue store."

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

So, any thoughts you'd care to share relating to my movie reviews? Should I do more or just stick to reviewing books?

The Feelin' Feminine Challenge | Q/A

You can view each of my outfit posts here:

*Introduction to the event

*Day One

*Day Two

*Day Three

*Day Four

*Day Five

*Day Six

*Day Seven

In order to receive some feedback on how the Challenge affected me, Feelin' Feminine provided the following questions:

How was the experience for you? 'Twas quite fun; I enjoyed it a lot.

Any particular stories? Not from this specific week; however, since I often wear skirts, there are many stories I could share from other times. Just last week I was at the orthodontist and wearing the same outfit I wore on Day Five, and the assistant said to me, "I really love your skirt! I love wearing skirts myself and rarely wear pants. I just feel so much more feminine and womanly in long skirts." 

Did wearing skirts rather than pants affect the way you felt? I always feel much more ladylike in skirts.

The way you felt about yourself? *Read above answer.*

The way you acted? Hmm. Wearing skirts is not out of the norm for me, so I can't say I acted much different than usual.

The way you carried yourself? The way I carried myself did not change this week, but it *did* change a year ago when I decided to start wearing more skirts and dressing more modestly in general.

Were you able to go about everyday activity as freely as pants? Of course! 

How did people respond? Many friends of mine frequently compliment me on my clothing (I feel so narcissistic right now :P), but I didn't notice anything different this week as opposed to other weeks. Again, this could be because I wore exactly what I always wear and not anything dramatically different.

Were you more respected? I have noticed that ever since I started wearing skirts last year, gentlemen of my acquaintance have treated me with more respect, i.e. holding open the door for me (not in a romantic way, just as a polite gesture). 

Did you feel more like a lady? Indeed--that's why I love dressing like one!

After the Challenge do you desire to keep wearing skirts more regularly, or were you desperate to wear pants again? I almost always wear skirts; I can't say I felt any different about the matter than I usually do. 

I hope you enjoyed reading the questions and answers. I'd like to also give a big thank you to everyone who joined in the Challenge! I really enjoyed seeing the pictures of your creative and feminine outfits. :)

Have a blessed evening, dear ladies!

The Feelin' Feminine Challenge | Day Seven

Goodness, I can't believe 'tis already the last day of the Challenge! Sometime tomorrow or Monday I will be posting the optional Q/A about how the Challenge affected you, etc., even though dressing in skirts 24/7 is practically a way of life for me. The hardest part was not wearing skirts every day; 'twas taking pictures of my outfits and posting about them. It will be nice to get back to reviewing books and other "normal" posts again; I feel somewhat self-conscious publishing posts every day that revolve around me, me, me. But above all, it is my hope that this challenge has encouraged you to start incorporating more skirts into your wardrobe and dressing more femininely in general in your daily life.

(I think this is one of my favorite outfits of the whole week)

~What I'm Wearing~

Necklace: Birthday present from a friend

Pink sleeveless shirt: Walmart

Jean jacket: Gift from a friend

White skirt: Gift from a friend

Shoes: None :)

Just for the sake of pure fun, what is your favorite of all the outfits I've worn this week? 

"The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." ~Zephaniah 3:17

The Feelin' Feminine Challenge | Day Six

Ooh, how I love this ruffled purple blouse! I feel so ladylike and feminine in it. :)

~What I'm Wearing~

Purple ruffled blouse: Goodwill

Grey undershirt: Walmart

Belt: Gift from a friend

Jean skirt: Goodwill (same one I wore on Day Three)

Shoes: Plato's Closet (same one's I wore on Day Five)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The Feelin' Feminine Challenge | Day Five

It may seem to some that I have completely abandoned the Challenge before it was complete. That is not the truth. On Thursdays I have tutorial, and we were so busy this Thursday that it completely escaped my mind to take a picture of my outfit and post about it. :( Eventually, I *did* remember, but by then it was too late to do much more than take a quick picture and plan to download/edit/post it on Friday along with that day's outfit. Wellll, come Friday when Bree was about to take a picture of my outfit, the camera was no where to be found. We looked high and low throughout the day, but it wasn't located until this morning. So, I have been playing "dress-up" a bit today, and besides taking a picture of today's outfit, I also put on my outfit from yesterday and took a picture of that, too. 

And that's why this post, which should have been up on Thursday, is not getting posted until tonight. For the sake of neatness, I will be publishing each outfit in a separate posts as if everything had gone according to our original plans. 

(*please forgive the horrid quality--nightime is not known for its incredible light*)

~What I'm Wearing~

Green blouse: Handed down to me from Momma a couple years ago

White undershirt: Target

Brown skirt: Gift from a friend

Black ballet flats: Plato's Closet

One down, two more to go... :)

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." ~Romans 8:28

The Feelin' Feminine Challenge | Day Four

Oh, what a lovely afternoon! The sun is beaming down on our house, its steamy rays cooled and gentled as it filters through the thick green leaves on the trees that provide us with such restful and delicious shade. 'Tis the perfect day to... climb a tree!

~What I'm Wearing~

Hair Flower (not shown--it's a white daisy): Borrowed from Bree

Necklace: Same as yesterday (yes, I do like this necklace: however did you guess? :P)

White top: Goodwill

Yellow skirt: Birthday present from Bree

Shoes: None

Have a wonderful afternoon, dear ladies!

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." 

~1 Peter 3:3-5

The Feelin' Feminine Challenge | Day Three

These August days go by so fast! Despite the fact that school is starting up again, everyone still seems caught in that sleepy, dreamy transe that summer causes. Each day seems to pass vaguely, but when I check my calendar to see what the date is, I am often alarmed at how fast-approaching is September. I only wish the heat would go half as fast as the days do. 'Tis so hot outside now that from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. one is forced to either stay inside where air conditioning is a welcome respite or brave the heat with lots and lots of water. :) Ah, well. I know in the cold winter of January and February I will long for the steamy heat of August. 

~What I'm Wearing~

Headscarf: Gift from a friend

Necklace: Same one that I wore yesterday 

Blue v-neck top: Gift from a friend

Grey undershirt: Walmart

Jean skirt: Goodwill

Shoes: None ('tis summer, after all :))

Don't forget to link your posts up in the list below! 

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." ~Psalm 118:24

The Feelin' Feminine Challenge | Day Two

Today has been a busy, somewhat productive day. I'm slowly trying to work school back into my schedule, but after doing no schoolwork except math for almost three months, it's hard to get back into the habit. Learning is something I naturally love and I'm excited to get back to work, but my newly-rigorous schedule now that I'm in ninth grade takes some adjusting. :)

~What I'm Wearing~

Necklace: A gift from a friend

Top: A gift from a friend

Skirt: A gift from a friend 

Shoes: (I know you can't see them well; I'm wearing plain black flip flops) Old Navy

Well, I'm off to type up my biology lab report. I hope y'all have a lovely afternoon! 

"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks." ~Proverbs 31:17 

The Feelin' Feminine Challenge | Day One

Welcome to Day One of the FF Challenge! Since it is the Lord's Day today, I dressed up a bit more than usual. :)

~What I'm Wearing~

Ruffled off-white top: Goodwill

Undershirt: Target

Skirt: Gift from a friend

Shoes: Target (purchased several years ago, actually)

Let me also say that this particular pair of shoes is not one of my favorites, since I find them just a tad on the gaudy side. However, I am wearing them here because they are the only pair of shoes that match my skirt.

Be sure to link up your posts in the SimplyLinked list below! I can't wait to see what y'all are putting together!

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." ~1 Corinthians 6:19-20

7 Days in Skirts and Dresses: Can You Do It?

I was so excited when Miss Jocelyn at Feelin' Feminine granted me permission to host The Challenge this month! As a young lady who dresses primarily in skirts, I love to encourage other women, young and old, to dress with not only with modesty but with femininity, too. We are so blessed to be women! The Father made women for a special purpose. He gave her a nurturing and caring heart, a womanly spirit, and the ability to carry and birth children. We are throwing away that blessing when we insist on going around dressing and acting as men do.* 

Here's the plan: 7 days in skirts and dresses. That's it. Maybe you've never worn a skirt or dress a day in your life. There's nothing wrong with that. However, now is your opportunity to embrace your God-given femininity!

Each day, I will be posting a picture of my outfit. If you would like to join me, all you have to do is take a picture of your outfit and post it on your blog. Because we also want to be modest in our dress, I ask that all of your dresses/skirts are at least knee-length and that none of your shirts are sleeveless. I will have a Simply Linked widget at the bottom of each of my posts: please remember to link up with your blog post so others can stop by and see your lovely outfits!

This event will start on August 21st and it will run through August 27th. For more details on The Challenge, click here. 

I'd love to have you join me!


*Please understand that I do not by any means believe all pants are immodest or unladylike. However, there is something distinctly feminine about skirts, and that is why I enjoy wearing them.

Happy Sweet Sixteen, Brianna!

I know I already posted once today, but this was too special to let pass without some mentioning. :)

Miss Brianna Wachter from By the Way is celebrating her sixteenth birthday today! This sweet girl is so smart and kind-hearted, as well as being an amazing graphic designer. Throughout the almost two years that I've "known" her, I have been overwhelmed with her spiritual maturity and wisdom, despite her tender years. Her blog is the perfect mix of wittiness, photos, and seriousness. I'm sure she'd love some birthday wishes, so head on over to BTW and shower dear Näna with love! Mrs. Wachter also wrote a very touching post about the birthday girl on her blog, which you can read here. 

Oh, and one last thing (I couldn't resist :P)...

Love you, Brianna! ♥

Book Review: The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis {rewrite}

Welcome, one and all, to the first of many rewritten book reviews! I decided I might as well start with one of my favorite collection of books of all time: The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. To quote Shakespeare in his epic play, Henry V, "Shall we about it?"

The Magicians Nephew (Book 1 in TCoN series)

By C.S. Lewis

*Summary taken from the back of the book

NARNIA... where the woods are thick and cool, where Talking Beasts are called to life... a new world where the adventure begins.

Digory and Polly meet and become friends one cold, wet summer in London. Their lives burst into adventure when Digory's Uncle Andrew, who thinks he's a magician, sends them hurtling to... somewhere else. They find their way to Narnia, newborn from the Lion's song, and encounter the evil sorceress Jadis before they finally return home.

My Thoughts: Anyone who knows me well can tell you how much I love when I am given the history behind characters. This book is well beloved by me because it helps me connect the dots from the rest of the books in the series, mainly The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. You learn why the wardrobe in  the second book has the power to carry the Pevensies to Narnia; you learn why the Professor does not seem startled by Lucy's "make-believe." It gives reason behind every happening, of which I am particularly fond. I also found it beautiful how Aslan sang Narnia into existence. What a beautiful representation of our Lord's creation! Before Aslan's song has begun, there is darkness--nothingness. The place in which Digory, Polly, and several other characters find themselves is devoid of almost anything... except the Lion. And as he makes Narnia and brings light into the empty spaces, Polly and Digory are filled with this beautiful, delicious feeling. "And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness." ~Genesis 1:3-4~

Pros: This book is a wonderful allegory of Creation. C.S. Lewis is a brilliant author, and he has a wonderful way with words. Children adore the characters and story, while adults can find hints and allegories relating to the Gospel threaded into the tale. And as for reading the books in order, I can honestly say that 'tis up to the reader. I read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe first (a month before the popular film came out, Daddy read a chapter aloud each night before we went to bed). Then I read Prince Caspian, since it also dealt with the Pevensies and it made more SENSE that way. Then I read The Magician's Nephew, then finished books #3, #5, #6, and #7. I loved read TMN after I had read books #2 and #4 because I had that delightful moment of, "Oh, I see...!" However, if you were to read the books in the order they are normally sold nowadays, you would probably understand TLtWaTW better... but you'd miss the wonderful thrill of realization. It's your choice. 

Cons: Digory's Uncle Andrew practices "magic." Although he pretends to be a magician and causes more harm than good with his magic rings, he is really a very silly and foolish old man and doesn't know as much about magic as he thinks. He also has a perpetuity to drink alcohol and swear at times. The witch Jadis is very evil and behaves in a despicable way; however, her behavior is frowned upon and thought to be very wrong by everyone but Uncle Andrew. Aunt Letty refers to Jadis as a "shameless hussy."

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I recommend this book for ages 10+ due to some violence and swearing (not much, just something for which to look out).

A Bit O' Reading For the Day:

"...I cannot tell that to [Uncle Andrew], and I cannot comfort him either; he has made himself unable to hear my voice. If I spoke to him, he would hear only growlings and roarings. Oh Adam's sons, how cleverly you defend yourselves against all that might do you good!" ~The Magician's Nephew, chapter 14

Rewritten book reviews.

Throughout the nearly two years that Living on Literary Lane has been a member of the blogworld, I have reviewed almost thirty different books, most of them excellent reads. However, as is expected, my reviewing style improved over time. When I first started LOLL (then called Lizzy's Library, as some of you may remember), I wasn't exactly sure how to write a book review. Therefore, when reviewing several books those first few months, I put in details that were irrelevant and left out extremely necessary notes. I also included an entire synopsis of the book, including the end (!!). I hope that the quality of my book reviews is now not nearly as erroneous as it once was, and I know I am still learning.

All that to say, there were several books (i.e. Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, The Chronicles of Narnia) that I did a terrible job of reviewing*. Really. I'm almost embarrased to look back and read them, because they really are awful. More like a mismash of thoughts and feelings than an adequate book review. I know I can't rewrite ALL my book reviews (first of all, that would be way too time-consuming!), but since these books happen to be some of my favorites I am going to do so. The purpose behind this is so that none of my readers, old or new, are under the incorrect impression that the thoughts I expressed in those old book reviews are thoughts and ideas that I still hold. In a way, they are... but there's so much more to those books than what I said!

So, you can be expecting a rewritten book review for the following books to be posted on LOLL in the near future:

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (all seven books, to be reviewed individually)

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Regular book reviews for the following books will also be posted soon**, as my schedule allows:

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder (all nine books, to be reviewed individually)
The Saturdays by Elizabeth Enright
A Life of Faith: Elsie Dinsmore by Martha Finley/Mission City Press (all eight books, to be reviewed individually)
A Life of Faith: Millie Keith by Martha Finley/Mission City Press (all eight books, to be reviewed individually)
A Life of Faith: Violet Travilla by Martha Finley/Mission City Press (all eight books, to be reviewed individually)
A Life of Faith: Kathleen McKenzie by Tracy Leninger Craven (all four books, to be reviwed individually)

Have a lovely and productive Monday, dear ladies!


P.S. I published this post on my almost-nonexistent photography blog a while back, and I would appreciate it so much if you stopped by and read it. Thanks!

*And yes, I know you're all dying now to read {and laugh} over my old book reviews. I must warn you, though: read at your own peril. Thank you.


**Both lists are rather long, and my time on the computer is limited. Also, other important matters may come up that I need to post about as well. All that to say, it may be some time before I get to ALL the books on my list. Thank you for your patience.