I started a Substack

 

I'm on Substack now... and I wanted to let my o.g's know.

Here it is.

I very much do not expect anyone to be around on this ghost of a corner of the web, especially not after I private-ed, unprivate-ed, cleaned up and abandoned it all over the time span of 7-ish years, but ChatGPT does tell me followers don't disappear once you private a blogspot, meaning that if I un-private it, my loyal teen following could technically still see the newest post on their probably un-checked blogger dashboard.

All that to say.

Yes, I finally caved into the trend of old bloggers resurrecting anew on the sphere of Substack. It's a logical progression of happenings actually: teenage sheltered gal puts her soul on the internet, slowly becomes a women and starts actually living a life and finding out how she actually thinks about it (or how little she knows), and then as an adult finds herself in a season of re-embracing old loves and passions, thus reappearing again with little scribblings after a decade or so hiatus - somehow more confused about the world and more petrified to write than she was at 17. Indeed. I have been on a bit of a search as to how I can use my skills and nurture my passions. Despite how insecure and wobbly I feel about it, I did make the leap to restart some kind of internet corner again, forcing myself to write more systematically again and embrace what God apparently made me love to do.

So, if you see this and have any interest in my writings and musings, I will see you over there.

The name of the new Substack has a quiet nod to this blog: where it all started, my love for words and sharing them with random people. Continuing my walk of wonder, one might say.

You are cordially invited to a funeral

Right, the time has arrived. The day has hailed. The time has come. I can not hide it any more. My hiatus has come thus far; my absence in the blogging world has come to the extent that I can't deny its existence. I cannot call it a short break, I cannot brush it off as a holiday hiatus. The excuse of 'I have no time' or 'no inspiration' seem weak, don't they, and you don't believe them, do you. So I will officially announce that... (for the time being, for you never know what the future might hold) (because in fact, deep down I will always love blogging and I may resurrect in double glory one day. So hold your horses for that momentous occasion, peasants!)... I officially announce that... that... (ugh can I say this, can I say this...)

... you are warmly invited to the funeral of Wonderland Creek.

This hurts. Wow, the 15-year-old Naomi would roll in her grave. (Only, she is alive and well, fret ye not.) But 5 years is a long time and I have enjoyed many hours of blogging and I thank you warmly for reading along, commenting, enjoying and making me enjoy. This has given me huge happiness. I have met amazing people. I have gotten ever so much better at writing. You have been darlings and sweethearts and all that jazz.

However, 5 years is a long time and it would be even sadder if a being didn't change a bit between the ages of 15 and 20. So in the post I announce the unavoidable: A human being has changed and no longer has the same particular hobby and no long loves the idea of posting tons online. And that human being is me. And I am the owner of Wonderland Creek and I no longer run it much so I guess... I guess you are cordially invited to a beautiful funeral.

The funeral will go as follows:

1. You are asked all to wear black. We are, after all, in a state of mourning. (Jk, wear whatever colours you want. I am all about spreading a bit of cheer in the midst of turmoil and tears.)
2. There will be tea, coffee and biscuits. Beer (orange juice for the underaged of course) and chips for the after-party. Pizza for breakfast for the devoted fans that stay for the entire night. The money is on me. It's a pleasure, it's a pleasure, you're welcome.
3. You are asked not to cough or clap before, during or after the eulogy. The eulogy will highlight the awkward beginnings of Wonderland Creek. The first post will be read in the honour of a 15 year old's unskilled writing ability. We will then highlight several posts that deserve a mark in the hall of fame. The Pride and Pyjama's post will not be mentioned to avoid controversy and stirring during the afterparty. We ask the guests to remain respectful of each other's opinions. Other memorable events (such as the Emma-Naomi-visit, the first time A Picture Came On the Blog Of Her Face, the Downton Abbey week, etc.) will briefly be touched upon.
4. After the eulogy will come a short speech by myself explaining the reasons for the death of a dearly beloved blog. The reasons are undramatic but will be dramatized for entertainments sake. The reasons are as follows:
a) College really does take over your life
b) Relationships really do take over your life. And I have a whole lot more of them than I did when I was 15.
c) Offline life is so important and online presence just matters so much less to me. (I will dwell upon this one for a while because this is the main reason tbh.)
d) Blogging is not my #1 hobby
e) I LITERALLY HAVE NO TIME

So with that said, you are invited. Hope to see you there.

Bye lovelies. One day, perhaps, I shall return. I do not believe in YOLO. Stay tuned for bloopers. God bless you all. x

*leaves in a dash of smoke*

PS K, this is dramatic. I bet you I'll wake up tomorrow and suddenly I'll want to blog again. :-P

Responding to Search Keywords

(Pictures: randomly found online, as usual.)

(Inspired by the everlastingly creative and energetic Paper Fury (aka Cait) who does hilarious posts on this.)

Blogging is cool; I love blogging. As many bloggers have admitted without shame before; there are times when I greatly enjoy looking at the stats; the number of pageviews (227057) (what the bonanzas I know), the followers (150. ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY. Stoppit and thank you), and, best of all, the Search Keywords people submit before stumbling upon my blog. Unfortunately, I cannot see many (only the frequent/ recent ones - I wish I could see alll of them, because it's quite interesting. And if it's not interesting, it's amusing.) but there are some I can see in my 'stats' section and well, here are my responses to them. For fun. For waste of time. For amusement, and all that.

(And also because my sister says I have to post something funny so try to be witty I shall. I do things for my dear sisters, you see; it is my duty as a moral human being.) (Yes yes, I'll shut up. Thanks for asking.)

"A blogger is a person who"

Why would you search that, my dear. I mean, if you search something like that, you might as well, simply finish the bally sentence. Here, let me help you. A blogger is a person who owns a blog. Or writes blog posts. Or a blogger is a person who pretends to make their life look really fancy and cool online when in reality they're writing on their laptop in their dark corner of their bedroom. (Me. :-P)

Or maybe you want a post on what kind of person a blogger is. In that case, I get that you can't finish your search sentence. However, not trying to be critical here or anything like that, but maybe a better way to phrase (gosh, I spelt it fraze first - that is really really embarrassing, don't tell anyone I did that) your search keywords is, "What kind of person is a blogger?" Rather than 'A blogger is a person who'. Just a suggestion.

Also, it's a stupid question. No offence. Obviously bloggers are all people who decided, 'hey let's make a blog.' But that's where their similarities end. We have boring bloggers and interesting bloggers and fashion bloggers and photography bloggers and really wacky ones and really inspirational ones. Don't put us into one label, my dear. Rude.

"wondermland creek"

Not quiiiite. That m between the r and the l? Shouldn't be there. Try better next time.

"z lark rise do candleford"

I bet you're the same one as the 'wondermland creek' one. You should stop googling stuff on your phone, my dear; or either you should simply get some spelling lessons. (I'm sure you can find some online.) 

It's Lark Rise TO Candleford, not do. Lark risers don't do candleford. They go to it. (Have you seen the show? If you haven't, you're excused. But go watch it because it's really good.) As for the z in the beginning - I don't know what you did there. Maybe you're French; they tend to put random Z'ds here and then when they're speaking English.

(ignore the cigarette :-P)

"call the midwife hair"

Yes, there's hair in Call the Midwife. But you shouldn't call a midwife Hair; you should call them Midwives. Please. I want my blog to be a respectful place. Don't call people names.

"narnia war"

(Emma, I just looked at you and laughed.)

Well... Yes, there's a narnia war on this blog; you're right. It's been a while since I got another comment on my very old blog post on my feelings on Narnia (I won't link to it because it's embarrassing :-P) (Basically I said I didn't like it and some people Disagreed) but I think you might be able to call it a narnia war if you're fond of hyperboles.

"what a glorious feeling i'm happy again"

I'm glad to hear that, my dear. It's always good to see someone spreading positivity in the Search Keywords section.

"maths and more intext: email site:be"

I BEG YOUR PARDON, SIR.

Maths? Did I hear a word that just sent a shiver down my spine? I do NOT want that word EVER to be associated with my blog, DO YOU HEAR?!! (I bet you're that creepy person that used to send me spam comments. I have no idea why you'd think I'd even want to know more about maths. And no, I don't care about your email site. Go away. Buzz off.)

"mary poppins white dress"

Yes, she does have a white dress. I like it too.

"maryanne dashwood wedding dress"

Major Jane Austen attacker right here. Maryanne; someone wrote MARYanne. I am shocked; grieved. My dear reader, do not ever spell Marianne Dashwood's name with a Y; that is simply unheard of. I'm afraid you will not be able to call yourself a true Janeite before you clear that terrible spelling mistake up. Really.

As for her wedding dress; yes she's got one. I believe I mentioned it ages ago (I don't like linking to old posts, but here it is, for you, because you asked so nicely.), however, I only give you permission to visit my blog if you promise to spell Marianne the right way in the future. (Now go; you are forgiven of your sins.)

"naomi 15 blogspot"

You're right, that's roughly what my URL consists of. Good job.

"content"

I'm afraid you aren't being concise enough. What do you mean by 'content', pray? Yes, it's a word with seven letters. Yes, I have content in my blog - otherwise it wouldn't be anything in the first place. And no, I hope I don't have any unsuitable content on here, if that's what you mean. Please, in the future, be clearer in your message. I'm a busy woman; I have no time to deal with unclear Search Keywords. (Note I say woman, as I am now 18 and no longer 17. :-P)

"wonderland creek naomi"

You're boring.

This was really fun. Now fare thee well, superfriends. Don't be stupid or make bad decisions. Stay awkward. Be messy and leave good messyges. (If you got all that; we watch the same Youtube channels which means you're a pretty awesome human being; so good job.)

Three more days till the Downton Abbey Week!

Don't forget, dear readers-all, that the epic Downton Abbey Week commences in three days only. Be sure to come back on Saturday to hail its start! Also, if you have a blog and are interested in participating (or just... spreading the love), please do put a DA-blog button on your sidebar! You can find them here.

Also, if you're like me and don't like to write blog posts under pressure, do write them now and publish them next week! Let's spread the Downton Abbey love and make us fans shine! :-) Can't wait, guys... and have a good day! (No really, do your best to make it good.) (I will try, although a long, tiring, and slightly boring day looms ahead of me.)

Announcing... Downton Abbey Week!

T'is decided; I'm going to DO it! :-) My 'week' for this year, 2016, is going to be Downton Abbey based. And it's going to be a whole lot of fun; even for you girls and boys who haven't seen this glittering TV masterpiece yet. (I will make you watch it. Just you wait and see, boys and girls. Just you wait and see.) I will talk about my darling characters, the swoony outfits, the HOUSE, and  a lot of Matthew Crawley. I haven't got any posts written yet, but I have so many ideas - and it's going to be so much fun!! 

Let's do this: Spread the love with the buttons!! Give them a little space in your sidebar, with a link to my blog, will you?

Coming on the 21st of August is... the Downton Abbey Week!

(Aren't they pretty? I'm quite proud of them.)

(Now off to write blog posts... :-P)

Three tiny little things to say.

First of all, lets all appreciate the picture above and pray that one day we will be in a situation as cute as that. 

Secondly, I would like to broadcast my warm congratulations to my fellow blogger and Period Drama-lover, Heidi, who is engaged to be married! I'm really so happy for her, and I hope she'll be a very happy wife. (I'm sure she will. :-D)

Thirdly, zee new blog look. I know, it's a bit different. The first time I opted for a one-picture header. I hope it looks nice. I also added several 'pages' - a 'Why the name' page, explaining how and why I chose the name 'Wonderland Creek' for this blog, and a FAQ page, answering questions that no-one's ever asked me, hahahaha. :-P

Quick new blog look...

Just for your interest, there's a new blog look making it's debut on Wonderland Creek! I know - more pink, more Jane Austen, more Downton Abbey - nothing REALLY new - but anyways, here it is. I'd like your opinions, even if they be negative.

There's a story contest somewhere...

Hi dear people scattered around the world happening to read this post. Hello, and happy six-days-before-Christmas. I hope you've got your red and green outfits all ready, and I hope you're singing Christmas songs all day (because you should be.) (I sang 'I'm dreaming of a White Christmas' about five times while laying the table today. I sang it very passionately. Because I am dreaming of a White Christmas so there.) (Seriously, it's almost summer weather here. Ghastly business.)

ANYWAY.

This post is to say that my friend Melody is having a Story Contest. If more than eight people enter the prize is a 5$ Amazon giftcard. SO PLEASE. Go and enter. Because just think. If there are plenty of people there is this PRIZE. :-)

Also, it's good for your thinking skills and writing skills and all that.

AND IT'S FUN.

Melody has written down all the rules and all the information in this post. So buzz off now and go and read it and then go and write and then go and enter. Thanks. Goodbye.

Two Guest Posts (and an Edward Ferras gif.)

Hello, dear people. I hope your December has started off nicely. (December is my favourite month and I have decided to make the best of this one. I'm going to listen to millions of soundtracks, and eat sugary stuff, and journal in red and green ink. I'm so freeeeeeeeeekin excited about Christmas it's not even funny hello.)

Anyway, this is just to say that I've written two Lucy Maud Montgomery-related guest posts for my friend Eva, for her LMM week! Do go and check them out, if you haven't yet. Here's one about Jane of Lantern Hill, and here's one about Maud's life.

Must buzz off now; I have work to do, and a book to write, and Sense and Sensiblity to re-read. Have a lovely day.

Wait, I have something to tell you. Very quickly.

I just rewatched Sense and Sensibility 2008, and GUYS it's official. This is my favourite Sense and Sensibility. Although Mrs Jennings and the Palmers and Marianne and Mr Whilloughby are all, in my opinion, much better in the classic 1995 version, I think everything else in better in here. I just LOVE this Elinor, and OH I LOVE THIS EDWARD SO MUCH. No, not just because he's Dan Stevens, really not. HE'S JUST SPLENDID. I cried and cried when they kissed. Also, all the characters and the lines and the plot twists are in there, and it's three episodes. Nawh, I just love it.)

I LOVE HIM. My favourite JA hero after Mr Knightley. It's OFFICIAL. :-)

(Although what's up with those dusty strawberries in Colonel Brandon's piano room?!!!! And Miss Grey's dress at the ball?!! What da. (And also, there are far too many shots of shells.) But never mind.)

REALLY must go now. Schoolwork is rather boring, but at least I have Thomas Newman soundtracks and drinks. I'm everlastingly thankful to be homeschooled.

Don't forget to check out the guest posts!

Black Friday Book Sale!

Sooooooooooo. Cheap books are always Good Things. Right?!!!

Click right here, then peoples.

Just saying.

Bye.

So that was the Jane Austen Week!

It is oooover. *Sniffles*

Seriously though, it was really fun! Unfortunately I had a dreadful cold throughout, so I was a bit tired in the middle of the week, but all in all I really enjoyed it. Thank you ever so much for your enthusiasm, your comments, your participation, your posts. IT WAS SUCH JOLLINESS. A success, I might call it. I really enjoyed it, although I have to admit it was slightly more work than I had thought it to be! But I'm so glad I did it!! So, to You All: Thank you. :-D

To finish this lovely week off, here's a list of links. All the lovely Jane Austen posts you wrote! (If you haven't submitted your posts yet. Do So. Merci.)

My Favourite Jane Austen dresses (by Erudessa of 'The Flowering Vales')

Jane Austen Mounts (by Erudessa of 'The Flowering Vales')

Jane Austen Week - Top 10 dresses from Pride and Prejudice 1995 (by Lois of 'You, Me, and a Cup of Tea.')

Jane Austen Week - Favourite JA Movie Adaptations (by Lucy of 'You Come Too.')

Jane Austen Week - Northanger Abbey Buttons (by Lucy of 'You Come Too.')

"The Sense and Sensibility Screenplay & Diaries" by Emma Thompson (by Hamlette of 'The Edge of the Precipice)

My 3 Favourite Austen Films (by Heidi of 'Along the Brandywine')

Persuasion: Forgotten Scene (by Cordy of 'Write on, Cordy!')

Jane Austen Collage (by Evie of 'Letters from Avonlea')

Movie Wardrobes : Emma (2009) (by Rose of 'An Old Fashioned Girl')

Did you enjoy this?

Because I DID. :-D

Thank you for making it a success!

Jane Austen Week Starts! + The Tag

I can imagine Jane Austen thought up the Harriet-portrait scene while she was sitting for this portrait.

So.

It has begun. Today.

*waits for epic music to stop*

Time for an Introduction. Welcome to the PARTY, everyone. Take some cake (better hide from Mr Woodhouse), grab some wine ('cos I'm so fagged I can scarcely breathe) and Be Seated. I hope you'll enjoy all the games and posts I have ready for you. (I think you will, because they're all about Jane Austen. And we all love Jane Austen, right, right, RIGHT?!)

How does this party work?

There aren't really any strict rules. If you want to join, these are some ideas for you:

1. Read my posts. Kind of comment. Play the game-to-come. Just ramble about anything Jane Austen. It's all welcome. You can even comment a novel on that red cape in Persuasion. I don't care. I am all eyes.

2. Answer the Tag Questions. (See below.)

3. Write some Jane Austen-related posts on your blog. 

It can be about anything, as long as it's about Jane Austen. It doesn't have to be an amazing review (although that's nice, too) - it's allowed to be about anything - for example, 'Your three favourite Mr Palmer facial expressions.' Or, 'Why I think Mrs Norris and General Tilney would make a perfect couple.' Or 'my favourite dresses in Emma 1996.' Be creative! I'd love to read anything you come up with. :-)

Of course, we need a Tag. Every good party needs a list of Questions for everyone to answer. I am planning to answer these questions myself today, and I'd be delighted if you went ahead and answered them on your blog (or if you don't have a blog, the comment section awaits). I'm also planning to do a 'Tag Answers Round-up' at the end of this week, so if you do this tag you might have a chance of appearing on my blog, sooo. *Wiggles Eyebrows* (How about that, eh, Lizzy!)

The Questions:

(Most of them are JA related, of course, but I've added some random ones, for the party-spirit.)

1. On a scale of 1 to 10, how much of a Jane Austen fan do you consider yourself?

2. If "they" would make a new Jane Austen Movie, and you would be able to be cast in it, which Jane Austen character would you most like to play?

3. Is there any felicity in the world superior to a walk?

4. Who's your favourite Jane Austen 'villain'? (As in 'villain' meaning 'the bad guy.')

5. What/Who introduced you to Jane Austen?

6. Did you love/enjoy Jane Austen immediately, or has there been a time when you hated (um, prejudged) it?

7. Who, in your opinion, is the funniest Jane Austen character?

8. Do you quote Jane Austen randomly in public?

9. Are children allowed to eat cake on weddings?

10. What is your reaction when you hear that an aquaintance (e.g. A lady at Church) of yours loves Jane Austen?

11. Who writes better letters, Mr Darcy or Captain Wentworth? (If you forgot what the letters were, shame on you, instead tell me if you prefer Strawberries to Chocolate or not.)

12. Which Jane Austen heroine do you relate the least to?

13. What's your favourite Jane Austen house (from one of the movies)?

14. What's your favourite Jane Austen dress (from one of the movies)?

15. Can you turn off lit candles with your fingers?

Have fun! Don't forget to comment the link(s) of your post(s) - the Tag Answers and any other JA-related post you happen to write this week - so I can read it and comment.

Lets dooo thisss.

Jane Austen Week - Arriving on 1st of November

I've decided! I'm going to do it. :-D Your very encouraging words made me hit the bat - Thank you so much, dear people. I think this is going to be so fun!

Please spread the word! If you'd put one of these on your sidebar, I'd be very much obliged. :-)

In the meanwhile, posts might be scarce on here, as I am busily preparing for The Very Fun Week. There will be some reviews, some random Jane Austen -icy, some guest posts, and of course, GAMES. :-)

So, stay TUNED.

New Blog Look

This is just a quick post telling you that... you should have a peek at my blog again because I've rearranged it and I would love to know your opinions! :-)

 

 

Love you all so much! I can't believe I have fifty followers already. Seriously... you guys. I LOVE YOU. Your comments keep on pouring in with more abundance and compliments than I deserve and you have blessed me more than you probably realise. Thank you so, so much for following!!!

 

Please tell me in the comments what you think of my new blog look! Is there anything you think I should add or leave? Be brutal. :-P

 

I'm back with my sign-off pictures. :-)

 

A short note of nicement

Sssh. Nicement is not a word. Let's say no more.

 

 

This is a short post (as you might have gathered from the title) to tell you guys that my dear friend Heidi has made a new writing blog, and is hosting a giveaway for her two books she's written. I'm definitely entering - Heidi has a lovely and graceful writing style.

 

So check out the giveaway and new blog HERE. And enter, 'cos after all, it's a book and you can never do wrong with books written by nice people.

 

Right? :-) (I dare you to write, 'yes, you can.' I dare you.)

New Blog Look!

 

Hello dears! Today I was fiddling around and the end was... this new blog look.

 

Mmm.

 

That's what I'm saying right now. Mmm. I'm not sure what to think of it.

 

Please, let me know what you think of it!

The last one. I promise.

Hello!

 

*bites fingernails nervously*

 

So, erm, yes.

 

So. Yeeeah.

 

How do I start?

 

Mmm.

 

Ahem.

 

Well.

 

Let me start.

 

This is my main blog, right? I post on this one the most and I don't plan to stop - not ever. I love my lil' Wonderland Creek. It's my main blog. It's THE my blog.

 

But then, remember, I have some other little places. I share the Downton Abbey blog with my bestie Emma and my other dear friend Sadie.

I have the Montgomery blog, too.

 

I don't regret making those blogs. Oh no, not at all.

 

But yeah.

 

I made another.

 

*shrinks in corner*

 

Hehe. Yeah.

 

Here it is.

 

It's a Period Drama Confession blog.

 

And it's my last one. Promise.

 

 

I personally love reading confessions. Of any sorts. And my favourites are, of course, the Period Drama ones. So yeah - You must follow that blog too, and submit some confessions now and then.

 

Please.

 

Thanks.

 

*clicks publish button nervously*