Valentiney Stuff

I'm happily single, but happily appreciative of Valentiney, Romancey Stuff. I, therefore, like many other lovely single ladies, celebrate this month of Romance in my own way... on my own. (No, I didn't suppress a sob while declaring my current state of I-have-no-bae-ness. I have tons of lovely friends and I just read To Kill a Mockingbird and I'm listening to Carrie Underwood so yeah, why would I complain? Really. Keep it together.) (Also, chocolate. There's more when you're single because you don't have to share.) (I realise it's not V-day yet, but I'm an early bug when it comes to cute couples.)

Here are some Valentiney Stuff that give me LOADS AND LOADS OF FEELSIES. Enjoy.

Because Downton Abbey couples always deserve a mention in posts about Romance. Tom + Sybil's epic romance always makes my heart melt and ugh lets not even talk about the disgusting adorableness of Matthew and Mary. (I can't NOT talk about these without italics. They are the epitome of cute.)

This random wedding video made me cry buckets and I don't even know these people. How. I love them and I love how they really, really, really want their marriage to be all about Jesus. Also, they're crazy cute together so that helps.

A buncha random cute pictures I found online. Because it's adorable.

OKAY SO THIS VIDEO. I know, the dude's hair is terrible (okay, fine, it's not my style) but this couple is honestly so so adorable and I now want to have a surprise wedding too. Their passion to have Jesus-centred lives is just heart-warming and I love it when they just cry and laugh and look at each other and then cry and laugh some more. (Yes, I get attached to random people in youtube videos. Welcome to my life.)




Excuse me while I die. TOM AND BARBARA TOM AND BARBARA TOM AND BARBARA. They're seriously so cute that I am at loss for words. (*cue Marilla Cuthbert rolling her eyes at this loss-for-words-fiddlesticks.*) I'm afraid Marilla would roll her eyes a lot at me; especially when I start talking about Emma and Knightley. Just look at these two:

JUST YES. AND YES. I LOVE THEM.



However, of course, the award for the cutest couple ever ever EVER goes to Minnie and Alfie in Lark Rise to Candleford. These two are so freakin adorable together it's literally TIRING to watch. (No, really.)

This is my favourite couple-in-love-song I have ever listened to. (At least, at the moment. These things change.) Carrie Underwood's voice is fire and lightning and roses and candles all rolled into one, and this song is so passionate and calm and soothing and beautiful AHHH I LOVE IT. (Let's listen to it together.)

... if this post doesn't make you appreciate romance, I don't know what will. Happy Valentine's day, folks. If you're single, don't mourn your singleness but yeah, do squeal over cute couples because it makes life a great deal rosier and it's really fun. (Do talk about your favourite cute couples in the comments because I can always do with more sappiness.)

If Period Drama Characters had Internet Bios #2

(I might make these a little series, what do you think? Are there any Period Dramas you'd like me to cover?)

EMMA

@The_Emma_Woodhouse Connoisseur of other people's hearts+aspirations. Look on the bright side and win all the arguments! #Emma
@MrKnightley Enjoy good company, live in Donwell Abbey and that's about all I wish to say about myself online.
@ChurchillboyFrank Love blonde pretty girls, london haircuts and dancing and whatever my latest fave thing is! YOLO!
@JaneFairfax "It is a common saying, and in everyone's mouth, that life is but a sojourn." - Plato
@The?_Harriet_Smith educated young lady. blonde. i love valentine cards and ship courts i think. #Emma
@Mr_Elton The painting by @The_Emma_Woodhouse of @The?_Harriet_Smith is nothing but perfection.
@Augusta_Elton I am better than all the other girls and you know what lets have a music club i'll organise EVERYTHING!
@MrsWeston Formally Miss Taylor, but now have a wonderful husband. :-)
@MrWeston @MrsWeston's husband. I smile a lot and tell people stories about my son Frank.
@MissBates i really dont know how to write one of these but my mother said i should give it a go so here i am oh i did quite well dont you think?
@Mr_Woodhouse To be ill is the worst thing there is. To be far away from loved ones is even worse.
@Isabella_K There is so much noise in the house.
@John_Knightley Attorney by trade / People are annoying / except maybe my wife and brother and kids.
@RobertMartin Just a random farmer lad trying to get the best in life.

CRANFORD

@Miss_Matty It is the little things in life, I believe, that make one truly joyful. Oranges, beautiful profiles, and lace caps. And peas.
@Deborah_Jenkyns Tradition stands, laughing is vulgar, and I have a headache of phenomenal dimension.
@Marysmith Wearer of spectacles, reader of books, content with my life.
@ThegreatspinsterPole HAVE U HEARD ABOUT @Dr_Harrison lets chat 2gether oh my gosh.
@Mrs_Forrester PLEASE find betsy dear!!! please! i will give you my lace as a prise.
@The_Honourable_Mrs_Jamieson I love my dog / Own my private sedan chair / Survived the attack of a murderer
@Red_Caroline Feeling delicate and beautiful in my new red silk!!! (@Doc_Harrison, r u coming?)
@Augusta_sisterofC Life is interesting. My sister is my best friend.
@Mr_Holbrook "Every moment, lightly shaken, ran itself in golden sands." - Tennyson
@PeterJenkyns the coolest old person in Cranford << i'm back!
@Captain_Brown I enjoy the Pickwick Papers, the railway, and good neighbours.
@JessieBrown "By yon Bonnie Banks and by yon Bonnie Braes. I'll be in India before ye."
@Major_Gordon Redhead Scot in India. Been told I have a good baritone.
@Martha999 I looooove @Dude_Jem and I love working for @Miss_Matty but I'm sorta a control freak.
@Dude_Jem I have strong arms and I once was a bush. yolo. I luv @Martha999
@Doc_Harrison @SophieHutton. That is all. No one else. #ihopethisisclear
@SophieHutton Life is good with cherries, siblings, sunshine and @Doc_Harrison!
@Mrs_Rose Hair dye makes you look younger. (Does @Doc_Harrison agree?)
@The_Lady_Ludlow Waiting for my son Septimus / My estate is lonely
@MrCarter Be good. Be firm.
@Harry_Gregson Mr Carter said that I could have an account now I can write. Thanks, sir. #freemydada
@Miss_Gilando Cover your ears. Everyone deserves an education.
@ReverendHutton Kissing is for after marriage.
@Marshland_Jack Prank-player, sassy-eye lover, grab opportunities to have fun!
@Sir_Charles_Maulver that character that was played by Mr Whilloughby.

CALL THE MIDWIFE

@NurseJennyLee Let us not forget these days, when we were busy, young, in love, and free.
@TRIXIE79 babycham, cigarettes, marilyn monroe songs are the spice of lyfe! embrace your body + be confident! #blondeshavefun
@Cynthia_Miller An old soul trapped into a small stature.
@CallmeChummy I say, what-ho old bean! Jolly spiffing to have you here. I'm big as an elephant and rather enjoy sewing. Toodlepip.
@BernadetteShelagh Married to Dr Turner and loving every moment. My fashion taste has evolved except my glasses.
@Doctor_Turner Love my wife and my boy. #smokingisgood
@TimothyTurner #smokingisnotgood I like long trousers and i wish I was a doctor. I hate my mum's choir, sorry mum.
@Sister_Julienne To be sensible, to be godly, to be good - these are all excellent goals.
@SisterMonicaJoan Cakes in the larder, wonderful as they are, are small in their worth when one compares them with the galaxies of Mercury!
@Sister_Evangelina Shocked to find my fellow sisters online! There is work to be done!!! #Mercuryindeed
@Jimmy My life went downhill.
@Constable_Noakes I love @CallmeChummy and our little man, Freddie. Police helmets are more comfortable than they look.
@Fredthechap the best deals here, contact me for info about candy apples on sticks and my fair lady tickets. #scooterlessonsattwo

If Period Drama Characters had Internet Bios

(I had a LOT of fun writing this post, I hope you like it!) (Also, what say you of my new header?)

DOWNTON ABBEY

@LordGranthamofDowntonAbbey Times are changing. We must move with the times.

@Lady_Cora // American mom // Wife of my darling // Blue eyes // ESFJ // Downton is life //

@Mary_Crawley Don't pay attention to the things I say, unless it's about my inheritance

@Edith002 remember that u r good enough no matter what people say. #shakeitoff #hatersgonnahate

@SybilCrawley Woman's rights, nursing and being passionate about the world. Sign this petition!

@Matthew_Crawley I like cycling. Maybe one day I'll get used to cars.

@THE_DOWAGER_COUNTESS whereisthespacebutton?

@Isobel_thegreat I know where the space button is.

@the_Tom_Branson Irish. I'm a cool dude in a uniform. Let's run away together. #RIPtheTsar.

@Carsonthebutler Tradition is the key to stability. If you have time to lean, you have time to clean.

@Mrs_Hughes I'm the one holding the keys.

@CookingPatmore red hair and purple dress. i need to go and cook.

@John_Bates that controversial guy with a black coat and a cane. #FreeBates

@blondemaidAnna Hopelessly in love with @John_Bates // Do what you love and love what you do. // #FreeBates

@Gwen Future secretary    maybe

@Daisy_190 i cant decide about my bio so i guess this is it??

@BlackThomas #dontfreebates #smokingisgoodforyou #lifesucks

@Sarah_o_Brian Playing tricks on people is fun as long as it doesn't involve bars of soap. #smokingisgood

@William_Mason the piano, @Daisy_190, and the war.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

@MrBennet My wife forced me to be online.

@Mamma_Bennet i have 5 single daughters but the oldest is dating a man of large fortune!!!

@Jane_Bennet #blessed to be @CharlesBingley's girlfriend, but that doesn't mean I love anyone any less!

@Lizzy_Bennet Lover of walks, books and good friends. Dislike proud people.

@Marythereader Sesquipedalian //sɛskwɪpɪˈdeɪlɪən// a person who uses long words

@Kitty_Bennet Older than my younger sister.

@Lydiaprincess999LOL Denny is the hottest jk love u too Wickham LOL!!§è! Follow4follow?

@Fitzwilliam_Darcy I often sit in my library.

@CharlesBingley I love my life, parties, birds, London and @Jane_Bennet

@Caroline_B Intelligent modern woman & warning: I will stalk you.

@MrCollinsthejust Honoured to work for @LadytheBough i'm single and ready to mingle.

@Charlotte_Lucas 27 years old and still haven't paid my student loans.

@LadytheBough I am very particular about the way people address me and talk to me. Once I was horrified.

@Ann_theBough

@Georgiana_Darcy "Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without." - Conficius

@Wickhamiscool Hey there. Once I was rich but something happened so now I rely on my looks. Follow4follow. 

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY

@Elinor_Dashwood "There is nothing more uncommon than common sense" - Frank Lloyd Wright

@Mariannethepassionate2 Follow yr heart! Green hills, poetry, music + @Whilloughby_yeah make me burst with joy

@Margaretthecurly3 I'm actually to young for Instagram shhh don't tell Elinor.

@Mama_Dashwood i agree with marianne

@Edward_F Interested in books, Church and kind people. Facing consequences of past mistakes is inevitable.

@Whilloughby_yeah i believe in living the now, seizing the moment, marianne, and love.

@Colonel_Brandon Patience is a virtue; Music is happiness; Love is loyalty.

@JENNINGS_themrs Olives r life! Matchmaker since the crib! Comment if u have any ideas about mysterious Mr F!

@JohnMiddleton I TELL REALLY FUNNY JOKES.

@AdorableLucySteele Engaged to a Ferras! Life is good!

@I_am_Fanny Want nothing but the best for my son and husband. Norland is home.

@JohnDashwood I tried my best.

@Mr_Palmer Shut up.

@Charlotte_Palmer_hi Hi I'm Charlotte call me Lot i have a hilarious husband and i'm preggers and i hate rain and newspapers but not really ha! #lifeisgood #sometimesbad #mostlygood

What I thought of "Love and Friendship"

1. It's VERY FUNNY. Probably the funniest Jane Austen movie I've ever seen. I laughed a lot - there was always someone laughing in the room for at least one of every five lines or something.

2. Sir James, Frederica's unintended, is my favourite. He's completely stupid (and he's no SOLOMON) but he's hilaaarious and he just steals the show with his, "Oh, it's Churchill - put alltogether like that! I saw a Church, but I didn't see a Hill, you see. Haha!" and his, "How jolly. Tiny green balls. What are they called?"

3. Kate Beckinsale was EXCELLENT in her role as Lady Susan. Like, woow-you-are-a-GOOD-actress-like-Emma-Thompson-level-actress. Every line sizzled in mean-ness and witty-ness and dry Janeious humour.

4. Oh yes - Lady Susan is not nice. I disliked her strongly, but yet I enjoyed her presence on screen. She's definitely Jane Austen's most 'evil' protagonist - and ugh, my heart goes out to her dear daughter, Frederica. I'd rather have Mrs Bennet as a mother than Lady Susan Vernon. Mrs Bennet is stupid - Susan is most definitely not. She's too clever for her own good.

5. Frederica is a DARLING. I felt really sorry for her; and I wish the love story between her and Reginald had been more developed. 

6. Reginald deCourcy was a dream, but I'm kinda of disappointed that he proposed to the one and only you-know-who. I wish he had been attracted to Frederica from the very start, because they were so good for each other. I'm glad he seemed very much in love with her in the end, though. Their wedding was cute. (He was cute.)

7. I loved the way the characters were introduced. It is unlike anything I've seen before in a movie.

8. I loved Reginald deCourcy's sister; and her husband, Charles. They were really cute and sweet. (The sister (forgot her name) reminded me of Caroline Lee from The Lizzie Bennet Diaries and Emma Approved sometimes, though. But then like 90 times nicer. Still.)

9. The LINES. SO many of them were so so funny. 

"Go sir! Or I shall have you whipped." "Outrageous! Have you never met him?" "Oh no, I know him well - I'd never speak to a stranger like that."

"Do you know the fourth commandment?" "Thou shalt not..." "No, it's a thou shalt. Not a thou shalt not. That's what lack of education does for you."

"What a delightful family pose."

10. The little ginger pastor was really sweet. He was my brother's favourite. :-P

11. I didn't like Susan's American friend. She was a nuisance. Her husband; Stephen Fry (too old to rule and too young to die) was funny, but not as funny as I had expected. (This is Jeeves. He could have recieved funnier lines.)

12. Mrs Mainwairing was very well acted. Her crying faces = PRICELESS.

13. I HATED the Mainwairing-plot, though. Thus, I disliked the ending, and I was disappointed in it. Like, COME ON WHAT. And aww-noo-what. :-P Also, it was too fast. And wierd. And just... I didn't like it.

14. Why did people treat Susan and her daughter as if they were the same age?! They swapped fiancées!!

15. All in all, it was a very good movie. Not excellent and amazing; I have to say. It wasn't very romantic; and there weren't any characters that really warmed my soul and that I loved to bits, and I was disappointed with some things - but I would recommend it, and gosh - JANE AUSTEN IS HILARIOUS. I love her. :-)

Guess what I'm going to see tonight?

Yes, THAT'S IT. I'M GOING TO GO AND SEE LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP ON "THE BIG SCREEN"!!! :-)

I rarely go and watch stuff on 'the big screen' (last time was Belle 2013 which was AMAAAAAZING and I cried) (and I stop using italics now, because gosh, annoying right) - and I rarely see Jane Austen movies that are BRAND NEW and I've never seen an adaptation of Lady Susan - SO I AM EXCITED YES. (Also, have I anticipated this movie for more than a year now? I think so.)

It happened like this: Last Sunday, when we went to Church, I saw Love and Friendship was in the big city cinema there. I freaked out and said I had to watch it. Problem being: that cinema is not very close home, and also, it's a huge-popular-cinema so ticket is expensive, hello. Back home, it went on to the website of our 'little' (it's not bad, though! I do love it) local cinema and WAAAHHHH Love and Friendship is there, too! Jane Austen is everywhere AND THIS IS SO MUCH FUN.

I was going to see it, I said. Mhm, yeah, I said. 

But then I saw it was only going to show two more times. Yesterday evening, and this evening. I freaked out with Mama, because that's what mothers are for, right. I don't know why I freaked out, because it was fine - it was still showing! - I could go!

But there was ONE more problem. (This is my life. ONE more little problem. :-P SO TYPICAL.) My Mum couldn't go with me because it was late and she needed to be home and take care of the lil' ones (Daddy is off to England for a few days with one of my brothers, you see), so I needed to find another chauffeur. (And no, I wasn't going to cycle to it. Who feels like cycling at 10 o'clock in the evening when you've just seen a probably-amazing Jane Austen movie in the cinema?!)

My older brother, nice as he is, thought the idea was an absolute waste of money. He doesn't hate Jane Austen, but he obviously thought it wasn't worth it. (Sometimes boys are weird.) But my mother expressed a novelty idea. She suggested I'd email this couple at Church who live kind of nearby, and ask them if they wanted to come with us. (Two of my siblings are going to watch it with me.) You see folks, they love Jane Austen too. I wrote to them, and they replied in like, two seconds with a yes. (I bet they're just as excited as meeee. :-P)

So anyways - boring story time over. :-P The message of this blog post is: I'm GOING TO SEE LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP!!!! :-)

Why I love Period Drama so much.

{Many pictures are grabbed from this wonderful place.}

{Warning: There are a toooon of pictures in this post, because it's a post about Period Dramas, and you all know I get rather nuts when I come to this particular topic. So if your Internet is in a bad mood (*cough*  What am I saying, it always is) I'm sorry if all the pictures don't load properly. Come back later, because you'll want to see them all. This is a post very pleasant to the eyes, even if I do say so myself.}

An explanation of this post: WHY I LOVE PERIOD DRAMAS SO FREAKING MUCH. Here are the reasons, the explanations and futher gushing, appreciation and love-showing towards these wonderful shows and movies.

1. The fascination of another era.

I love watching stories and characters in other eras. I don't enjoy modern-set movies; I just don't like them as much. This isn't just because of the eye-candy (you know, zee frills and co, which I will talk about very very soon) it's also because it's the past and that's just fascinating to see carried out on stage. It gives us scents and whiffs of what it was like, and it sends us to a whole new realm; a whole new sphere. When I watch Emma, I'm not in 2016, I'm in the Regency Era, wearing a muslin gown and buying bonnets in Meryton, or whatever. When I'm watching Call the Midwife I'm dipped into a slice of 1956, and I live there for a minute.

And that is wonderful. I'm fascinated, and I always want to learn more about the way they lived, acted and dressed, etc.

{Period Dramas that especially dip me into another era: Call the Midwife / War Horse / Anne of Green Gables / Pride and Prejudice 1995 / Little Dorrit.}

2. THE COSTUMES.

REALLY THOUGH. I cannot even START.

The frills and the silk and the SWISHES. I LOVE THEM. I would watch any terrible movie if the costumes were good. (Well. Maybe not, but really. I just so enjoy watching actors and actresses in Period Costumes. They just all look so terribly gorgeous and beautiful and fantastical and majestic. Especially the rich ones, and there are always plenty of rich ones.)

{Period Dramas with especially good costumes: Belle 2014 / Downton Abbey (SERIOUSLY)/ Emma 2009 (again, just... wow)/ Cinderella / The Young Victoria}

3. This obviously includes the hairstyles and the hats.

No explanation needed, really. We just need to sit down together and appreciate the amazing wigs and hair designers and curling irons and ribbons and hats and bows. Because they're wonderful. (And a Period Drama without HATS? Is that possible? NO. LIFE WOULD BE A BLANK TO ME.)

{Period Dramas with particularly good hairstyles and hats: Wives and Daughters (some of the hairstyles are ridiculous, but MAN they are impressive!) / Amazing Grace / Again, Downton Abbey (the hats in there - *swoon*) / Emma 2009 / Pride and Prejudice 1995}

4. Everything is epic.

Seriously though. When I walk on the beach - is it epic? Is it even slightly epic? No, um, no sir. When step up the stairs? Is it epic? Nope. But whenever someone in a Period Drama even walks in his own HALL, it is epic. The shadows fall on the right places, and the sun shines in the right places, and gahhh... HOW. Sometimes it looks cheesy, but most times it looks EPIC and they wear these swishy things and the right kind of hats and ohh, I get chills.

{Especially epic movies: Horatio Hornblower / Gone with the Wind / War Horse / Testament of Youth / North and South}

5. Focus on Period Details.

THIS MAKES MY HEART HAPPY. I don't know why. But all zee details. All the shots and glances at those authentic Period pieces; whether it be a paintbrush, a close-up of a gown, a typewriter, or a wine-glass... I love it.

{Some Period Dramas that make me happy with a lot of details: Downton Abbey (I mention this a lot, haha, but there's a reason for this) / Belle / Saving Mr Banks / Sense and Sensibility (both versions, actually.)}

6. Scenery

I love that Period Dramas focus a lot on beautiful natural surroundings. People in the past did spend a lot of time outside, and especially those ones who lived in this mansion in the middle of no-where. I always love some excellent, soaring, rollicking green scenery. (Green really is a beautiful, flawless colour. Never tire of it.) (Imagine if we were sick of the colour green! That would be rather problematic, wouldn't it?)

{Period Dramas with especially breath-taking scenery: Sense and Sensibility 2008 / War Horse / Pride and Prejudice (okay okay, both versions) / Bright Star / Far From the Madding Crowd and Poldark (judging from screencaps) / The Sound of Music.}

7. The colours are just... GAH.

SO many period dramas are just VIVID with colour. Especially if they feature rich people. (Yeah, Dickens Movies might not be too colourful. Although, still, there's that marvellous ridiculously pink room in Little Dorrit, right?)

{Some especially colourful movies: Belle / Brooklyn and A Royal Night Out (judging from screencaps!) / The Paradise / Pride and Prejudice 1995 / Emma 2009 / Northanger Abbey / Sense and Sensibility / Anne of Green Gables / Saving Mr Banks.}

8. THEY BREAK MY HEART.

They do. Sooo many Period Dramas (specifically looking at you, cruel and heartless BBC) just crumple me and kill me a bit on the inside. I love it when I cry and cry and cry while watching a movie; it fills me while yet making me feel terrible and useless. It is ridiculous and wonderful and HEARTBREAKING.

(Seriously though, that gif of Testament of Youth up there almost made me cry. Just by LOOKING at it. Pathetic.)

{Particularly heartbreaking Period Dramas: Testament of Youth (wins the prize, fursure) / Call the Midwife episodes / Downton Abbey / Miss Potter / Finding Neveland / The Book Thief / Little Women.}

9. The houses.

They're just fascinating and spark up all my imagination and dreams. We have the lavish in-and-exteriors of the Crawley Family, and the marvellous grounds of Pemberly. We have darling cottages with honeysuckle gardens, and pink-patterned bedrooms. Period Dramas are filled with detail, especially with the houses. The architecture, the windows, the carpets, the way they make everything look perfect... love it. :-)

{Period Dramas with particularly good exterior and interior eye-candy: Downton Abbey / The Great Gatsby and Marie Antoinette (judging from screecaps, they are really amazing in that department) / The Paradise / Lark Rise to Candleford and Cranford (for cute-houses)}

10. Zee HUMOUR

If you know me, you know I always appreciate a good laugh. Yes, I love crying while watching movies, but Oh I LOVE the humour soooo many Period Dramas offer! All the humorous characters, all the witty one-liners, famous facial expressions and funny scenes. Some simple examples right off the top of my head? Mr Collins and his proposal. Sister Evangelina in Call the Midwife and the way she sets Chummy and Peter off on a date. The conversations between the Palmers: "I wish the rain would stop"- "I wish YOU would stop."

There is so much excellent humour in Period Dramas and I love it because I dearly love to laugh. :-)

{Period Dramas with particularly good humour: Saving Mr Banks / Pride and Prejudice 1995 / Jeeves and Wooster (DUHH) / Sense and Sensibility 1995}

11. The romance.

BECAUSE THEY'RE ALL SO BEAUTIFUL. And epic and I shiiiiiip.

I mean, NEED I SAY MORE. JUST WATCH P&P AND EMMA AND DOWNTON. (*calms down*) Seriously though, Tom and Sybil, Elinor and Edward, Emma and Knightley, Minnie and Alfie, Dr Turner and Sister Bernadette - SO MANY DARLINGS. I don't think my heart can stop bursting just thinking about these adorable, good, wonderful, real romances. I love them all so much... they fill my heart with joy. (This is my inner Mrs Jennings coming out here.)

{Period Dramas with my favourite romances: All the Jane Austen movies, but especially S&S and Emma and P&P / Downton Abbey / Lark Rise to Candleford / Call the Midwife / Little Dorrit / Wives and Daughters / Miss Potter}

12. The Quotes and the Accents

 Let us not forget the gift of Period Drama quotes that we have so graciously received in our lives. And let us also likewise not forget those lovely accents that we hear with those quotes. THANK YOU. Thank you. We owe you a lot, Period Dramas. <3

{Period Dramas I constantly quote: Little Dorrit / Pride and Prejudice / The Scarlet Pimpernel / Downton Abbey / My Fair Lady / Cranford ("I have a headache of phenomenal dimension")}
{Period Dramas with fun accents: Our Zoo (DEFINITELY Our Zoo!), Downton Abbey (especially Tom's accent), Lark Rise to Candleford ('You must unbu'un.'), My Fair Lady (of course, garn!)}

13. Dance.

I always love a good ball-room scene, or a romantic dance... and well, Period Dramas DEFINITELY have a lot of those. Matthew and Mary had the swooniest dance till Lavinia came, Beatrix Potter had the CUTEST dance in her bedroom, Emma and Knightley were the adorablest couple in the ballroom, and Lizzy demonstrated real levels of sass as she danced with Mr Darcy at Netherfield. I love them all. :-)

{Period Dramas with my favourite dance scenes in 'em: Pride and Prejudice ("Mary, play Grimstock!") / Emma 2009 / DA / Miss Potter / Northanger Abbey / And very well, very well, Becoming Jane.}

14. Zee Music

Music matters so much, and Period Dramas always go for the sweepy and SWOONY kind of music which just finishes the perfectness of it all. I love that each Period Drama has their own theme song, which one just recognises IMMEDIATELY. There's the Lark Rise song, the epic Downton Abbey song, the goooorgeous Call the Midwife theme song, and the galopping beloved Pride and Prejudice 95 theme song... <3

{Period Dramas with particularly good music: The Young Victoria / Finding Neveland / Belle / Sense and Sensibility 1995 / The Book Thief / Little Women / A Royal Night Out.}

15. THE ENDINGS.

I know, I know, not all Period Dramas have good endings (cough, The Book Thief and Testament of Youth and Downton Abbey Christmas Special no.2, cough) but ohhh, MOST OF THEM DO AND... and... I cry. :-)

I do, really. I mean, just look at the happiness - the joy - look at that gif of Amy and Arthur hugging as if their lives depend on it. I've been watching that gif over and over. :-) And those endings... so often so happy and so EMOTIONAL. I so often cry when a movie ends; sometimes because they're so happy and they deserve it SO much; sometimes because I'm sad it's over; sometimes because they look back at the death of someone in the end; and mostly because of all three reasons.

{Period Dramas with excellent endings that MAKE ME CRY because of happiness: Emma 2009 / LITTLE DORRIT / Belle / Lark Rise to Candleford / Downton Abbey (I've not yet seen the last episodes, but I KNOW 100% sure that I'm going to weep for weeks.)}



This post took AAAAGES to write, but I had so much fun and I experienced so many feels while searching all the pictures. Gah, I love Period Dramas. I'm glad I live in 2016, so I can enjoy them. ;-)

(Warning for the foreseeable future: Now I've saved millions of Period Drama pictures into my laptop, a new header might pop up. I'm sick of the one I have now; it's boring, just with one picture.)