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

(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

Downton Abbey Season One - Episode Guide / Review

We're re-watching Downton Abbey!!! 

IT IS AMAZING. Of course. As if no-one had guessed that. I wrote a little mini-review of each episode (we just finished season one already whattt) and well, I might as well publish them online for everyone to see. Besides, some of you might enjoy it and some of you might want to know what episodes have 'nasty stuff' for further reference. If you do not want any spoilers, just don't read the synopsis's. But enjoy the collages because I made them all and spent blood and tears and sweat making them. Just Kidding.

Downton Abbey Season 1 // Episode 1

Epic start - epic getting-to-know-everyone - basically epic everything, duh. We get introduced to all the characters - Daisy with her adorable pink dress, Mrs Patmore and her fiery red hair + impatience, Mr Carson being Mr Carson, Mrs Hughes with her keys, darling Anna, evil Thomas and well, obviously, Mr Bates, the new servant for Lord Grantham. Then we go upstairs, meet THE FAMILY, and oh nooo, apparently the heir IS DEAD. Stupid Titanic. It's sad and all that, but this means that there's a new heir. The Dowager Countess (aka everyone's third grandma) comes on a visit and bonds with Cora over the gross unfairness of society and that Mary won't own the estate. This is once again emphasised by a visit of a (ugh I hate him) Duke who changes his mind on Lady Mary when he hears of this news.

We end with a gorgeous shot of Isobel and Matthew Crawley (the new heir!), the latter saying that, ' Lord Grantham is going to change their lives.' Um, yes.

Content: Several occasions where characters swear + A homosexual scene nearing the end (when Thomas and the Duke are alone in his bedroom. Fairly easy to see coming. It is also fairly long, I believe.)

Particularly good quotes:

"We are allies, my dear, which can be a great deal more affective." (Than friends, ha.) - Dowager Countess

"It's my third parent and my fourth child. Do I care for Downton? Oh yes I do!" - Robert

Downton Abbey Season 1 // Episode 2

This is the episode where ALL THE GIRLS fall in love with Matthew Crawley, who Officially comes to visit Downton and live nearby. At first, stuff gets a lil' awkward. There's the whole Matthew and Mary shipping thing, which obviously, the viewers participate in also. And then there's the 'getting used to 1st class' thing, which Matthew does SO ADORABLY. (DID I MENTION I LOVE MATTHEW SO MUCH?!!!) I loooove the scene where he makes Mr Molesly all happy by letting him do stuff.
Mr Carson gets embarrassed by his old 'friend' Charles, who decides to tell Lord Grantham that he and Carson used to be a double act on stage. (I looove how Mr Bates and Anna giggle over this. Those two though.) A question though: Does Mrs Hughes ever know about Cheerful Charlies?!
In the meanwhile, the never-to-end tensions between the Dowager Countess and Isobel Crawley have made its majestic entrance into the plot.

Content: Some occasions where characters swear, not much though. // A hospital scene, but it's not scary at alllll.

Particularly good quotes: "What is a weekend?" (Dowager Countess)

PS I LOVE MATTHEW. HE IS MINE. <3

Downton Abbey Season 1 // Episode 3

Edith has an unwanted fling on Matthew (who is still mine. Btw.) The Dowager wears her famous purple outfit and makes viewers love her. Gwen publicly acknowledges that she wants to be a secretary, after awful O'Brien puts her secret on the table for all to see.
And of course... this episode has the Mr Pamuk plot. Which, yes, isn't appropiate, but it's a vital part of the entire Downton Abbey plot (for two seasons to come, that is), so it's important to understand what happened. Mary invites Mr Napier over. Some kinda rich dude. Mr Napier brings his friend Mr Pamuk along. Who I HATE and who really isn't handsome at all. I do not get why everyone talks about his beautiful face. :-P Well, Mary crushes on him really hard and... fast-forward-flash... he dies in her bedroom. At night. This is 'the Downton Abbey Scandal' which affects a large part of the plot. So far, Mary (obviously), Anna, Cora (I love her) know all about it, Daisy has seen them carry the dead body and Thomas+O'Brian have their suspicions.
Oh yeah, and Mr Bates does that thing with his leg and darling Mrs Hughes saves the day. Go Mrs Hughes. Saving Downton Problems since the Titanic sank.

Content: Again, there's a Thomas scene involving another man which could merit from a skip - again, easy to see coming. This time brief, I believe. / There is a sex scene - the scandal. We skipped that (starting from Mary and Pamuk's kiss), but we watched the Anna/Cora/Mary bit, where they discuss what they need to do, in the bedroom.

Particularly good quotes: "Are we going to have tea, or not?" (Dowager)
"An Englishman wouldn't dream of dying in somebody else's house." (Ditto.)

Downton Abbey Season 1 // Episode 4

TOM ARRIVES. TOM ARRIVES. TOM ARRIVES. :-D And he's so cuuuute.
Other than this amazing and glorious news of Tom Branson's arrival, we have the fair - and THOMAS BEING TERRIBLE. Ughhhh, poor William. I love William so much - I love how he plays the piano. He's just a darling. Someone should shake Daisy's head so she'll finally understand. :-P
Then we have Mrs Hughes, who has this little side-plot line about her former lover, who asks her hand in marriage again. Once again,  she refuses (and Mr Carson, deep inside, is really relieved. But he doesn't realise quite why. And he won't, not for a long time. :-P)
Some other things that happen:
1. Mr Bates gives Anna a tray with flowers and food AND IT IS ADORABLE BEYOND MEASURE.
2. Matthew has the most beautiful eyes ever.
3. Also, Matthew and Mary shake hands and it's really epic. Who knew shaking hands could be so epic?
4. The Dowager countess sits on a swivel chair.
5. O'Brien complains for 500 hours. 'Gwen can do it.' 'She is not a lady's maid.' 'And I am not a slave.'
6. Last but not least, Sybil wears those adorable bloomers and Tom is proud and ahhh these two are going to have so much drama they have no idea how much. My darlingsssss. <3 <3
(Also, Mary and Matthew chatting at the fair made me melt. I ship these two so much. It's exhausting.)

Content: Nothing! :-) Whaddayaknow!

Particularly good quotes: Cora: "They do things differently in America." The Dowager: "Yes, they live in wigwams."
"Is there anything more delicious than a new frock?" (Lady Sybil)
"Leaving Downton? Do you think I'll ever find the time?" (Mrs Hughes)
"Why must every day involve a fight with an American?" (You can guess who.)

Downton Abbey Season 1 // Episode 5

This episode is action filled - it's alive with characters and sneaky actions and annoying people and lovely people. Just like any episode, really, I suppose.
Daisy gets all spooked out by the Pamuk scandal playing and replaying in her brain, and flips it all out to lady Edith after O'Brian organises the meeting. Sybil is a darling and takes Gwen to town for her job testing thing, resulting in a muddy way back home, while Isobel and the Dowager Countess find a new thing to bicker about - something about the flower show. Thomas and O'Brian are outwitted by Bates and Anna when a snuff-box in Robert's room vanishes, and Edith and Mary have some SERIOUSLY BAD sister quarrle.
(I hate Mary in this episode. Ugh.) (Edith isn't that much of a good girl either, but I feel for her more than for Mary in this case.)
Also, we meet Sir Anthony who causes Mrs Patmore to shed tears after an accidental salt-filled dessert. Mr Carson plays the daddy-role and soothes Mrs Patmore. The episode ends with the Dowager countess giving Mr Molesley's father the prize and with Edith writing to the Turkish embassador all about the scandal. Way to end an episode ammirite.
(Oh, and Anna and Bates have one or two or three cute scenes.)

Content: Two or three occasions where characters swear.

Particularly good quotes:
Isobel: "I take that as a compliment." Dowager: "Oh, I must have said it wrong."
"Because I love you, Mr Bates. I know it's not ladylike to say it, but I'm not a lady and I've never pretended to be." (Anna.)

Downton Abbey Season 1 // Episode 6

Oh wow, this episode is like, FIVE MINUTES. Seriously, that's so what it feels like. Suffragette meetings, angry fathers, theft suspicions and EPIC KISS BAM BASHHH. The end. That's seriously an excellent recap, no kidding.
Of course, there's the sweeet almost-Anna-Bates-kiss, the ADORABLE GAHHH early-rise-tension between Sybil and Branson, Matthew saying that he and Mary should 'see more of each other' (PLUS HIS FACE OKAY), Thomas being REALLY nervous (ha. ha. Good for HIM.), and Mr Carson being just plain CUTE. Also, William is the nicest human being on the planet and Daisy is finally starting to get a little sense about scumbag Thomas. Also, can I give Lady Cora a good word? She really is a good sort. (And Edith is so happy about her daaaaate.)
MATTHEW AND MARY THOUGH.
I MEAN THEIR BENCH SCENE.
AND THEN THE TABLE SCENE.
WE ARE BEING SPOILT.

Content: Several occasions where characters swear.

Particularly good quotes:
"I am political! I have opinions!" (Lady Sybil)
"If you really like an argument, we should see more of each other." (Matthew.)
"What have I told you, Matthew? You must pay no attention to the things I say." (Mary.)

Downton Abbey Season 1 // Episode 7

Wow, the last episode of Season One ALREADY! And it definitely doesn't disappoint and it definitely DOES leave us hanging with a desperate need and want for season two (which I can't waaaaiiit to rewatch yet again.)
Okay - LOADS of things happened in the episode. Plot lines such as Gwen's endless search for a middle-class job are bought to a great close (Tom and Sybil and Gwen's group hug is SO ADORABLE because Tom and Sybil hug.) Mrs Patmore's eye problem is solved also, and a hilarious soap-soup scene occurs while she is away on treatment. (Don't ask.) Thomas and William fight after some very unfeeling comments on Thomas (OBVIOUSLY NOT WILLIAM)'s side after Cora loses her baby boy due to another, now must graver, soap scene caused by O'Brian ugh. Daisy finally likes William, and Matthew and Mary break up which is heartbreaking to watch. Mr Carson soothes Mary which is adorable to watch. Oh yes, and Bates is an absolute brick and so is Anna when she makes sure he won't have to leave Downton.
Basically, Cora getting pregnant causes a great dilemma in the Mary and Matthew plot. Mary feels like she can't accept Matthew because she owes him an explanation on the scandal - which is obviously extremely hard on her. Matthew thinks she only wants him for the title. It's all very dramatic and emotional and ppsssst I cried when Matthew said, 'God knows I want the best for you.' He says it so well.
The episode couldn't end more epic-ly. Robert is amazing at saying epic things. The 'we are at war with Germany' gives everyone chills and goosebumps.

Content: Several occasions where characters swear. Not much though.

Particularly good quotes:
Daisy: Friends? / William: Always friends.
Mr Carson: I know you have spirit, mylady, and that's what counts. It's all that counts in the end.

Any particular thoughts on Season One?

In which I randomly talk about Downton Abbey

{Spoilers of all seasons (although if you go to the picture of Rose, from down then there are only spoilers from up to season two. So if you've seen the first two series, you're safe to go.}

{Also, I have to warn you that some time in this post a gif of Matthew Crawley will appear in front of your eyes. It is a very handsome gif. Be prepared.}

- My grandparents live ONE HOUR away from Downton Abbey. (As in Highclere Castle.) How have I not visited this beautiful place yet?!!!!

- I have an "I love Downton Abbey" sticker on my laptop. For some odd, mysterious reason unbeknownst to us all. (Also, Emma gave it to me, and I love her.)

- I miss Matthew an AWFUL lot.

(But at the same time, I like Henry Talbot a lot too. But Matthew was better. Duh. He had blue eyes and all that.)

- Edith and Bertie are stinking cute together, you guys. Edith really did get bad luck when it came to lovers, didn't she? First Anthony - wow, and that couldn't have ended more dramatically. Then, after a string of other useless gentlemen, that creepy journalist - who vanished. Terribly rude, I know. Finally, she found Bertie... and we all love him. Bertie is good. Bertie is the best. (Also he and Edith fit together. Edith finally succeeded in finding a good match.)

(TOLD YOU THEY WERE ADORABLE.)

- Three of my cousins have MET the actor who plays Sir Anthony (and Mr Weston in Emma!), and my uncle (aka their father) has met him twice. They went to the same party or something? Ugh, I am jealous. (Yes, they are aware of this. And the worst thing was, they didn't think it was anything big of a deal. But really... a Downton Abbey actor, guys. :-O BE EXCITED. Just for the sake of it, be excited!)

- Tom Branson in season six is so different to Tom Branson in season two. I miss the old Tom. (Do you?)

- Remember when Mary walked up the isle to marry Matthew? That was beautiful. And so unpredictable. Like wow, we just didn't see that coming, did we?

- Rose really has the best wardrobe. Tied with Mary Crawley, of course. No-one can really beat Mary's wardrobe - it has no bounds. (As beautiful as Mary's wardrobe is, I'd pick Rose's wardrobe if I could pick one. She always looks unbelievably gorgeous and adorable and sunny. Mary's is almost... too much for me. I would not cope with it.)

(But remember when Rose's hair was crazy?) (And remember when she dressed up as a maid?) (And remember that lovely black Jazz singer?)

- Let just keep on reminiscing. Remember when Mary wore that ugly top hat? Remember when Edith was super mean? (And remember. It's Edith's fault that the Pamuk scandal went abroad... like seriously. That's the whole reason why M&M had love story complications. Edith has a lot of apologies to make.) Remember when William and Thomas had a fight in the kitchen and Daisy totally crushed on William? And remember that Daisy used to have a crush on THOMAS. Like really girl, get your priorities straight. Remember when Robert wore white suits? Remember when Sybil was a suffragette and she got hurt and Matthew helped her up (after Tom did - wow, Sybil really is lucky) and Mary felt this tinge of jealousy? Love that scene. And remember Cora in Edwardian clothes? And remember Patmore getting glasses?

- And then season two... BLOWN AWAY.

(This is the gif I was telling you about. If one could hug gifs, I would hug this one for at least ten minutes right now. And my life is really busy; so that says a lot.) (He looks so boyish and shyyyy.)

- Season two is my favourite for many reasons. It has a tone of seriousness and the Important Things... because of the war. Downton suddenly is overshadowed by it. Life is way more than frocks and chauffeurs and lovers quarrel and yes, even newspaper articles. There's a war going on. Matthew almost died. Tom is politically involved (at least he is in his brain) and he and Sybil tie together through that. Sybil finds higher purpose through nursing. And, miraculously, Lavinia and Mary become friends through the hardships of the war and a certain wounded fiancé. Just... everything is more emotional and real and it really gets me.

- I LOVE LOVE LOVE the bit where those annoying girls give Tom a white feather and he goes, "I'm in a uniform" and after they say, "Wrong one", HE GIVES THEM A CHEEKY SMILE AND I LOVE IT SO MUCH. (He really doesn't care a jot what people think about him and just wow can I hang out with him?)

- By the way, it's hilarious how Belgian people pronounce 'Downton Abbey.' I'm glad I have a British accent.

- On the subject of accents: If you're American, don't forget to pronounce the T in "Downton." Thanks.

(Apparently black lace is epic.)

- Sometimes I wish there weren't THAT many Downton Abbey fans. I meet a lot of them, and although I feel a certain connection whenever I do, there are a lot of them. Too much. (Because if there were fewer, there would actually be tickets available to visit Highclere Castle.) My mum's friend at Church. The lady down three roads. The lady who lives down the road of the the lady down three roads. My dad's collegue. My cousins. The man at French Classes. The teacher at French Classes. My great-uncle. My second cousin. My second cousin's husband. Endless list I tell you. This is a good thing! Means I know what to talk about! But it does make me 'just another fan' and that sometimes takes the fun out of it.

(But it's okay; I'll bear it with as much grace as I can muster.)

- I own a book called "Behind the Scenes of Downton Abbey" but I got it when there were 'only' four seasons, so now I really want the new 'Behind the Scenes of Downton Abbey.' Emma and I found it in several shops back in June, and we itched to buy it. It was seriously the coolest book ever; endless full-colour pictures; each character analysed and talked about, and even an episode guide at the back. (Buy me it.) If only price tags weren't a thing in America.

(Mary's hat in the gif above = WOW WOW WOW WOW.) (Also, they are a cute married couple, right-ho, Jeeves?)

Defending Lavinia Swire

(Warning: There be spoilers.)

Here's a post I've been wanting to write for a long time now; a post which defends Lavinia Swire - one of the most famous third wheels in cinema history. People almost sighed a sigh of relief when she died, and many fans just see her as "that annoying obstacle in Matthew and Mary's love story." 

For those of you who have never seen Downton, I'm sure you know Matthew and Mary end together. (Come'on, that's HARDLY a spoiler. Everyone knows this. M&M's. We know we're there for the m&m's and not for the raisins and the nuts. (Blimeycow reference. Shutting up.)) However, their love story is anything BUT swift - because Matthew introduces his 'fiancé', Lavinia Swire in season two. Now, we all hurl and make up our minds to hate her, because hey obviously Matthew and Mary are still mad about each other. Shoo, Lavinia. Go. Shoo. Buzz off. Booboo. After a while she does just that - and dies from a broken heart. A few episodes later on, everyone's forgotten about her - ladida, ladida. Lavinia is gone; and life is well.

Isn't that terrible?!

Now, I love Lavinia. I think she's a darling girl and I think people hate on her much to much. Just because she's a bit shy and introverted doesn't mean she doesn't have a heart, you know. People say she never smiles - but there are reasons. She isn't the kind of girl that goes 'heyyyy how are you?!!" and smiles at strangers. She's shy and she's reserved - and hey, her fiancé who she loves to bits is off to war and finds himself reattached towards a beautiful Crawley girl. She shouldn't be smiling very much.

Now firstly, I must say this: I AM A HUGE MATTHEW AND MARY SHIPPER. I don't ship Matthew and Lavinia. I say this because I know some people do (I mean reeeeaaaally?! Matthew and Mary belong together; it's plain as clear sky!) and because I don't want people to attack me with that argument against Lavinia in the comment box, haha. I want Matthew to be with Mary as much as the next person - but - but I love Lavinia too. (Yes, this is humanly possible!)

Look here, draw close, and I'll tell you the secret.

Why, you ask, do so many people dislike Lavinia? (Well, maybe you didn't ask, but hushup.) Well, because WE ARE LAVINIA.

No really; think about it - a lot of us are Lavinia. I know I am. In love with Matthew. Check. Sometimes believes he is too; in my dreams. Check. Knows he actually isn't. Check. He loves Mary instead of me. Check. (I might as well be dead. Check. Okay, maybe not, but you get the point.)

And THAT, dear people of the Internet (which nowadays includes toddlers from preschool and World War veterans), is why so many people dislike Lavinia. Because they relate to her so much! Isn't that ridiculous? Why on earth would you hate someone who you can relate to? Stop that! It's childish behaviour. Stoppit. Instead of hating on someone you can relate to, how about emphasizing and wallowing in her sad story? Because there ain't no-one with such a sad tale as hers.* (That's why she doesn't smile very much. Not because she's a depressive spirit with no lust for life.)

* (Well maybe. Anna Bates.)

What I also don't like is that people hate on Matthew because of Lavinia. "He should stay true to his fiancé!" "He shouldn't have fallen in 'love' with Lavinia!" "He shouldn't have fallen in love with Mary again!" BLAHDEBLAH.

Guys. HE WAS GOING TO MARRY HER BUT THEN SHE DIED.

I admit, this is slightly different than the Edward-and-Lucy situation. Edward fell in love with Lucy when he was young (and foolish) and now Lucy is terribly annoying and he knows it. Matthew never hates Lavinia - he thinks she's a sweet girl; he's willing to sacrifice his love for her and marry her. He 'fell in love' with her after his break-up with Mary (this sounds like teenage drama, but it's so much more, believe me) and when he returned to Downton, he realised, "Wow. Mary really is mine still." His hiatus from Mary with Lavinia even led to an engagement, but when he spent time with the Crawley's again, he realised it was perhaps a mistake.

So don't hate on Matthew. Please. He's having hard enough time as it is. (And he was going. to. marry. her.) Also, when she dies, did you see how utterly guilty Matthew feels???!!! Did you see how sad and heart-broken he looked? HE IS EVERY INCH THE GENTLEMAN. OKAY?!?!?!

It really annoys me too, when people say she's ugly. ImeanREALLY?!!!! Just look at her face up there and see how beautiful this girl is! How can people say she's ugly?!

My heart aches for Lavinia, because she really does LOVE Matthew. Like, I'd-die-for-him-love. It might seem shallow and soppy for us viewers, because we don't want to believe she loves Matthew with deep love, like Mary - but really, she loves Matthew just as much as Mary does. She cries when he leaves, and she wants to marry him even though she knows he won't ever be able to give her children or be able to walk again. She loves him so much she doesn't care a jot. And Mary; poor thing, sees that all happen.

And Lavinia, poor thing, sees Mary and Matthew's thing all happen. She sees them DANCE together. AND KISS.

(Gosh, this is a complicated story. Because my heart burns for all three people. I feel desperately sorry for Matthew. I feel DESPERATELY sorry for Mary (I mean really - and she's so kind towards Lavinia; I'm SO proud of her in Season Two) and I feel desperately sorry for Lavinia, as well.)

(Seriously, if you don't feel bad for her; where is your heart, Elinor?!)

Really, she's such a darling, sweet thing - she so does NOT deserve all zee hate. So please, respect her from now on. I know Matthew and Mary's love story is a complicated one, and yes, Lavinia is an obstacle in their love life - but that doesn't mean she's an annoying little person with no heart and no feelings and no importance. :-)

Lavinia, love, you're great.

My four favourite DA characters

(Seriously, she is never wrong.)

1. The Dowager Countess

She is literally everyone’s favourite and if she were here right now, she would correct my misuse of the word literally. The queen of one-liners, sass, wit, upper-class airs and aristocracy - we all love her. She stands for what is right, looks at situations with a dry, ironic twist, and MAN ALIVE SHE IS FUNNY. Maggie Smith is the best and no-one does a better job than her. The scenes with her and Isobel, having little banters of no consequence are GOLD. I tell you, Gold. Like this one:

Isobel: I take that as a compliment.

Dowager: I must have said it wrong.

And this one:

Isobel: You just said that to sound clever.

Dowager: Yes, you should try it.

(I'm still waiting for me to use that line in real life one day. I will sound SO WITTY.)

2. Matthew Crawley

I MEAN. NEED I SAY MORE.

He's a gentleman (such a gentleman), he has blue, blue eyes, he has THE beautifullest smile in the whole wide fictional Tv-series world... he's Matthew Crawley and I love him. One day as an old lady I'll tell my potential grandchildren about my love life during my teens. 'I had Mr Knightley, and Edward Ferras, and Mr Darcy, and Alf Arless, and Walter Blythe, and Barney Snaith but my favourite of them all was Matthew Crawley.' :-P

Matthew is very manly; and he's also very sensitive. He like a teddy bear I want to hug and squeeze, and he's also like a rock to shelter under. (I know, I'm such a natural poet.) My heart breaks for him when he's upset (like when he has his accident in the war... I feel SO bad), because he's usually a very cheerful person to be around. Matthew makes Mary a better person (that's FOR SURE) - he literally warms her cold personality, and their love story is perfect and heart-breaking at the same time. I love those twoooo.

It is a TERRIBLE THING that this lovely, lovely character that made my heart beat faster had to come. to. an. END. It makes me sad and super angry  to this day and it always will. I'll tell my potential grandchildren about that too; and force them to love all the Matthew Crawley moments as much as I do, even though they might be busy watching the 'Downton Abbey' of their time.

I LOVE MATTHEW TO BITS AND THAT IS ALL.

3. Lady Sybil

She's been mentioned as 'the sweetest person under the roof' and seriously, it's true; she is ridiculously sweet and nice and KIND and considerate... the list of positives goes on and on, like a string of pearls. (Wow, getting poetical and metaphorical right there. :-P) She's also SO BEAUTIFUL - like, I want to have that face and that smile - and her voice is so quirky and unique. It's like when I have a cold; and my voice is sort of husky and quirky... like that. I love her voice. (And her smile. And her laugh.)

Sybil definitely does have some foward ideas - and isn't exactly an angel in the eyes of her father! She gets involved in the suffrage movement and do you know what's cruu-aay-zay? She bought BLOOMERS. And wore them. She insisted on becoming a nurse and made her family proud by what she was doing. She married a CHAUFFEUR. I mean, she's a rebel. (And when she wore the bloomers; Tom was so proud. My word, I love these two.) (It's kind of tiring how epic Tom and Sybil are together.) (Also, whoever made this picture IS REALLY MEAN RIGHT?)

Sybil is one of my ALLLL time favourites and it's no wonder why.

(CUTEST COUPLE EVERRRR.) (THE GIF IS KILLING ME.) (They are SO CUTE I LOVE THEM so much.)

4. Tom Branson

TOM. He is just... TOM. Feisty and Irish - passionate about politics and extreme moods now and then (he has the Irish temper) (AND THE ACCENT MY WORD). He has the twinkly eyes and the cheeky smile. He doesn't care a j.o.t. what people think - he's so clever - and he looks like he can rock the world in his green chauffeur uniform.

(Seriously, his green chauffer uniform? I MISS IT.)

I love Tom so much and I have no idea how I survived to see his grief when youknowwho died. The things that he said during the heart-shattering scene just are too much too bear. (Excuse the overuse of italics, but this is wholly necessary.)

The Dowager, Matthew, Sybil and Branson are my definate top four DA characters ever, but here are two more I must make a fuss about because I love these that much too:

Anna Bates

Anna has a heart of gold and she's literally ridiculously kind. I know everyone says it and I've definitely said it before, but she DESERVES WAY MORE THAN SHE GETS. (Gosh, the tragic things she goes through!!!!! My poor, dear Anna. :'''-( - I love her so much.) And her accent is adorable too. :-)

(She and Bates went through so much, and boy they deserved that happy ending. Love them.)

William Mason

Ah, William - the boy who gave us all that cold. Yes, I love all the characters that... vanish. I know, t'is unfortunate for my health and happiness, but sometimes that's what life is like. 

William Mason used to be my favourite ever (I had such a big crush on him) and I will always love him. He's the kind of guy that would just NEVER hurt a FLY - he's soooo PLAIN NICE AND LET ME HUG HIM. Also, he plays the piano and you know how I feel about guys playing piano. In footmen garb. (So much love in one post, wow.)

And I don't care what Daisy said, they were perfect together. <3

Honourable mentions:

Lady Rose (I mean, duh – she’s so much fun), Bertie Pelham (AHHH), Lady Mary (I do love her, despite her coldness – she’s just my friend. Especially in Season Two.), Lady Edith (the doll), Mrs Hughes (seriously, she's DA BOMB - I almost added her to the list up there!), Mr Mason (BECAUSE ADORABLE), Thomas in Season Six Only (ha) (but really he’s so nice in Season Six, it’s crazy), Lavinia Swire (you know why) and Andy (he warmed my heart. And his hair is cool and weird at the same time.)

Okay, and also Mr Carson (Especially when he’s such a supportive little cupcake towards Lady Mary) and Daisy (she used to be my favourite ever, so I must mention her + do my younger self proud.)

I will finish with a gif of Lady Mary making a funny face. Cuz whyever not, come on, let's just put a random gif at the end of a post.

She's cool.

By the way, I also love the characters I haven't mentioned in this post (Cora, Robert, Isobel, Mrs Patmore, Mr Bates etc.) They just aren't loved enough by me to be honourable mentions. :-P

Who are your favourite characters?

How I met Matthew Crawley and the rest of them.

{No spoilers today!}

So we were visiting my great-uncle and great-aunt. We ate a square pizza and orange juice - it was good. Then we were sitting on their fancy sofas, and talking about books and movies. (I probably started it. Cuz.) Period Dramas probably (what am I saying? Definitely) came into the conversation, and one of them (either the aunt, either the uncle, I forget who) said, "Oh, have you heard of Downton Abbey?"

Now, that was back in the day when there was only one series; so it wasn't like we were living under a rock or anything. (Although of course there's a possibility. We're homeschoolers, after all.) We hadn't heard of it.

So we borrowed it!!!!!

Mum and Dad and my older brother ("I'm too uld. I'm sorry. I'm too uld.") and me and my sister who's a year (AND A HALF) younger than me... we watched it. Okay, the first scenes, with tall footmen walking through busy and swellegant halls and Daisy getting hurried and Mr Bates in the train and the news of the Titanic being drowned... they are epicccc. And then the elegant Crawleys... gah, gah gahhh. Guys should stop filming beautiful things - it's just too much sometimes. (RIGHT?)

There is some content in Season One, and the worst one is right in episode one. Whiiiich is kind of annoying. But I'm so glad we carried on because like 97% (why ninety-seven? I did maths of course - all accurate) (no, it's just randomness, shush) - of the golden season is pretty amazing. There was the heartbreaking ending, Tom's CUTE CUTE SMIRK through the window when Sybil buys those blue bloomers, Gwen becoming a secretary, AND MATTHEW. And William. Williaaaaam.

(I have to admit something: Back in those days, William was my favourite guy. As in, fictional husband. The Matthew-faze came later, when I reached the age of fifteen or something, and when I was wiser.)

(No, I do love William. But gosh, I could have realised that Matthew was mine.)

Also... I loved Lady Grantham a lot. "I must have said it wrong!"

AND THIS EPIC LINE: "Do I care for Downton? Oh yes I DO!"

(And we are all in agreement with Robert. Let us end on that note.)