Stalwart and True

RA Character challenge

26.) Most Interesting Story

Sparkhouse

Even though it’s a tragic story, Sparkhouse was one that kept me engaged (I liked North & South too, but you could tell where that one was going rather quickly). The puppy-love story of Carol and Andrew, how he was going off to University and all the uncertainty and fear that came with that. Been there done that, minus the abusive father and boyfriend’s disapproving parents, thank goodness! though my future MIL did try to get me to break up with her son so that he could “experience college life”.

your son needs to get drunk every weekend, why exactly?

How John, the awkward farmhand, suffered in silence with unrequited love

(my middle name in adolescence could have been “unrequited” )

I had shoes that looked like that coat. no joke.

but when the chips were down who was there? John. Full of gentleness and understanding but still with plenty of that endearing awkwardness, though it was now mixed with a mature confidence that was rather enticing.

as is that sweater. I kind of have a *thing* for it. as I do the hair & sideburns.

Roles between the former young romantics became switched, Crazy girl passed on her title to University boy when he let jealousy consume him and ruin his home life.

give it to him, John! I mean…let’s sit down and talk this through like adults *blushes*

Meanwhile John was the safe haven, stalwart and true.

Ugh! That man!

I just want to cuddle up to those awful clothes forever ❤

Just Be

RA Character challenge

9.) A Character Who Inspires You

John Standring

John inspires me with the way that he simplifies his life. He doesn’t get caught up in the gossip or stick his nose into other people’s business, no matter how good the intentions. He’s helpful and understanding to those around him but I don’t think he spends a whole lot of time worrying about how others see him.

John doesn’t get weighed down with the desire for more; he’s accepting of his life and lives it to the best of his ability. He’s understanding, nurturing, has a calming sense about him, and although John can also be self-conscious and awkward, he’s very forthcoming about it; which ends up becoming his own brand of confidence.

John inspires me to relax, breathe, give things a chance to work, and just be.

What Dreams Are Made Of

Alphabet Movie challenge: day 12

Location I’d most like to visit

Answer: Yorkshire Dales

(Sparkhouse)

rolling hills, wide open spaces,

stone fences, green pastures.

John could work on the farm, doing what he enjoys.

I could bring him lunch and sometimes get a little dirty

not that kind of dirty!

because I’m not opposed to helping out

when a set of extra hands are needed.

and by “helping out” I mean playing with the dog

Long walks through the heather

would be our favorite pastime

when we aren’t cuddled up

in front of the television.

you’re doing it wrong

I wouldn’t ask John to sell his Grandfather’s house though, that’s just wrong.

(because I don’t want to live in a falling down farmhouse)

what? I’m fragile!

The Yorkshire Dales look like a lovely, magical place

that I’d definitely like to visit.

a perfect reading bench, and by “reading” I mean fanfiction

Sparkhouse: the important parts

Sparkhouse is a sad story, I’m not going to lie.

and not just because of this hair

When I first watched the mini-series on YouTube, it haunted me for days afterwards. Not because of the tragic love story at the center of it all and not because of the gutsy girl who just couldn’t seem to catch a break, but because of John Standring. I just couldn’t seem to get him out of my head.

are you watching Richard Armitage on that tv? because nothing else could possibly be that distracting…

so I turned to fan-fiction. I gobbled up every Sparkhouse story I could find, I was possessed!

need MOAR!

Have you seen Sparkhouse yet? Not sure you want to risk it? Let me help, here are the important parts:

Farmhand fancies employer’s daughter

I know Thorin makes it look easy but swords are sharp!

He asks her out for a drink

a woman Vicar. that’s funny.

It’s awkward and a bit confusing

glow-in-the-dark or cherry flavored? decisions, decisions

The next day she tries to let him down easy

serious hair-part for a serious occasion

She leaves town but then she comes back

you only came back for your North & South dvd, didn’t you?

Financial problems force her to offer the farmhand a shot at being farm-owner, if he marries her

how many copies of The Hobbit do you really need?

He warily agrees

I won’t make you dress like Sir Guy, I promise

Then there’s a Wedding

and a Wedding Night

sorry Richard Armitage, duty calls!

some drama

I need to replace my wife’s North & South dvd. I broke it. yes, I learned my lesson

and they lived happily ever after!

well, maybe not right away…

I’ll let poet Ella Wheeler Wilcox explain:

Love’s Coming

She had looked for his coming as warriors come,
With the clash of arms and the bugle’s call;
But he came instead with a stealthy tread,
Which she did not hear at all.

She had thought how his armor would blaze in the sun,
As he rode like a prince to claim his bride:
In the sweet dim light of the falling night
She found him at her side.

She had dreamed how the gaze of his strange, bold eye
Would wake her heart to a sudden glow:
She found in his face the familiar grace
Of a friend she used to know.

She had dreamed how his coming would stir her soul,
As the ocean is stirred by the wild storm’s strife:
He brought her the balm of a heavenly calm,
And a peace which crowned her life.

Standring On The Brain

This past weekend my family and I attended a small local Scottish festival that we go to every year. There are bigger and “better” (commercial) ones in the area, but I enjoy the ambiance of a smaller venue. This year I couldn’t seem to get John Standring off my mind. I “saw” him at every turn.

It’s understandable that I would be reminded of John while watching the sheep trials

the dogs were cute, but John does it better

but there were no tall, dark and handsome men dressed in overalls, just old men in wool caps.

I didn’t expect to be reminded of John while watching the Highland games. Flipping tall cabers (wooden telephone poles) and throwing massive hammers around doesn’t seem like something he would do for fun, though I’m sure he could hold his own.

They also had a sheaf toss, which is kind of like pitching hay.

hey, hey, hey…hay

There was a Whiskey tasting (that’s Whisky with no “e”) and John does enjoy a drink now and then.

yes, I know that’s beer but look at those eyelashes!

There were Medieval weapon demonstrations too, where Guy took over my brain for awhile, to give John a rest.

I found the birds-of-prey talk and demonstration very interesting; there are Falcons and Hawks aplenty on the Moors.

and of course they had traditional food as well.

Haggis: the garbage dump of sheep innards

There was also a British classic car show too, but I can’t imagine John being able to fit into those tiny things; there’s no back seat…

All in all, it was an enjoyable day! I was able to indulge in my love of all things Scottish, with John Standring on the brain.

I still haven’t figured out what was up with the Braveheart Stormtrooper though.