Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix Quotes Part 1

Picture by Mindy Lee
"We're not stupid, you know," said Uncle Vernon.
"Well, that's news to me," said Harry, his temper rising, and before the Dursleys could call him back, he had wheeled about, crossed the front lawn, stepped over the low garden wall, and was striding off up the street.

"We don't break ranks for anything, got me? If one of us is killed--"
"Is that likely?" Harry asked apprehensively, but Moody ignored him.
"--the others keep flying, don't stop, don't break ranks. If they take out all of us and you survive, Harry, the rear guard are standing by to take over; keep flying east and they'll join you."
"Stop being so cheerful, Mad-Eye, he'll think we're not taking this seriously," said Tonks, as she strapped Harry's trunk and Hedwig's cage into a harness hanging from her broom.

"He's not a nutter, Ron--"
"His life's ambition is to have his head cut off and stuck up on a plaque just like his mother," said Ron irritably. "Is that normal, Hermione?"

"I don't know where you learned about right and wrong, Mundungus, but you seem to have missed a few crucial lessons," said Mrs. Weasley coldly.

"I was never a prefect myself," said Tonks brightly from behind Harry as everybody moved toward the table to help themselves to food. Her hair was tomato-red and waist-length today; she looked like Ginny's older sister. "My Head of House said I lacked certain necessary qualities."
"Like what?" said Ginny, who was choosing a baked potato.
"Like the ability to behave myself," said Tonks.

"Manners, Potter, or I'll have to give you a detention," drawled Malfoy, whose sleek blond hair and pointed chin were just like his father's. "You see, I, unlike you, have been made a prefect, which means that I, unlike you, have the power to hand out punishments."
"Yeah," said Harry, "but you, unlike me, are a git, so get out and leave us alone."

"And it would be quite nice if you stopped jumping down Ron's and my throats, Harry, because if you haven't noticed, we're on your side."

"Who do you imagine wants to attack children like yourselves?" inquired Professor Umbridge in a horribly honeyed voice.
"Hmm, let's think..." said Harry in a mock thoughtful voice, "maybe Lord Voldemort?"

"If you don't stop doing it, I'm going to--"
"Put us in detention?" said Fred in an I'd-like-to-see-you-try-it voice.
"Make us write lines?" said George, smirking. Onlookers all over the room were laughing.
Hermione drew herself up to her full height; her eyes were narrowed and her bushy hair seemed to crackle with electricity. "No," she said, her voice quivering with anger, "but I will write to your mother."
"You wouldn't," said George, horrified, taking a step back from her.

"Harry, don't go picking a row with Malfoy, don't forget, he's a prefect now, he could make life difficult for you..."
"Wow, I wonder what it'd be like to have a difficult life?" said Harry sarcastically.

"Hermione, you are honestly the most wonderful person I've ever met," said Ron weakly, "and if I'm ever rude to you again--"
"I'll know you're back to normal," said Hermione.

"Here's an idea," said Ron loudly before Harry could speak, "why don't you shut your mouth?"

"How're you feeling?" Ginny asked Ron, who was now staring into the dregs of milk at the bottom of his empty cereal bowl as though seriously considering attempting to drown himself in them.
"He's just nervous," said Harry.

"Who're you writing the novel to anyway?" Ron asked Hermione, trying to read the bit of parchment now trailing on the floor.
Hermione hitched it up out of sight. "Viktor."
"Krum?"
"How many other Viktors do we know?"

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Heroes

A list of all of my heroes.
Who are yours?

Florence Nightingale
She was a wealthy young woman with a chance to live a quiet, comfortable life.
And yet she gave it up to be a nurse. She saved lives then, and her methods have
saved lives now.

Aung San Suu Kyi
A peaceful fighter for Burmese democracy, she has been unjustly imprisoned (she was
just lately granted her freedom). But she has still not given up.

Joan of Arc
I may not be Catholic, but Joan of Arc still inspires me.

Ronald Reagan
He was a president who got things done. If he was our president today, our country
would be on the right track.

Albert Einstein
The most brilliant man the world has ever seen. He never listened to the critics.

Mother Theresa
She did so much good in this world and left behind a wonderful legacy.

Black Agnes
(Also known as Lady Agnes Randolph of Dunbar)
When her husband was way at war, the English Earl of Salisbury tried to take her castle, and
ultimately Scotland itself. But she refused to surrender, and fought him with everything
she had (which, admittedly, wasn't much.) And yet she was able to beat him back.

Gandhi
He was able to protest British rule in India peacefully, and I can't think of any one
more true to himself than he was.

Winston Churchill
The British Prime Minister during WWII, he learned from his mistakes and
was a major leader for the Allies.

George Washington
Our first president and arguably one of the best, and humblest of men.
Who else do you know would have turned down the chance to be a king?

Joseph of Egypt
He was far from home when he was carried into Egypt. And yet not only did he shine in
everything he did, but he resisted temptation and stayed true.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

The Literary Heroine Blog Party: My Answers



There's a blog party over at Accordion to Kellie, and I have joined. Here are my answers to the questions:

1. Introduce yourself! Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!

I am Celtic Traveler, reader, writer, and artist. I believe that life is awesome and the bad things are just small bumps on the way that we can overcome by trusting in God. I love art history (and other history), old literature, stargazing, sunsets, Enya, Celtic music, and The Lord of the Rings.
I dislike eggplants, any pasta that has sauce on it, and people-who-think-they-know-you-but-they-don't-and-yet-they-keep-telling-you-who-they-think-you-are-and-it's-way-off-mark.

Ahem.

I long to travel the world and write full-time. I also want to learn all the Gaelic languages, including Welsh.
Random: I read travel guides. Like regular books. They're fascinating.


2. What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine?

Someone who can rescue herself (meaning they're not a Damsel In Distress). But in modern literature, that seems to mean making the heroine tough and sorta harsh. The true Heroine is tough, but still retains her kindness. She helps others but stays true to herself.

3. Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.

Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice
Princess Cimorene from Dealing with Dragons
Hermione Granger from Harry Potter
Miriam from The Kingdom and the Crown

4. Five of your favorite historical novels?

Men of Iron by Howard Pyle
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
The Kingdom and the Crown by Gerald N. Lund (Ok, that's a series)
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
And I'm currently reading Ivanhoe and enjoying it. So.

5. Out of those five books who is your favorite main character and why?

Simeon from The Kingdom and the Crown. He has lots of character growth, and I also love how he can be so sarcastic and witty at times.

6. Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why?

Mr. Thornton from North and South. Such a great character with lots of depth.

7. If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there?

Ireland! I'd see every castle and abbey I could. (I'd try to stay in one--or maybe a cottage.) I'd visit as many prehistoric megaliths as possible. I'd eat bubble and squeak in a restaurant while listening to a live Irish Band. I'd go see my favorite singers who never come on tour in America. I'd see Giant's Causeway and visit the Omagh Memorial. Oh yes, and skip around in the rain.

8. What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?

Anything in Medieval Great Britain. Preferably about knights.

9. You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of?

Oh, dear. Lot's of people. I think I'd recite a very short poem. Like a couplet.

10. If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent?

Maid Marian.

11. What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate?

Ah, chocolate, mon amour. Mmmmmmmm....

12. Favorite author(s)?

J.R.R. Tolkien
Agatha Christie
Howard Pyle
Brian Jacques
Mark Twain
E. Nesbit

(Hmmm...why are most of these British?)

13. Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land?

A thirst for adventure.

14. In which century were most of the books you read written?

 Mostly during the 1800's.

15. In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is…

Frodo. And if you don't know what he's from, I pity you. (Poor dear.)

16. Describe your ideal dwelling place.

A homey little cottage with a large library, and round windows and round doors, someplace very green...Heck, how about a nice hobbit hole in Hobbiton?

17. Sum up your fashion style in five words.

Well, I just throw on a t-shirt and some jeans and call it good. My new year's resolution was to find a way to dress nicer, but it's difficult when you're not attracted to clothing styles:)

18. Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name?

Whenever I read a fantasy book where the characters name are like Xenix or Khaz'ak'lan, then, yes.

19. In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is...

Count Olaf from A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. Despicable.

20. Three favorite Non-fiction books?

The Road to There: Mapmakers and Their Stories by Val Ross
Life in a Medieval Village by Joseph Gies and Frances Gies
Life in a Medieval City by Joseph Gies and Frances Gies

21. Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon?

I honestly don't know. Usually I spend carefree afternoons reading. But how I would choose to spend it...I don't really know.  Maybe it's good as is.

22. Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.

A hat that best portrays my character would be no hat at all. Just my short, messy brown hair.

23. Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.

I finally figured out that if you want to get a book done, you write. For an hour. Every day. Whether you're inspired or not (you can always go back and edit).

24. Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.

John 16: 33 (King James Bible): These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Best Literary Couples

Happy Valentine's Day!

Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett (Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen)
Aragorn and Arwen (The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien)
Mr. Thornton and Margaret Hale (North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell)
Allan a Dale and Ellen (Robin Hood)
Aethelbald and Una (Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl)
Ron and Hermione (Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling)
Martin and Rose (Martin the Warrior by Brian Jacques)
Major Wilbraham and Freda Clegg (Mr. Parker Pyne, Detective by Agatha Christie)

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Quotes II

Picture by Nicolas Kole
"So, basically, you're going to take the best-looking girl who'll have you, even if she's completely horrible?"
"Er-yeah, that sounds about right," said Ron.

"Trying to ruin someone else's life?" said Harry loudly.
A few people looked around. Rita Skeeter's eyes widened behind her jeweled spectacles as she saw who had spoken. "Harry!" she said, beaming. "How lovely! Why don't you come and join--?"
"I wouldn't come near you with a ten-foot broomstick," said Harry furiously.

"Of course we still want to know you!" Harry said, staring at Hagrid. "You don't think anything that Skeeter cow--sorry, Professor," he added quickly, looking at Dumbledore.
"I have gone temporarily deaf and haven't any idea what you said, Harry," said Dumbledore, twiddling his thumbs and staring at the ceiling.

"My own brother, Aberforth, was prosecuted for practicing inappropriate charms on a goat. It was all over the papers, but did Aberforth hide? No, he did not! He held his head high and went about his business as usual! Of course, I'm not entirely sure he can read, so that may not have been bravery..."

"I saw the dementors bringing him in, watched them through the bars in my cell door. He can't have been more than nineteen. They took him into a cell near mine. He was screaming for his mother by nightfall. He went quiet after a few days, though...they all went quiet in the end...except when they shrieked in their sleep..."

"I smell double-dealing and corruption in this whole affair, and you, Dumbledore, you, with your talk of closer international wizarding links, of rebuilding old ties, of forgetting old differences--here's what I think of you!" Karkaroff spat onto the ground at Dumbledore's feet.
In one swift movement, Hagrid seized the front of Karkaroff's furs, lifted him into the air, and slammed him against a nearby tree. "Apologize!" Hagrid snarled as Karkaroff gasped for breath, Hagrid's massive fist at his throat, his feet dangling in midair.
"Hagrid, no!" Dumbledore shouted, his eyes flashing.

It was Voldemort, Harry thought, staring up at the canopy of his bed in the darkness, it all came back to Voldemort...He was the one who had torn these families apart, who had ruined all these lives...

Lord Voldemort had risen again.

"How many will be brave enough to return when they feel it?" he whispered, his gleaming red eyes fixed upon the stars. "And how many will be foolish enough to stay away?"

"You ask for forgiveness? I do not forgive. I do not forget."

"You won't?" said Voldemort quietly, and the Death Eaters were not laughing now. "You won't say no? Harry, obedience is a virtue I need to teach you before you die...Perhaps another little dose of pain?" Voldemort raised his wand, but this time Harry was ready; with the reflexes born of his Quidditch training, he flung himself sideways onto the ground; he rolled behind the marble headstone of Voldemort's father, and he heard it crack as the curse missed him.
"We are not playing hide-and-seek, Harry," said Voldemort's soft, cold voice, drawing nearer, as the Death Eaters laughed. "You cannot hide from me. Does this mean you are tired of our duel? Does this mean that you would prefer me to finish it now, Harry? Come out, Harry...come out and play, then...it will be quick...it might even be painless...I would not know...I have never died..."

"You place too much importance, and you have always done, on the so-called purity of blood! You fail to recognize that it matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be!"

As Hagrid had said, what would come, would come...and he would have to meet it when it did.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Thursday, February 2, 2012

A Poem From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

I love this poem, it's just brilliant.

By Roald Dahl

"The most important thing we've learned,
So far as children are concerned,
Is never, NEVER, NEVER let
Them near your television set-
Or better still, just don't install
The idiotic thing at all.
In almost every house we've been,
We've watched them gaping at the screen.
They loll and slop and lounge about,
And stare until their eyes pop out.
(Last week in someone's place we saw
A dozen eyeballs on the floor.)
They sit and stare and stare and sit
Until they're hypnotised by it,
Until they're absolutely drunk
With all the shocking ghastly junk.
Oh yes, we know it keeps them still,
They don't climb out the window sill,
They never fight or kick or punch,
They leave you free to cook the lunch
And wash the dishes in the sink-
But did you ever stop to think,
To wonder just exactly what
This does to your beloved tot?
IT ROTS THE SENSES IN THE HEAD!
IT KILLS IMAGINATION DEAD!
IT CLOGS AND CLUTTERS UP THE MIND!
IT MAKES A CHILD SO DULL AND BLIND
HE CAN NO LONGER UNDERSTAND
A FANTASY, A FAIRYLAND!
HIS BRAIN BECOMES AS SOFT AS CHEESE!
HIS POWERS OF THINKING RUST AND FREEZE!
HE CANNOT THINK--HE ONLY SEES!
'All right!' you'll cry. 'All right!' you'll say,
'But if we take the set away,
What shall we do to entertain
Our darling children? Please explain!'
We'll answer this by asking you,
'What used the darling ones to do?
'How used they keep themselves contented
Before this monster was invented?'
Have you forgotten? Don't you know?
We'll say it very loud and slow:
THEY...USED...TO...READ! They'd READ and READ,
AND READ and READ, and then proceed
To READ some more. Great Scott! Gadzooks!
One half their lives was reading books!
The nursery shelves held books galore!
Books cluttered up the nursery floor!
And in the bedroom, by the bed,
More books were waiting to be read!
Such wondrous, fine, fantastic takes
Of dragons, gypsies, queens, and whales
And treasure isles, and distant shores
Where smugglers rowed with muffled oars,
And pirates wearing purple pants,
And sailing ships and elephants,
And cannibals crouching 'round the pot,
Stirring away at something hot.
(It smells so good, what can it be?
Good gracious, it's Penelope.)
The younger ones had Beatrix Potter
With Mr. Tod, the dirty rotter,
And Squirrel Nutkin, Pigling Bland,
And Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and--
Just How The Camel Got His Hump,
And How The Monkey Lost His Rump,
And Mr. Toad, and bless my soul,
There's Mr. Rat and Mr. Mole--
Oh, books, what books they used to know,
Those children living long ago!
So please, oh please, we beg, we pray,
Go throw your TV set away,
And in its place you can install
A lovely bookshelf on the wall.
Then fill the shelves with lots of books,
Ignoring all the dirty looks,
The screams and yells, the bites and kicks,
And children hitting you with sticks--
Fear not, because we promise you
That, in about a week or two
Of having nothing else to do,
They'll now begin to feel the need
Of having something good to read.
And once they start–oh boy, oh boy!
You watch the slowly growing joy
That fills their hears. They'll grow so keen
They'll wonder what they'd ever seen
In that ridiculous machine,
That nauseating, foul, unclean,
Repulsive television screen!
And later, each and every kid
Will love you more for what you did.
P.S. Regarding Mike Teavee,
We very much regret that we
Shall simply have to wait and see
If we can get him back his height.
But if we can't–it serves him right."