February 2014 Favorites

It's that time of the month again, when I come to you and give my thoughts on random things. There's not a whole lot this time around, because I've been sick for most of February and doing nothing but watching Netflix. But there are a few stand-out items I've found, and I can't wait to share them with you.


Favorite Book: I've only read one book this past month, but I thought it was worth mentioning. Mira Mirror, by Mette Ivie Harrison, is about the magic mirror that Snow White's stepmother possessed in the classic fairy tale. But the story is not about Snow. Instead, it tells the tale of what happens after the stepmother disappears and the mirror is abandoned in the woods for one hundred years. Mira, the young girl who was trapped inside the mirror by the witch in order to make it magic, retains her sanity with a yearning to be human again. Then, when she is just about to give up hope, another young girl finds her in the forest. She is lost, innocent, frightened...and the perfect tool for Mira to regain her humanity.

Don't make the same mistake I did and think that this story must be romantic because it's a fairy tale. In fact, if you're looking for a love story, this book will probably frustrate you. Although it does contain some romance and adventure, it is mainly about Mira's inner struggle to choose between what she wants and what is right. Don't worry, I won't give away any spoilers. But this book was actually pretty deep, and it left me significantly impressed with its depiction of filial love, anger, the slow descent into evil, how we justify wrongdoing to ourselves, and forgiveness.

Favorite Movie: I'm going to choose Austenland this month. For those of you who haven't heard of it yet, it's about a fictional vacation experience in England where women go and immerse themselves in the regency era. They dress according to the times, speak and behave as ladies would have back then, give up all modern technology, and men are hired to play the part of gentlemen who court the visistors like Jane Austen's heroes would have. This story revolves around a woman who is the ultimate obsessive Austen fanatic and blows her life savings on a vacation in Austenland.Iwas a little worried when I first saw this movie, because I've seen some pretty terrible Austen fan-girl knockoffs. In fact, I haven't seen any movies I've liked besides the major BBC productions (think Colin Firth). But by the end, I thought it was actually a fitting tribute to the Austen legacy. Full of hilarious moments when the modern and regency cultures collide, Austenland is an excellent girl's night in movie. Just make sure you have plenty of tea, sandwiches, and cookies, haha.

The only thing I feel compelled to warn you about is that there is some adult humor in the movie. It's not heavy enough to make the plot vulgar, and I still say it's great for older teenagers and adults. But I would personally recommend discretion if letting children (under thirteen) watch with you. Otherwise, I'm sure you ladies will enjoy it.

Favorite Artwork: When I went to visit my friend, Heidi of Aspenglow Photography, earlier this month, she gifted me with this gorgeous framed photograph. It's the Cascade Range in Oregon, but it made me think of the Northern Mountains of Madonia (a mountain range in Violet Eyes). This is exactly how I pictured them in my mind. Heidi is an amazing photographer and sells her artwork at very reasonable prices. If you want to take a look at her other wares, just click on the link above. You won't regret at least browsing — trust me.

That's all for this month. Being sick doesn't enable me to do a whole lot of exploring of any kind. Hopefully I'll have some extra categories for you in March. Until then...