Elizabeth

Cate Blanchett as Queen Elizabeth I in Elizabeth

I don't know if I have ever mentioned it, but I love to study royalty. And not just British royalty, but royals all around the world. They absolutely fascinate me. They are incredible representations of hundreds and thousanda years of history. So needless to say I try to watch as many movies of royals as I can possibly get my hands on.

Now I had heard of the 1998 motion picture simply entitled "Elizabeth" for a long time. I never saw it though because of its R rating, but now that I'm twenty-one that doesn't really bother me anymore. So I picked it up (as well as the sequel, "Elizabeth: The Golden Age") and watched it last night. 

It was very different from what I had been expecting. 

~ ~ ~

The movie begins in England 1554. King Henry VIII is dead and England is divided between the Catholic and Protestant religions. The movie begins with the burning of the three Protestant heretics. A rather morbid and disgusting beginning, but probably very accurate as well.

Henry's oldest daughter Mary, a devout Catholic who was famously known as Bloody Mary for her butchering of English Protestants, is queen and is married to King Philip of Spain. Mary is powerful and supposedly pregnant, but is threatened by one person.

Her younger half-sister, Lady Elizabeth, a Protestant like her infamous mother Anne Boleyn. Half crazed at the idea that Elizabeth is conspiring against her with other Protestants, Mary wants her arrested and questioned and eventually killed.

We first meet Elizabeth as a lively and beautiful young woman who is dancing with the dashing and handsome Robert Dudley at her country home, Hatfield House (very romantic). Suddenly Queen Mary's guards arrive at Elizabeth's house and demand that she come with them. Before she leaves, Robert tells her "Remember who you are."

Elizabeth and her two ladies in waiting, Kat Ashley and Isabel Knollys (whose actual name was Lettice) are taken to the tower of London where Elizabeth is interrogated and questioned by Mary's counselors to the point where she is driven to insanity. 

She proves her innocence over and over until finally the counselors admit to Mary that she might be innocent. Mary summons Elizabeth and confronts her, labeling her a heretic and humiliating her about her mother. Soon Elizabeth's kindness wins her sister over and Mary tells her that she will set her free if she will continue the Catholic faith when she becomes queen.

Elizabeth replies, "I will do as my conscience dictates." 

She is sent back to Hatfield House and put under house arrest. While there she is comforted by Robert Dudley who believes with all his conviction that she will become queen. Although she is charmed by the idea, Elizabeth lives in fear that everyday could be her last day.

Instead of giving birth to an heir that could end Elizabeth's life, Mary dies of a tumor, but before her death, she refuses to sign Elizabeth's death warrant. Giving her counselors a shock at the fact that she would leave England in the hands of a heretic.

My favorite scene is when Elizabeth is told she is queen.

Her ladies maids tell her that the Earl of Sussex has arrived. Elizabeth, in fear, takes Kat's hand and walks out the door.

A flash of light.

The Earl of Sussex presents Elizabeth with the royal signet ring.

A flash of light.

The Earl of Sussex repeats the words, "The Queen is dead! Long Live the Queen!"

Elizabeth replies in the simplest of words, "This is the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in our eyes."

~ ~ ~

The rest of the movie is a roller-coaster ride of politics, betrayal, sex, divided loyalties, friendship, enemies, hatred, love, and the constant theme of good over evil. Cate Blanchett did a remarkable job as Queen Elizabeth I. There was a wonderful vulnerability about her character. 

She was able to portray as Elizabeth as a frightened insecure young woman and eventually a confident and strong willed queen. The only problem was Cate Blanchett was far too beautiful. She was stunning in that long dark red hair and most historians say that Elizabeth wasn't much to look at in later years.

There are four men who dominate Elizabeth's life.

Robert Dudley, her lover and childhood friend, who is the only light in her life.

Sir Francis Walsingham, one of her counselors who will do whatever it takes to protect her.

Sir William Cecil, her chief adviser who keeps her in line with hundred year old rules and regulations.

Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, her adversary who is after her throne.

All four of these men have a piece of her life in their hands and the whole movie revolves around her decision on who to trust and who to kill.

While watching it I began to doubt the accuracy of the film and surprisingly enough, my doubts were confirmed true. You can read the list of historical inaccuracies here

~ ~ ~

I found the movie to be rather entertaining, albeit the three raunchy sex scenes (I do have to admit the one with Elizabeth and Robert Dudley was beautifully shot) and also several grotesque scenes of torture. There was a dark and depressing quality to the film, but then Elizabeth's first few years on the throne were anything but happy and cheerful.

So, while it's not on my top list of favorite movies, the wonderful acting, beautiful costumes, and breathtaking landscapes are definitely worth watching.

"[At a time] when wars and seditions with grievous persecutions have vexed almost all kings and countries round about me, my reign hath been peacable, and my realm a receptacle to thy afflicted Church. The love of my people hath appeared firm, and the devices of my enemies frustrate."

~ Queen Elizabeth I

January News

 

That banner is so cute : ) Can you believe it's been 7 years since that movie came out??? Wow! I was like 15! I really hope they continue the Narnia series. Now that Harry Potter is done, people still need a fantasy to look forward to every year.

Well...The Hobbit, I believe is coming out this year and I can't wait to see that!!! Supposedly most of the original Lord of The Rings characters are going to making cameo appearances throughout the movie (more like movies since it's split in two films). That would be awesome. Last year was also the 10th anniversary of when LOTR premiered, so I would have been...11. Long long time ago.

I actually tried reading the Hobbit, but as great of a writer as Tolkien was...I really have a hard time understanding him. Maybe it's just because I'm a 'modern day reader' as I like to call myself or someone who doesn't necessarily like to read 'the classics.' I have never read Jane Austin, Louisa May Alcott, Charles Dickens, Tolkien, and whoever else old fashioned readers seem to admire.

I'm the type of reader one might call 'I never read the book, but I did see a Wishbone about it.' You know that old PBS show about the cute jack russell dog that narrated the show and gave a simple 30 min. version of all the great classics. I loved that show! Too bad it was cancelled, but I was able to get the general gist of classics like Robin Hood (that episode was a particular favorite), Pride and Prejudice, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Black Arrow, The Three Musketeers, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Odyssey, Great Expectations, several African and Mexican legends, and a lot more.

Ok, I'll admit...I am trying to get through Jane Eyre and it's good, but like I said, I have a rather short attention span when it comes to reading 'the classics'. From what I have read from Jane Eyre, I have come to the conclusion that I really admire Jane herself. She's real, not too good to be true or damsel in distress. She's been through pain and heartache, and she's kind and strong, but still maintains a very sweet and feminine essence. A very rare, but incredible combination to be found in a female literary character in that time period.

I have also seen a couple of Jane Eyre movies (there's like 20 adaptions of that story) and I think the best so far was from Masterpiece Theater's 2006 mini-series with Georgie Henley playing young Jane. It was very good and thrilling, never a dull moment. Also the 1970 movie with Susannah York and George C. Scott that is quite old (school), but still well done. Susannah York was so pretty too : )

By the way, I have become obsessed with Downton Abbey!!! I watched the two hour premiere with my mom on Sunday and I could not move! That is such a great show and I'm so in love with Matthew Crawley; so kind, strong and honorable...and he's not that hard to look at...Anyway, back to reality : )

The three Crawley sisters remind me a lot of the the Bennett sisters from Pride and Prejudice, they're fun, lively, and very generous. Sybil, the youngest, is my favorite. The adored princess, who is by no means spoiled or selfish.

I've had a harder time adjusting to Mary and Edith. I haven't seen all of the first season, but Mary's general wild attitude normally doesn't sit well with me, especially when it could come to bringing her family to ruin, and Edith just comes off as selfish and conniving. Now two years later in the second season in the midst of WWI, both have seemed to grow up and act respectably.

I can't wait till next Sunday!!!

(Mary PLEASE tell Matthew you love him!!!)

~ ~ ~

My life in general around the house has been pretty boring. I like to help with the soap business, but a lot of the work tends to get very monotonous. Although, I am working as a mother's helper for two moms and I have really enjoyed it. 

One is a stay-at-home mom who has five children and I work for her two times a month. The other is a teacher with two children who needs me there to watch her twelve year old daughter and eight year old son Mon. and Wed. afternoons until she or her husband get home from work. Both jobs I love and thankfully the children like me, which makes a lot easier.

I've made some good money from working too. Enough that I've been able to get a bank account and start building up a fund. So needless to say that has been great!!! So maybe this stay at home daughter idea hasn't been as bad as I thought.

I swore I would never go back into childcare after working at a daycare for two years, but I guess my life is in childcare. A mother's helper though has been much more rewarding. I'm glad that people actually appreciate what I do and not have to say it out of obligation. As a daycare teacher (I actually am a licensed teacher) there were so many strict rules that I was on pins and needles all the time and lived in fear that I would do or say something wrong.

I still tend to have that mentality. What if I don't this right? Should I have said that? I need to be doing a better job! It's hard, it really is; trying to relax and not worry all the time. It has gotten better and I'm beginning to liven up a bit more.

~ ~ ~

Before I sign off, I was wondering if anyone has ever heard or seen of this show? (I don't know why I word it with 'everyone' seeing as people don't come to this site) I really, really want to see it! Critics have called it 'Camelot for adults' and from the movie stills that I've seen, it's probably true.

All the more reason to see it : )

They have a pretty interesting cast.

Joseph Fiennes as Merlin

Jamie Campbell Bower (Sweeney Todd, Twilight: New Moon/Breaking Dawn) as King Arthur

Eva Green (Casino Royale; Kingdom of Heaven) as Morgan LeFay.

There's only one season (10 episodes),  the (supposed) reason being they couldn't do a second one because of scheduling conflicts with their three leads. Sad. People said it's really good.

Oh well, I see if I can find it from DVD store or something like that. Quite often I'll buy a DVD without even seeing it and normally I end up loving it. I mean, my God, it has Joseph Fiennes and Jamie Campbell Bower as well as a bevy load of handsome knights, who wouldn't want to watch it?? : )

I'll write back soon!!!

~Ivy

Auld Lang Syne

~Happy New Year!~

Top 5 events that have happened this year. 

1.  My brother and his fiancee were in a car crash on May 29 and my brother miraculously survived after 3 1/2 months in the hospital.
2. They were married on October 29.
3. I left my job at First Baptist Daycare.
4.  I got to go to Tennessee (terrible trip) and Georgia (LOVED IT!) 
5.  I wrote a 38 chapter fan-fiction.

Movies I saw this year in theaters

X-Men: First Class

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Pt. 2

Rise of The Planet of the Apes

Courageous

War Horse

Other movies I had seen (for the first time)

Legends of The Fall

Good Will Hunting

Invictus

The Oceans Trilogy

The Next Three Days

Saving Private Ryan

The Return of The Daughters

The Widow's Might

The League of Grateful Sons

Normandy: A Final Farewell

Best presents I've gotten

My computer

My i-pod

Best thing that has happened to me

Getting work as a mother's helper

Worst thing that has happened to me

Going to court

Best thing I've done

Write and send in my essay to the 2012 Vision Forum Catalog Contest

~ ~ Merry Christmas~ ~

Merry Christmas!!!

"Glory to God in the highest

And on earth peace to men on

whom his favor rests."

 ~Luke 2:14

(Sorry this is a little late! My computer was in full use yesterday!)

New Page

I just added a games page to the site!

Edit: New site added to "Favorite sites"

 

Simply Georgie

A great site about this incredible actress!

"No Greater Love Than This"

For the 2012 Vision Forum Catalog Story Contest we were given two covers this time to choose what we wanted to base the essay on.

I had been waiting for a long time to receive the 2012 catalog and enter the essay contest. So finally I sat down last night and wrote my entry! The cover I chose to base my entry on is Option A.

I hope you like it!

~ ~ ~

April 15, 1922, New York City

10th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Titanic

Fifteen year old Charlotte Elizabeth Grayson and her guardian Emily Sanderson walked by the newsboys stand and stopped and read the front page article. She felt tears come to her eyes and her hands trembled slightly as she picked up the newspaper. The front page picture was of the mighty ship that so many naïve people believed to be unsinkable.

Why? Why would anyone want to remember that night!

She had spent ten years, ten long years trying to forget the night that she lost the ones she loved the most.

She had spent ten years asking God why she lived and so many others die.

She had spent ten long years running away from her past…

April 15, 1912, The TITANIC

"Charlotte, wake up! Charlotte!"

The small, blonde haired, five year old opened her sleepy eyes, to see her older brother, Daniel who was ten standing over her. He looked terrified.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Charlotte, listen to me," he said in a choked voice, "The ship…the ship has hit a iceberg and it's…it's going to sink soon. You have to get off this ship, right now."

"What?" said Charlotte, trying to understand.

"Please, just do what I say," begged Daniel as he brought her dress and coat out, "Get dressed now."

"Where's Father?" Charlotte asked as Daniel helped her put her dress over her nightgown.

"He's downstairs helping people get off the ship," said Daniel, "That's why we have to leave now." He put on her boots and helped her with her coat.

"Take my hand and don't let go."

Charlotte took his hand and together they walked out the door of their compartment and made their way to the front of the ship.

It was complete chaos. Women and children were crying while men ran to and fro all over the ship. Charlotte tried looking for her father, but the mayhem was too much. She kept a tight hold of Daniel's hand until they reached the starboard side where the lifeboats were.

"Daniel, Charlotte!"

Both of them turned and to their relief saw their father running toward them.

"I'm so glad you both are here," he said as he pulled them close.

"Father, do we have to get off the ship?" asked Charlotte.

"Yes, you and your brother are leaving on the next lifeboat. Don't be afraid," he said as he stroked Charlotte's cheek.

"What about you?" asked Daniel, "Aren't you coming?

A look of painful sadness came into Father's eyes, "I have to stay here. I need to."

"No!" said Charlotte as she threw her arms around him, "If you're staying then I'm staying!"

"My darling," he said soothingly, "You must go."

"No, I'm not leaving without you," Charlotte said as she began to cry.

"It's alright," Daniel said as he took her hand, "I'll be with you."

"The next lifeboat is up!" shouted a sailor.

"You two are getting on this one," Father said as he took their hands.

Men were passing out lifejackets to the women and children who could wear them. Father took two for his children and started helping Charlotte with her hers.

"I'm sorry, there are no more jackets ma'am," said the sailor to a young woman who had been behind the Grayson family.

"What…what do you mean?" she asked, "Can't I go on without one?"

"No I'm sorry," said the sailor.

The young women started to cry and began to look around, desperate for help.

"You can have mine," said Daniel as he took his off.

"What?" said the women, "I can't…you and your sister are going together…I can't."

"No, take it," said Daniel as he handed it to her, "Just watch out for my sister."

This was too much for Charlotte. First her father and now her brother? She was going alone, among all these strangers? What if Father and Daniel drowned? What happen to her? Mother was already dead, she had no one to go to if her father and brother died.

"Daniel no! You said you would go with me! Don't leave me!"

"Charlotte," said Daniel as he pulled her close, "Listen I may not be going with you, but Jesus is. He's right here watching us and he'll make sure you're alright."

"What if I never see you again?" she asked through her tears.

"We'll always be with you," said Father, "Remember what Jesus told his disciples. Greater love hath no man than this. That a man lays down his life for his friends. That also means a father laying down his life for his children and brother for his sister."

Charlotte understood. At least she thought she did. She wrapped her arms around her father.

"I love you," she whispered.

"I love you, darling," he said, "You are so loved. So so loved."

Charlotte let go of her father and look over at Daniel. He pulled her close to him.

"Be safe Charlotte, be strong, and don't ever be afraid. Jesus is always with you."

She let go of her brother and took the lady's hand.

"I'll take care of her," the lady said, "I'll make sure she's alright. Thank you so much."

"No, thank you," said Father as he shook her hand, "Please be safe."

The passengers boarded the lifeboat. Charlotte sat down on the lady's lap. She looked up and saw her father and her brother waving to her.

Dear Jesus…please…please don't let them die. Please keep them safe.

The lifeboat landed in the water and began to float away. Charlotte laid her head against the lady's shoulder.

She closed her eyes and thought of Daniel and her father.

She never saw them again.

Present day

"Was I worth it?" asked Charlotte.

"What?" Emily asked.

"Was my life of so much more importance that they should have died for me?"

Emily put her arm around her and led her over to the park bench.

"I have asked myself that so many times since you brother gave his lifejacket to me that night. I have tried to make my life of some worth by keeping my promise to raise you and never have I had more joy."

"What can I do?" Charlotte asked, "How can I honor what they died for."

"By remembering," said Emily, "Remember how your father and brother died. They both laid down their lives so you could live to tell of their remarkable sacrifice. Honor all those who died, by never forgetting. Jesus Christ laid down his life for all people, all mankind. Has he been forgotten?"

"No," said Charlotte, "No he hasn't."

Charlotte looked down at the newspaper. She had remembered the screams and the tears. She had remembered the looks of fear and pain and loss. Yet, she remembered the courage and the honor and the love.

She remembered her father and Daniel. She remembered their love. All that love for her. They lived, they loved and they died, so she could live and love.

There really was no greater love.

"I will always remember," she said.

Happy Thanksgiving!

~ ~ ~

And on the subject of thanks I would like to say that last night (which was my 21st b-day!) my family and I watched the movie Soul Surfer and it was amazing! I highly suggest it!

Annasophia Robb as Bethany Hamilton and Dennis Quaid as Tom Hamilton

Bethany Hamilton and Annasophia Robb