Today is Decadent

I have long held a love of history, but specifically 16th Century English Monarchy. I have immersed myself in many biographical books, novels, documentaries and fictional films about this era and the significant people who shaped the history of this tiny island just off the coast of Europe. I wanted to share some of my favorite films with you!

A beautiful series about Elizabeth Woodville the wife or Edward III, mother of Elizabeth York, wife of Henry Tudor VII and grandmother of Henry VIII

One of the most popular series about the Henry VIII, focuses on his life and his wives, Katherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Katherine Parr.

The most famous of Henry VIII's children this adaptation of Elizabeth I's life is gorgeous! From her life under her sister's rule as a young woman to her coronation, this film gives a glimpse of the young Elizabeth.

The Golden Age continues the story of Elizabeth magnificently and Cate Blanchett is the perfect Queen Elizabeth.

But of course the best way to get all of the information about England's Monarchs. Season 2 focuses on the Tudor Dynasty, and sprinkles reenacted scenes with the overlying historical narrations.

 

 

 

 

London 2010 - Day 4

Hooray for day 4! And the fact that somehow I haven't forgotten about this project yet!

Friday 1-8-10

Megan woke me up again this morning, she may end up being my permanent alarm clock as I can't seem to hear the actual one. We had a good breakfast, though I didn't feel very chipper this morning. We had our morning meeting and heard about tomorrow's activities. Tomorrow we're going to see James and the Giant Peach. It's a children's show! Kendra was very enthusiastic about it during her presentation. I'm excited about seeing it as well. We had a two hour break before we had to leave for our beach combing tour, so Megan and I took a nap. She slept soundly while I struggled to get to sleep. Once I did I had a strange dream about going home to visit for a day and my family not wanting me to come back to London. So with these troublesome thoughts racing through my head I woke up, looked at my watch, it said it was 12:55 and we were supposed to leave the hotel at 1pm! So I woke Megan frantically and we hurried to get ready until she looked at the clock which said only 12:30! I'm double checking my watch from now on. We woke up in time for the walking tour and beach combing. The tour was good, but cold. I found some interesting things, mostly pipe stems, but it's cool! We finally finished the tour and decided to get tickets for shows. I went to see Billy Elliot, it was alright, but I wasn't dazzled, I liked it, it had great dance and spectacle. Then we headed back to the hotel and now it's time to sleep. We're going to Camden Road Market Tomorrow!

London 2010 - Day 3

The Journal continues!! Day 3!

Thursday 1-7-10

       Today was the British Museum day! Megan woke me up, we ate breakfast, packed our lunches and then had morning meeting. Megan was nervous about here presentation, but she did great! Beth did a fantastic job with here presentation over the British Library. She even had a powerpoint printed out! And then Deana gave hers over the play "Blood Brothers". I was very excited about seeing that show. We had a short break so Megan and I went to the ATM to get some cash. We walked to the Museum and scoured it for the items on our list and looking at things I wanted to see. I got through all of the ancient civilizations, but we'll have to go back and get the rest. Because I misread my watch Megan and I ended up leaving the museum pretty early. So finding ourselves with time to kill we ran some errands. We found an internet cafe and let our families know that we're doing well. We got some postcards and stamps to send mail back home, then we stopped into a cafe for lunch and tea. I left my green scarf at the cafe and of course had to run quickly back just fifteen minutes before we met to go to the British Library. The British Library was fantastic seeing the original works that I have read and loved was mind blowing. My favorites were Jane Austen's works, Shakespeare, and the Beatles. Also I was in awe of the illuminated texts, with the Bibles being my favorites, to see God's word so carefully and painstakingly copied made me see how extremely valuable it is to everyone.
       After the Library we had free time, most of which was spent following the other girls around as they shopped which wasn't much fun when you can't buy anything. We ate at a little hole in the wall pop-in-place. It wasn't very good and I don't plan on eating anywhere like that agina. Then we went to see Blood Brothers. That show was Brilliant! It made me laugh and cry. It was moving, it made me think about life and the way I treat my loved ones. It also made me want to hug my mother, kiss all my siblings, and hold them all tight. I thoroughly enjoyed the show and I enjoyed my first time going to the stage door for autographs. I'd seen that done in old movies before, but I had no idea that I would actually do that! Now the back of my London syllabus has four of the actor's signatures on it. We made it back to the hotel, I watched some TV and now I'm going to sleep. We've got a long walk and beach combing tomorrow!

London 2010 - Day 2

Here's day two of my London trip. Enjoy!


Wednesday 1-6-10

      We've arrived! After a long wait and an even longer flight we are finally in London! Went through the border just fine and got on a bus to the city itself! We arrived at our hotel around 3pm and left for dinner at 4:30. We ate at Wagamama's, its a great little Asian place that the Byland's love. I got Cha Han, which is a fried rice dish with chicken, shrimp, and mushroms. It was delectable and came with some miso soup and pickles! After dinner we had our walking tour of London. We had tons of fun riding the tube for the first time! Katherine got in trouble for taking flash photos in the station. I hadn't realized that the Underground went so deep, we went down two escalators and then two more flights of stairs! We came out near the London Eye! I can still hardly believe I've seen it in person! I've seen it so many times in movies and TV that it was surreal. As we turned the corner past the Eye gasps erupted as the Big Ben tower came into view next to Westminster. We crossed the River Thames snapping pictures of the tower and its surroundings. We walked and walked. We took pictures f the statue of Bodicea. She was a fantastic queen of the Britons, who defeated the invading Roman Empire.
       We went  to the National Gallery where the statues of four lions sit. In front of the museum is a statue of George Washington that sits on American soil. Also London's smallest police station is in front of the museum. We saw where they keep the Queen's horses and the changing of the guard. Katie Tyner had to be moved out of the way by one of the guards, who usually don't move or respond to tourists. It was pretty hilarious, because she had no idea she was blocking the guards. We went to the West End where all the theatres and Broadway shows are located. I'm excited about all the shows we're going to get to see here! Then we went to Piccadilly Circus which reminds me of Times Square in New York with its flashy billboards and theatres and people and such. It was getting colder and we were definitely tired so Dr. and Mrs. Byland walked some of us back to the hotel the others stayed and got some chocolate. We were able to see a lot in London and realize how easy it is to pretty much walk anywhere you want to get too. Now we're back at the hotel and I am ready for a long sleep. Goodnight.

London 2010 - Day 1

Three years ago I was able to visit London on a school visit. We were able to see all the sights and take in many plays on the West End. I was able to journal every day about my experiences as part of the class. After three years and many hints from friends and family to blog my journal so that they could read about my trip I am finally taking the time to type up my journal! Here goes nothing!

Tuesday 1-5-10

We've made it to Houston! We are on our way. My strange non-displacement thing is kicking in again. I don't feel any different here than I did at home with my family. It's really nice because I never feel homesick. I'm so happy I came on this trip! I'm already having such a great time with my friends. I am anxious to  get there! Megan has promised to give me some sleeping medicine so I can actually sleep on the plane. We ate at a very cute little diner in the airport called "Ruby's". I had a cheese burger and fries. I figured it was one of my last American meals for a while so I went for it! I am getting very sleepy, I wish I could sleep now, but I need to wait until we're on the plane. It would be so nice if I could go to sleep and wake up in London!

Our plane has been delayed! It couldn't get out of England. We've met some great people sitting here. We met a Christian man named Bernard Dishman, he's heading home from a conference! He heard Beth Moore, John Piper and Louis Giglio speak! He's brilliant! We met a mom, Renee, with her five year old son, Saffron. Saffron has supplied us with ample entertainment. He's adorable and extremely energetic.
And he's back! He had gone to the toilet with his mum. They're on their way back home after a vacation in Mexico. And we met a lovely lady from Northumberland named Anne. Hopefully they'll be boarding in ten minutes!

Today is Yummy

This morning I woke up early. This is very unusual for me, but has been happening a lot this week. Maybe its the new year, a new routine, a new lifestyle. Or maybe its because I keep leaving my curtains open during the day and forget to shut them at night...

Whatever reason its given me enough time in the mornings to cook breakfast for myself. Yesterday it was granola cereal with organic bananas and a cup of Greek yogurt. This morning was birds nests with an organic banana on the side. A birds nest for those who don't know is when you cut a circle in a piece of bread and fry an egg in the middle of the bread. I like to toast the cut out centers to and use them to sop up the egg yolk. It is delicious!

Because I have been eating these large healthy breakfasts I have found myself to be less hungry during the day. I'm reversing my diet. Instead of having the smallest meal for breakfast, i.e. coffee, or a small bowl of cereal, or a granola bar. I'm having my largest meals in the mornings, a medium sized meal for lunch and a small snack for dinner. I'm already feeling the effects. I'm fuller during the day and don't feel as hungry at meal times. I'm eating more vegetables and fruit as well as proteins. My goal is not to diet, but to change what and how I eat. Feeling healthy is more important to me than losing lots of weight. My frame calls for a healthy amount of meat on my bones. I've resigned myself to the fact that I will never be petite, or super skinny. But I will be healthy and save money in the process.

I wanted to share with you the delectable lunch I had today! It was inspired by a meal my best friend used to make when we lived together.

Salmon Patties

Ingredients:

1 can of Salmon

1 Egg

5-7 Club Crackers

1 Tablespoon of Parmesan Cheese

Mix all four ingredients together in a bowl until completely saturated. 

Fry in a greased pan on the stove until both sides are light brown and the patty is cooked all the way through.

Salt and Pepper to taste

Is great with celery on the side

Voila! A delicious and very quick meal! I had Chai Tea with mine. It was wonderful!

I can't wait to see what I make tomorrow!

Today is a New Day

Lately I've been in a rut. Mostly homesick and overworked, but I am striving to pull myself out of it! I've started cooking for myself. I'm a pretty decent cook when the base ingredients come out of a box!
Last night was Creamy Parmesan Angel Hair pasta with Shrimp and Broccoli with a side of carrots and spinach dip.

It was DELICIOUS!

On my lunch break I was able to FINALLY stop into a cute book shop next to my house! Of course I can never go into a book store to "just look". I always manage to find something that I can't live without. Like this copy of "Howard's End" By E.M. Forster. I've seen the movie starring Emma Thompson, Anthony Hopkins, Vanessa Redgrave and Helena Bonham Carter. And now I want to actually read the story first hand. I love finding the details in the book that the movies don't have time to explore.

So far today has been pretty wonderful! I just have to keep going and keep my chin up. Things will get better and Christmas break is right around the corner!

I can't wait for dressing backstage tonight!