Stepping into Austen

Persuasion is one of my all time favorite Jane Austen stories. Though I will admit I have watched the movie countless times but still working on my first time reading it (By working I mean still on page 3).

I love England, if you couldn't tell by now. My first taste of England came from the 1940's version of Pride and Prejudice with Greer Garson and Lawrence Olivia. It was so elegant, so not like anything I have ever heard or seen. At 8 years old I fell, and soon discovered more of Jane Austins novels... that were movies (sorry you can call me uncultured.).

In Persuasion they go to Lyme and walk on a harbor called The Cobb. Ever since I saw this scene in the movie I have dreamt of seeing it myself.

Before we left on our holiday to Dorset I discovered from a friend that The Cobb was an hour away from our home! I may have freaked out a wee bit.

Turns out we made the trek and I crossed off a dream! Thank you Elise for driving us there!

The four of us exploring. 

On our way!!!! 

Finally made it to Lyme and looking out towards the Cobb 

A view of it from a far. I liked how my camera captured this. 

The Cobb!!!!

Two different angles of the harbor.

We weren't allowed to stand up top due to being blown off by the wind and waves that crash against it. So I sat near the top... The rebel that I am. Lol

Well look what I found!!!!

Ohhh how did this end up here??? Love Captain Wentworth. Lol

Season Greetings part 2

Painting, memorizing, building and so much more. Looking back through my pictures I found some fun memories of the build up to a Boys Story and some Christmas traditions held at All Saints. I thought I would share some of the pictures of the last two months with y'all.

We met down in the basement for our rehearsals. I so enjoyed all the actors I worked with. 

Goofing around before tech rehearsal.

Because who doesn't want to hug a real life size minion?

Some serious painting going on! 

Jumpers are a must... Don't forget that!

We had 2 carol services. Carols by Candel Light and Christmas Praise. After each service we served mulled wine and mince pies. I have discovered so far the only wine I like is mulled wine, due to the extra sugar and spices. I even had orange slices in one. 

The Sunday night service before the play we held in the atrium (our cafe). It was so lovely and the praise team/tech and lights were great and a wonderful message from Becky.

Slaving away with the smell of pizza torturong us. 

Christmas Eve night we had a midnight communion. We met at 11:30 and had communion and worshiped. It was so beautiful. Wonderful choir led by Ed.

Phil, Nicole and Libbi led worship at Midnight Communion.

Our Vicor Paul wears his traditional clerical robes. Since this is all new to me I asked for a picture. Lol (Josh photo bombing in the back)

It is tradition for everyone to meet on Christmas morning for a service, not so much for the curate to be dressed as a Jedi. The force was strong with him as he delivered an excellent message.

Every Christmas the queen delivers a message to all of the U.K. I got to partake in this tradition. I had Christmas with a wonderful family from the church. It was such a blessing to spend it with them. They felt so much like home and they made it easier for me being away from my own family. 

Looking lovely as ever.

Cheers folks and hope you had a wonderful New Years and Christmas just as me. 

"4" go mad in Dorset

Gasping and almost leaning over Nicole to press my face against the train window, I looked on in awe. The only reason I didn't leap off the moving train like in the movies was because of the long drop below the train tracks. Everything inside me screamed "GET ME OFF THIS THING!!!!" But I had to be patient, a broken limb or face was not in the plan. I gazed on in silence as we passed the castle ruins. Corfe Castle has been in my dream journal for a while now and I was more than willing to cross it off! So close! Why is this train so slow!? Slugs move faster! 

Than it stopped, oh that is why! We made it to the train station. I leaped out of the train and the others followed behind. Nicole, Shannon and Eline must have thought I was crazy. I smiled bigger with each step. So eager, so close! We have nothing like this in Molalla! We walked around the corner, through the medieval looking town and there and behold, my castle! 

Nicole and I on the train, waiting to arrive 

Shannon and Eline just as eager!

The veiw that almost made me squish Nicole! Lol

Corfe Castle Station. You can see the castle ruins in the background.

A beautiful church you pass to the castle.

The city center of Corfe.

Me gazing, who doesn't like a good castle ruin?!

Another angle.

Me walking up to the castle. 

They had Christmas trees with wishes on them in front of the castle. I picked up this random one by a girl named Claire and she wrote, "I wish to love and be loved always". I took a picture of it and thought I would share with you all. If you could pray for her I would appreciate that. She sounds desperate for love.

Shannon and I excited about castles! They are so new to both of us!

We did kind of go mad in Dorset. 

Nahhhh, just kidding, we still are sane . lol 

Dorset or bust

Vakantie, vakansie, vacation or in other words.... Holiday. No matter what language you say it in we all understand what it is. I sighed as the train took off. Dorset bound. I have dreamt of this place since I learned about it in one of my BBC movies I watched long ago. 

We left from Waterloo Station and I watched London become smaller and smaller in the distance behind us. I had seen a glance of Big Ben and smiled bigger. Yes, still my favorite in all of London. 

Soon we entered into the country. Green. All around. The holiday has started! The journey took 3 hours. 2 trains and one bus. I have decided travel by train is a wonderful idea and I'll have to do it more often. 

On our way to Waterloo Station. Turns out the Waterloo line is closed on Sunday's and holidays. We found that out when we reached the closed gate. No worry, with a small detour we found our way to the station in no time. 

Mind the gap people!

Shannon feeling very optimistic about our journey.

Elina bright and chipper as ever!

Leaving Waterloo station and London behind.

Welcome to the British countryside.

Our home in Dorset. And it is lovely!

Watching the sunset after we arrived.

I am so thankful for all who helped us get here. We are all so grateful for everything! It is a true blessing to be able to relax and get ready for the new year!