An Award, and A New Year...

..Well, I was *awarded* awhile back, but I just haven't gotten a chance to post about it until now! This cute little thing is from Raquel of God's Daughter, a personal friend of mine. :) Very sweet young lady! <3

There are some very simple rules for this tag/award:

Name five things you love about blogging, then tag five friends!

..Easy enough, don'tcha think? ;) So..

~~Five things I love about blogging~~

1. "Meeting" new friends, of course! <3

2. Getting the chance to be a blessing, and more often, BE blessed to/by fellow bloggers. :)

3. Getting a comment as soon as I post. ;)

4. Having a sort of on-line diary where I can tell the world my thoughts!

5. Sprucing up my blog, and quickly click "view blog" as soon as I change the littlest thing on it...:D

..And NOW, I award five lovely young ladies who have blessed me...

Miss BleahBrianne -- She always leaves such nice and thoughtful comments! And is also a faithful visitor..:) Thank you, Bleah!

Miss Grace -- A sweet young lady whom I hope to recieve a letter from very soon! ;)

Miss Irie -- She, as well, leaves lovely comments, and visits my blog often! <3

Miss Camille -- A sweet girl {and commenter ;) }, you can tell, from her lovely blog!

Miss Katie R. -- My *newest* pen-pal, and, of course, as lovely as they come! :)

..And ALL of you deserve this award, rest assured. 

Now. Can you BELIEVE that this is the last day of 2010???!! Goodness gracious...where has the time gone? No, I won't even ask...;)

Do you have any special "traditions" for New Year's?? Stay up till 12:00, perhaps...break open a bottle of Martinelli Apple Cider? Blow horns and throw confetti? Or simply go to bed? I'll tell you what we have planned--a Chinese dinner at a restaurant called the "August Moon.." we always go there, every year. Then, we are going to a "gym night" thing, where we will play games till 12:00...*yawn* :) 

In the case that I have no further contact with the computer until then...

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S, 2011, EVERYONE! 

..May the LORD bless you this year. <3 Thank you for giving me one successful year of blogging! 

~~*~~

Blessings for this New Year!

Christmas Has Come and Gone...

...For Christmas this year, Mom and Dad got us a wonderful, exciting present...a laptop for all of us kids to share! :D It is SO nice, and fast, and..sleek! Much, MUCH better than the one computer we have..so, anyways, I am typing away on the newby's lovely, smooth keyboard, sighing with satisfaction as the internet signal comes up with an "excellent speed" signal. ;D Haha...

Anyways. How were ya'll's Christmas'? Okay, AKWARD sentence structure there..you grammar geniuses correct me there...:)

~We had a wonderful one--on Christmas Eve, we had ALL of my dad's family over (he has six siblings..well, had seven, but my Aunt Vicky passed away several years ago..:( ), and we had a big potluck/gift exchange among the kids. =D One of my gifts "from" my little cousin Maley {;)} was a Starbucks giftcard!

..Oh, goodness gracious, I looove Starbucks! When we go. Which is..never. :) No, I'm not a coffee drinker, but they have other good things there, as you may well know...

Anyways. I hope to gather a group of girlfriends soon and go spend the giftcard...I wish you all could come! <3

~On Christmas Day, we had our Grandma and my Mom's sister and family over for dessert/gifts, etc. We had a lovely time here!

...Our Christmas tree is getting a little dry now, as it is situated quite near our woodstove. :( Ah, well...all good things must come to an end. I remember reading a sad story about a certain Christmas tree--I don't remember what it was called or where I read it--telling of how the tree thought that it would always be happily set up with lots of lovely adornments and admirers...and then, of course, it was thrown out after he holidays.

I wonder if that's how our tree feels? I hope not. And I'm being sort of silly, aren't I? ;) Bear with me, Dear Friends!

Don't forget to read the last post about an upcoming GIVEAWAY that is soon to make its appearance in honor of reaching the 100 follower mark. Thank you to all of the sweet commenters who said such nice things! And I already have one sponsor...<3

Blessings to you all! If YOU would like to help sponsor my giveaway, e-mail me at:

lmmorud@gmail.com

An Important Announcement...

..Well, I have hit it. The big One-Oh-Oh! 'From Under this Umbrellla' *officially* has:

100 followers!

Thanks to Miss Zoe Luna for helping me with the last number! :) I am super-duper excited that so many dear friends enjoy my blog enough to follow, and hope I make it worthwhile for you. ;)

In order to make it even more worthwhile, however, I want to do what every good blogger does when they reach a mark in their blogging career. Can you guess?

That's right--a 100 followers giveaway! No, this isn't the giveaway post, merely a "pre-giveaway-post," to get you ready and excited. So, come around here often in the future, for you might just happen upon a very large giveaway.

One more thing: I would love to make this thing as huge as possible...so, if any of you are willing to sponsor one or more prizes from an Etsy shop you have, or merely from your own dresser drawer, please let me know via e-mail:

lmmorud@gmail.com

..if you have an Etsy shop, keep in mind that I will be doing some advertising for you! ;)

~~*~~

Blessings to you all! I can't wait for this..spread the informal word, if you'd like...

Wintertime Photoshoot..

..What more perfect time is there for a photo shoot? I certainly don't know...Wintertime is perfect.  Olivia and I recently shot some "sisterly portraits" in order to send them out to friends with Christmas cards...also, our family took our Christmas picture. Here they all are! What do you think? :)

And the family one:

...And, by the way, isn't is CRAZY that Christmas Eve is *tomorrow??* What are ya'll doing for the big day? We are having all of my dad's side's family (akward sentence, hehe!) over tomorrow evening, then on Christmas Day we are having a get-together with my Mom's family. :) I will update you soon on some things we've been doing to celebrate Jesus' birth.

~~*~~

Ice Skating!

My family and I got to go ice skating with another lovely family, the K.'s, this last week!

..Seven of their nine children were on the ice with us. :) We had a glorious time wobbling about for the first hour, gliding with shaky confidence the second, and aching the last few minutes. =) I recieved many blisters, many sore muscles, and many lovely memories.

{Gretchen and Korena K. trying the ice out...}

{Anne pausing for a sweet smile :) }

..It was the first time I had been for..oh...eight years? A loong time, anyways...it took awhile to get the true ice skater inside of me showing! ;)

A fun time was definitly had by all!

~~*~~

When was the last time you went ice skating?

~~*~~

"Timeless Wonders" Entries!

Here are the five photos I am entering in Raquel's photo contest. I had a hard time choosing, and even went out and took most of these on one day...:)

"Face of Winter"

{I thought this was a unique shot...I had the idea that my "eskimo" fur coat would look kind of cool in a photo. It turned out rather well...a little odd, but, very "original," I guess! ;) }

"Forgotten Rose"

{A rose from our dining table bouquet that someone recently gave us was left forgotten on the table for a moment, so I took the opportunity! I like how the macro turned out...:) }

"Secluded Dew"

{THIS shot was very difficult..I had to get down on my hands and knees, try to force the camera to focus for many long minutes..then, at last, SNAP! I captured it before the dew could fall.}

"Pink and Creme"

{Another shot of the beautiful roses, in their full color...there's just something about roses that makes you want to take pictures of them, isn't there?? ;) I just love the vivid pinks.}

"Perished Beauty"

{This was obviously taken way back in Summertime; I also got wayy down for this one..it focused pretty well, and dead dandylions make great subjects...}

...So, how do you like them? Which one is YOUR favorite? My personal favorite is "Secluded Dew..." that was a really hard shot to get, too! ;)

~~*~~

How the World Can Butcher You.

                    I witnessed a slightly disturbing sight today. Rather sad, rather depressing…rather, a necessity of life. And to all of you who own meat animals, it is something that is normal.


You see, our neighbors’ cows were butchered today. I have seen it done dozens of times…they butcher about three times a year, buy new cows, and the cycle continues. But, never before have I seen it with the perspective that I am about to share with you. Something suddenly clicked in my mind as I watched the sad ordeal, and I found another illustration that the LORD has for us hidden within everyday circumstances.

First of all, let me fill you in, shortly, on what exactly happens when a cow is butchered {don’t worry, no nasty details}. :)

1.) The cows are grazing peacefully in their pasture.

2.) One of the cows lifts its head, and spots its loving owner prancing merrily towards it with a bucket full of its favorite meal.

3.) The cow suddenly finds its own lush grass unappetizing, and starts for the bucket of goodness. After all, what can it lose?

4.) The loving owner lifts his rifle.

5.) Just as the cow is upon its coveted food…BANG! Sorry, buddy, but we had to do it.

6.) The other cows follow in suit, despite having witnessed this failure.

…Do you notice anything…familiar about this procedure? Let me lay it out for you as I realized it.

1.) They are going about their life peacefully.

2.) They suddenly see an activity or temptation that is uncertain, but looks better that what they have right now.

3.) All at once, they find their own life boring and unappealing and start for where the grass is {supposedly} greener. After all, what can they lose?

4.) The Enemy lifts his arrows.

5.) Just as they think that everything is going great and nothing is going to stop them…BANG! Everything falls apart, and their life is in ruins.

6.) The rest of the World follows in suit, despite perhaps having witnessed this failure.

Beware of the Enemy and his temptations, or you will end up…

A dead cow? :)

~~*~~

Well, Can You Guess? I Watched...

...Well, I know almost *everybody* is doing a post like this, but I just thought I would join the ranks of Narnia-lovers and let you know that:

                  

The third Narnia movie,

~The Voyage of the Dawn Treader~

...is wonderful! Fantastic! Just as good as the others...better than "Prince Caspian." :) I loved it in 3D, and it was only the second movie I had seen in 3D...the fourth movie I have seen at a Theatre, ever. =) Simply FABULOUS--I reccomend it to anyone (though, there are some scenes that would be considered "scary," perhaps, to under-eight-year-olds)!

..I won't tell you anything about it, as not to be a spoiler, ;) but it was fun being able to watch it today with some good friends, and my two sisters. Good times, good movie~~please watch it, if you get the chance!

What did you think of it?

                                                                   

Regency Dress Beginnings...

I mentioned earlier that I and a few other young ladies are going to be attempting at making a regency dress in the near future! For those of you who don’t know what, exactly, a “regency” dress is, let me clarify: it is simply a dress fashioned after the styles of women from early 19th century England. They usually feature a long, draping, straight-ish skirt with an empire waist and slightly puffed sleeves.

Anyways. I have my pattern all picked out—see?

My pattern is the long-sleeved one on the right...isn't it pretty? :)

...Now, all that is left to be done is the choosing of the color, fabric, embellishments, and…ah, yes, the making of it. ;) How could I forget? This is my first *big* project, so I’m a little nervous…but, we have an excellent teacher in the lead, a Miss Nicole C. She is a very experienced seamstress, and has sewn several regency dresses, civil war dresses, etc, already! We are also hoping, in celebration of finishing the dresses, to attend a regency ball reenactment in the spring. That would be fun—if only I could learn to dance! I am afraid that all I know is the waltz and the polka. Hmm.

What do you think?

Light Pink

Blue Pin-Striped

Navy Blue

Teal

Yellow Pin-Striped

Rust

Burgundy

..And all the other colors in the rainbow! Several of these shades of colors are not exactly what I'd like, but..you get the picture. :)

I am SO excited...I'll be sure to keep ya'll updated, AND to show you the product-in-progress!

~~*~~

A Few Christmas-Colored Crayons...

~*~

Is it really only nineteen days until Christmas? How the year has flown by. It’s time to get out my buried Christmas-colored crayons, Christmas stickers, gold glitter, white envelopes—time to reincarnate my own little personal Christmas card factory that always transforms my room into a Snowbird-themed mess this time of year. And my crayons are starting to need replacements. After all, I’ve been doing this how many years? :) 

...I remember when I was small, the excitement of this holiday was more than enough to last me through the rest of the year until the next, but nevertheless, Christmas has always held a special place in my heart. Why shouldn’t it? I am still a little kid who likes the presents (hehe...:), likes the fun, likes the spirit, loves celebrating Baby Jesus’ birth and reading the Nativity story on Christmas Eve no matter how many times I’ve had heard it.

It has all been wonderful. And still is. But, somehow...

..I'm growing up?

Now, don't get me wrong. Christmas hasn't lost its charm. The Nativity Story still makes me stop and think how wonderful our LORD and Maker is, and how loving He was to send a Sinner like me a precious little baby to grow up and die for me.

But?

Suddenly my eyes are open to the World around me, and I see how much is going on. How many people are suffering and starving. Dying in the moment we recieve our last present on December 25th. 

Think about it.

.. Then, please join me in prayer--or donations--for the Christian global support ministry organization "Samaritan's Purse." ..

~~*~~

*Blog Spotlight!* Meet This New Lovely...

...I am back! I am well! Er..nearly. :) But praise the LORD, I am well on the road to full recovery, which is a welcome relief. :) And for a "come back post," I want to do something a little different...something that I've wanted to do for a little while, and yet I just haven't gotten around to doing: a "Blog Spotlight!"

...I've been thinking. There are *so* many new bloggers out there, getting started every day. As all of us rather well-seasoned ;) bloggers know, it takes aWHILE to get a little band of followers, commenters, encouragers, etc. So, I have decided to feature one (perhaps two, we shall see!:) godly blog every month which I have recently discovered, introduce you to the maker, and hopefully inspire some of you to go and visit for a few moments. I will be checking around "town" for suitable blogs to present to you as the days go by, and if you know someone new who you would love to see get the spotlight {or maybe you yourself? ;) }, let me know, and I will head on over there to scout around. =D

But. Without furthur adiu, here are some delightful new web-homes just opened on blogspot. Get those buttons clicking, ladies!!

RUBY IN THE ROUGH
By Mrs. T.

 About the Blog: This pretty new blog is the realm of Mrs. T, actually, a lovely personal acquaintence of mine! You have most likely visited her daughter Raquel's sweet blog, God's Daughter, and perhaps seen this new spot featured there as well. It is definitly worth checking out. In Mrs. T's own words, Ruby in the Rough {isn't it a sweet name?} is to be the story of "a mother's journey in striving to become a Proverbs 31 woman, by God's grace.." Check out the goings-on over there today, if you will! I have full faith that this will soon become a popular blog. =)  About the Author: "...I am the wife to my wonderful husband for 21 years now; mother to 7 precious children, 2 boys & 5 girls. I love my Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, with all my heart. He is the reason I am a homemaker...and the reason for everything else in my life. I hope my blog will let you get to know me a bit better."

I hope you don't mind me featuring you, Mrs. T! I look forward to how your delightful new blog progresses. :)

Blessings,
Miss Lucia

P.S. (I am only *two* followers away from the BIG 100!!! And, it has now been exactly ONE year since I began blogging. Does this call for a soon-to-begin giveaway? We shall see, we shall see...;)

A Quick Explanation...

..First of all, let me apologise for the quietness around here of late! I can explain...

..I am sick. =P But, my fever is gone now, and all I have is a sore throat and a slight headache, so, praise the LORD! It was no fun, though, as all of you most likey know. First you're cold...then you're hot...you don't feel like eating...yesh, very wonderful. I seriously haven't eaten for two days! So, I just wanted to let ya'll know about that, and HOPEFULLY I will be back to the blogging world very soon.

Blessings to you All!

Miss Lucia

Winter is Here!

..Well, the weather outside it frightful, but the snow is so delightful! As there's really no place to go...

~Let it snow, let it snow, LET IT SNOW!!~

...I am enjoying this little bit of whiteness that has decided to visit in time for Thanksgiving. Goodness, our area hasn’t had a white Thanksgiving for…who knows how long? I certainly wasn’t around. ;)

The fire is crackling merrily, as I’m sure it is in most of your homes which are blessed with a wood stove…it is just such a part of Winter, to me! A mug of warm Sugar Cookie Tea in my hand (SCRUMPTIOUS tea, ladies—do try it!), an ear warmer over my head, a scarf about my neck, and my school books in my lap. *Sigh* ..Not to mention the dozens of water troughs outside waiting to be unthawed…=)

Anyways. I am enjoying the snow, and though we only have about an inch…it is snow, nevertheless! Today some dear friends are coming over (LORD willing, with this weather!) to watch a movie with us. I am excited, as we haven’t seen the for some time! Also, another exciting thing coming up…another sweet friend is going to be guiding my sister, a few other young ladies, and I in making our own regency dresses! I am thrilled…we may even get to go to a ball, if all works out. Yay! Have any of you made an “old-fashioned” dress before? Tell me, what color was your’s? I am still in the hard decision of what color to make it…

Is There a Path to Yesterday?

People tell me life is like a road.

A long,

Terrible,

Beautiful road

With little paths beside it,

Each leading who knows where--

Perhaps to Marriage,

Perhaps to Fortune,

Perhaps to Disaster.

Is there a path to Yesterday?

A little hidden lane, perhaps,

That none can find but we who are in need--

A hasty word,

A hurried choice,

A sharp regret that needs to be set right.

Is there a path to Yesterday?

Sheer nonsense, so I'm told,

Perhaps it is--I wouldn't know.

The worse for me and all of my laments:

Unaccomplished dreams,

Lost tempers never found.

Still, it's a pleasant thought

That I could undo every slip--

I cannot blame my muddy road for all.

Is there a path to Yesterday?

*Poem and photo copyright 2010 L.M. Morud. If you copy, you will be in trouble! I have ways...;) So, thank you for heeding this advice.*

~~Note on poem: there doesn't need to be a "Path to Yesterday!" Though we may regret many things and need to ask forgiveness of others sometimes, Jesus has forgiven us of all our past wrongs and thrown them away, if we ask Him. Hurray!~~ 

Blessings,

Miss Lucia

Consider the Lilies of the Field...

...Not exactly a lily, but this photo and verse seemed to 'go' somehow! I love how vivid and "refreshing" the photo turned out!

~~*~~

..Visit my photography blog for more photos..

..and stay tuned for a giveaway when I reach 100 followers--only six to go! Thank you so much, dear friends..

~~*~~

Blessings,

Miss Lucia

~A Musically Inclined Post~

My instrument...

"Music is a higher revelation

than all wisdom and philosphy.

Music is the electrical soil

in which the spirit lives, thinks and invents."

~ Ludwig van Beethoven ~

"Music gives a soul to the universe,

wings to the mind,
flight to the imagination,
and life to everything."


~ Plato ~

My current piece...

A future instrument...

I have been playing for...

*~~Seven years~~*

A piece I learned quickly...

A piece I struggled with...

~"Callion," with four flats~

Something I am working on...

~Better sight-reading~

I use my piano...

~As a homeschool choir player

~At church

~Nursing Home programs

~Funerals

~On-the-spot opportunities

I hope you enjoyed this little "informative" post! I would love to know what instruments *you* all play!

A Healthful Start--Oh, Yes, Indeed!

..I was proud of myself, today. Know why? I has such a healthy breakfast! Surprising?? Well, not really, I suppose...our family *tries* to eat "healthy" all the time, but some days it is just what's in the cupboard!

Anways.

..I was going to show you what a delightfully delicious healthful breakfast I had? Indeed!

One homemade Banana Nut Muffin...

Want to try 'em? Well, then!
~~*~~

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 overripe bananas

1 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

2 eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and lightly butter 2 muffin tins.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. Mash 2 of the bananas with a fork in a small bowl so they still have a bit of texture. With an electric mixer fitted with a wire whisk, whip the remaining bananas and sugar together like you mean it, for a good 3 minutes. Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla and beat well, scraping down the sides of the bowl once or twice. Mix in the dry ingredients just until incorporated. Fold in the nuts and the mashed bananas with a rubber spatula. Spoon the batter into the muffin tins to fill them about halfway. Give them a rap on the counter to get any air bubbles out.

Bake until a toothpick stuck in the muffins comes out clean, 18 to 20 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes before turning the muffins out. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Two slices of organic Pear...

One glass of Organic OJ

..Yes, I am quite pleased with myself. ;) A good breakfast starts the day of right, as I always say!

...Well, this is the first time I've said it, but..=D

~~*~~

Blessings,

Miss Lucia

My Photo!

~Oh, look, Dear Friends!~

I am one of the *finalists* for Hannah Grace's Fall Photo Contest!! How exciting is that??!! Please help her choose a winner by viewing all of the photos here, then voting on her sidebar. If you feel so led, mine is:

"Pun'kin Beauty"

....I can't wait to see the results! Oh, and yes, I am back from XC State (obviously..). Update on the, too, soon!

~~*~~

A Silly Little Informative Post...

~Oh, Readers! Oh, Dear Friends!~

...Things have been quite busy lately. And by busy, I mean b.u.s.y. =D But, first things first, My Dear, Loyal Readers...and one exciting thing I have to announce is:

I am only ten followers away from the big ONE-OH-OH!! In other words: 100!!

...I cannot believe so many lovely readers care about my blog so much...*sniff* You are truly the best followers a girl could have. *Showers of thanks and chocolates* ;) If I reach one hundred soon, who knows? *sly smile* I may indeed end up have an...*ahem*...g-i-v-e-a-w-a-y...

Pretty fun, huh?

So. Back to business. =) I would really apprectiate your prayers this coming weekend. Our Cross Country Running Varsity team won the Districts meet, which mean we (both boys' team and girls') will be traveling to State Championships tomorrow. The meet is on Saturday, so be praying hard for our teams, that we will all do our very, very, very best! It's not all about winning, I know, but it would be..nice to get a trophy. =) Thank you so much, friends! Also, for our saftey on the three hour ride up...roads can be dangerous. =I

Other than that, nothing much has been happening {besides school, of course}. Oh! *slaps head* How could I forget?? Two very exciting giveaways are going on as I speak....gracious me! Take a look:

Miss Jenny Marie is celebrating her two-year blog anniversary!!

Go look over her lovely blog and, while you're at it, see what she's offering in honor of this occasion! How wonderful~CONGRATULATIONS, Jen!

Miss Hannah Grace is having a giveaway as part of her Fall Festival!

..And, my friends, I am pleased to say that *I* was honored to be asked to sponser it. Homemade Fall cards--perhaps at your fingertips! ;)

...That is all. Good night.

~~*~~ 

~Kidding! =D May the LORD bless you, Dear Friends, and may you have the best week-end ever! Love and hugs to you all. <3

"When Your Heart Begins to Stray:" Questions to Answer!

..So, friends, I have a favor to ask of you. :)

Do you remember my September post, "When Your Heart Begins to Stray," on when you have stumbled in your walk of Purity? Read it here if you need to refresh your memory, or are a newcomer. =)

Anyways. I got quite a few {rather difficult} questions concerning that topic, and I am not wise by myself. I was wondering: could you, my Dear Friends, help me out, if you feel so led? Please pray about your answers, then send them in to me by e-mail:

lmmorud@gmail.com

..I will post the answers to each question ASAP. Thank you so much! I really want as much input from godly young ladies as I can get...I could do this all by myself, but more make the wiser, and I am certainly not wise. ;)

So. Without furthur adiu, here is the first question I recieved concerning my "Purity Post". I have chosen to keep all questioners anonymous, even if they did not explicitly desire this.

So....Is is bad to 'like' someone?

Because I have a major crush on a boy I know...

~Anonymous

~~*~~

Girls? Ladies? What are your answers? How can you wisely advise this young lady?

~ I eagerly await your answers! Miss Anonymous, thank you for your question. We will {hopefully} have some heart-felt answers to you shortly! Do not give up in striving to remain pure. <3



*If you answer the question by comment instead of by e-mail, I will not publish your comments until the "answering" post* 

"Fall Festival" Photo Contest Entries!

Miss Hannah Grace of the lovely blog Walking in Thy Truth is having a Fall Photography Contest, as part of her Fall Festival!! What is more exciting?

You can enter up to two photos Fall-related...and here are mine! Tell me what you think...

Pun'kin Beauty

Leaves Yet to Turn

....Make sure to hurry on over there and check out the other things she's having in honor of Fall...hint: giveaways...interviews...contests....;)

~~*~~

Movie Review: "Miss Potter"

~~"Miss Potter" Movie Review (2006)~~

Here is a delightful movie that is sweetly romantic, touching, cute, innocent, and provides a little bit of "history" in the hidden form of a behind-the-scenes tale reflecting the life of Beatrix Potter. We watched this movie just last night, and I can safely say that is is an adorable film. It features a talented {mostly} British cast, all of whom will sweep you into their parts... 

The Cast

Renée Zellweger as Beatrix Potter

She's a writer. An artist. A dreamer. And a little crazy? Maybe. And try as she might there's no way she's going to convince herself that she will never marry, even though that's what she's vowed to do.

Ewan McGregor as Norman Warne

He's the youngest of three brothers. He's always wanted to make his way in the world and join his siblings' printing press--not sit around at home and twiddle his fingers among the family riches. Then his chance comes--a certain Miss Potter wants to publish a silly children's tale that his brothers will have nothing to do with.

Emily Watson as Millie Warne

Cute, loyal, funny, and rather strong-willed...Beatrix is her first friend, and they're best friends on the spot. Millie makes sure of that!

Barbara Flynn as Helen Potter

Haughty, self-centered, and snappish. But she loves her daughter Beatrix, and just wants what's best for her. She has no hope in these silly "bunny tales," and strongly disapproves of a relationship with a certain "unacceptable" gentlemen. "But...he's beneath us!"

Bill Patterson as Rupert Potter

The adoring father. The one who's always lifted his daughter upand encouraged her to pursue her art and tales. The reason she's as far as she is today.

Miss Potter is based on the true story of Beatrix Potter (Renee Zellweger), a single, middle-aged writer/painter who lives in London during the early 1900s with a family ranking high on the financial totem pole. Since she despises her snippy, buttoned-up society, she uses her watercolor illustrations and stories as a helpful escape device, creating a series of popular children books about Peter Rabbit, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, Jemima Puddle-Duck and the rest of her "friends."

While some might call her batty—she speaks to these animations as though they are real, and the movie shows them come to life through her eyes—others might acknowledge that the Victorian Era isn't exactly the cuddliest of times, and fun should be grabbed wherever it pops up. Nonetheless, her disapproving mother (Barbara Flynn) ridicules her art and tries to pawn her off on rich "acceptable" gentleman, but she finds herself more drawn to the "unacceptable" Norman Warne (Ewan McGregor), a kindred spirit who loves her work and helps publish her books.

 It's sweet, adorable and just plain delightful.
The great thing about Miss Potter is that it's a PG movie that both kids and adults can enjoy. The script by newcomer Richard Maltby Jr. offers a few unexpected turns that may warrant a dab of the eye, but even when sad things occur, there is an underlying feeling of hope. It helps that Emily Watson is there to provide comic relief as Miss Potter's confidante Millie.

~Taken from "Cinema Blend" movie reviews...slightly edited/added-to by myself~

Lucy Boynton as the Young Beatrix

Justin McGregor as Young William

I thought this picture was *so* cute! This is the inspiration  look. ;)

Awww...<3

...All in all, this movie is a must-see for lovers of English countryside, accents, =) etc. On a scale of 1-10, I would give this movie a seven star rating. One thing—the guy on the cover {above}…who is he? I can’t figure it out! Her…*ahem*…guy has a moustache. There is another guy in the movie without one (I won’t tell you what happens with him—I’m no spoiler!), but {okay, I notice weird things, lol} he has long, square sideburns, not pointy ones. And he never kisses her. Hmm. I’m thinking they just used a different guy for the cover to make it look more romantic than it really is. How weird is that??

Anyways—cute, cute, cute! Please look into seeing this movie, ladies {I wouldn’t really suggest it for guys…not exactly a Chick Flick, but it’s rather…un-guy-ish}! I had so much fun watching this with my family.