#merry christmas mr laurence

[ballumville]

When I watched 'Man in an Orange Shirt' in 2017 for the first time, I immediately thought of making a video of Michael and Thomas' sad love story using the soundtrack of 'Merry Christmas, Mr Laurence' by Sylvian & Sakamoto called 'Forbidden Colours' . So I did it but I never expected it to be so popular. It's posted on my old YT channel - The Rainbow Romance 🌈

#man in an orange shirt #oliver jackson cohen #james mcardle #ryuichi sakamoto #merry christmas mr laurence #lgbtq #gay movies #Youtube

[channiesroomz]

Chan's Room 🐺 찬이의 "방"

ep.005 [01Feb19]

Insomnia - Stray Kids

Outside - Crush

Not over yet - Paul Kim

Make up - Sam Kim

Merry Christmas Mr. Laurence - Ryuichi Sakamoto

A whole new world - Aladdin OST

Ob-la di ob-la da - the Beatles

It's you - Sam Kim

Song request - lee so ra

Cave me in - Gallant

We were in love - 40

This live was full of surprises! This live was very very late (11.30pm) and lasted more than an hour. First Woojin came, it was like a special guest. But then I.N and Hyunjin also went over and recommended a couple of songs (#8 Hyunjin and #9 I.N) and this was totally unexpected even for Chan! They're so precious, they never stop working hard for us.

If you want you can check my Chan's Room Playlist I'm currently making on Spotify!

via @channiesroomz

#bang chan #chan's room #chans room #kpop #music #skz #spotify #stray kids #ep5 #ep 5 #5

[hellsitesonlybookclub]

Little Women, Louisa May Alcott

Chapter 22-23

XXII.

PLEASANT MEADOWS.

Like sunshine after storm were the peaceful weeks which followed. The invalids improved rapidly, and Mr. March began to talk of returning early in the new year. Beth was soon able to lie on the study sofa all day, amusing herself with the well-beloved cats, at first, and, in time, with doll's sewing, which had fallen sadly behindhand. Her once active limbs were so stiff and feeble that Jo took her a daily airing about the house in her strong arms. Meg cheerfully blackened and burnt her white hands cooking delicate messes for "the dear;" while Amy, a loyal slave of the ring, celebrated her return by giving away as many of her treasures as she could prevail on her sisters to accept.

As Christmas approached, the usual mysteries began to haunt the house, and Jo frequently convulsed the family by proposing utterly impossible or magnificently absurd ceremonies, in honor of this unusually merry Christmas. Laurie was equally impracticable, and 270 would have had bonfires, sky-rockets, and triumphal arches, if he had had his own way. After many skirmishes and snubbings, the ambitious pair were considered effectually quenched, and went about with forlorn faces, which were rather belied by explosions of laughter when the two got together.

Several days of unusually mild weather fitly ushered in a splendid Christmas Day. Hannah "felt in her bones" that it was going to be an unusually fine day, and she proved herself a true prophetess, for everybody and everything seemed bound to produce a grand success. To begin with, Mr. March wrote that he should soon be with them; then Beth felt uncommonly well that morning, and, being dressed in her mother's gift,—a soft crimson merino wrapper,—was borne in triumph to the window to behold the offering of Jo and Laurie. The Unquenchables had done their best to be worthy of the name, for, like elves, they had worked by night, and conjured up a comical surprise. Out in the garden stood a stately snow-maiden, crowned with holly, bearing a basket of fruit and flowers in one hand, a great roll of new music in the other, a perfect rainbow of an Afghan round her chilly shoulders, and a Christmas carol issuing from her lips, on a pink paper streamer:—

"THE JUNGFRAU TO BETH.

"God bless you, dear Queen Bess!

May nothing you dismay,

But health and peace and happiness

Be yours, this Christmas Day.

"Here's fruit to feed our busy bee,

And flowers for her nose;

Here's music for her pianee,

An Afghan for her toes.

"A portrait of Joanna, see,

By Raphael No. 2,

Who labored with great industry

To make it fair and true.

271 "Accept a ribbon red, I beg,

For Madam Purrer's tail;

And ice-cream made by lovely Peg,—

A Mont Blanc in a pail.

"Their dearest love my makers laid

Within my breast of snow:

Accept it, and the Alpine maid,

From Laurie and from Jo."

How Beth laughed when she saw it, how Laurie ran up and down to bring in the gifts, and what ridiculous speeches Jo made as she presented them!

"I'm so full of happiness, that, if father was only here, I couldn't hold one drop more," said Beth, quite sighing with contentment as Jo carried her off to the study to rest after the excitement, and to refresh herself with some of the delicious grapes the "Jungfrau" had sent her.

272 "So am I," added Jo, slapping the pocket wherein reposed the long-desired Undine and Sintram.

"I'm sure I am," echoed Amy, poring over the engraved copy of the Madonna and Child, which her mother had given her, in a pretty frame.

"Of course I am!" cried Meg, smoothing the silvery folds of her first silk dress; for Mr. Laurence had insisted on giving it.

"How can I be otherwise?" said Mrs. March gratefully, as her eyes went from her husband's letter to Beth's smiling face, and her hand caressed the brooch made of gray and golden, chestnut and dark brown hair, which the girls had just fastened on her breast.

Now and then, in this work-a-day world, things do happen in the delightful story-book fashion, and what a comfort that is. Half an hour after every one had said they were so happy they could only hold one drop more, the drop came. Laurie opened the parlor door, and popped his head in very quietly. He might just as well have turned a somersault and uttered an Indian war-whoop; for his face was so full of suppressed excitement and his voice so treacherously joyful, that every one jumped up, though he only said, in a queer, breathless voice, "Here's another Christmas present for the March family."

Before the words were well out of his mouth, he was whisked away somehow, and in his place appeared a tall man, muffled up to the eyes, leaning on the arm of another tall man, who tried to say something and couldn't. Of course there was a general stampede; and for several minutes everybody seemed to lose their wits, for the strangest things were done, and no one said a word. Mr. March became invisible in the embrace of four pairs of loving arms; Jo disgraced herself by nearly fainting away, and had to be doctored by Laurie in the china-closet; Mr. Brooke kissed Meg entirely by mistake, as he somewhat incoherently explained; and Amy, the dignified, tumbled over a stool, and, never stopping to get up, hugged and cried over her father's boots in the most touching manner. Mrs. March was the first to recover herself, and held up her hand with a warning, "Hush! remember Beth!"

But it was too late; the study door flew open, the little red wrapper 273 appeared on the threshold,—joy put strength into the feeble limbs,—and Beth ran straight into her father's arms. Never mind what happened just after that; for the full hearts overflowed, washing away the bitterness of the past, and leaving only the sweetness of the present.

It was not at all romantic, but a hearty laugh set everybody straight again, for Hannah was discovered behind the door, sobbing over the fat turkey, which she had forgotten to put down when she rushed up from the kitchen. As the laugh subsided, Mrs. March began to thank Mr. Brooke for his faithful care of her husband, at which Mr. Brooke suddenly remembered that Mr. March needed rest, and, seizing Laurie, he precipitately retired. Then the two invalids were ordered to repose, which they did, by both sitting in one big chair, and talking hard.

Mr. March told how he had longed to surprise them, and how, when the fine weather came, he had been allowed by his doctor to take advantage of it; how devoted Brooke had been, and how he was altogether a most estimable and upright young man. Why Mr. March paused a minute just there, and, after a glance at Meg, who was violently poking the fire, looked at his wife with an inquiring lift of the eyebrows, I leave you to imagine; also why Mrs. March gently nodded her head, and asked, rather abruptly, if he wouldn't have something to eat. Jo saw and understood the look; and she stalked grimly away to get wine and beef-tea, muttering to herself, as she slammed the door, "I hate estimable young men with brown eyes!"

There never was such a Christmas dinner as they had that day. The fat turkey was a sight to behold, when Hannah sent him up, stuffed, browned, and decorated; so was the plum-pudding, which quite melted in one's mouth; likewise the jellies, in which Amy revelled like a fly in a honey-pot. Everything turned out well, which was a mercy, Hannah said, "For my mind was that flustered, mum, that it's a merrycle I didn't roast the pudding, and stuff the turkey with raisins, let alone bilin' of it in a cloth."

Mr. Laurence and his grandson dined with them, also Mr. Brooke,—at whom Jo glowered darkly, to Laurie's infinite amusement. Two easy-chairs stood side by side at the head of the table, 274 in which sat Beth and her father, feasting modestly on chicken and a little fruit. They drank healths, told stories, sung songs, "reminisced," as the old folks say, and had a thoroughly good time. A sleigh-ride had been planned, but the girls would not leave their father; so the guests departed early, and, as twilight gathered, the happy family sat together round the fire.

"Just a year ago we were groaning over the dismal Christmas we expected to have. Do you remember?" asked Jo, breaking a short pause which had followed a long conversation about many things.

"Rather a pleasant year on the whole!" said Meg, smiling at the fire, and congratulating herself on having treated Mr. Brooke with dignity.

"I think it's been a pretty hard one," observed Amy, watching the light shine on her ring, with thoughtful eyes.

"I'm glad it's over, because we've got you back," whispered Beth, who sat on her father's knee.

"Rather a rough road for you to travel, my little pilgrims, especially the latter part of it. But you have got on bravely; and I think the burdens are in a fair way to tumble off very soon," said Mr. March, looking with fatherly satisfaction at the four young faces gathered round him.

"How do you know? Did mother tell you?" asked Jo.

"Not much; straws show which way the wind blows, and I've made several discoveries to-day."

"Oh, tell us what they are!" cried Meg, who sat beside him.

"Here is one;" and taking up the hand which lay on the arm of his chair, he pointed to the roughened forefinger, a burn on the back, and two or three little hard spots on the palm. "I remember a time when this hand was white and smooth, and your first care was to keep it so. It was very pretty then, but to me it is much prettier now,—for in these seeming blemishes I read a little history. A burnt-offering has been made of vanity; this hardened palm has earned something better than blisters; and I'm sure the sewing done by these pricked fingers will last a long time, so much good-will went into the stitches. Meg, my dear, I value the womanly skill which keeps home happy more than white hands or fashionable accomplishments. 275 I'm proud to shake this good, industrious little hand, and hope I shall not soon be asked to give it away."

If Meg had wanted a reward for hours of patient labor, she received it in the hearty pressure of her father's hand and the approving smile he gave her.

"What about Jo? Please say something nice; for she has tried so hard, and been so very, very good to me," said Beth, in her father's ear.

He laughed, and looked across at the tall girl who sat opposite, with an unusually mild expression in her brown face.

"In spite of the curly crop, I don't see the 'son Jo' whom I left a year ago," said Mr. March. "I see a young lady who pins her collar straight, laces her boots neatly, and neither whistles, talks slang, nor lies on the rug as she used to do. Her face is rather thin and pale, just now, with watching and anxiety; but I like to look at it, for it has grown gentler, and her voice is lower; she doesn't bounce, but moves quietly, and takes care of a certain little person in a motherly way which delights me. I rather miss my wild girl; but if I get a strong, helpful, tender-hearted woman in her place, I shall feel quite satisfied. I don't know whether the shearing sobered our black sheep, but I do know that in all Washington I couldn't find anything beautiful enough to be bought with the five-and-twenty dollars which my good girl sent me."

Jo's keen eyes were rather dim for a minute, and her thin face grew rosy in the firelight, as she received her father's praise, feeling that she did deserve a portion of it.

"Now Beth," said Amy, longing for her turn, but ready to wait.

"There's so little of her, I'm afraid to say much, for fear she will slip away altogether, though she is not so shy as she used to be," began their father cheerfully; but recollecting how nearly he had lost her, he held her close, saying tenderly, with her cheek against his own, "I've got you safe, my Beth, and I'll keep you so, please God."

After a minute's silence, he looked down at Amy, who sat on the cricket at his feet, and said, with a caress of the shining hair,—

"I observed that Amy took drumsticks at dinner, ran errands for her mother all the afternoon, gave Meg her place to-night, and has 276 waited on every one with patience and good-humor. I also observe that she does not fret much nor look in the glass, and has not even mentioned a very pretty ring which she wears; so I conclude that she has learned to think of other people more and of herself less, and has decided to try and mould her character as carefully as she moulds her little clay figures. I am glad of this; for though I should be very proud of a graceful statue made by her, I shall be infinitely prouder of a lovable daughter, with a talent for making life beautiful to herself and others."

"What are you thinking of, Beth?" asked Jo, when Amy had thanked her father and told about her ring.

"I read in 'Pilgrim's Progress' to-day, how, after many troubles, Christian and Hopeful came to a pleasant green meadow, where lilies bloomed all the year round, and there they rested happily, as we do now, before they went on to their journey's end," answered Beth; adding, as she slipped out of her father's arms, and went slowly to the instrument, "It's singing time now, and I want to be in my old place. I'll try to sing the song of the shepherd-boy which the Pilgrims heard. I made the music for father, because he likes the verses."

So, sitting at the dear little piano, Beth softly touched the keys, and, in the sweet voice they had never thought to hear again, sung to her own accompaniment the quaint hymn, which was a singularly fitting song for her:—

"He that is down need fear no fall,

He that is low no pride;

He that is humble ever shall

Have God to be his guide.

"I am content with what I have,

Little be it or much;

And, Lord! contentment still I crave,

Because Thou savest such.

"Fulness to them a burden is,

That go on pilgrimage;

Here little, and hereafter bliss,

Is best from age to age!"

XXIII. Aunt March settles the Question.

277

XXIII.

AUNT MARCH SETTLES THE QUESTION.

Like bees swarming after their queen, mother and daughters hovered about Mr. March the next day, neglecting everything to look at, wait upon, and listen to the new invalid, who was in a fair way to be killed by kindness. As he sat propped up in a big chair by Beth's sofa, with the other three close by, and Hannah popping in her head now and then, "to peek at the dear man," nothing seemed needed to complete their happiness. But something was needed, and the elder ones felt it, though none confessed the fact. Mr. and Mrs. March looked at one another with an anxious expression, as their eyes followed Meg. Jo had sudden fits of sobriety, and was seen to shake her fist at Mr. Brooke's umbrella, which had been left in the hall; Meg was absent-minded, shy, and silent, started when the bell rang, and colored when John's name was mentioned; Amy said "Every one seemed waiting for something, and couldn't settle down, which was queer, since father was safe at home," and Beth innocently wondered why their neighbors didn't run over as usual.

278 Laurie went by in the afternoon, and, seeing Meg at the window, seemed suddenly possessed with a melodramatic fit, for he fell down upon one knee in the snow, beat his breast, tore his hair, and clasped his hands imploringly, as if begging some boon; and when Meg told him to behave himself and go away, he wrung imaginary tears out of his handkerchief, and staggered round the corner as if in utter despair.

"What does the goose mean?" said Meg, laughing, and trying to look unconscious.

"He's showing you how your John will go on by and by. Touching, isn't it?" answered Jo scornfully.

"Don't say my John, it isn't proper or true;" but Meg's voice lingered over the words as if they sounded pleasant to her. "Please don't plague me, Jo; I've told you I don't care much about him, and there isn't to be anything said, but we are all to be friendly, and go on as before."

"We can't, for something has been said, and Laurie's mischief has spoilt you for me. I see it, and so does mother; you are not like your old self a bit, and seem ever so far away from me. I don't mean to plague you, and will bear it like a man, but I do wish it was all settled. I hate to wait; so if you mean ever to do it, make haste and have it over quickly," said Jo pettishly.

"I can't say or do anything till he speaks, and he won't, because father said I was too young," began Meg, bending over her work, with a queer little smile, which suggested that she did not quite agree with her father on that point.

"If he did speak, you wouldn't know what to say, but would cry or blush, or let him have his own way, instead of giving a good, decided, No."

"I'm not so silly and weak as you think. I know just what I should say, for I've planned it all, so I needn't be taken unawares; there's no knowing what may happen, and I wished to be prepared."

Jo couldn't help smiling at the important air which Meg had unconsciously assumed, and which was as becoming as the pretty color varying in her cheeks.

"Would you mind telling me what you'd say?" asked Jo more respectfully.

279 "Not at all; you are sixteen now, quite old enough to be my confidant, and my experience will be useful to you by and by, perhaps, in your own affairs of this sort."

"Don't mean to have any; it's fun to watch other people philander, but I should feel like a fool doing it myself," said Jo, looking alarmed at the thought.

"I think not, if you liked any one very much, and he liked you." Meg spoke as if to herself, and glanced out at the lane, where she had often seen lovers walking together in the summer twilight.

"I thought you were going to tell your speech to that man," said Jo, rudely shortening her sister's little reverie.

"Oh, I should merely say, quite calmly and decidedly, 'Thank you, Mr. Brooke, you are very kind, but I agree with father that I am too young to enter into any engagement at present; so please say no more, but let us be friends as we were.'"

"Hum! that's stiff and cool enough. I don't believe you'll ever say it, and I know he won't be satisfied if you do. If he goes on like the rejected lovers in books, you'll give in, rather than hurt his feelings."

"No, I won't! I shall tell him I've made up my mind, and shall walk out of the room with dignity."

Meg rose as she spoke, and was just going to rehearse the dignified exit, when a step in the hall made her fly into her seat, and begin to sew as if her life depended on finishing that particular seam in a given time. Jo smothered a laugh at the sudden change, and, when some one gave a modest tap, opened the door with a grim aspect, which was anything but hospitable.

"Good afternoon. I came to get my umbrella,—that is, to see how your father finds himself to-day," said Mr. Brooke, getting a trifle confused as his eye went from one tell-tale face to the other.

"It's very well, he's in the rack, I'll get him, and tell it you are here," and having jumbled her father and the umbrella well together in her reply, Jo slipped out of the room to give Meg a chance to make her speech and air her dignity. But the instant she vanished, Meg began to sidle towards the door, murmuring,—

"Mother will like to see you. Pray sit down, I'll call her."

280 "Don't go; are you afraid of me, Margaret?" and Mr. Brooke looked so hurt that Meg thought she must have done something very rude. She blushed up to the little curls on her forehead, for he had never called her Margaret before, and she was surprised to find how natural and sweet it seemed to hear him say it. Anxious to appear friendly and at her ease, she put out her hand with a confiding gesture, and said gratefully,—

"How can I be afraid when you have been so kind to father? I only wish I could thank you for it."

"Shall I tell you how?" asked Mr. Brooke, holding the small hand fast in both his own, and looking down at Meg with so much love in 281 the brown eyes, that her heart began to flutter, and she both longed to run away and to stop and listen.

"Oh no, please don't—I'd rather not," she said, trying to withdraw her hand, and looking frightened in spite of her denial.

"I won't trouble you, I only want to know if you care for me a little, Meg. I love you so much, dear," added Mr. Brooke tenderly.

This was the moment for the calm, proper speech, but Meg didn't make it; she forgot every word of it, hung her head, and answered, "I don't know," so softly, that John had to stoop down to catch the foolish little reply.

He seemed to think it was worth the trouble, for he smiled to himself as if quite satisfied, pressed the plump hand gratefully, and said, in his most persuasive tone, "Will you try and find out? I want to know so much; for I can't go to work with any heart until I learn whether I am to have my reward in the end or not."

"I'm too young," faltered Meg, wondering why she was so fluttered, yet rather enjoying it.

"I'll wait; and in the meantime, you could be learning to like me. Would it be a very hard lesson, dear?"

"Not if I chose to learn it, but—"

"Please choose to learn, Meg. I love to teach, and this is easier than German," broke in John, getting possession of the other hand, so that she had no way of hiding her face, as he bent to look into it.

His tone was properly beseeching; but, stealing a shy look at him, Meg saw that his eyes were merry as well as tender, and that he wore the satisfied smile of one who had no doubt of his success. This nettled her; Annie Moffat's foolish lessons in coquetry came into her mind, and the love of power, which sleeps in the bosoms of the best of little women, woke up all of a sudden and took possession of her. She felt excited and strange, and, not knowing what else to do, followed a capricious impulse, and, withdrawing her hands, said petulantly, "I don't choose. Please go away and let me be!"

Poor Mr. Brooke looked as if his lovely castle in the air was tumbling about his ears, for he had never seen Meg in such a mood before, and it rather bewildered him.

"Do you really mean that?" he asked anxiously, following her as she walked away.

282 "Yes, I do; I don't want to be worried about such things. Father says I needn't; it's too soon and I'd rather not."

"Mayn't I hope you'll change your mind by and by? I'll wait, and say nothing till you have had more time. Don't play with me, Meg. I didn't think that of you."

"Don't think of me at all. I'd rather you wouldn't," said Meg, taking a naughty satisfaction in trying her lover's patience and her own power.

He was grave and pale now, and looked decidedly more like the novel heroes whom she admired; but he neither slapped his forehead nor tramped about the room, as they did; he just stood looking at her so wistfully, so tenderly, that she found her heart relenting in spite of her. What would have happened next I cannot say, if Aunt March had not come hobbling in at this interesting minute.

The old lady couldn't resist her longing to see her nephew; for she had met Laurie as she took her airing, and, hearing of Mr. March's arrival, drove straight out to see him. The family were all busy in the back part of the house, and she had made her way quietly in, hoping to surprise them. She did surprise two of them so much that Meg started as if she had seen a ghost, and Mr. Brooke vanished into the study.

283

"Bless me, what's all this?" cried the old lady, with a rap of her cane, as she glanced from the pale young gentleman to the scarlet young lady.

"It's father's friend. I'm so surprised to see you!" stammered Meg, feeling that she was in for a lecture now.

"That's evident," returned Aunt March, sitting down. "But what is father's friend saying to make you look like a peony? There's mischief going on, and I insist upon knowing what it is," with another rap.

"We were merely talking. Mr. Brooke came for his umbrella," began Meg, wishing that Mr. Brooke and the umbrella were safely out of the house.

"Brooke? That boy's tutor? Ah! I understand now. I know all about it. Jo blundered into a wrong message in one of your father's letters, and I made her tell me. You haven't gone and accepted him, child?" cried Aunt March, looking scandalized.

"Hush! he'll hear. Sha'n't I call mother?" said Meg, much troubled.

"Not yet. I've something to say to you, and I must free my mind at once. Tell me, do you mean to marry this Cook? If you do, not one penny of my money ever goes to you. Remember that, and be a sensible girl," said the old lady impressively.

Now Aunt March possessed in perfection the art of rousing the spirit of opposition in the gentlest people, and enjoyed doing it. The best of us have a spice of perversity in us, especially when we are young and in love. If Aunt March had begged Meg to accept John Brooke, she would probably have declared she couldn't think of it; but as she was peremptorily ordered not to like him, she immediately made up her mind that she would. Inclination as well as perversity made the decision easy, and, being already much excited, Meg opposed the old lady with unusual spirit.

"I shall marry whom I please, Aunt March, and you can leave your money to any one you like," she said, nodding her head with a resolute air.

"Highty tighty! Is that the way you take my advice, miss? You'll be sorry for it, by and by, when you've tried love in a cottage, and found it a failure."

284 "It can't be a worse one than some people find in big houses," retorted Meg.

Aunt March put on her glasses and took a look at the girl, for she did not know her in this new mood. Meg hardly knew herself, she felt so brave and independent,—so glad to defend John, and assert her right to love him, if she liked. Aunt March saw that she had begun wrong, and, after a little pause, made a fresh start, saying, as mildly as she could, "Now, Meg, my dear, be reasonable, and take my advice. I mean it kindly, and don't want you to spoil your whole life by making a mistake at the beginning. You ought to marry well, and help your family; it's your duty to make a rich match, and it ought to be impressed upon you."

"Father and mother don't think so; they like John, though he is poor."

"Your parents, my dear, have no more worldly wisdom than two babies."

"I'm glad of it," cried Meg stoutly.

Aunt March took no notice, but went on with her lecture. "This Rook is poor, and hasn't got any rich relations, has he?"

"No; but he has many warm friends."

"You can't live on friends; try it, and see how cool they'll grow. He hasn't any business, has he?"

"Not yet; Mr. Laurence is going to help him."

"That won't last long. James Laurence is a crotchety old fellow, and not to be depended on. So you intend to marry a man without money, position, or business, and go on working harder than you do now, when you might be comfortable all your days by minding me and doing better? I thought you had more sense, Meg."

"I couldn't do better if I waited half my life! John is good and wise; he's got heaps of talent; he's willing to work, and sure to get on, he's so energetic and brave. Every one likes and respects him, and I'm proud to think he cares for me, though I'm so poor and young and silly," said Meg, looking prettier than ever in her earnestness.

"He knows you have got rich relations, child; that's the secret of his liking, I suspect."

285 "Aunt March, how dare you say such a thing? John is above such meanness, and I won't listen to you a minute if you talk so," cried Meg indignantly, forgetting everything but the injustice of the old lady's suspicions. "My John wouldn't marry for money, anymore than I would. We are willing to work, and we mean to wait. I'm not afraid of being poor, for I've been happy so far, and I know I shall be with him, because he loves me, and I—"

Meg stopped there, remembering all of a sudden that she hadn't made up her mind; that she had told "her John" to go away, and that he might be overhearing her inconsistent remarks.

Aunt March was very angry, for she had set her heart on having her pretty niece make a fine match, and something in the girl's happy young face made the lonely old woman feel both sad and sour.

"Well, I wash my hands of the whole affair! You are a wilful child, and you've lost more than you know by this piece of folly. No, I won't stop; I'm disappointed in you, and haven't spirits to see your father now. Don't expect anything from me when you are married; your Mr. Book's friends must take care of you. I'm done with you forever."

And, slamming the door in Meg's face, Aunt March drove off in high dudgeon. She seemed to take all the girl's courage with her; for, when left alone, Meg stood a moment, undecided whether to laugh or cry. Before she could make up her mind, she was taken possession of by Mr. Brooke, who said, all in one breath, "I couldn't help hearing, Meg. Thank you for defending me, and Aunt March for proving that you do care for me a little bit."

"I didn't know how much, till she abused you," began Meg.

"And I needn't go away, but may stay and be happy, may I, dear?"

Here was another fine chance to make the crushing speech and the stately exit, but Meg never thought of doing either, and disgraced herself forever in Jo's eyes by meekly whispering, "Yes, John," and hiding her face on Mr. Brooke's waistcoat.

Fifteen minutes after Aunt March's departure, Jo came softly down stairs, paused an instant at the parlor door, and, hearing no sound within, nodded and smiled, with a satisfied expression, saying to herself, 286 "She has sent him away as we planned, and that affair is settled. I'll go and hear the fun, and have a good laugh over it."

But poor Jo never got her laugh, for she was transfixed upon the threshold by a spectacle which held her there, staring with her mouth nearly as wide open as her eyes. Going in to exult over a fallen enemy, and to praise a strong-minded sister for the banishment of an objectionable lover, it certainly was a shock to behold the aforesaid enemy serenely sitting on the sofa, with the strong-minded sister enthroned upon his knee, and wearing an expression of the most abject submission. Jo gave a sort of gasp, as if a cold shower-bath had suddenly fallen upon her,—for such an unexpected turning of the tables actually took her breath away. At the odd sound, the lovers turned and saw her. Meg jumped up, looking both proud and shy; but "that man," as Jo called him, actually laughed, and said coolly, as he kissed the astonished new-comer, "Sister Jo, congratulate us!"

That was adding insult to injury,—it was altogether too much,—and, making some wild demonstration with her hands, Jo vanished without a word. Rushing upstairs, she startled the invalids by exclaiming tragically, as she burst into the room, "Oh, do somebody go down quick; John Brooke is acting dreadfully, and Meg likes it!"

Mr. and Mrs. March left the room with speed; and, casting herself upon the bed, Jo cried and scolded tempestuously as she told the awful news to Beth and Amy. The little girls, however, considered it a most agreeable and interesting event, and Jo got little comfort from them; so she went up to her refuge in the garret, and confided her troubles to the rats.

Nobody ever knew what went on in the parlor that afternoon; but a great deal of talking was done, and quiet Mr. Brooke astonished his friends by the eloquence and spirit with which he pleaded his suit, told his plans, and persuaded them to arrange everything just as he wanted it.

The tea-bell rang before he had finished describing the paradise which he meant to earn for Meg, and he proudly took her in to supper, both looking so happy that Jo hadn't the heart to be jealous or dismal. Amy was very much impressed by John's devotion and Meg's dignity. Beth beamed at them from a distance, while Mr. and Mrs. March surveyed 287 the young couple with such tender satisfaction that it was perfectly evident Aunt March was right in calling them as "unworldly as a pair of babies." No one ate much, but every one looked very happy, and the old room seemed to brighten up amazingly when the first romance of the family began there.

"You can't say nothing pleasant ever happens now, can you, Meg?" said Amy, trying to decide how she would group the lovers in the sketch she was planning to take.

"No, I'm sure I can't. How much has happened since I said that! It seems a year ago," answered Meg, who was in a blissful dream, lifted far above such common things as bread and butter.

"The joys come close upon the sorrows this time, and I rather think the changes have begun," said Mrs. March. "In most families there comes, now and then, a year full of events; this has been such an one, but it ends well, after all."

"Hope the next will end better," muttered Jo, who found it very hard to see Meg absorbed in a stranger before her face; for Jo loved a few persons very dearly, and dreaded to have their affection lost or lessened in any way.

"I hope the third year from this will end better; I mean it shall, if I live to work out my plans," said Mr. Brooke, smiling at Meg, as if everything had become possible to him now.

"Doesn't it seem very long to wait?" asked Amy, who was in a hurry for the wedding.

"I've got so much to learn before I shall be ready, it seems a short time to me," answered Meg, with a sweet gravity in her face, never seen there before.

"You have only to wait; I am to do the work," said John, beginning his labors by picking up Meg's napkin, with an expression which caused Jo to shake her head, and then say to herself, with an air of relief, as the front door banged, "Here comes Laurie. Now we shall have a little sensible conversation."

But Jo was mistaken; for Laurie came prancing in, overflowing with spirits, bearing a great bridal-looking bouquet for "Mrs. John Brooke," and evidently laboring under the delusion that the whole affair had been brought about by his excellent management.

288 "I knew Brooke would have it all his own way, he always does; for when he makes up his mind to accomplish anything, it's done, though the sky falls," said Laurie, when he had presented his offering and his congratulations.

"Much obliged for that recommendation. I take it as a good omen for the future, and invite you to my wedding on the spot," answered Mr. Brooke, who felt at peace with all mankind, even his mischievous pupil.

"I'll come if I'm at the ends of the earth; for the sight of Jo's face alone, on that occasion, would be worth a long journey. You don't look festive, ma'am; what's the matter?" asked Laurie, following her into a corner of the parlor, whither all had adjourned to greet Mr. Laurence.

"I don't approve of the match, but I've made up my mind to bear it, and shall not say a word against it," said Jo solemnly. "You can't know how hard it is for me to give up Meg," she continued, with a little quiver in her voice.

"You don't give her up. You only go halves," said Laurie consolingly.

"It never can be the same again. I've lost my dearest friend," sighed Jo.

"You've got me, anyhow. I'm not good for much, I know; but 289 I'll stand by you, Jo, all the days of my life; upon my word I will!" and Laurie meant what he said.

"I know you will, and I'm ever so much obliged; you are always a great comfort to me, Teddy," returned Jo, gratefully shaking hands.

"Well, now, don't be dismal, there's a good fellow. It's all right, you see. Meg is happy; Brooke will fly round and get settled immediately; grandpa will attend to him, and it will be very jolly to see Meg in her own little house. We'll have capital times after she is gone, for I shall be through college before long, and then we'll go abroad, or some nice trip or other. Wouldn't that console you?"

"I rather think it would; but there's no knowing what may happen in three years," said Jo thoughtfully.

"That's true. Don't you wish you could take a look forward, and see where we shall all be then? I do," returned Laurie.

"I think not, for I might see something sad; and every one looks so happy now, I don't believe they could be much improved," and Jo's eyes went slowly round the room, brightening as they looked, for the prospect was a pleasant one.

Father and mother sat together, quietly re-living the first chapter of the romance which for them began some twenty years ago. Amy was drawing the lovers, who sat apart in a beautiful world of their own, the light of which touched their faces with a grace the little artist could not copy. Beth lay on her sofa, talking cheerily with her old friend, who held her little hand as if he felt that it possessed the power to lead him along the peaceful way she walked. Jo lounged in her favorite low seat, with the grave, quiet look which best became her; and Laurie, leaning on the back of her chair, his chin on a level with her curly head, smiled with his friendliest aspect, and nodded at her in the long glass which reflected them both.

So grouped, the curtain falls upon Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. Whether it ever rises again, depends upon the reception given to the first act of the domestic drama called "Little Women."

#hellsitesonlybookclub #bookblr #Little Women #Alcott

[fluffyydumplings]

Tagged by: @leesjieuns

• Name: Fluffy

• Star signs: Scorpio Sun (that’s unfortunately all I remember)

• Time right now: 2:18 in the afternoon

• Birthday: November 4th

• Favourite band/artist: BTS, Epik High, Laufey, Queen, Ella Fitzgerald, 92914, Grentperez, Tiffany Young, Niki, Sarah Kang, Louie Zong, Dreamcatcher, Matt Maltese, Wallows, Abba, IU, Vacations, Ryuichi Sakamoto (does he count?), Fujii Kaze, Yoasobi, Softwilly, Lisa Ono (bossa nova), Vaundy, Bruno Major, Teressa Teng (love her), The Rose, Cigarettes After Sex, Shalfi, Steve Lacy, Gustav Holst, Adele, Sarah Kinsley, The Lennon Sisters, The Carpenters, Tnbee, pH-1, SISTAR, T-Pain, Air Supply, BIBI, Jeanne Moreau, Heize, min.a, Lee Hi, Chet Baker, Sulli, Agust D (:]), Yiruma

• Last movie watched: I don’t really remember very clearly, because I’m more of a documentary type of person.. but- I think it was either spirited away or ponyo (rewatch of my favourites)

• Last show watched: Wednesday

• When i created this blog: 2019 (I don’t remember, cue forgetful my namjoon)

• What i post: Music Recs, Poems, Fics, The occasional edit here and there, Trailers, Shitposts

• Other blogs: A fic rec blog, because.. author supporting authors = a must

• Do i get asks?: Not often

• Followers: 275

• Average amount of sleep: On the weekends, 10 hours.. weekdays, six or seven or five (within that range)

• Instruments: guitar, ukulele, my voice

• What i am wearing: A cobalt blue t-shirt with the word “to do list” on it and these dotted light blue mom pants

• Dream Job: When I was younger it was writer.. now? A pile of rocks

• Dream trip: Germany, because it’s a place that means a lot to my grandfather.. I want to get on a train in Berlin and see what he would have felt back then.. (plus, this would mean going outside of Asia for the first time ever - intriguing, truly)

• Favorite songs:

- Magnolia and Like the Movies by Laufey

- Blue and Grey By BTS

- People by Agust D

- Yun, Lonely By Rm (Sexy Nukim with balming tiger)

- Merry Christmas Mr Laurence and Tibetan Dance by Ryuichi Sakamoto

- Mother of the Sea from Ponyo

- 1985 by Bo Burnham

- Alexander Hamilton and The Story of Tonight from Hamilton the musical

- (Only) About Love demo version by Grentperez

- La La Lost You by Niki

- Super Tuna by Jin

- Yesterday once more and Close To You by the Carpenters

- I have a dream by ABBA

- Waltz of Chihiro from Spirited Away

- Nocturne No.2 in E-flat minor, Op.9 No.2 by Chopin

- Préludes Book 1, L. 117: Ill. La Cathedrale Engloutie by Claude Debussy

- It’s been a long, long time by either bing crosby and les paul or June Christy

- What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve by Ella Fitzgerald

- Apocalypse and K. By Cigarettes After Sex

- Coastin’ by Victoria Monet

- Butter (Megan Thee Stallion remix) by BTS

- Time Travelling and Peppermint tea by Sarah Kang,

- The King (Voice Memo version on sound cloud) by Sarah Kinsely

- Like a star and Waterfall by rm and JK

- Sofa and Decalcomania by Jk

- Epiphany both the original and demo version

- 你怎麼說 and 月亮代表我的心 by Teressa Teng (honourable mention 甜蜜蜜 - my mother’s favourite)

- 大約在冬季 by Chyi Chin

- Mon Amie La Rose by Francois Hardy

- Miraculous Lady Bug Intro in French

- サマー・サンバ by Lisa Ono

- Last train by Ink Waruntorn

- យុវជនសម័យថ្មី by Sinn Sisamouth

- ខ្ញុំមិនសុខចិត្តទេ by Pen Ran

- Stop and What If By Jhope

Note: went a little crazy with the music

#tag game ☁️

[bowiebranchia]

Merry Christmas, Mr. Nudibranch.

Bowie :: Nudi

#Maj. Jack 'Strafer' Celliers #david bowie #merry christmas mr laurence #green sea slug #hibiscus flowers #david bowie army movie #merry christmas mr lawrence #nagisa oshima #war films #70s #lookalikes #nudibranchia #lembeh cottages #dive-the-world #eco divers resort #snorkeling #photography #bowie fans #bowiebranchia

[ironiadevil]

Merry Christmas 2019 with Smallarry 🎄🎁🎄

Mr Small and Larry wanted to wrap the gifts together but, they got stuck in the ribbons! :D

#tawog #The Amazing World of Gumball #mr small #steve small #larry needlemeyer #laurence needlemeyer #smallarry #smarry #stevelmeyer #Merry Christmas #merry christmas 2019 #larry x mr small #ironiadevil #ironia art

[yelenaslyubov]

Christmas Eve Ball

main masterlist || amy march || requests

a/n: i whipped this out today so i could post it before tomorrow (it’s still the 24th where i am so sorry if it’s later for you all). i always enjoy writing little women stories since i can be creative in my writing. i hope you enjoy!!

little women x female reader

warnings: drinking

description: on the eve of christmas, a ball is held every year which you are sadly required to attend. you find all your best friends scattered throughout the party and they gladly invite you to join them after the dance.

word count: 1.9k

The Christmas Eve ball was the highlight of the winter season. The glowing lights, laughter through the halls, and the sea of ladies dresses spinning the night away. It was the perfect event before everyone’s departure for fulfilling their Christmas activities with their loved ones. Your arm was wrapped around your brothers as he led you inside the large decorated Manor for the party.

Your mother had gotten a custom dress made for the event which you never understood the point of. It was a lovely white color with green details and stitching to match the Christmas feel. The one bad thing was how uncomfortable it was. It seemed that every time you moved, the fabric only became itchier and pinched in the most unpleasant of places.

“Now, I expect you to dance with at least one gentleman tonight so I can report back to mother accordingly. I don’t need to see you two quarrel again just like the outcome after every other party,” your brother Miles informed you.

You scoffed as you walked inside the door. “I will not. I swear I’ve never met or been in the same room with so many disagreeable people in my life. So you can tell mother-”

“I won’t tell mother anything, especially not with what was about to come out of your mouth,” he chuckled a little. “Do try to enjoy yourself though, won’t you? Dance, drink, be merry, it’s only one night after all.”

Your brother walked away backwards with the handsome smile that every girl in town was in awe of. His friends soon found him in a roar of conversation. Having someone that was so well loved among the community sometimes became exhausting.

As he walked away, you grabbed a champagne glass off the many trays being paraded around and took a sip. “That’s easy for you to say,” you said to no one in particular, mainly for your own mind.

You had only been at the party for a few minutes and you were already wishing to be back home. You thought there could be no one as miserable as you, but that was until you saw your best friend Jo leaning against the door frame with the utmost displeasing face. She was staring at the man gesturing for her to join him on the dance floor, and you giggled to yourself at the scowl upon her face as an answer to the gentleman. You figured since she looked like she wanted to be there as much as you, you might as well join in her misery.

“Miss Jo March, don’t you look just lovely tonight,” you joked, which made her huff and punch your arm a little too harshly.

“Keep quiet will you. I’m trying to be as unnoticeable as humanly possible,” she grumbled with her arms crossed.

“Well I have to say you look like you’re doing a fine job of it then. The face that you’re making that makes it seem like you have something bitter in your mouth is sure to help too. I know if I was one of these gentlemen, I wouldn’t dare mess with you.”

She laughed a little this time and took the glass from your hand to take a drink, but she soon passed it back to you as she scrunched her face up in disgust. “So are you enjoying the party as much as I am?”

“Oh I’m sure a great deal more I presume,” you said sarcastically.

“What I figured,” she sighed.

“So where’s Teddy tonight?”

“He’s with his Grandfather. He insisted that the boy stay home and not join in the festivities since he ‘fusses about’ too much after these parties according to Mr. Laurence.”

“Well how unfortunate. I’m sure he would have made the party much more enjoyable for us. He always does know the exact right way to get us having a good time.”

“Yes, that is what Teddy does best,” she smiled to herself.

The two of you stood in the frame of the door just observing all the commotion from afar. Everyone seemed to be having a jolly time, so you couldn’t seem to understand why you weren’t. You did have to admit that the atmosphere was contagious with the candles and holly on every table and mantle throughout the large festive house.

You spotted the table filled with food from across the room and decided to find something to fulfill your cravings since Jo had found something else to keep her busy. There were small hors d'oeuvres that were only served around Christmas time that you couldn’t wait to dig into. You placed a whole one into your mouth that barely fit when a gentle finger tapped you on the shoulder. You turned around slowly with a mouthful of food to reveal Amy March standing behind you.

“Hello,” she smiled.

“Hi, Amy.” Your voice was muffled because of the food and you could see her restraining the laugh from bubbling out of her mouth.

“Are you enjoying the party?”

You took time to chew and swallow the rest of your food before continuing. “Enjoying the refreshments more like. You know how I am, Amy. Miles just about had to drag me by the hem of my dress to get me here tonight.”

She laughed. “That sounds like you. I have to say, I’ve been here for a good deal of time and I think I have about danced to my heart's content. My feet feel swollen and my dress is squeezing me after all of the wonderful food I’ve eaten.”

“I agree, except I’ve only been here for a small amount of time.”

You both stood by the table and watched the men and women being twirled around the room. Symphony’s of string instruments filled the ballroom to join in dance to. It changed from waltz style tunes to faster crescendos to pick up the beat. Somewhere in the distance you could hear the faint sounds of piano keys being gently pressed, almost afraid that you might hear the sounds. It was no surprise when you saw humble Beth sitting on the bench nervously looking around, begging herself for the confidence she needed to let everyone hear her talent.

“Well that’s a surprise,” you nodded your head in Beth’s direction so Amy would turn her attention there.

“It is, isn’t it? Oh I do wish she would just play a little louder so everyone could hear how wonderful she plays. It’s such a shame she doesn’t believe in herself the way we all do.”

Just then, Meg came up to the two of you quickly. “Can you both at least look like you are trying to enjoy yourself? I know it may not be the most fun for you, but mother wouldn’t be pleased with the looks on your face right now.”

“Well mother isn’t here, is she Margaret?” Jo showed up beside you and snarked to her sister. She linked her arm in yours and leaned up against your side.

“I swear you all are impossible,” Meg sighed. “Where’s Beth, we might as well go if no one is enjoying themselves.”

“Told you she wasn’t having a good time,” Jo whispered to you.

“Beth dear,” Meg softly got her attention which made the younger girl timidly walk through the crowd over to you. “I think we’ll all be going. Will you be joining us?”

You didn’t realize Meg was referring to you so Jo nudged your side. “Oh, if it wouldn’t be a bother I’d love to join you. Let me just tell Miles I’ll be away for a while.”

You left the sisters standing there while you went to find your brother. He was sat around a couch with a cluster of people on all sides of him. They all seemed to be enthralled with a story he was telling by the way his arms were animated and everyone was laughing.

“Miles,” you tried to get his attention, but he kept talking loudly. You could also tell by his mannerisms that he was far from sober. Every time he did this, he made you find a way to cover for him when the two of you got home, not wanting your mother to find out about his endeavors. You were done covering for him tonight. “Miles!”

Your shouting caught his attention, but also made everyone else’s chatter die down. He angrily excused himself and walked over to you. Along with his intoxication always came his tempter.

“What is it this time?” he spat.

“I’m leaving with the March’s, I’ll be back later on. Don't wait up for me.”

You tried to walk away but he harshly grabbed your arm. “What about mother?”

“What about her? You’re old enough to deal with mother without my help, Miles. Now goodnight.” You yanked your arm away and walked back to your friends who were waiting for you by the exit.

“Are you alright?” Amy asked you and you nodded, shuffling back over to walk with Beth. You wrapped your arm around her shoulder as you walked.

“I could hear your pretty music, Beth. You should play louder for more people to hear, I’m sure they would just adore it. I know I do.”

“Oh I hoped no one had heard,” she said as her cheeks warmed. “I do it for myself, I don’t need anyone else to hear it.”

“I know that, but your music should be appreciated. It’s so wonderful.”

You could see the smile that was tugging at her lips in her own shy Beth way. You adored her like a sister, after all, you treated the whole March family as your own. When you walked up to their house, you felt your shoulders relax and you could smell the sweet scent of pastries inside the home.

“Home already, my girls?” Marmee greeted you all as you walked inside.

“The party was dreadful. I was happy to be gone,” Jo explained and she threw her outdoor garments down and plopped onto the couch.

“It wasn’t dreadful,” Meg glared at her sister. “We were all ready to be in the comfort of home since we were so tired.”

You sat down beside Jo and felt the fire warm your cold frame. She moved closer to you, resting her head against your shoulder. The other girls joined you, either sitting along by your feet or on other available space on the couch. Hannah walked over to the group and handed fresh baked scones for each of you that were just the right temperature to eat right away.

“Thank you, Hannah,” you all said in unison.

“Of course, my dears,” she smiled back, putting a gentle hand on your arm. You patted her hand to return the gesture and you smiled as she walked away.

You all ate the treats in silence, only hearing the crackle of the fire burning. You felt so content around these girls and their family, it almost made you forget how miserable yours made you sometimes.

“Beth, won’t you play something for us all?” Marmee asked warmly from the kitchen.

Beth stood up from the floor and planted herself on her little piano bench. Soon enough her soft fingers were pressing against the keys lightly, creating a peaceful melody throughout the house.

You felt yourself close your eyes as your head rested on top of Jo’s. The beautiful music Beth was making combined with your warmth, you could feel yourself drifting in and out of consciousness. Soon enough you were asleep and dreaming of what Christmas day would bring in the morning.

☞ join my taglist!

#little women #amy march #florence pugh #amy march x reader #amy march smut #amy march fluff #amy march x female reader #jo march #meg march #beth march #little women x reader #little women 2019 #jo march x reader #meg march x reader #beth march x reader #christmas #my writing

[weirdletter]

The Valancourt Book of ​Victorian Christmas Ghost Stories: Volume Four, edited by Christopher Philippo, Valancourt Books, 2020. Info: valancourtbooks.com.

A Valancourt Yuletide tradition returns, this time with rare 19th-century tales from U.S. newspapers and magazines. The Christmas ghost story tradition is usually associated with Charles Dickens and Victorian England, but-apparently unknown to historians and scholars-Christmas ghost stories were extremely widespread and popular in 19th-century America as well, frequently appearing in newspapers and magazines during the holiday season. From legends of old New Orleans and strange happenings on the plains of Iowa and the Dakota Territory to weird doings in early Puerto Rico and ghostly events in Gold Rush-era San Francisco, the tales collected here reveal a forgotten Christmas ghost story tradition in a bygone America that is both familiar and oddly foreign. This collection features eighteen stories and nine poems, including entries by women and African American writers, plus extra bonus material and an introduction by Christopher Philippo. “He turned and beheld a low black figure, with a body no higher than his knees, with a prodigious head, in the brow of which was set a single eye of green flame like a shining emerald, and with hands and arms of supernatural length.” — J. H. Ingraham, “The Green Huntsman; or, The Haunted Villa” “The latch lifted​, the door swung open​-and then​-my God! what a spectacle! Through the open door there stepped a figure, not of Mrs. Hayden, not of her corpse, not of death, but a thousand times more horrible​, a thing of corruption, decay, of worms and rottenness.” — Anonymous, “Worse than a Ghost Story”

Contents: Introduction – Christopher Philippo The Green Huntsman (1841) – Joseph Holt Ingraham Burt Pringle and the “Bellesnickle” (1853) – Bill Bramble Worse Than a Ghost Story  (1857) – Anonymous The Christmas Ghost  (1857) – Lucy A. Randall The Frozen Husband  (1869)  – Frank Ibberson Jervis A Sworn Statement (1881) – Emma Frances Dawson The Snow Flower of the Sierras (1884) – Anonymous The Devil’s Christmas  (1885) – Julian Hawthorne Harlakenden’s Christmas (1887) – Thomas Wentworth Higginson The Ghostly Christmas Gift (1887)  – F.H. Brunell The Blizzard (1888) – Luke Sharp Warned by the Wire (1895) – Louis Glass Poor Jack (1892) – H.C. Dodge Christmas Wolves (1897) – Pierre-Barthélemy Gheusi The Werwolves (1898) – Henry Beaugrand The Haunted Oak (1900) – Paul Laurence Dunbar The Anarchist’s Christmas (1901) – Anonymous Camel Bells (1903) – Hezekiah Butterworth The Ravings  (1903) – Anonymous Out of the Depths  (1904) – Robert W. Chambers Old Nick and Saint Nick (1906) – Wallace Irwin The Cremation of Sam McGee (1907) – Robert W. Service Xmas (1908) – Amorel Sterne A Cubist Christmas (1913) – Kate Masterson Desuetude: A Ghost Story (1914) – Anonymous The Christmas Ghost (1915) – Anna Alice Chapin Merry Christmas  (1917) – Stephen Leacock

#book #anthology #ghost stories #supernatural fiction #weird fiction #dark christmas #christmas anthology #victorian christmas ghost stories

[ourmrsreynolds]

daily reminder that the following scenes canonically occur in Little Women Part I:

“How did you make the boys stop calling you Dora?” “I thrashed ‘em.” “I can’t thrash Aunt March, so I suppose I shall have to bear it.”

when Meg advised Amy the best way to beg Jo’s forgiveness was to wait “till Jo has got good-natured with Laurie”--- I give you Theodore Laurence, mood stabilizer

when Amy called Laurie a cyclops and Jo’s indignant response “how d a r e you say so, when he’s got both his eyes? and very handsome ones too”

when Laurie admits to Meg he went to the Moffats’ party because “Jo wanted me to come, and tell her how you looked, so I did”

JO WANTED ME TO COME SO I DID

when Jo regarded Laurie’s literary contributions to the Pickwick Portfolio as “worthy of Bacon, Milton, or Shakespeare; and remodeled her own works” on them. This is Jo March, who has no higher ambition than being a published author. Like!!!!

when Jo was “on the verge of crying” during that disastrous dinner party where she salted the berries instead of sugaring them, until “she met Laurie’s eyes, which would look merry despite his heroic efforts; and the comical side of the affair suddenly struck her, and she laughed until the tears ran down her cheeks”

when Laurie got her That Hat™

when Laurie asked her probing questions during Truth or Dare so he could get her even more ridiculous presents than That Hat™

when Laurie admitted during Truth or Dare that “the lady he liked best” was “Jo, o f  c o u r s e”

of fucking course why are you dimwits even asking

when Jo talks about not getting into Heaven because she’ll have to “fight and work, climb and wait, and maybe never get in after all” and Laurie immediately offers “You’ll have me for company” ---talk about ride or die

when Jo’s “sympathy was excited by what she called ‘Teddy’s wrongs’” which consisted of ... his grandpa expecting him to get off his ass once in a while lmao

when Jo wanted Laurie to play Laertes so they could do the fencing scene in Hamlet

when her first story was published and everybody was “scandalized by the sight of Laurie chasing Jo all over the garden, and finally capturing her in Amy’s bower” where “shrieks of laughter were heard”

“i have great hopes of my boy” watching him fly over the fence with an approving smile

when Beth was at the nadir of her illness and Jo “stretched out her hand in a helpless sort of way, as if groping in the dark, and Laurie took it in his, whispering ... ‘I’m  here, hold on to me, Jo dear!’”

“Laurie, you’re an angel! How shall I ever thank you?” “Fly at me again; I rather like it.”

when Jo and Laurie built a snowman as an “offering” for Beth on Christmas, though not before Jo had “convulsed the family by proposing utterly impossible or magnificently absurd ceremonies” and “Laurie was equally impractical, and would have had bonfires, sky-rockets, and triumphal arches”

when Laurie’s prank letter in the Meg/John affair came to light

Meg thought Jo was in on it

Marmee thought Jo was in on it

Mr Laurence thought Jo was shielding Laurie

everybody thought Jo must have been in on it, because Jo and Laurie are a unit

when Laurie proposed running away to Washington just the two of them on a lark and she didn’t say that’s a bad idea she said “Don’t tempt me, Teddy”

when Jo told Mr Laurence “if you ever miss us, you may advertise for two boys, and look among the ships bound for India.” clearly the solution to any problem is elope with Laurie

“We’ll have capital times ... for I shall be through college before long, and then we’ll go abroad, or some nice trip or other.”

“You’ve got me, anyhow. I’m not good for much, I know; but I’ll stand by you, Jo, all the days of your life.”

#jo x laurie #little women #otp of otps

[the-great-imagines-of-1812]

To Love Another pt. 2 (Jo March x fem!Laurence! reader)

jenny snA/N: reblogs/like/feedback is appreciated!

prologue - part 1 - part 2

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DINING ROOM OF THE LAURENCE HOUSEHOLD. 

CHRISTMAS DAY, 1861.

All was quiet in the formal dining room of the Laurence household as Laurie, you, your tutor Mr. John Brooke, and your grandfather served yourselves a plentiful Christmas Day dinner. 

“Thank you for inviting me, Mr. Laurence. It is very much appreciated.” John said, as he cut up his food. 

“Of Course, John.” your grandfather said, turning to look at you and your brother staring out the window. He sighed. 

“Perhaps you will be able to tutor my grandchildren in manners in addition to academics?” he finished, as he took a sip of his coffee. 

As you and Laurie looked out the window, while chatting and eating your food, out of the corner of your eye you see the March girls go over to Mrs. Hummel’s house, with what looked like their breakfast in their arms?

Laurie leaned over to you and whispered quietly “What are they doing?”

You swallowed your piece of ham and said. “I don’t know. They do look like they could be giving their breakfast away. But why?” 

Laurie shook his head and tuned to grandfather. “Grandfather, what are the March sisters doing with their breakfast?”

Mr. Laurence got up from his chair slightly and peered out the window. “I think they are taking their breakfast to poor Mrs. Hummel. Poor woman had five children and can’t afford to feed them all.” he finished, putting his fork down. 

You suddenly stood up from your chair, breaking the silence of the dining room. “Grandfather, I believe it is in our best interest to help out the March family and give them a Christmas morning feast.” 

Laurie stood up with you and nodded. “We must, it is the good thing to do.”

Grandfather’s face suddenly lit up. “I have always tried to teach you two to do the right thing, haven’t I? Guess this is were we take action.” he sighed.

“Go put your coats on.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You placed one last plate on the March dining table as Laurie placed a pitcher of juice across from it. 

“Oh goodness! you all are saints! God Bless You!” Hannah, the housekeeper to the March family.

Your grandfather shook her hand. “Oh it was only our duty. Besides, Mrs. March deserves something special for all she does for her girls.”

You and Laurie nodded, as you put your coats back on. 

“ Wait a second, grandfather.” You grabbed a pen and paper lying on the table and wrote a note to Jo.

Dear Jo Sunflower,

You have to get used to that nickname, as I like it a lot. I think it suits you. Merry Christmas! Please enjoy this Christmas dinner from my family and me.

love, Y/N Poppy Flower

You folded up the note and gave it to Hannah. “Make sure Jo gets this. Please. and Merry Christmas!” you said with a smile, handing the note to Hannah. 

“Will do, dear girl, please enjoy your day.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Girls, Mr. Laurence sent this. He saw you giving away your breakfast and wanted you to have it.” Hannah said, greeting the girls and they came in. 

“Mr. Laurence? The Laurence Twins’ grandfather?” Meg said. 

The sisters run to the window to see the Laurence family retreating back into the house.

“But I thought he was a mean old man!” Amy said, wonder on her face. 

“Oh girls, it is so nice of him.” Marmee said. 

Jo finished reading the note from you, cheeks red and heart beating faster. She pressed the note to her chest.

“I know the twins! It was probably them who put the idea into his head!” Jo said, pocketing the note and approaching the window. She sighed with a smile as she watched the house. “We should make friends with them!”

“Boys scare me. But I guess the girl would be okay. Also, that big house scares me!”

Amy crossed her arms. “Jenny Snow says that Mr. Laurence disowned his son after he ran off with an Italian woman and now his grandchildren are orphans and they spend all their time locked up in that manor with their tutor.” 

Marmee scolded her. “He is a very kind man who lost his daughter and now his son.”

“But don’t the twins seem so elegant!” Amy said, with a dreamy sigh. “Plus, they ARE half-Italian.” 

Jo broke her silence. “How would you know! You’ve never talked to them!”

“Alright girls, alright. Break it up. I may not be responsible for this feast, but I do have a surprise!”

Amy gasped. “A letter from father!” 

All the girls rushed over, while Jo stayed at the window. 

“Merry Christmas, Poppy Flower.” She said to herself, with a smile.

She took one last glance at the house and ran off to join her sisters.

~~~~~~

As always, feedback is appreciated!

Happy Reading!

#little women #little women x you #little women x y/n #little women x reader #amy march #amy march x reader #beth march x reader #beth march #meg march #meg march x reader #theodore laurence x sister reader #theodore laurence #laurie laurence x sister reader #laurie laurence #jo march #jo march x y/n #jo march x fem! reader #jo march x you #jo march x reader #jo march x laurence! reader

[ballumville]

RIP Dear Yuichi Sakamoto...💔

#yuichi Sakamoto #Merry Christmas Mr Laurence #lgbtq #david bowie

[doranproject]

“3″

*3

1. 앞자리 3을 3개월 앞둔 그 마음이 밍숭맹숭해.

내가 언제 어른이 되었더라.

2. 싫은 것을 싫다고 솔직하게 말하기가 더 어려워진다.

사실은 그래서 좋은 것을 좋다고 이야기하는 사람에게 마음이 가.

3. 이게 참 말이 안 되는 일인데, 나도 알면서도

더 갖고 싶고 더 알고 싶고

그런 걸요.

제가 가졌던 것들은 문득 돌아보면 계절처럼 스치는 것들이었을지도 모릅니다.

사람도 마음도 그랬던 것들 뿐이라.

그래서 주고 싶지 않은 심보가 생긴 걸지도 모릅니다.

조금은 모난 30대가 되어야지.

-Ram

*3

1. "子曰(자왈) 三人行(삼인행)에 必有我師焉 (필유아사언)이니 擇其善者而從之(택기선자이종지오) 其不善者而改之(기불선자이개지)니라." 누구든 한 번쯤은 들어봤을 논어에서 나오는 이야기다. 세 사람이 걸어가면 반드시 내 스승이 있으니, 좋은 것은 본 받고, 나쁜 것은 그것 또한 스승이므로 살펴 스스로 고쳐야 한다는 의미다. 시간이 갈 수록 본 받고 싶은 부분들이 주변에서 보이지 않고, 닮기 싫은 부분들만 보이는데, 내 마음 문제인지, 아니면 주변의 문제인지 모르겠다. '아, 저렇게 되고싶다.' 보다는 '아, 난 저러지 말아야지.'가 되었으니. 논어에 따르면 그것도 스승이면 스승이니 이렇게 배워간다고 생각해봐야지.

2. 오겹살보다 삼겹살을 더 많이 좋아하는 나에게, 껍데기를 잘라 오겹살을 삼겹살로 만들어주는 이가 있다. 돼지 껍데기는 아무리 먹어도 아직까지 참 맛을 모르겠다.

3. 도란도란 프로젝트의 300번째 글을 쓰게 되는 순간도 오는구나. 처음 시작할 때는 천진난만한 대학생이 패기 넘치게 시작했는데, 300번째의 글을 쓰는 지금 나는 4년 차 직장인이 되었다. 누군가는 이게 뭔데 그렇게 중요하냐며 비난하는 이도 있었고, 누군가는 벌써 300번째냐며, 놀라워하는 이도 있었다. (아마 지속력에 놀라워했던 것도 같았다) 누군가는 '도란도란'이 들어가는 간판을 공유해주기도 하였으며, 누군가는 이 글들을 통해 나를 알아가는 것만 같아서 읽기 싫다는 말을 했었다. 우리의 일기 같기도 하면서, 소설 같기도 한 글들이 차곡차곡 쌓이고 있다. 이 글들이 어쩌면 우리의 역사가 되겠지.

-Hee

*3

하고싶은게 너무 많은 때가 있다. 일도 하고싶고 공부도 하고싶고 운동도 하고싶고 연애도 하고싶고 일과는 또 별개로 돈도 벌어보고 싶고 쇼핑도 하고싶고 VR도 하고싶고 와인도 이것저것 마셔보고 싶고... 드라이브도 해야하거니와 여행도 다녀야한다.

예전에는 사람이 집중해서 노력할 수 있는 일은 한번에 최대 세개까지라고 생각했다. 그렇지 않으면 이도저도 되지 않는다고 생각했었다. 체력.. 체력이 더 필요하단 생각이 든다. 시간.. 시간도 더 필요하다.

삶을 더 즐기고 싶어 밀도를 높여본다.

-Cheol

*3

1. 한 해의 마지막 날 새벽 1시가 조금 넘은 시간 구례구역에 내렸다. 이내 택시를 타고 화엄사로 이동해 등산을 시작했다. 헤드랜턴의 좁은 빛에 의지해 눈 내린 지리산을 걸었다. 아무런 풍경도 보이지 않는 어둠 속에서 발걸음은 점점 더 빨라져만 갔다. 바람에 바스락거리는 무언가의 소리가 괜히 공포스러워 음악을 큰 소리로 재생하고, 노래를 흥얼거리며 더 빠르게 발걸음을 옮겼다. 한 겨울임에도 땀은 비 오듯 쏟아지고 잠깐이라도 멈추어 쉬면 손끝에서부터 추위가 엄습했다. 랜턴에 반사된 표지목의 빛이 야생동물의 눈처럼 보여 흠칫 놀라다가, 끝없이 이어질 것만 같은 길을 내가 올바르게 걷고 있다는 사실을 알려주는 것 같아 안도하기를 반복하는 사이 어느새 반야봉에 도착했다. 그리고 난생처음으로 열린 하늘에 흐르는 은하수를 보았다. 그날은 14시간을 더 걸어 대피소에서 하루를 보내고 다음날 내륙에서 가장 높은 봉우리에 올라 새해 첫날의 일출을 봤지만 나는 그 일출보다도 한 해의 마지막 날에 본 밤하늘의 은하수를 더 오래 기억할 것이다.

2. 풀벌레 우는 덕유산 대 집회장에 많은 사람들이 앉아서, 또 누워서 영화를 보고 있다. 밤 12시가 넘은 시간이라 그런지, 산속이라 그런지 여름임에도 늦가을 같은 추위가 덮쳤다. 덮은 담요 위로 밤이슬이 내리고 간간이 반딧불이가 빛을 내며 돌아다닌다. 그때마다 대형 스크린에 상영되는 영화와는 관련 없는 탄성이 일었다. 나는 나연과 함께 그 사이에 누워있다. 과자와 맥주를 가져와 마시고 태풍이 한차례 지나가고 난 밤하늘을 바라보며 영화에서 흐르는 음악을 듣는다. 졸음이 쏟아질 땐 굳이 참지 않았다. 몽롱한 정신으로 귓가로 흘러드는 음악을 듣고, 나연의 혼잣말에 간간이 대답을 하고 어느새 다시 일어나 지금 나오는 음악의 제목을 물었다.

Merry Christmas Mr. Laurence

그 여름날 밤 산 속의 크리스마스가 올해를 관통해 여전히 흐르고 있다.  

3. 스웨덴의 기억은 그리 오래되지 않았는데도 아주 먼 옛날의 기억처럼 아득하다. 살면서 맞이한 가장 경이롭고 광활한 풍경이 돌아가신 할머니와 시골집처럼 흐릿하면서도 강렬하게, 그리우면서도 그립지 않게 남은 것이 아이러니하다고 생각했다. 며칠 전에 ebs에서 다녀왔던 트레킹에 관한 다큐멘터리가 방영됐고 우연찮게 내가 찍은 사진이 사람과 산 잡지에 실렸다. 멀게 느껴지던 기억이 순간 바로 어제처럼 느껴졌다. 그곳을 생각할 때마다 다른 무엇보다, 큰 호수 앞에 가만히 서 있는 내 모습을 먼저 생각한다. 그곳에 가만히 멈춰 서있는 나와 새벽에도 대낮처럼 환했던 비현실적인 풍광. 떠나며 언제 다시 여길 올 수 있을까 아쉬워했지만 사실 마음만 먹으면 언제든 다시 갈 수 있기도 했다. 그곳에 가만히 머물고 싶기도 하고 얼른 벗어나 다른 곳에서 비슷한 감동을 새롭게 다시 느끼길 바라는 마음 사이에서 오늘도 갈팡질팡했다.

-Ho

#도란도란프로젝트 #삼백번째주제 #300 #3

[cinaed]

Tagged by @a-taller-tale and @aryashi so I guess I should do this meme. :D

1. Birthday: August 7th

2. Zodiac: Leo. Not sure it fits, but hey.  

3. Height: 4′10. The kids at my library are all mostly taller than me by the time they’re 10, haha. 

4. Last Song I Listened To: All I’ve Ever Known from Hadestown 

I was alone so long I didn't even know that I was lonely Out in the cold so long I didn't even know that I was cold Turned my collar to the wind This is how it's always been All I've ever known is how to hold my own All I've ever known is how to hold my own But now I wanna hold you, too

5. Hobbies: Writing fic, reading. I used to sing but I kind of fell out of the habit outside of my regular story times. 

6. Favorite Color: Judging by my wardrobe, purple, with a close runner-up of blue. I feel like I’m betraying the Red Team, but yeah, haha.  

7. Last Movie I Watched: Merry Christmas, Mr. Laurence, an 1983 war film starring David Bowie set in a POW camp during WWII. I...don’t know why I had this on my hold list but I have a vague memory of being recced it? It was an intense, interesting film, but as you might have guessed by the setting of WWII, not a happy film.  

8. Favorite Book: I can’t choose! I did recently do a top 5 books list for someone, so I’m gonna cheat and just list those:

-The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner -Les Miserables by Victor Hugo -Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie -Holes by Louis Sachar -The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo by Tom Reiss

9. Dream Job: Honestly, if I would fix what’s shitty about working as a librarian, this would be my dream job. Unfortunately I have a shitty manager and we don’t get support from security and end up dealing with awful patrons and pretty much babysitting the neighborhood. But I love doing programs, especially story time, and helping people find the book they want. Dream job would probably essentially be one where I am a bestselling author who works part-time for the library and just comes in for the fun stuff aka doing programs.   

10. Meaning behind my URL: I got this username when I was 14/15 when I needed a username for Livejournal (yes, I’m old), and I was googling names and found Cinaed as a Gaelic name for ‘Born of Fire’ which teen me thought was awesome. Didn’t find out until much later than it also means homosexual in Latin, but you know, it worked out in the long run. :D And it’s been my brand for 18 years of fandom so I’m probably not ever gonna ditch it! 

[filmstruck]

What If Neil Diamond Were The Duke of New York? by Greg Ferrara

Right now, FilmStruck has several movies featuring singers in acting roles, something the movies have been doing since sound hit the screens in the late 1920s. In fact, the first time most American audiences heard sound in a movie it was a singer Al Jolson, telling them they “ain’t heard nothin’ yet!” From there on out, the number of singers taking their turn as actors only increased. While some, like Frank Sinatra and Doris Day, had as much success on the screen as they did in the recording studio, others, like Mario Lanza and Rosemary Clooney, had only limited success. Still, others will always be known primarily as singers with only a handful, or even just one, of famous roles as actors.

When a singer does land that role that seems perfect for them, it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role. Such is the case with the great Isaac Hayes, Oscar-winning singer/songwriter who plays The Duke of New York in John Carpenter’s excellent 1981 sci-fi thriller, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK. Hayes is so cool, so calm, so measured in his performance, it’s a wonder he wasn’t nominated. I’m serious. Hayes understood from the get go that the power wielded by the crime boss Duke comes not from anger or violent outbursts but from a cool sense of utterly assured confidence. In fact, it’s my yardstick for great “singer as actor” performances. That is, performances by singers who never did much else in the way of acting. But how about some of the others on FilmStruck right now? How would they be as “The Duke of New York”? Here are the films they’re in on FilmStruck followed by their viability as the Duke.

QUADROPHENIA (’79)

The movie using the songs from The Who’s album of the same name, features Sting as a mod rocker named Ace Face who, it is later revealed, is a lowly bellboy at a local hotel. He’s good, here and in DUNE (’84), BRIMSTONE AND TREACLE (’82) and PLENTY (’85). But he’s no Duke. Can’t even see it. In fact, I’m putting him at the bottom.

THE JAZZ SINGER (’80)

Neil Diamond took on the lead in this one and, I’m sorry to say, didn’t impress much as an actor. However, it’s Neil Diamond so there’s good music and a wonderfully overwrought performance by Laurence Olivier to keep you entertained. As the Duke, Diamond would have been ineffective, working out better as the guy who entertains the Duke with sing-a-longs, like “Sweet Caroline.” I bet the Duke would love “Sweet Caroline.”

MERRY CHRISTMAS, MR. LAWRENCE (’83)

Now here’s a singer who was definitely an actor as well. David Bowie gave a host of excellent performances in the movies and his Duke would have certainly been interesting. We’re finally getting into singers who could take on the role and sort of work for it. Still, Bowie’s more suited to Fairy Tale like bad guys, ala LABYRINTH (’86), than streetwise gangsters.

BALLAD IN BLUE (’65)

Okay, Ray Charles. I can totally see him as The Duke of New York. Sitting back with his shades on, so powerful that not being sighted doesn’t make one damn bit of difference. Of course, the fact that Ray Charles always seemed like such a nice guy detracts a bit, making him a not-ideal candidate.

THE SAILOR WHO FELL FROM GRACE WITH THE SEA (’76)

Kris Kristofferson is another singer who has done enough acting that a lot of people might not even know him as a singer/songwriter. He’s got the right kind of grit, and cragginess, to play a Duke whose every wish is a command to his underlings. He’s in the top three.

DOWN BY LAW (’86)

Now we’re talking. Tom Waits, the great singer/songwriter, has exactly the kind of attitude and menace that fits the Duke to a T. Had Waits been cast instead of Hayes, I could see it working still. After all, Waits has the look of a man whose earned every dollar he has with blood, and usually someone else’s. He’s number two.

HAIRSPRAY (’88)

Deborah Harry has had more than a few roles and in John Waters’ 1988 classic, HAIRSPRAY, she steals every scene she’s in. But if you’ve seen her in TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE (’90), as a suburban witch intent on cooking and eating the paperboy, you know how well she can play evil. And making the Duke the Duchess, well, you’ve got me sold right there. Debbie could totally give Hayes a run for his money and turn the whole story on its head. She’s number one.

Of course, the real number one is the A-number-one, Isaac Hayes. His performance in ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK is iconic and can’t be matched, even if some on this list come close. Enjoy his performance, as well as everyone else’s here in their respective movies as they drop the mic on acting.

#FilmStruck #StreamLine Blog #Escape from New York #Isaac Hayes #Debbie Harry #Hairspray #Sting #Quadrophenia #Neil Diamond #The Jazz Singer #David Bowie #Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence #Ballad in Blue #Ray Charles #The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea #Kris Kristofferson #Down By Law #Tom Waits #Greg Ferrara

[catisforts]

Listening to Merry Christmas, Mr. Laurence's soundtrack to feel something

[lazotoys]

POSTER FELIZ NAVIDAD MR. LAWRENCE /MERRY CHRISTMAS MR LAWRENCE 1983 DAVID BOWIE TOM CONTI RYUICHI SAKAMOTO TAKESHI JACK THOMPSON NAGISA OSHIMA SIR LAURENCE VAN DER POST GENERAL PICTURES MEDIDAS MARCO 110X80 MEDIDAS POSTER 67X96 PREFERIBLE ENTREGA EN MANO MUY BIEN CONSERVADO 100 EUROS Se vende el poster enmarcado(marcó incluido) de la fotografías. Las fotografías son parte de la descripción. Se vende tal y como se ve en las fotos. Si necesitas más fotos o cualquier duda consultar. Intento que con las fotografías se vea lo más detallado posible el estado del artículo. Envio a cargo del comprador. Mira mis otros artículos Envio certificado. Pago por Bizum o PayPal como amigo. Cualquier duda consultar. #lazotoys #mylifeforsale #FELIZNAVIDADMRLAWRENCE #MERRYCHRISTMASMRLAWRENCE #bowie1983 #DAVIDBOWIE #Bowie #TOMCONTI #RYUICHISAKAMOTO #TAKESHI #JACKTHOMPSON #NAGISAOSHIMA #VANDERPROST #SIRLAURENCEVANDERPOST #GENERALPICTURES #MrLAWRENCE #cine #cinema #cinemaposter https://www.instagram.com/p/CN7novbADrA/?igshid=1be8uvixw1w6j

#lazotoys #mylifeforsale #feliznavidadmrlawrence #merrychristmasmrlawrence #bowie1983 #davidbowie #bowie #tomconti #ryuichisakamoto #takeshi #jackthompson #nagisaoshima #vanderprost #sirlaurencevanderpost #generalpictures #mrlawrence #cine #cinema #cinemaposter