Shades of Avonlea

Willows whiten, aspens shiver.

     The sunbeam showers break and quiver

     In the stream that runneth ever

     By the island in the river

       Flowing down to Camelot.

     There she weaves by night and day

      A magic web with colors gay.

      She has heard a whisper say,

      A curse is on her if she stay

      To look down on Camelot.

     - The Lady of Shallot -

"Would you please call me Cordelia?" No..... not really "My name is Anne, with an 'e'." :) I couldn't resist. Those are classic lines.
As an avid Anne of Green Gables fan I have always been inspired by Anne's short recitings of Tennyson's Lady of Shallot. Therefore naturally when I found a book of Tennyson's poems at Goodwill (along with...ehem....17 other books I snagged...I might be a little obsessed) but needless to say I was over the moon :) There is something about the melodious words of poetry that flow over the pages like the words of an old song, taking one into a different world. And of course if we are on the topic of reciting Tennyson I can't help but recall the all to well known scene when Gilbert recues Anne after Diana's skiff sunk and was holding onto the piling for dear life (we all know Gilbert rescued her even if Anne denies it). 

Ever since taking these pictures Sunday I had been dying to write this post. Not that it si anything special but everything about this post simply exudes all the Shades of Avonlea. If Anne were to live in the 21st century I am sure that she would choose to wear a dress such as this...elaborate pattered stripes, scalloped front panel, light blue buttons, Boat hats, brown heels, and of course a book of Tennyson! Just the typical Anne of Green Gables modern rendition. I made this dress earlier in the summer and I must say I am loving it even more after these pictures. I wanted a 1940's styled sun dress so with a few alterations to a pattern I had lying around, this is what was created. 

Dress: Made//Belt: Thrifted//Hat: Forever21//Shoes: Goodwill (American Eagle)

Of course, my backyard was not the ideal picture spot. I was planning on going to the train tracks or to a lovely "Avonlea Like" lane, but alas the backyard had to do. Even if the backyard wasn't my first choice it didn't turn out to bad....after all Anne and Marilla had a wonderful garden at Green Gables. 

Okay, so as much as I LOVE to read and am obsessed with books (I seriously bought 19 just last week) I have never been one to read much of the classics. Probably due to the fact that I don't have as much time to read many books but I honestly would love to become more versed in the classics. Tennyson's poems for one are absolutely inspiring and profound but there are so many other great classics. I actually picked up a beautiful 1927 version of Ivanhoe at the same time I picked up Tennyson...truly lovely copy. Maybe one day I will make a dent in the classics and broaden my horizons :) 

Even if these heels are held together with gorilla glue and nails they are still a new favorite pair of shoes!

"Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it."

Until next week dear lovely readers!

Have you ever read any Tennyson?

Are you an Anne fan?

Have you read many classics?

P.S. Don't forget to catch this weeks post over on STANDOTgirlTM Here!