A Regal Breath of Fresh Air

This weekend I gave in and watched Downton Abbey. It's not that I didn't want to watch it. I absolutely adore period stories, and therein lies my problem. I really really try to practice the saying moderation in all things, but sometimes I fall prey to the whirlwind of amazing storytelling. So when the mechanic called Saturday morning and said that our truck {which is our only vehicle that can fit all our family right now} wouldn't be ready until Monday morning I knew this was the weekend to give in. So now I am entirely caught up, having watched Season 1 & 2, as well as the Christmas Spacial.

Here are some of my favorite things::

I love this opening shot. I love the way Lord Grantham refers to himself as just a steward over Downton Abbey. That even though he is an Earl, he knows that there is a triviality about it.

Up next...Lady Grantham. I absolutely love that she is American. Not just because I am too, but it just seemed like such a perfect play to bring into the story. I think it is wonderful how she protects her girls and when necessary she rises to any occasion with grace and dignity. I really identify with that idea, although I'm still working on the execution. For my sake lets pretend that she isn't so easily be swayed by O'Brian, but more on that wretched bat later...

Anna and Mr Bates....Their story is so much more fun to watch to me than that of Lady Mary and Matthews Crawley. I adore the way Bates speaks to her. You can tell that he hold her in the highest regard and is utterly devoted to her. The words written for him truly come from another place. He is deeply honorable, almost to the point of self-sacrificing, but it suits him. I think it's great the Anna jumps in tells him she loves him even though it was so nontraditional for this time. Sometimes moments are presented to us in life and we cannot have them pass by without some sort of declaration to mark them.The way Anna stands by his side without question makes these two a perfect match! I am so happy that he isn't getting the death penalty. I kinda think I would have stopped watching!!

Seriously....I love this picture. Yes, it screams Twilight, but come one. This is a sexy snap! I wasn't a fan Matthew in the beginning. He nose was so obnoxiously up in the air at the whole idea of being the heir to the Crowley name. I'm not sure when it happened, but I quickly warmed up to the idea of him. I love that Lady Mary gives him a run for his money. It's fantastic to fall in love with someone who matches your wit and passion in life. Trust me...I know;) And that sealing kiss in the snow. Can we say, FINALLY!

and really...don't even get me started on these two! Absolutely wretched. They fuel the flames to each others nasty fire. Why must it be so? Let's hope in season 3 we see something that resembles a redeeming bone in their bodies.

Well that wraps things up here. It has been said that season 3 will begin filming this spring with actress Shirley MacLaine to join the cast as Lady Cora Grantham's mother. That should be interesting and entertaining, to say the least! Let's hope that we don't have to wait to long to see what happens next to all our friends at Downton Abbey.

Have you seen Downton Abbey? Are you a fan? Who's your favorite?? I'd love to hear.

xO-Etheline