The Heartie Corner: Turning Over a New Leaf
Volume #1 of The Heartie Corner. I discuss turning over a new leaf going into Season 11 and what it means for me.
Welcome to the first official post of The Heartie Corner! Grab a seat with a cozy blanket and your favorite cup of tea or hot beverage and make yourself at home! I am taking a page from Elizabeth Thornton and turning over a new leaf. What does this mean? Let’s dive deeper!
Why Am I Turning Over a New Leaf?
Elizabeth is ready to turn over a new leaf, so should I follow her lead? In short, yes I am going to follow her lead.
Since the Season 8 finale, I have felt a sense of bitterness and resentment overshadowing me as I watch the new seasons. To clarify, I was critical of Seasons 8-10 which is not what I am referring to here. I am referring to holding onto bitterness and resentment for the sake of having something tangible. I will be the first to admit I did not particularly enjoy Seasons 8-9 due to the high level of angst, disconnect from the audience, and too many characters/storylines, to name a few. I watched Season 10 reserved and still on guard but clocked myself looking for faults in every direction I turned.
Do I have to like every single storyline? No, but for me this surpasses disliking a storyline. As I said, it is holding onto bitterness and resentment because it is tangible. I want to watch Season 11 without all that bitterness and resentment. Admittedly, I am more excited for this season than previous seasons because the storylines look more appealing. Nevertheless, I do not want to taint my viewing experience due to pent-up bitterness or resentment. So, I am turning over a new leaf.
What is something tangible to replace the bitterness and resentment? I am holding onto Nathan and Allie like I did after the Season 8 finale. My focus will always be on them whichever direction the story goes. However, with the recent prom pictures and clips, I can cling to hope for Nathan & Elizabeth. My expectations are tempered but I have hope love will prevail this time.
What does turning over a new leaf mean to me?
Turning over a new leaf means I will strive to watch the new season open-hearted and open-minded. My goal is to watch each episode without preconceived notions or unrealistic expectations so that I can be in the moment with the characters. As we move forward with clear evidence of where certain storylines are going, I want to enjoy those moments without the undertones of bitterness. That being said, I will still be critical where needed in my recaps and my opinions on previous creative choices/seasons remain unchanged. It does not mean I will stop being “sassy” or speaking my mind. I won’t resort to being overly positive. I am choosing to cling to the moments that bring me joy instead of those that bring me bitterness.
Closing Remarks
I am far from perfect so this is not meant to be a holier-than-thou post. The purpose is to remind myself (and perhaps others) to be grateful for the enjoyable storylines and those to come. Whatever it means for you, I encourage everyone to turn over a new leaf and find something to enjoy if you plan on watching When Calls the Heart.
Questions for YOU!
Are you turning over a new leaf this season? If so, what does that look like for you?
What are you choosing to cling to this season instead of bitterness, resentment, or whatever other negative emotion you are feeling?
What are you looking forward to the most in Season 11?
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Check out my recent post detailing my Season 11 Plans!
I was one of those TN fans who said they wouldn’t watch after the S8 finale…. And for a long time I didn’t. Truthfully I cannot tell you when or why I started watching again. I had DVR’d S 10 somehow & I remember seeing the now famous Notebook scene teaser on IG and i felt the faint flutterings of hope in my chest. Eventually my bestie and I sat down to watch S10 together and with each passing episode it felt more & more like home, like what the show used to be like before Dan left. I have a lot of bitterness towards the S8&9 showrunner & the direction he took the stories but now, for the first time in years, I’m feeling excited & passionate about this show again.
So my new leaf for S11 is to simply live in the moment and have no expectations. I want to be surprised and enjoy the ride. The thing I’m most looking forward to in S11 is seeing Nathan & Allie happy!! That’s it! The sheer number of times we’ve seen Nathan smiling or being awkward or silly in the previews has brought my joy and I just want more of that!!