A Quiet New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve isn't really a big thing for me. I am not one for dressing up and going out to parties. Although, if the right opportunity were to present itself I am sure I would take advantage of it. When all is said and done, I am a rather low-key kind of person. I spent much of today lounging around and reading and will most likely continue these activities until 2009 is ushered in at the stroke of midnight.

Shirt: Target

Scarf: gift, Forever 21
Pants: Ralph Lauren, via Macy's
Shoes: Target

I think it's time to soothe away 2008's rough edges with a cup of tea.

Happy New Year!

Songbird

I have spent some time over the last few days watching old musicals featuring the ever so lovely Jane Powell.

The above images are from 1951's Royal Wedding in which Jane stars opposite Fred Astaire. If one can have fun while watching a movie, I surely did while watching this!

I first became an admirer of Jane one weekend afternoon as a teenager flipping lazily through the television channels. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was airing on Turner Classic Movies and from then on I had an all-time favorite movie. I found Jane's voice to be exceptionally beautiful; so strong and powerful, yet warm and soft.

Today I watched Delightfully Dangerous, one of Jane's earliest films. She was just 15 when it came out in 1945 and my, it was really one of the sweetest things I have ever seen! A few clips can be found here if you are interested. I must also note that I was completely captivated with the '40s fashion. I like being, if only temporarily, transported to previous eras through film.

Photo source

Meltdown

The temperature soared past 50 degrees today causing most of our snow to melt away. In fact, the temperature began to rise last night allowing me to leave my bedroom window open a crack while I slept. The fresh, crisp breeze was very refreshing, but wintertime reality will creep back in tomorrow and most likely stay for the next 3 to 4 months.

I even frolicked a bit outside sans jacket and in my new little shoes!

Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft, Skirt: Gap, Tortoise shell bangles: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: H&M

Perfect Sweetness

I purchased this fun & festive little ring a few years ago from Papyrus. Pulling it out of my jewelry box each year around Christmas time makes me feel so warm and cheery with thoughts of wonderful seasonal splendor.

The last few days have been a happy blur of memories. Moments of perfect sweetness have been meshed together as little remembrances to be replayed in my mind over and over again. One in particular is dancing to "Take On Me" by a-Ha with my five-year-old cousin complete with giggles and smiles a-plenty.

Merry Christmas!

(This sweet little image was found on a Google Image Search for "Vintage Christmas Card")

A Nurse, a Philosopher, and a Geographer Walk Into a Coffee Shop...

Despite my lame attempt at a post title today, I did enjoy a nice evening at a local coffee shop with some friends. Sarah (the-nurse-to-be) and I both go to school in the same city, but found it hard to plan visits this past semester amidst our busy schedules. Phil (our philosopher) is home from grad school in Texas for a few weeks, so our little trio was able to get together for warm beverages and good laughs.

One also laughs when they employ their younger brother in place of the self-timer to take the day's photographs :)

Cardigan and skirt: Target, Belt: Anthropologie, Tights: Marshall's, Shoes: Steve Madden

Oh the weather outside is frightful,

but the fire is so delightful.

Today is just the kind of day to enjoy inside by the fire with a book. The wind is blowing the last three days worth of snow around creating a chill that you would feel deep down in your bones. I am hesitant to look and see what the thermometer reads.

Turtleneck: Delia's, Sweater & skirt: H&M, Brooch: gift, Tights & shoes: Target

I have since devoured the homemade toffee pictured above. I could easily eat my weight in this stuff. Thankfully, we only make it at this time of year ;)

Cheery Little Somethings

I mentioned the other day that I recently received some lousy news. Last month I picked up a seasonal job at a little shop knowing full well that seasonal positions are temporary, but I guess I was under the impression that they last at least until after the holiday shopping/returning rush is over. Mine, however, did not and today I went in for my last shift. Job hunting (sooner than expected) is such a pain in the neck, but I will remain positive.

I posted a little while back that I cannot stop listening to Basia Bulat. Well, I still can't! The video for her song "In The Night" always brings a smile to my face (and I definitely need one today!). I love its simplicity, charm, and ensemble of characters. The embedding feature for the video is disabled, but do check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWJxTWQHH6s
I love the giggles at the end!

Other cheery little somethings that will brighten my spirits today are baking homemade goodies and watching movies with my mother. With that said, I must be off! I hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Picture Perfect

The photo that now graces the top of my blog page is from a scrapbook my great-grandmother compiled in 1909. However, the identity of the lady in the photo may be a secret lost to time. Could it be my great-grandmother? Perhaps. Sadly, I do not remember ever looking at this particular scrapbook while my grandmother (who most likely would know the answer) was still alive. I am going to ask my aunt about it the next time I see her and see if she can solve the mystery. Regardless if I ever learn who this is, I feel that this photograph will always tug at my heart strings a little and whisk me away to a beautiful place nestled in history.

Retail Therapy

Today brought my last final exam of the Fall semester. I am so glad to have everything finished! The exams I had this week were a little on the tough side (Geographic Information Systems and Political Geography!) and while I have the feeling I didn't do as well on them as I had hoped, I don't think they will be detrimental to my final grades.

As a present to myself for all the hard work and studying I did this semester, I stopped by H&M this afternoon and purchased this little beauty of a cardigan. It was on sale for $10 and I also justified the purchase as a pick-me-up for some lousy news I received this week.

Pretty!

A Day For Favorites

Cardigan: H&M, Shirt: J.Crew, Belt: Anthropologie, Skirt: Gap, Shoes: Target

Each separate item I am wearing is a favorite from my wardrobe, but I never thought of wearing them all together until today. I found this to be a little strange especially since nothing is particularly new, but that is the beauty of versatile clothing - it is always reliable and there is always a new way to wear it. I'm almost certain that this will be the outfit I'll wear on Christmas Day. Now I'm making myself laugh - I'm planning what to wear 10 days from now, but have no idea about tomorrow ;)
Don't you think the bows on the Christmas tree behind me are the sweetest little things? I went to visit my sister this afternoon and decided her decor would be the backdrop for today's photo.

I also thought I'd share a glimpse at today's sunset:

Winter Wonderland

A significant ice storm passed through the region over night and into the morning. The world looks beautiful encased under all the ice, but driving this morning proved to be quite difficult. I encountered detour after detour on my way to campus for an exam. Trees and power lines were down, ponds and streams had flooded. There were several occurrences when I didn't really know where I was! There are many back-roads around here and I traveled a few that were new to me. Whilst driving along these routes I was able to glimpse many beautiful, old Colonial-style homes. I do not know a lot when it comes to building and construction, but I am definitely a fan of Colonial architecture (specifically that of the New England, Dutch, Georgian, and Colonial Revival type). Homes in this style look so cozy and welcoming and are very aesthetically pleasing, in my opinion. Here is a small photo gallery of varying Colonial-style homes with a brief corresponding history.

A List and Thoughts From the Heart

Classes officially ended yesterday, but exams still need to be taken and I currently find myself in the midst of writing a paper. Said paper is resting right now while I sort my thoughts and plan the remainder of what I need to write. The task is not overbearing and only requires me to write a minimum of 1,500 words. I am already nearing the 900 word mark. I would like to finish tonight, but will also save tomorrow evening should I need it. I'm trying to stay focused and disciplined as my wandering mind is half in winter break mode already.

Speaking of winter break, I've compiled a small list of books I would like to read during this much anticipated time of rest and relaxation:

• I Am England by Patricia Wright (Highly recommended by my grandmother)
• Chronicles of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery (Tales and short stories by the author of my beloved Anne of Green Gables series. I cannot help but love them. Their charm and innocence always brings a smile to my face and I find them to be a pleasant diversion to the mess that life can sometimes bring.)
• Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
• Howards End by E. M. Forster

I do not find my list to be too daunting, although it may become so if I decide to add to it! The last book on the list, Howards End is a recent addition from the past week or so. I borrowed the film adaptation from the library and decided after watching that I must read the novel. The film on all accounts was superb. I cannot think of a better way to describe it. It won three of the nine Oscars it was nominated for in 1992 including Best Actress in a Leading Role (Emma Thompson), Best Art Direction-Set Direction and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium. The film was also nominated in the Best Costume Design category, but did not win. While watching I found myself nearly drooling over the beauty and elegance of the Edwardian era costumes. I have always admired fashion from this era, but now I feel my adoration stems from the fact that this is what my great-grandmother wore when she was roughly my age. Although I never got the chance to meet her, I tend to feel a sweet and comforting relationship with her through the photographs I've seen and the stories from my grandmother and mother. Both my grandmother and mother have told me time and again how well she and I would have gotten along. My grandmother was even so generous as to give me a brooch and a handbag both belonging to great-grandmother. Although not Edwardian, they are certainly small treasures that I hold dear to my heart.

May Your Days Be Merry and Bright

These are some ornaments my mother and I made recently. After seeing them on display while out shopping one day she came home with little stars, little bells, a bundle of raffia, and a plan to recreate them. They are currently hanging from a small tree with white lights atop my Mum's dresser. In addition to our "big" tree, we also put up one or two small trees here & there. In fact, there was one year when every room in the house had a tree in it!


Ever since we purchased these little reindeer they have been some of my favorite decorations. I just find them to be so sweet. Mum actually didn't have them out yet, so I had to rummage through a box of decorations out in the garage so they could make their appearance.

And here I am today:Cardigan: H&M
Scarf: Marshall's
Corduroys: thrifted, J.Crew

The corduroys I am wearing are one of my favorite thrift store purchases. The color is what initially drew me to them. They appear to be almost a rusty-burgundy. The color reminds me of Tuscany. Rich, earthy, beautiful. Aside from that, they fit perfectly. I was almost certain when I pulled them off the rack that there would be a problem with the the size. To my surprise, the inside tag read "petite." Oh happy day!

Here is the scarf detail.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

I like to start thinking about all things Christmas right after Thanksgiving. Decorations seem to pop up earlier and earlier each year in the stores and on peoples' lawns, but I'm content with waiting until the end of November. I even wait until about this time to begin listening to Christmas songs and carols. Ooh, how I love Christmas carols. For me, the essence and impact of the carols increases with each day until Christmas finally arrives. I love the imagery and thoughts that they provoke, reminding and reaffirming the glory and majesty of Christ the King!

Last year I purchased Sufjan Steven's Christmas compilation, Songs for Christmas. I'm a big fan of Sufjan's creativity and the wonders he works through his music. Banjos! Oboes! Glockenspiels! Definitely give some of his renditions a listen this Christmas season if you haven't already.

(Photo from Amazon.com)

Music That Fills The Heart Unceasingly

I am sitting here listening to Iron & Wine and letting my thoughts consume me. This happens often. My sister was telling me the other day how much she likes the song "Flightless Bird, American Mouth." I am led to believe this is only in part because the song is featured on the Twilight soundtrack. I told her I think it's great when movie soundtracks feature great songs and gave her an errand: download more Iron & Wine songs on iTunes. Now, what about my thoughts? I am finding it hard to believe that it has been 3 1/2 years since I saw Iron & Wine live. It is one of those things that really seems like just yesterday. Reality, however, insists on having its own way by trying to fray and blur the edges of my memory. I will not give in so easily and can still see and feel the vulnerable, confused, 20-year-old version of myself on the mend from a broken heart; captivated and sweetly intoxicated by the beautiful words and music that Mr. Sam Beam weaves together. By the end of the night the tears that had been brimming on my eyes slid slowly down my cheeks. I wasn't sad that the set was coming to an end, but simply releasing the thank you coming from somewhere deep inside me.

I know it is late in the day, but Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate! I hope you had a great day enjoying family, friends, and delicious food! :)
We did something a little different this year by having dinner at my Uncle and Aunt's house. While there I snapped these photos of today's outfit:

Cardigan: Old Navy
Blouse: Anthropologie
Layering tank, tights & shoes: Target
Skirt: Gap

The detail on my tights is hard to see in these photos. They are an overall white polka-dot pattern with a vertical floral design running down the outside of each leg. Next time I'll try to get a better shot of them!

Sweet Dreams

An ode to flannel sheets:

freshly laundered,
smooth and soft
you make nighttime much more cozy
when the outside world meets with frost.
a sleep so pleasant, restful and deep -
with a heartfelt thanks to you
little dreams dance on merry little feet.

An Award

I have been given the Butterfly Award from Andrea at a cat of impossible colour.


I was pleasantly surprised to receive an award whilst being so new to Blogger! Thank you again, Andrea! Some of you were readers of mine when I made my "blogging home" at Xanga.com. I was happy to make the switch to Blogger earlier this year after my days at Xanga began to dwindle. I had blogged there on & off for nearly five years, but it was time to put that piece of me to rest. With that said, the rules for this award are to pass it on to seven favorite blogs. My choices are:

Erin at Ip & Aud (My best and dearest friend who asked me to begin blogging again!)

Erin at Veggie Kiss (Am I cheating by awarding the same person twice? What can I say, I love Erin's blogs!)

Lexie at little boat (An old acquaintance from Xanga!)

Nadine at Strawberry Kitten

the tea drinking english rose

The Clothes Horse

Amelia at Ambiguous Alliteration Ambomination

Refreshing

Sipping fragrant tea

steaming from cup and saucer
Releases worries.

Out of Season

A red-winged blackbird
flitting thither, to and fro
delighting in life.

Snowflakes & Sunshine

Tonight I am reflecting on how precious friendship is. I had a wonderful visit this afternoon with an even more wonderful friend. She makes the big things that weigh on my heart seem so much smaller. Her smile can comfort me as much as her hugs. She is a true kindred spirit.

Earlier in the day I was walking across campus to the library when seemingly out of nowhere the wind picked up and snow started to swirl in a fury. Despite the frosty assault on my uncovered ears, I was quite taken aback at the beauty I found myself engulfed in. A particular scene from Gilmore Girls then crossed my mind. Here, I'll share.

Puff Sleeves

I am procrastinating again. The damp and dreary day is the perfect setting for tackling my text book, but I just feel like something cheery/exciting/fabulous should be happening instead. Sigh. I would like to get through at least two more chapters this afternoon. It is without a doubt completely doable, however my interest level hasn't been at full attention lately. Press on and endure I must!

I do have something fun to look forward to this evening. Each Saturday PBS airs an episode of Keeping Up Appearances. I go over to my grandmother's to watch with her and we usually end up in stitches laughing over Hyacinth's social climbing escapades.

Other things that are always fun: puff sleeves & cameos!

Jacket: vintage, thrift shop
Cameo brooch: dollar store (Yes! $1!)
Blouse: Gap, Jeans: Old Navy, Shoes: Target

I affectionately call the jacket in these photos my "Elizabeth Bennet jacket." It is the closest I have come to finding something as beautiful & elegant as all the Regency-era costumes I've seen in Jane Austen adaptations. Is it funny to give articles of clothing names? In addition to my "Elizabeth Bennet jacket," I also have my "nerd cardigan," "Peter Pan tights," and "Laura Petrie* dress." I guess my reasoning for this is that naming pieces of clothing makes them all the more fun to wear!

*For who may not know, Laura Petrie is the character played by Mary Tyler Moore on The Dick Van Dyke Show.

Weep You No More Sad Fountains

This clip features Kate Winslet as Marianne Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility singing "Weep You No More Sad Fountains," a beautiful and anonymous poem collected by John Dowland in the 1600s. The poem was put to music by film score composer Patrick Doyle for Emma Thompson's 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel. Can I just tell you, I LOVE THIS MOVIE! I have watched it more times than is probably healthy for a person. I never seem to get enough! I watch it when I am feeling a little down or when I'm feeling happy and just need a Sense and Sensibility fix. I'll have it playing in the background while I busy myself with other things or at night as I drift off to sleep. Each time I sit in admiration of the direction, musical score, costumes, and the characters. Oh, the characters! A few years ago I purchased the soundtrack and it is quite often my daily car companion. "Weep You No More Sad Fountains" and the song Marianne sings toward the end of the film, "The Dreame" (lyrics by poet Ben Jonson), are performed by opera singer Jane Eaglen. What a voice! To further channel my inner nerd, I recently borrowed Emma Thompson's screenplay & diaries of the film from the library. I've never read a screenplay before, so I figured my first might as well be one of my favorite films. I'll leave you now with the lyrics to "Weep You No More Sad Fountains."

"Weep you no more sad fountains;
What need you flow so fast?
Look how the snowy mountains
Heaven's sun doth gently waste.
But my sun's heavenly eyes
View not your weeping,
That now lies sleeping
Softly, softly, now softly
Softly lies sleeping.

Sleep is a reconciling,
A rest that peace begets.
Doth not the sun rise smiling
When fair at ev'n he sets?
Rest you then, rest, sad eyes,
Melt not in weeping,
While she lies sleeping
Softly, softly, now softly
Softly lies sleeping."

Swallowed By A Sweater

Here is a first.

I have come across many blogs here in blogland in which the blogger shares her personal style. After admiring so many lovely and style-inspiring posts, I have decided to share some of my wardrobe creations as well. This may not be a regular occurrence for me, but I will add to the hodge podge of my blog with some outfit pictures from time to time. With that said...

Here I am today:

Shirt: Target

Scarf: gift
Skirt: Levi's outlet
Cardigan sweater: H&M
Tights: Marshall's
Shoes: Target

Today's outfit was an attempt to 1) stay warm against the chilly temperature and 2) pretend that winter isn't coming. It was an overall success (thanks in part to the supremely cozy elk/reindeer sweater I am snuggled in). However, the days are limited where I can freely wear my flats and not worry about trudging through the snow!

Now that was fun, wasn't it? ;)

Side note: A BIG thank you to my sister who sweetly agreed to take these photographs. I have to rely on other people's digital cameras for the time being as the display screen on mine so rudely decided it wasn't going to function properly anymore.

Three Languages

Last night and into this morning I watched the tri-lingual film, The Band's Visit. An Egyptian police band, set to perform at an Arab Cultural Center in Israel, mistakenly gets on the wrong bus winding up somewhere other than their planned destination. The film follows the band members' interactions with the townspeople they meet. Does it sound too boring, too uneventful? I got that impression from my mother when I described the plot to her. I tend to like quirky films such as this, yet can see where others would not. I particularly enjoyed the use of language throughout this film. The Egyptian and Israeli characters spoke Arabic and Hebrew respectively, but when conversing together spoke in English. In one scene, an Israeli character is speaking to an Egyptian character and says, "Tell me something in Arabic. Something, I don't know, to hear the music." Yes! Isn't language so beautiful and intricate just like music?! To me, hearing a language other than my native tongue is like hearing a song for the first time. Don't misunderstand me and interpret that last sentence as my not thinking English is a beautiful language. I feel all languages are beautiful in their own unique ways, but to hear a language spoken that I myself do not speak completely captivates my mind!

Image source

Delectable Breakfast

Yesterday brought the first snow storm of the season. Upon waking up this morning I decided I needed something warm & cozy to fill my stomach: cinnamon pancakes with honey and maple syrup. My taste buds are on cloud nine. I am ready to conquer the cold!

Night Letter

in the quiet moments of nighttime the wind whistles
t h r o u g h the stove pipe
the clock ticks and chimes with every hour
tucked in as daylight shines on the other side of the world
ready waiting listening for tomorrow.

Adieu midterms!

Midterms are finally over. Phew.

After classes I made my way through the cold rain to my car and took myself on a mini-shopping spree. I've had this feeling lately that I'll find some superb clothing treasure or trinket while thrifting, but it hasn't happened yet. I decided to forgo the thrift shops and take on the mall. I ended up paying full price at H&M for what the receipt calls a "fancy jersey." Think: purple 3/4 sleeve shirt adorned with ribbon and some embroidered eyelet loveliness. At first, I thought about buying the same shirt in gray, but when my eyes met the purple version it was a done deal. On to Old Navy where there was a MASSIVE clearance sale going on. After picking through a sea of racks I found a black skirt for $3.49 and a white boyfriend cardigan for $7.24. Not too shabby.

When day breaks I need to get back into focus-on-school-mode and begin writing a paper that is due next week. I've already decided that once it is typed, printed, & handed in I am going to treat myself to watching this version of "Pride & Prejudice" again. I think it will be 4+ hours well spent.

Sensory enjoyment

Sight
This past week my friend Sarah and I went to see Frozen River. Fantastic film! It is loaded with perspective, feeling, and meaning. It felt so real watching it, as if I personally knew the characters. I am hoping it gets recognition during award season. The next must see on my list is Happy-Go-Lucky. It looks so delightful!

Sound
I cannot stop listening to Basia Bulat's album "Oh, My Darling." Give it a listen! Her voice is so richly sweet and she's as cute as a button!

Taste
Last weekend I tried out this recipe for Carrot Honey Cookies. Delicious! I omitted the nuts (because we didn't have any) and the raisins (thanks but no thanks). I want to make them again soon and I'm thinking of adding a touch of either cinnamon or nutmeg to the recipe...

Touch
The mornings are chilly as of late. I love wrapping my hands around my cup of coffee or tea and feeling the heat.

Smell
Take a deep breath and smell the dried Autumn leaves as they fall from the trees. Aahh.

Delicious Autumn!

"O hushed October morning mild,
Begin the hours of this day slow
Make the day seem to us less brief."
- Robert Frost, from "October"

"There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October."
- Nathaniel Hawthorne

"I sometimes think that the other months were constituted mainly as a fitting interlude between Octobers."
- Aldo Leopold, from "A Sand County Almanac"

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."
- George Eliot

"The morns are meeker than they were,
The nuts are getting brown;
The berry's cheek is plumper,
The rose is out of town.
The maple wears a gayer scarf,
The field a scarlet gown.
Lest I should be old-fashioned,
I'll put a trinket on."
-Emily Dickinson

Lavender Green Tea

I'm all bundled & layered up and sipping on some lavender green tea I purchased at an Asian market in Albany. The sweet, fragrant taste is really delightful. I am radiantly serene in this moment and not really caring about the work I should be doing for several of my classes. I am not ruffled by anything. With today's temperatures not expected to exceed the 60s, I have found myself wondering why this season makes me so happy. I cannot fully explain the extent of the feelings it rouses inside me. I am cozy and alive and I am satisfied.

Autumn Alive

so brilliant the breeze &
the cloth on my skin
so warm & protective.

pull a little closer as
the air chills
sniffling nose.
clear eyes embracing all that surrounds me.

Anticipating Autumn

Yesterday was the perfect day for enjoying the first pumpkin spice latte of the season. Mmm, so savory! Autumn is just around the corner and I couldn't be happier. My senses are patiently waiting to be overjoyed with the pleasures the season has to offer! A small scattering of fallen leaves, pumpkins, and chrysanthemums have been my sneak preview. Cool breezes and chilly nights are starting to make their appearances as the days of September crawl through the calendar.





The Full Harvest Moon will rise this coming Monday, September 15th. If it isn't silly to have a favorite full moon, then the Full Harvest Moon is my favorite! The Old Farmer's Almanac provides a nice description for each full moon in accordance to many Native American histories and traditions.

Maps + Scarves = Accessorized Excellence

I like scarves almost as much as I like cardigans.

For a long time now I've wanted this scarf. Yes, that is Venice! And yes, it is a map of this remarkable city on a luxurious silk scarf! The mere thought of wrapping it around my neck takes me back to drifting down the canals on a gondola and strolling over foot bridges through the city. The only thing keeping me from purchasing it at present is the price tag. I do not find it to be too unreasonable for what it is. However, I guess I feel like perhaps I shouldn't spend the money on it? I'm used to buying my scarves from H&M, Urban Outfitters, Marshall's, and the like for a fraction of the cost - or better yet, thrifting for scarves! Someday, though, I would like to get my hands on one of these. It will be a treat.

*The website also features an array of other international destinations. Cooler still, the scarves are inspired by silk maps used by Allied airmen in WWII!*

Highly recommended

I watched Lars and the Real Girl last night and must say that it is one of the best films I've seen in a while. Ryan Gosling's performance is superb (when is it not?). The film is a great balance of sweet and funny packed creatively into 107 minutes. The Wall Street Journal praised it as, "An endearing, intelligent, tender comedy." I have to agree. Open your mind and keep that description in consideration. You won't be disappointed.

Enjoy.

Image source

"It is a truth universally acknowledged..."

I have spent the better part of my summer immersed in Austen. Anyone who knows me knows of my admiration and appreciation for the literary works of this fine lady. I have devoted many an hour to film and television adaptations of Jane's work, scouring libraries for copies of those which I had not yet seen. Shorter intervals of time have seen me tearing through the pages of Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. I simply could not put them down. I have yet to read Mansfield Park and Emma, er, begin Emma again - I had started it once several years back, but never finished it for one reason or another. Ahh, but this summer I have reveled in the sweet, playful affection Henry Tilney bestowed upon Catherine Morland in Northanger Abbey and claimed Anne Elliot of Persuasion as my favorite of all Austen heroines. I found myself relating to Anne in many ways; however, I am not suffering of a lost love eight years in duration. I will admit to my total girlishness by sharing that the rekindling of Anne and Captain Frederick Wentworth's romance is by far my favorite of Austen's plots (that concerning Elinor Dashwood and Edward Ferrars of Sense and Sensibility is an extremely close second). The letter that Wentworth writes to Anne in Chapter 23 gets me every time. Every single time.

"I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant. You alone have brought me to Bath. For you alone I think and plan. Have you not seen this? Can you fail to have understood my wishes? I had not waited even these ten days, could I have read your feelings, as I think you must have penetrated mine. I can hardly write. I am every instant hearing something which overpowers me. You sink your voice, but I can distinguish the tones of that voice when they would be lost on others. Too good, too excellent creature! You do us justice, indeed. You do believe that there is true attachment and constancy among men. Believe it to be most fervent, most undeviating, in
F. W."

"I must go, uncertain of my fate; but I shall return hither, or follow your party, as soon as possible. A word, a look will be enough to decide whether I enter your father's house this evening or never."

Even now my insides are squealing with joy. Calm down, E, you know it isn't real, but... but...!! Is it silly of me to be so delighted in a proclamation of literary love? To take refuge in a world that exists now only on paper peppered with wit and satire?

My answer is "no."

My Cardigan and Me

This post has been inspired by my dear friend Erin, who regularly blogs about fashion. You can find her at Ip & Aud.

With that said, this post is dedicated to the ever so versatile cardigan. I am not ashamed to admit that my closet and dresser drawers are home to 16 soft, cozy, button adorned beauties. Why so many, you ask? A girl must be prepared for all seasons! Heavier knits for winter, lighter knits for spring and autumn, and yes... even summer cannot hinder my affinty for cardigans. It is during this time that you will find me in airy, crocheted cardigans. How easy it is to add one to any outfit; how fabulous they look over a cami, tank, or tee! Move over diamonds, cardigans are this girl's best friend!

Clean slate

I enjoy a new start.

Writing is at times my catharsis. I enjoy that too.
Observation turned into verse, rhyme with or without reason, or haiku...
my mind is the sheet of paper soaking in the ink my senses try to capture before the moment is gone.

Resplendent is my favorite word. Or perhaps I should say my favorite adjective. Resplendence, thus, would be my favorite noun. Of course, there are multitudes of other fine and good words all possessing qualities of favoritism, but 'resplendent' is a notch above the rest.

re·splen·dent
: shining brilliantly : characterized by a glowing splendor
(Thank you http://www.merriam-webster.com/ for this proper definition)

What about 'tranquility,' you ask?
It is the state I often seek
free from noise and distraction
steady and constant
where I can marvel in my Creator.

First Things First

Dear Blog,
Hello. How new and fresh you are! Please do not feel slighted that I still have two "active" blogs at Xanga.com. I hardly ever use them but cannot bring myself to shut them down... yet.
You can coexist.

This is all the time I have for now,
E.