Good Reads

    Today I picked up a copy of Frankie. I was pleased to see it so choc-a-block packed with inspiring and laugh out loud reads.
    I am also re-reading Sense and Sensibility, written by Jane Austen.
    You know, by saying this some people will probably want to throw books at me, but I think Marianne Dashwood is a bit of a twit. Her melodramatics are beyond ridiculous sometimes. In her warped sense of the world she will easily insult good people, and speak cruelly of her acquantances. But then shows an acute sensitivity to anyone making light of her romantic sensibilities. There are many times when she hurts Elinor's feelings by accusing her of no feeling simply because her sister prefers to take the cautious path in life. Elinor understands well enough that much damage can result in character iftoo exposed to the public. Marianne feels a life is half lived without absolute drama. Inevitably this sick pleasure for gratifying her absolute joy and heartache does lead to ill health, and near death, as she chose to not take good care of her own well being.
    And there you have it. That's what I think of young Marianne Dashwood. I cannot help but wonder. When Jane created this character, did she despise her? Was she based on someone she knew? A sister, perhaps?

I Just Love…

… the smell of a new book in the morning.

It was a quiet Sunday afternoon, and I was rather compelled to visit a bookshop. After having watched The Jane Austen Book Club last week, I was intent on reading Northanger Abbey.


I stepped into Dymocks and headed straight for the Classics. Luckily I found one copy of Northanger Abbey, and (bless my stars) Cold Comfort Farm.


Cold Comfort Farm was written by Stella Gibbons, and first published in 1932. It was only quite recently that I heard about Cold Comfort Farm. First learning that it was a film, then even better news — it was a film based on a book.


So here's to broadening my horizons.


What are you reading? Or, intending to read?

Another Week Ends

This has been something of a Jane Austen week for me. The weather had me brooding a bit so I got out the telly mini series Pride & Prejudice. When I got through that in just under two days, I still hadn't had enough. So then I pulled out the Keira Knightley version and had that playing while I worked.

Then, as if the planets had aligned themselves… I took Gwen to the park this afternoon, and sure enough it started pelting down with rain. I scooted Gwen and myself into the nearest public building — the library. Wandering about I discovered a ‘classics’ display filled mostly with Jane Austen novels. That is when I found “The Oxford Illustrated Jane Austen: Minor Works”. If that isn't providence then I don't know what is. So I borrowed the book, and look forward to settling down to read it, while sipping a hot chocolate, and my feet toasting on a hot water bottle.

Have a great weekend, and enjoy this little tidbit from the Pride & Prejudice mini series…

My Creative Space...

Reality sets in as the candle burns from both ends. Last week I had hoped to have completed pattern making and sewing Gwen's new Autumn clothes. But with so many other things that also needed doing, this particular project has been on the back burner. However today is my day for making some corrections to the shirt and pant patterns. Then hopefully tomorrow I will be able to get a couple of outfits all done for Gwen to wear by the weekend.

Last week I showed some drafts of a new illustration series. I worked a bit on that over the week, and if you follow this link, you will see the first completed illustration. If you follow this second link you will see my latest draft for the second illustration in that series.

Also tonight I plan to prepare a shepherd's pie loosely based on Claire Robertson's blogged recipe. I bought myself a casserole baking dish the other day so I can pull this off. This in itself I consider to be creative because heaven only knows how my cooking turns out.

I am now reading "Sense & Sensibility" by Jane Austen. Where would my sanity be without my reading books?

My Creative Space...

Keeping it brief my plan for today is as follows:

• Exercise in the gym (already done)
• Cut out fabric pattern pieces to create another two Hoo Owl plush dolls, which I plan to sell upon completion.
• Hopefully begin sewing at least one Hoo Owl before the day is out.
• Go for a walk with baby and if perchance I should pass a news agent, might buy the latest issue of Frankie (Pip! You got me hooked.)
• Finish the day by reading Jane Austen's Mansfield Park (She is perhaps my most favourite author).
  
• Play with baby many times and read to her. Very likely she will be listening to Mansfield Park.