How Much of a Janeite Am I?

I am here to report my official score from the esteemed and reputable facebook application quiz “How Much of a Janeite Are You?'”.

I had 21 correct out of 23. My final score, which seems to factor in the time needed, was 2612.  I don’t know how many have taken the quiz so far, But I ranked in the global top ten at the time of completion. Now to hunt down the other nine……..

-Lynnae

Emma on PBS

The newest adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma began on Sunday night, on PBS  Masterpiece.

The show stars Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller (Edmund from Mirimax’ Mansfield Park).

 I have been very happy with this adaptation. I think the acting is wonderful. A few friends have mentioned that Harriet Smith’s hairstyles were fancier than Emma’s. I noticed that too and I don’t think it’s right. It seems like some modern preferences have come through there, but that is a small issue. I know some people don’t like Garai’s acting as Emma. I thought it was great and pretty true to the book- but I will have to qualify that by showing my true colors….I’m a Jane Fairfax fan.

Poor Jane Fairfax. Having an aunt like Miss Bates is a big strike against her, but it’s not her fault! Jane has all the merit, skill and talent on her side, and Emma has only money and the traditions of society. Jane’s one fault was taking the destiny of her life into her own hands!

 

Well, there’s my two cents worth. The next episode is on Sunday!

How did you like the beginning?

Note: The production photo from the top of the story was found at interactive.wxxi.org . I did not see an original site for this photo. It is gorgeous and worth zooming in on. It makes me want to get out the paints. I feel like I am with the characters on the Box Hill outing.

-Lynnae

Where Women Create Giveaway

There is another great giveaway over at Where Women Create, and if you’ve never been there or read the magazine you are in for a big treat. It is full of beautiful studios and inspiring women.

 

The next issue doesn’t come out for another week, but this giveaway is for the original book.  Now I’m not entirely sure I’m eligible since I just won a prize in the Christmas giveaway.

My Studio is a Work in Progress

A sis requested pictures of my newly emerging studio. I made a little collage, which basically means I didn’t want to clean up the whole room. So for now you just get a sneak peak.

Half the time I still refer to it as my daughter’s room. And it’s here for her when she is home, but now decorating it is up to me. At the same time I have to make it useful.

A lot of my crafting supplies are still scattered around the house, and this room is not where I want it to be yet, but it’s a place for me to do my thing.

-Lynnae

Bride and Prejudice

My family watched ‘Bride and Prejudice’ again this weekend. I love Jane Austen adaptations and this one has really grown on me. I admit it’s corny in places, but I love it more every time I see. Why aren’t there more musicals based on Austen?

This show also leaves me with the feeling I need more color in my life. The bright colors and staging remind me of old MGM musicals from the 40’s.

Here’s an interesting tale about the first time I saw this show. Before my daughter had her license my husband and I took her to a church dance in a town that was 40 minutes from where we live. Since there wasn’t much time to go home and back we decided to make a night of it. We brought the ‘Bride and Prejudice’ DVD, and after we dropped her and her friends off at the church dance we went to a theater and bought soda and a bucket of popcorn. We took it back to the church where we parked, popped the DVD in the player, and climbed into the back seat with our popcorn.

We were JUST WATCHING THE MOVIE! But apparently the chaperones patrolling the parking lot were suspicious of our fogged windows and had to come tap their flashlight on the car door and chat with us. Surprise- old married people, haha.

Once we explained our marital and logistical situation (that would be living too far from that church building) we were left to resume the movie.

It’s like they say in the movie, “No life, with no wife”.

-Lynnae

Halfway Through January

 

Halfway through January and things are slow around here. Or I’m slow around things…. or something like that. Above you can see the lovely necklace that I won in the Where Women Create drawing over the holidays. It is from Beth Quinn Designs and it is Gorgeous!!! It’s not too early to start leaving those hints for Valentines Day! Here is a closer look.

In other news….. I am going to try a new foot doctor. I haven’t been jogging since September and it’s bringing me down. It seems everyone around is talking about how far they ran and the cool triathlon they’re going to do, and it just makes me feel worse. I have my Jazzercise class three times a week, which I love, though sometimes I still have to favor the sore foot a bit. I will probably join a gym so I can use the stationary bikes and other low impact things for a while on the other days.

I finally caught my husbands cold, which he said involved sore throat, sinus headache, and depression. I laughed, but he was right.

But now I’m better, so I made some muffins.

On another random note, A bunch of the ladies in my family are having a Valentine card or tag exchange. I am so excited. I will post pictures once everyone has received theirs.

-Lynnae

 

 

January Thoughts

Does everybody want to fix up their home in January or is it just me? I think it’s time to tackle all the projects I was wishing I could get done before the holidays but knew I couldn’t. Rearrange things that bug me, change a paint color here and there, you know the feeling.

But I just stopped by Karla’s Cottage and read about her ‘zero dollar decorating’ and I think I need to give this a try. I may have a few projects swimming in my head, but why not start with some things I already have? For example, I have a couple of word plaques that my sister and I found for a steal. The one she bought (Blessings) looks so nice in her house. Mine is still in a plastic bag. Why???? Because I haven’t been sure about the perfect place for it? That’s what putty and paint is for. How many other framed things do I have sitting around?

Tomorrow the kids will be in school again, and Jon at work, and I have a busy day ahead to box up the rest of the Christmas decor and see what I can accomplish.

Operation Cozy House

In my mind my house has been missing a ‘warmth factor’ in it’s decorating and I want to try and do something about it this year. I need to be more focused.. I would describe my house now as having the necessary large pieces of furniture; beds, tables, sofas and the like, and some cute decorations and accessories that I’ve found over time. But what I really seem to be missing is a middle layer- things like lamps, end tables and rugs. The things that make a place feel finished and welcoming. I don’t want a lot of clutter, I just want my home to feel more homey. I don’t have a lot of budget either, but it will be an opportunity to use my creativity.

We will see what the year brings. But I will commit to posting a before and after picture at the end of January- even if its just a few pictures hung up!

-Lynnae

Ringing in the New Year

Last night we went to my sister’s house for a New Years Party. It was the perfect chance to try out my new Pride and Prejudice game that my husband gave me for Christmas.

But first we played Rock Band, Band Hero and Lego Rock Band until it was time to welcome the new year.

 

Then it was time to get down to business- my Pride and Prejudice board game’s inaugural contest. Players included me, my husband, and two of my sisters.

Here my husband attempts to flash ‘P &P’ gang signs.

As the game ends it is a race to the church.

 

And Jon wins, bringing in Mr. Collins and Charlotte Lucas just ahead of the crowd!

He’s overjoyed! And what a way to start 2010! Happy New Year to all my readers. Thanks for visiting a bit of my sometimes classic, sometimes kooky world.

-Lynnae

Happy New Year!

Once my sisters and I had the crazy idea of making Rice Krispies Treat Sushi. So I made some to take to the New Years Eve Party. I used Kelloggs Rice Krispies, fruit leather, Swedish Fish, Sour Patch worms and other delicacies, along with a little bit of pink frosting. Instead of putting the warm rice krispie treats into a pan, I put it on wax paper, washed and buttered my hands and pushed it down into a thin layer that could be rolled up easily.

My favorites are wrapped in green apple fruit leather with red-hots on top.

 

I’m taking them to the New years party at my sis’ house.

Luckily in our family you can do something a little strange and no one really questions it.

Happy New Year!

-Lynnae