Monday, March 10, 2008

"Words like 'thither,' 'mischance,' 'felicity'..."

So the reason I haven't blogged in a while is because I've been reading Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. It has had me 'in raptures'! It's so unbelievable...not a single sentence that would be used this side of the twentieth century. I'll quote a little regarding Elinor, the oldest of three sisters, as she reminds me so much of my dearest cousin Megan: "[Elinor] had an excellent heart; -her disposition was affectionate, and her feelings strong; but she knew how to govern them: it was a knowledge which her mother had yet to learn and which one of her sisters had resolved never to be taught." Language. Brilliant. Cunning. Love. (Megan took a quiz on Facebook as to which of Miss Austen's heroines she would be, and Elinor Dashwood was the lucky lady.)
Changing the subject of this post, yet adding to my entertainment -- Oliver. He's a walking machine! It's amusing to see him waddle around the house, so unsure of himself and his ability. He usually has this look on his face like, "What am I doing? This is some kind of miracle. Look, Mom and Dad!" And yet, despite his unstable hobble, there is a bit of confidence, too... mixed with insecurity: he starts out so sure of himself, then stumbles, recovers, and wonders at what he's doing. I tried just now to take a picture of him. I guess the third of his photogenic problems (the first and second being looking away or closing his eyes), is the bucky factor. He was being such a little bear when I attempted to catch him in the act of walking, all I could get was a look that conveyed this was his least favorite activity of all. Arrr. He went straight to bed after this was taken.

And these are the trials and joys of the day. Adding to the joys of course is the sun which is melting the snow which is cheering us all. Praise the Lord. The baby and I may just venture out for a sled ride. Yes!

9 comments:

carol said...

well, i like your words like thither and such...and i love your little striped walker.

angie said...

liz, i'm so glad you read austen. i'm an awful lit major because even though when i finally read her i love it, i rarely actually get myself to start anything of hers! sigh. i will live vicariously through you.
as for your little walker, look at him go!!!! so cute!

Jill said...

wow, that is one cute little olive!!

Liz said...

Yeah, Angie- I'm sort of intimidated by Austen's work (especially my all 7 novels in 1 ten pound book), and I get frustrated trying to relate it to today's english. But somehow I got past the first three pages and was captivated! Sense and Sensiblity was my first attempt, though, so we'll see how Mansfield Park fairs. And Pride and Prejudice is my favorite movie, to hopefully reading it will be just as enchanting.
P.S. I also enjoy easier reads (but equal content), like my fav - Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

angie said...

ahh, this is helpful to know. :) you, too, are a mere 21st century human like me. hehehe but seriously, maybe i'll pick up pride & prejudice again. i think i still have a bookmark at page 82 from three years ago ...

Liz said...

Haha! Nice.

moren blog said...

Poor Oliver--right now I feel like he looks in the picture. I wish somebody would tuck me in for a nap.

Maggie

Jackypine said...

Liz, Did you know Leif Enger has a new book coming out this spring?

Liz said...

Oh yay! I didn't know that, Jodi. That's the greatest news ever!!! Last time Mom talked to him he said he was almost done with a book, but didn't like it so he was goig to start over. It's been a while...