Let's Bust a Recap : Pride & Prejudice

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." 

Thus begins the most well-known and beloved of Jane Austen's work. Now, I know that Pride and Prejudice is not on my official book list this year, but I also seem to remember vowing that Jane Austen would show up on every book list for years to come. So even though I didn't pencil it in on the book list, I had every intention of reading it at some point this year. I guess that point came sooner rather than later. After making it through the first 200 pages or so of John Adams, I decided to take a quick break for the rather silly Bennet family, the proud Mr. Darcy, and the oh-so-lovable Bingley. 

Pride and Prejudice was the second of four novels published anonymously during Jane Austen's lifetime. It was well received and garnered favorable reviews very soon after being released as a three-volume set in 1813. 

If you're not familiar with the novel, well, that's a shame. It centers around Elizabeth Bennet who, throughout the novel, learns the error of making hasty judgments about a person and eventually comes to appreciate the difference between the superficial versus the essential qualities people possess. 

While Elizabeth Bennet herself is not someone I would want to model my life after, her always-seeking-the-best-in-people sister Jane is one of my favorite Austen ladies. And while Mr. Darcy is not a man I'd necessarily want to be married to, I'll always be a little in love with the charming and affable Mr. Bingley. Even though Jane and Bingley's love story is somewhat secondary to Elizabeth and Darcy's in Pride and Prejudice, they are probably my favorite of Austen's couples and, by far, the most perfect for and deserving of each other. 

I know I've hinted on this blog before that Pride and Prejudice may be a bit of a cliché place to start in the world of Jane Austen, but to be perfectly fair and honest, it's her most popular and beloved novel for good reason. It's absolutely wonderful, and I've only ever talked to one person (my brother Oakie) who found fault with it. I've also suggested on this blog that Sense and Sensibility is a good introduction to Austen--and I stand by that suggestion--however, Pride and Prejudice is certainly more manageable for the person who may be a bit intimidated by 200 year old British literature. 

Any way you spin it, I highly recommend reading Pride and Prejudice at least once in your life, and if you're only ever going to read one novel by Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice is the way to go. It pains me to even say that, but I do realize that not everyone out there is going to read all her work just because I said so. I guess she doesn't have to be everyone's favorite. 

Have you read Pride and Prejudice or anything else by Jane Austen? Who is your favorite author of all time? Do you have a favorite Austen novel? Because I absolutely can't decide. Every single one seems to be my favorite while I'm reading it although Sense and Sensibility and Northanger Abbey do tend to stand out from the rest in my mind. Speaking of which, I've noticed a lot of hate towards Northanger Abbey in recent internet discussions I've been a part of, and I just don't get it! What is wrong with people?? I jest, but seriously. Let's end this post before this tangent gets out of hand. Happy Monday, y'all!

A Word for Wednesday

"But for such footmen as thee and I are, let us never desire to meet with an Enemy, nor vaunt as if we could do better, when we hear of others that they have been foiled, nor be tickled at the thoughts of our own Manhood, for such commonly come by the worst when tried. Witness Peter, of whom I made mention before; he would swagger, ay, he would; he would, as his vain mind prompted him to say, do better, and stand more for his Master than all men; but, who so foiled and run down by these villains as he?"

~from The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan~

Casual Fridays

Good morning, internet! No work for me today so I actually slept till like, 8:30. It was luxurious. And now I'm going to try to crank out a blog post in 10 minutes because this shaggy mess has to go to the vet today. (Haircuts coming Tuesday.)

So let's get to it because now we're down to 5 minutes due to me taking that picture of Major for your visual stimulation. You're welcome.

First up: I have been remiss in not plugging my amazing sister-in-law sooner on the blog. She is a licensed massage therapist, and y'all, her hands are like magic. I went in a couple weeks ago for a massage, and I came out feeling like a brand new, more relaxed version of myself, and I talked to my husband about how I need to go see her at least once every other month from now on. More, if I can swing it. You need to do yourself a favor and contact her ASAP for a massage. Husbands, Valentines Day is coming up and you will get major points if you send your wife to Dakota for a massage. I'm serious. I could wax on and on about how wonderful she is but the clock is ticking here. Call her. Text her. E-mail her. Do whatever you have to do to have her massage you. #worthit

This year is an SSMT year, and I am trying to memorize Psalm 34. For more information about what SSMT is, click here. In 2015, I memorized 1 Corinthians 13 along with a few other verses. The goal is to memorize two verses a month (24 total for the year). The point is to be meditating on your chosen verses as close to constantly as possible and really memorizing them for life. Hence, the manageable rate of one verse every two weeks. The first year I participated, I tried to do more than one verse every two weeks and failed miserably. Anyway, I'm sharing here because 1) if you're interested in joining the challenge, it's not too late! and I would definitely encourage you to do so. You can enter your first verse here and your second verse here. And 2) if you see me at church or around town, ask me to say my verses to you. I'll take all the accountability I can get!

Ok, I was officially out of time 2 minutes ago, but just a couple more things real quick. I discovered this amazing blog a few days ago while google-ing recommendations for a good James Madison biography. If you've been following me long, you might know it's a personal goal of mine to read at least one biography of every U.S. president, and last year, I decided to go in order. Well, the guy who writes this blog has been reading through the presidents for the past 5ish years, but he hasn't just read one bio on each, he's read LOTS. And he reviews them and gives his recommendations for the best ones. And he does this in his spare time as a hobby. He's my new hero. Definitely check out his blog even if you're not interested in reading the presidents. He's inspiring. 

Ok, I really do have to go now. Let me leave you with this photo that my BFF Amy sent me this week. It came up in her Facebook memories, and I love it. Friendship is such a gift. Have a wonderful weekend!

A Word for Wednesday

"[Saying and doing] are two things indeed, and are as diverse, as are the Soul and the Body; for as the Body without the Soul is but a dead carcass, so saying, if it be alone, is but a dead carcass also."

~from The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan~

Friday the 13th

It's been exactly 5 years since the best Friday the 13th I've experienced in my life. 

Cody, my darling man, I am more head over heels in love with you today

 than I was this day five years ago. 

After my salvation, you are my most precious gift from God, and I thank Him for giving me you. 

Thank you for asking me to be your wife.

I don't deserve this much happiness. 

I love you forever.

Friday the 13th
January 2012

Happiness is...

A Word for Wednesday

"Therefore, thought I, what God says, is best, though all the men in the world are against it: 

Seeing then that God prefers his religion; seeing God prefers a tender Conscience; 

seeing they that make themselves fools for the Kingdom of Heaven, are wisest; 

and that the poor man that loveth Christ, is richer than the greatest man in the world that hates him; Shame, depart, thou art an Enemy to my Salvation; shall I entertain thee against my Sovereign Lord?"

~from The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan~