September 22, 2015

Bookish {and Not So Bookish} Thoughts :: Edition Three

This is a weekly meme hosted by Bookishly Boisterous where we write about stuff. I happened to see this via Birdie at Lady of the Manor and thought I'd join in.
1. Okay, so I am waaayyy behind on my blog reading (per my usual), but I happened to stumble across Naomi's awesome summary of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Go. Read. Laugh. The girl can write! :)

Stitching Snow2. I've been trying to crank out my long overdue reviews around here, but it seems slow going! However, that does not mean I haven't been reading. I have been finding so many wonderful stories recently and I hope to share the happy with y'all soon! Until then, know this: fairytale retellings are awesome, so you should definitely check out Stitching Snow, if you haven't already. It's loads of fun!

3. Speaking of reading, have any of you read Jane Austen's Mansfield Park? I confess I have not. I have seen a couple adaptations of it, and wasn't properly impressed. But Lianne states a pretty great case for reading it, so go read her informative (and fabulous) post! And incidentally, while she was rereading the book back when, we happened to have a twitter convo about whether Fanny should have ended up with Edmund or not. I happened to recall this when I saw that Sherwood Smith had written a new ending for the book and out of curiosity, I started it and actually really enjoyed it! Do any of you happen to have any feelings on this subject?

4. Still interested in more Austen info? I happened to see this picture on pinterest the other day, which led to me seeking out more info. This post I found was fun, plus it has another shot of Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley 20 years later, aka 2015 (from the '95 P&P). They've both aged very gracefully!

5. I just read Rachel's review of the third? or fourth? Signed, Sealed, Delivered movie. It reminded me that I recently discovered the series on dvd and need to watch it! I've watched the first movie that started it, as well the Christmas movie last year and loved both. Amber and Rissi have exclaimed over how much they adore this series and all the movies as well. Since it comes so highly recommended, perhaps you ought to check out it? Just a suggestion. ;) Will let you know more later of my own thoughts on the series! {Also, I heart Oliver O'Toole.}

Here he is, in all his old-fashioned wonderfulness.

6. Cinderella came out on dvd last week and let me just say once again that it is DELIGHTFUL. You know, I never realized how much I loved fairytales until the last few years. There's just something about them. I do think I'm a bigger fan of fairytale retellings than the actual fairytales themselves (and quite happily there are so many out there for me to devour! :), but the real deal is still very fun. And Lily and Richard as Cinderella and her Prince are absolutely adorable! You should watch it.

7. Are you an avid reader? I read over this list and decided I definitely fit that category. (I know. Big surprise.)

"Autumn, the years last, loveliest smile."
~William Cullen Bryant

8. Autumn begins tomorrow! I can't believe how fast this summer has flown. I say that for every season, but it's true every single time! Where does time go anyway? I admit, as much as I'm going to miss my sandals (because I will), it has been nice to have cool nights and crisp mornings. Especially when they're rainy like yesterday! Rainy days make me happy. Yes, I'm one of those weirdos.


9. Birdie is hosting a watch-along of Far From the Madding Crowd (the '98 version, not the new one) in October. Head over to her blog for the info! I haven't seen any versions of this story myself, but have heard great things about the newest one. Hopefully I get the chance to watch one of them soonish.

10. And last, but not least, I am planning a trip in October in which I will get to spend some time with dear friends that I have not seen in entirely too long! Needless to say, I am beyond excited for October to arrive. (And also fully cognizant that I just got through wondering how time goes so quickly and here I am wishing it away. I'm contradictory like that. ;)

So what's new with you?



13 comments:

  1. I've read Stitching Snow! Wasn't it great? Definitely a book that needs more attention.
    I for one, never liked that Fanny ended up with Edmund. I just didn't like him. I'll have to read this alternative ending. I love fall! I'm just anxiously awaiting the nice cooler weather.

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    1. SO, so good, Jenny! And you're exactly right. I didn't really hear much about this book until you, Kami, Jenni and Suey started mentioning it. I am so very glad y'all did! :)

      It kind of always bothered me that Fanny ended up with Edmund as well. So this new ending makes me happy!

      Yay for Fall! I hope the cooler weather comes your way soon. :)

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  2. Oh! You linked to my P&P post! That absoluteley made my day - thank you so much! :-D

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    1. Naomi, Miss Evelyn is exactly right. That post is brilliant!!! :)

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  3. I didn't know you participate in Bookish and Not-So-Bookish Thoughts! Welcome :)

    Aww, thanks for the pluggage to my Mansfield Park post; more people should read the book (and Persuasion, lol) xD

    I'm so happy that autumn's here. We finally got some cooler weather but the temp has been bouncing up and down over here, it's ridiculous, won't make up its mind lol. Happy trip-planning! :)

    - Lianne @ eclectictales.com

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    1. Thank you, Lianne! I haven't participated much, but it is fun. :)

      That post is awesome! You're convincing me to read MP sometime soon. And most definitely more people should read Persuasion!! :D

      Our weather is kind of bouncing up and down a bit too. Cool nights and warm days. It can be a bit jarring some days, but I am enjoying it! And thanks. Definitely looking forward to my trip!

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  4. I haven't read Stitching Snow, but it sounds good. Also, I just saw a review on Goodreads likening it to Star Wars somehow, so--sold! :)

    Okay, Mansfield Park = not my favorite Austen novel. But I did feel that Fanny and Edmund belonged together if any of them did. It kind of felt like the characters should all be single. But Fanny and Edmund would have companionable love and mutual respect. I always wished that Henry Crawford wasn't such a reckless person, because he and Fanny would have been fantastic if he wasn't the type to play the field with other women. And her turning him down is no excuse; if he really loved her, he would wait some time and then pick someone else that he loves and respects, rather than a married woman just to get some. Anyway, sad though it is, I do think the match between Fanny and Edmund was best.

    I love the pictures of Jane and Mr. Bingley! And I love Fall! So excited for pumpkins and apples and cool rain and jackets!

    I've never seen Signed, Sealed, Delivered, but it looks cute! And if I don't say it again before you leave, have a wonderful trip!

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    1. Stitching Snow is very fun, Hannah! I hadn't thought about comparing to Star Wars, but I would agree with that. A great combo of space drama and lighthearted fun. I hope you enjoy it!

      I can understand that. I haven't read MP, so I might feel the exact same if I had. Although just through watching a couple adaptations, I can see where all the characters might have been way better off to stay single! Quite dysfunctional, that family. I've just had the thought before of what would happen if Henry had truly shaped up and clearly Sherwood Smith had too. She explains her reasoning for continuing the story as she did and I rather enjoyed it. :)

      Aren't those pics of Jane and Bingley cute?! Such a fun surprise to find them!

      Yay for Fall!!! I hope yours is delightful and pumpkiny. :D

      Thank you. I'm very excited for October to get here!

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  5. Ooooo! Mansfield Park is one of my favorite Austen novels! I'm curious about this secondary ending!!

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    1. If you love MP, I'll be anxious to hear what you think, Jamie. I really enjoyed it! :)

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  6. Thanks so much for the shout-out about my Watch-Along Kara!

    I'm quite happy about autumn starting, I find that I have more energy in this season compared to summer, summer just makes me feel lazy, while the last few weeks I've been wanting to try and do all kind of things when I get home from work. Probably helps that we have amazing autumn weather the last week here in The Netherlands, perfect for an evening ramble!

    Ow, I don't know if would want to read an alternative ending to MP, but hearing you say you enjoyed it... Like I think most readers I have wondered about Fanny and Henry, but usually when I get to the end of the book/adaptation, I'm happy that Fanny ends up with Edmund in stead. I've been following the webseries adaptation From Mansfield with Love and absolutely love it! I think it's a better adaptation of the book then the two 'period' adaptations of 1999 and 2007. It shows such understanding of the themes and the characters and really has me thinking about the story a lot. Super recommended!

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    1. You're so very welcome, Birdie! I hope the Watch-along was fun. :)

      I know how you mean, summer does make one feel lazy, doesn't it? And hot weather does not make for good rambles! But autumn weather surely does, so I'm glad it's energized you.

      Believe me, I totally get that. If you love MP as is, then that alternate ending would not be for you. And if I read the book, I might would feel the exact same way! I've watched the '99 and '07 adaptations, as well as one from the 70s, and having not really liked any of them, I could happily read this change with no qualms. But now you've intrigued me about the webseries! I have been wondering about it and I believe it's now officially over. Since you raved over it, I'll have to check it out. Thanks! :)

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