(no subject)

One of the good things about getting up early in the morning is the sense of accomplishment one can have before sunrise. I finished my Danver State review this morning, and while I didn't get to address a lot of issues (the grave markers, my severe criticism of books about mental illness that don't bother to diagnosis the characters illness) I think it turned out pretty well. We'll see if I still feel the same way in a couple of weeks.

I am actually getting excited about Xmas. I've been wrapping presents as I've found/finished them, and while I still need to get something 'big' for my brother (I was thinking one of those plug & play video game controllers one can plug into one's television to play retro games: Does anyone know where to find those?) I'm pretty much done with my Xmas shopping. (Due to my financial situation, my giftlist is quite small his year, so please do not be offended if you do not receive a gift.)

Xmas cards still loom. I wanted to handmake them with a Fra Giovanni quotation I've been saving (there's also a Voltaire one I'm planning to use another year, plus the Kilroy Angel from a Cambridge Psalter that demands to be a card), but I'm guessing I'm going to send what's leftover from last year due to thrift and Technical Difficulties.

Plus, I've been really lazy this year and might even (shock! horror!) buy something schlocky with Precious Moments or a Neon Baby Jesus at Walgreens to send out. One might ask the wisdom of sending anything at all if this is the approach I'm going to take, but I do not plan to skimp on the personal greeting, I just need to get off my High Horse and do the chore. I was not able to attend my uncle's funeral this year so some kind of greeting is required.

A lot of you might be surprised to know that I used to be Ms. Social Grace. I've kind of let things go with that regard. Not because I don't still appreciate it; but because it was controlling my life and making me feel like I was on the 'owed' end of the social spectrum. There is nothing less likable than my Puritanical streak. It always jumps out to surprise me when I least expect it.

Happy Birthday Jane!

Today is Jane Austen's bday. Every year I say I will have a memorial tea. Every year people are already too caught up in the holidays to be available. However, I'd like to use the occasion to propose a celebration of sorts.

This year Masterpiece Theatre is broadcasting adaptations of all six of Jane's novels. I would like to propose a sort of rolling Jane Austen party in which a group of us get together to watch them all. It's envisioned as a sort of ladies night, but gentleman will also be welcome.

Unless someone has a desire to host them all, I would propose that we each take a novel and host for those weeks. (Or split them among interested parties, depending on how many people want to do this.) Since I don't have broadcast television I would propose to host the Colin Firth Pride & Prejudice, which I have on video. (The Kate Beckinsdale Emma, is also a rebroadcast.) All the rest of the adaptations are new to this Masterpiece Theatre Season.

Please let me know if you are interested. I was unable to locate firm dates for the schedule, but it looks like it will begin mid-January.