a bend in the road

"my future seemed to stretch out before me like a straight road. I thought I could see along it for many a milestone. Now there is a bend in it. I don't know what lies around the bend, but I'm going to believe that the best does. It has a fascination of its own, that bend, Marilla. I wonder how the road beyond it goes--what there is of green glory and soft, checkered light and shadows--what new landscapes--what new beauties--what curves and hills and valleys further on." --- Anne of Green Gables

enamored with austen

I'm a lover of all things Jane Austen. Here are a few of my personal favorites...

this actor as Mr. Darcy (no one competes): 

this mug (I want it so badly):

the bonnets:

the dancing:

Mr. Darcy: Do you talk, as a rule, while dancing?
Elizabeth Bennet: No… No, I prefer to be unsociable and taciturn… Makes it all so much more enjoyable, don’t you think?

Marianne Dashwood's idea of love: 

TO LOVE IS TO BURN TO BE ON FIRE, ALL MADE OF PASSION, OF ADORATION, OF SACRIFICE!

 ---Sense & Sensibility

this lovely comic of Elizabeth Bennet: 

the disagreements between Emma Woodhouse and Mr. Knightly:

"badly done, Emma, badly done"

the famous Jane Austen silhouette:

the opening sentence of Pride & Prejudice (best of all-time):

IT IS A TRUTH UNIVERSALLY ACKNOWLEDGED, THAT A SINGLE MAN IN POSSESSION OF A GOOD FORTUNE MUST BE IN WANT OF A WIFE.

the rescue in Sense & Sensibility:

"there is nothing lost that may be found if sought..." 

this memoir:

this song from the Pride & Prejudice original soundtrack:

this quote from Persuasion:

I IMAGINED MYSELF INDIFFERENT TO HER WHEN I WAS ONLY ANGRY AND RESENTFUL.  I’M TOO LATE – TOO LATE I BEGAN TO UNDERSTAND MYSELF AND HER.  NEVER HAVE I MET HER EQUAL IN GOOD SENSE OR SWEETNESS OF CHARACTER. SHE’S PERFECTION ITSELF.  I’VE NEVER LOVED ANY BUT HER.

---Persuasion

ode to my big sister

Today, I dug up some old home videos. I found myself curled up on the couch watching myself as a 6 month old baby, playing in the bathtub with my big sister, Taylor.

In the video, my mom and dad were both crammed into the bathroom in our little apartment in Newfoundland, Canada, trying their best to get us to perform, laugh, and talk for the camera. Taylor, at 25 months, showed off her knowledge of colors and said hi to all the family members that my parents listed. However, she eventually became stubbornly distracted with the bath toys. Me, at 6 months, just sat and watched her pour water back and forth from one bowl to another. I was mesmerized.

"Taylor, your little sister is watching every move you make" comes my dad's voice from behind the camera.

As I watched, I smiled to myself---I did then, and I have ever since.

I don't think Taylor would label herself a "leader." She has her own quiet, resolute way of doing things, but somehow because of this, she is a leader. I watched her embrace individuality when we were young girls, make good decisions as teenagers, marry well and love with purpose, and put a little, tiny somebody above herself.....and I have decided I want to be just like her.

Taylor, thank you for leading a life worthy to be followed. Thank you for investing where it matters, and for being the kind of woman that I strive to become. Thank you for showing this younger sister just what to do. I love you, and remember --- I watch every move you make.