I just read Becoming Jane Austen, a wonderful book. One quote from Austen that struck me in particular: In Emma, she talks about the "all those little matters on which the daily happiness of private life depends." I love the idea that it's the small things that happen each day that provide happiness. And I wish I could know what those things were for Austen.
Some possibilities: Writing to her sister, writing her novels, observing the local social scene (although she was apparently shy and somewhat awkward, like Mr. Darcy), perhaps having tea and going for walks...
My list would include: Reading the paper front to back, having my first cup of tea, talking to my husband as we're getting ready for work, a new project, making dinner while listening to music, calling my grandmother... what's on yours?
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Daily pleasures
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8 comments:
I have a stupid question. What is the difference between Becoming Jane Austen, and Becoming Jane: The Wit and Wisdom of Jane Austen?
I think "becoming jane: the wit and wisdom" is a collection of her quotes based on the movie... becoming jane austen is an actual book that is like a biography of her, based on her letters.
Hmmm, I might have to put both on my reading list!
I love that feeling when you get home at night and feel like your work day is really done and it's now 'you' time.
I love talking while preparing dinner too!
Reading your blog is one of my daily pleasures!
Aw, thanks!!!
I, too, looking discussing "the day" with my husband while I fix dinner and he has a glass of wine.
Night before last, it also helped that he was close enough to talk with when it came time to clean up the kitchen after dinner! Kitchen looked better and I felt better, too.
That is such a great question to reflect on- and it's so true, it IS the little things that make up a big, happy life.
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