Tag Archives: February

Discussing Jane Austen.

Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates  more to our opinion of ourselves; vanity, to what we would have others think of us.
~Jane Austen

I recently read this interesting web article about Jane Austen. According to the press, Jane Austen’s famous book, Pride and Prejudice turns bicentennial. (Happy 200 years!) What a classic romance! And in all honesty, I have not read the book since high school! Of course, I opt for the movie versions or listen to the soundtrack any chance I can get–especially when I paint. However, I feel that I have done that for long enough! Seeing as February just started, it is my (attempted) goal to read through the novel this month. I just started two days ago. 😀

I have not read any other of Austen’s works, though I have seen movie versions of both Sense and Sensibility and Emma. Lame to watch the movie before reading the book, I know. So I wanted to ask you if you have read them? Is anyone a Jane Austen fan? I would not be ashamed to say so…I just find my readings so sporadic that I enjoy so many authors and subjects that I could never settle for just one author.

If you have read any of Austen’s other novels, I would love to know! I set up this poll in order to see some of your favorite books…as there are seven novels completed (including Pride and Prejudice). I feel at some point I want to read through them all; It is like reading all of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series (which are astounding and have my full recommendation!) 🙂

References:

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/janeausten139313.html#fP8UVyC57O4rW4XC.99

Jones, Bryony. CNN. http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/28/world/europe/pride-and-prejudice-200th-anniversary/index.html?iid=article_sidebar. retrieved January 29, 2013.

7 Comments

Filed under Books and Movies

Back to paintings…

I have been finishing some paintings these past few weeks…here and there amidst everything and pretty much finished just in time before tomorrow. There are some details left, but I am going to procrastinate the rest of this week on that part and feel just fine in doing so. 😀 However, I am highly anticipating what is coming up after this week and wanted to share a bit of exciting news. The month of February will be full of art! If you are in the area, my paintings will be in two different places: a coffee shop and a library. Yeah, you read that right–A LIBRARY!!! 😀

Xenia Community Library displays local artists’ work on the second floor in the hallway. My paintings will be on display there for the month starting February 4th (actually that is the day I will be hanging them…so starting February 5th). Displayed are some of my personal ones as well as a few from the art show in August. But just the fact that they are in a library is so cool! Books and art! Just add a cup of coffee or tea and it is like a free museum. 😉

My paintings will also be at the coffee shop, Beans-n-Cream, in Cedarville again. I painted some new canvases themed with spring, love, flowers, bright colors, and fun. I incorporated different media (silk flowers, buttons, book pages) in the paintings as well, as I am trying new techniques and styles. Like my Dad always said when we were ordering pizza: “Expand your horizons.” (I always just wanted cheese. Then I realized I was missing out! Add the veggies!!!) 😀

I am getting very excited for these two avenues as they approach quickly! Just getting back into painting has been exciting too! It had been too long.

Here are a few paintings that will be at Beans-n-Cream:

IMG_1418

DSCN1082

Untitled

IMG_1382

DSCN1077

Now that the paintings are set, I am ready for this week though my thoughts have been anxious (especially today). Not fearful, just nervous I guess. Like I can’t sit still, because I am trying to get a few more things done before tomorrow. But I should just take a bit to sit and be still…so I am remembering Zephaniah 3:17 (italics emphasized),

The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.

Tomorrow starts very early…please pray for safety as we travel down to Cincinnati and thank you for already praying for the surgery and doctors. I will not be taking my computer with me this time, but if anything comes up or I stay long, I will get a post in somehow.

Thank you for your continued prayers, love, encouragement, Bible verses and letters. They mean so much.

Mel

10 Comments

Filed under Adjusting to NF2, Hospital Trips, Paintings