Monday, July 6, 2009

an afternoon with jane

I told myself I wasn’t going to do this before I read the book, but after six-plus months I couldn’t help myself any longer and I succumbed to the temptation. I watched "Sense and Sensibility" with Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, and Alan Rickman. I cried. I laughed. I sighed. I held my breath. I even clapped.

I haven’t really enjoyed a film like I enjoyed this one. I’m ashamed I waited this long to capture the essence of what Jane Austen was saying. What a storyteller. I realize this is only an adaption of her novel, but I will definitely read the novel sooner rather than later. The period in which her novel is wrought, I can’t help but feel a tad bit jealous that I wasn’t born another time. The clothing. The emotion. The cottage – oh the cottage! What I wouldn’t give to live there. The still of the sisters and mother working on their needlework was peaceful. I was so moved and felt connected. At one point I was on the edge of my seat trying to soak in the scenery and house décor. The wallpaper. The tapestry. The furniture.

I was sincerely captivated by the sisters and envied their relationship. Each actress did a marvelous job at convincing me of their disposition and I loved them all. I hated the dreadful sister-in-law, and so much that I’ve even forgotten her name. But my absolute favorite character is the Colonel. Such a lonely, quiet sufferer who truly, without a doubt, loved Marianne with his entire core, and that made him sexy. I knew there was more to him than meets the eye and when he sent Marianne the piano I knew their fate. Now that is love and I cried.





While enjoying the film I worked on On Travel with Jane Austen by The Sampler Girl. I am using the called-for threads with the exception of changing three to the alternative DMC colors. I made changes to some cross stitches themselves. Instead of the cross stitch I changed it to the satin stitch, but still used the colors for that symbol; just a different stitch. I did this with the triangle-like band (above "Sunday"). I love how it's turning out. Other than this, we're as good as gold. Oh, and I'm using 32 ct Parchment instead of what the model is done on.

Stitching on this piece makes me happy and I’m calm. Stitching in general is therapeutic, but when I work on On Travel I can’t help but feel at peace and at ease. I think of nothing else and I cherish that sensation; for lately I’ve been high strung. But for now this is the only design I stitch on and I’m okay with that. Even though I’m a multi-tasker and like having more than one thing going on, my other projects can wait. Besides, they’re not going anywhere ~ they have no legs. :o)

Talk soon!

5 comments:

Tanya Willis Anderson said...

You're on a roll, Julie! Looks grand and what fast progress on it you've made. Awesome stitching, girlie. Looks great. S&S is sooooooo good ~ I fell hard for Col. Brandon immediately. I have the CD to this movie too and love to have it play while I work sometimes. The pianoforte with song is so lovely that Marianne sings.

Tanya

Snip said...

I know how you feel. Reading Jane Austen and watching the movies gives me a real sense of peace during stressful times as well. I love your progress on "On Travel." Just lovely!

Siobhán said...

S&S is one of my all time favorite movies. Love love love it. I don't often rewatch movies, but that's one movie that I could watch a cagillion times & never get tired of it. Kinda like Twilight. ;)

Your WIP progress is beautiful! Great job. I'm glad it's having the desired effect, of calming you. :)

Deb said...

I have never seen that movie, but I think that I'm going to have to. You're making amazing progress on this piece. It looks wonderful!

Shari said...

I haven't read any of her books but boy, you make me want to run to the library & find this one. It sounds heavenly!!!! I also love the stitching!!!!! I SO NEED some of the Sampler Girl charts. I love them, but haven't gotten any yet!