Pages of Summer: Jane Eyre

Hello everyone, if you are just joining the ride, this is the third installment in my blog series Pages of Summer, where I am tracking and commenting on the books I'm curling up with on a break from university!

So here we go!

THE BOOK: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

THE SUMMARY: This novel might best fall under a sort of Gothic rags to riches romance. We follow an orphaned Ms. Jane Eyre, through her trials and tribulations as a dependent, her harsh schooling and ultimately her career as a governess in 19th century England. However unlike the fairy tales, Prince Charming is the dark and brooding Mr. Rochester of an estate that has fallen to some extent by the wayside. Unfortunately what sounds like a perfect rise up from gloom love story, is quickly turned on its head when our rather plain yet witty Ms. Eyre begins to find things are not as they seem at Thornfield, and what you think is just a rumor turns out to be quite the ghost story. Have no fear however, despite its twists and dark ventures there is a happy ending… in a way.

THAT’S WHAT HE/SHE SAID:
"I had not intended to love him; the reader knows I had wrought hard to extirpate from my soul the germs of love there detected; and now, at the first renewed view of him, they spontaneously arrived, green and strong! He made me love him without looking at me." -Jane (Ch. 17)

"I sometimes have a queer feeling with regard to you--especially when you are near me, as now: it is as if I had a string somewhere under my left ribs, tightly and inextricably knotted to a similar string situated in the corresponding quarter of your little frame. And if that boisterous channel, and two hundred miles or so of land come broad between us, I am afraid that cord of communion will be snapt; and then I've a nervous notion I should take to bleeding inwardly." -Mr. Rochester, Chapter 23, pg. 221

POINTS OF INTEREST:
Recently in the line of the Jane Austen revival I saw this title on the bookshelf “Jane Slayre” Hmm it puts our lovely governess in the line of demons, ghosts and vampire hunting, I wonder how it works out, I think I will pick it up when I have a spare day, there is one scene in the original work that makes me curious as to where the inspiration for this mash up came from.

While I have yet to view any of the films or copious miniseries for this novel, my thought on first impression would be to certainly watch the 1996 film directed by Franco Zeffirelli (Tea with Mussolini etc.) The cast seems to fit my mind’s eye, well sorta, of the characters and I always have a bit of an issue when poor casting gets in the way of a story, but perhaps I have an over active imagination hmm? I have a mix of Alan Rickman and Matthew Macfayden, oh and a splash of Pre-Code Era Clark Gable *swoons* (sorry my inner movie buff is showing!) in my mind as Mr. Rochester!!! I think the 1996 version will definitely play up the romance and DOWN on the dark, its offered in a recent release, in a boxed set with the film Emma (with Gwyneth Paltrow….) If that has anything to do with your choice, it does affect mine…

So if you are looking for accuracy I would shoot for the BBC TV-miniseries version released in 2006. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE the BBC for doing this with classic novels? I will view both and let me know if you want my opinion! I hope they both please in their own way!

WHY MY HEART BEATS FOR THIS TEXT: I really gushed on Wuthering Heights, and unfortunately that gushing is still coming FULL force! My heavens I don’t even know where to start (perhaps that’s why it has taken me so long to get around to this blog post…. Sowwy). Initially I really couldn’t get over the similar dark and gloom filled as well as passionate writing styles of the Bronte sisters. But then I was like duh. They were quite close, but you can tell in the little details, Emily a little more vague in places and Charlotte, a tad more grotesque when it comes to making images of terror. Also if you don’t speak French you may want to brush up! I was rather excited that I only needed to read the conversations in French once and the meaning was all intact in my mind! Got to love old literature for assuming EVERYONE speaks French.

However it really is the story I can’t get enough of, no wonder it’s fallen into our canon of literature. I really relish in the struggle for romance, without all the silliness and smut of modern romance novels. Its sophisticated, well articulated, well paced and pulls all the right heart strings. I shed a few tears while reading it, and I haven’t cried over a book in a looooooooooooong time. I know I can read this over and over again and find news things, I was so excited to read it all the way through I mildly ignored my boyfriend, skipped two meals and didn’t lift my pencil once to write a note of analysis in the margins… and you all know how I love to annotate. (Well maybe you don’t but take one look at my books and you will, my favorite volumes are coming apart and have so much pencil and highlighter that they glow in the dark.

WHAT AM I READING NEXT (OR RATHER NOW): The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin

日本語のブログ

I decided I needed more practice for my Japanese, so I started a blog on a popular Japanese blog site Ameblo, to practice!

http://ameblo.jp/littledemonpixie/

Amazement of the Day!

This one woman wore one dress for a whole year to raise money for kids to go to school! She paired it with donated items to make 365 DIFFERENT outfits! DANG! She is definately giving support to the theory that if you have the basics and good accessories you can acheive nearly any awesome look! Check it out!!

http://www.theuniformproject.com/

Three a Day.... Yeah...

I know this is my third post today but I'm UPDATING!!!
HERE'S WHAT'S TO COME!!!!!

Tomorrow: Pages of Summer: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Sometime this week: Life in General Update

Sometime soon: A tutorial or two

Mini Meet-Up: Manitou Edition!

This past Friday evening I went out with some of the Colorado Springs Lolitas, but I didn't do Lolita I did GYARU this time! It was a lot of fun, my outfit wasn't really anything to fuss over but I loved my hair and make, as well as my new lenses! It was soo much fun, as always we had about twenty people ask us why we were dressed up, and about fifty just rudely staring. We are used to it by now! LOL

We had crepes at a new creperie down there! I had a savory crepe with ham eggs and tomatoes! YUM!! I haven't tried their sweet crepes but I think my mom and I will go, and have a girl's day out and do that! After the crepes it was the arcade for derby racing and skee-ball! WOO! We managed to get enough tickets to get matching little rings! Tons of fun!

So here are some pics! My GAL look is getting better every time! I'm really excited!

First Time: Geo Circle Lenses OL-103

So I ordered my first pair of circle lenses from Geo Eye Candy here on blogspot... and I'm pretty impressed! The effect is great. I ordered a non prescription pair of their OL-103 green lenses. They didn't quite match my eye color exactly but I loved the effect!! It was odd having the lenses in at first, even though I wear regular contacts all the time, and after several hours my eyes started to itch a bit but that might have been the pollen and my make too! LOL!

But the lenses! I ordered them on like a Thursday they were shipped on like Friday or Saturday and made it to me like on Monday or Tues (forgot which day) But still I was DAMN! That's fast! I also ordered a pair for Phen and her's look great too!

So pics! Sorry no comparison ones just yet... the difference in Iris size is sorta scary, but you all know what I look like without em!

Pages of Summer: Wuthering Heights

THE BOOK: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

THE SUMMARY (SparkNotes totally writes these better! But I’ll practice): Quite simply this novel traces the tragic downfall of one family that resides in the Wuthering Heights estate. But the romance between the wealthy somewhat spoiled Catherine and the adopted orphan christened Heathcliff. We follow them through a dark and gloomy childhood an even darker and manipulative adulthood filled with death, hauntings, madness and ultimately the decay of a family on the wild moors of England.

THAT’S WHAT HE/SHE SAID:

“"They DO live more in earnest, more in themselves, and less in surface, change, and frivolous external things. I could fancy a love for life here almost possible; and I was a fixed unbeliever in any love of a year's standing."

"'And I pray one prayer--I repeat it till my tongue stiffens--Catherine Earnshaw, may you not rest as long as I am living; you said I killed you--haunt me, then! The murdered DO haunt their murderers, I believe. I know that ghosts HAVE wandered on earth. Be with me always--take any form--drive me mad! Only DO not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you! Oh, God! It is unutterable! I CANNOT live without my life! I CANNOT live without my soul!'"

POINTS OF INTEREST:
When the novel was initially published, it was believed that her brother Branwell (a drunk and a believed opium addict) published the work.
Emily Bronte’s sister Charlotte edited Wuthering Heights after her sisters death, as the initial additions were riddled with errors, and in Charolette’s introduction she expresses concern in the reception of the novel, and that her sister was insane for writing it.
Recently there is a Wuthering Heights Twilight comparison edition. I haven’t touched it… I mean really?! I just don’t see how they compare… but that raging is for another day…
In the 1939 film the story was moved forward about 40 years and the costumes were those of the early Victorian era, even though many writers about the film say that film was set in the Georgian period (which was before the Regency period (in which it is originally set). Weird….
With that being said (my facts being doubled checked via TCM movie network) watch the 1939 film. While rather different from the book there are several scenes that every time I read the novel (as I’ve now read it four times) always cross my mind. And you get some time with Mr. Laurence Olivier… and that’s not so bad is it?

WHY MY HEART BEATS FOR THIS TEXT: For starters, its dark. Really dark. I mean when I originally picked it up for class I was like… meh it can’t be that bad… it’s only considered a Gothic novel, but really? My mind was a little fuzzy from the very first time I came in constant with this novel, in middle school (I barely read halfway through an abridged edition. Horrifying I know) But after having read it for my Literary Critisim course this year, and again for pleasure, I get a little giddy at the darkness. It really is amazing how Bronte writes in such a way that you can draw the gruesomeness out every word. One scene that really got me to that point was actually in the beginning of the novel, where our “outsider” narrator, Lockwood is visited by the ghost of Catherine Earnshaw. The image made my skin get all goose bumpy. The novel is definitely one of those that you cannot just look away from. It really makes you wonder how dysfunction can function. The relationship you develop with the characters, at least for me is an interesting one. I felt a roller coaster, of pity, disgust, happiness (rarely), anger and a torrid of other uneasy feelings while reading. However I never faced boredom. If you want a a bit of a mental struggle I would say read it, especially if you have a bit of a dark side, but if you have a light constitution be wary and probably only read it in the day time.

WHAT AM I READING NEXT (OR RATHER NOW): Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Pages of Summer: Pride and Prejudice

BLOG SERIES TWO: PAGES OF SUMMER! FIRST POST!!!

THE BOOK: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, and as a bonus… Pride Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

THE SUMMARY (SparkNotes totally writes these better! But I’ll practice): Published in 1813 this is perhaps one of Jane Austen’s most famous novels. Set in Regency era England, we meet the Bennet family, namely one Elizabeth Bennet. The novel follows the plight of women at the time. Making a suitable match. We see the ups and down of the shy and yet endearing relationship of Ms. Jane Bennet and the wealthy Mr. Bingley. But the story that really draws this novel to the forefront is the roller coaster romance between Elizabeth and the brooding Mr. Darcy. Initially the only sparks that fly are witty and certainly make a zing when they hit their mark, but in following these two it seems impossible that those sparks should eventually warm the hearts of both parties.

All that excitement got your bustle in a bunch… well wait until Mr. Grahame-Smith throws zombies into the mix!

THAT’S WHAT HE/SHE SAID:
“I cannot fix on the hour, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.” –Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth on the origin of his love.
“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains.” –Opening narration of Pride Prejudice and Zombies

POINTS OF INTEREST:
Watch the adaptations: Namely the most recent. 2005’s blockbuster starring Kiera Knightly and the dashingly handsome Matthew Macfayden. Darcy’s confession, not totally accurate, but just beautiful cinematography throughout!!! Visually stunning!!! LOVE IT! And the 1995 British TV miniseries with the ever wonderful Colin Firth, and watch the miniseries if not only for the visual yummies but for that one scene, white shirt, pond… oh yes Mr. Darcy! *hits pause on the remote* The UK has also recently mothered a miniseries called Lost in Austen… pretty good, not great but enjoyable.
Follow the side trails: Much like my mention of adding Zombies to the mix try some other fun times on for size, numerous volumes of sequels have been printed with the renewed love of this classic. Or try a fun choose your own adventure, Lost in Austen by Emma Campbell Webster is a fun way to pass a wintery evening or two.

WHY MY HEART BEATS FOR THIS TEXT: Where do I even start! We can set aside the fact that I’m as HOPELESS of a romantic as they come, in my tastes of what to read. I have to say I love everything about this novel… okay not everything Mr. Collins can throw himself off the nearest cliff, but overall, major love for this work. I think I mostly speak to the visuals from this book, Austen is really particular in building a surrounding and I don’t exactly mean from describing the setting but her narration really draws you in and the character descriptions and commentary are splendid. I think like many great novels, it is the characters that keep you hooked. Pride and Prejudice is no exception, I’ve read the novel a few times now and each time I turn the pages with anticipation for the next words to come flying from the mouth of Elizabeth or the splendid telling of events. Austen really makes the glue from a linguistic point of view for the time, between her and the Bronte sisters I get giddy with the language. There is something about that rather prescriptive and “polite” English of the era that just makes me was to giggle with delight, but perhaps its just me!

One word. Zombies. Can I thank the muses for these wonderful undead creatures… or some nerdy kiddo in his basement? Either way some of my favorite things have risen from the dead (okay to some extent I’m kidding). You need to take this adaptation with rock salt. It isn’t quality literature even though Ms. Austen is infused almost seamlessly throughout. I was a little wary at first of Elizabeth and the other girls Bennet being armed with muskets and machetes, and distributing kick ass martial arts like calling cards, but taking it at face value for sheer suspension of disbelief it’s a blast! Complete with illustrations (everyone loves pictures). Pick this novel up for a good all be it mildly gory thrill. And people, there’s a film in the works for it! I smell some twisted awesomeness coming our way!!!

WHAT AM I READING NEXT (OR RATHER NOW): Here’s what to come, I think Wuthering Heights is up next. I finished it at essentially the beginning of the summer, but its another novel that’s too good NOT to share!

PS: Lemme know what you think of the book!!! Pride and Prejudice that is!

Pages of Summer: New Book Smell!

So because I have found a suprising amount of time on my hands this summer so far... (Don't get me wrong I'm still REALLY busy) I've decided to treat myself. To some good Old Fashioned novels. Classics to be exact.

So much like my shoe blog from WAAAAY back I've decided to start another blog series. I'm hoping to catch up on a lot of reading this summer, and I've been on a Classical or Canon Literature binge! As an English major I'm concerned that a lot of us aren't really keeping an appreication for literature and worlds of days gone by, so I really wanna sink my teeth into some fun and dusty volumes for a change!
Not all of the books will be "classics" so I guess its more just to trace my summer reading!

Each post will include the book, a quick summary, fun quote, what I thought of the book (what sets it apart, motifs etc.), and maybe a few interesting facts along the way!

SO be on the lookout for what I've read so far!
Pride and Prejudice.... (Will most likely post this tomorrow) This one will have a special treat!
Wuthering Heights: (Actually had to read it for a class but re-read it week before last)
Jane Eyre: (Finished this one last week! Can't wait to write about it!!)

Sound like a good way to spend the summer? I thought so! I hope some of you readers will maybe pick up a book that I read as well this summer! Stimulating conversation is always wanted with me! So be on the lookout for the new blog series, PAGES OF SUMMER!!!

PS: Got a book I should read, lemme know! I'll be going to the library every week If not more!

BBQ and Getting GAL'd UP!

So yesterday was Memorial Day, and my family had a BBQ with some friends of the family! It was a lot of fun I don't get to see those people very often anymore, and it gave me a chance to get dressed up! My Make still has a long way to go to looking GAL, but I tried a tutorial from an AGEHA and if I had false lashes on I think it would have turned out super!

So the results!