Brushing up on Austen.
1.) Regardless of its bad rep, the 2005 film adaptation of P&P is absolutely sensational... And may even be my preference over this one. (However, to be fair, I've only seen half of the 1995 series. Must remember to finish it!)
2.) No matter what story we're talking about, reading the novel before watching the movie is always the best way to go. (That is, if you're going to do both, which I personally believe makes for a better overall experience. Sometimes you might be surprised by which version you enjoy more.)
Now, on to Sense and Sensibility.
Images by Focus Features.
Family BBQ.
On Sunday, Mom's family held a BBQ to celebrate my grandfather's 76th birthday. With food on the grill and a little alcohol in their systems, it didn't take long for the small-town gossip to start up and the petty arguments to break out... Oh, the drama! (And, I'm convinced, all for entertainment's sake.) But that's just how we do it in Rayne. Keepin' things fresh, as usual.
Grace.
She is different than most, admired by many. Light of heart and humble in spirit, she possesses a delightful demeanor that is hard to forget. It's in the way she walks, carrying herself with conviction and meekness like they're one and the same. The way she dresses for each occasion, selecting pieces that hint at careful consideration of the qualities she wishes to convey. Even in the way she eats her meals, making sure to savor every last bite.
It is evident in her overflowing forgiveness. Her genuine smile and words of kindness, especially when patience seems too big a burden to bear. At times, it's in the conscious decision to hold her tongue and the struggle to keep quiet when gossip abounds. Her willingness to see the good in every little thing.
She has a devotion to truth, a personal commitment to live with integrity. Her external endeavors prove to be an honest representation of her thoughts and beliefs. She appreciates all kinds of beauty, but does not know the extent of her own.
Those who sense her joy and feel her love wish above all to view the world through her eyes. Very few people, however, realize that she was not simply born this way. On the contrary, Grace understands fully the meaning of practice.
LEGO blocks & iced coffee.
To kick off the summer, Matthew decided that a reunion at his place was absolutely necessary, especially since our parents are all on vacation together in Nashville. Sadly, Kristen wasn't able to make it (on account of her and Kirby's 3-year anniversary!), but Marissa and I both took a break from our busy lives on Saturday to take a short trip up to College Station. (Disney World was another heavily debated option, but as mentioned before, our main money providers happen to be wining and dining in Tennessee. We are poor college kids, after all.)
The three of us started off at Barnes & Noble to catch up over coffee, play with LEGOs, and browse the bookshelves. Matthew ended up buying a copy of The Picture of Dorian Gray, the next novel on the list for his book club. (Yes, Matthew started a book club. I'm so proud.) After some much needed downtime at his apartment, we settled on BJ's Brewery for dinner—a new tradition, it seems?—where we were pleased to have the entire outside section to ourselves.
Next stop was the video rental store! (We're so '90s.) Matthew selected the movie Catch Me If You Can because our first choice (Patch Adams) wasn't available, and neither Matt nor Mar would let me rent a horror flick. (Typical.) But seeing as Leonardo DiCaprio is the main man in our chosen film, I didn't object at all. So naturally, our evening progressed with a movie and popcorn, followed by red wine and a few rounds of two-stepping in Matthew's living room... Which was all I needed to prove my desperate need for more practice in partner dancing. Before calling it a night, the three of us sleepily carried on one last conversation until 3:30am.
You know those days that you wish you could play on repeat? Well, that was yesterday for me... And pretty much every day that I get to spend with these guys. I think it goes without saying, you don't need Disney World to have the time of your life if you've got the people you love close by.
Walton's Fancy and Staple.
If you frequent the Austin area, I suggest paying Walton's (on 5th street) a visit sometime soon. The breakfast entrées are to die for. Plus, you never know who you might bump into while you're there.
The comfort of a bookstore.
There's something about bookstores that lightens my heart. Adds a bounce to my step, if you will.
Perhaps it's the bright picture windows, blanketing the entire building and everything in it with natural light. Or the giant chairs that make it so easy to curl up and fall asleep. Soothing elevator music and the familiar smell of espresso. Row after row of beautifully bound books, all eloquently categorized by genre and author. Then there's the endless options of unread stories, a plethora of possibilities to sift through.
Or perhaps it's the memories that get me. Of our scattered talk in between the gentle rustle of magazine pages. The taste of chai flavored milk, steamed to perfection, and the occasional slice of chocolate cheesecake. Once—to my secret dissatisfaction—a tart apple purse, devoured in mere seconds. Sounds of laughter, in the sweetest key, followed by the click of a shutter. Two, sometimes three clicks in a row, taken in hopes of capturing every genuine smile and gesture. The subjects' looks of feigned annoyance, easily ignored. More uncontrollable laughter. Shushes from a grumpy Santa look-alike who couldn't possibly understand. Hours of people-watching and secret-sharing that feel like minutes, interrupted only by the manager's voice over the intercom, announcing the close of another day.
Whatever it is that makes me feel completely at home here, I know one thing's for sure. A bookstore is the best kind of haven. And one day, I will build my own.
Hello, hello.
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