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Elizabeth Bennett, Zombie Killer?

Ahhh, Pride and Prejudice by the amazing Jane Austen. One of my all-time favorite books. A Wicker book, as a few of us friends now call it.  (It seems that the husband of a dear friend – you know who you are – thinks that all such Jane Austen-ish movies and books feature the same type of women conversing while sitting on wicker furniture. Only the backgrounds need change. Thus the World of Wicker came to be.)

Despite such ribbing, I shamelessly hold this story dear to my heart. If only I could tell Jane Austen herself how much I like it. How much the world has embraced and revered it.

…But wait. What am I hearing? It almost sounds like Miss Austen herself.

Rolling in her grave.

Uh oh. I think she may have caught wind of the latest “tribute” to her work. Brace yourself to meet… Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.

Yes, you heard me. …aaaand Zombies. Have you heard of this? I wouldn’t be surprised if you have. The 2009 novel battled its way to a spot on the New York Times’ Bestseller List, and even a movie is in the works.

But what is it?  Elizabeth Bennett, meet Zena, Warrior Princess. Or something like that.

The original P&P text is there, but with…um, enhancements.  Now instead of only fighting the social quandaries of her day, Elizabeth and the gang hone their skills in fierce battle with zombies.  People are prized for their prowess in combat, not just for bowing and curtsying at balls. Warriors yearn for practice time between social engagements to spar and improve their zombie killing.

So, given that, what do you think? Is this a travesty against one of the greatest novels of all time? Against Miss Austen herself?  Or, does the spotlight shone on P&P&Z usher her back into the limelight for new readers to admire?

As for me, I have to admit that my heart warmed to hear David say, after reading P&P&Z, that he wanted to watch the mini-series again. Hmm…that can’t be all bad for Alison.  And I have to remember that Jane Austen sported a sharp sense of humor and didn’t take herself too seriously.

Perhaps that rolling in the grave we hear isn’t from her horror, but from her rolling with laughter.

Josie’s Journal – Part II

Well, I guess Josie’s not too angry that I shared her personal journal. She showed me another part of it  – a couple of very personal entries. I’ll probably keep sharing her journal here unless she gives me the silent treatment.

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, check out the previous post.

July 3, 1937

I am numb. Not sure I can put two words together.

July 24, 1937

The flood came.

I went to town with Johnny to get supplies for the week. It was hot, and I was a touch weary but tried not to let on. When we were done we went down the street to McLemore-Bass for ice cream, like usual. And like usual I smiled as I walked in, the bell on the door ringing. It always smells so good in there.

But something was wrong. I stopped.

Then I remembered for the 1,000^th time. Mitch wasn’t there, and he wouldn’t ever be there again.

Johnny noticed even before me that I wasn’t moving past the doorway. When he turned to look at me, I saw his smile turn to a frown. He looked worried. I didn’t know what he was looking at until I looked down and saw tears dripping down onto my shirt. Big, fat ones. I gritted my teeth…I would not cry right there – in the middle of Abilene, for Pete’s sake.

I waited until we were in the truck and on the way home before I let those stupid tears have their way. And it hurt so bad that Mitch wasn’t there to wipe them away with his ratty blue kerchief. He always said it was his good luck charm.

Josie’s Journal – A Prequel

While writing my current novel (read about it here), my main character is sharing something new with me. …I know, we writer-types sound a little loopy when we talk about our characters like they’re real people. But it happens.

Josie is starting to share with me some of her personal journal entries. These notes are from the time before the novel begins, and they won’t be included in the final story. The entry below gives a sliver of a glimpse into Josie’s teenage years.

July 2, 1937

Going to the Stamford Rodeo tomorrow with Lindy and her folks. Will see Mitchell ride his bronc. He’s so excited, and I’m proud for him. Trying not to think about the danger. Will he be nervous? Some are saying that there could be almost 70,000 people there. 70,000 – mercy! I’ve never seen that many people in one place. I’m hoping I can talk to him before he rides. But if not he knows I’m rooting for him. And I can give him our secret signal.

I can’t believe we’ve been sweet on each other for nearly two months now. We’ve been pals for so long. It’s still a little odd to think of him that way. Best not to dwell on that too much. Better get to bed. Gotta do my chores before I can leave for Stamford.

Drive Before Dusk

Rivers of tall grass rush past my window, grasping as I pass

The sky spreads transfixed on its canvas,

painting itself in broad strokes while

The shadow trees reach long fingers across the road

Snap, Crackle, Pop

Glancing at the title, you might think I’m sitting down to munch on a bowl of Rice Krispies.   But no. You wouldn’t want to ingest this noise-maker. More on that in a minute.

It’s the first day of spring. How are you celebrating?  Cupping your ear to catch the strains of warbling birds? Leaping with open arms through lush meadows brimming with daisies?

I am quite fond of spring, but tonight I’m ushering in the season in an even better way. Nothing says spring like curling up with a mug of hot chocolate and enjoying the snap, crackle, and pop of the fireplace. Mid-twenties tonight; some people I know got snow today.  Unusual, but I’m not complaining.

After a full week like this one was, I can think of few things better than relaxing in front of a fire. Don’t let it scare you that some consider me of the pyro persuasion. (I’m the queen of campfire “Let’s see how this burns” experiments.)  But at home I’m content to soak in the sight, smell, and sounds of the flames. My tense muscles release their grip, thoughts unwind, and all is well in the world.

Isn’t it amazing how simple things can whisper in our ear, gently beckoning us to pause and make friends with the moment?  And it’s different for everyone. Maybe it’s the sunset we rarely notice, the sound of a friend’s voice, or the scent of the neighbor’s daffodils. Sure, it may sound corny…but we each have those little things that, in the space of a few seconds or a few hours, can bring us back to a pleasant reality – if we take notice.

I’m fortunate to be able to bask in the glow of one of my “little things” tonight. …What are some of yours?