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Vintage Passion

It's been awhile since I decided to love vintage . And awhile since I've been reading about it comparing definitions, descriptions and illustrations as I know I most likely will not know how to distinguish vintage from antique just by looking. The first definition I read of vintage refers to wine, and as an adjective that means high quality, as in vintage claret . The Urban Dictionary defines vintage as "t oo old to be considered modern, but not old enough to be considered antique." There's vintage clothing which, according to Wikipedia, " is a generic term for new or second hand garments originating from a previous era ." There's also vintage fashion which is "clothing and accessories that are at least 25 years old, and as, according to ATELIER-MAYER , "vintage fashion is now coveted the world over, it can be as little as two season's ago." There is also vintage furniture which is "furniture between 30 and 100 years old.&q

A fire was in my head

In this post: Teaser, Top Ten, Tune In Teasers: She had resolved that one and twenty should be the period.  With the fortitude of a devoted noviciate, she had resolved to complete the sacrifice, and retire from all the pleasures of life, of rational intercourse, equal society, peace and hope, to penance and mortification forever. p. 423, " Emma " by Jane Austen (Volume II, Collected Edition) A classic look at misconstrued romance. Foolish, arrogant, sensible, oblivious or endearing characters are excellently portrayed. If you've read this before, marvel anew at how people from way way back are actually alike ourselves nowadays in many ways.  If not, get ready to observe human behavior described with humor and skill that made Jane Austen a much-loved author with millions of fans. *Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading Top Ten: Books I Can't Believe I've Never Read Perhaps easy accessibility was taken for granted. But there's no excuse for not

Sense and Sensibility: 200th anniversary

In 1811 Thomas Egerton of Whitehall, London published Sense and Sensibility . Quick math shows it has been two centuries since Jane Austen became a full-fledged author. Quite an anniversary, indeed. A celebration, I declare . Blogs regarding the publication anniversary of this romance novel picture Jane Austen 's engagements whilst making the final touches of her manuscript from Sloane Street. In letters to her sister Cassandra, Jane gave accounts of her shopping for muslin, the party that their brother Henry and SIL Eliza gave; mentioned several acquaintances, and referred to her book as S and S . As a fan I wonder which between sense and sensibility did JA deem more important since she portrayed both attributes equally well. I'm obliged to enthuse over my S & S reading experience. Alas, I only managed fourteen chapters before getting sidetracked by another novel, the very first that JA wrote. I will resume and complete my affair with the celebrant before 2011 ends. Th

Rumford

The Rumford is a much more efficient way to heat a room than earlier fireplaces.... ( Wikipedia on Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford, designer of tall, shallow fireplaces which are now known as the Rumford, was an Anglo-American physicist known for his investigations of heat) Living in the tropics, I have been in close proximity with only three fireplaces in my life. There was an unused one in the home of my college professor in the Philippines. The other one from which I could feel the heat and see the fire dancing was in a hotel lobby in the Yorkshire Moors. Picture taking was quick. Two old ladies were having tea by it, but that was my first ever real fireplace experience, and I loved it. The latest I have touched is the one in Jane Austen's imaginary Northanger Abbey. The fireplace, where she had expected the ample width and ponderous carvings of former times, was contracted to a Rumford , with slabs of plain though handsome marbles, and ornament over it of the prettiest Engl

Phaeton

Remember that 1995 Sense and Sensibility scene in which dashing Mr. Willoughby recklessly drives a phaeton around town with Marianne Dashwood? The novel was published in 1811.  Fast drag your imagination to 2011 and the two lovers are today's rich hunk and a happy-go-lucky, attractive chick speeding on say, a Lamborghini Reventon. In Pride and Prejudice, obsequious Mr Collin declares, "she (Lady Catherine de Bough) is perfectly amiable, and often condescends to drive by my humble abode in her little phaeton and ponies." pha·e·ton   (f -tn) n. 1. A light, four-wheeled open carriage, usually drawn by a pair of horses.    2. A touring car. ( The Free Dictionary) Jane Austen in Vermont Two ladies in a high perch phaeton. The owners of these sporty, open-air and lightning fast carriages actually drove the vehicle, as there was no place for a coachman. Phaeton seats were built high off the ground, the sides of the vehicle were open to the elements (a top could be pu

Jane Austen

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman in possession of a Jane Austen addiction must be in want of more Jane Austen adaptations - Hazel, Delineating Des  J ane Austen 16 December 1775 - 18 July 1817 an English novelist whose works of romantic fiction, set among the landed gentry earned her a place as one of the most widely read writers in English literature, her realism and biting social commentary cementing her historical importance among scholars and critics. - Wikipedia Among ABC Wednesday players I doubt a Jane Austen needs much introduction. Even less known facts about her must not be much surprise to many of you. But forgive me I couldn't resist. Bride and Prejudice , Tents and Tentsabilit y, Fried and Pre-juiced Dishes , the book clubs, the blogs, the societies, and many more are a testament to her popularity. As a fan working in the Education industry and trained in research, my readings about Jane Austen, tilt towards the literary criticism side of

Hazel-eyed Jane Austen

As a fan of Jane Austen, I am extremely pleased with the plethora of information about her on the web. It goes without saying that I spend hours immersed in Austen blogs and equally delightful related sites. There is one I want to focus on, and it is the source of my faves this week: Sadish Jane Austen's World A classic party inside! I am drawn to this promise: "This blog brings Jane Austen, her novels, and the Regency Period alive through food, dress, social customs, and other 19th C. historical details" A good trait Vic, the blog owner writes on "About Me" "...If you would like to share a new site, or point out an error, please email me. (Yes, I am fallible. I'll own up to my mistakes and will make the corrections with a polite smile on my face.)" A familiar word It's an adjective but it's also my name . James Austen Leigh, the author's nephew describes his aunt's physical attributes - “ ... full round cheeks, with mouth and nose

Palimpsest

Bucolic is listed on Dr Goodword's alphaDictionary as one of the most beautiful words in English. I typed it on google images and as I strayed, like I usually allow myself to when leisurely searching, I was led to words that reflect concepts appealing to me: 1. eclogue 2. denouement 3. cynosure 4. pianoforte 5. palimpsest 6. onomatopoeia 7. riparian 8. inglenook 9. petrichor 10. lilt 11. arcadian 12. vintage 13. Jenny what else but my idol Jane Austen's nickname :-) Share your Thursday Thirteen list with Megan and Janet .

Austenuating Jane Austen

Two weeks ago I wrote an essay in a bid for a PhD slot in a university in the southwestern pacific. Just when I was about to send it over, I realized that if I were offered a place, the very topic I built a case on would send me back to Thailand for data-gathering. I didn't fancy that and decided to work on something that will keep me afloat should I face drudgery at some point in the research. Since I have always been a fan of a rector's daughter who was a writing machine at a time when a king's son ruled England, I happily spent hours breezing through massive literature on her. Jane Austen, the name that could launch a thousand nights of delightful observations. Except for the titles in bold font, I listed them according to how they appear on Literary History . They should help me nail an idea on how to proceed with brainstorming later. If I ever change my mind about the unfinished essay yet again or even abandon PhD for some reason, I know I won't regret the pleasur

Regency delight and love language

Friday's Fave Five: Regency Period Cake Please scroll down for Mommy Moments Ambience of Banana Leaf Restaurant dinners continue to be the trend for us this week. Rustic charm has always been a big hit to me and Banana Leaf's got it. Buckets of real wheat, garlic and pumpkin hang adorning the wall. Plus the sweet and sour fish and chicken with cashew nuts and mushroom are a real pleasure. J Lo Live This was a gift to me two years ago. Cj is too young to be choosy with scents. He smiles playfully when I spray it on him and I laugh inwardly thinking he is a boy wearing a girl's perfume. This week we both smell the same :) Cyberbanking I finally dragged documents and myself down K Bank to register for online financial transactions. Spending only what I earn suits me best as I avoid debts and the convenience of sorting expenses any time of day in familiar surrounding is always welcome. Music in the air Whatever happened to the PA system at work? An old song was coming off it t