Thank You Sarah!

My Dears,

Happy Spring! Okay..maybe for some of us, it still doesn't feel like Spring. In fact this morning we had snow, rain all afternoon, and just moments ago we had thunder and heavy sleet. Did I mention it's 35 degrees? I think I'm going to get some firewood ready and have myself a cozy eve sitting by the hearth while thumbing through a couple of fabulous decorating books!

...Which brings me to my topic for the evening. Recently the lovely Sarah from My Yellow House hosted a book giveaway. I took a chance, commented and added my name, then voila! Twas my name which was drawn as the winner! Tis the first time I've won anything in dear ol' blog-land. Sarah made my day!

So this past weekend I received said decorating books..sweetly wrapped with a lovely note.

So pretty I didn't want to unwrap it.

Such sweet detail. Pretty ribbon & bird.
I know the perfect spot to display the birdie!

Voila! Les livres!

Such lovely interiors!

Beautiful ideas on every page!

Can you tell I really like these books? This is what I call eye candy for the lover of beautiful homes. So again, I thank you Sarah for the gift of reading. After all..we all know I cannot get enough books to suit me! I may need another bookcase real soon! *smiles*

Now I ask each and every one of you to visit Sarah's lovely place "My Yellow House". It's not only a visual treat, but also a delight to read.

Sarah, I hope you've gotten over the flu bug and are all well again! Hugs!

To all of you I send blissful tidings!

xoxo

Miss Sandra

Austen Musings

You all know me as Miss Sandra, but did you know some days I go by Elizabeth Bennett, or Elinor Dashwood...or even Emma Woodhouse? Do you see a pattern here? I love Jane Austen. I easily get lost within the pages of her books.


I'm Miss Bennett at wit's end with that proud insufferable Mr. Darcy. Oh please someone get this silly cousin of mine, Mister Collins, away from me! Dreadfully embarrassing. Can it be? Mr. Collins has proposed to my best friend Charlotte Lucas...and she accepted? What can she be thinking? Oh merciful heavens...better her than I. My dear sister Jane, so in love with Mr. Bingley...they shall be happy. Lydia has gone and eloped with that bounder George Wickham! What is to become of us all? And that pompous Mr. Darcy....he's wonderful after all! I can't help but love that man!

I've been in Miss Woodhouse's shoes and have wondered why Mr. Elton cannot see the charms of my dear friend Harriet. I think it's a perfect match..and you know I have been successful as a matchmaker. Just see how happy Mr. and Mrs. Weston are! Proof indeed. Oh dear...I cannot imagine why Mr. Knightley is cross with me again. Oh but I do love that man!

And oh the trials and tribulations of being Elinor Dashwood. I hide my feelings for Edward Ferris deep within my heart...knowing that Lucy Steele shall have him. My sister Maryann, so wrapped up in her own broken heart, cannot see my daily suffering. Oh if only she could see the love that Colonel Brandon exudes whenever she's in his presence! What is that??? Edward didn't marry Miss Steele? Is he to be all mine? Oh merciful heavens...I love that man!

Currently I am Anne Elliot, invicible to my family but loved like a daughter by Lady Russell. It was this kind lady who eight years ago persuaded me to turn down my engagement with Captain Frederick Wentworth. Oh why did I ever listen? Now he's back and will probably marry Louisa Musgrove. Oh how can I stand it!? What's this? My cousin William Elliot has set his sights on me? He seems nice...but he's not my Frederick. However, if we marry I shall be mistress of my very own beloved home Kellynch Hall. Oh dear. What have I just learned? Oh can it truly be? Captain Wentworth is not marrying Louisa! She's to marry Captain Benwick! There is still hope. Yes!! Frederick loves me still......oh I love that man!

Isn't it wonderful to lose oneself in a good book....to live the lives of the heroines within those pages? Jane Austen created some truly wonderful and memorable characters. They come to life the moment I open a book. I make sure to visit them over and over again.


Tell me...what's your favorite Jane Austen novel?

xoxo
Miss Sandra