Happy 200th Pride and Prejudice

Today is the bicentenary of the publication of arguably one of the most loved novels in the world: Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'. Whether you've read the book a million times, watched one of the many live-action adaptations or know the story without ever touching the novel.

As a future literature student, I have recently been trying to read some 'classics' in order to set myself up for the course. When I read that it was the aforementioned anniversary today, I decided that it would be the perfect opportunity to finally read perhaps the ultimate romance novel. I must admit that I have tried to read it before in the past, but couldn't stomach it at the time. I found the ins and outs of Georgian high society tedious and did not appreciate the slowly developing relationship between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. Like when I tried to read another of the greatest novels in English literature, 'Lord of the Rings', I had to give up and move onto something lighter.

So, several years later, after developing a passion for novels and literature, I have decided to try these literary giants again (well I read - and thoroughly enjoyed - 'The Hobbit' in time for the recent film release). Although my mum (a keen Austen fan) had bought me a beautiful collection of Jane Austen books for my 18th birthday a year and a half ago, I had not yet read a single one. My reading had been sparse for a couple of years since my life became very limited to school work, paid work, spending time with the family and making the most of, ahem, reaching the legal drinking age with friends. Austen novels also do not fit into the usual genres I enjoy. In fact, my last reads have been Jack Kerouac's 'On The Road' and Iain Bank's 'The Wasp Factory'. I was rather looking forward to the more gentile plot and less...mentally unstable characters.

Not a famous opening to a book. 

I'm sure there's no need to recount the story in great depth as you all will know that the plot follows the life and loves of Elizabeth Bennet and her rather eccentric family, most notably the relationship between Lizzy and Mr Darcy. There's also little I can add to the many critical views of the novel so I will just give you my views hoping you will try reading P&P yourself. If you are not into the romance genre there other themes which may interest you. The novel gives a wonderful insight into the values and lifestyle of the high gentry of England when Austen was reading. There may not be car chases, totalitarian governments and zombie viruses but through Miss Bennet, we experience a world completely different to our own. It is hard to imagine as a opinionated and independent teenager the life that I would be living if I had been born two hundred years ago. Endless days filled with embroidery and piano playing, interrupted only with socials with my parents where the sole aim would be to present myself for a husband. What makes Lizzy such an enduringly popular heroine is her free-thinking, fearless attitude, a stark contrast to those around her who would not dare to criticise a man of a much greater social standing. For many modern women, we can relate to her feisty persona.

Elizabeth Bennet however may be a less savoury character than Austen intended. Although some readers describe her as a feminist icon, I have this week been reading perhaps less common interpretations of the characters. This article in The Guardian is an interesting read, and may challenge some our more conventional views of the novel. Instead of her being a revolutionary, independent woman, Elizabeth is often quick to undermine her own sex, especially her own sister and mother. Like the recent trend of 'slut shaming' our fellow sex, how can we brand such a woman a feminist.  Moreover, she chastises Jane for her naive, forgiving ways, yet she herself is seen to thoroughly misjudge the characters of Mr Wickham and Mr Darcy. I myself, like Lizzy, so it is up to you to make up your own mind as to how virtuous she is.

To conclude, 'Pride and Prejudice' is a novel worth a read, regardless of your usual linguistic endeavours. A novel which is still immensely popular two hundred years after its first print must have much more to offer than the question central to all chick flicks: 'does the girl get the guy?' I encourage you to have a go, and to not judge the book by its cover (even if it is pink and has gold, yes gold, pages).

S. x

Fringe: Saying Goodbye

Warning: Spoilers ahead.

On Friday 18th January 2013, one of the most inventive and interesting shows broadcast its last show. After five seasons, the American sci fi show Fringe ended. Many of you who are reading this may never have heard, let alone watched this innovative series. If you haven't...get the DVDs and watch it right now!

Fringe holds a special place in my heart, as it is one of the only series that I have watched from the broadcast of the very first episode to the very last. Over five years, I grew to love the characters and become engrossed in the universe (or universes).

Fringe, created by Lost and Star Trek man J.J. Abrams started as a fun 'monster of the week' type show.  Back in series 1, it could quite easily be described as a modern version of X Files, complete with  weekly monster murder mysteries and sexual tension between the two leads. However, Fringe did have the ace card of an awesome mad scientist (played by John Noble) and your friendly neighbourhood team mascot - Gene the cow. The more the show progressed, the deeper the story became. The world of Fringe became more complicated, and in many ways more sophisticated. I can confess, I am slightly geeky in my love for sci fi and video games, but I can not resist a good romance and Fringe does not fail to deliver on that front. The love story between Peter (Joshua Jackson) and Olivia (Anna Torv) is tense, fresh and at many times beautiful. I was often on the edge of my seat, screaming for the next episode to see how their relationship would develop. Thanks to the aforementioned mad scientist, Walter, the show was never short of laughs either.

So, the finale. It was a two hour special (a three hour epic as I hadn't yet watched the week before's) and it was an ending better than anything I thought. I found that my worries were unfounded. The finale brought closure to many of the story lines and called back to some of the best episodes from the early seasons. We got a glimpse of the alternate universe and I was happy to see Lincoln and Fauxlivia again. The long running themes of family, sacrifice and redemption were addressed and were brought to a close wonderfully. Tear-jerking moments were scattered throughout, most notably between Walter and Astrid (Jasika Nicole), and of course, Peter and Walter.

Personally I was happy with the conclusion of one of my favourite shows and I will sorely miss my Wednesday night Fringe-fix. There is talk of a possible film, but for me, I could not have asked for a rounder conclusion and I can not imagine how they can carry on the story with all members of our favourite team. Like anything we love, it is hard to say goodbye....but I do always have my boxsets!

Hasta luego,

S. x

A Brief British Snowfall

Snow has fallen in the UK. As per usual, it has caused widespread disruptions to schools, transport and life in general. On the first snow day, I took the opportunity to take some photos in the neighbourhood.

Hello, Mr Tumnus? 

It's the third day of snow now, and even though I have been out to work and meandering about the place, cabin fever is starting to set in. I've finally found the time to watch my Benjamin Button DVD my mum bought me about two birthdays ago. Three hours after all is rather a long time to invest in a film about an old man-baby. 

The snow is melting fast so it will probably be a while until we see the scenes above again (although I'm hoping it might stick around a little longer so I can make a snowman!)

Hasta luego nieve...

S. x

Catching the Baking Bug

There are two people in this world. Those who watch The Great British Bake Off, and those who have not tried it yet.

I must admit, I was late to the Bake Off party. I only started watching it in the last season after hearing rave reviews from friends. I came to the conclusion of my rather bold statement above after my Bake Off experience that season. I started watching the series and was hooked after the first episode. As was my boyfriend, J, even after practically forcing him into watching this seemingly effeminate, repetitive reality show. I was then later surprised to find out that not only were all my girlfriends watching the show, so were my male friends and big brothers. 

So what makes this show so utterly addictive? After all, we are inundated with formulaic reality shows featuring weekly evictions, and possibly even more cooking related programs. One reason may be that The Great British Bake Off is absolutely and completely, quintessentially British. It is a show featuring a pastel colour palette, mugs full of tea and of course, endless shots of delicacies destined for afternoon tea consumption. In a year of British optimism, the show has struck a chord and has been a great success. But a case of connecting with our national identity does not create a successful show. At the heart of the series are judges Paul Hollywood and the queen of baking Mary Berry (I kid you not). The banter between them, along with the sense of camaraderie between the entire 'cast' is infectious, creating a feel good, entertaining watch. It does however, stray from becoming too sickly sweet. It is, of course, still a competition.

Unlike most shows,  for me Bake Off did not end at the final. I became intent on learning how to bake. I rarely cook myself but I am now the worst, by far, cook in the family. As I have always enjoyed baking, I decided to throw myself in, and learn how to bake more than just cupcakes and icing. I therefore set myself a plan for one bake a week.

Since starting my project I have had about a 50/50 success rate. I have heard baking described as a science, and I could not agree more. The slightest error in measuring, ingredients and timing can and will make or break your bake. I have already learnt a lot from my bakes, and also, surprisingly about myself. I am a lucky person, in the sense that I have only failed at a handful of pursuits in my life. However baking has completely shattered that. I am not used to failing, and as such I tend to turn into a stroppy, pessimistic, deflated flan. Luckily for me (and unfortunately for him), J has usually been around to lift me back up with some supportive yet stern words, mainly, you can't just expect to be perfect at everything. And I definitely needed that wake up call.

So I got back to the mixing bowl after every failed bake (and knock to my pride), and tried again.

In an upcoming entry I'll get us up to date on my baking project, and what I have observed about baking so far. 

Also, this: 

Stay tuned!

S. x

Introductions

I have wanted to write a blog for a while, but I have never known where to start. I guess this is it.

I am a 19-year-old girl living in a small town in the UK, more specifically, in Wales. A country known for an inordinate amount of sheep, male voice choirs and a language which seemingly throws in as many letters as humanly possible in to every word – case in point, the Welsh village named ‘Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch’ (no I do not live there, nor can I pronounce it).

I currently work as barmaid and am on a gap year to ‘find myself’. We’ll see how much this blog will help with that.

In the future, I plan to be a journalist. Again, we’ll find out whether I have any writing skills over the course of this blog. 

At the moment I'm in a sort of limbo. I'm saving as much money as possible to go travelling this year, which unfortunately means I spend a lot of time sitting around at home with very little to do. While the majority of people who I spent my life with up to now are moving on to phase 2 of life, university, I am at home. Although I am legally an adult - and have been for over a year - I still find myself living in childhood comfort. I don't need to cook, clean or pay bills, which has left me as useful as a newborn deer, excluding the instinctual survival skills. I love writing so decided that I might as well concentrate on something a bit more productive then watching countless reruns of Animal Cops Houston on Animal Planet. 

I have a lot of interests and passions, to name a few: current affairs, films, music, food, (watching) sports, fashion, crafts and photography. Its likely my blog will touch on some or all of these subjects, and my aim is that reading the entries will not be a massive waste of your time, or at least an entertaining form of procrastination. 

I hope you'll stick around for the ride. 

Sam x