The Deliberate Life

27 things

First and foremost, Happy  Thanksgiving! I truly hope you have a wonderful day, spending time with your loved ones and reflecting on life. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It marks the start to the holiday season, which is my favorite time of year. Everyone just seems a bit more calm and happy during this time. I have so, so much to be thankful for this year. The best boyfriend/partner-in-crime a girl could ever ask for, the most supportive and loving family I know of and the most terrific job in the world! Not to mention, the sweetest little kitty, a cute little home and a small, but cherished group of friends.
    Secondly, Happy Birthday to me! That's right, I am now  27. It's true, as you get older, you really don't require much to make you happy on your birthday. I've gotten a few wonderful, swoon-worthy gifts from Kevin so far, and hope to post pictures of them soon. Does the name Ashley Goldberg give you any hints? My birthday will be spent having double Thanksgiving feasts ... the first with Kevin's family, and the second with my own. I'm secretly hoping there is birthday cake in place of pumpkin pie!
 

The Life of an Austen-ite

One half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other.
Jane Austen

I know that I am not alone in my love and admiration for Jane Austen, especially in Blogland. I remember my first taste of her writing in tenth grade. Having seen the movie Clueless, and being quite the big fan of it, I picked up Emma for a book report and fell in love. It was like no book I had ever read before, and I've been a lifelong lover of books. Jane grabbed me by the heart and has never let go.
   Why all of this talk of Ms. Austen? I recently picked up Jane Austen: The Woman from the library and dove in. Rather than taking the approach that Jane Austen was a quiet, obedient and almost boring spinster, this book examines her as a lively, witty young woman. Naturally, bringing to life such characters as Emma Woodhouse and Elizabeth Bennett, she had to be quite the sassy character herself. It's really a delightful read and quite different from other books about her.
   I must apologize for all the book talk. Because I am trying to make a lot of my Christmas gifts this year, I can't talk about anything I'm working on. I'd like to keep everything a secret for now! Plus, nothing is finished! (Naturally) For now, it will have to be about books, and that's okay, because books are just as important to me as crafty things. Actually, they're more important!

Baby It's Cold Outside

The air at night has turned a bit crisp and it's left me wanting to do nothing more than snuggle up with my favorite blanket, my library copy of Little Women and reflect. I would also love a bit of hot chocolate, but alas, we do not have any, and I'm trying my best to make do with the things we have. That being said, I have nothing to show, picture-wise. Can you believe I went to Disneyland and did not take a single picture? I can, however, share a meme with you, borrowed from the dear Brin of My Mess, Thrilling Life.

Where is your mobile phone? Couch

Your hair colour? Natural

Your mother? Friend
Your father? Hero
Your favourite thing? Books
Your dream last night? Forgettable

Your dream goal? Inspiration

The room you're in? Cozy
Your hobby (hobbies)? Stressful

Your fear? Idleness
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Happy

Where were you last night? Bed
What you're not? Motivated

One of your wish-list items? Love

Where you grew up? Suburbs
The last thing you did? Pilates
What are you wearing? Shorts

Your TV? Kath&Kim
Your pet? Cuddly
Your computer? Kevin's

Your mood? Reflective
Missing someone? Many

Your car? Dirty

Something you're not wearing? Slippers

Favourite shop? Anthropologie
Your summer? Full

Love someone? Madly
Your favourite colour? Red

When is the last time you laughed? Currently
When is the last time you cried? Forget

Bear with me while I journey through a bit of a funk. With my 27th birthday looming just around the corner, I'm rather certain it's a quarter-life process. It will pass.

Fall, Finally.

To those people who complain that we don't experience autumn in southern California, I say look harder. It may not be easy to find, but it's there if you try to find it. And when you find it, isn't it that much sweeter?

Thankfully, the cooler weather allows me to pull on a pair of tights! Hooray!

 

Back to the Basics

I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship.
Louisa May Alcott

    I'm embarking on a secret journey that very few know about. It will remain a secret until it is complete. It is nothing work-related. It's for me and only me ... for now ... and hopefully one day it will be for others.

    Let's just say that this picture is a hint. I am reading it for the very first time and it is delightful.

    So, what is it? Is it a craft? Is it food?

    Stay tuned.

All I can say is thank goodness.
(and this is coming from a former McCain supporter/former member of the Young Republicans)