When the Dog Bites...

Today, for the most part, was barren of inspiration.  I am usually struck, on average, between 5 and 10 times a day (depending on my surroundings, digital or otherwise) with something I would love to write about.  As it's Monday, however, and as I overslept and had no time to coordinate my outward appearance to my satisfaction, I find myself sitting in puddle of dull.  Just a big, sloppy, overflowing, 'I can't wait until pj's and bed' pond of UGH.   You know those days.  You do. 


Good day!!



Bad day.





So with little inspiration, and a lot of flyaways, I come armed to talk about a few of my favorite things: The Fall; Jane Austen; and Princess Fiona (a sweet pooch who shares my abode).  

There is just nothing better than the fall.  It is my absolute favorite time of year.  The warm smells and vibrant colors and excitment for holidays and the sound of crunchy leaves under your feet!  It's around this time of year, every year, that I begin to pine for the Midwest.  Come January, you'll find me cheerfully oblivious to the pounds of snow being dumped elsewhere around the country, but right now I envy the change of scenery, the swell of oranges and reds and yellows throughout treetops, and, most of all, the relief of fresh, cool air.  Florida skips fall (and winter) and heads right into spring, something I've always resented (because, naturally, I want it all!).  I haven't had a real "fall" since 1999, the last time I spent a complete one up north.  Instead, I have to be satisfied with brief stints and visits here and there, sometimes on the cusp of fall, barring me from getting the full affect.  After years of Autumn dissatisfaction, I did what any girl would do...I snagged me a Midwest Boy!  Now, I have an excuse to visit fall every year...thinking about that (and him) makes me smile today, despite my scruffy appearance.

Another favorite thing that's getting me through my case of Mondays is  the Jane Austen marathan waiting for me in the DVD player right now.  Recently, a supervisor who shares my 'all things Jane' passion, generously bestowed upon me the A&E original Pride and Prejudice series featuring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle (which, yes, I've never seen. Pause for ridicule).  I swore up and down to Ms. P that I would NEVER betray my love for the most recent Pride and Prejudice, but took the series anyway, just so I could say I had watched it and put the issue to rest.  Approximately an hour and a half in, I realized why her desktop background is Colin Firth.  Four hours in, and I am trying to justify (to myself.  and Jimmy, even though he usually has no idea what I'm talking about) why I do indeed love the Matthew Macfadyen version (don't ever call it the 'Keira Knightley' version.  Mr. Darcy owns this one, no question!) so much better.  I do think Jane was better cast in 2005.  I also think that I could do without the weird hallucinations of Mr. Darcy Elizabeth keeps having.  Ultimately, though?  Ms. P may be right in her assessment (don't ever tell her though!).  A&E's version is, of course, longer which allows for a closer relationship to the novel.  Being thus, the viewer gets to see ALL the characters and come to know them with more accuracy, as well.  I still have to conclude the series (which I plan to do tonight in the aforementioned pj's and bed), but I think it's safe to say at this point; my allegiance might just have changed. 

Lastly, amongst my favorite things, there is no way I could fail to mention Mr. Michael Magoo, who lives in the room down the hall and has occupied my 2nd bedroom and my heart for *almost* 7 (SEVEN!?) years.  Michael, my most beloved son, has the perfect size bed for our new addition; Princess Fiona, aka Fifi, aka Phoebe, aka Chihuahua-Maltese we inherited from Jimmy's best friends.  We often find her snuggled at its foot after an afternoon at Disney, or a workday.  Last night, I snuck into Michael's room to put some laundry away while he slept.  After sneaking back out again, and prepping for my own foray into dreamland, I began to look for Fifi so she could get to bed, too.  She wasn't on the couch; she wasn't in "her" tent (Michael's playroom tent, which she has comandeered as her own), and she wasn't in her actual bed, where she was supposed to be.  I was stumped.  Had I left the back door open?  Was she hiding under a bed?  Peeking into Michael's room, I found the little princess snoozing quietly next to my prince, at the foot of his bed.  I couldn't even really be upset; I know just how she feels.  There's nothing better than drifting off to sleep nearest the ones you love. 

Just a few of my favorite things before I make my Monday escape!  What's getting you through yours?

xo!