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 small and well formed, light hazel eyes, and brown hair forming natural curls close round her face.”

Jane Austen: Christian Encounters by Peter Leithart
There are many Austen publications and reviews out there, but this is the first time I saw one of a book written by a christian pastor and Austen scholar at the same time. What magnets me to this review is Vic's closing comment which mirrors an inclination I have for someone with whom I have a volatile relationship: my own mother whose moral beliefs and practices often clash with mine -

"The references to Jane’s religion and Christian beliefs were interwoven into the narrative in an unobtrusive and restrained way. I had feared a lecture; what I received was enlightenment and a book I shall share with my Christian mother who is always asking me: “What is it about Jane Austen that makes you such as devotee?” Read this book, Mama, and you will understand."

Regency wedding dresses
I must be the only divorcee who is still crazy about wedding dresses lol! Ok, not exactly crazy but perhaps a better phrase would be 'like anyway and no matter what'. Admiring vintage fashion is high on my bucket. This Jane Austen's World post, as well as Social Customs During the Regency Era contain a rich list of links. Before I go hyper I think I should pause with this quote Vic included to celebrate a niece's wedding

"The handsome veil of Mechlin lace, A sister’s love bestows, It adds new beauties to her face, Which now with pleasure glows. Friends brothers sisters cousins meet, To attend the happy bride, And Queer’s joy is all complete, The nuptial knot is tied -"

Share what you love about your week with Susanne at Living to Tell the Story