This is part 1 of "Tales of a Winter Break". This will mainly focus on the things I've enjoyed at home.
Well, everyone, I finally watched North and South. My family was very gracious and let me put it on the top of the Netflix list when I had finished the book. I have to admit, I waited VERY impatiently! When the first disc FINALLY came, I got my mom hooked. That was pretty much my goal :) We watched it together after that.
I have deliberated over liking the book or the movie better. I'm still a little on the fence. I tend to be on the fence about things. But, I'm leaning towards the movie. Which totally shocked me. Usually, when I read the book first, I like the book better. Don't get me wrong, I really liked the book! The proposal from Henry in the beginning was a good interest grabber. What a "slap-and-a-bang"! I also liked knowing the character's thoughts a little more. And I felt that the book pulled me into the emotions of the characters a little better than the movie. Just a little. But in the middle, I found some of the arguing and conversation got long and tedious. Which probably goes to show that I'm not a "great reader" (Name that quote!)
Just as I'm saying that I like the movie better, however, things come to mind that make me doubt my opinion. FIRST: (this is really petty, it just came to mind first) I didn't like the actor they choose for Henry Lennox or Mr. Bell. (Everyone else was SPOT ON in my opinion. I especially, Especially liked Nicholas Higgins. But I'll get onto that in a sec.)
SECOND: The hint/implication about Mr. Bell having considered marrrying her. Wait, I don't think THAT was in the book, and I didn't like that part. He's her godfather. It just doesn't work.
The little story changes didn't bother me too much. And oh my, the Nicholas Higgins character was my absolute favorite. I loved the actor, and I loved the part. It's a dark movie, and a little devoid of smiles and fun. But it was meant to be that way, and made me really appreciate the smiles when they came, especially from Mr. Thornton. (You know, like at the very end! :) It just tugged at my heart.
It's a great story. I loved that there was another story beyond just the romance. The strike and the characters it brought in was a little different then some other "Jane Austen-ish" movies. I will certainly be watching it again. Maybe I'll even add it to my BBC "movies to own list"! :) If anyone wants to spend three days watching it and talking it over with me, I'm in! ;)
This would be one of my favorite parts! I could just start to see the glimmer of a happy ending.
Okay, second is eggnog. I really like eggnog, and mom obligingly buys it from the time it appears in stores until it's all gone. :) Eggnog lattes are fantastic as well. 1/2 cup eggnog, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup coffee, warm it up to desired temperature!
Snow, and sledding! We spent a whole-buncha' time in the woods when the snow was still piled high, working on perfecting the ONE sledding hill on our property. It was fantastic. My little siblings also made snow sculptures. Stormy made hay bales ;) I love that boy! :)
Sleeping in. I love the low stress of not worrying about getting breakfast going. No bustle, slow mornings. It's a fun change.
That's it for now. I'll be back with a year in recap, and another post about my winter break. I've really enjoyed keeping up with everybody's blog over break!
