vacay…

Sorry for the lack of posting. I’ve been on vacation on sunny Florida (note to self: next time mom tells me to “pack warm” for a trip to Florida, understand that her definition of “cold front” means it’s 73 degrees, rather than than the full on 80).

Thanksgiving was lovely — it was my parents, my one brother, my uncle, my great-aunt, and my cousin and his wife. We had a lovely dinner (SO MUCH FOOD, and I didn’t even partake of my mom’s pies) and of course, plenty of “house champagne” (Quoth Sailor Boy: only at your place would there be a house champagne). I showed everyone my book cover, and then of course, we all had a book gigle over my “other” book covers. My “career” as a cover model has now stretched to four book covers. Every time I look at them I’m amazed anew. Who is the sexy, wanton woman gracing those covers! It can’t be me! And yet, I’m so thankful for having such a lovely opportunity — doing those covers has always been a blast.

On Friday, my mom and I ran some errands, and I saw first hand how much my town has changed since I left. We have three new wine stores, and all the old buildings have been torn down to make room for “luxury” condos. On Friday night, my parents and I went to see the new Pride & Prejudice. We’re all (even though Dad won’t admit it) big fans of the BBC/A&E version. I think this verison was pretty good, if a little over-the-top. It also skimmed over some major plot developments. (ahem. Spoilers be ahead, if you’re totally clueless about this masterpiece of English literature.)

I don’t know if you’d understand the depth of Wickham’s depravity had you not read the book, since in this version of the movie Darcy’s letter seems to indicate that Wickham’s courting of Georgiana was above-board, rather than the clandestine affair and attempted elopment that should have tipped everyone off before anyone had a chance to run off with him again. Also, Lizzie spent far too much time giggling. What was up with all the giggling? Other than that, Knightley was great, and I even enjoyed McFayden, who played Darcy, as well as the rest of them. Much has been said of D. Sutherland’s performance, but again I was underwhelmed. Perhaps I am spoiled by the BBC version; I thought this new one was quite lovely, but doesn’t fulfill all my P&P needs.

I wonder if they made a quintessential six-hour S&S that I would abandon my all-encompassing love of the Ang Lee/Emma Thompson version. Because I do adore that one so, so much. The above individuals were at the top of their game, plus you have Hugh Grant with unsurpassed ditheringness, Kate Winslet channeling the soul of Marianne, and, natch, my darling, my beloved, my trulymadlydeeply Alan Rickman. Gosh, I love that guy. I’d watch him read a phone book. I think half the reason I liked McFayden’s Darcy is because I thought he did the Rickman voice a few times quite well. I heard a rumor that Thompson did a rewrite on the script for the new P&P. I hope it wasn’t during all of that “body and soul” and “Mrs. Darcy” nonsense, though. I expect more from Emma. The last scene reminded me very much of those “sequel” novels they come out with all the time, that seem to always concern themselves overmuch with the Darcys’ sex lives and Wickham’s continued attempts to seduce Elizabeth. Not really into P&P fanfic, I think.

Saturday, all the food I’ve been eating finally caught up with me, and I spent most of the afternoon napping. Then I worked on my copyedits. I’m doing copyedits this wekeend, and they are SO MUCH FUN. The copyeditor included a “style sheet” for my book which wound up looking like a sort of index of my novel. It’s fun to read down the list and wonder where in the book I reference Victoria’s Secret and the University of Virginia Athletic Endowment Organization. Saturday night, my parents and I went to one of our favorite local Italian restaurants, Dominic’s Capri. I’ve been going to this place for years, and it’s aboslutely divine. I’m telling you, a trip to Clearwater Beach is not complete without a visit to this restaurant. He makes this lobster ravioli in vodka blush sauce (“princess sauce”) and it’s… well, to quote Sailor Boy again, when I first brought him to this place (major test for all potential relationships): “Wow.”

Tomorrow we’re off to the Bucs game. So I need to get my beauty sleep. Here’s wishing you all a glorious weekend and holiday, and safe travel!