About Me

I am a mother of three who is studying at the moment to become a social worker. I have been with my fiance for 18 years and we hope to get married in two (finally). Okay so you may be wondering how my kids led me back to Pride and Prejudice. Well, four years ago my youngest was born with Downs syndrome and we were totally unaware until the day she was born. That night in the hospital I had my own Elizabeth Bennet "Till this moment, I never knew myself". That night and through the following months I went places in my soul I never knew existed. At times I was unsure whether I would make it back, but it laid the foundations for a Life I never knew was possible. Hey we all hear those stories where something life changing happens to someone and they see the world through different eyes. Usually it arises through some tragedy and although you don't wish for the same you yearn to have that light bulb moment that will be the catalyst that starts you on the real journey of life.

My daughters disability is by no means a tragedy but it was certainly life changing. It brought me friends I could never have imagined knowing before. I met wonderful families that I am so grateful to have had the pleasure to know. It gave me the courage to finally embark on my journey to become a social worker. It was the start I needed to enjoy life more and finally overcome my struggles with a new perspective. I started taking the life I had been given seriously, trying to appreciate every minute. Looking for the lesson within every encounter, for the advantage of a better life.

My children bought me a Kindle for Mother's day and as I had so many books on the shelf unread it stayed in the box for nearly a year; until I started college and thought it would be useful. As Jane Austen is my favorite author I immediately added her collection to it. I began reading Pride and Prejudice again and enjoyed the escapism it provided, enabling me to come back to reality renewed and ready to tackle what life would throw at me next. During this time I stumbled upon the Pride and Prejudice Bicentenary challenge 2013 which was celebrating the 200th anniversary of  Jane Austen's novel. I signed up for the challenge which was to read or watch anything related to Pride and Prejudice between Jan to Dec. It was what made me start this blog as it was preferable if you had one. In the process I rediscovered my love of reading, I hadn't been a consistent reader since childhood and this new hobby has given me so much joy. Pride and Prejudice  had me looking at my own life more closely. I started to try and incorporate it values and lessons into my own life and for the first time I really started to see why the book was my all time favorite. I would like to thank my fiance and children for the Kindle (they have since bought me another) and although I think they secretly regret it (it is now the 7th member of our household after the dog!) I love them for it, because their thoughtful gift led me back to Pride and Prejudice!

11 comments:

  1. Hello! :) Thanks for stopping by my blog! It's nice to 'meet you' here! Look forward to reading more on your Jane Austen journey!

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  2. Hi Bekka, I look forward to stopping by your blog you have many interesting reads, I can only hope to do the same justice to mine.

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  3. Such a heart warming story it shows your contentment with life enjoying not enduring. I look forward to finding my Jane Austen" moment and start on my Journey soon.

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    1. Hi Jennie thanks for stopping by. I too hope that you find your moment! I am hoping to write my experience in more detail in the form of chapters on the blog. Thanks for your lovely comment

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  4. Tam, wonderful stories.!! I am happy that you will be found in Jane Austen between changes of your life.
    I had my moment Jane Austen five years ago, too, and it was very important because I had the opportunity of I do not fall in a depression, and now I am so happy because the life is beautiful and with Jane Austen, more :D
    Thank you for share your experience :)

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    1. Thank you Warmisunqu! I am so glad you pulled through your experience and came out on the other side in a happier place. I agree Jane Austen only adds to the enrichment of your life, she has so much to teach and I am a willing pupil.;)

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  5. Hey Hun. I have had the pleasure of reading your journey today and it was very touching.

    I too, enjoy reading and for me personally it is almost like my release and/or escapism from reality.

    I have only watched the Pride & Prejudice most recent film but since speaking to you in person the other day and really getting a better understanding of your passion for Jane Austen, it has made me feel that I may be ready to try and read the book as well.....Thank you x

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    1. Hi Aetheria, Thank you for your kind words, I feel touched that you would take a moment to leave me this message. Reading is a joy and I am happy to hear you enjoy it too. I feel honoured that I may have inspired you to read the book, I do hope you enjoy it! Thank you for the book recommendations, they are always most welcome.

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  6. I wondered how your kids had led you back to Pride and Prejudice. Thank you for sharing your lightbulb moment. It's amazing how something can happen and alter everything, to borrow an analogy from Anne of Green Gables sometimes you find there's a bend in the road when you thought it was straight but the bend can take you to somewhere unexpected but ultimately more fulfilling

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    1. Lovely analogy Ceri, thank you for sharing it, my bend in the road was most definitely a great one, thank you taking the time out to read my little story. :)

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  7. What a story! You are an inspiration and I thank you for sharing your story with us.

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Thank you! Your comments are always welcome