At least it did have such an effect on me. Earnestly.
My exact sentiments.
Having completed for perhaps the third round of (the first published 1813) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (ever since my 1st encounter with it during my upper sec school days i think), I'm again overwhelmed with such warmth and affection for the main characters; esp Lizzy (of course), Mr. Darcy and Jane.
I sense some similarities between Lizzy's characters and mine, esp. the way Mr. Bennet (her papa) described her:
".... my child, let me not have the grief of seeing you unable to respect your partner in life...".
And how she replied to Mr. Darcy during their earlier encounters:
"... My courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me."
Beauty of language.
"The colour which had been driven from her face, returned for half a minute with an additional glow, and a smile of delight added lustre to her eyes, as she thought for that space of time, that his affection and wishes must still be unshaken. But she would not be secure."
Shyness.
Jane's disposition of thinking & wishing well of everyone and anything.
" 'Tis is too much - by far too much. I do not deserve it. Oh! Why is not everybody as happy!"
Sincere, ardent love of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth.
"If you will thank me, let it be for yourself alone. That the wish of giving happiness to you might add force to the other inducements which led me on, I shall not attempt to deny.." - Mr. Darcy.
"... Indeed he has no improper pride. He is perfectly amiable. You do not know what he really is; then pray do not pain me by speaking of him in such terms." - Elizabeth to her dad upon confessing her affection for Mr. Darcy to her father, who has yet to discover Mr. Darcy's civility.
I love how the book is written in such a formal, literary style that shows much elegance and politeness. Very agreeable indeed!
...
Meanwhile, upon strong recommendation from a colleague, I bought myself two non-fiction books by Malcolm Gladwell namely The Tipping Point and Blink. As much as I'm happy with the purchases (esp. smelling the books and having them finally in my hands. Haa!), I need to start reading them.
And how I'm going to do that, and read all the articles and literature reviews on teaching & learning for my Specialist Diploma assessments and coursework, is quite a wonder. Is it not? :)
...
As today's public holiday (Good Friday. Although every Friday is Great. Just that during school hours, it would definitely be more pleasing to not have The Meet on Fridays...), the family went for a picnic at Sembawang Park. Mak paling semangat, call Kakak lepas Subuh. Plan menu. Masak2. Hujan (hehe). Go jer. Sandcastle. Makan. Main. Frisbee. Balik.
Alhamdulillah for time spent in the company of your loved ones.
Thank you Allah <3
