Oh, Jane, what shall we do?

At last, my good friend, we meet again. My apologies for my neglect, but I have been quite busy doing nothing, thank you! Actually, that's not entirely true, but my ambitions have never been very great to begin with, so we shall settle on that point.

We haven't been going out quite as much, leaving me without bar reviews or interesting restaurants to share, but I've been exposing myself to a bit more culture thanks to Netflix, Jane Austen, and the theatre. I enjoy literature, film, and theatre, and each medium really kicks my imagination into overdrive. I can't help but think about throwing together parties and soirees that focus around, or are influenced by, art.

I just finished a reread of Pride and Prejudice, and I'm now going through Mansfield Park for the first time. Reading these stories, stories about women in society, really fuel my need to put together some manner of outdoor party in an extravagantly lush park somewhere. Dear neighbors in Mansion Land, I may need use of your lawns! I can see it now, a tent set up in the middle of a field with linens flowing in the twilight, and luminous lanterns strung about providing a warm glow. One large table, or a rug with pillows strewn about, would sit there waiting for guests to arrive via a winding path. The idea would be to create a sense of wonder and ease, to take everyone from their mundane cares for the enjoyment of an evening among friends old and new. We would serve refreshing cocktails, light food, and mirth would flow! This isn't easily achieved, but I'm hoping to recreate this moment. I have a notion that I will be able to recreate it in my living room!

I suppose I've come across a project here, to recreate my Austenesque park dinner party in my living room. Here's to a challenge!