HAPPINESS IS . . .

. . . a perfectly pink moment.

Masterpiece Classic's Emma

Am I the only one who wasn't overly fond of this version?

I thought it was sort of middling. There seemed to be no chemistry between any of the characters, very little emotional tension or intrigue, and a general lack of something for which I can't find words. Harriet Smith was without charm, Mr. Knightly without any finesse, Frank Churchill without charisma, and Mr Elton seemed to be without personality. I did like Miss Bates, Mr. Woodhouse, and Jane Fairfax (but not until near the end, she grew on me.) I liked the actress who played Emma very much, but not as Emma. Her charm and enthusiasm were beguiling but Emma seemed to be missing a certain sort of smugness, elegance, and wit.

Am I being too harsh?

It all just seemed sadly miscast and left me disappointed.

I am still waiting for a really good Emma. An Emma you find a little high-handed and spoiled and aren't at all certain that you like but whom you come to love because she is sincere and she is so misguided and she gets caught in her own matchmaking machinations.

A is for Apron

Sunshine (and I) received matching Mommy and Me aprons for her birthday. Of course, Monkey could not be left out of the fun; so she (and I) got a set as well.

Pretty stinkin' cute, aren't they?

now available in red

Lookin' pretty good!

a bit more birthday baking

For her birthday, Sunshine, who is determined to learn how to cook and bake, received a wonderful recipe book from her grandparents: Williams-Sonoma Kids Baking. I am so excited to have a kids cookbook that has recipes that Sunshine can not only make with some direction but will also actually eat. Its not as easy to find one as you would think.

She was quite proud of herself.
It tasted like a giant warm gooie-chocolate chip cookie.

Next time, just plain cookie cake and not toppings.

A New Room

Part of Sunshine's birthday gift was having her bedroom re-done. We painted a nice bright white and soft pink trim over the hideous taupe.

We added an accent or two.

A shelf for her treasures.

And vinyl stickers on the walls.

But Sunshine's most favorite thing is the glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling.

HAPPINESS IS . . .

. . . blowing bubbles.