Monday, November 19, 2007

Cranford and the Page 161 Meme


The first part of BBC's Cranford showed last night. I so enjoyed it. Did anyone else watch? What did you think? It is not really true to what I have read so far of the book but I do love it. I was roaring with laughter at the scene of Mrs. Pole and Miss Betsy Barker running down the road with the cat in a basket after having swallowed a fine lace collar left to bleach in a bowl of buttermilk. Four more Sunday evenings of bliss to follow. It has been a while it seems since the last really wonderful BBC historical drama.


I am still reading Cranford and love how the book lists the author as being Mrs. Gaskell instead of using her name Elizabeth. Here is another of the black and white drawings from the book. They are so beautiful.


On my friend Nan's blog Letters from a Hill Farm, she did the Page 161 Meme. I told her I would play along.

*** Open up the book you’re currently reading to page 161 and read the sixth sentence on the page, then think of 5 bloggers to tag. ***

My book has a title page as page 161 so I had to skip to the first page of text for Chapter 9. The sixth sentence is as follows:
"Such a piece of gaiety was going to happen as had not been seen or known of since Wombwell's lions came, when one of them ate a little child's arm; and she was, perhaps, too old to care about dress, but a new cap she must have; and, having heard that turbans were worn, and some of the county families likely to come, she would like to look tidy, if I would bring her a cap from the milliner I employed; and, oh, dear! how careless of her to forget that she wrote to beg I would come and pay her a visit next Tuesday; when she hoped to have something to offer me in the way of amusement, which she would not now more particularly describe, only sea~green was her favorite color."
This was describing a letter which Miss Matty wrote. My but that was quite a sentence, wasn't it! I am now supposed to tag 5 people. I will not name anyone but if you would like to join in and want to share what you are currently reading, consider yourself tagged. It is lots of fun!

12 comments:

Mary said...

Heidi, Just wanted to stop be to say thanks for your concern. It's so nice to think of all the wonderful bloggers who send their thoughts and prayers across the ethernet. That BBC program sounds wonderful - wish I could see it.
xoxo,
Mary

Nancy said...

We don't get bbc so can't see it.
It sounds like a fun show though.
Love you, Mom

ginny said...

Hi Heidi,
Found your blog today via Kim at Ragged Roses and so pleased i have. I have been listening to your music box for the last hour whilst sewing.. love your choices. Missed Cranford but am hoping to catch up.
best wishes
ginny
x

Dena said...

I don't think I get the BBC but now I have to go look...sounds like such a good show! Hope you are having a wonderful day.

Hugs,
Dena

Mary said...

Can't believe I missed this - with wonderful Dame Judi Dench in it too!!! Will have to see if it repeats during the week. Glad you enjoyed.

Well, this morning I was in the attic dragging out 'the boxes' - those huge green storage things full of white tissue paper - with, you've guessed - Christmas pretties hidden within! Oh gosh Heidi - I have far too much and I've already put aside a box full to take to the charity shop tomorrow. I have a huge collection of Dickens Village houses - these are NOT coming out this year - I'm just doing vignettes of things I really love in the colors that I'm now using. We will also do the Xmas tree in the gazebo like last year - no big tree in the house because we are limited for space. Perhaps a tiny fir in an urn on a table.

I'm sorry to learn you are somewhat restricted by health issues - so glad Jos helps you - know the two of you will have fun decorating together.

I'm off to make another soup now - I bought too many vegs. at the weekend and now have to use them before we leave town for Thanksgiving! Hope you are enjoying your Monday.

Anonymous said...

This show looks good, Heidi! I hope it comes to PBS so I can see it! I've left a little surprise for you on my blog so stop by when you can! ~ hugs, Lynda xoxo

Mia said...

I do wish I could see the BBC and Cranford here in Norway. But the funny thing is that just on Friday, killing three hours at Heathrow, in between flight from San Francisco to Oslo, I held that very book in my hands and contemplated buying it. Now, of course, I regret not to have done just that. I do love BBC´s historical dramas, though, and just very evening I have wathced the first episode of Jane Eyre on Norwegian TV (British production, of course).

Thank you four lovely comments in my blog, it was such a delight to read your Bon Voyage-wish and Welcome Home one. Much appreciated!

Nunnie's Attic said...

I was watching the Steeler game and boohooing after they lost...so I did not see it. But I'm glad that you got to enjoy it.

Love,
Julie

Angela said...

Oh Heidi,
I knew that I would find a comment about Cranford on your blog - I just knew it...haha! You always choose just the right thing to comment on and, like you, I roared at the poor little cat pushed unceremoniously into the boot and all the dreadful sounds it was making after being given the compound..haha! I also enjoyed the fascinating comments on the society of the day such as not wanting servants who could read or write!! Aren't the women of Cranford strong and self sufficient.Judi Dench, Eileen Aitkins ans Julia Sawalha to name only a few are perfect for the roles. We have got some enjoyable Sundays ahead :>)
Hugs, Angela

Anonymous said...

I hope that show is on BBC America already! I just love anything with Dame Judy Dench! Those costumes are so beautiful, aren't they?

Ragged Roses said...

I loved Cranford and I thought of you while I was watching it. Just perfect for wintry Sunday evenings. I loved the cat scene too it was very funny. What a great cast of female actors - love it.
Kim x
I'm going to have to go and buy the BBC Jane Eyre series on DVD as I'm having serious withdrawal symptoms!

Paule said...

Hi, Heidi, thanks to you! Since your post, I've read Cranford, and seen the BBC program... and I've taken a great pleasure in those portraits. Wish you a happy new year!! Paule