it's monday....i know, everyone's favorite day of the week. i usually like it because it feels like you are given a fresh new start every week. who can resist fresh new starts?

speaking of fresh new starts...last night, i decided to go back to the very beginning of Persuasion because i was all the way through chapter 5 and had no idea what was going on. except that there were a bunch of characters with very similar names and some house that i have no idea how to pronounce (Kellynch....two syllables, or three?). i think this had something to do with the fact that i tried to read several of those chapters when i was sick and medicated two weeks ago. not a good combination with jane austen. so last night, i actually dove right back into the beginning and am grateful i did.

so...how's your reading going? did you remember that this is the week for our online discussion? serina is hosting the first of our discussions (chapters 1-8) at her blog this friday. stop by, have a bite, join the discussion (or not), and have fun! the conversation will continue here at smithical a week from friday for the second bunch of chapters. serina gave an official "DELURKING" invitation and i will as well. please pop your head in and say hello during our discussion! even if you're not reading along...at least you'll hear our thoughts about ms. austen. or was she a mrs?...i have some research to do before friday, it seems!