Sunday, March 11, 2007

Open mouth, insert foot

I am very unhappy with myself. Sometimes I say things that I shouldn't say, and it's something that I find deeply disappointing in my own character. Most everything I think finds a way of spilling right out of my mouth.
Mostly I think about people. I love people. My own people are deeply dear to me, and I feel enormously possessive of those I consider "mine." It's probably a little silly. Sometimes people don't realize that they belong to me, that I claim them. Perhaps that can be disquieting.
But my observations about myself today were fanned into flame as I watched one of the best movies of all time, Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austin movies are so insightful and gentle and plus I love the way they speak. These characters don't talk about one another. They don't share their feelings. They never seem to know who is in love with whom, or anything. And they never use proper names. That's very formal. My last name has 20,000 letters in it so people would be very unhappy to call me Mrs........................................ all the time.
Mr. Darcy is such a wonderful person, but he comes off as being entirely different than he really is. There is so much to be said for presenting well. He just doesn't present well.
Anyway, Elizabeth and her sister never talk about their loves or the people who are hurting them. I want to be like that. I want to smile and keep my mouth shut.
I would never say something overtly mean. You know, that so-and-so was fat or ugly. And I wouldn't reveal a secret. I just make comments or tell stories that involve other people. Or when I am asked a question about someone, I answer, instead of demurely suggesting that they ask the person themselves. It gets me into trouble from time to time.
If you ever hate me for something I said about you, you should tell me so that I can beg your forgiveness. From now on to forever, I am going to really try very hard to talk like Miss Bennett. Only without the accent. Although the accent would be cool.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

i hate when you tell everyone I have gray hair, because I don't.

there.
anyone else?

ja ha ha~
paj

Anonymous said...

i should also say that I love the way you're over protective, like a big sister.
it's so cool to know you're always in my corner.
paj

Cathy said...

Oh goodness. I cannot in a million years ever imagine you keeping your mouth shut. And I say that in the most loving way. I adore the way words spill mercilessly out of your mouth.

I think it had everything to do with corsets. Those poor women couldn't catch their breath - so they had to be very choosy about their words. Who can gossip when you simply cannot breathe?

KJP said...

bleh! you need to try this one: http://www.meridianmagazine.com/arts/040212industry.html

i thought I was going to die of laughter! if you have to watch a jane austin, you need to rent this attempt.

KJP said...

so, has Kelly's machine died again - is she off to Seattle again.....?

Cathy said...

Missing you too... where are you?????