Last week, I watched a BBC miniseries of Emma—it's one that came out in 2009. Really enjoyed the whole thing, very well done. But as I watched it, I was struck (and this isn't a new thought, but it just occurred to me again) by how very boring the lives of most people in Jane Austen-esque books seem. So much talking and reading and gossiping and taking walks. And, "Let's plan a walking party and we'll pick strawberries!" And more talking and eating and playing the piano. It always seems like the people of the higher classes never did much of anything.
As I watched Emma, I realized that I haven't been truly bored in years. Years. Sure, there's downtime during the day, usually after the kids are in bed. I can read a bit or watch a taped show. And sometimes, I can even read a lot or watch an entire movie or maybe even take a nap on a Saturday afternoon. But I can't remember the last time I thought to myself, "Man, I am bored." And you know what? That's ok. As much as I wish for more relaxation in my life, I'm glad that I have things and people and activities to fill it.
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3 comments:
Sometimes I think that our lives are cursed by all the boredom busters that exist for us. The sheer pace of our daily lives makes it impossible to comprehend why Jane Austen and her era didn't go stark raving mad after the forty third thousandth card game with piano concert among friends on the side. Funny how all the labor saving devices have served to give us just that much more labor to do!
The thing that always struck me about those books is the imprisonment of classes. Not only is there nothing to do, even if they needed to do something, to say, avoid starving or losing the house, they can't do it, for fear of social ruination. Death by forced indolence--what a horrible way to go!
Sometimes I would love to be bored, just for a day, but I guess I am glad that I am so blessed not to be.
This is funny because I've been thinking how awesome the lives of really old people must be. How great to be expected to do nothing all the time!
My favorite Austin activity is from P&P "Shall we take a turn around the room? Its sooo refreshing!"
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