Friday, December 30, 2011

Unwrapping: Traveling to the Past

My darling hubby gave me PRIDE AND PREJUDICE on Blu-Ray and I couldn't be happier than a pig in mud! I love the book immensely and adore the 2005 version even though it doesn't have Colin Firth as Darcy. My DH knows I can watch that film over and over and never tire of it so he was thoughtful enough to get it for me.  He even came in and joined me while I was watching it the other night.

While watching the movie, he commented that it would be cool to travel back to Jane Austen's time if even for a little while. When I reminded him that there was no toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant and bathing wasn't exactly a routine behavior for the times, he quickly changed his mind. I laughed at how quickly the idea lost its appeal once he knew all those things we take for granted wouldn't be there.

While preparing for Christmas, wrapping gifts for 14 homeless kids, baking goodies to share with friends and family, I watched LOST IN AUSTEN which I had recorded when the episodes were re-aired over two days. I had forgotten how strange it would be for a 21st Century woman to be suddenly transported into Regency England. 

My favorite part was when Amanda Price suddenly found herself back in 21st Century London. She found her way home and immediately went to the bathroom and brushed her teeth. Having not been able to properly brush her teeth the entire time she was gone had not left her in a good mood! 
                                                                        
 UGH! Just the idea of using chalk makes me immediately want to rinse my mouth!

Anyway, consequently when her boyfriend commented that her "bum had gotten big", she replied through minty suds rather snarkily, "my bum isn't bigger, it's the dress that makes it look that way!"


And then there was the clothes! Personally, I love the style of dress with its empire waists and Spencer jackets... they may have looked a tad bit chunky in them but they certainly looked elegantly tall, too! But then again, would we really be comfortable in so much cloth with only the occasional bath?  I somehow doubt it.     

So I'm wondering, if you had the opportunity to travel back through time, as Amanda did, would you go and if so, what creature comforts would you bring that you know didn't exist yet? And don't just think about chocolate and how it's sooo much better now!

I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Gaelen for allowing us some time with her.  Wednesday here at UNWRAPPING ROMANCE was so much fun. For those of you who weren't able to make it on Wednesday, please feel free to look in on the celebration of the release of MY RUTHLESS PRINCE and it's not too late to enter to win a copy of MY WICKED MARQUESS being given away by Gaelen to one lucky commenter. Please be sure to read the rules of the Giveaway. If you're interested, please click here.

Happy Reading or Movie watching Everyone and I'll see you next year!
Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year and only the best in the New Year, 2012!

                                                         

6 comments:

Beebs said...

Excluding chocolate Amy? That can't be right.....

Decent coffee
Anti-perspirant
Toothpaste

I really don't think I could cope without basic hygiene products and baths and I can't survive anywhere without coffee.

Amy Valentini said...

LOL!! Beebs, I meant that everyone always thinks of chocolate and I wanted to inspire thinking past the chocolate ... which you did!
Couldn't live without good soap, toothpaste (a must) and of course, toilet paper ... exactly what DID they use? ; )
Wishing you a very Happy New Year since you'll arrive there first. xoxo

Beebs said...

LOL I dread to think how they managed without toilet paper! I can't imagine a world without leg waxing or at the very least disposable razors, could you imagine trying to shave underarm with one of those cut-throat razors....I think not *shudders*

Happy New Year to you and yours too Amy, xxx

Maureen said...

Electricity...sorry can't handle candle light. It terrifies me that the house is gonna shoot up in flames, because oops! I in all my clumsiness, bumped the table, causing my beverage (not mentioning the type - but oh yeah PEPSI! which I could not do without!) to knock over the candle, which hits the curtains (of course)and poof! that was all she wrote!

Oh sorry that may have been a bit much, but really I need my electric! :>

Good blog Amy, you've done it again!

Maureen

Dalila G. said...

Wow....I'm so use to living in the now that I would need a huge U-Haul to take everything I'll be needing!

I will have to agree with Maureen about electricity ~ MUST HAVE!!
I need to 'plug-in' in order to survive. My hair dryer, my iPhone, my laptop, my microwave, my women's electric shaver, definitely another must have.

I won't even mention the food I'll be needing to take with me.
For sure I'll have to take my icy cold bottles of RC pop.
I need those like I need air to breathe.

I really enjoy your blog Amy, keep at it!

Wishing everyone a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Amy Valentini said...

Beebs, have to agree that having to be hairy and smelling less than sweet would not be ideal! I can't even imagine the poor men having to shave with less than steaming hot water.
Maureen and Dalila, I hadn't even considered electricity. I mean, I knew that everything would be by candlelight but omg, having to wait for my hair to dry in a home without central heating ... yikes! No wonder a cold could put them down the way it did.
Dalila, you've got it right, we are entirely too spoiled to ever survive in their time ... couldn't live without a refrigerator to keep my soda and beer cold!
Thank you, all, for stopping by and I wish you all only the best in 2012!
Till next year, Happy New Year and happy reading! : )