Do you dance, Mr. Darcy?

" It is a truth universally acknowledged,

that a single man in possession of a

good fortune, must be in want of a wife."

What a way to start a story. It hooks

you from the get-go.

You know what I'm talking about. Pride and Prejudice by the venerable

Jane Austen, goddess of unsuitable love matches, which turn out to be the most suitable ever imagined.

A story for everyone who needs a happy ending.

This is what our book club is reading this month. Next week is our discussion. As I have been reading it, I could not help myself but imagine each scene as it is played out in the movies. Sometimes I imagine characters from the recent Kierra Knightly version. But mostly I imagine the BBC version. There is NO OTHER Mr. Darcy but Colin Firth. Sorry Matthew MacFadyen. You just didn't make it for me. You looked quite sickly throughout. And what was up with your hair? We all know that Mr. Darcy was a tortured soul, but please. Could you have a looked a little bit enticing in the process?

Colin (we're on a first name basis around here) was enticing, intriguing, genuinely proud and (dare I say it?) prejudiced.

Lizzy was perfection in that version, too. Kierra Knightly was too skinny and her lips were to big. Don't get me wrong. I like her in almost everything I see her in. But I had a hard time seeing her with that lifeless brown mop on her head. She would never had stood for it in real life.

Mr. Bingley? Liked him in the BBC version , too.

Mr. Bennet? Donald Sutherland-all the way!

Jane? New version. Ethereal and lovely.

Mr. Collins? NEW VERSION!!! That greasy guy in the BBC version gives me the creeps. New version guy is sad. You feel bad for how awkward and mousy he is.(Way to grab up Charlotte! Happiness is for you, too.)

Mrs. Bennet? This sounds crazy but I liked her as the screechy, old bag in the BBC version better.

The music? NEW VERSION! It sweeps me away every time I listen to it or play it.

And, again...(sigh)...Colin(in a breathy voice).

Now I am an equal opportunity watcher when it comes to watching those movies. If I have a week with nothing else to do, I'll visit Colin ( a very lengthy visit, indeed) .

If I only have an afternoon while the monster is napping, I stomach "The Impostor" and "Lips on Sticks".

Now, now, I know I'm not being very fair to Ms. Thang (Kierra). Girl--You are the bomb in "Pirates". I wish you many sequels (please!). I do enjoy your version, too.

I'm just clouded in my vision for who you should end up with.

I'm just looking for a happy ending.

Like mine, with Mr. Gardner.

Perfection.

Incandescent happiness.

Now I'm rambling.

Thus I end this post.

GO TEAM COLIN!!! (err-I mean "Gardner"!!!)