Happy Birthday Jane Austen

Today marks the 236th anniversary of the day Jane Austen was born in Steventon, Hampshire. That's not too far from where I live, and it is in fact just a short walk from my house to where she is buried from Winchester Cathedral. Jane is a part of my local world, but I find it fascinating that she has touched so many people all over the world with her stories.

That's why today I hope to celebrate her life and work, if only by reading the first chapter of a book, watching a brilliant film/TV adaptation of her work, or even just using some of the Austen memorabilia we have scattered around the house (I'm actually using a Jane Austen mouse mat right now). I found the party layout above on Dear Lillie, and though I don't really have the time or resources to put that kind of tribute together for today, it's a great inspiration for the sort of thing I'd like to do to show my appreciation.