The delights of Little Women, Jane Austen novels, mothers-in-law, and a fabulous husband....

I LOVE the story of Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott...it is one of my all-time favorites! I also SO enjoy all the various Jane Austen books. My mother-in-law will be 89 this June, and when she was in town this past Christmas, my husband & I took her to the play of Little Women. Well, surprise of all suprises, she sent me, as a joint birthday & Valentine's gift, her 1929 copy of Little Women that she had been given that same year at the age of 9!! As well, my dear husband brought me home last night, for no special occasion, 3 CDs I'd been wanting!! One was the soundtrack from Little Women, and the other 2 were the soundtracks from Pride & Prejudice, and Sense & Sensibility, both novels by Jane Austen. Oh am I so thrilled with my new gifts!! Since pictures are worth a thousand words, I'll let them speak for themselves. :)

"...my child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning and may be many, but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one. The more you love and trust Him, the nearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom. His love and care never tire or change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of life-long peace, happiness, and strength. Believe this heartily, and go to God with all your little cares, and hopes, and sins, and sorrow, as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother." ~Marmee's wisdom to her 'little women', excerpted from Little Women