As I blogged way back in July, I entered The Everything Austen Challenge hosted by Stephanie's Written Word which officially ended on 31st December 2009. This is an updated post on the progress of this challenge and needless to say that I have completed all 12 books and movies/miniseries which I set myself to do although the list is slightly different than my original list. Below is a summary of my original list and the updated tasks I have accomplished:

Books
1. Mr. Darcy's Diary (UK) aka The Private Diary of Mr. Darcy (US) by Maya Slater -> complete
2. Lydia Bennet's Story by Jane Odiwe -> did not attempt
3. The Darcys & The Bingleys by Marsha Altman -> did not attempt
4. The Plight of the Darcy Brothers by Marsha Altman -> did not attempt
5. Colonel Brandon's Diary by Amanda Grange -> complete
6. Impulse & Initiative by Abigail Reynolds -> did not attempt
7, Prada and Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard -> complete
8. Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler (companion book of 'Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict which I read in 2008) -> complete
9. Pemberley by the Sea: A Modern love story, Pride and Prejudice style by Abigail Reynolds -> complete
10. Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange -> complete
11. Dancing with Mr Darcy: Stories Inspired by Jane Austen by Sarah Waters -> complete
12. The Wit and Wisdom of Jane Austen: Quotes From Her Novels, Letters, and Diaries by Jane Austen and Dominique Enright -> complete
13. Jane Austen: The World of Her Novels by Deirdre Le Faye -> complete

Miniseries/DVD
1. Sense & Sensibility (2008) -> did not attempt
2. Lost in Austen (2008) -> complete
3. Persuasion (2007) -> did not attempt
4. Pride & Prejudice (1995) -> did not attempt
5. Bride & Prejudice (2005) -> complete
6. Emma (2009) -> complete

As you can see, I have already completed my challenge with 9 books and 3 movies/miniseries. However, I was not able to write a review for each of the tasks that I have completed. Blame me for being lazy, spending my time on other stuff and having the initiative to write creatively like other bloggers but for myself, I'm very satisfied with my progress.

I hope in future, I will have time to enter this type of challenge and write wonderful reviews of it.

The Everything Austen Challenge commenced on 1st July 2009 right up to 1st January 2010. The challenge is posted here thewrittenword.wordpress.com/2009/06/22/introducing-the-everything-austen-challenge-with-prizes/ for more information on how to participate and win some cool prizes. The bottom line is pick out just six Austen-themed things (books, movies, miniseries) you want to finish to complete the challenge! Just to add to the fun of it, Laurel Ann from Austenprose would like to challenge participants for 'Everything Austen Challenge X Two' in which Austen items were increased to 12.

Here's my list for 12 Austen items that I would like to complete:

Books
1. Mr. Darcy's Diary (UK) aka The Private Diary of Mr. Darcy (US) by Maya Slater - just started reading
2. Lydia Bennet's Story by Jane Odiwe
3. The Darcys & The Bingleys by Marsha Altman - never got chance to finish
4. The Plight of the Darcy Brothers by Marsha Altman - new release next month
5. Colonel Brandon's Diary by Amanda Grange - will be release next week
6. Impulse & Initiative by Abigail Reynolds - good book but did not finish the last time
7, Prada and Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard - fun book
8. Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler - companion book of 'Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict

Miniseries/DVD
1. Sense & Sensibility (2008)
2. Lost in Austen (2008) - watch it a few days ago
3. Persuasion (2007)
4. Pride & Prejudice (1995)
5. Bride & Prejudice (2005) - watch a part of it last Christmas season

Wish me luck in trying to complete at least 6 things to do for the next 6 months. All the best for all participants.

Step-by-step Guide

The waltz is a soft, gentle and romantic dance in 3/4 time giving it a basic three beat rhythm that is counted 1 2 3. The transference of weight from one foot to another should be slow and controlled giving the waltz its defined personality of glide. Particular attention should be paid to the heel placement in the forward movement.

The Hold

- The gentleman places his right hand just below the lady's left shoulder blade.
- The lady places her left hand on the gentleman's upper arm.
- The gentleman extends his left arm to his left side.
- The lady places her right hand into the gentleman's left hand and the gentleman's fingers curl gently round the hand of the lady.
- The lady should be slightly to the gentleman's right.

Open Hand Hold
(Alternative hold)

- The gentleman offers his hand forwards, palms up and just above waist level.
- The lady places her hands in the gentleman's hands palms down.

Box Waltz

The waltz is synonymous with turning but this basic  Box Waltz will give you the opportunity to experience the rhythm of the dance.
Start with both your feet together - your own feet!

LF=Left Foot              RF=Right Foot

Leader's Foot Position
Count 1                    Count 2                            Count 3
forward LF               RF to the side                 LF closes to the RF and transfer your weight into the LF
(Head Toe)              (Toe Heel)                      (Toe Heel)

Follower's Foot Position
Count 1                    Count 2                            Count 3
step back RF           LF to the side                 RF closes to the LF and transfer your weight into the RF
(Toe Heel)              (Toe Heel)                        (Toe Heel)

You are halfway there! Now simply repeat the movements but in the reverse - the followers doing the leaders steps and vice versa. This can be counted 4 5 6.
Repeat the pattern gently turning and you will be a waltzing pro in no time!



Source: http://www.theyoungvictoria.co.uk