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Monday, February 13, 2012

Happy Valentine’s Day: A Darcyholic!!! Am I One? By Sandy Cook


A Valentine’s Day Guest Post 
by Sandy Cook
A Woman Who Found her Very Own Mr. Darcy!
Hi, Darcyholics!  How we discover Mr. Darcy and Jane Austen Inspired Literature may be different for many of us.  Any of you who have ever written and posted stories online, or have read comment threads, have read posts from my friend Sandy. I couldn't think of a better poster for today’s Valentine’s Day post! I am very happy she agreed to share with us today.
Upcoming Guest Posts Are As Follows:
February 17--Nancy Kelley
February 21--Janet Taylor
February 24--Nina Benneton
February 28--Maria Grazia (My Jane Austen Book Club)
March 2--Rita W.
March 6--Ruth Oakland
March 9--Jennifer Hickling (michchick)
March 13--Lynne Robson
March 17--Mary Simonsen
March 20--Jan Hahn (release of The Journey)
March 23--Jeane Alvarez (P&P2005 blog)
March 27--Lucy S. 
April 6--China Fuentes-Montero
April 13--Regina Jeffers
And Many more to come!
&*&*&*&*&*&*&

Comments on Sandy’s post will be included in the drawing for 2 autographed copies of my book, Fitzwilliam Ebenezer Darcy--to be given away at the end of the month from all the comments on the blog this month. Entries will be based on comments on blog posts; but additional chances will be given for joining this site, tweeting this post, Joining this site as a member!, sharing this on Facebook or your blog, Friend me on Facebook, clicking 'like’ on Barbara Tiller Cole, Author's Facebook page, or following BarbTCole on Twitter.  Please note any of these things that you do in your blog post for extra entries.
A Darcyholic!!! Am I One?


Let’s see…

I read a few of Jane Austen’s books years ago but never thought too much more about them until I sat down one night back in 1995 to watch a tv series on A&E. You see…that was a pretty dark period in my life. I had recently gone through a very bad divorce and was trying to recover myself after going through months of sickness. I have never been one to read romance stories and after what I had been through, romance was the furthest thing from my mind. I kind of viewed Pride and Prejudice as from a period so long ago that it shouldn’t remind me of anything bad that happened recently in my life (I still don’t read moderns even today). So I decided I would give it a try. I was immediately drawn into the world of Pride and Prejudice, especially Colin Firth as Darcy. And Wow…was I hooked. I just wanted more. Darcy had become my ideal man. So I sat down and re-read the book.

It just so happened that this was also the same year two of my co-workers and I started  up a brand new Bulletin Board System with access to the internet…the first in Southern West Virginia. Well…of course with this new technology available to me, I immediately started looking on the internet for anything to do with Pride and Prejudice. I wanted more of Darcy! I first found a site that had a couple of unfinished stories that were written about Darcy and Elizabeth and I was so impressed that people could do this and make the stories so interesting…I just wanted more. So I re-read the book again!

I searched and searched on the internet. I looked for anything about Pride and Prejudice or anything about Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. Finally, one day, I found a website that was devoted to the wonderful world of Jane Austen Fan Fiction. I didn’t know such a world existed and then…there were many more sites and many more stories. I devoured every one I could find. Over the years I have seen some of these sites go through many changes and some that are no longer available. Some of the stories, thankfully, have been reposted or were posted at more than one site. Those we still have and can enjoy but others are gone…lost forever and that makes me very sad. I started saving copies of all of my favorites. I even created my own little database on my home computer so I could keep track of the ones I love so much. I also have electronic copies of Pride and Prejudice on both my laptop and Kindle and I find that whenever I want a real look at Darcy…I re-read the book once again!

Darcyholic…now that’s a word I never really thought about…I just thought I was in love with Pride and Prejudice. When I think of Darcy, I immediately picture Colin Firth with his black dress clothes and his white cravat and his big black top hat! Or with his flowing coat trailing behind as he races his horse across the fields at Netherfield! Or the beautiful, soft and loving look that he gave Elizabeth as they listened to Georgiana play the pianoforte at Pemberley…now that’s swoon worthy! Ahhh…Darcy! Strong, shy, so good looking, and eyes that are to die for! Honorable to a fault, intelligent, lonely and once he is your friend…it takes a lot to make him dislike you and even worse to anger him to violence. A man forced to grow up and take on the role of master and father at such a young age. Believing anything less than perfection to be unacceptable…and yet…a man so full of flaws. Ahhh…what’s not to love! Darcy may not be perfect, but when I look on the screen or re-read the story…I find that he may not be perfect but he is perfect for me in my own mind! So I read as much of Darcy as I can.

Now I have to tell you…I am not a writer but once I became aware of the world of JAFF, I looked for any regency story I could find and gobbled them up like candy. Then, suddenly in 2004, I met my own Mr. Darcy. 

He wasn’t jealous of my Firth Darcy…instead…we developed a very unusual love triangle…me and my two Darcys!  Thanks to my own Mr Darcy…I can now enjoy my Firth Darcy on the big screen in the privacy of my own living room…and BluRay, no less! Does that mean I’m a Darcyholic? Hmmm….!


When I decide to get a little exercise, I can enjoy reading JAFF stories about Darcy and Elizabeth on the HDTV ‘My’ Mr Darcy set up on the wall in front of my treadmill. There’s even room for my Kindle to read JAFF books or I can hook up the laptop to the same tv and read on the internet. Does that mean I’m a Darcyholic? Hmmm…maybe!





When I drive up in my car, the front has a plate that says FIRTH LADY and when I drive away you see MS DARCY on the back license plate! These were surprises from ‘My’ Mr Darcy. Does that mean I’m a Darcyholic? Hmmm…could be!



‘My’ Mr Darcy is such a great sport about my…um…er…obsession. He doesn’t read the stories but he does love the comments even though he thinks we’re all a little crazy! I think it’s why he keeps feeding my obsession, and my love of chocolate covered cherries!  

Even though I don’t write, I have enjoyed reading all of the stories for years now. Stories about Darcy and Elizabeth have seen me through sickness and health and pulled me through some of the worst times in my life and some of the best!

Am I a Darcyholic…well…on a scale of 1 to 10 I think I just might rank about a 20! What do you think?
Happy Valentine’s Day
 to Sandy and her Mr. Darcy, Jim!

40 comments:

  1. Wonderful, Sandy. I enjoyed it so much, and your wedding pics are gorgeous!

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    1. Thanks Robin! The wedding pics just show a much more 'svelte' me!
      Thanks for reading my little story!
      -Sandy

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  2. This is so sweet, Sandy. I enjoyed meeting your Mr. Darcy, and I am extremely jealous of your good fortune. Does he have a single brother?

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    1. LOL Gayle! Well...he does have 2 brothers but none single and none even come close to My Mr. Darcy! He is very special to me and one of a kind.
      Thanks for your comments!
      -Sandy

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  3. Perhaps, Sandy, you had to experience Miss Austen's Darcy before you could find your own? A man who gives you Cella's and chuckles at your JAFF life is a keeper!

    Are you a Darcyholic? Oh, honey, we all know the answer to that!

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    1. Oh yes...he's a definite 'keeper'!

      Thanks for your comments!
      -Sandy

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  4. Replies
    1. Thanks Annette!
      I'm such a hopeless Darcyholic...for both of my Mr. Darcy's!
      Hugs, and have a Happy Valentine's Day!

      -Sandy

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  5. Sorry! I should say AMAZING LOVE STORY.

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  6. You're such a lucky lady to have your own, amazing Mr. Darcy. What a lovely couple you make!

    So, instead of answering your question, I have to say... Do you know you have your own Sandyholic? He's fantastic, Sandy. God bless you both!

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    1. Thanks Kari! It's always great to hear from you whether it's through JAFF or down on the farm! LOL!

      Have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

      -Sandy

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  7. What a beautiful love story, Sandy! What lovely wedding photos.

    Wendi

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    1. Thanks Wendi! I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

      Hugs,
      Sandy

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  8. Sandy,
    What a wonderful story. Now your love story is a true love story we all can love. Wonderful wedding photos. You look so, so happy. I truly dig your license plates.

    Happy Valentines Day
    Linda

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    1. Thanks so much Linda! I am happy. I literally dropped out of society and just jumped into my work for 10 years. When I met Jim, something just clicked and I made the decision to live again. We compliment each other so well...definitely like Darcy and Elizabeth. Even his family have often commented on it.

      As for the license plates...they really were a surprise from My Mr Darcy!

      Happy Valentine's Day,
      Sandy

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  9. Sandy,

    You story is so delightful! Happy Valentine's Day to you and your Mr. Darcy. May the chocolate covered cherries never end.

    Hugs!

    -Ruth

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    1. Thanks Ruth...I don't think they ever will! He just can't resist!

      Happy Valentine's Day!
      Hugs,
      Sandy

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  10. Oh, Sandy, Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth is my favourtie too, there was a time I watched it like an addict over and over again.You expressed it so perfectly why you love that version, and that Darcy. I feel exactly the same!

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    1. Hi Ola, I feel so fortunate to have both of my Mr Darcys!

      Happy Valentine's Day

      Hugs,
      Sandy

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  11. Hey, Sandy. You are so beautiful. I see why 'your' Mr. Darcy fell in love with you.
    Great story!
    Hope to meet you both in person soon.
    Happy Valentine's Day!

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  12. Great article Sandy.
    Love you and Jim, and think you both make such an awesome couple.
    Happy Valentine's Day!

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    1. Dear Wonderful Trez,

      I still can't believe Barb talked me into doing this but, once I got started, it was truly a labor of love!

      Hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day!
      Love you!
      -Sandy

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  13. That is the sweetest story, Sandy! Thanks for sharing it.

    Happy Valentine's Day!

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    1. Thanks for reading, Sandy, and for commenting. I sincerely hope you had a Happy Valentine's Day, too!

      -Sandy

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  14. The PERFECT post for Valentine Day! Thanks for sharing, Sandy. I love your happy ending with your Mr. Darcy!!

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    1. Thanks Nina! I have had lots of fun sharing My Mr. Darcy with all of you!

      -Sandy

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  15. Your post is sweet, romantic and oh, so special! Happy Valentine's Day to you and congratulations on finding your Mr. Darcy. I can identify with not watching or reading romance stories. I did not for years for similar reasons. Pride and Prejudice does not bring out those feelings and for that I am thankful. (Neither do the rest of Jane Austen's books.) The variations have helped me lose myself and escape to that world of love and happy endings and leave my cares behind. I am thankful for all these wonderful authors. Again, I enjoyed your post!

    Would love to win your book Barbara! I am a member here, a fb friend and I like your author page on fb! Happy Valentine's Day to you, too!

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    1. I can certainly relate to the happy endings...it's the only kind for me! I'm so thankful for all our wonderful authors! I don't know what I would do without them...but I do know that I wouldn't have met some of the best people in the world!

      I'm glad you enjoyed my story!
      Happy Valentine's Day!

      -Sandy

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  16. Sandy,

    I absolutely love your post!!! It was very special to read on Valentine's Day! I am such a sucker for happy endings and I am glad you had your own. Thanks for sharing!!!

    PS. Yes, I do think you rank about 20!LOL!

    Rita W

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  17. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  18. Sandy:

    I DO agree with Nina, that this was just a perfect Valentine’s Day post. I KNEW that it would be! And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me put it together for you! I sure hope that Jim liked it and enjoyed this part of his Valentine’s Day present. It is not everyone that gets to read their love story online for Valentine’s! I think I need to get HIM to write a post for me. Ask him if we would be willing to do it. I asked my own husband tonight, and he said he would think about it :D. Which means given the right arm twisting that at some point he will say yes.

    What a LOVELY bride you were. And what a lucky dog you are that Jim enables your Darcyholism. Thank you again, and Happy Valentine’s Day as it is running down to a close now.

    Barbara

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    1. Barb, I can't tell you how anxious I was but I really did have fun writing it and today...well...everyone's responses were just overwhelming. Jim enjoyed it all too! He hasn't read all of the responses yet, but I'm sure he will read them all. He couldn't believe I actually wrote it for Valentine's Day!

      I'm not sure about writing a post...but...stranger things have happened before and we all know that Darcy does his best stuff when he writes! *grin*

      Thank you for your wonderful words and for asking me to tell a bit about My Mr. Darcy! And thank you to everyone for sharing in my special Valentine gift to my Darcy Jim!

      -Sandy

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  19. Darcyholic...mmm...I like how that sounds:)And I like that there are a lot of us, Darcyholics, around the world being able to share our love for Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice and Colin Firth as Darcy.
    Sandy, thank you for sharing your wonderful love story. I'm very glad to know that it is possible to find a personal Mr.Darcy. And I wish you and your Mr.Darcy all the best!
    BTW love your license plates!

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    1. Thank you so much for your comments. I have a little story about the license plates:
      As we traveled this summer, we stopped at a fast food restaurant to get gas and a bite to eat. When we were done, we went out to the car. A man and his wife were looking at the car and had been looking at it as they sat in the restaurant looking out the window. He came up to me and asked about the front plate "FIRTH LADY" and what did it stand for.
      I then motioned for him to follow me to the back of the car where the "MS DARCY" plate stood out! Then I said that Colin Firth played my favorite Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice...I love telling the story!
      He laughed and his wife did too and they knew immediately what I was talking about. I get questions all the time! The plates are definitely a topic of conversation when we're out and about...even in our hometown! LOL!

      Thanks again!

      - Sandy

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  20. I truly enjoyed reading your post. Valentine's Day is extra special to me because it is the date I met my Mr. Darcy for the first time.

    I loved hearing that your Darcy indulges you in your obsession with Mr. Darcy. Mine even helps me with my first P & P story which is not finished or posted anywhere as yet. He gracefully followed me this summer as we took an unofficial Jane Austen tour in England.

    I think you are truly a 20 ranked Darcyholic.

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    1. Hi Jadie! I'm so glad you have your own Mr Darcy and he helps you, too! How wonderful that you met on Valentine's Day! I'll be looking for your name and your story.

      I envy you your Jane Austen tour...I know you had to have a wonderful time. When you post your story, maybe you'll post some of your pictures, too!

      Thanks for your comments I always love to meet new people! Yes....I'm definitely a Darcyholic! LOL!

      -Sandy

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  21. Great post, Sandy! I enjoyed every word of it, and I'm thrilled that you found your own Mr. Darcy. You've always been such a kind supporter of authors, and I love that Barbara is inviting readers like you to share your own journeys of how you found our dear boy. Well done!

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  22. Sandy,
    You're a very lucky lady, and you deserve every moment of joy. Your story is particularly relevant to those of us who have come to believe that only Mr. Wickham is real and Mr. Darcy can only be found in literature or on the screen. Thank you for sharing your story!
    Hugs,
    RachelP

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  23. Hey Jan, just saw your comment. Thanks, I had a blast doing it, actually my Mr Darcy did too!

    I'm just so happy to have found the world of JAFF and all the wonderful stories you authors give us to read.
    A big THANK YOU to all the authors!
    Sending big HUGS!

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