"Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery."

October 10, 2013

Dear Jane,

If I am to be completely honest at this present moment (and I have decided that I will be), I must say that I do not have many extraordinary tales to tell you today, Jane.  In truth, I fear that October has been less exciting than previously anticipated.  No matter though, for I will take your wise advise, Jane, and "let other pens dwell on guilt and misery" for I do not see the purpose of letting mine!  There is no reason in the world for me to dwell on October's shortcomings thus far, so I have simply made up my mind not to. One must remember that it is only the tenth of October and a lot can happen before the end of the month, which is only a little more than a fortnight away! (Actually, since a fortnight is only two weeks, it would really be a fortnight plus a sennight (which is the equivalence of one week), until the end of October.) Fortunately, I promised in my last letter that I have thrilling stories of a ball to tell, so you may be delighted yet!

Now, before I give you my own account of the ball, I should warn that this ball was quite different than the balls that you were accustomed to, Jane. It did not take place at the local assembly or pump rooms, but at the beautiful Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown, Connecticut (in America, of course). This splendid "Great Gatsby" themed occasion was sponsored by a local, Connecticut business called the Onyx Spirits Company that produces a beverage called "Onyx Moonshine." To be sure, it is not your average spirit, Jane, and definitely not a beverage to be served at afternoon tea.  I fear you may be confused as to what "Moonshine" and the "Great Gatsby" truly are, so allow me to provide you with a brief history lesson....

The Great Gatsby was a novel written by an author named Francis Scott Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald, being an author of the roaring 1920's, penned sensational stories of love, lust, booze, wild parties and above all, intrigue. The 1920's were plagued with a movement called "Prohibition." Unfortunately, this "Prohibition" didn't make for lively evenings at home (seeing as it banned the consumption and production of alcohol), so naturally, ladies and gentleman of the time secretly visited glamorous parties and soulful speakeasies to have a cold drink and a maybe even a dance or two with the devil...

That is all the history you need  for now, Jane!  Anyway, the ball captured all the magic, and allure of the time and everyone who attended (myself included) seemed to truly enjoy themselves. The guests were dressed to the nines in 1920's garb (which was very different than the attire of the regency era), danced to sweet music and tasted cocktails from various restaurants of the area who were competing for 1st place in the Onyx Infusion Challenge. A well deserved first prize went to Tisane Euro-Asian Cafe. The evening's cuisine was catered by the Wood-N-Tap and needless to say, everything was marvelous.  The guests had the pleasure of dancing to music performed by a group of musicians named, "Postmodern Jukebox," who performed all genres of music from jazz standards to modern day pop music and gave it a 1920's musical makeover! 

I danced, ate and drank to my heart's content, Jane and was so very impressed with the Onyx Staff for how well they hosted such a unique and creative event! Bravo, ladies and gentlemen! 

I feel ever so fortunate, because not only did I attend a ball, but I was able to spend time with my family during my weekend at home in Connecticut. On the day following the ball, my sister, Rachael and I decided take a turn about Old Wethersfield (which is consequently, "Ye Oldest Towne in Connecticut") and survey the "Scarecrows on Main" Exhibition. This is a wonderful town tradition in which residents construct creative scarecrows and display them in front of their homes during the month of October to celebrate the arrival of autumn. 

Truthfully, I find that being able to relay all of my "adventures" to you in a letter has not only become an enjoyable task, but also a therapeutic one!  I truly never thought that it would be so rewarding, and I am happy to banish my prior judgments on the matter.  

As I find myself at the end of my letter, I must admit that I have not told you every event of my recent history here in New York. That being said, I no longer feel the need to do so because as you so wisely once said, Jane, there is no reason to dwell on guilt and misery (not that I necessarily feel guilty or miserable per say, just that some days are harder than others).  I am pleased to say that this Janeite is once again ready to face another day attempting to make her way in New York City (well, technically still Long Island for now)!

Yours Faithfully,

Amanda

Photos from The Great Gatsby, Onyx Moonshine Ball!

Left: Adam & Regina Von Gootkin: The President and First Lady of Onyx Moonshine

Right: Mom and Dad looking marvelous at the Ball! Photo Credit: Jewel Photo

My sisters and I looking our best in 1920's garb!

Photo Credit: Jewel Photo

 

  Left: Rachael with some lovely witch scarecrows! 

Right: Frankenstein and myself posing for the camera.