Yours Faithfully, Amanda

February 16, 2019 Dear Jane, As it two days after Valentine's Day, I must discuss something with you of the utmost importance. I do not wish to play the blame game, Jane, but you must admit that you gave me (and all your gentle readers) some very unrealistic expectations about love when you wrote characters like Captain Wentworth, Mr. Darcy & Mr. Knightley (and the lesser-talked-about, Admiral Croft. He was a true gentleman, Jane, who clearly valued his remarkable wife!). But do not fret for I forgive you, dear friend! We are most fortunate to have your novels to turn to both when love is in the air and when it is not. Of course, that is not to say you were a writer of mere love stories. I am a firm believer (as are most, I should hope) that your novels are some of the greatest works of fiction ever written. However, as it is the month of love, I shall share my favorite romantic moment from Persuasion: Captain Wentworth's letter. "I can listen no longer in silenc...

May 3, 2018 Dear Jane, A flowery image I took this very morning! I write to you as we begin the month of May with both exceedingly hot weather and the most beautiful flower blossoms. In truth, I prefer the latter without the prior, but seeing as we saw two snow showers in the beginning of April, one must not be too particular! It seems that summer is fast approaching whether or not we are ready for it, Jane. Happily, I have a great many things to look forward to (though the hot weather is not one of them). I fear that it will sound as if I am bragging about my upcoming adventures but please know that this is not my intention; I merely wish to keep you informed...and cannot think of anything else to write about at present. Is this not a writer's greatest obstacle? My upcoming schedule (pronounced SHED-YOOL) is as follows: -------------------------------------- May I couldn't resist taking a  bookish photo! I, along with my sister and two friends, will be ...

March 8, 2018 Dear Jane, First of all, Happy International Women's Day! Oh, how you would have loved to celebrate such a momentous day whilst you were living. I must say that you are a very important figure in Women's History , Jane,  and will always be remembered as such. I must now acknowledge that I forgot to wear purple today and humbly ask the women of the world to forgive me. The Gentlemen! Secondly, it has once again been too long since last I wrote, but I wish you to take solace in the fact that I often have the intention and wish to write even if I do not often follow through. I must say that I am all astonishment that we are already in the midst of March! Why, my father has already celebrated his sixty-fourth birthday, or as he likes to call it, his "Beatles birthday," and my sweet nephew, Octavian, celebrated his eight month birthday (both on the fifth day of this month). Laugh.Out.Loud. 28+1...equals 29. Now, this is difficult for me to conf...

July 18, 2017 Dear Jane, It is a truth universally acknowledged that one would be remiss if one did not pay tribute to you on this, the 200th anniversary of your passing. This day, whilst sorrowful, is one of great celebration around the world and I can't help but wonder what you would think of the accolades you are receiving two-hundred years after your untimely death. It is quite a marvel to behold Jane! Social Media (for your own sake, I shall not explain this institution as it can be quite frustrating at times) is aglow with praise of you!  Photo Credit: Amanda Forker This day is one of great importance as you have been such a constant friend and inspiration to me over the years, Jane. Your novels bring me hope, joy, understanding and just plain happiness. I must confess, however, that I had great hopes of travelling to England this summer in order to partake in the many celebrations occurring all over Hampshire in your honor, but sadly, the opportunity did not ari...

February 11, 2017 Dear Jane, By now you must think that I have completely forsaken you, my dear friend, but pray, believe me when I say that nothing could be further from the truth. I confess that I have been overcome by this newest transition in my life and I could not find it within myself to sit down and write you a letter before now. Transistions, as you know, can be very difficult to come to terms with, Jane. Moving away from my little abode in Queens, coming home to Connecticut and performing in three different productions and now searching for a new job has quite taken up all of my time. (Though I dare say since my productions have come to a close, I have not been always using my time as wisely as I could have...my mother will no doubt agree most heartily with me on this subject.) Anyway, where to begin now that I have begun? I do feel such a connection to you, Jane. You once wrote the following in a letter to your sister, Cassandra, on the eigth of February in the Year-of...

September 28, 2016 Dear Jane, You will not find me complaining, but I am truly in awe that we already find ourselves at the end of September. Whilst we were in the midst of Summer, Autumn always seemed so far away but with the cool mornings, blowing leaves and pumpkin spice lattes (another modern marvel), I am ready to believe that it has finally arrived at last! In truth, this has made me quite giddy as I am a great lover of "sweater weather." Perhaps in your time it would have been called "Spencer Weather?" Oh, how I chuckle just thinking of Elizabeth Bennet saying, "How I love Spencer Weather, Jane! It is a most wonderful time of year." Amanda Forker modeling "Sweater Weather." Elizabeth Bennet modeling "Spencer Weather."             VS. Now, if I recall correctly, I promised to write you a "Part Two" letter with more particulars about my adventures in Portland with Darcie (Roommate Darcie NO...