Yours Faithfully, Amanda

March 1, 2019 Dear Jane, Imagine a world where one could go to a nearby town's public library and enjoy a whole host of Jane-Austen-related activities, completely free of charge. Surely, such a beautiful world does not exist! Spoiler Alert: It does and it's the world I live in. While that introduction may have been *slightly* over-dramatic, I firmly believe that public libraries deserve to be recognized for the undeniable joy they bring to the lives of so many. It just so happens, though, that a particular library has inspired this joy and dramatic flair within me today: The charming   Cheshire Public Library  of Cheshire, Connecticut. Throughout the entire month of February, they hosted numerous Jane-themed events and called the series, "For the love of Jane Austen."  How divine! Although I did not learn about the existence of said series until the middle of February, I feel truly #blessed that I was able to attend two events that were both exceedingly divertin...

October 22, 2018 Dear Jane, I confess that I am feeling rather forlorn and quite ready for another overseas adventure, my friend. What is a young lady to do in such a situation? I suppose I must bide my time, restore my finances and continue to reflect on my English holiday this past August... I am quite proud of that sneaky introduction to what is yet another letter about my trip this summer. COL (*Chuckle Out Loud*) England Part Four...are you ready for it? (Gentle readers: If you did not hear the beginning of Taylor Swift's song, "...Ready For It?" in your head just now, then you need to start listening to 'Reputation' on repeat. Jane: I do not expect you to know this song as it is not one you would recognize!) I digress. The fourth day of our trip, Jane, was most exciting as it was the day we travelled up to York via train. Both Rachael and I had been looking forward to this part of our holiday for months. It just so happened that neither of us had...

July 18, 2018 Dear Jane, Photo by Yours Faithfully, Amanda We have once again reached the sad day of your passing. It has been two-hundred and one years since you departed this earth, but your memory and legacy are stronger than ever. To be sure, janeites around the globe mourn your early death (you were only forty-one) and yet we simultaneously rejoice in the beautifully written words you left behind for us. In truth, it is a most bittersweet day.  Now, as I have much updating to do, I will leave off with a short poem and the promise of another letter either this week or the next.  I wrote the short poem below after being inspired by the picture you see on the right. I took this photo this very morning, and the words, "She needed a hero so she became one," instantly caught my attention. You really were your own hero, Jane and I still admire you so very much! (And yes...that is a Jane Austen action figure.)   Jane the Hero She needed a hero and so ...

October 31, 2017 Dear Jane, I write to you after a rather long reprieve, and for this I must apologize. In truth, I do not quite know the reason for it, though it is most likely a mixture of laziness, being engaged in various activities and then, I fear, a bit more laziness. Please, do forgive me, dear friend! Anyway, I write to you on this, one of my favorite holidays, All Hallows Eve (better known as Halloween). Even when I have no engagements to speak of (such as plans to beg neighbors for candy, dinner parties, balls, etc.), it is still a day filled with magic, mystery and possibility! If there are any naysayers out there who doubt this magic, then I put this question to them: As a notoriously slothful individual, what could suddenly possess me to take up my pen and write a letter to my favorite authoress if not for pure, unadulterated magic? The answer? Nothing. Eighteenth-century quill drop. Now then, since last I wrote much has happened. Firstly (and most importantly) my...

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...