Yours Faithfully, Amanda

September 17, 2013 Dear Jane, I cannot believe that another week in New York has come and gone, but it has, and happily, I am still here to tell the tales! I fear it has been too long since my last letter, Jane. In my defense though, writing a long letter can be a daunting task! Supplying one's friends with detailed accounts of one's adventures (no matter how trivial) can be most exhausting for one who is quite lazy when it comes to narrating one's own stories. Never-the-less, I will do my best to supply you with a most amusing and diverting letter (while attempting not to use the word,"one," so often; one can only try one's best though). My first piece of news is this: I was officially offered a position with the Murder Mystery Company! When I found out, I was overjoyed at the prospect of being employed as a "real actor," for it is proving to be no easy task in a city where a thousand girls share the same dream as I! Training begins next wee...

September 12, 2013 Dear Jane, I am aware that this letter is posted just three days after my last, but sometimes, events occur which must be shared post haste! There was a time, not too long ago, when I wholeheartedly agreed with your statement above, Jane. In fact, I reveled at the idea that we were so similar! We both agreed that a quiet night at home is infinitely more appealing than the hustle and bustle of a wild night out on the town (although I do enjoy a fun night out every now and again!). I am sorry to say, however, that the events of yesterday evening were anything but comforting, and have brought about a change of  heart and mind, for I am no longer at ease in this crazy city. (Please do not alarm yourselves, gentle readers, for it is not SO bad that I will not survive.) Allow me to explain. It happened, Jane.  It was nearing the hour of eleven, and I was venturing into my bedroom to gather the comforter from my bed. I had decided to sleep in the living roo...

September 9, 2013 Dear Jane, As you well know, " It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." This is of course, the first sentence of Pride & Prejudice , and  is perhaps, one of the most famous lines in literary history (and for good reason). Being a true and loyal admirer of yours, I, like any other self-respecting "Janeite," love this opening line. That being said, I'm not sure that a single man in want of a wife is still a universal truth.  I fear times have changed since you penned that brilliant line, Jane.  I find that if I were to apply it to my own story, it would sound a little different. Observe, for now I give you my version: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single Janeite, pursuing a career in theater, must be in want of a husband who: Is in possession of a good fortune; has an appreciation for the arts (but does not act, sing or dance professiona...

September 6, 2013 Dear Jane, As you know, this is a wonderful quote from your novel, Northanger Abbey .  I must confess, that I have only read this novel once and have not yet had the good fortune to see a movie adaptation of it.  Never-the-less, as a young lady away from her own village, I connected with this quote on many levels.   While I find that living in New York is a great adventure thus far, it is still very new and will take much more getting used to.  I realize that I was outgrowing my village (or town as we in this century like to call it), however,  I am fortunate that my travels "abroad" are really only in a neighboring state.  I am of the mind that one should not go too far, too soon.  I find that the days start to blur together when one lives in a big city.  I cannot believe it is already the wee hours of Friday morning (I imagine you wrote well into the night many a time, so I don't think you would be too shocked by my lat...

September 3, 2013 Dear Jane, My first full day living in New York was anything but boring, or dry! Hillary (my roommate) and I spent a leisurely morning getting ready and making plans for the day.  It all seemed very nonchalant; Hillary suggested we go for a walk to find a park that's (somewhat) nearby.  Incidentally, we were very fortunate to happen upon a street fair about two blocks from where we live as we began our travels! All was going swimmingly (and I use that term loosely at this point).  I should point out that the sky was a hazy, medium gray color. The park was about twenty blocks from where we live (which is apparently nothing when you live in the city- oy vey) and we found it, no problem.  It was a beautiful spot (although we saw someone having a bit of a breakdown on a corner in front of it- poor thing, wasn't anything we could really do to help). We walked all through the park and down to the water front below the bridge. It was amazing, and not...

September 2, 2013 Dear Jane, I can't believe it, but I have made the move to New York City.  I always knew that I would have to move here if I wanted to pursue a career in the arts, but I didn't think it would happen so fast! My roommate, Hillary found a possible sublet about three weeks ago, I gave my work notice two weeks ago, and then all of a sudden I find myself in a three story townhouse in Queens! It's curious how these things just happen when the moment is right. I do miss my family and friends very much.  I didn't get to see everyone before I left, but as I reiterated to my sister, Rachael (who had little to no qualms leaving me to move to London for a year and a half), New York is really only about two hours away AND it's in the same time zone.  I also miss the security of having a job...I know, that's a big one, but I'm sure I will find one....I realize that, that was a very passive positive statement, Jane. I have faith that it will all w...