"They had a very fine day for Box Hill…Nothing was wanting but to be happy when they got there. Seven miles were travelled in expectation of enjoyment, and everybody had a burst of admiration on first arriving."
Wednesday June 22, 2016
Dear Jane,
Since last I wrote, I must confess that not much has occurred. (I fear this is a very familiar opening sentence.) This is not to say that I have been idling about, just merely that no event of the life-changing variety has happened of late. I have, however, had some lovely outings that I have been most eager to tell you about.
Generally speaking, my intention for June has been to work as often as I can and to earn a steady living. That being said, even though I often complain about working, I am most grateful to be able to pay my rent each month. "Being a temp" may not be the most charming occupation in the world, Jane, but it does, as one might say, "pay the creditors."
Now for my delightful outings:
Saturday 11 June, 2016: What an especially lovely day this was! I attended my first ever "Box Hill Picnic" with JASNA-NY at the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum in the far away village of Da Bronx. This outing is a yearly event sponsored by JASNA as an ode to the picnic that Emma Woodhouse and her friends went on in your beloved novel, Emma. (See the quotation above, gentle readers.) Once we were all gathered, our group was given a lovely tour of the Mansion and then afterwards were brought into the Orangery to enjoy a delightful tea. After our tea, I toured the gardens of the Great House with two new acquaintances and engaged in some very "Austenesque" conversation! It was such an enjoyable venture, in fact, that it matters not how exceptionally long and tiresome my journey to get there was. I confess that I had to ride two different buses as well as hire a post-chaise (known today as LYFT) in order to get there. I believe they refer to these types of predicaments as "First World Problems," Jane. Below you will find a collection of pictures from my day amongst Janeites!
Tuesday 14 June, 2016: My dear sister, Rachael was in New York City for a work event and I was able to stay with her in her charming hotel in the heart of Midtown for the night. (We sorely missed our elder sister, Regina, during our time together!) Though our room was rather small, the inn was lovely AND offered delicious lattes in the morning. This alone led me to believe that lodging such as this deserved only the highest praise, but Rachael was not in complete agreement. I dare say she has higher expectations than I.
Wednesday 15 June, 2016:
I attended the ballet at the Metropolitan Opera House with Darcie, her mother (who was visiting for a fortnight from Indiana) and our friend, Jessica! We had the absolute pleasure of seeing American Ballet Theatre's splendid production of Swan Lake. It was such an enjoyable evening-- oh, how I love the ballet!
There you have it, Jane, a concise description of my June diversions. And now before I conclude my letter, my latest book recommendation!
Currently Reading: Eligible (A modern retelling of Pride & Prejudice) by Curtis Sittenfeld
It is a truth universally acknowledged (I couldn't resist) that I, Amanda, will enjoy any book relating to Pride and Prejudice. That being said, there are some fun differences in Eligible that set the classic story up nicely to take place in today's society. For one thing, the Bennet family is from Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Bennet sisters are all quite a bit older than they are in P&P (for example, Lizzy is 38 and Jane is 40). This change actually adds some nice backstory and depth to the characters, allowing the reader to see the girls as well-rounded, modern women. When the story begins, Lizzy and Jane are living in New York City when they learn that their father has had a heart attack. Unsurprisingly, they rush home to be by his side and to care for him while he recovers. Much like their original counterparts, their mother and younger sisters are quite simply, too self-centered to help anyone but themselves. While back home in Cincinnati, the elder Bennet sisters are prompty introduced to Chip Bingley (who previously appeared on a Bachelor-type reality show called, "Eligible") and his handsome yet mysteriously moody best friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy. As you can imagine, the action really picks up from there, but I trust you don't wish me to spoil all the goodies that are in store for you!
In other news, I anticipate going home to Connecticut at the beginning of next month and I am very excited at the prospect of spending time with family and friends.
Until next time, Jane!
Yours Faithfully,
Amanda
Dear Jane,
Since last I wrote, I must confess that not much has occurred. (I fear this is a very familiar opening sentence.) This is not to say that I have been idling about, just merely that no event of the life-changing variety has happened of late. I have, however, had some lovely outings that I have been most eager to tell you about.
Generally speaking, my intention for June has been to work as often as I can and to earn a steady living. That being said, even though I often complain about working, I am most grateful to be able to pay my rent each month. "Being a temp" may not be the most charming occupation in the world, Jane, but it does, as one might say, "pay the creditors."
Now for my delightful outings:
Saturday 11 June, 2016: What an especially lovely day this was! I attended my first ever "Box Hill Picnic" with JASNA-NY at the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum in the far away village of Da Bronx. This outing is a yearly event sponsored by JASNA as an ode to the picnic that Emma Woodhouse and her friends went on in your beloved novel, Emma. (See the quotation above, gentle readers.) Once we were all gathered, our group was given a lovely tour of the Mansion and then afterwards were brought into the Orangery to enjoy a delightful tea. After our tea, I toured the gardens of the Great House with two new acquaintances and engaged in some very "Austenesque" conversation! It was such an enjoyable venture, in fact, that it matters not how exceptionally long and tiresome my journey to get there was. I confess that I had to ride two different buses as well as hire a post-chaise (known today as LYFT) in order to get there. I believe they refer to these types of predicaments as "First World Problems," Jane. Below you will find a collection of pictures from my day amongst Janeites!
Tuesday 14 June, 2016: My dear sister, Rachael was in New York City for a work event and I was able to stay with her in her charming hotel in the heart of Midtown for the night. (We sorely missed our elder sister, Regina, during our time together!) Though our room was rather small, the inn was lovely AND offered delicious lattes in the morning. This alone led me to believe that lodging such as this deserved only the highest praise, but Rachael was not in complete agreement. I dare say she has higher expectations than I.
 |
| The beautiful dancers of Swan Lake. |
Wednesday 15 June, 2016:
I attended the ballet at the Metropolitan Opera House with Darcie, her mother (who was visiting for a fortnight from Indiana) and our friend, Jessica! We had the absolute pleasure of seeing American Ballet Theatre's splendid production of Swan Lake. It was such an enjoyable evening-- oh, how I love the ballet!
 |
| Jess, Darcie and myself in the lobby of the Met. |
There you have it, Jane, a concise description of my June diversions. And now before I conclude my letter, my latest book recommendation!
Bookishly Yours, Amanda
Currently Reading: Eligible (A modern retelling of Pride & Prejudice) by Curtis Sittenfeld
It is a truth universally acknowledged (I couldn't resist) that I, Amanda, will enjoy any book relating to Pride and Prejudice. That being said, there are some fun differences in Eligible that set the classic story up nicely to take place in today's society. For one thing, the Bennet family is from Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Bennet sisters are all quite a bit older than they are in P&P (for example, Lizzy is 38 and Jane is 40). This change actually adds some nice backstory and depth to the characters, allowing the reader to see the girls as well-rounded, modern women. When the story begins, Lizzy and Jane are living in New York City when they learn that their father has had a heart attack. Unsurprisingly, they rush home to be by his side and to care for him while he recovers. Much like their original counterparts, their mother and younger sisters are quite simply, too self-centered to help anyone but themselves. While back home in Cincinnati, the elder Bennet sisters are prompty introduced to Chip Bingley (who previously appeared on a Bachelor-type reality show called, "Eligible") and his handsome yet mysteriously moody best friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy. As you can imagine, the action really picks up from there, but I trust you don't wish me to spoil all the goodies that are in store for you!Until next time, Jane!
Yours Faithfully,
Amanda
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