An All Hallows Eve Update

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 sister was safely delivered of a healthy and beautiful baby boy in July of this, the Year of Our Lord, Two-thousand and Seventeen. My nephew, Octavian, is the sweetest babe in all the land and I just love him to pieces.
Octavian on Halloween today.
 Grandma Cathy took this photo!
Whilst we had a beautiful summer getting to know the newest member of our family, I also performed in a production of "Mary Poppins" at the Warner Theater in Torrington, Connecticut. It was quite a wonderful experience and it was lovely to perform again. I reprised my role of Miss Andrew and had terrific fun portraying the evil (and in my opinion, misunderstood) nanny in the musical production.

 Now for the most diverting news of all (apologies to my darling nephew. Your arrival was also quite exciting...Auntie loves you!). From the twenty-first of September until the thirtieth of September, my sister Rachael, myself and my parents had the great fortune of journeying to the country of Italy! It was a most breathtaking holiday, Jane. We were five days in the Amalfi Coast and two and a half days in Rome. I fear it is far too daunting a task to try to describe all of the wonders I saw whilst abroad. (Perhaps that is why I have put off writing for so long!) All you must know is that Italy is a beautiful land of history, pasta, wine, gelato and the most exquisite sights! Below are just a few photos from our travels. Many of them are of me, I dare say. In truth, I'm so vain, I probably think this blog is about me!
Positano
Persuasion in Ravello

Exploring the town of Amalfi

A sweet kiss on our way to Capri

Breakfast joy 
Prosecco and Roma

Biblioteca Vallicelliana AKA Heaven
Pompeii

 What else have I to report? Not much, I dare say. I just wanted to send you a quick note with these small updates. It shall be easier to write again now that I am once again a "blank slate." You have my word that letters will be arriving by post much more often. I cannot promise, however, that they will be any more interesting than this one. Nevertheless, if I have nothing interesting to say I will do my utmost to make up a fantastical tale for you!

 Yours Faithfully,

 Amanda

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