"Yours Sometimes...when I feel like writing, Amanda."

22 November 2019
Connecticut

Dear Jane,

As the youths of today say, "It's been a minute." What I am really trying to say, though, is that I am terribly sorry for not writing since August! I can't imagine that you are surpised by the delay, however, as you have been subjected to over six years of inconstant letters from "Yours Faithfully." I suppose "yours faithfully" is a rather ironic sentiment when I am anything but faithful in my letter writing. Perhaps I should sign my letters with "Yours Sometimes...when I feel like writing, Amanda." That would be rather horrible, though, so I shall keep to the classic, "Yours Faithfully, Amanda" and silently acknowledge that it is merely a facade.

Now, Jane, as often happens in the journey of life, much has changed since August when last I wrote. My eldest sister welcomed a daughter named Aurelia at the end of the summer and she is just the sweetest little darling. Her big brother, Octavian, is taking to big brotherhood splendidly. I left my position at the insurance company I was employed at to perform in a delightfully silly musical called, 'Nunsense' at Playhouse on Park (my old haunting ground). I am currently in a professional transition and "figuring it all out" but have some very exciting and bookish prospects that I shall tell you about soon!

 To be sure, Jane, all I want to really do on this cold and dreary November day is drink tea and read my book. Would that be so very terrible of me? I think not. However, lounging about is not to be borne for I have much to do in order to ready for my travels tomorrow! As it happens, my dear parents, my sister, Rachael, and I, are going on a Thanksgiving holiday to Berlin, Prague & Vienna. We are most excited and ready for some grand European adventures! (By the way, should any 'Home Alone' type burglars be reading this and planning to burgle our homestead whilst we are abroad..don't even think about it, ya filthy animal.) Having found an affordable travel package earlier this year, we decided a new experience such as this would be a charming way to ring in the holiday season; I can hardly believe that our departure date is at hand. 

 Happily, I have already found the most exquisiste libraries and bookish establishments to visit in each city, Jane, and am so looking forward to seeing them. At the top of my list are the Baroque Library in the Klementinum complex in Prague and the Austrian National Library in Vienna. I am all anticipation!

 Before I conclude this shamefully short letter, I wanted to let you know that I am in the midst of assiting two delightful women from Connecticut Landmarks with the planning of a Regency Tea on the 15th of December in honor of your 244th birthday, Jane. It is sure to be a most delightful and enchanting afternoon filled with tea, cakes, readings, songs and holiday spirit. I do believe you would be proud, Jane! I shall do my utmost to provide my gentle readers with more details as the date of the event approaches. 

 I promise to write before the New Year, Jane, and until then I remain...

 Yours Faithfully,

 Amanda

 P.S. Happy Thanksgiving to all! 

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