Happy Birthday, Jane.
16 December 2019
Connecticut
Dear Jane,
Happy, happy, happy birthday! I daresay that it's shocking to reveal a woman's age when she has not given her direct consent to do so, but it's not every day that a beloved authoress turns 244-years-old! Pray, forgive my impertinence, but it speaks to your legacy that we are still celebrating you all these years later. You are more globally revered than ever, and I, for one, am so very grateful for your novels, stories, letters and everlasting wit.
To think that you came into the world on December 16, 1775 in such a different era is remarkable. And yet, when it comes to human nature, not much has changed in the past two-hundred and forty-four years. Your characters and stories are forever relatable and familiar, even in 21st century America...and that, my dear friend, is why you are a genius. Your brilliant writing skills, sharp wit and astute observations of the people around you culminated to produce some of the finest novels in the english language and that is why we continue to read them two-hundred and forty-four years after your birth.I do wonder, however, what you would think of your global fame, Jane. If you were alive today, would you still prefer anonymity or finally embrace the limelight? Did you resent feeling as though you had to hide your true idenity to the general public or did you enjoy having such a splendid secret? I tend to believe the latter, though, I am sure it would have been liberating to shout from the roof tops that you were the brilliant authoress of such works as Pride & Prejudice.
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| Living my best Regency tea life! |
Anyway, to celebrate your birthday this year, I had the lovely opportunity to help plan a Birthday Tea in your honor along with Lynn & Kristen of CT Landmarks at the Phelps-Hatheway House in Suffield, Connecticut. The event was held yesterday and it was such a diverting and charming experience. The guests were so happy to be there and such enchanting conversation and refreshments were had by all. Served at our tea were exquiste scones, quiches and Victoria sponge cakes from Lost Acres Bakery; an enchanting selection of teas from Rishi (who also sent a lovely representative named Sara to do a tea tasting with our group during the event); and charming cucumber sandwiches prepared by Lynn. My mouth is watering just thinking about these delicious treats again, Jane! After we'd all had our fill of tea and treats, Mrs. Lynn Mervosh led the group through a short tour and gave some fascinating insight into the Phelps & Hatheway families who each resided in the house at different points in the 1700's and 1800's.
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| Ms. Shaw doing a reading! |
My favorite moment has come
As we celebrate this, your birthday
We’re joyous and grateful
And all of us faithful
We janeites have so much to say.
You'd say, “Ladies now don’t make a fuss!”
“I’m an authoress, not much to tell.”
We’d all drink some tea
And then quiet’ly agree
That the world was still under her spell.
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| Singing on the stairs! |
My dearest Jane Austen
You've been there for me through and through
I say it again
But as always it's true
That I wish I had really known you.
Balancing life day to day
At times it can be rather hard
But I read that novel
To see Darcy grovel
And finally let down his guard.
Then I wonder how splendid it was
To write of their truly great love
For Darcy and Lizzy
Were both in love's tizzy
And I quietly sit in awe of,
My dearest Jane Austen,
You've been there for me through and through
I say it again
But as always it's true
That I wish I had really known you.
Thank you for being a constant source of inspiration, Jane, and, of course, for your beautiful novels which will forever be a comfort to myself and Janeites around the world. As always, I remain-
Yours Faithfully,
Amanda
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