Yours Faithfully, Amanda

March 1, 2019 Dear Jane, Imagine a world where one could go to a nearby town's public library and enjoy a whole host of Jane-Austen-related activities, completely free of charge. Surely, such a beautiful world does not exist! Spoiler Alert: It does and it's the world I live in. While that introduction may have been *slightly* over-dramatic, I firmly believe that public libraries deserve to be recognized for the undeniable joy they bring to the lives of so many. It just so happens, though, that a particular library has inspired this joy and dramatic flair within me today: The charming   Cheshire Public Library  of Cheshire, Connecticut. Throughout the entire month of February, they hosted numerous Jane-themed events and called the series, "For the love of Jane Austen."  How divine! Although I did not learn about the existence of said series until the middle of February, I feel truly #blessed that I was able to attend two events that were both exceedingly divertin...

March 27, 2017 Dear Jane, In case you are not familiar with the story of "Beauty & the Beast," allow me to give you a short summary before I begin my above-mentioned review of this classic, tale as old as time, "boy meets girl" story... Summary: It is a truth universally acknowledged...just kidding! Please, read on, my friend. Enchantress curses cruel, unfeeling Prince, transforming him into Man-Beast and his servants into household objects that retain the ability to speak. Girl is bookish outsider living in small town and has a Pompous Suitor. Girl's father gets lost and stumbles upon Man-Beast's Castle. Girl goes in search of Father. Girl saves Father and meets/is imprisoned by Man-Beast. Man-Beast learns to love Girl. Girl cares for Man-Beast but is eventually released from castle. Girl accidentally incites angry mob of villagers led by Pompous Suitor to attack Man-Beast's Cast...

March 23, 2017 Dear Jane, I thought I might share with you a poem I wrote about a year ago and it just so happens that it was inspired by the beloved heroines of your treasured novels. Since it is Women's History Month and the world celebrated World Poetry Day this past Tuesday, it seemed fitting to share a poem about my favorite authoress and her divine leading ladies.  Now before I share my poem, I find myself remembering a humorous and lively conversation between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy from Pride & Prejudice :  These two love birds can't fool us.     "And so ended his affection," said Elizabeth impatiently. "There has been many a one, I fancy, overcome in the same way. I wonder who first discovered the efficacy of poetry in driving away love!"    "I have been used to consider poetry as the food of love," said Darcy.    "Of a fine, stout, healthy love it may. Ev...

February 11, 2017 Dear Jane, By now you must think that I have completely forsaken you, my dear friend, but pray, believe me when I say that nothing could be further from the truth. I confess that I have been overcome by this newest transition in my life and I could not find it within myself to sit down and write you a letter before now. Transistions, as you know, can be very difficult to come to terms with, Jane. Moving away from my little abode in Queens, coming home to Connecticut and performing in three different productions and now searching for a new job has quite taken up all of my time. (Though I dare say since my productions have come to a close, I have not been always using my time as wisely as I could have...my mother will no doubt agree most heartily with me on this subject.) Anyway, where to begin now that I have begun? I do feel such a connection to you, Jane. You once wrote the following in a letter to your sister, Cassandra, on the eigth of February in the Year-of...

December 31, 2016 Dear Jane, How I have been longing to write you a letter this past month! Pray, forgive my long absence from corresponding for I dare say I have found myself rather busy of late. In truth, now that the last day in the Year-of-Our-Lord, two-thousand and sixteen, has come upon us, I could not have let it pass without writing to my most favorite authoress. Firstly, you must think me the most terrible blackguard in the world for not writing to you on your birthday! I want you to know that I had a delightful cup of tea on the sixteenth of December to mark your two-hundred and forty-first year. How glad I am that you were born, Miss Austen! Your faithful Janeites would be quite lost without you. Now, Jane, since last I wrote much has changed. About two weeks before Thanksgiving, I quit my apartment in Queens and removed to Connecticut. I wish you to know that this was a most difficult decision to make and  I already miss my wonderful friends there . However...

April 19, 2016 Dear Jane, If I am to be completely honest with you (which I have decided to be), I have nothing new to report in regard to my life in Queens. My jaunt with the Miss Nelson is Missing tour came to an end at the end of March, and I have returned to my life as a "temp." I dare say you shall agree with me when I conclude, that life has once again become a quick succession of busy nothings. (Your brilliant words, of course.) Before I move on, I must state that I heartily agree with the quotation above from your novel,  Mansfield Park . Unfortunately, there has been no "active indispensable employment" to be had, so my sorrow has not been much relieved as of late. Let me explain. When I say that I have returned to temping, I must also admit that I did not work a single day last week. How is it possible that in a city as giant as New York, not one office needed a last-minute, fantastic receptionist, such as myself? I was all astonishment...and anger...

Dear Jane, I must confess that I write to you in a state of utter despair. In truth, I feel as Elizabeth Bennet felt when she learned that Lydia ran away with that wretch, Wickham. In other words, I feel hopeless.  Let me explain (for it is not so very alarming as I have made it seem, but it is not joyous news either)... As I was looking  leisurely  through my cellular device this morning whilst lounging in bed, I decided to glance at the book list I had saved in my notes. In my tired state (and by a cruel turn of fate), I accidentally erased the whole list and there is no hope of recovery. What is a young lady who prizes books above all things to do in such a situation?? I am sure that you know by now how very terrible my memory is, so you will agree that I have almost no hope in remembering what was on that list. Oh, woe is me, Jane! Somehow, I shall find the strength to carry on, but it will not be an easy task, I dare say. I hesitate to share my next story wit...