Jane Austen Birthday Tea 2009

December is a great month. Everywhere you look there are Christmas festivities happening all around. But, as members of the Jane Austen Society of North America we have another reason to celebrate. December also marks the birthday of our dear Jane. This year JASNA Greater Houston comemerated her 234th birthday with our first annual Birthday Tea.

Here in Houston we are incredibly fortunate to have the lovely Serenitea Tea Room. JASNA GH is even more fortunate to have held our birthday tea at Serenitea. The afternoon began with some small remarks from the Regional Coordinator (that would be me). My little remarks were followed by a lovely afternoon tea which included a tea tasting that included such lovely teas as Peppermint Chamomile, Mandarine Spice, Gingerbread and many others.

After tea, the dessert was cut and Archana Pyatt (owner of Serenitea) presented a talk she calls “From the Tea Leaf to the Tea Cup”. Her talk covered everything from the history of tea, to the different types of tea, and tea etiquette. We learned so much about tea, I dare say we are now all tea experts! For example, did you know that you could take sunflowers and boil them in water and call that tea? Or, did you know that proper tea etiquette insists that the tea cup is placed with the tea cup handle to the right? Or…did you know that at some point in world histor, people actually traded “tea bricks” as money? What we learned was amazing…but of course, that was not the only enjoyable aspect of the afternoon.

As the meeting came to an end, guests were handed the party gift, which was an individual bag of a custom tea blend, blended for JASNA Greater Houston. The tea is called “Strawberries at Delaford” and is named for Colonel Brandon and his famous Delaford strawberries. As we filed out of the tea room, most of us couldn’t help but buy a lovely tea gift (or two or three) from the Serenitea gift shop.

It was a lovely afternoon to be sure. If you were not able to join us, I do wish you will be able to next year!

Here are some photos of the event:

At the sign in table with "Strawberries at Delaford" tea

Miss Austen's Birthday Cake

Bonnie, Martha, and Charlotte

The lovely Archana Pyatt serving tea

Judie, Leslie, Holly, and Janet

Mindy, Jill and Kay

Nazlin and Gigi - whom I first met at the British Bazaar

Amanda, Lynne, Kay. Lisa, and Barbara

As I hope you have seen, we had an absolute ball. A huge thank you goes to the lovely Lynne for her photograpy.

JASNA Greater Houston at the Sugar Land British Bazaar

JASNA Greater Houston was extremely honored to be a part of this wonderful event. Not only did the Bazaar allow us to walk around Texas’ own Great Britain, but it also benefited a great cause – Mountbatten House. While at the Bazaar we met many fellow Janeites which we pretty much chatted the afternoon away with. Hope you enjoy the following photos of the event:

If you notice at the bottom left there is a plate of lovely treats. The homemade scones and banana bread were courtesy of Lynne and Charlotte.

Lynne and Charlotte standing guard at our table

 

A closer shot of our table

 

Having a chat with some new recruits

 

We were so popular that even the Queen came to see us!

 

We had such fun at the British Bazaar. It was a lot of work, but more fun than should ever be allowed for a single Saturday afternoon. Hosting a table from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. would not have been possible without the help of some of our lovely members. I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Lynne, Charlotte, Lisa, Mary Ann and Martha…you ladies are wonderful!

December Meeting Announced

Jane Austen Society of North America

 

Please join us for the annual Jane Austen Birthday Celebration of the Greater Houston Region. Enjoy a toast to Jane Austen, afternoon tea with friends, and a lovely presentation on tea.

 

“From the Tea Leaf to the Tea Cup”

Presented by Ms. Archana Pyatt

 

Sunday, December 6^th, 2009 from 3 – 6 p.m.

 

Serenitea Tea Room 

13889 Southwest Freeway

Sugar Land, Texas 77478

Cost: $35

Please RSVP to jasna_greaterhouston@yahoo.com

***If you would like a copy of the flyer to hand out or post in your neighborhood, please email me and I will be happy to send you one

Come see us at the British Bazaar this weekend!

I am so thrilled to announce that JASNA Greater Houston will be participating in the Sugar Land British Bazaar, organized by the lovely Daughters of the British Empire.  The details for the event are as follows:

The Sugar Land Bazaar

Saturday, November 7th 2009

10:00 AM till 4:00 PM

Fluor Corporation

1 Fluor Daniel Drive, Sugar Land, 77478

$2 for adults, children under 12 are free

Bazaar proceeds go to Mountbatten House Retirement Home Rosenberg Richmond Helping Hands, Inc.

Canned donations for the Rosenberg Richmond Helping Hands, Inc. will be accepted at the bazaar.

You can see their web site here: http://http://www.dbetexas.org/houbaz.html

 

This bazzar will feature several diversions that are, well, Britsh. It should be wonderful! Diversions include a pub like atmosphere, antique shopping, a tea room and Christmas cakes. Not to mention a British car show! Also, a raffle, an auction, The Pet Boutique, Book Stall, White Elephant Stall, British goods and more.

If you are like me and have been waiting all year for that opportunity to jump on a plane to England, and it just doesn’t seem to be happening…meet me at the Bazaar where we can experience Britain in an entirely new way. I will be there along with several other Janeites. So come on out and see us at our table, and we might just give you a scone for visiting us…

 

 

 

“Jane Austen and the Blush”

On Saturday, October 24th, we had the pleasure of welcoming Professor Mary Ann O’Farrell of Texas A & M University, to Houston. She came and spoke to the group on “Jane Austen and the Blush”. But before we began this fascinating topic, 17 Janeites trickled in and enjoyed a light brunch provided by several of our members. A huge thanks to Lynne for her wonderful tea service and chocolate biscuits , Nancy for those lovely cucumber sandwiches, to Martha for a delightful fruit salad,  and to Barbara for providing us with plates, cups, napkins and utensils.

We officially began at 11 and ate and chatted until about 11:45. At 11:45 Professor O’Farrell began her talk in a discussion format. It was wonderful to be able to freely ask questions in the middle of her talk. She had such a wonderful insight to so many things I had never quite given a second thought to. She began by explaining that she had begun to think about this years ago while reading Austen. She noticed that Jane Austen always seemed particularily interested in the colourings of her characters faces. This peeked her interest : “Why is Jane Austen so interested in this”. Thus began her search into the idea of  ”Jane Austen and the Blush”. 

Her talk focused in on the idea that the blush in the 19th century was in many forms a gage on a woman’s morality. For instance, if an offhand or slightly inapproriate comment or joke were made, a “proper young lady” should blush. Whereas a woman who is not quite as proper would find nothing wrong with the comment, and proceed as usual. Within this social standard, she noted that it would seem though that a “proper young lady” should not even understand this innapropriate comment or joke. So, in a way, she shouldn’t blush. A fascinating point, I think. From here she went on to discuss different Jane Austen characters and their blushes, or lack there of. She also discussed the idea of blushing for someone. When Lydia and Wickam arrive at Longbourn, returned home from their scandalous marriage, Elizabeth and Jane blush, but Lydia and Wickham do not. This scene shows the understood awkwardness that Jane and Elizabeth feel about this situation, but also that Lydia and Wickham have no clue, nor would they care, about the crimes they’ve committed.

We had such a delightful time and are greatly looking forward to inviting Professor O’Farrell back next year. Here are some photos, captured by Ms. Lynne for your enjoyment.

Lisa, Charlotte, and Martha (L to R)

 

Having a chat with Professor Mary Ann O'Farrell. Thats me, Amanda, on the right.

 

Barbara, Janet, and Leslie (L to R)

 

Introducing Professor O'Farrell

 On the whole, it was an absolutely delightful way to spend an afternoon. Our next official meeting is on December 12th…will you join us?

Parking and Entrance to Building – October 24, 2009

Hello all! Well, it’ almost time for us to meet again. Since we are meeting at a new location, I wanted to make sure that everyone was clear on where we are meeting, where to park, and how to access the building.

We are meeting at Trinity Lutheran Church – Downtown.

The adress is: 800 Houston Avenue

                            Houston, Texas 77007

If you are coming from the 45 N or 59 N or S, you will exit the Memorial/Houston Avenue exit. Once you exit, the road will split, and you will want to just stay to the left. Once you get to the light, you will see the church up ahead (orange brick and really tall steeple). The best thing to do is to go up to Washington (the next light) and take a right. Then at the first side street (which I believe is Reisner) take another right. It will look like you’re driving into the police station, but there is an entrance to the church right there on the right hand side.

Once you are in the parking lot,turn right,and park along that side. The school entrance is right there and there will be someone greeting you at the entrance and guiding you to the actual room we are meeting in.

If you are coming from 45 S, you will exit Quitman and take a right at the stop sign. Then, you will take a left at the first light (Houston Ave.) A few lights down will bring you to Washington and you will take a left and a right on Reisner.

If you are coming from any other direction, please email me and I would be happyto give you directions: jasna_greaterhouston -at -yahoo – dot – com

 

Time:  11 a.m. 1:30 p.m.

Date: October 24, 2009

I am really looking forward to our meeting and seeing everyone there…see you on Saturday!

JASNA AGM 2009, Philadelphia – Day 4

As you may very well imagine, Day 3’s post is a bit hard to live up to, just as Day 4 was hard to live up to Day 3. However, there was still much to be done. Day 4, I must admit began miserably enough and had little chance to nill of being a happy day for me. This was all due to the fact that after a fabulous ball, we did not make it back to our hotel until about midnight. Then, we had to go to the tech center and print our boarding passes. Then we had to pack our things, which due to purchases ended up adding an extra bag to my luggage! In the end, I finally crawled into bed around 3 a.m. And guess what? I was awake by 6 a.m. because we had a regional coordinators meeting at 8 a.m.! Seriously, I want to find out who’s idea that was just so I can give them a mean stare.

Once the cab arrived, we loaded our bags and off we went. I entered the meeting room just in time for opening remarks. The meeting was in general a business meeting about different things regional coordinators need to know on how to run our regions. But, for me, the best part came when the actual RC’s were given an opportunity to share their ideas. This was very helpful for me because it helped me to gain some perspective.  Another thing that was really neat is that all the RC’s were sharing ideas on what they’ve done to save money, or grow membership, or promote the region. I heard lots of really great ideas, but bonus, I was able to offer some of my own as well! So that was loads of fun. By the end of the meeting, I was really happy that I went. And the day that had begun with hardly a chance of being a good day, was taking a turn for the best.

Next up was the AGM brunch. As Jane and I made our way to the lobby we found our friends Emily and Carol and attached ourselves to their coat tails. Carol was leading the way, and I had no clue where we were going. A couple minutes later, she led us to a table at the very front of the room, very near the center, which was a good enough table. As I sat down, I realised we were seated at a table with my new friend Gracia Fay and I nearly shrieked with excitement. I was so afraid I wouldn’t see her before we left, and now I was sitting with her at brunch and I was able to meet her husband. This day was turning out fantastically. Little did I know the best was yet to come.

During brunch, we had the pleasure of listening to the conferences last plenary speaker. He was Dr. John Mullan. Dr. Mullan is professor of English at University College London. His topic was “Sisterly Chat”. Can I please just emphasize how incredibly fabulous this man was? He is quite possibely the most wonderful speaker I have ever heard (and I’ve heard a lot of great speakers). Not only was the topic fabulous, but he was hysterical…I nearly fell off my chair laughing a few times. The terrible thing about the fact that I am getting old, is that my memory has begun to fail me. I will attempt to remember his chat in detail, but all you Janeites that were there, please dont hold to me eveything I say!

His topic, “Sisterly Chat” was focused in on the most important relationships that regency women had…their sisters. He spent a great deal of time focusing in on the fact that their were several ways sisters communicated including daily banter, private conversations in their bedroom, and knowing glances. He even talked about how there was a theory that Jane Austen was a lesbian, because she shared a bed with her sister Cassandra, and therefore must be a lesbian. For those that dont know, sharing a bed with a sister until your mid twenties (for unmarried women) was very common in those days. This was due basically to room and economy. However, apparently, several years ago a silly collumnist (or author?) wrote an article with this accusation. It made front page news with big, black, bold letters. This of course enfuriated some and convinced others of the fact, thus ensued a series of letters to the editor and other articles engrossing the same topic. Letter and articles written by readers and scholars alike. Dr. Mullan insists this went on for nearly a year, when finally a JASNA member sent in a letter and very graciously disputed the claim by simply stating that she had heard at a JASNA conference that though Jane and Cassandra Austen shared a bedroom, they did not share a bed.  Furthermore, this was proven by the sales list from the estate from several years ago showing the selling of two beds in their bedroom. In short, this ridiculous marathon dispute was started by an over zealous reporter and embraced by a silly public. And it was, rightly so, a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America that disputed the claim and had evidence to back her point up. So, you see, the point is that Jane Austen fans really are the most brilliant around.

The rest of his talk surrounded Austen’s characters and their “sisterly chats”. For example, Lizzie tells Jane about her engagement to Mr. Darcy in a private conversation in their bed chamber. Likewise, Jane reveals the contents of Caroline Bingley’s letter to Lizzie, first with a “knowing glance” in the bed chamber, again a private conversation. But the most interesting bit of this line of thought were the more sinister conversations. In particular, he talked about the conversation between Mary Crawford and her sister regarding which one of the Bertram girls their brother Henry fancied most. To quote Dr. Mullan, “To me, listening in on this conversation is rather like being in Hell and listening in on all the devils having a chat”. I laughed so hard at this line, because it’s so true.  Honestly, I very nearly snorted (oh the horror!)

At the end of brunch, the two next AGM committees put on lovely presentations to advertise their future AGM. Ft. Worth did an amazing skit. They had cowboys come in with a guitar and they sang <em>Home on the Range</em> but with lyrics that applied to the novel <em>Sense and Sensibility</em>. Some of my favorite lyrics that I can actually remember were, “Norland is entailed away…Colonel Brandon goes away…Willoughby rides off with Miss Gray” (I think?). It was funny and lovely and a great way to represent Texas. I am really hoping it encourages everyone to come down and see us in Texas in 2011.

Along with Dr. Mullan and brunch came the official close of the AGM. My friends Carol and Emily won the coveted quiz awards and wach received an Ausnte goodie basket. And then, deay Emily won the table game (one of those “who’s birthday is closest to…” type games) but, since she had already won an entire basket, she very graciously offered me the table prize. So, I “won” a beautiful little copy of Northanger Abbey. Thanks again Emily…I find myself falling for Mr.Tilney all over again! Afterwards everyone departed. As I still had three hours to pass before the shuttle picked me up for the airport, so I wandered the hotel and ended staring straight up at the hotel restaurants menu. I wasn’t even hungry, but one quick glance reminded me that I had not yet in all my time in Philadelphia, tried a Philadelphia Cheese Steak. So, I walked in and to my surprise they were showing football (yay for football!) and there were several JASNA folks in their eating and watching football (yay for Janeites who like football!). And so, even though the conference was over, I still made new friends.

Six hours later my plane touched down in Houston and my JASNA adventures were over…at least until next year…see ya’ll in Portland!

JASNA AGM 2009, Philadelphia – Day 3

Can I just say that I am loving this blog series? It has been such a joy for me to relive the experience of the AGM. That is why I am now so excited to tell you about the best day of all (in my humble opinion, that is).

Day 3 was Saturday, October 10th and it began just as the two before it had begun. Jane and I breakfasted, we went to the Regency Emporium and then we headed to our breakout sessions. My favorite session of the day was “Uneasy Being Green: Sibling Envy in Austen”. In this session we discussed and contrasted the relationships between Henry and Frederick Tilney. Also Elizabeth, Mary, and Anne Elliot and several other relationships including marginal siblings like the Ward sisters. But, my mind was finding it difficult to focus as it was completely centered on the Regency Ball, which was not to take place until later that evening.

Oh, to quote dear Lydia Bennet, “How drolll!” Can you tell I’m not interested in talking about anyting except the Regency Ball?! So, without further adieu, we will now discuss anything and everything involving the ball. As I’ve already painstakingly describled, Saturday went on pretty much as normal as it could with dance patterns floating through my head. Around 4:00, Jane and I ditched the JASNA business meeting (Shocking, I know! But really, a girl needs a proper amount of time to dress for a ball!) and headed back to the Alexander Inn. Upstairs, on the seventh floor, in our corner suite with a view of downtown Philadelphia that was absolutely to die for, Jane and I did our best. In a short hour, we went from hip, 21st century, modern women in pant suits and knee length skirts, to something very like classy, 19th century, regency ladies. This being my first AGM, I was not prepared with a period ball gown. I did however wear a shirt that had a sort of empire waist line and a long, black, flowie skirt, and a pair of silver slippers that I think did the job just fine. Earlier (at the Emporium of course!) I purchased a beautiful pearl necklace with a cameo on it and matching earings to boot. I added my own pearl bracelets which I brought from home, a couple of rings and my newly purchased Jane Austen reticule.

For me, the most exciting part of dressing came when I placed my peacock head dress on. You may or may not know that Brits are very much into feathers…on their heads. They were in Emma Woodhouse’s England, just as they are in Emma Thompson’s. So, when I saw the feathers at the Austentations table, I knew it was exactly what I needed to give my outfit the “Regency Look”. But, I was crazy nervous. I am positively certain I was driving poor Jane mad with my, “Are you sure it’s ok?” or “Seriously, are these feathers sticking too straight up” and my “I think I’m just going to take it off”. Like a true friend, she responded each time with “Amanda, it looks great!” All that was left to do was a little re-touch on the make up and we were out the door. Honestly, I have never been ready to leave the house to go ANYWHERE in under an hour. But I was so excited and focused on getting there, I realised that it is possible to get out of the house within reasonable time! (shh…don’t tell my relatives)

The cab ride back the the Sheraton Society Hall was understandibly longer than any ride I can remember taking in Houston. I was so ready to be there! We arrived exactly at 5:30, just in time for the pre-banquet reception. We walked in, grabbed a seat and drinks, and waited for the time warp to begin.

Within minutes throngs of people began to poor in dressed in beautiful gowns and even more shocking to me, it seemed that every man in attendance was in period dress. Here are a few photos for you to enjoy:

What a jolly group! A lovely couple from Nashville

 

A red coat? Oh my!

 

And one of me rocking the peacock feathers

 

A lovely, lovely lady I am so glad to have met

 

Aren’t all the dresses just lovely? Believe it or not, the ball was not the only thing on the agenda for that evening. The next item on the program was the banquet. And so as the lights began flickering and the bells began to ring, we all filed into the grand ballroom. Jane and I were fortunate to be invited to sit with our sisters from the Dallas Region. We sat and ate, and laughed and shared ideas. It was lovely. If that were all the night had to offer, it would have been enough. Fortunately though, there was plenty more fun to be had!

Next up was a real life promenade. For those of you that are new to all things regency, to promenade means to “to walk about in or on”. In short, anyone who wanted to could join in a leisurely stroll around the outside of the hotel. The object is to “promedade” your beautiful regency wear. So, or course, I was the first from our table to jump in on that! It was lovely. The temperature must have been in the low 60’s and very windy because my long sleeved shirt was not thick enough and my peacock feathers were very nearly blown off my head! Do not be alarmed, however, my feathers were saved by a quick thinking Janeite. You are probably wondering what we looked like…well, I only have one picture of the promenade on account of the fact that it was so dark outside. Here it is:

Promenade!

 

The promenade consisted of a four block jaunt around the Sheraton Society Hill. Oh, how I wish you all would have been there! I believe I even fancied myself actually in 19th century England. Not only were we all walking about in costume, (and a few were even practicing their british accents!), but there were horse drawn carriages all over downtown and little light to be seen. We were like a photo taken straight from a Dickens novel…nay, an Austen novel. When the promenade came to a close we all filed into the hotel lobby and stood around and talked, and talked, and talked some more. We never seemed to tire of one anothers company, which does not surprise me in the least. Here are a few post promenade photos:

A Regency Family Affair...how cute is that baby?!

 

Alright Janeites: One guess as to which character is portrayed in the photograph. Please place your guess in the comments section

 

Some of the new, wonderful friends we met, Carol and Emily

Meet Karen, another new and wonderful friend

Before we knew it, the big moment had arrived…the Ball was beginning. I walked into the ball room just in time to see a demonstration by “professional dancers”. As the ball began, I was pleasnantly surprised to find that the caller was a very good caller (she was patient with both my left feet!) and also that the dances called were relatively simple. For the first time in ever, I was an “experienced dancer” at the English Country Dancing and I was helping the newcomers. Can you imagine?! Talk about the blind leading the blind…never the less, it was lovely. I danced nearly every dance the first half of the ball. And during the break, I sat at my table and talked to my new friend from England, then I danced most of the dances during the second half of the ball. It’s incredibly difficult to describe the ball because there are no words. I could not have wished for a better evening.

As the ball began, I was scared to death that my two left feet would reveal my relation to Mr. Collins. But, as time went on, I realised I could hold my own and actually walk others through the dances…and I was even hauling people onto the dance floor…just call me Lydia! Later in the evening, I was asked to dance by one of the professional dancers and about one minute in this dancer said they could tell I was a “dancer”. Ahh…does it sound too self absorbed to say that this comment felt really good? I felt like Fanny Price, whom was always considered to be sickly and never capable of dancing I was Fanny on the night she danced at her party and everyone noticed that she really was quite lovely. The night was absolutely fabulous…I flitted, I flirted, and I flaunted my dance moves…unabashedly no less! To quote dear Jane: Just in case you were wondering…here are some photos of the dancing…but none of me as I am the one taking the photos:

 

Right hand star...

Two hand turn...

And bow to your partner...

Applauding the dance...

The Ball itself last all of three hours and I loved every bit of it. I had never been present at a dance where at the end of the night, the dance floor is still full and the dancers are begging for more. Now, I can say that no longer. Jane and I reunited and quickly said our goodbyes. It was now near midnight and we still had to get back to our hotel, pack ( ewww…) and be up by 6 a.m. in the morning. Under normal circumstances I would be quite gloomy at the thought of the dreadful morning ahead of me. I, however was still glowing from the most wonderful night I can ever remember having.

Today, I will make no promises (as I have learned my lesson!) and will only say that I hope to post “Day 4″ tomorrow…pray that my computer cooperates, though I have begun to detest anything electronic. My computer issues are also the reason to blame for the fact that some of these photos are not centered and larger than the rest.  As my friend and fellow Janeite Emily told me: “Afar cry from the joy of a computer free Regency period”….Yes, yes, a far cry indeed.

JASNA AGM 2009, Philadelphia – Day 2

Day 1 at the AGM was magical. Mostly because I had never been to anything like it before. Meeting Janeites (in person, instead of online or through post) was the most fun I’ve had in several years. I felt as if I were finally able to be myself. I could quote Jane at will if I wanted to and instead of getting a puzzled look from the person I’m talking too, they could probably quote the next line. Whatever the pleasantries that day 1 brought, day 2 had all sorts of surpises in store for me.

On Friday, October 9 (day 2) we did not officially have to be at the conference until 10:00. We chose to arrive early and take a quick looksy through the Regency Emporium. The Emporium section on the conference program simply stated a few lines about the Emporium.  But when we walked in my senses were flooded by the most glorious things I could imagine. There were tables of merchandise and representatives from Barnes and Noble, Jane Austen Books, Juvenlia Press, Hazel Hold: My Dear Charlotte, Austentation, East Indies Tea Company, The Paper Paintbrush, W. Britain, Chawton House Library and Jane Austen’s Regency World Magazine.  In addition, several Regency groups were selling their own Jane Austen merchandise. I WAS IN HEAVEN. I walked around the room several times before I dove right in. If I remember correctly, I believe my first purchases were from the Austentation table and I think it was my green reticule bag and peacock headress. But they would not be the last of my purchases. By the of the weekend (because yes, I went back to the Emporium EVERY DAY, several times a day, in fact) I had spent all my money! Lets see if I can remember all the things I bought. I bought a pealr cameo necklace along with amber earings. I bought an <em>Emma </em>Christmas ornament. I bought patterns and bonnet making kits. I bought tins with chocolate and violet flavored mints. The tins were neat because they had regency designs on them. I bought Jane Austen key chains, and stationary, and mirrors, and magnets, and t-shirts and bookmarks, and frames with quotes and frames with cross stitch scenes. I bought several bags of tea and a tea towel and a subscription to Jane Austen’s Regency World Magazine. I bought so much stuff that if the conference had not given me that snazzy canvas tote bag I mentioned yesterday, I would not have been able to fit it all on the plane! Needless to say, thank God JASNA had a packed program because I probably would have bought the whole Emporium if I hadn’t had anywhere to go!

Here is a picture of an almost puchase (then I saw the $175 price tag!):

In case you are wondering...yes, this is me in a BONNET!

 

Fortunately, 10:00 a.m. came soon enough. This presentation was given by Mim Enck and it was on tea. She called in “It’s all in the leaves”. This was a fun presentation because in short, it was about “how to make the perfect tea cup”. Mim covered everything from the main “tea plant” and what the tea/water ratio should be, to how long to boil your water. For example: Did you know that you can over boil water? That was news to me. Apparently, you should take water off the heat as soon as the bubbles get as big as fish eyes. (when she first said this, I was certain she was joking…she was not) And she recommends the best method to practice this is to purchase a clear, glass kettle. (Since I returned home, I have been boiling my tea water in a pot and staring at it…my mother chose not to respond when I asked her if she thought the bubbles were as big as fish eyes, lol) I also found out that apparently I am not a tea purist because I take my tea with sugar and sometimes cream. I’m okay with that though. According to Mim, I’ll come around eventually. (haha)

After that we broke out for lunch and Jane and I took that opportunity to run off and check out Franklins Court which is the site of Ben Franklins home and currently keeps a sort of skeleton of the home on site. Here is a picture:

This building is four stories high!

And this is a picture of the gruonds at Franklin Court:

How Beautiful

At 1:30 was the official opening of the AGM and announcements. And then we headed off to our breakout sessions. The two I selected were “An affection for her sister that is very pleasing” and ” Exactly what a brother should be”. I will only give details on the latter because I dont want this post to drag on, and on, and on….So, Susan Allen Ford spoke on “Exactly what a brother should be” and she contrasted good Austen brothers and bad ones. For example, Mr. John Dashwood clearly get’s the scumbag brother of the year award (as far as I’m concerned anyhow). Whereas, I think that Mr. Darcy should be the brother of the year.(Ms. Ford says she thinks Henry Tilney should be brother of the year, which I can agree with too) Ms. Ford however, pointed out that she doesn’t think Darcy as good a brother as we all make him out to be. He did after all allow her to run off with a woman he admits he barely knew, and subsequently almost let her fall victim to Wickham.. I choose to believe that Pride and Prejudice is as much about Darcy maturing as a man (a man in love and a brother) as it is a comedy of manners.  To me he is still exemplary as a brother. Ms. Ford did have some remarkable insight into Edmund Bertram that I have actually thought about in the past and agree with whole heartedly. Edmund Bertram deserves the worst brother award. Firstly, he seems not to have any sort of relationship with his sisters Maria and Julia. Secondly, he does have a “brotherly” relationship with Fanny and this is seen in the way he worries for her health and defends her against his Aunt Norris, and truely seems to love her. This “brotherly” protection however goes out the window the moment Mary Crawford arrives. Suddenly, Fanny’s health is not as important as Miss Crawford learning to ride (that silly scoundrel took Fanny’s mare and let that crazy Mary Crawford ride it instead). Edmund is also, I believe (and so does Ms. Ford), directly responsible for Maria’s poor choices in respect to Henry Crawford. Edmund, so as not to ruin his chances with Mary, not only turns a blind eye to the advancing relationship between Maria and Henry, but encourages Fanny to abandon all feeling and reason and marry Henry, because “it is a good match” and “she could certainly do worse”. The highlight of the breakout session came during the question and answer session, when a lady raised her hand and said she was organizing a group called S.E.U.T.H. (Slap Edmund Upside The Head, LOL). Nearly everyone in the group wanted membership!

Later in the evening we went to the “Meet and Greet the First Timers Reception” which of course made all of us wearing baby blue ribbons the guests of honor. I admit that I intended to meet lots and lots of seasoned AGM attendees. But I suppose they were all talking to eachother because I mostly met more first timers and they were lovely! I met Karen (from San Antonio) and her mom, and I met Sonya from California, and Claudine from Missouri, and Rae from Colorado, not to mention the tens of others we met. This group was just our table alone. That night, Jane and I, along with Karen and her mom, and Claudine and Rae (who are sisters) went out to dinner at a local Philadelphia Afghan restaurant. I had just met all these people and had never, ever in my life eaten Afghan food, but I had a wonderful time! In the space of two hours at a cash bar reception I had met four new friends that I know I will know and love for many years to come. And that in a nutshell is the magic of Jane Austen. She brings kindred spirits together and though I know I have already said this before, I feel so blessed to have been at this AGM.

Come back tomorrow for Day 3: Cause you know there is a Regency Ball to talk about!!!

JASNA AGM 2009, Philadelphia – Day 1

I hardly know where to begin. For those of you who do not know, JASNA meets every year and we hold an Annual General Meeting in a different city in either the United States or Canada. This year the chosen venue was the Sheraton Society Hill in Philadelphia. I could not have chosen a better AGM to attend as a first timer. Local JASNA member, Jane Almquist and I made up the Houston delegation to this years conference. We landed in Philadelphia on Wednesday, October 7th and did some sight seeing. But the real fun did not begin until that evening.

Jane and I, being the brilliant little Janeites that we are, chose to check in with the conference on Wednesday evening. Oh what a joy it was to walk through those doors and see tens and tens of Janeites already arrived to register as well! This years theme was “Jane Austen’s Brothers and Sisters in the City of Brotherly Love”. And what a fabulous theme it was. For one: there is a plethra of information to discuss in regards to siblings in Austen’s novels. And for two: from the moment we walked into that hotel to the moment we left five days later, we kept hearing things like “Welcome brothers and sisters” or “We are here, brothers and sisters”, and I realised that Jane Austen fans are such a unique community that we really are like a family. So, this theme was quite fitting.

Jane and I registered and were handed our beautiful canvas tote bags with goodies and a conference coffee/tea cup to boot..it was fabulous! It’s the little things in life (like goodie bags) that bring me the most pleasure. We ran to the couch and quickly began looking through our bags and suddenly I begin hearing, what I now consider as music to my ears, Jane Austen quotes everywhere. People were chatting away about their favorite novels, or their favorite quotes, or their favorite leading or marginal siblings in Jane Austen. And I thought that if there was a picture of heaven, that this must be quite close. I cannot remember the last time I mentioned Jane Austen to someone who is not a member of JASNA, and they did not respond by saying, “Who is Jane Austen?”. To be in the presence of so many who understand and know the genius of Jane Austen and her writings is the most invigorating thing.

Having checked in and received our welcome things, Jane and I headed out for dinner and then back to the hotel for a good nights rest. The next morning was Day 1. We brilliantly decided to take the opportunity to sleep in as the first official conference event did not begin until 12:30. And so it was that at 12:30 we walked into the Writing Demonstration by members of the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting (IAMPETH). Or in lamens terms, we went and watched some very talented people write in fancy (Jane Austen- like) handwriting. The lady that was demonstrating the art of writing brilliantly with a quill tip pen even wrote my name on a bookmark and gave it to me to keep. I, of course, was thrilled. One more little thing to make my day.

Next up at 3:30 was a fascinating talk given by Linda Slothouber called “Elegance and Simplicity: Wedgewood on Jane’s Table and in Her novels”. If you dont know, china was in 19th century what HDTV’s, smart phones, and iPods are to us. The quality of the china in a home was in short one of the best ways to determine the families wealth and position. Linda explained that in Jane Austen’s England, the best china you could have was porcelain. But, that only the wealthy and gentry families could afford this. And if you were not in one of those categories and were too poor to afford porcelain, you basically ate on wooden plates and with wooden utensils. There was no middle ground. That is until Josiah Wedgwood turned up and began a whole new line of china. He began making beautiful and affordable pottery for all of Britain to eat on, rich and poor alike. It wasn’t long before his brand of tableware was preferred even among the gentry because of it’s beautiful patterns and durability. In fact, Queen Charlotte even asked him to design her table ware, and that is how his <em>Creme Ware </em>line became known as <em>Queens Ware</em>. Linda showed several excerpts from letters proving that Jane herself used this pottery on her table. The talk was fascinating and Linda even brought some samples to show us all.

Next up was a welcome reception in the hotel lobby. There were still quite a few people who had not arrived, so it was quite small, but lovely all the same. I met so many people who were just as eager as I was to meet people who shared our love for all things Regency. This was a short day which Jane and I concluded with a dinner at the lovely City Tavern. We turned in early and prepared for a jam packed day, and the official opening of the AGM was slated for the next day.

I will close my Day 1 post by saying simply this: It would have been worth the trip if only for the events of Day 1. But this conference hadn’t even officially started and the best was yet to come. Come back and read all abou Day2 tomorrow!