Birthday Ball

I shall not be able to attend this evening's festivities, but wish to convey to Miss Austen my deepest thanks and appreciation for the joy she has given me and to wish her my heartiest congragulations on her 221st birthday. I also wish to recognize our h osts, Amy and Terry and thank them for enriching my life with so many dear, dear friends. A toast: To Jane and her coterie. Cheers!

I too must regrettably be absent from this evening's grand occasion, but I shall stop by at the earliest possible convenience tomorrow morning.My heartfelt thanks to Miss Austen for contributing to my happiness year after year through her wonderful novels , and best wishes to all of my fellow Janeites! I look forward to many happy conversations on this list, as well as the essential austen-l.

Alas, I too must beg to be excused. Please dance a vigorous reel for me!

Henry, I see you have anticipated me. But maybe, I'll just go ahead and make some Dusky Mint balloons anyway. For her, you know.

Woo-hoo, Jane. I guess this means that you don't get carded anymore...

Hi Kali, did you have any trouble getting into the topic? It wasn't working for a couple hours.

Hi, Amy...no...I got in quite easily, thanks! ;)

Hi, Amy...no...I got in quite easily, thanks! ;)

Happy Birthday, Miss Austen. I wish for you more dancers than the room can conveniently hold, which (as we know) is enough to constitute a good ball at any time.

I must take this opportunity to thank Miss Jane Austen for her wonderful novels. I echo Celia's comment above about how much pleasure I have had over the last 34 years from reading her delightful writings over and over etc. Many happy returns of the day to all Jane Austen fans everywhere around the world. What wonderful folks you all are! Capital, capital!

By the way, Amy. Someone opened up the permissions on this topic. I thought it was you. It must have been Terry. See the explanation in Help. Sorry I wasn't aroung sooner.

I did the deed, too.

Can we have some chocolate with the mint? We'll need something to give us the energy for all that rationality.

I want to extend my best wishes to Miss Austen on this her 221st birthday! She's aged very well, and has given me more pleasure through the years than I can ever express. So thank you Jane (if I may presume so far as to address you by your Christian name) and may you enjoy the attention you deserve for another 200 years.

Anyone care to 'dance' Mr B's Maggott? Lady and Gentleman right hand circle 8 paces...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JANE!!! You still sound and read remarkably young for your age!!! Thanks for a lot of great hours I spent thanks to you!!!!!!! Happy Birthday to you Happy Birthday to you Happy Birthday dear Jane Happy Birthday to you!!!! (Btw, don't you all know it is impolite to mention a lady's age?)

"Someone opened up the permissions on this topic. ' Well, when that happened, all of my topics got re-set to new. :-( Out of respect for Miss Austen, though, I will refrain from having a tantrum right here in the ballroom. [sigh]

Happy Birthday, Miss Jane! Please excuse me for a moment, as I believe that Mr. Knightly has reserved this dance with me... :)

Jane, darling, if you are up there, you can see we love you. Thanks for the kind and civil thoughts and ideas you help me remember in this crazy century.

Kaff, when you and he have danced this set, please point him in my direction; I am in need of some encouragement.

Marsha, thank you for starting the song -- I joined in on the last Happy Birthday, did you hear me? (I told my mother we were meeting to celebrate JA's birthday, and the first thing she asked was if we would sing Happy Birthday.)

Joan, I don't think it was the permissions change that reset your topics to new. But I don't know enough about this @#$%% system yet to figure out what did it. But I shall conquer this. Have a happy JA day, anyway. Myretta

I'd be happy to send Mr. Knightley in your direction - as soon as you've finished gliding around the ballroom with Mr. Darcy, that is!

"and the first thing she asked was if we would sing Happy Birthday.) ' But did anyone remember to pay the royalty?

Oh, I forgot, if we are in the ballroom, Dear Jane, (pardon my presumption) would you care to introduce me to Cap. Frederick Wentworth-I believe he is in sad need of attention? (I see Darcy is already being torn to pieces-(I see him bowing to 10 ladies at once), and Mr Knightley is also reserved ) :-)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Miss Jane Austen, with infinite thanks for the hours of pleasure your books have given me. Although it may be impolite (and impolitic)) to mention a lady's age, when she reaches the age of 221, it is said with such a tone of reverence t hat it is no longer deemed impolite. So, dear Jane, may your work give pleasure for the next 221 years.

Kaffeine, may Captain Wentworth and I join your set?

Amy & Kaff -- I suppose you will take up the heroes' dance cards! I shall simply have to dance w/ the Wickham, Willoughby, and Crawford chaps. I understand that they are all quite charming as long as you do not take them too seriously.

Amy, Have we remembered to thank you for the excellent arrangements? I can't remember a happier ball.

Anna, please do - what is a ball without a full dance floor? But - is that Mr. Collins I see asking Lady Catherine to dance?

It would be a great pity to omit Colonel Fitzwilliam from our set. I think a progressive dance is called for... Fair Go for all

Kathleen, I believe Sanderson is unengaged. And you know he longs for a ball, most passionately, but you knew he would.

I feel that it is Mr Collins ascquiescing to Lady Catherine's command

I'll see your Col Fitzwilliam, Anna and raise you three red coated Captains.

we'll dance with all the officers

Have any of you seen Mr. Bennet or is Mrs. B here by herself again? There are too many ladies!

Kathleen - Don't look now, but I believe I heard Mr. Frank Churchill mention that he wanted a dance with you. What will Miss Fairfax think?!

and a clergyman or two? Lady C can keep Mr Collins, but Mr Tilney has a certain charm...

Excuse me ladies. I must see to the duck. Supper shall be after the set after this. Someone please get out the duck tape and find Mary.

Hope I have not arrived too late to extend my birthday wishes to our esteemed authoress on her 221st. Here's three cheers for Jane!!!

Happy B-day Jane! Celebrate good times, come on! It's a celebration to last two hundred and twenty-one years. So bring your good friends and your laughter too. We're gonna all celebrate your party with you!

Yes, too many ladies. Maybe I could get Denny to dance. Aaah-I see John Thorpe coming my way, gotta run

Okay, Kaff...Knightley's MINE, now...so hand him over, unless you want to do the weird Siamese twin version of the English country dance...;) Anybody for some Scottish stuff? Thistle and the Rose? Mairi's Wedding? (sorry, I grew up with this stuff...)

Amy - happy thought indeed; wrap Mary in the duck tape. Our Jane deserves better than Mary. I wonder if Kiri is free tonight?

I see that the wax is dripping from the chandlier from above. Time is running out. I believe it is my turn to dance with Mr. Darcy before the candles go out. Thank you very much. I would be delighted sir.

Amy, I hope there is enough white soup.

Kali, be nice - I'm sure that Knightley would chose a lady, in every respect. smile girls

I am back, after having to listen to description of dogs and carriage horses, but now John Thorpe is occupied in talking to Maria Lucas (and enquiring about Sir William's money), so I have a suggestion-how about some music? What about an aria sung by Lizz y? (We'll have to tie and gag Mary, though)

Yes, mother Anna...;)

Why isn't Colonel Brandon dancing when there are so many handsome young ladies without partners? Do you think I may be so bold as to approach him?

Yes, Marsha, please don't mention your desire for a song too loudly. I see Mary clutching her music pages in the corner over there, waiting for an opening.

I will play but please don't make me sing...

Yes, my dear Myretta, do. The Colonel is often shy.

I will play but please don't make me sing...

Possibly Mrs Frank Churchill would agree to honour us (the Bingley sisters may never have encountered a truly fine performance)

Why Mr Frank Churchill, I would very much enjoy dancing. Are you quite certain that you are not engaged to Mrs. Elton for this dance? No? Well then, let us begin. But why is Miss Fairfax looking daggers at me? Oh, she need glasses does she? Well then, perhaps Mr Perry can advise her. You are very light on your feet, sir; do you ever dance at St James?

Possibly Mrs Frank Churchill would agree to honour us (the Bingley sisters may never have encountered a truly fine performance)

Nice one, Joan. If we planned these things in advance, we could have things like that all ready to go. Music too. Well, it's a beta event. Have you seen a shy hippo around anywhere?

I'm sure Mr. Churchill would be more than willing to accompany her, Anna...perhaps we should tie him to Mary's chair? ;)

I can't remember a happier time than these few short minutes I've spent in all of your company! Is Capt. Wentworth free for a dance?

Someone stop her please! On no it is to late.

Amy -- where is the Mysterious HC? I wanted to ask him to dance the p---- with me!

Someone stop her please! Oh no! It is to late.

Someone stop her please! Oh no! It is too late.

Do you think maybe Mr & Mrs Frank Churchill should sing duets-the report has it, they are very good? As long as it won't bring Miss Bates nearby for too long Is that Mary I hear struggling with the gag in the closet?

truly lady Catherine I only pulled the submit bell once. I did have a great deal of trouble attracting the attention of the server. Good servers are so hard to find these days. Pray tell me how you arrange these matters

"If we planned these things in advance, we could have things like that all ready to go. Music too. ' I was just wishing that I had scanned in some of the soldiers - their

Donna -- calm yourself. It will all be over directly.

"If we planned these things in advance, we could have things like that all ready to go. Music too. ' I was just wishing that I had scanned in some of the soldiers - their

To Jane, on her birthday: http://www.dailywav.com/0896/partyon.wav

Polite English society didn't do polkas in the 1810's, Kathleen! ;)

How lovely the candlelight is, reflected off the soft green walls. And you all look so elegant in your ballgowns. Kitty told me she wanted to wear this one, but I thought I looked nice in it. (Other way, Mr. Collins! Oh dear, I hope he didn't hurt you , Donna, but as you only have eyes for Mr. Darcy, you didn't see him coming. What an excellent birthday party! Jane

any HC will do

Hi, Kaff...

In honor of the occasion I will spare you the blinking, but GRRRRRRRR! The soldiers' red coats would have

In honor of the occasion I will spare you the blinking, but GRRRRRRRR! The soldiers' red coats would have

GRRRRRRRRR! would have been so becoming!

why won't HC dance with me?

Kali -- of course you are right about polkas in 1810 England. But perhaps we could pretend that we are in the P&P0 movie version!

Joan: :)

Hi, Sis! Have you had your spin around the dance floor with Mr. Knightly yet?

Kathleen, you may dance however you like...I'm just being pedantic. I happen to love polkas, myself! Hey, do any of you people actually dance? ;)

I fear the server is becoming tired; it will only give me the latest message claiming it is too busy to remember earlier ones. I shall have to resort to tips...

Kaff, I have a feeling JA might have liked Wayne's World. Once. She probably would not have devoted a BB to it, though.

Oh, you are such a fine dancer, Mr Darcy! How can you contrive to dance so even? There is nothing in the world like a good dance! Mr darcy, you are a dancer without fault... The other way, Mr Collins!!!!

Kaff...We've been at it for the last half-hour...wanna cut in? ;)

Marsha, while you're busy with Mr. Collins, and Kaffeine is dancing with Mr. Knightley, do you thing Mr. Darcy might oblige me with a dance? ;)

]do any of you people actually dance? ;) anywhere, anytime ; ) (but not with Mr Collins)

What kind of dance are you into, Anna?

"it will only give me the latest message claiming it is too busy to remember earlier ones. ' Type the number of the last message that you saw into the redisplay box and it will continue on from there.

Ah, Mr. Knightley, I thought you'd never ask! Amy - What do you suppose Jane would have devoted a BB to?

gracious hostess, may I offer refreshments; we have a well-stocked desert trolley nearby...

Amy & Terry: Thank you so much for inviting me to the Jane Austen Birthday Ball. I do not know when I have had such a virtually good time. I fear that I must bid you all adieu, as I have an early day tomorrow.

Great question, Kaff. Parodies of Fordyces Sermons?

Good night, kathleen...

Joan, I thought you might like to know that between the last set and this, "everything old is new again" on my browser. My! So much can happen when you are so happily engaged!

I'll take you home, Kathleen.

Kali--Yes, I love to dance. Polka is of course a favorite along with the waltz, and good slavic folk dances which make your knees ache just watching them. Mr. Collins trod on my frock and tore it, you know!

"What do you suppose Jane would have devoted a BB to?' Perhaps to a gallery devoted to the portrait painters of the time who managed to capture her characters in their work?

Or perhaps tacky novels? ;)

Joan, I've been doing that; it just won't give me the new ones automatically Kali - anything that doesn't recquire a black belt in judo

Of course, Kali-he is all yours (for this dance anyway).- I will sit this one out. But next I am dancing the reel with Bingley!...Wonder why Mrs Bennet looks daggers at me? Someone is creeping behind me to the piano-it's Mary-STOP HER!!!

Joan, I thought you might like to know that between the last set and this, "everything old is new again" on my browser. My! So much can happen when you are so happily engaged!

Do we have any way of discovering how many people are actually in attendance at this lavish assembly?

Joan: Do you mean the soilder that stood in front of Mr. Darcy as Jane and Lizzie entered the ball with Mr. Bingley. As for Mr. Collins he didn't hurt me I spun him across the room and he landed onright on Lady Catherine's footstool.Where he belongs.

I'm afraid all this dancing has tired me out! In my time zone it is after midnight so I must bid you all Good Night...besides, Col. Brandon is currently on PBS right now so good night. And Happy Birthday!!

Ann...the waltz is my all time FAVORITE...but I do a Viennese-style, not Fred-and-Ginger ballroom style...ah yes, Slavic Dances...did I ever tell you that my parents met at age fourteen in a Croatian folk dance exhibition group? ;)...my mom was the lighte st girl so she was always at the end of the line, and kept getting whipped around...

I'm afraid all this dancing has tired me out! In my time zone it is after midnight so I must bid you all Good Night...besides, Col. Brandon is currently on PBS right now so good night. And Happy Birthday!!

I don't Joan. Are you surprised by that answer? I am getting tired of giving it.

" "everything old is new again"' My pseudonym has also reverted. It almost looks as if some (or all?) of us were removed from the conference, and then re-joined.

I'm afraid all this dancing has tired me out! In my time zone it is after midnight so I must bid you all Good Night...besides, Col. Brandon is currently on PBS right now so good night. And Happy Birthday!!

" "everything old is new again"' My pseudonym has also reverted. It almost looks as if some (or all?) of us were removed from the conference, and then re-joined.

" "everything old is new again"' My pseudonym has also reverted. It almost looks as if some (or all?) of us were removed from the conference, and then re-joined.

I'm afraid all this dancing has tired me out! In my time zone it is after midnight so I must bid you all Good Night...besides, Col. Brandon is currently on PBS right now so good night. And Happy Birthday!!

I'm afraid all this dancing has tired me out! In my time zone it is after midnight so I must bid you all Good Night...besides, Col. Brandon is currently on PBS right now so good night. And Happy Birthday!!

Good night Pamela. D-d-d-d-d-d-dupes aplenty.

Pamela/Lauren...every time you hit reload, it reposts your last message...;)

I too must call it a night. I have enjoyed myself tremendously, though, and hope that we won't have to wait until Jane's next birthday for another ball! "If he had any compassion for me, he would not have danced half so much!"

Kaff, Mr Darcy is pooped...are you done with Mr. Knightley yet? ;)

I think we may have found the yapp limits here. I'm going to duck out and try to do a quick head count. Don't let the Colonel (any of them)leave 'til I get back.

Someone help! Robert Ferrars is explaining to me about cottages! I must be a bore magnet. Kali, would you dance with him, as a favor, since you finished with Mr Darcy?

Certainly, Marsha...but who will entertain Mr. Knightley whilst I am away? ;)

Maybe Mrs. Martin will repay him for his earlier kindness to her? ;)

Kali, At Grinnell College (my alma mater--mentioned in 1000 Acres by the way) there are two all-campus waltzes every year. The Des Moines orchestra comes and every one dances (or in many cases tries to). I was among the group of die-hard waltzers. The gym was usually very crowded, and far too many people didn't understand ball-room ettiquette--namely stay out of the fast lane. People would just stand around on the edge of the floor. So my fr iends and I became the Kamakazi Waltzers. Our opinion was: if they are going to be stupid enough to stand in our way, we are going to plow right through them. The best way was to show up early befor the gym filled with people, they you could really cut lo se with some wonderful Viennese waltzing. When we showed up before the music started we would dance to our own tune: Why are there so many songs about sperm whales? And what's on the other side. Sperm whales are visions, But merely illusions. Sperm whales have nothing to hide. Some day we'll find it, The Sperm Whale connection, The lovers the dreamers and sperm. (If you ever want to teach children how to waltz, "Why Are There So Many Songs About Rainbows" is in 3-4 time!)

Night Kaff.

I love it, Ann...actually, Ashokan Farewell works well...my brother plays it on the violin...and some good Cajun waltzes and random schottisches...oh, and hambos...another waltz cousin...

And lovely Irish waltzes...Star of the COunty Down is my dad's fave...

Who will entertain Mr Knightley? Why Kali, what a question-I, of course!

I thought you would attempt to usurp Mr. Darcy, Marsha, dear...but thank you for your kindness and good-breeding...;)

I miss dancing! I don't get much of a chance these days. One thing I would love to try to do: apply hip-hop dance steps to big-band swing music and vice versa--they both have about the same rhythms (sp???). It would be really interesting to try, and would be a hoot besides!

Well, Ladies. Colonel Brandon has kindly offered to see me to my carriage (which, by the way, is about to turn into a pumpkin). Please give my regrets to Marianne (snicker, snicker). Thank you, Amy. It has been a charming evening and I am certain that our guest of honor also enjoyed herself. Indeed, she seems quite surrounded by admirers. If I'm not mistaken, I believe HC himself is at her feet. How could we wonder where he was? A demain.

I like swing, too...Eastcoast, westcoast, or country?

Goodnight, Ms. Myretta...

Actually, I have never swung or hip-hopped, but I would love to learn.

Ann, do you tango? My dad is growing frustrated with my inability to learn it...he did manage to teach me the Santa Rita...

Night Myretta, Thanks for the counsel. If I don't talk to you tomorrow, I will see you on Wednesday. Everybody remember to watch Myretta.

How many of us are left. Maybe we should do a roll call?

Is that Mr Hurst I see sprawling on the sofa? I think he had too many refreshments. And, yes, Kali, I would usurp Mr Darcy, but it is extremely hard to extricate him from Caroline's clutches.

Ann, we must get together and dance...have you ever considered attending one of the many dance symposia and week-long camps/conferences devoted to folk dancing? My father teaches Greek dance on that "circuit"...

Be sure to keep him upright, Marsha...wouldn't want him to pull a Jimi Hendrix...;)

Night, Myretta! Have a nice time :-) A hint: Marianne has a very jealous disposition! Better be extra careful!

I love the tango!! I don't see how you could have a problem with it! ;-). 1-2-1-2-3, 1-2-1-2-3. I haven't attended any camps, but I did some folk dancing in college. The group knew more Israeli dances than anything else (I know an Israeli rain dance, if you are ever in a drought). We had someone come to campus who had just been in Hungary learning t heir dances--they were the most painful dances I've ever seen!

I have trouble with some of the more advanced moves...it's just not my dance...;)

Painfull to look at or to do?

Do any Greek dance, Ann...?

We seem to be slowing down here. Perhaps we could safely move into the drawing room?

I am going to take off, too, ladies. Night all, night dear Jane. Til next year, pal,

Hungarian dances...with all that spinning and stuff? Yeah...I never tried it...

A few Greek dances, but like I said mostly Israeli.

'Night, Amy...I'll be off soon, too...

I took dance classes, but, must announce with regret, was not a huge success. Oh well. At least I was not quite so bad as Mr Collins

hip-hop to add variety to our ball; happy thought indeed. I can see Tilney and Bingley but I fear not Darcy nor Knightley

Lots of grapevines for you then...I've never really liked Israeli folk dances...my friend Lisa is in Rabbinical school in Israel, and she's learning to dance some Israeli dances...she says the teachers are better over there...

Hip-Hop is definitely not Darcy/Knightley stuff...which is fine with me...;)

I think I must leave quite soon: Captain Wentworth kindly offered me a ride home and he is getting impatient. But, so far, it's been a blast-I'll stick around for a little bit.

Kali are you going? - good luck then

Ann, any English/Scottish COuntry dance or contras?

Soon, Anna...take care...how was last night? I hear you guys gorged on wine and foccacia, but not Arak Haddad...;)

Lots of deep knee bends. The worst move was: turn to the right dropping the left knee to the ground, come back up immediately and turn to the left dropping the right knee to the ground--repeat until your thighs explode! We had one dance where the theory was that all the women in a village would get together and dance it together over and over and over again--the last one standing was considered the most marriagable (we joked that it was because she could carry the ox bac k in from the fields). I always won!! I had a way of intimidating my worthy adversaries, I could control my breathing, so while they were collapsing, I wasn't even breathing hard. Loads of fun.

No, Mr Wickham, I do NOT want to know the story of your sufferings! Anyway, I see lYdia beconing you. Please be as good as to leave, sir! No, I do not have any fortune nor... wait, there is no need to take off!!!!

You go, Ann! ;)

A little Morris dancing and some scottish--not much though.

Happy birthday Miss Austen. I apologize for using Louisiana time to attend your party. I trust that you will be available for a quadrille, even if it is late. At the vey least I would like to thank you for all the hours of reading enjoyment you have pr ovided so many people.

fine K. I'm saving the Arak for a less civilised occaision; it doesn't seem like Miss Jane Austen's kind of drink

Marsha, let me take him off of your hands...finish dancing with Kinghtley...

My dad used to coach college soccer...half his team, it seemed, was always Jordanian...so we got lost of Arak...;)

I feel a reel would come easily to Wickham

Okay, kids...I must bid you adieu...if Mrs. Knightley asks where her husband is, he's escorting me home...;)

Thanks, Kali, he does dance charmingly :-)

Thanks, Kali, he does dance charmingly :-)

]so we got lost of Arak...;) I get rather lost with Arak too. Maybe it'd do for Charlotte Bronte's birthday?

I better go too. This was a lot of fun. See y'all real soon.

It's a plan, Anna...when is Charlotte Bronte's blessed birthday? ;)

'Night...

Kali - I must plead ignorance (where is HC when we need him?)

'night hope the blisters aren't too bad

Well, I've got to go! It's been a charming evening! Let's go, Captain Wentworth. Thank you for offering me your escort. What? I may call you Frederick? Thank you, it is great to call you by your christian name. O? You want to stop in some nice place on th e way? Of course! (Look out Anne, I do like men who write long letters, for, as my dear Caroline says "a man who can write long letters with ease, cannot write ill") G'night you all! I had a wonderful party! Bye, Jane, see you next year!

Thank God someone is older than I am - even if is "the late" Miss Austen. Thank you, Miss Austen for so many wonderful hours reading your books. Did you ever dream your stories would be on a thing called "television" and would be discussed on things called "computers"? Thanks to you, Amy and Terry, for making it possible for us to be together. I lift my cup of General Mills French Coffee to you!

So sorry that I have arrived so late. Problems. Problems have kept me from attending any sooner. I am grieved indeed, grieved shocked, that I have missed all the fun. As I was trying to cross Cheep-street at Union-passage a wild young man in a odious g ig drove by with vehemence and splattered mud all over my gown. I do hope that the ball was enjoyable to all. Even though I am so late, I still had to come to wish our sweet Jane a wonderful Birthday. May we have many more wonderful events to celebrate our Patroness.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANE!!! Mich

Sorry I missed the festivities... I overslept on my nap And I would have been a much better virtual dancer than in real life! Hope you enjoyed my party decorations...

Yesp, I knoze I'm reeely late, but oive been working and then selabrating sooo mutch that I didn't make it to the ball! Happy Birthday Jane Austen Thank you Terry and Amy for keeping fed our addiction. Oh and Anna I'll have a chocolate profiterol, thanks. Cheers Oh ... Miss Jane ... you still here? Care for a dance?

And since it is the 17th! Happy Birthday Ludwig!

And since it is the 17th! Happy Birthday Ludwig! Could you play the "Fur d'elise" while Miss Jane and I dance?

What - I go away for a mere 10 hours and miss all the fun - then again I started celebrating the festive occasion about 18 hours before most of you (except for my Aussie neighbours). A belated, but very sincere "happy birthday"!

G'day Again! Since no one else has bothered, I've here posted the link to the wonderful Beveridge Midi file at the Hawaiin Contradancers site. Thanks HC so much for finding this useful page. Anyone care to dance the Maggot with me now? http://www.lll.hawaii.edu/contra/dances/beveridge.midi

''And I would have been a much better virtual dancer than in real life!'' H.C., If you had ever learnt, you would have been a true proficient. Happy Birthday to you, Ms. Austen. You are respected, you are esteemed, we are grateful to you, especially so for your kind introductions to the Bingleys, Darcys, Wentworths, Knightleys and Bennetts. I'm sure you understand us, for you are the kindest, most thoughful of authors. Thank you on behalf of all our ''family''.

Happy Birthday Jane! I am sorry to have missed your ball. Even a late reading of your party was fun. Thank you Amy for hosting such entertaining company of people.

Glinda. Don't be so shy in the Drawing Room, Come out sometime. You don't have to say much or be clever or anything. I am not most times but like to come in any mood.

Make haste! Make haste! was I telling myself. Alas, nothing would do. And here I am, late. Oh! Miss Austen, how wonderful to see you're still here. Let me congratulate you on your honorable birthday and allow me to express the pure delight of reading your prose. Unfortunately, I can see that most of your faithfull admirors have already left the festivities. Your know surely that for us, living in this virtual country village, it is but a second from your residence. Therefore, while visiting the notables o the parish, Mr Terry and Mrs Amy and their dearest hard-working time-giving friends, be sure of our constant and eager wish to visit and communicate with you. Your acquaintence is as always cherished. But a short but heartfelt visit, farewell, au revoir and I bid you peace.

Peace.

Shalom. Perhaps on Christmas Day we can all wish Henri Churchyard Esq. a Happy Birthday.

I didn't realise that HC's bday was on Christmas, Henry own up how old?

Give up, Laura...he won't tell...

Oh Henry please tell me how old you are!!! Merry Christmas to you !!

Laura, there's a graphic that expresses my feelings on this subject -- did you never happen to see it? --

Laura, there's a graphic that expresses my feelings on this subject -- did you never happen to see it? --

The graphic is delightful and reminds me of two items. First, obviously, the personnel at our local supermarket, but secondarily, a burning question. The watch fob in the above picture looks perfectly functional, one end must be attached to the clothing and the other end probably has a watch attached. However, in P&P2, the fobs all dangle petulantly from the tops of the men's pants but, nothing remotely large enough appears to be hanging from the end of the fob. So, to what is the unseen end attached nd where is the watch? Did women wear watches?

Here we go again...

Drat! The bane of my education, eternally late. Sorry to dredge up unpleasant memories.

Being late Elaine is not that bad - I'm glad you were able to make it. Well, now I am here a Belated? Happy Birthday to Bernie, our favourite Chemistry Lecturer. I hope you had a lovely holiday, Bernie.

That's right. Boxing Day. Happy Birtthday, Bernie!

Moved from sort of dupe topic, #102: ____ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ austen conference | Main Menu ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Sun, Dec 15, 1996 (14:37) | Ian Davey (geekman) Happy Birthday Jane Austen It is 7:25 am here in Australia on the 16th December so I thought I might as well start the greetings. Have a great party folks - I'm off to work! 25 new of 25 responses total. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 1 of 25: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Sun, Dec 15, 1996 (15:14) * 3 lines Wow, it's Monday for you already! Any other Aussies celebrating? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 2 of 25: Kali Pappas (Kali) * Sun, Dec 15, 1996 (15:39) * 1 lines Go Jane. 221 years. I feel so callow... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 3 of 25: Anna (Anna) * Sun, Dec 15, 1996 (15:50) * 3 lines Somehow I find it difficult to feel really joyful on Monday morning (sorry guys) but I plan champagne for Monday night (how about 5am Mon EST) and possibly a maggot or two... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 4 of 25: Saman Moeed (Saman) * Sun, Dec 15, 1996 (17:53) * 3 lines Terry, It's been Monday here in New Zealand for nearly 12 hours! Unfortunately a combination of wonderfully warm weather and good exam grades meant that this festive occasion escaped my notice so I'm a bit behind on the celebrations! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 5 of 25: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Sun, Dec 15, 1996 (19:29) * 1 lines Well party on, Garth! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 6 of 25: Kali Pappas (Kali) * Sun, Dec 15, 1996 (19:33) * 1 lines Party on, Wayne! ;) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 7 of 25: Amy Bellinger (Amy) * Sun, Dec 15, 1996 (20:18) * 1 lines Want to try for about 10 pm eastern tomorrow night? Maybe we should invite some cousins: Austen-Lers, Firthlisters &c. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 8 of 25: Joan, too (jwinsor) * Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (01:00) * 1 lines Guess you really want to test the capacity of the Spring? [grin] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 9 of 25: Joan, too (jwinsor) * Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (01:00) * 3 lines ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 10 of 25: The Mysterious H.C. (churchh) * Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (07:16) * 2 lines Hate to be pedantic, J.W., but I've never seen that one before... What's the source for it being Jane Austen's silhouette? How does one make a self-silhouette anyway? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 11 of 25: Amy Bellinger (Amy) * Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (08:01) * 1 lines Aw, sources, schmourses. Joan go tell him to jump in the pond. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 12 of 25: The Mysterious H.C. (churchh) * Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (08:29) * 1 lines On this group, I'm not sure whether that's an insult or a compliment ;-) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 13 of 25: Laura McCarthy (LauraM) * Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (11:17) * 1 lines Happy 221st Birthday Miss Austen. We cannot forget that Ludwig Van Beethoven was also born on this day. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 14 of 25: Katy Kendall (kendall) * Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (11:35) * 1 lines Happy Birthday, Jane Austen. Party-on fellow Austenites. See you all later ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 15 of 25: KatherineC (KatherineC) * Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (12:00) * 13 lines Let me be the first to steal shamelessly from another one of Henry's wonderful web pages and say: Jane lies in Winchester -- blessed be her shade! Praise the Lord for making her, and her for all she made! And while the stones of Winchester, or Milsom Street, remain, Glory, love and honour unto Englands's Jane! Happy 200th anniversary of her 21st Birthday !! I've got the brownies ready for the kids and a friend coming by to sip sherry to celebrate. Katherine ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 16 of 25: The Mysterious H.C. (churchh) * Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (12:15) * 1 lines Hey -- you ain't stealing from me, you're stealing from ol' Rudyard ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 17 of 25: Anna-Karin Schander (annakarin) * Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (13:48) * 6 lines Hello everybody Happy birthday Jane ! from Anna-Karin in sweden ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 18 of 25: The Mysterious H.C. (churchh) * Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (17:12) * 1 lines ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 19 of 25: The Mysterious H.C. (churchh) * Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (17:16) * 1 lines ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 20 of 25: Amy Bellinger (Amy) * Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (17:29) * 1 lines Henry, I was just going to sit down and do something with balloons but now maybe I will just decorate the ballroom with your offering. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 21 of 25: Amy Bellinger (Amy) * Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (17:30) * 1 lines ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 22 of 25: Ann (Ann) * Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (17:56) * 8 lines As to the silhouette pictured above, I also have a copy of it in the book The Illustrated Letters of Jane Austen Edited by Penelope Hughes-Hallett (formerly published as My Dear Cassandra: The Letters Of Jane Austen) Publisher-Clarkson Potter, New York ISBN 0-517-88833-5 They give the acknowledgement of the silhouette to: the Jane Austen Memorial Trust ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 23 of 25: Joan Winsor (jwinsor) * Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (20:52) * 5 lines Thanks you Ann :-) On page 153 to be exact. I would not dream of stealing from mon cher Henri's web pages! And how a "self" portrait? Perhaps she cut it out herself? (When our Brownie troup did it somebody traced us and we cut ourselves out.) You may now take the plunge suggested in 102:11. ;-) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 24 of 25: Donna (Donna) * Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:07) * 2 lines Here to Jane Austen HAPPY BIRTHDAY 221 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 102 of 176 [austen]: Party Party Party - It's Jane Austen's 221st Birthday! Response 25 of 25: Rebecca Davey (Becks) * Tue, Dec 17, 1996 (18:20) * 3 lines Sorry I missed the party, friends!! Drank lots of port and toasted my hero last night at my Xmas party!!! Jane, luv ya girl, and you shall live eternally with us! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Use Pseudonym: Enter your response in the area below: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Redisplay starting from response number: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ austen conference | Main Menu