Birthday Ball — Austen Archive

~Amy Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (13:19) seed

It is Jane Austen's 221st birthday today, December 16. Some of us will gather here for the sort of ball Caroline Bingley fancies at about 10 pm eastern to toast our dear Miss Austen. Leave a messa ge earlier or later if you can't join the other celebrants in real time. This will be a good test of the system here.

~Cheryl Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (15:20) #1

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!

~celia Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (16:09) #2

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.

~amy2 Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (16:49) #3

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

~churchh Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (17:19) #4

~churchh Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (17:20) #5

~Amy Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (17:33) #6

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.

~Kali Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:05) #7

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

~Amy Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:09) #8

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

~Kali Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:12) #9

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

~Kali Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:13) #10

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

~mrobens Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:14) #11

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.

~elder Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:16) #12

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!

~mrobens Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:16) #13

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.

~Amy Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:19) #14

I did the deed, too.

~Anna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:19) #15

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

~ldooley Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:20) #16

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.

~Anna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:21) #17

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

~Marsha Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:21) #18

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?)

~jwinsor Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:23) #19

"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]

~Kaffeine Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:23) #20

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

~Amy Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:23) #21

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.

~Amy Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:25) #22

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

~elder Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:26) #23

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.)

~mrobens Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:28) #24

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

~Kaffeine Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:28) #25

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!

~jwinsor Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:28) #26

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

~Marsha Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:28) #27

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 ) :-)

~Inko Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:29) #28

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.

~Anna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:29) #29

Kaffeine, may Captain Wentworth and I join your set?

~elder Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:29) #30

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.

~mrobens Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:30) #31

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

~Kaffeine Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:32) #32

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

~Anna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:32) #33

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

~Amy Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:32) #34

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

~Anna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:34) #35

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

~Amy Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:34) #36

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

~Anna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:34) #37

we'll dance with all the officers

~mrobens Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:35) #38

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

~Kaffeine Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:36) #39

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?!

~Anna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:36) #40

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

~Amy Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:36) #41

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.

~Arnessa Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:38) #42

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!!!

~Ann Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:39) #43

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!

~Marsha Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:42) #44

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

~Kali Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:43) #45

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...)

~Anna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:43) #46

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

~Donna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:44) #47

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.

~mrobens Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:44) #48

Amy, I hope there is enough white soup.

~Anna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:45) #49

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

~Marsha Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:46) #50

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)

~Kali Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:46) #51

Yes, mother Anna...;)

~mrobens Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:50) #52

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?

~Arnessa Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:51) #53

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.

~jwinsor Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:52) #54

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

~Arnessa Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:52) #55

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

~jwinsor Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:52) #56

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

~Anna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:53) #57

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

~elder Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:54) #58

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?

~Anna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:54) #59

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

~Amy Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:55) #60

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?

~Kali Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:55) #61

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

~Lauren Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:56) #62

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?

~Donna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:57) #63

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

~elder Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:57) #64

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

~Donna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:57) #65

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

~Donna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:57) #66

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

~Marsha Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:57) #67

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?

~Anna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:58) #68

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

~jwinsor Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:58) #69

"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

~elder Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:59) #70

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

~jwinsor Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:59) #71

"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

~Kaffeine Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:59) #72

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

~Kali Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:59) #73

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

~jane Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (21:59) #74

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

~Anna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:00) #75

any HC will do

~Kali Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:00) #76

Hi, Kaff...

~jwinsor Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:00) #77

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

~jwinsor Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:00) #78

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

~jwinsor Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:01) #79

GRRRRRRRRR! would have been so becoming!

~Anna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:02) #80

why won't HC dance with me?

~elder Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:02) #81

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!

~Kali Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:02) #82

Joan: :)

~Kaffeine Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:03) #83

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

~Kali Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:03) #84

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? ;)

~Anna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:04) #85

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...

~Amy Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:04) #86

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

~Marsha Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:04) #87

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!!!!

~Kali Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:04) #88

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

~Kali Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:05) #89

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? ;)

~Anna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:06) #90

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

~Kali Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:07) #91

What kind of dance are you into, Anna?

~jwinsor Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:07) #92

"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.

~Kaffeine Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:07) #93

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

~Anna Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:08) #94

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

~elder Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:08) #95

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.

~Amy Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:09) #96

Great question, Kaff. Parodies of Fordyces Sermons?

~Kali Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:09) #97

Good night, kathleen...

~mrobens Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:09) #98

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!

~Amy Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:09) #99

I'll take you home, Kathleen.

~Ann Mon, Dec 16, 1996 (22:10) #100

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!