This person in Hawaii can vouch for that. I am like The Elephant's Child, curiouser and curiouser. The only way I am truly happy is with information overload. I fairly wallow in the stuff and gather strength from it. BTW, we are still in the Keepsakes business, but this is Other Amusements until someone comes to claim one.

No time to cut in more often, alas, but I love this thread, even though so vastly off topic. But Colin would enthusiastically approve, I'm sure. ;-)

Arami, that is why we are doing this. To let him know we are intelligent ladies and able to discuss a wide range of topics intelligently. Yeah!....UmmmHmmm I is mostly for Him that we are doing this, Yes?!

(Arami)Marcia) it is what we love for... Indeed... :-) It's amazing how Freudian that slip was!!! Too funny!

Since there is a scarceness of Keepsake takers, and Hawaii is just same old-same old gorgeous, and in the spirit of another entertainment - just once mind you - I offer this for your perusal: The Smiths had no children and decided to use a proxy father to start their family. On the day the proxy father was to arrive, Mr. Smith kissed his wife and said, "I'm off. The man should be here soon". Half an hour later, just by chance, a door-to-door baby photographer rang the doorbell, hoping to make a sale. "Good morning madam. You don't know me, but I've come to...." "Oh, no need to explain. I've been expecting you," Mrs. Smith cut in. "Really?" the photographer asked. "Well, good! I've made a specialty of babies." "That's what my husband and I had hoped. Please come in and have a seat. Just where do we start?" asked Mrs. Smith, blushing. "Leave everything to me. I usually try two in the bathtub, one on the couch and perhaps a couple on the bed. Sometimes the living room floor is fun too; you can really spread out." "Bathtub, living room floor? No wonder it didn't work for Harry and me." "Well, madam, none of us can guarantee a good one every time. But if we try several different positions and I shoot from six or seven angles, I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results." "I hope we can get this over with quickly," gasped Mrs. Smith. "Madam, in my line of work, a man must take his time. I'd love to be in and out in five minutes, but you'd be disappointed with that, I'm sure." "Don't I know!!" Mrs. Smith exclaimed. The photographer opened his briefcase and pulled out a portfolio of his baby pictures. "This was done on the top of a bus in downtown London." "Oh my God!!" Mrs. Smith exclaimed, tugging at her handkerchief. "And these twins turned out exceptionally well when you consider their mother was so difficult to work with." The photographer handed Mrs.Smith the picture. "She was difficult?" asked Mrs. Smith. "Yes, I'm afraid so I finally had to take her to Hyde Park to get the job done right. People were crowding around four and five deep,pushing to get a good look." "Four and five deep?" asked Mrs. Smith, eyes widened in amazement. "Yes", the photographer said. "And for more than three hours too. The mother was constantly squealing and yelling. I could hardly concentrate. Then darkness approached and I began to rush my shots. Finally, when the squirrels began nibbling on my equipment I just packed it all in." Mrs. Smith leaned forward. "You mean they actually chewed on your, Er, um.., ah.... equipment?" "That's right. Well madam, if you're ready, I'll set up my tripod so that we can get to work." "Tripod??" Mrs. Smith looked extremely worried now. "Oh yes, I have to use a tripod to rest my Canon on. It's much too big for me to hold while I'm getting ready for action. Madam? Madam? Good Lord, she's fainted!!

LOL! Does CF have a Canon? If so it's mine:-)

My husband must think I�m losing my mental sanity because I�m laughing aloud alone here in my room, thanks to your story, Marcia. "What is it?" he shouted from the kitchen (actually he shouted "mitä nyt?", to go back to our linquistic discussion. Hope I got the codes right to make the dots above a!) Anyway, I�d love to go on with the Other Amusements section by telling a funny story, I just don�t know one that could top yours, Marcia. And Allison, I�m afraid you�re facing some SERIOUS rivalry if you want to claim that Canon you�re talking about....!!! Marcia, as an answer to your questions, NO, proper nouns are not capitalized in Finnish, and I�m wondering what makes you think we would? I�m not related to Esa-Pekka S. There are about 1300 people by that surname in the Helsinki territory phone catalogue so in the whole country there must be thousands. But Virtanen is the name that I would put in the place of Smith in your story if I translated it to Finnish.....but not nearly all our surnames end in nen. The next biggest surname here is Laine (1200 in H. territory!).

(Allison)Does CF have a Canon? If so it's mine:-) LOL, Allison! I am Sure he has. Did we not note every apparition in those nifty Regency pants (which caused pants amongst the droolers). However, I do believe Livia would be a fierce adversary for said Canon, and she has the Tripod! Elena, Most interesting. Laine I always thought was native to the British Isles. Saying that, My maiden name (Hemming) is English - but got there with the Danes. I think our peripetetic ancestors spread their DNA and surnames far afield from their origins. Surely, Laine is not Fenno-Ugric?! The more I hear of your lovely snowy land the more I should like to visit it. Speaking of others naming our nations (as in Finland), the Kelts got their name because the Romans, pointing at them holding their spears tipped with finely chipped stones as sharp as razors, gestured that they desired to know what they called themselves. The kelts looked back, thinking they wanted to know about the spear points, told them "Kelts". Thus we have no idea what they called themsselves (probably no collective name for so many differing tribes), but we do know what they called their weapons. Same with the Welsh. Not their name, either. Which makes me wonder why Sibelius named his signature work "Finlandia" ?!

In wondering about the capitalization of proper nouns, I am at a loss to know of another language that does not. In English, American, French, German, (all indo-european languages, I know.) I am most curious to know of others who do not capitalize. You spell your name elena rather than Elena or Helena? I suppose it was to make the name stand out from the rest of the text rather than any other reason that we do so.

Even as I write this I am watching "a little touch of Harry in the night"... Henry V (Olivier's) and it still stirs me soul as it did when I was 14 all those years ago. ! Sigh !

BTW, my one claim to family fame which is tenuously attached to CF is that I am a direct lineal descentant of John Heming - Shakeseapre's publisher and fellow actor. (Hemming is spelled many ways, as Shakespeare did his own name in his lifetime.)

Okay, all very interesting but do I get the Canon???

(Marcia) Livia would be a fierce adversary for said Canon Yes, that equipment could REALLY be too hard to obtain. Anyway, being the keeper of his Gun feels quite good too! I sleep with it (ooops, for some reason I keep forgetting that it�s Darcy�s, not Colin�s!). Marcia, I reaIly should use a dictionary more often! This makes me wonder what sort of horrible flaws I�m making continuously! It just takes too long to check out everything before writing it. SO: of course I should have known that nouns and proper nouns are not the same thing. Naturally we do capitalize proper nouns but not nouns. Sorry for that mix-up. I use the name Elena here simply because when I logged in, Helena was already taken! So, I just cruelly dropped off the initial. I definitely use the name with H normally. Surely, Laine is not Fenno-Ugric? Yes it is, it means a small wave, like a big part of our surnames have something to do with water/forest. It�s just one of those words that look the same but have completely different origins and pronunciation in different languages. We pronounce it like "lie-neh". For instance, the word perse is a perfectly Finnish word as well meaning arse over here! About Hemming - I happen to know a Finnish guy with that surname and there are about 40 Hemmings in Helsinki (studied the phone catalogue again!), obviously swedish speaking people. Marcia, were you born in Hawaii?

(Heide) the US presence is already so dominant here. No one needs to know more I�m not so sure about that. I�ve never been to the US and I�m sure that the idea that the rest of the world gets of America through movies and tv is in many ways quite distorted. Hollywood films and tv series rule the market here but they lack realism of course, because reality isn�t entertaining enough! What life and people and their thoughts of things are really like in ordinary homes in ordinary towns in America is unknown to the world. I suspect that there is another America, the real America that nobody makes movies and documentaries about. Or am I completely wrong?! Maybe I should come over and see for myself.

Indeed, Elena, there is a real America. It is not necessarily in the huge cities on the coasts, but rather in small towns. There folks know each other, share concern on a local level, where they can actually change and make better those things which need help. They are the people who run little shops, work in bigger factories or teach school and pay their taxes on time. Without them, this country and the massive government we seem to have spawned would cease to function very well. They vote, and when they do, they have done their homework and know exactly why they are voting for or against something. There are many other things to say, and if no one does, I will give it another go. Very thoughful subject you have brought up.

In honor of SIL coming to Hilo, the Weather Bureau published the following BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED FLASH FLOOD WATCH NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HONOLULU HI 630 AM HST SUN FEB 21 1999 ...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN HONOLULU AT 630 AM HST HAS EXTENDED THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH AND MADE IT EFFECTIVE UNTIL 12PM HST FOR PERSONS IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS... ...WINDWARD BIG ISLAND... EVEN THOUGH THE AREA UNDER THE WATCH HAS EXPERIENCED MOSTLY LIGHT RAINFALL DURING THE PAST FEW HOURS...RUNOFF AND RIVER FLOW CONTINUES HEAVY AND THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR ADDITIONAL RAINFALL DURING THE NEXT FEW HOURS. FOR EXAMPLE THE AUTOMATIC RAIN GAGE AT PAHOA ALARMED AT 545 AM WHEN 0.38 INCHES OF RAIN FELL WITHIN THE PAST 15 MINUTES. THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS THEREFORE CONTINUED. A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR HEAVY RAINFALL AND FLASH FLOODING. PERSONS IN THE WATCH AREA...ESPECIALLY THOSE IN LOW LYING AREAS ALONG STREAMS... RIVERS...AND OTHER DRAINAGES SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE QUICK ACTION IF HEAVY RAINS OR FLOODING OCCURS OR A WARNING IS ISSUED. MOTORISTS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR FLOODING AND SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS FAST FLOWING OR RISING WATER...MANY FLASH FLOOD DEATHS OCCUR WHEN MOTORISTS TRY CROSSING FLOODED ROADWAYS. ESCAPE RISING WATER BY GOING DIRECTLY TO HIGHER GROUND. NEVER TRY TO OUTRUN A FLOOD EITHER ON FOOT OR IN YOUR VEHICLE. DO NOT CAMP NEAR STREAMS OR OTHER AREAS SUBJECT TO FLOODING. STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO...LOCAL TV OR RADIO FOR FURTHER NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE INFORMATION. ROSENDAL NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HONOLULU

Flash flood watch? Are they forecasting an excess of drool once SIL hits your shores?

(Heide)Are they forecasting an excess of drool once SIL hits your shores? LOL That is what is causing it?! They have just extended the flood warnings till 6 pm. There just have to be closet droolers on this side of the Island who have not become known to me yet. I shall take note of who is in the theater and who looks all flushed and bothered as we exit. Taking names...

Aha! I have figured out my weather woes. It is only partially due to excessive drooling over SIL. It is also because I cannot get to London, that the weather men have brought me Three Days of Rain. It is Not the same!

Marcia- going back to your dispare over Hawii getting everything last- i empathize. During the summers i spent trapped on Maui (i get island fever REALLY bad after about 3 weeks) i felt left out because all my friends back in Calif would see all the new movies before me. Of course, Kehei didnt have a theather, and we had to drive around to the other side of the island to even see anything (and i think it was just one or two screens) so the movies they showed frequently didnt even interest me. anyway... when you do go see SiL, i'll be happy to discuss all its particulars with you. i'm thinking of going to see it again soon. i saw it twice the first week it came out in Dec, so i'm ready for a third showing. :) (oops... i wasnt trying to rub it in, really!) :)

SBR, a true Firthian you are! As soon as this incredibly copious (and some other unprintable things) rain lets up, we will be going to see SIL. Will let you know, and I will be very happy to discuss every old and nuance we discover. i saw it twice the first week it came out in Dec, so i'm ready for a third showing. :) (oops... i wasnt trying to rub it in, really!) :) I knew you were just stating the happy fact that you are up on your supporting role of patron of Firth Arts. I do my best, too, suffer...suffer...;^)

Actually, during this next viewing i'm going to attempt to overcome my urge to drool heavily into my little box of overpriced milkduds everytime that Colin comes on the screen and conctentrate on choosing a keepsake. i shall endevor to select something that will compliment my current collection. Is the ear ring the only thing that's been claimed so far? (Lucky, Lucky Renate!) i dont want to get my hopes up over something someone else has claimed.

The Earring is the only object claimed so far from SIL. If it is true that Earls do not wear codpieces, I shall have to hunt for something else for myself. I'd rather set my heart on that. Drooling into Milk Duds is a requirement for all Firthians, is it not?! At least in the public theater. It is the only moisture we will admit to. At home...well, that is another matter. We have gone over those damp subjects many times. Always happy to reminisce, though!

For those of you following the excitement of ark-building and gill-growing going on in Hilo, they have extended the flood warnings till 10:30 tonight, and put up winter storm warnings for the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. That means it is snowing up there again. It is 66F (18.8C) and I am freezing!

Freezing at 66F? You've been in warm climate too long, Marcia. It's a crisp 18F here in the NYC area today (actually, the coldest its been in a long time). You would be frozen solid! Hope by the time you read this the 3 days of rain (LOL) have let up and you've had a chance to see SiL. I saw it again this weekend, this time with my hubby. He loved it, and it's not his kind of movie. Come on over to 115 and tell us what you thought! Re: keepsakes--the earring is nice, but I kind of liked his tights ;-p !

Haven't read all of this carefully (will do later, as I try to catch up) but when I was in Turkey, I was told that Turkish is more related to Finnish as a language and Hungarian (if I recall correctly). Since the Turks came out of central Asia, would that be where the Finnish tribes also originated, Elena? But they went north and west?

I'd be happy if it was 66F today! We just got two inches of snow this morning and some of the roads are closed because it so icy!!

(Karen)Turkish is more related to Finnish as a language and Hungarian (if I recall correctly). Since the Turks came out of central Asia, would that be where the Finnish tribes also originated? Yes, I�ve heard that assumption about Finnish and Turkish too, but as far as I know, it is just a misunderstanding, probably due to a couple of superficial similarities. Hungarian and Finnish on the other hand are clearly related as languages and their origins have been traced to the Ural/ Volga area like the other other FU languages. But tribes then-----even though F. and H. are linquistically related, Finns and Hungarians obviously aren�t related racially. Lucky you didn�t ask me how that is possible! Btw, where do you live, Karen, was it Chicago? You must give us your weather report and some linquistic observations too, please!

The weather is back to drop-dead gorgeous but the mountains are socked in, so I cannot see the snow. We got many inches of rain, and Lake Hilo is now being considered for stocking with trout in our side yard. (Eileen)but I kind of liked his tights ;-p ! Would you like claim them? Hmmmmm...? Bet there are no buttons on them. Shucks ;^) I remember NYC winters very well. I grew up in New Rochelle. My sister still lives on Long Island. This is not a beautiful time of the year there! I will be over at 115 ASAP after we see it. Delighted to hear your husband liked it! Gives me hope for mine. He can always look at GP. BTW, how did you manage to keep from gasping loudly or making other noises we drooler are prone to?! Oh Stacey, where are you that it is snowing when it should be spring?! How unkind. Neat stuff this lingusitics. Had no idea the Finns got around that much.

Just spent a delightful half an hour catching up with all the wonderful and witty postings at this board. I never realised there was so much activity here. Thank you ladies! BTW if we're moving on from Darcy keepsakes, I'd like to declare an interest in his as yet unseen kilt and sporran from MLSF! There's something about a man in a skirt.. :-)

(bethan)There's something about a man in a skirt.. :-) Oh, Indeed there is. Even more if he has a bagpipe and is playing same =)) Welcome, bethan. Sometimes it gets lonely over here, and since I have been given the chief Keeptress post, the least I can do is keep something new on here so the curious will come to read and perhaps post. We now have several Keepsake lists: Darcy's Keepsakes Other's Items associated with Darcy Keepsake list Firth Items from movies other than P&P2 Firth's Real Life Keepsakes I have claimed Paul's little gray T-shirt and shorts from FP as well as the University Notebooks Darcy cradles so lovingly in his arms. Other things associated with Darcy but not belonging to him are Lizzie's long white gloves which he first touched as her partner at the Netherfield Ball, and her Garnet cross necklace (which I know is lovingly kept on a lusciously bountiful endowment of a fellow drooler - I envy her =P) Would you like me to repost all of the lists?

I am beside myself. Tomorrow I am going to see SIL and I am wondering what to wear...in a dark theater at 1:30 in the afternoon (hoping to get the fewest in the audience with which to share him.) I can now imagine what you who are going to be his live audience; those to whom he looks for approval, must be going through. You cannot let our DB down. It would be impossible, I think. I am so excited for you - and for me. This is the first time I shall see him in a public place where I cannot rewind, free e frame, super slo-mo my way to Drool Heaven. Whatever shall I do? See it several times if I can get away with it =)

(Bethan) I'd like to declare an interest in his as yet unseen kilt and sporran from MLSF WHAT!?! Colin in a kilt? *pausing to breath heavily and fan paper in front of my face* God help me I nearly went into carridac arrest when i read that! Is there a picture available? do we know what Clan plaid he's wearing? Can Bethan really claim BOTH the kilt and sporran? Is he wearing full highland dress or just the kilt and sporran? What time period is MLSF set in? Does he have a claymore? Marcia, if he has a claymore I'm laying claim. Ok... i'm calming down. *check pulse rate* Marica- i'm SO excited for you to finally see SiL! :) And New Rochelle- isnt that where Rob and Laura Petri lived? Still breathing heavily, the lusciously bountifully endowed drooler

(Marcia)I can imagine what you who are going to be his live audience; those to whom he looks for approval, must be going through. Can you? I do not know myself what I�m going through!!!! Just received the script from Kjart (Karen, you�re the best!) and started to read it, imagining Colin to speak those words. The reality of soon seeing him on stage hit me. Oh, god.... Which reminds me-----whatever clothing he wears in 3DOR is mine, OK, Marcia?!

(SBR)if he has a claymore I'm laying claim As it is entered here for the world to see, it will be yours if it exists. And, if there is a bagpipe anywhere near him, it is mine, oh LBED that you are. Can't wait to see his cute little knees and his Sporran. I want the sporran. Forget about the bagpipe! You know about sporrans?! How they are worn...!!! It is getting very warm in here and I need to loosen my clothes....BRB (Elena)-whatever clothing he wears in 3DOR is mine, OK, Marcia?! Our DB gets only one set of clothes for the entire play? Ok, but if there is a sweater or something on top of the slacks and shirt, might you share? I imagine there will be very few things to claim. That is another topic you could attach during those slack times at group meals. Fight over keepsakes! ;^)

(Marcia) might you share? Oh, you think I�m too greedy??.....Well, I do feel like that when I picture him there on stage, you know; I�d like to have everything. BUT I�m flexible, I could be almost but not quite satisfied with everything that�s closest to his skin (See what that script is doing to me. I must go now or else I�m going to just******) ......I�m on page 23 now and nobody hasn�t even whipped his sweater off yet.

Elena, do not wait for SIL to get to Suomi, arrange to see it in London. Would that not be possible?! And, in this lifetime!!!

What time period is MLSF set in? Does he have a claymore/(SBR) 1930s. I should think it will be full Highland dress....worn as evening dress... and not casual Braveheart attire. And most probably no claymore! But most definitely a sporran and perhaps a dirk!

Oh no, Elena, You greedy? Not any more than the rest of us. We want the entire package, with him in it, preferably. =) But, being the mediator that I am, I will have to placate those posting on 116 ( where it does not count!!!) who want the sweater and whatever else they can get their hands on (perhaps literally!). We should also discuss whether keepsakes from 3DOR should be limited to those actually attending. I think they should be. Would anyone like to comment?

Thank you, bethan! The Sporran is mine sight unseen. I cannot wait to remove it from him, then to write a pithy little essay on the event! How about the dirk, Elena?

arrange to see it in London Marcia, are you going to see it in a few hours?-------- I mean to go see SIL in London in case my travel (a friend of mine) companion won�t be objecting. I don�t think the movie is exactly what he�d like to see if he could choose. Btw, he doesn�t know exactly what I�m really after in London, seems to think it�s only natural for me to want to go to London and see a play in some fringe and meet net pals from all over the world! I just couldn�t tell him I�m nuts for this actor and that�s what this trip is a l about.

Honey, the sweater doesn't get whipped off until Act 2!! Think I might like to claim whatever he is or isn't wearing when he hops out of bed in said act. ;-)

(Elena) he doesn�t know exactly what I�m really after in London, seems to think it�s only natural for me to want to go to London and see a play in some fringe and meet net pals from all over the world! LOL!! That's pretty much what I've told people. Of course, when they ask what play we're going to see, I get strange looks. You see, it's playing here in Chicago, so why would I go traipsing off to London to see an American play.

Yes, going in a few hours to see SIL...Yeah!!! I wish I were your travelling companion. We could do all the Austen trails we had time for, and all the SILs we could stand + seeing him live. Oooh, it is too exciting to think upon. Is your male friend so oblivious to the actors that he will not recognize the incredible coincidence of everything you want to see has a certain actor taking part? When he meets your Net Friends, you will be unmasked for sure =D

(Karen) I might like to claim whatever he is or isn't wearing when he hops out of bed in said act. ;-) Heavens, this is gonna be a battle!!! Oh, why oh why did I not read the script faster to be able to state my claim more precisely....OK, I�ll have anything he wears closest to his skin in Act 1, you take Act 2!

(Elena) OK, I�ll have anything he wears closest to his skin in Act 1, you take Act 2! Truly gracious of you. It did help that I was the first to have read the play on this board. (hee hee)

Pack smelling salts and a spare supply of oxygen. With the senario I see developing, you're going to need it! I am going to be glued to the BBC on short wave for the entire time you are there just in case I hear of some "lunatic fringe" Droolers getting out of hand. LOL!!! I am soooooooo jealous!!!

When he meets your Net Friends, you will be unmasked for sure =D Yes, poor guy has this fantasy that I�m a highly rational person :-).....that idea will probably change for good.

I feel a case of the vapors coming on... No way, don't want to miss a single nanosecond of Firth in the Flesh!!

Ladies, I have to go now but still one thing: it was great �talking� to you tonight, I really feel we�re sharing this **crazy** thing together! Marcia, I�m looking forward to reading about your SIL experience tomorrow.

Could someone please tell me the running time for SIL. Thank you.

Two hours. Gotta go. Bye.

Thanks Karen (now gone). It is going to be interesting seeing this movie with Ray. Conversation has revolved around the lack of mention of CF in all of the write-ups of SIL. He suggests it may be because CF is not a very good actor. I retort that the movie has gotten 13 Oscar nominations. He looks at me expectantly, and I continue saying that CF was not nominated. He grins. Sheesh. He is jealous!

(Karen) I might like to claim whatever he is or isn't wearing when he hops out of bed in said act. ;-) Hops out of bed? This is just too tantalising! He's asleep in bed and the doorbell rings at midnight, or he's taking a mid-day cat nap, or he's totally impoverished and has gone to bed fully clothed to keep warm....which scenario is nearest?

(Eileen)but I kind of liked his tights ;-p ! Would you like claim them? Hmmmmm...? Oh yes, consider them claimed. He wore several sets in different colors so I'm happy to share. The bright blue ones seem to stick in my memory, so those are mine. Bet there are no buttons on them. Shucks ;^) Wait until you see what they look like on his thighs. You won't be thinking of buttons. I remember NYC winters very well. I grew up in New Rochelle. A fellow Westchester county-an! I grew up a few towns from there. Now I live in Jersey (you've fared MUCH better!). Yeah, winters are not much to speak of around here. BTW, how did you manage to keep from gasping loudly or making other noises we drooler are prone to?! Well...it was the third time I saw it! I steeled myself appropriately but did laugh louder than anyone around me at our DB's funny lines. Looking forward to your comments over at 115. In case nobody's answered you yet, SiL runs about 2 hours.

I am returned from SIL and claim for my Keepsake, the gold and square-cut Sapphire ring he wore on his left index finger. Off to 115 to report.

(Bethan) ....which scenario is nearest? I can't recall the time of day but think it's probably morning...and he wasn't alone in bed...so let your imagination take it from there. Oh yes, it's the third day of rain! Didn't you ask KarenJ for one of her electronic screenplays? It should only take no more than an hour to read. ;-) Will let you know what the actor in Chicago wore in that scene on Monday!

(Karen)and he wasn't alone in bed...so let your imagination take it from there How many women are in this play?!

I want his ruff, over which the loose skin folds were creasing so tantalisingly... I hope it's still available?

It is in your safekeeping. Talk about a real tickler!!! One wouold think they'd itch if they were starched, and if they were not starched they would not hold their forms. A dilemma.

Here is our newest Keepsake List Keepsakes from Shakespeare in Love Lord Wessex' pearl earring, Renate Lord Wessex' blue tights, EileenG Lord Wessex' Sapphire abd Gold index-finger ring, Marcia

to which we add Arami's ruff: Keepsakes from Shakespeare in Love Lord Wessex' pearl earring, Renate Lord Wessex' blue tights, EileenG Lord Wessex' Sapphire abd Gold index-finger ring, MarciaLord W Lord Wessex' ruff, Arami

to which we add Arami's ruff: Keepsakes from Shakespeare in Love Lord Wessex' pearl earring, Renate Lord Wessex' blue tights, EileenG Lord Wessex' Sapphire and Gold index-finger ring, MarciaLord W Lord Wessex' ruff, Arami

corrected and cleaned up. Sorry:: Keepsakes from Shakespeare in Love Lord Wessex' pearl earring, Renate Lord Wessex' blue tights, EileenG Lord Wessex' Sapphire and Gold index-finger ring, Lord Wessex' ruff, Arami

Ok, i think i've narrowed my choice down to Lord Wessex' gold wedding cape. Are we supposed to be writing essays on these items as well?

Can I have Lord Wessex, I am sure that underneath he is really loveable.

Ha! Obstinate woman! ;-p His person is a national treasure and belongs to all... and no one.

Are you talking about Colin Firth or Lord Wessex, I am claiming Lord Wessex but if I can't have Lord Wessex, then I claim his horse which he rides so nobly.

(AnnW) but if I can't have Lord Wessex, then I claim his horse which he rides so nobly. That is one magnificent steed! ;-)

I want his sword, scabbard, and belt. Is that Freudian?

The list as it now stands: Keepsakes from Shakespeare in Love Wessex' Pearl Earring, Renate Wessex' Blue Tights, EileenG Wessex' Sapphire and Gold Index-Finger Ring, Wessex' Ruff, Arami Wessex' Gold Wedding Cape, SBR Wessex' Horse, AnnW Wessex' Sword and Scabbard, KJArt (SBR)Are we supposed to be writing essays on these items as well? They are always welcome. There are many of a few years standing who have said nothing about their keepsakes. It would be nice for your immortality and your keepsake's to have another limerick from you!!! (AnnW)Can I have Lord Wessex, I am sure that underneath he is really loveable. LOL I am sure he is, but not keepable. When we were walking back to the car after seeing SIL, Ray commented about the ending as a natural lead-in to a sequel. Perhaps FanFic can provide a Darcy-like transformation. (KJArt)Is that Freudian? There are all sorts of Freudian things flashing through my overactive mind concerning the horse and sword and their implications. Or my Keepsake ring, for that matter =)

Can I claim his hat for Nan? She's got a thing about hats, you know... I'd hate her to miss this one!

I know this is kinda abstract.... but is there any way I could be keeper of the song that he sings? would I have to give up the gold wedding cape?

(Arami)Can I claim his hat for Nan? She's got a thing about hats, you know... I'd hate her to miss this one! You can and you may. You are very thoughtful, and I know Nan will cherish this flumpfy hat with the tickly feather as much as her other bicorne incroyable. (SBR) is there any way I could be keeper of the song that he sings? would I have to give up the gold wedding cape? There is no limit to the imagination of our gifted Droolers. You may keep the song as it came from his lips (....oh...my!!!....). He sounded happy for the first and probably the last time in SIL singing that little song. Would you like to name it? Or shall it be The Song Wessex Sings?

Keepsakes from Shakespeare in Love Wessex' Pearl Earring, Renate Wessex' Blue Tights, EileenG Wessex' Sapphire and Gold Index-Finger Ring, Marcia Wessex' Ruff, Arami The Song Wessex Sings, SBR Wessex' Horse, AnnW Wessex' Sword and Scabbard, KJart Wessex' Flumpfy Hat with Tickly Feather, Nan

Oooohhh, Thank You Marcia! :) that song makes me giggle everytime i hear him sing it. i think this calls for another trip to the theater, to celebrate my good fortune. At the moment i'm off to the Mall, (promised to meet my sister there- she found out today that the next baby is going to be a boy and we're celebrating) As i try on over priced clothes i cant afford to buy i'll try to decide if i want to give the song a specific name. :) Ta Ta SBR

Well, my dear, I hope you are getting something tiny, black and clingy to wear with Lizzie's Garnet Cross. Oh, and do get a good wrap for it. It might be chilly in as you stroll by The Firth (that is why you're going?!) I have to see that movie a whole lot more times. Too good. And such fun with all of us seeing it almost at the same time. I do wish we could get us all together in one theater for Firth Festival of Drool. It make me all tingly to think of it.

Well, Marcia,I beat you over "The Last Place They Show SiL in!" But it is definitely going to open in Lisbon..."sometime soon"...

(Gi)Well, Marcia,I beat you over "The Last Place They Show SiL in!" Yes, and I am pleasantly surprised. If you do not have to be in suspense for the entire SIL, I would recommend reading the Spoilers postings. It allowed me more precious time to soak up the experience of seeing CF on a very big screen and getting immersed in the story. You will love it. Not entirely for our DB, but for the beauty and charm of the entire work. The casting was superb. Poor Elena in Finland is going to win the "Last Place to Show SIL" I am afraid. Do take it in whilst you are in Lond n!

I find that Elena will be seeing SiL in Finland, so You just may be the last place, Gi. I am happy that you are going to London. Do see it there. And while you are watching, look for a keepsake. I did !

I am giving up the Sapphire index-finger ring and exchanging it for his Codpiece

They now stand as follows: Keepsakes from Shakespeare in Love Wessex' Pearl Earring, Renate Wessex' Blue Tights, EileenG Wessex' Codpiece, Marcia Wessex' Ruff, Arami The Song Wessex Sings, SBR Wessex' Horse, AnnW Wessex' Sword and Scabbard, KJart Wessex' Flumpfy Hat with Tickly Feather, Nan (Viola's breast binder, Ray)

Wonder what I can write that is fit for publication universe-wide about a codpiece. This is going to take a bit of research, perhaps with my nimble fingers and my very sharp little snippers...=) Did anyone notice how many buttons Wessex had on that royal-teal-blue and gold jacket? Jillions! Hmmm...There was a young Lord named Wessex...

Youngish... ;-p

Arami)Youngish... ;-p Too cruel! Besides with a little poetic license... Besides it makes the rhythm better, and we all know that you have to get the rhythm right =P

May I have the Ring then? I like rings.

Marcia, I'm only kidding! From where I stand, he's just a baby...;-p

I adore rings, but when faced with the option of the codpiece...I just could not resist. He wears three rings in SIL. The large sapphire on the index finger of one hand and two plainer gold rings on the middle and smallest finger of the other. I will put you down as Keeptress of the Sapphire unless you inform me otherwise. I know it will inspire you =)

(Arami)From where I stand, he's just a baby...;-p This is a battle I do not wish to win, but I am afraid I have a few years more of existance than you do. I do *Not* enjoy thinking him any younger than he apppears now. My son is only a few years younger than he is, and I think I am older than his mother! I do not like to think about it.=P How about... There once was a man named Wessex....

Stop showing off, Marcia, you're definitely not the oldest of his fans that I've heard about, so there... ;-p Alas, I'm not good at verse...

Codpiece! Marcia i am Very Much looking forward to your poetic essay lauding the attributes of such a *err...* strategically placed member of Wessex' ensemble. :)

Thank you, Arami for making me feel not quite so antique. Actually, it is my Son who gets older. I stopped counting at 32 =P As to whether or not I am good ar verse, when I get it all rhyming and in the proper rhythm (it is necessary!) we shall all find out! Perhaps I should do one of each. SB, an essay would lend it legitimacy, and I could write the verse just to tickle your fancies (and to remind everyone that I do have a sense of humor =P)

(Marcia) and I could write the verse just to tickle your fancies (and to remind everyone that I do have a sense of humor =P) We'd welcome either an essay or some verse, but it's not required to remind us that you have a sense of humor, dear. Anyone who devotes her life to the snipping of buttons must have a sense of humor!! ;-D Tickle away...

OK.... somebody has to explain the button snipping thing for the newbie. :)

Well, my dear, are you sure you are old enough?! I shall send some things I wrote as a newbie via Email. Would not want to bore the truly dedicated ;)

I'll take the saphire ring, if you please, Marcia, at least until I see the film :-) Meanwhile, I'm drooling in anticipation of your poetry/prose :-)

It is in your safe-keeping, Dear! Keepsakes from Shakespeare in Love Wessex' Pearl Earring, Renate Wessex' Blue Tights, EileenG Wessex' Codpiece, Marcia Wessex' Ruff, Arami The Song Wessex Sings, SBR Wessex' Horse, AnnW Wessex' Sword and Scabbard, KJart Wessex' Flumpfy Hat with Tickly Feather, Nan (Viola's breast binder, Ray) Wessex' Sapphire and Gold Ring, Gi

Here is our latest Keepsake list and the newest entry: Elizabeth Bennet's Keepsake list from P&P2 Formal white gloves worn at the Netherfield Ball, Evelyn Garnet Cross on Gold Chain, SBRobinson Undergarments, Ben

LizzaJ has just requested and been given Keepership of Wessex' Goatee. If someone can claim his Curl, then the Goatee is acceptable. Just do not try to claim his Incroyable (with capital letters!)

Gi, if you are out there, and Elena and all others who have a celebration like Mardi Gras the day before lent begins, do you have some national specialty to consume on that day? Over here, thanks to the large part of our population is of Portuguese ancestry, we have Malasadas to eat. Do real people from Portugal still eat them, or are we observing an obsolete custom?