I AM JANE

The assignment was to write about a person in history that I would like to go back in time to meet. I chose Jane Austen because, as a writer myself, and seeing her works come to life through film, I would love to have known her personally. My research was done through the following website: https://janeausten.org/jane-austen-biobraphy.asp

I AM JANE

by Danna Shirley

I love to read. Every book I’ve read, every sentence that has passed across my mind, I find myself rewriting in a better and more descriptive way. Plots stir in my thoughts and cry to be emblazoned on paper. Being a woman born in the eighteenth century does not deter me from the desire of my heart and that is to write.
Father’s love of learning and teaching filled our home with an extensive library. He encouraged me to pursue my creative side and supplied paper and writing tools. Reading spilled into my heart and writing overflowed the banks of my soul. With my brothers and one sister, Cassandra, the eight of us loved acting out existing plays and improvisations. I admit that’s when the heartthrob of writing really took root. I filled notebook after notebook with stories and poems. I realized then I had a novel inside me begging to be born. My early attempts were abandoned until I completed a work entitled Elinor and Marianne, which later became Sense and Sensibility. 

Not yet twenty, I found love circling in my heart for Tom Lefroy, a neighbor’s nephew, but his family planned his life without me and kept us apart. Alas, if I cannot have my own romance, then I shall surely write one for myself. And that’s just what I did. My first draft of Pride and Prejudice was completed in 1799.

Shortly thereafter my father retired and moved us from the only home I’d ever known. I was twenty-seven and considered a spinster, but here in Bath, I became reacquainted with a childhood friend. Mr. Harris Bigg-Wither, considering the practicality of his situation, proposed; and I, considering the sensibility of my situation, agreed to marry him. He was to inherit a sizable amount of real estate and was well off. His one negative, in my estimation, was my total indifference to him and lack of love or even fond affection. I contemplated the convenience of being provided for; however, within one day’s time, I revoked my acceptance. I could not, in good conscience, marry for money, prestige, or security but only for love.

Sadly, love was not knocking on my door and in 1805 we lost father very unexpectedly. My heart for writing had stilled and although my brothers had made good lives for themselves, mother, Cassandra, and I were left constantly moving from place to place renting out a portion of our home for income. My precious brother, Edward, gathered us under his roof and in 1809 we moved into a little cottage near him.

With my life now fully settled into a sense of security and sanctuary, my heart began to stir again bringing words and stories to the forefront. I quickly proceeded to revise previous attempts, one, of which, had been submitted for publication in 1794. Lady Susan was never published and when I approached the publisher to retrieve the copyright, he demanded I return the ten pounds which he had originally paid. Even though I was rejuvenated in my personal life, so to speak, I did not have the funds, and so Lady Susan remained idle sitting on the shelf of the shrewd Mr. Crosby.

Disappointment did not deter me and writings poured forth. My faithful brother, Henry, doubled as my literary agent and approached another London publisher, Thomas Egerton, with the manuscript for Sense and Sensibility. His agreement to publish brought my work to the public with favorable reviews and in 1811 financial success was finally brought back to my family.

Egerton, having joined with my success, published my second work of Pride and Prejudice in 1813. It was an instant success with the public and critics alike. A second printing was ordered within the year.

Mansfield Park quickly followed in 1814. Although it was received with lukewarm reviews by the critics, my faithful followers were supportive and another monetary success was received. With this fresh enthusiasm, I moved from Mr. Egerton’s favor to a more well-known publisher, John Murray, and Emma was published in 1815.

Unfortunately, at this time, the lost affluence of my brothers, Edward, James, and Frank left the family in a precarious financial position. I was determined, now, more than ever, to continue in the pursuit of my writing for its success may hinge on supporting the whole family. Precious Henry purchased the copyright for Lady Susan from Mr. Crosby in hopes of bringing it to final publication and further income.

With my writing ever before me, I had neglected my health and in early 1816 I noticed a decline in my strength and resolve. I was determined, however, to complete my work on The Elliots, which would later become Persuasion. By April of 1817 my energy was greatly exhausted and I was confined to bed. In May I was escorted to Winchester to seek medical treatment and on July 18^th, 1817 I passed on taking my unfinished works with me. I was buried at Winchester Cathedral at age forty-one.

My precious siblings, Henry and Cassandra, took on the task of seeing my final completed works published. Henry also revealed to the world for the first time that I, Jane Austen, was the author of:

 Sense and Sensibility (1811)  

Pride and Prejudice (1813)  

Mansfield Park (1814)  

Emma (1815)  

Northanger Abbey (1818, posthumous)  

Persuasion (1818, posthumous)   

Lady Susan (1871, posthumous) 

The Lost Art of Etiquette

by Danna Shirley

Etiquette used to be taught in the home and was expected to be practiced in public. It was the proper way to behave and respond in any given situation. Sadly, etiquette has gone by the wayside and died there. My heart is saddened by how lax and lethargic we’ve become, not only as a society, but as individuals.  

The Lost Art of Parental Unity

When the parents were the head of the home, the children knew what was expected of them and knew who was in charge…and it wasn’t them. The parents taught lessons of integrity and honesty, morality and trustworthiness. Examples of television families were Father Knows Best and Make Room For Daddy, later it was Happy Days and Home Improvement. Still, the parents were respected and valued as individuals.

When did everything go topsy-turvey and programming made the children in charge and the parents portrayed as childish, ignorant, and oblivious as to what was happening in their own home. Hollywood thought they were making situation comedies but they changed a whole generation’s lifestyle and culture for the worse and for the detriment of the family today.

The Lost Art of Opening the Door

When my daughter was in college in MS, she dated a young man who would open her car door. While visiting CA, she had a date with one of her cousin’s friends. He got into the driver’s seat while she remained outside until he noticed she was waiting for him to come around and open her door. She was accustomed to being treated with respect and I, for one, was very proud that she commanded it. I wonder if that impressed the young man and helped him to change his ways. I read a comment on the web that said, Chivalry is dead. Feminism killed it. No charges were filed. Femininity is also dead. Ironically, feminism also killed it.

The Lost Art of Writing Thank-you Notes

I grew up sending thank you notes for even the smallest gift received. I taught my children to send them and my daughter is doing the same with my granddaughters. I have kept a binder of all their little thank you notes…sweet and precious. It shows respect to the giver and identifies that the gift was received and appreciated. Now, when I give a gift and don’t receive even the thought of recognition, it prompts me to never give another in the future.

The Lost Art of R.S.V.P. and Arriving on Time

As the hostess of a party, I would definitely want to know how many guests to expect in order to have enough refreshments for everyone. I would also be disappointed waiting for late arrivals before serving my guests. On the opposite side of the question, I hate to be late to a function unless I’ve had an emergency; then I would call with my apologies, easily done today with cell phones. Practice the Golden Rule.

The Lost Art of the Dinner Hour

I grew up in a household where the table was set every night with a tablecloth, plates, glasses, napkins, knives, forks, spoons, and everyone came to the table to eat and discuss the day’s events. Eventually everything changed when television was brought into our lives. Now we’ve become accustomed to eating in front of the “idiot box” or with social media at our fingertips. Re-instituting the dinner hour and eating around the table without any electronics would be a plus to bring the family back into unity and harmony.

The Lost Art of Letter Writing

https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/5-reasons-you-should-still-sometimes-write-longhand.html

Where have all the letters gone? No one writes longhand anymore. Even cursive has gone by the wayside and only printing is being taught in school. A hand-written letter has become valuable if only to preserve one’s own handwriting. Scientific research has formed a fascinating picture of exactly how old-fashioned writing can benefit our brains. 

1. You learn faster and read more quickly when you learn to write by hand.

2. You recall more and understand more deeply if you opt for a pen over a laptop.

3. You're more creative and there’s a lot less second-guessing while writing longhand.

4. Your brain will stay sharp and handwriting is a good cognitive exercise for those who are aging.

5. You'll be less distracted; writing can help calm brains made jittery by constant connectivity.

The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret

Gossip is a killer. It can kill reputations, relationships, self-esteem, even someone’s future. Once a person has been betrayed, it is hard to regain and restore that trust again. Being vulnerable to share one’s life is frightening and if you’ve been entrusted with a personal and emotional incident, use great wisdom and integrity in keeping that confidence. It may be your turn the next time. Practice the Golden Rule.

The Lost Art of Courtesy
Rules of kindness, courtesy, and civility always apply in all situations, even on the internet and especially in social media. Be positive. Just because you are behind a screen and seem to be anonymous and invisible does not mean you can be sarcastic and offensive. Practice the Golden Rule.

 

The Lost Art of Good Manners / Respect

http://www.parenting.com/parenting-advice/tips-tricks/10-manners-parents-should-be-teaching-their-kids-arent?page=1

1.   Stand to show respect when someone enters or leaves your home. 

2.   Be aware of others' space. Don’t cut someone off when walking in a crowd or driving in a car.

3.   Show respect to your elders. Experience leads to wisdom and wisdom should be respected.

4.   Acknowledge others entering and exiting your home. Greet them, shake hands or give a hug; don’t ignore anyone because you’re occupied on social media or watching television.

5.   Learn and remember people's names. Use it right away and pronounce it correctly.

6.   Don’t be the center of attention all the time. Give the floor to others.

7.   Politely change the subject in conversation. Learn how to interject a new topic.

8.   Don't point or stare at people. Practice the Golden Rule.

9.   Be considerate and kind to people with disabilities. Put yourself in their shoes.

10. Be a good guest. Fit into your host’s household by accepting what they offer (food, drink, etc.)

The Golden Rule was given by Jesus of Nazareth:

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you . . ." (Mt 7:12) 

Ben Stein's Commentary on America

I can’t find any confirmation that this was written and recited by Ben Stein on CBS Sunday Morning, but it was sent to me as being his commentary. Whoever may have written it has great insight of the condition of America today.

My confession:
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of recent events--terrorist attacks, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school.
      
The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.
     
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell.

Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. 

Funny how you can send ‘jokes’ through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.  

Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar, and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. 
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us. 

Are you laughing yet? 

Don’t sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in, do something in your own little part of it.  

My Best Regards, Honestly and Respectfully, Ben Stein

ARCHAEOLOGY

by Danna Shirley
Writing assignment: choose an "ology"...
Although archeology is the study of the culture of ancient humans, it seems to also be akin to a vintage antique shop. I have considered myself an archeologist when I visit my sister, Paula, in Napa, CA. She is the quintessential archeologist of the family. Beginning at a very early age she took interest in family heirlooms and their history. She began collecting “collections” and for every birthday and Christmas she was given a book on some vintage item . . . clothing, glassware, jewelry, furniture; she scoured them like any archeologist at an ancient dig.

She has always been the “go-to” gal with questions from her family and friends on garage sale finds, estate sales, junk shops. When I’ve been with her on a “dig,” my first gravitational pull is toward the books. If I find something interesting and decide to buy it, she might say, “That’s too much; it’s not worth it.” In my estimation, if I want this book, I’ll pay the $2! She looks for the bargain to resell, having established zones in many antique shop corners. She even found a silver ring in a cigar box full of buttons, screws, nuts/bolts, etc. for only $3 at a yard sale.   

On one of my visits, I took the liberty of snapping several pictures of her vast collections and she told me that wasn’t all of them. I decided I wouldn’t “dig” around in her 5,000-square foot home, her seven double-car garages, or her two attics to uncover any more. Here’s what I found:

Strawberry glassware         Crocheted hot pads              Music boxes                 Dice

Rolling pins                        Monkeys                                Lenox China                Ivy

Roosters                              Milk glass                             Jewelry boxes              Marbles

Measuring cups                  Perfume bottles                     Cowboy boots             Cows

Weeping gold                      Buttons                                  Clothing labels            etc.

Besides these generic collections, she has taken into custody many of our family heirlooms for safekeeping, not that they would ever wind up in a yard sale or junk shop. These are special to all of us because they were hand-made by our parents and grandparents:

Trench art from WWII         Carvings         Model-A restoration         Smoking stand    

Hand-made quilts   etc.   

And personal items such as eye glasses, an early 20^th century shaving brush and strap, old letters, cameras, a 1940s radio, a family Bible, a 1940s fur coat, sun bonnet, apron, late 1800s stereoscope, desk, a mule harness made into a mirror, etc.

Paula also buys sale items she doesn’t need . . . just in case she or a friend might need it. I wanted a new box of colored markers one day and told her I was going to Wal-Mart. She asked what I needed and sent me upstairs to her attic. OMG, she had shelves full of school supplies; pencils, tablets, crayons, binders, etc. After that I learned to go shopping at Paula’s Attic and Antique Collectibles (her business card). I also go shopping at Paula’s Boutique for many of my blouses. I am her “go-to” hand-me-down gal as well. I don’t think I’ve bought any clothes in years!

Yes, I can go to my sisters on an archaeology dig and find just about anything I want. Thank you, Paula, sweet sister of mine! 😊

P.S.
My sister's house burned to the ground in October 2017 from a fire that swept down into the Napa Valley. She saved a few of the family heirlooms but nothing else. It was a like a death in the family for all of us! 😒