Mary C. M. Phillips

I’m truly blessed.

Book cakes by my talented friend Jennifer. http://www.jennyscakeswithcharacter.com

I’m turning 50.  There, I said it.

Fifty.  That round nasty number.  And guess what?

It’s really not that bad.

What’s made it less painful?  A life of faith, family and friends.

When I reflect on this milestone, I think about Jane Austen (I know I obsess on Jane Austen — but hear me out — and have some respect for your elders).

Back in her day, women frequently died in childbirth; or from the flu; or from any old infection since their form of antibiotics was more along the line of blood-sucking leeches.

In fact, poor Emily Bronte’s life was snuffed out early due to common unsanitary conditions.  She simply drank a glass of contaminated water (the source being a runoff from the church’s graveyard) while attending her own brother’s funeral in 1848.  She rejected ‘medical treatment” saying she’d have “no poisoning doctor” near her.  (Actually, I’ve felt the same way at times).

Anyway, where am I going with this?

What does this have to do with turning 50?

Simply…I’m grateful.

I’m grateful to be alive.

A journal and flowers to ease the pain (of 50).

One cannot have too large a party. A large party secures its own amusement.   — Emma, Jane Austen

That being said, if you’re in the Long Island area on Friday, March 16th, drop by the Malverne Public Library at 3:00 P.M. as we discuss one of the world’s most widely read writers in English literature.   Joining me will be musician and fellow thespian, Kelly Tanza.

It should be a delightful afternoon, indeed.

RSVP thither:

“The Life & Writings of Jane Austen”

“If I can stop one heart from breaking…”
— Emily Dickinson

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

I decided to participate in Mary Robinette Kowal’s Month of Letters Challenge which begins in February.

For one month, I will write at least one letter per day.  

Challenging, yes, but I’m looking forward to turning back the clock, if only for a month.

Although I revel in modern methods of correspondence; blogs, twitter, and facebook, I still love the more antiquated form of letter writing.  I appreciate good paper and heavy parchment (hence my obsession with chapbooks) and am particularly fond of Sabon 10 font.

I love listening to the music of Robert Schumann, the charm of lace, old amplifiers (Fender), large dial radios, and vintage guitars; and gravitate towards more classical material particularly books and movies.  (I still, however, love modern medicine and toilet paper).

Today I’m wearing my new (old-fashioned) lace up boots; with long laces,  in “Victorian steam-punk” style (thank you Erin, for the accurate term) and lovely tapestry lining!  

Tapestry lining?  Who’s ever gonna see that?! said my practical husband.  (See photo on right).

I’m also currently re-reading Jane Austen’s Emma along with The Dark Jane Austen Book Club bringing to mind pretty parasols, gowns, and of course good manners.

So old-fashioned letter-writing will be a breeze.

A pleasant and friendly breeze.

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“You should wear half boots.” After another pause: “Nothing sets off a neat ankle more than a half boot; nankeen galoshed with black looks very well. Do not you like half boots?”

“Yes; but unless they are so stout as to injure their beauty, they are not fit for country walking.”

– Jane Austen, The Watsons